I’m getting over a chest cold and I’m at that point where my throat occasionally spasms and throws me into a coughing fit. Caused problems in the PTO meeting last night.
Anyway, I just had one of those “fits,” and used a mentho-lyptus cough drop to soothe it. And thought about how they figured out that eucalyptus had such properties.
That made me think about how all remedies were “natural” and that the best healers knew exactly which herb to brew into a tea to cure certain ailments, and which to make into a poultice, and so on.
That made me wonder about the earliest herbalists and how they knew these things.
Can you imagine the trial and error?
“Don’t take that more than twice a day. It killed my little brother. Cured his open sores, though.”
“Here, come sit over here by this bucket. Let’s see how much of this I have to give you before it makes you vomit.”
Sign posted in town square:
“Wanted: Individuals with no family, no obligations, willing to risk life, limb, and sanity to test healing potions. Good benefits.”
Oy.
2 comments:
I think you could make a book out of that! Sounds like work, though.
Yes, too much for me. :)
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