Herbs and Herb Lore of Colonial America

by Colonial Dames of America

The great importance and usefulness of herbs among settlers in the American colonies are made abundantly clear in this charming volume. Compiled by members of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, this carefully researched and delightfully written guide provides a wealth of insights into the supply sources that sustained colonists of the period.
Here are descriptions of more than 50 herbs and plants, from "simples" or medicinal flora that were believed to offer remedies for a number of ailments (including the ability to relieve pain from real or imagined afflictions) to those used as natural dyes, disinfectants, taste enhancers, and more. Among the varieties described here are bee balm, bloodroot, candytuft, daffodil, feverfew, hollyhock, hyssop, Jacob's-ladder, lady's bedstraw, lavender, lovage, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, parsley, periwinkle, primrose, rosemary, rue, sage, sweet woodruff, tansy, tarragon, thyme, violet, winter savory, wormwood, yarrow, and many others.
Each plant is illustrated by an accurate drawing taken from early herbals and is accompanied by a quotation, anecdote, and informative description that includes popular and scientific names and the plant's use in colonial households.
An invaluable collection for plant lovers and herb enthusiasts, this excellent reference will also delight anyone interested in early American life.

Genres: History, Reference, Nonfiction, Gardening

80 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 1995

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A competent resource for plants favored by colonial Americans for healing, dyes and quality of life reprints the 1970 book Simples, Superstitions and Solace: Plant Material Used in Colonial Living.

Straightforward narrative. Easy to read and understand.

Excellent line-drawing illustrations.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weeding my gardening books (the end is in sight). Originally published in 1970 under the title Simples, Superstitions & Solace: Plant Material Used in Colonial Living, this book profiles about 50 plants used in Colonial times, with a bit of the history of the plant, how it was used, a line drawing and an occasional literary quote.

I’m trying to make space in my library, and am on the fence about whether this is a read and donate, or a keep. I do have other books about contemporary uses of herbs and about the history of plants. But as I skimmed through, I saw several plants that grow in my own garden, and found several interesting facts (the flowers of Lamb’s Ears dry well for use in bouquets, bees are attracted to grape hyacinths, and rue grows best if the plant has been stolen, according to some.)

Verdict: Keep for now.

[evelyn taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very useful herbal. Found at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in Fredericksburg, VA.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herbs and Herb Life of Colonial America by Colonial Dames of America

As an avid reader of Christian historical fiction I found this little book of herbs of Colonial America very interesting. The introduction gives a little background of the plants used in Colonial gardens. Each herbal plant (about 50+ herbs and plants) is shown by pencil-line drawing illustrations as well as descriptions that include both popular and scientific names and the plant's use in a typical colonial household. As a retired RN, I found the "simples" or medicinal plants used as remedies for ailments especially interesting.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neat little book I picked up in Williamsburg

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

a nice little book, the only thing that I did not understand is why no medicinal or other categories of use were given for a few of the examples. Overall an informative synopsis.