Extracts from a Herbalist's Notebook

For tired labourers an infusion to lift the spirits:
place one ounce of Borage in a
pre-warmed earthstone bowl,
with one half ounce of Rue,
its leaves still bluish-green.
stir in good measures of
warm water, upwards of one pint,
leave overnight, covered with muslin,
until the cloth is stained emerald
and tangy with the scent of cucumber.
strain at dawn, through fresh honeycomb,
with the moon still in the sky.
sip throughout the day, till the sun dips
and acrobating swallows twirl
above the creeping tide.

For soldiers returning injured after battle:
a concoction to discourage bruising:
pulp the fresh seeds of caraway
until powdery as new fallen snow,
mix with water heated by the sun,
make into a paste, spread thickly
on the wounds while warm,
cover with strips of woven cloth,
soaked well in marigold,
till the sharpness stings the skin
and the blood is cooled.

For galley crews in need of rest:
place bunches of just-picked Bay into a steaming bath,

crushing the pungent glands along its leaves
with nutmegs to release the oily scent,
add saffron stigmas, up to three,
have them soak and breath
the vapours for one hour,
after, burn dried lavender to aid
a night and day long sleep.

For children suffering pinching stomach pains:
at sunrise, infuse one handfull of the flowers and
leaves of Coriander, with two sprigs of sweetest Basil,
add in three clusters from Valerian from loamy soil.
Steep through the passage
of one whole day, whispering
the child's name every hour,
strain the following dusk, through fine linen,
add one leaf of mint and four peppercorns,
dose liberally until the ache subsides.