Culpeper’s Colour Herbal

In this book, which is not just a facsimile of his original, the essential qualities of Culpeper have been preserved. Additionally, however, his conclusions have been evaluated against Modern Research and Practice to produce an up to date English Herbal.

Fennel, according to Culpeper, is “good for Nurses to increase their milk and make it more wholesome for the child…” Modern herbalists agree but also use it to produce a gripe water for babies.

Bryony is not recommended today for any self-administration. To Culpeper also it is — “a furious Martial Plant which needs an abler hand to control than most Country People have. It cleanseth the chest of rotten phlegm … and any old, strong cough. But leave the simple and take the compound water of it.”

Bugle, a mild narcotic today, is recommended by Culpeper. “If the virtues make you fall in love with it (as they will if you be wise) keep a syrup of it …”

The wisdom and humanity of the great Culpeper are to be found in every page of this classic work; which was written to provide good, simple and cheap medicines that the poor of his day could afford.

To anyone with an interest in Plant Lore, the History of Medication, or current Herbal Practice, this new assessment will provide a feast of information and compulsive reading along the way.