Medieval Living: Monastic Herb Gardens, the Urgent Care of Medieval Times

Some medieval monasteries served the local population as urgent care centers since they were centers for studying medicinal plants and experimenting with those described in the classic texts. Monastic herb gardens produced herbal cures for those seeking care and made remedies prescribed by professional physicians. The monks’ book and manuscript production skills allowed documentation of their

work. In the medieval period, medicine and religion intertwined, for God provided healing through His pharmacopeia.

Sweet-smelling herbs such as rose, lavender, sage, and hay were used to treat headaches and aching joints because of their aromatherapeutic and anti-inflammatory properties. Aromatherapy herbs stimulate the limbic system, which regulates emotions and pain perception. Lavender reduces stress and tension, which helps ease headaches and muscle tension. Sage and rosemary contain compounds that reduce inflammation, making them helpful for relieving joint pain. Practitioners also used henbane. It contains hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which relax muscles and reduce spasms. 

Coriander has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, so it aids in reducing fever. 

Teas made of wormwood, mint, and lemon balm eased stomach pains and sickness, separately or together. Wormwood is bitter, but stimulates digestive enzymes, bile production, and antimicrobial effects for infections. It helps with indigestion, bloating, and nausea. Mint has menthol, which relaxes the digestive tract muscles and reduces bloating. Lemon Balm aids in stress-related digestive issues, such as nervous stomach and nausea. It also has mild antispasmodic properties, which can ease stomach pain.

Myrrh has bioactive compounds, which help fight bacteria and fungi. Applied to cuts, bruises, and inflamed areas, it sped recovery. It also helped with gum infections and mouth ulcers.

Monastic communities played a vital role in preserving and advancing medical traditions, documenting remedies and cultivating essential plants. This fusion shaped medieval medicine, leaving a lasting legacy in herbal and holistic healing practices.