Apothecary 2020

Goddess), could lead the souls of dead women to the
Elysian Fields – Elysium. The wild iris was an ingredient
of theriac (or theriaca), a medicinal concoction first made
in the1st Century AD by the ancient Greeks. It was an
“alexipharmic” or antidote and considered a panacea for
almost any ailment.
Donated by the Livery Committee. The
earliest recorded use of lavender dates
back to ancient Egypt. The flower and
the oil of lavender are used to make
medicine. Lavender is commonly used
for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is
also used for depression, dementia,
pain after surgery, and many other
conditions. Lavender oil is believed to
have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
properties, which can help to heal
minor burns and insect bites.
Lime
Donated by Roy Palmer. It has been
known for centuries to prevent scurvy
as it is high in vitamin C (and other
vitamins). It rejuvenates skin, improves
digestion, boosts immunity and fights
infection, helps with weight loss,
lowers blood sugar, reduces heart
disease, helps in the prevention of
some cancers and reduces
inflammation. It is high in antioxidants,
potassium and magnesium.
Donated by Jane Carey-Harris. The
plant's medicinal value lies primarily
in its anti-inflammatory properties. The
dried flowers are used to make
medicine. People take cornflower tea to
treat fever, constipation, water
retention, and chest congestion. They
also take it as a tonic, bitter, and liver
and gallbladder stimulant. Women
take it for menstrual disorders and
vaginal yeast infections.
Lavender
Cornflower
26
Leek
Donated by Jonathan Holliday. Leeks
boast a variety of nutrients and
beneficial compounds that may
improve your digestion, promote
weight loss, reduce inflammation, fight
heart disease, and combat cancer. In
addition, they may lower blood sugar
levels, protect your brain, and fight
infections.
Donated by the travellers to Venice in
Celia Palmer’s group of 2019. Saffron is
a powerful anti-oxidant and may
improve mood and depressive
symptoms, may have cancer fighting
properties, it can reduce the symptoms
of PMS, is used as an aphrodisiac,
reduces appetite and is therefore an aid
to weight loss and is easy, (if
expensive), to add to one’s diet.
Donated by Robert Bethel. Shamrock is
recognized for its benefits as a blood
thinner, hindering atherosclerosis, thus
helping to prevent heart attacks and
stroke. Its anti-inflammatory properties
help reduce arthritic pain. As an
antioxidant, the isoflavons are a potent
chemical compound that neutralises
free radicals in the body, aiding in
prevention of premature ageing, relief
Shamrock of menopausal symptoms and lowering
cholesterol. As a gargle, shamrock
can help calm sore throats
and mouth ulcers.
Donated by Peadar O’Mórdha. The oak
tree has a long history of medicinal use.
It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,
astringent, decongestant, haemostatic
and tonic. A decoction of the bark is
useful in the treatment of chronic
diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent
fevers and haemorrhages. Externally it
Saffron
Sessile Oak