The name comes from the word ‘alchemy’. It was thought that the water droplets that formed on the leaves were the purest form of water to turn metals into gold.
Medicinal Herbs Growing at Redacre
A dictionary of medicinal plants and herbs growing at Redacre curated and catalogued by Redacre member Kath Baker.
Lavender
Lavender has long since been used in love spells. Clothing rubbed with lavender was believed to attract love.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm sachets placed under the pillow were reputed to promote good sleep.
Lungwort
Named lungwort, because it was believed that the leaves resembled diseased lungs. Early herbalists often made links between the appearance of a plant and the part of the body it would treat.
Marjoram
In an old St Luke’s day tradition, marjoram was combined with marigold flowers, wormwood, thyme and honey in divination to reveal a future spouse.
Meadowsweet
It was believed that if it was laid on water on St John’s day, it would reveal a thief; a woman if it floated and a man if it sank.