The Complete Herbal
- Free to read
- 17 hours to read
- 48 chapters
- Reading level: 8th & 9th grade
"The Complete Herbal" by Nicholas Culpeper is a historical medicinal guide written in the mid-17th century. This work combines herbalism, astrology, and early medical practices, offering insights into the medicinal properties of various plants and their relationship with human ailments. It serves as both an extensive reference manual for herbal remedies and a treatise on the natural philosophy underpinning herbal medicine. At the start of the text, Culpeper introduces his work and warns readers against relying on the numerous erroneous editions that have circulated prior to this version. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind the properties of herbs, which traditional authors often fail to provide. Culpeper details his background in herbalism and astrology, asserting that real knowledge should be derived from reason and personal experience rather than outdated traditions. The opening sets up a systematic approach to understanding herbs and their uses, inviting readers to consider the connections between celestial influences and physical health.
- Botany, Medical
- Materia medica, Vegetable
- Medicinal plants · England
- Botany, Medical · England
- Herbs · Therapeutic use
- Medicinal plants