To read a 16th century herbal is a fascinating experience. The unfamiliar spelling, sometimes mysterious turn of phrase, and formal, often ponderous sentences are almost like another language.
But the descriptions of various plants are as accurate as they are today.
In ancient times, most medical doctors were really herbalists, and plants provided the basis for most of their remedies.
A lot of other ingredients were often added, some of them quite weird and often revolting. They ranged from powdered pearls to frog’s eyes.