In this three-part series, we follow the adventures of Anne Brewster, a 17th-century herbalist from the town of Sandwich… in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and on the cape entitled, “Cape Cod”.
Anne ventures into the wilds of Harwich on Cape Cod, seeking out indigenous tribes and learning from them to gather simples and worts for medicinal and wellness purposes. Each field trip focuses on a specific problem or medicinal need, offering our Simples & Worts Herbal Apothecary community a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Article 1: The Quest for Feverfew - A Cure for Headaches
Setting the Scene
In the early spring of 1672, Anne Brewster set out from her home in the bustling settlement of Sandwich. With her leather satchel and a few essential tools, she embarked on her first field trip, driven by a pressing need to find a remedy for the persistent headaches that plagued many in her community.
The Journey
Anne navigated the dense woods, relying on paths known only to the indigenous Nauset tribe. Her destination was a clearing in the far-away town of Harwich, where Feverfew, known for its headache-relieving properties, was said to grow in abundance.
Interaction with the Nauset Tribe
Upon reaching the clearing, Anne was greeted by a group of Nauset women in Harwich town who were well-versed in the healing arts. She respectfully requested their guidance in identifying and harvesting Feverfew. The women shared their knowledge, teaching Anne how to distinguish the plant by its daisy-like flowers and citrus-scented leaves.
The Harvest and Preparation
Anne carefully harvested the Feverfew, ensuring she took only what she needed. The Nauset women demonstrated how to dry the leaves and prepare them as a tea to alleviate headaches. Armed with this new knowledge, Anne returned to Harwich, ready to share the remedy with her fellow settlers.
Conclusion
Anne’s first field trip was a success, providing her community with a natural cure for headaches and establishing a bond of mutual respect with the Nauset tribe. This journey marked the beginning of her deeper exploration into the healing power of simples and worts.
Until Next Time…
I am, Phil Wilson…
And, Here’s to “Living an Herbal Lifestyle With You!”
This three part series offers our Simples & Worts community a peek into the everyday life of newly planted English colonists in the new world who were expert herbalists. Women, for the most part, led the charge of keeping their families and cohorts safeguarded with medicinal treatment knowledge (i.e. "simples & worts") brought over from the old world. Their interactions with local tribes helped them gain additional wellness perspectives. That's what is portrayed here.