Health and Herbal Medicine in Roman Britain

The Course

Archaeology is constantly providing more information on this subject up and down the country. From stone stamps describing eye ointments and giving us the oculist’s name and often main ingredients, to the lay-out of a military hospital and votive offerings in temples of healing. Written sources are also available, from the wooden writing tablets found at Vindolanda fort on Hadrian’s wall to the recipes of Scribonius Largus, a surgeon who was stationed in that same area in the first century.

The focus of the day will be wide, taking in living conditions and common health problems, beliefs about health and making recipes from the period. Herbs will include myrrh, saffron, frankincense, pepper, long pepper, stoechas lavender, parsley, juniper, wild carrot, orris root and cumin. Recipes will concentrate on treatments for common problems of the period, for the eyes, throat, coughs, stomach pain etc. Dental care will also be considered from toothpastes to treatments.

The Tutor

Christina Stapley BSc (Hons) MCPP is a retired qualified medical herbalist with a degree in Phytotherapy (plant therapy). She has grown, studied and used over 300 herbs and has written three books on cultivating and using herbs in cookery, fragrant recipes, wines and liqueurs, crafts and home remedies. She has also edited and interpreted a 17th century book of cookery and physic recipes.

Christina now lives in Wiltshire and teaches History of Western Herbal Medicine, Pharmacognosy and Materia Medica for the School of Herbal Medicine.

Participant Information

Please bring with you a pen and paper and suitable clothing footwear as you will spend part of the day outside. The course may take place in an historic building which can be cool, it is advisable to wear warm layers.

Fee & Refreshments

£75 per person, including tuition, teas and coffees. Please let the Museum know in advance of any dietary requirements. The Museum café will be open for lunch or alternatively participants can bring their own packed lunch.