Herbs in Wartime (WWI & WWII)

The Course

Before 1914 Britain had been mainly dependent on medicinal plants supplied from abroad and were used in mainstream medicine of the day. World War II saw the situation repeated, although the use of herbal drugs was less in hospitals by then. Appeals to grow or wild-gather herbs, important to the war efforts, were answered by many and the stories of the education, organisation and plain hard work which went into providing what was necessary are the background to a day looking both at herbs providing drugs such as foxglove, belladonna, henbane and opium poppies as well as valerian, yarrow and others. Recipes will concentrate on treating wounds, pain, anxiety and shock.

The Tutor

Christina Stapley BSc (Hons) MCPP is now a retired qualified medical herbalist with a degree in Phytotherapy (plant therapy). She has grown some 300 herbs, studied and used them for over 30 years. Her Hampshire garden was featured on television several times. She has written three books on cultivating and using herbs in cookery, fragrant recipes, wines and liqueurs, crafts and home remedies. Christina has also edited and interpreted a 17th century book of cookery and physic recipes.

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 takes place in an historic building which can be cool, it is advisable to wear warm layers.

Fee & Refreshments

£70 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.