In the rich tapestry of Anglo-Saxon culture, healing was deeply intertwined with spirituality, nature, and ritual. One of the most fascinating examples of this is the “Nine Sacred Herbs”, a group of plants believed to possess potent healing powers. These herbs were immortalised in an Old English poem known as the Lacnunga, a 10th-century collection of healing remedies, charms, and prayers. The specific incantation related to these herbs is called the “Nine Herbs Charm,” which combined medicinal plants with magical practices to combat poison and infection.

In this article, we’ll explore the nine sacred herbs, their historical context, and their uses in Anglo-Saxon healing traditions.

The Nine Herbs

• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Mucgwyrt”

Uses: Mugwort was considered a protective herb, used to ward off evil spirits, especially in travellers. Medicinally, it was used for digestive issues, menstrual problems, and as an antiseptic for wounds.

Symbolism: In the charm, Mugwort is hailed as the “oldest of herbs,” highlighting its ancient and powerful reputation in both spiritual and practical medicine.

• Plantain (Plantago major)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Wegerþe”

Uses: Plantain was a versatile herb known for its healing properties, particularly for skin ailments like cuts, wounds, burns, and insect bites. It was also applied to reduce inflammation and fight infection.

Symbolism: The charm refers to Plantain as a plant that “stopped up wounds,” reflecting its importance in wound care and healing.

• Lamb’s Cress (Cardamine hirsuta)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Lombescyrse”

Uses: Though less familiar today, lamb’s cress (sometimes referred to as hairy bittercress) was used for its high vitamin C content to treat scurvy and for various digestive problems.

Symbolism: In the charm, this herb is called upon to “fight poison” and was thought to combat various toxins or infections.

• Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Stune”

Uses: Watercress was prized for its ability to cleanse the blood, promote digestion, and alleviate respiratory issues. It was considered a tonic for overall health and vitality.

Symbolism: In the charm, watercress is referred to as a cleanser and is associated with restoring strength and vitality.

• Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Stiðe”

Uses: Nettle was a well-known herb used for treating arthritis, joint pain, and as a diuretic to clear excess fluids from the body. It was also used to stimulate circulation.

Symbolism: Nettle’s power lay in its ability to invigorate and stimulate, which is reflected in its role in the charm as a potent cleanser and strengthener of the body.

• Betony (Stachys officinalis)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Attorlaðe”

Uses: Betony was one of the most revered medicinal herbs in the Middle Ages, used for everything from headaches and fevers to digestive disorders. It was also thought to protect against evil spirits.

Symbolism: Known as a protector against poisons and infections, betony was a key player in Anglo-Saxon spiritual healing rituals as well as medicinal practices.

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Mægðe”

Uses: Chamomile was used for its calming properties, particularly for digestive issues and sleep disorders. It was also applied externally to soothe skin inflammation and wounds.

Symbolism: Chamomile was considered gentle yet potent, calming both the mind and body, making it essential for healing wounds and easing pain.

• Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Wergulu”

Uses: The crab apple tree was symbolic of renewal and fertility. Medicinally, the fruit was used to treat digestive issues, particularly diarrhoea and inflammation of the gut. It was also associated with the healing of boils and wounds.

Symbolism: The charm calls upon crab apple to heal infections and purify the body, reflecting its dual nature as a fruit of life and protector against disease.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Anglo-Saxon name: “Finule”

Uses: Fennel was highly regarded for its ability to aid digestion, soothe colic in infants, and reduce bloating. It was also used as a treatment for eye conditions and to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers.

Symbolism: In the Nine Herbs Charm, fennel is described as an herb of strength, offering protection and restoration, especially for digestive issues and poison.

The Nine Herbs Charm: A Blend of Magic and Medicine

The Anglo-Saxon healing tradition was a blend of empirical knowledge and mystical practice. The Lacnunga, where the Nine Herbs Charm appears, reflects a culture where herbs were not only medicines but vessels of divine or magical power. The Nine Herbs Charm was recited as a poetic incantation during the preparation of a salve made from these herbs, and it invoked both Christian and older pagan deities for protection and healing.

The charm itself is a beautiful blend of the mystical and the practical. It describes each herb, its symbolic strength, and its purpose in treating wounds, poisons, and infections. The use of sacred numbers like nine—a number often associated with magic and spirituality in both pagan and Christian contexts—adds another layer to the ritualistic importance of the charm.

The charm not only lists the herbs but also incorporates a powerful invocation to Woden (the Anglo-Saxon equivalent of Odin), one of the chief gods in Germanic mythology. The fusion of Christian prayer with the older pagan elements suggests that Anglo-Saxon healing traditions were syncretic, drawing from both faiths.

The Role of Ritual in Anglo-Saxon Medicine

Anglo-Saxon medical practices, as seen through the Nine Herbs Charm, were not simply about the herbs’ biological properties. Healing involved a deep sense of connection to nature, the divine, and the unseen forces believed to influence health. The charm was likely recited by a healer or “leech” as they prepared a remedy, ensuring that the herbs were spiritually charged in addition to their medicinal benefits.

The duality of this practice—using herbs both for their physical properties and for their spiritual power—shows how the Anglo-Saxons perceived health as a holistic balance between the physical and spiritual realms.

Conclusion

The Nine Sacred Herbs of the Anglo-Saxons represent an intriguing intersection of botany, folklore, and ritual. These plants were more than just simple remedies for wounds and illness; they were imbued with magical and symbolic meaning. The Nine Herbs Charm encapsulates a worldview where the boundaries between medicine and magic, nature and the divine, were fluid and interwoven.

Today, while modern medicine has distanced itself from the magical elements of healing, many of these herbs—like fennel, chamomile, and plantain—are still used in herbal remedies around the world, continuing a tradition that dates back centuries. The enduring legacy of the Nine Sacred Herbs reminds us of humanity’s ancient and ongoing connection to the healing power of nature.