Herbs and Legends

Herbs have been surrounded by numerous myths and legends since time began. More often than not, an herb’s so-called healing powers came into being from the belief that its physical appearance pointed toward the plant’s significance. For instance, walnuts were once used to cure headaches simply because the shells resembled a skull, while the nut resembled a brain. As their leaves are hollow, which allow air to pass through; both garlic and onion became labeled for use as decongestants. Therefore, any plant with hollow qualities quickly became a remedy for respiratory ailments. Plants having yellow flowers or roots were considered cures for liver problems as the yellowish tint of jaundice is associated with the liver. If a plant resembled a heart, it was used for heart ailments. If a plant had succulence, it was used as a diuretic.