Infirmary Herbary

Head Gardener Graham Huckstepp explores the herbs growing in the Infirmary Herb Garden.

During the Middle Ages monastic infirmary gardens or physic gardens contained collections of herbs used to heal a wide range of health conditions. Rochester’s infirmary garden is thought to have been where we have the infirmary garden today. Typically, herbs were arranged in a regular series of small rectangular beds containing collections of plants.

A medical recipe for curing ulceration and exposed skin tissue preserved in the c.1235 Custumale Roffense calls for mullein, brambles, wild tansy, comfrey and knotgrass, decocted in a barley malt liquor. Below are some other examples of herbs grown here today that may also have been used by the monks.

Angelica Angelica archangelia

Young stalks can be used in cooking, especially in fruit and fish dishes.

Betony Stachys officinalis

This herb was incredibly popular and was used to cure all manner of ailments. As well as strange conditions such as ‘violent blood’ and ‘chilly need’!

Borage Borago officinalis

A very useful plant for wildlife in particular bees. Flowers can be added to cold drinks and salads.

Clary Sage Salvia sclarea

This plant is also known as Oculus Christi (eye of Christ) because its main use was as an eye wash, made by infusing the leaves in water.

Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile is a very tough plant and can be used in lawn plantings. Chamomile flowers were used in the making of sedatives and digestive infusions that could combat flatulence. It was also used in a medieval remedy against poison.

Comfrey Symphytum officinale

Comfrey has a long history of use in monastic herb gardens. It was grown for its power to heal wounds and inflammations also to help set broken bones.

Cumin Cuminum cyminum

Cumin seeds were used to make smoothing ointments for the face and eyes. People could be paid in cumin seeds along with other food payments.

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

Smelling wonderfully of aniseed where the seeds can be used in cooking and herb teas.

Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare)

Knotgrass is a weed related to the Dock family of plants and is primarily found on waste sites and grassy areas. It has long been used to treat colds, throat and mouth inflammation and urinary tract problems.

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

Used to perfume rooms and to flavour oil. Lavender has antiseptic properties and would be used with other herbs in ointments and for general washing

Mullein Verbascum densiflorum

A flowering plant found in mountain areas, sometimes called Aaron’s rod. It is traditionally used to fight upper respiratory infections.

Rosemary Salvia Rosmarinus

During the medieval period Rosemary was thought to be able to dispelling negativity. It was generally put under pillows to stop nightmares and visits from evil spirits. Rosemary was also capable of easing muscle pain and was used to boost the immune and circulatory system.

Sage Salvia officinalis

Sage comes from the Latin word salveo meaning that ‘I am well’ and officinalis’refers to the officina that was a monastic storeroom.

Southernwood Artemisia abrotanum

Flowers rarely in cool climates but the aromatic leaves are an excellent insect repellent.

Tansy (Tansy vulgare)

Tansy was traditionally grown in herb gardens and has a long history of medicinal use. It can be dried for use in the home to repel unwanted insects such as flies and ants.

Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

The aromatic leaves are intensely bitter, the plant was used to flavour alcoholic drinks but is now regarded as toxic.

Graham Huckstepp

Head Gardener