 |
|
|
|
 The common image of the medieval-renaissance lady is an elegant creature seated at her embroidery frame by the fire, placidly listening to minstrels and daydreaming about her absent lord. Such may be a scene that occurred in the evening hours but it was far from the daytime routine. It was her duty to oversee the smooth functioning of her household. If she had a steward, much of the work could be delegated to him for supervision.
One very important responsibility that was not delegated was that of providing the health care for her family and its retainers. She did so through herbal medicines passed down from generation to generation. It was her task to concoct these remedies and also create and record new remedies and formulas.
To properly conduct this chore, it was necessary she learn how to grow, gather and harvest all manner of herbs. Then she needed to have the knowledge to discern which herbs to use for what condition, and the best preparation to use and finally administer them.
This knowledge was passed on by word of mouth and usually by the Stillroom Book, wherein all of the remedies, formulas, types of herbs and their uses, sicknesses and what was administered and to what effect, were recorded by the Lady herself or a scribe, for future use.
These great books were highly treasured and passed from mother to daughter like a prized antique. They did not sit on a shelf and gather dust, they were continually being used and expanded. New methods and special shared recipes were carefully written. Herb garden planning and planting was also included in the book. What dried herbs were on hand and the date each one was gathered, prepared and stored was recorded as well.
The Stillroom Book was a complete guide to daily life. Not only a cookbook or just an herbal guide, but something of each and more, it contained drawings of herbs for identification, recipes and formulas for medicines, cosmetics, preserved foods, liqueurs, beer and ales, household products, along with advice on midwifery, animal husbandry and general care and cleaning methods for the household.
The Stillroom was usually located near the herb garden, in a room set aside for that purpose or even a small cottage, depending on the size of the estate or castle. Here would be kept the necessary equipment: The still for distilling sweet and soothing waters, baskets for gathering and harvesting, the mortar and pestles for grinding, wooden bowls and plates for sorting and mixing, hand crafted wooden casks for storing raw ingredients. The precious glass jars and bottles for storing the dried herbs, finished tinctures and oils. Spoons, sieves, scissors and knives would be as essential here as in the kitchen. A large cask or cistern of fresh water was a necessity, as well as a source of heat.
The room would likely be furnished with large tables for workspace, a bench or two, shelves and a drying rack (horizontal wooden slats or poles made into a frame to which one tied bundles of herbs to dry) was usually hung from the rafters and could be lowered and raised by ropes. The Stillroom frequently served as the infirmary for the household, therefore a few pallets or cots of some sort were a common addition.
The Stillroom was a dry and warm room, filled with the aroma of many drying herbs. Sunlight and excessive heat was detrimental to the herbs therefore it was not bright with sunlight but rather dim and cozy. A most pleasant place to work methinks.
|
|
|
|
|
This background was
designed by
Inspie
for this site only.
Please do not replicate.
Copyright 2002 Inspie's Place
|
|
|
|
|
