Viking age apothecary
Our Viking age apothecary is run in collaboration with The Historical Herbalists, the educational outreach project of Movement in Thyme CIC (MiT), a grass-roots organisation that connects herbal medicines with diverse communities through interactive events and workshops throughout central Scotland. Their Community Learning Apothecaries and Community Herb Gardens aim to bring this knowledge back to where it belongs, into the hands of the people. MiT is passionate about teaching sustainable practices that supports not only people but also the planet – sustainable wildcrafting, bioregional herbalism and planting our own herb gardens to improve biodiversity, reduce miles and reduce the devastating effects of overharvesting The Historical Herbalists offer hands-on living history educational workshops and events. Rox, an experienced forager and community herbalist, and Jaye, a herbalist and ethnoarchaeologist, offer interactive educational experiences with their fascinating and immersive herbal medicine apothecaries through the ages, from the Romano-British era to the modern age.
Viking age people utilised healing herbs and plants extensively, and these provided the basis of their medicine chest. Læknir (healers) were a respected and important member of any community, guided as much by knowledge and tradition as the Gods. A læknir could be required to provide restorative herbal teas, potent salves or balms, aid in childbirth, treat battle wounds or act as bridge between the realms of people and the Gods, the living and the dead. Our læknir has many weird and wonderful remedies on show, surprisingly most of which are still in modern usage! The interactive display means you can get up close and personal with Viking-age magic and medicine,. From tea tastings for the whole family, a chance to make authentic remedies both medicinal and magical, to the opportunity to as questions about traditional herbal medicines and treatments from trained, practising Community Herbalists, it’s a thought-provoking insight into the minds and bodies of the Viking-age people. The apothecary is run as a collaboration with The Historical Herbalists, who showcase apothecaries through the ages..
Amber Othala SCIO 