Leechcraft: Early English Charms, Plantlore and Healing

by Stephen Pollington

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A comprehensive and detailed examination of every aspect of the early English approach to illness and healing, including a full list of the plants used and the properties they contain. Other themes include witchcraft, magic and paganism and appendices present healing theories, amulets, causes of disease, charms, dreams, omens and tree-lore. Three key Old English texts are reproduced in full, accompanied by new translations: Bald's Third Leechbook , the Lacnunga Manuscript, and 'The Old English Herbarium' Manuscript 5. This is a fascinating work of reference, packed full of information and interesting details.… (more)

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I do not intend to use this medicinal resource as for preparing food. I do intend to study for myself what herbs may have been available in Anglo-Saxon England. Since it is based upon earlier, Mediterranean sources, the mention of an herb is not a guarantee that is was available in England.

LibrarianFu | May 11, 2024 |

Cracking book, bringing together the texts of some fascinating manuscripts in an accessible format.Compulsory reading for cunning folk. (

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MarionII | Apr 24, 2010 |

An excellent and informative source, the book makes use of three tenth-century manuscripts concerning health and medical practices: the Laecnunga manuscript, the Old English Herbarium, and Bald’s Third Leechbook, presented with facing-page translations. There are comprehensive sections on Anglo Saxon materia medica, and information concerning amulets and charms, causes of disease, dreams, omens and tree-lore. Recipes include wyrtdrencas (wort-drinks: herbal infusions), sealf (salves, ointments) and a treatment for “flying venom.” A fascinating reference and an entertaining browse. (

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Rowntree | Aug 17, 2009 |

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Magic in Anglo-Saxon England

Stephen Pollington

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A comprehensive and detailed examination of every aspect of the early English approach to illness and healing, including a full list of the plants used and the properties they contain. Other themes include witchcraft, magic and paganism and appendices present healing theories, amulets, causes of disease, charms, dreams, omens and tree-lore. Three key Old English texts are reproduced in full, accompanied by new translations: Bald's Third Leechbook , the Lacnunga Manuscript, and 'The Old English Herbarium' Manuscript 5. This is a fascinating work of reference, packed full of information and interesting details.

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