Herbal Illustrations
The primary objective of supplying pictures from old Herbals is to help enable proper identification of unusual medicines and medicines not commonly used today. Some pictures are added purely for interest, or for the beautiful illustrations. The Herbal was an important part in the History of Traditional Medicine.
Hartlieb’s Krauterbuch
A Handwritten and Illustrated manuscript on Herbs from 1462, written in German.
Illustrirtes Krauterbuch
Camomile, Horsetail
Blueberry, Violet
Cornflower, Hops
Rosehip, Daisy
Primula, Pasque flower
The Grand Hours of Anne of Brittany, 1503
Rose
Columbine, Barberry, Borage
Camomile, Chicory, Celandine
Cowslip, Daisy, Figwort
Foxglove, Hawthorn, Heartsease
Herb Robert, Iris, Lavender
Pennyroyal, Periwinkle, Peach
Thistle, Pomegranate
Plantain
Dioscorides Materia Medica, Ruellio, 1549
Dracunculus, Adder’s Tongue, Hart’s Tongue
Birthwort (Aristolchia) long, round and official
Teasle (Dipsacus), Onosis, Dittany of Crete (Dictamus)
Sempervium majus, medium and minus
Seseil, Ambrosia, Balsamita
Turners Herbal
Comfrey
Mandrake (Mandragora), Satyrion (Orchis), Squill
Polypody (Polypodium), Germander (Scordium), Savin
Water Plantain (Alisma plantago), Solomans Seal (Polygonum), Mistletoe
Herbarius latinus, Petri, 1485
Wormwood, Southernwiooid
Marshmallow, Acorus
Sorrel, Agrimony
Garlic, Winter Cherry
Tansy, Dill
Mugwort, Asarum
Long Birthwort, Round Birthwort
Atriplex, Arum
Plantain, Asphodel
Agnus Castus, Borage
L’Histoire des Plantes, 1584
Acorum – Calamus odoratus; Cyperus
Indian Spikenard; Italian Spikenard; Celtic Spikenard
Juncus odortatus; Calamus
Crocus–Saffron; Storax calamita
Terebinthus–Pistacia terebinthus; Cypress
Pinus sylvestris; Pinus picea–Spruce Fir; Abies–Fir tree
Hypocistus; Lycium; Orobanche–Broom Rape
Dracunculus major–Serpentaria major; Dracunculus minor–Serpentaria minor;
Dracunculus hortensis–Tarragon
Lingua Serpentis–Adders Tongue; Arum–Dracontea minor, Serpentaria minor;
Auricula muris – Mouse ear
Spina alba; Ononis–Restharrow; Alba Spina–St. Mary’s Thistle
Seseli – Siler montanum; Teucrium–Germander; Poley Montanum
Orchis Canis Foemina; Orchis Foemina Minor; Orchis of Serapion Lesser; Orchis of
Serapion Major
Chamaepitys – Ajuga chamaepitys; Sanicle; Scabiosa
Nux Indica–Coconut; Lacca; Folium Indium–Indian leaf
Unicorn; Mummy
Echinus Marinus–Sea Urchin; Cantharides
Pill Millipede
Chinese Drugs Personified, 1936
An unusual text that personifies Chinese Herbal Medicines
