Strewing Herbs - Ancient Aromatherapy Technique

Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and Moral, 1601

Strewing herbs were used along with rushes and or straw as a floor covering throughout Europe from the late medieval to early Renaissance periods (~1000 to 1650 AD). The rushes and straw provided cushioning to the occupants feet, provided warmth in the winter, and helped to absorb excess moisture from rain, sleet, snow, and spilt food and beverages. These plant materials were used to cover the floors of houses before carpets were commonly used as a floor covering.

A variety of herbs were often used along with the rushes and straw in order to exploit their aromatic and insect repellent properties. These herbs were called stewing herbs because they were thrown or strewn upon the floors. The occupants of the house would cause the herbs to be crushed underfoot as they went about their daily business causing the herbs essential oils to be released. Strewing herbs would be used in all areas of the household including the dinning hall, kitchen, and bedrooms.

What are Rushes?
Rush is the common name given to a variety of plant materials which are found in abundance in wet areas of the countryside such as streambeds, riverbanks, swamps and marshes.

Sweet flag (Acorus Calamus) - is a very aromatic plant with iris like leaves. It was a common plant found growing in abundance in wetland-like conditions.

Common rush (Juncus conglomerates) and common bulrush (Scripus ancestries) were also commonly used for floor coverings. They not only helped to soften the tread, but also freshened the air and provided protection against the cold.

During the later medieval through Renaissance periods rushes were replaced in European churches once a year on what was called rush-bearing Sunday. The old layer of rushes would be cleaned out and a new layer added to help keep the church attendants feet warm and dry. Aromatic herbs such as meadowsweet would sometimes be strewn along with the rushes.

History of Strewing Herbs
In the past, pest and odor control could be a rather troublesome problem because of improper personal hygiene and sanitation habits. Public bath houses which were in common usage during the early middle ages began to go out of favor in the later middle ages. It was thought that bathing promoted the spread of diseases such as the plague which lead officials to start closing down the public baths at the end of the 14^th century.

The poor peasants who made up the majority of the population no longer had the luxury of public bath houses at their disposal. After this point baths were not an everyday occurrence especially for the peasants who would have to haul their own water from the nearest well, stream, or pond and then heat the water before pouring it into their bathing vessel. The wealthy nobles and members of royalty would have servants at their disposal to perform these mundane chores for them while in the privacy of their own homes. But bathing was still not a very frequent event for the majority of the population at this point in time.

The floors of peasant houses were usually made of beaten earth while the nobility and royal households would more often have floors made of stone, plaster, or wood. Carpets were an expensive luxury item only available to the nobles and royalty and even then they were more often hung on the walls or draped on tables and used as a status symbol rather than used as a floor covering. In lieu of carpets, straw and rushes were commonly strewn upon the floor to provide cushioning and to keep the occupants feet warm and dry. The rushes and straw would also serve to absorb any spilt liquids and food scraps along with hiding and absorbing any domestic animal wastes.

As the strewing herbs were walked upon their volatile essential oils were released into the air. The aromatic essential oils present in the herbs would evaporate rather quickly and the herbs would begin to rot or dry out in a very short time thus the strewing materials would have to be replaced periodically.

Strewing herbs served two main purposes. First, the aromatic herbs helped to disguise the build up of potent odors from cooking meals, unwashed bodies, accumulated garbage, and domestic animal wastes. Secondly, the herbs served as a form of vermin and pest control as many of the plants used acted as flea, lice, mice, weevil, and moth repellents. Some of these strewing materials even exhibited antiseptic or antibacterial properties.

Strewing herbs were most likely introduced into England via the Romans during the early medieval period. The Romans used a variety of herbs for their aromatic and insect repelling properties. They covered entire floors with sweet smelling rose petals and the flowers of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). Strewing herbs would be used in all areas of the household including the dinning hall, kitchen, and bedrooms. Strewing herbs would also be utilized for the same purposes in public buildings such as churches, infirmaries, and courthouses.

From time to time the rushes, straw, and strewing herbs would be swept clean from the floors. New material would be added to begin the cycle all over again. Old strewing materials cleaned from the kitchen floors and other areas of the household would often be used to start the next days cooking fires.

Ancient Strewing Herbs
Thomas Tusser in his 1557 publication "A Hundreth Good Points of Husbandrie" lists 21 plants that could be used as strewing herbs. His original spelling has been maintained for historical interest.

1. Bassell
2. Bawlme
3. Camamel
4. Costemary
5. Cowsleps and paggles
6. Daisies of all sorts
7. Sweet fennell
8. Germander
9. Hop
10. Lavender
11. Lavender spike
12. Lavender cotton
13. Marjoram
14. Mawdelin
15. Peny ryall
16. Roses of all sorts
17. Red myntes
18. Sage
19. Tansey
20. Violets
21. Winter savery

Strewing Herbs and the Plague
One of the major outbreaks of the plague, which was also known as the black death, occurred in Europe between 1346 and 1351. Plague outbreaks recurred throughout the next several hundred years throughout parts of Europe. The plague was spread to people through black rats which were the hosts to a plethora of fleas. These fleas were infected with an invisible microbe which caused the disease. When their black rat hosts began to die off, the fleas would look for any source of food that was available to them and would attack humans and even domestic animals.

The cause of the plague was unknown during the medieval and Renaissance time periods. Unlike the modern-day brown rat which prefers to live in the sewers and away from close human contact, the black rat of this time period was more visible. These rats lived in close proximity to humans where an abundance of food could be found in kitchens, dinning halls, stables, and other common areas of habitation. Houses that used a myriad of strewing herbs, especially insect repelling herbs such as pennyroyal (AKA fleabane) may have had an advantage and exhibited slightly more resistance to being troubled by outbreaks of the plague.

Rue was one of the many herbs which was believed to help prevent the plague. It was strewn on the benches and floors of courtrooms. Judges also carried branches of rue with them to help guard themselves against jail fever which was also known as European typhus. Jail fever was transmitted by fleas and lice.

Southernwood was used by the medieval Crusaders as it was thought to ward off the plague. It was another herb used as protection against jail fever. The lemon scented leaves of southernwood have been proven to have insect repellent properties.

Fleawort (Plantago psyllium) was thought to ward off fleas and was used as a strewing herb for this purpose. The seeds which were black when dried resembled fleas which may have been why this herb was thought to be an effective flea repellent. What was thought to be dead fleas were actually the seeds of the plant! Modern herbalists have not found this herb to exhibit any insect repelling properties.

Tansy when mixed with elder leaves (Sambucus candensis) was thought to be a very effective flea repellent. In modern times the black elder (Sambucus nigra) has been proven to have antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and insecticide properties.

Contemporary Strewing Herbs
To expand on Tusser's list of strewing herbs, here is a modern-day listing of some herbs that could be used for strewing purposes.

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) - aromatic, moth repellent. Aromatic flowers, stems, and leaves are an excellent addition to potpourri.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) - recommended as a repellent for fleas, rats, and mice. You may want to grow this plant in hanging baskets so your neighborhood cats don't destroy them.

Clove pinks (Dianthus caryophyllus) - spicy, clove-like scent make these flowers a great potpourri and sachet ingredient.

Feverfew (Tanacetum partenium) - aromatic, disinfectant, moth and insect repellent. This herb would work well hanging in closets or in sachets to help prevent moths from laying their eggs on your wool clothes.

German chamomile (Marticaria recutita) - aromatic herb that makes a great addition to potpourri.

Lavender (Lavendula spp.) - aromatic, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, moth and fly repellent. Lavender was still being used as a strewing herb during the Victorian era, it was scattered throughout hospitals and sickrooms for its aromatic and insect repellent properties. This is a great one to add to pet pillows/beds to help control fleas.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) - aromatic, the essential oil seems to inhibit bacteria and viruses, insect repellent. The pleasant lemon fragrance of this herb make it a great addition to potpourri.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) - AKA Queen of the Meadow, used for its aromatic qualities. English monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth I and King James II employed royal herb strewer's who used a variety of aromatic herbs during various royal processions. Meadowsweet was a favorite herb of Queen Elizabeth I.

Mint (Mentha spp.) - antibacterial and antiseptic properties, insect repellent. Another great herb to add to pet beds to help repel fleas.

Rose (Rosa spp.) - antibacterial and anti-viral properties, aromatic flowers. The Egyptians used rose petals as a strewing herb (it was a favorite of Cleopatra).

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - antibacterial and antiseptic properties, aromatic, discourages moths and insect. Rosemary was strewn on the floors of prisons, courts, and hospitals to help prevent disease.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) - antiseptic and anti-viral properties, aromatic, insect repellent, rodent repellent.

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) - disinfectant properties, insect repellent. The pleasantly pungent odor of this herb helped to cover-up the odor of spilled foods, pet debris, and unwashed bodies making it one of the more popular medieval strewing herbs.

Thyme (Thymus spp.) - antiseptic properties, aromatic, disinfectant, insect repellent.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) - A common medieval strewing herb. The insect repellent leaves, flowers, and stems work great in potpourri and sachets.

Using Strewing Herbs Today
Strewing herbs can be used in the modern-day for a variety of purposes. Here are some tips to help you make use of the ancient practice of herb strewing in your present-day life.

When entertaining outdoors, strew fresh herbs around your decks and patios. Herbs with insect repelling properties such as tansy and pennyroyal work especially well in outdoor situations.

Hang dried bundles of herbs such as lavender, cedar, and southernwood in your closets and cupboards. The herb bundles will help repel moths and they also impart a pleasant fragrance to your clothing.

Make small sachet bags to contain dried, aromatic herbs such as lavender and rose petals. Place the sachet bags into your drawers and cupboards to impart a pleasant fragrance to your clothes and bed linens.

Make your own home made potpourri with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. Place bowls of potpourri throughout your home to enjoy the fresh scents of the herbs.

Mix a variety of dried insect repellent herbs along with cedar chips and use the mixture to stuff fifi and fido's pillows and pet beds.

A historical use of strewing herbs which is still relevant today is the use of flower girls at weddings. The flower girl can strew aromatic herbs such as rosemary and roses as she is walking down the aisle.

A romantic use of strewing herbs would be to strew aromatic flowers such as roses, carnations and lavender onto your bed linens. You could also use sweet woodruff, AKA lady's bedstraw, on top of your pillows and comforters. When dried, lady's bedstraw has the scent of new mown hay and was often used as a mattress filler during the Middle Ages.

In Conclusion
The practice of strewing rushes and straw onto bare floors was eventually phased out of practice by the late 17^th century as carpets became more affordable and readily available. Wool carpets were used on the floors during the winter months while mats made out of straw were used during the summer. A layer of aromatic strewing herbs would often be used underneath the carpets and mats. You can emulate this practice by placing dried herbs into large muslin bags which can then be placed under area rugs throughout your home. You could also place these bags of herbs under your mattresses and cushions in order to enjoy their pleasant fragrance.

The use of herbs for their insect, disinfectant, and pest repellent properties is a form of ancient herbal cleaning which can still be utilized today. Many modern-day cleaners are attempting to be more earth friendly and contain natural ingredients such as essential oils and citrus essences.

Resources
Burke, Nancy. The Modern Herbal Primer; A Simple Guide to the Magic and Medicine of 100 Healing Herbs. New York, NY: Time-Life Books, 2000.

Griffin, Judy. Mother Nature's Herbal. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1997.

Kowalchik, Claire. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1987.

Smythe, Lynn. "Medieval and Renaissance Strewing Herbs." Llewellyn's 2004 Herbal Almanac, pages 233-246.

Whiteman, Robin. Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden; An Illustrated Companion to Medieval Plants and Their Uses. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company, 1997.