Waldensians and herbal medicines

 (No plant listed here should be used medicinally without first taking qualified advice)

The Waldensians who had been confined to the mountains by religious persecution were forced to be more self-reliant and reliant on the plants of the Cottian Alps than their Piemontese neighbours.  A recent field study found they used 85 wild and semi-domesticated folk foods, 96 medicinal plants  and 45 veterinary plants, twice as many as other valley communities. No other community apart from the Waldensians used the fern Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) for skin problems, or Veronica (Alpine Speedwell) for afternoon tea (Veronica allionii and V. officinalis).  The use of lichens was part of Waldensian cuisine and has been revived in some local restaurants. 

The Waldensians, mainly alone, used: 

1. Iceland Moss (Cetraria islandica) in infusions, to treat coughs and as a laxative.In Iceland, it is only occasionally used to make folk medicines and in a few traditional dishes. In earlier times, it was much more widely used in breads, porridges, soups.
2. Arnica (Arnica Montana) which, it is claimed, helps the pain of osteoarthritis as well as Ibuprofen. 
3. Artemesia absinthum (Absinthe wormwood) - can be toxic in large quantities. The bitter taste was used by Juliet’s nurse to wean her. Medicinally used to stimulate appetite. An ingredient of absinthe and proverbially it is the symbol of bitterness.
4. European Silver Fir  (Abies Alba). The resin can be extracted as essential oil which has soothing qualities for perfumes and bath products. The branches (including the leaves, bark and wood) were used for production of spruce beer. The extract from the trunk it is claimed, helps to prevent thickening of the arteries. 
5. Greater Celandine (Chilidonium Majus) The ancient Greeks used this for detoxifying. The root has been chewed to relieve toothache. John Gerard's Herball (1597) recommends it to cleanse the eyesight.

The Waldensians use of these medicinal herbs in common with the Piedmontese:  

• Common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) traditionally used externally for chillblains and wounds.
• Common St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) - it is claimed that it helps some kinds of depression and speeds up the metabolism (there are adverse uses in some situations)
• Lichwort (Parietara officinalise) - once used as a duiretic - one must not go near it if one has allergies.
• Common Mallow (Malve sylbestris) - diuretic, leave for poultices.
• Chamomile (Matriciaria chamomilla) - sleeping aid and anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial
• Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) - The volatile essential oils in thyme are packed with anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-rheumatic, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties, which explains why thyme-based formulas are used as an expectorant, diuretic, fungicide and antibiotic. Must be used with care.
• Small leaved lime (Tilia cordata) encourages sweating in colds, laxative and sedative.  Flowers still sold in health shops for tea to treat a range of conditions including palpitations.  
• Heart’s ease/Love in Idleness (Viola tricolor). Antimicrobial with a potential use to treat cancer.