This paper, the second part of a two part series, continues to explore the historical literature and legal instruments that shaped the present status of British Herbal Medicine as an unorthodox medical practice. This review commences at the advent of World War 1 examining how this landmark in history affected the role Herbal Medicine had to play in society. The ensuing parliamentary debates and enactment of medical legislation in the post war years that further shaped the fortunes of Herbalists as state sanctioned medical figures are explored, finally showing how in the 21st century European legislation ultimately influenced the future and status of Herbalists in Britain.

It was found that no herbs were used in the Leechbooks in exactly the same way as they are today, but a more detailed study of AS uses of Marrubium vulgare and Stachys betonica supported the argument that AS medicine was plausible and is of more than just historical and cultural interest.

Some AS uses of Piper nigrum and Ruscus aculeatus could be justified from a modern viewpoint, although they are currently little used in British herbal medicine. The reasons for their loss of popularity are complex but different in each case.

A study of Ilex aquifolium, unused in modern herbal medicine, found the AS recipes in which it was used too complex and different from modern thinking to be usefully assessed for future potential. However, the AS use of the saponin-containing Hedera helix boiled in butter for sunburn, could suggest that it has a potential use, perhaps as an anti-inflammatory in skin preparations.

Sophia
Managing Editor
Herbal Medicine: Open access journal
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