Across history, women were linked with healing. Healing with herbs and medicines extracted from plants was special female knowledge which survived for centuries.
In the Middle Ages, many hospital gardens were run by women, "who were expert herbalists. They dried and pounded the herbs, seeds and roots into pastes to make potions, and gathered leaves and flowers to make perfumes and to infuse in baths for the sick." Women also made ointments for skin and eyes, cordials, medicines for cough and sedatives.
Women healers were found across the social spectrum, from peasants to ladies of the manor and noble houses (this information comes from Jenny Uglow's A Little History of British Gardening).
Scientific medicine (androcentric as it is) tried to quench this female knowledge and tradition, dabbing it as "old wives tales". The tradition and knowledge survived, of course! It is now back with a vengeance, as women work once more as healers and makers of herbal medicines.
Also, Estee Lauder and Helena Rubinstein famously concocted their creams and lotions themselves, becoming millionaires to boot.
As for Tristan and Isolde, it is one of the most enchanting films I have ever seen. Isolde is an expert healer, almost a witch with her potions and concoctions. She saves Tristan's life, birthing him again in her cave of life!
Have a lovely Tuesday afternoon. More on make up and female tradition in later posts! xxx
P.S. That James Franco who played Tristan is so beautiful also helped me like the film ;-)
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