Ashkenazi Herbalism: Uncovering the Hidden Legacy of Jewish Medicinal Plant Healers

Until now, the herbal traditions of the Ashkenazi people have remained unexplored and shrouded in mystery. Ashkenazi Herbalism rediscovers the forgotten legacy of the Jewish medicinal plant healers who thrived in Eastern Europe’s Pale of Settlement, from their beginnings in the Middle Ages through the modern era.

Including the first materia medica of 26 plants and herbs essential to Ashkenazi folk medicine, Ashkenazi Herbalism sheds light on the preparations, medicinal profiles, and applications of a rich but previously unknown herbal tradition–one hidden by language barriers, obscured by cultural misunderstandings, and nearly lost to history. Written for new and established practitioners, it offers illustrations, provides information on comparative medicinal practices, and illuminates the important historical and cultural contexts that gave rise to Eastern European Jewish herbalism.

A Brief History of the Ashkenazim and Traditional Medicine

Part I introduces a brief history of the Ashkenazim and provides an overview of traditional medicine among Eastern European Jews. This section delves into the origins and development of the Ashkenazi people, their cultural and religious practices, and the role of traditional medicine in their daily lives.

Comparative Overview of Healing Customs and Local Plants

Part II offers a comparative overview of healing customs among Jews of the Pale of Settlement, their many native plants, and the remedies applied by local healers to treat a range of illnesses. This comprehensive guide includes:

• Plant Profiles: Each plant is named in Yiddish, English, Latin, and other relevant languages, providing a detailed understanding of their medicinal properties and uses.
• Healing Traditions: An exploration of the various healing customs practiced by the Ashkenazi people, including the roles of the ba’alei shem, feldshers, opshprekherins, midwives, and brewers in maintaining health and wellness.
• Remedy Books: A look into the remedy books used by Jewish healers, shedding light on the written records of their herbal knowledge and practices.

Ashkenazi Herbalism is more than just a book; it’s a window into a previously unknown world of traditional medicine and a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Ashkenazi people. Dive into the rich history and cultural heritage of Eastern European Jewish herbalism and discover the forgotten legacy of the Jewish medicinal plant healers.