Medicinal herbs and plants of 17th and 18th century Malta

Abstract

The research for this long essay, aimed to identify herbal or plant medicinal formulas that were prepared and used in the Maltese islands during the 17th and 18th centuries and to identify which remedies may still be in use today. The research adopted a qualitative and a hagiographic bibliographic approach, while secondary data was retrieved from the archives of the Inquisition and the National Library of Malta. A bibliographic method for analysis was thus the main method employed and an emphasis was placed on the type of natural plants that were used during the period, which are still either being researched or administered today. The data was supplemented by means of a semi-structured interview with a physician and the information gathered was used to determine whether enough material exists to support an alternative medicine tours or botanical tours, that would include historical landmarks. The results may also become useful for the setup of botanical gardens and future nature reserves, in line with the Regulations for the Protection of Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats instituted by the Environmrntal and Resources Authority. Additionally, the studies carried out for the purpose of this long essay, may provide interesting basic information and further investigation by historians, Pharmacologists or Botanists. [excerpt]