Enchantress's Tisane—Herbal Infusion with Honey
A warm infusion of sage, lemon balm, and chamomile, sweetened with honey, comforting and soothing—the healing brew of the lady physician.
A warm infusion of sage, lemon balm, and chamomile, sweetened with honey, comforting and soothing—the healing brew of the lady physician.
You tremble, you have kept vigil, your blood is disordered? Let me. I gather sage, which drives out bad humors, lemon balm for the heart, and chamomile flower for sleep. I let them steep in boiling water, the time of a prayer, then I pour in honey—for every remedy passes better with sweetness. Drink slowly, eyes closed. In the morning, you will bless me.
- •Sage leaves — a few (medicinal herb)
- •Lemon balm — a handful (soothing)
- •Chamomile flowers — a pinch (calming)
- •Honey — a spoonful (sweetness)
- •Spring water — a bowl (base)
Enchantress's Tisane—Herbal Infusion with Honey
A warm infusion of sage, lemon balm, and chamomile, sweetened with honey, comforting and soothing—the healing brew of the lady physician.
Why this dish? Texts portray Morgana as a learned healer: it is she who gathers the wounded Arthur to tend him in Avalon. The herbal infusions she prepares with her own hands, "reputed to have healing properties," are at the heart of her character.
You tremble, you have kept vigil, your blood is disordered? Let me. I gather sage, which drives out bad humors, lemon balm for the heart, and chamomile flower for sleep. I let them steep in boiling water, the time of a prayer, then I pour in honey—for every remedy passes better with sweetness. Drink slowly, eyes closed. In the morning, you will bless me.
Ingredients (period version)
- Sage leaves — a few (medicinal herb)
- Lemon balm — a handful (soothing)
- Chamomile flowers — a pinch (calming)
- Honey — a spoonful (sweetness)
- Spring water — a bowl (base)
Ingredients
- Fresh or dried sage — 4 leaves (aromatic herb)
- Lemon balm — 1 tablespoon (soothing)
- Dried chamomile flowers — 1 teaspoon (calming)
- Honey — 1 teaspoon (sweetness)
- Water — 25 cl (base)
Method
- Bring water to a simmer (do not boil vigorously, to preserve aromas).
- Pour hot water over sage, lemon balm, and chamomile in a mug or teapot.
- Cover and steep 5-7 minutes.
- Strain, then stir in honey off the heat to preserve its qualities.
- Drink warm, ideally in the evening.
How it was made : The knowledge of "wise women" and nun-herbalists structured medieval plant-based medicine. Sage (*Salvia*, "the savior"), lemon balm, and chamomile featured in physic gardens and herbals of the time. Tisanes, electuaries, and medicinal meads were prepared to treat fevers, insomnia, and various ailments.
The contemporary twist : Served in a glass teapot where the herbs dance, dubbed "Avalon Brew."
Sources : Geoffrey of Monmouth, Vita Merlini (c. 1150) · Hildegard of Bingen, Physica (12th century)
Morgan le Fay · Charactorium