Artemis Herbal Medicine - materia

The Materia Medica - An ARTEMIS treasure and source of secrets of health and vitality

Sandra Clair has the distinguished honor of being nominated the caretaker of the Materia Medica 'Tabernaemontanus', a priceless work, first published in Switzerland in 1588. This tome is believed to be the oldest medicine book in New Zealand.

The 16th century botanical Materia Medica written by Professor Jacobus Theodorus Tabernaemontanus is regarded as the most comprehensive and detailed text on classical European herbal medicine. It is certainly the most significant book of western herbs, summarising the knowledge of the most important antique and contemporary European herbal textbooks available at the time, dating back to Greek physicians who were considered the fathers of modern medicine.

Sandra Clair is spending time from 2009 to 2011 with a German Emeritus Professor from the University of Würzburg and two experts in medical history and natural medicine from the Swiss University of Berne and Zürich to analyse and transcribe a section of the 1500 page book, which uses a Renaissance writing style and is flawlessly referenced in ten languages. From her findings she plans to publish her own book, analysing the 500-year-old history of herbal medicine, comparing the ancient knowledge with modern scientific research and translating the findings into modern language and context.

Learn more about the Materia Medica and Sandra's progress by signing up for regular updates here