World Herb Library’s
Translations
Herbal Translations: Unlocking the Language of the Past
Welcome to our growing archive of historical herbals, thoughtfully translated from Latin, German, and French into English. These rare texts, many written centuries ago, offer a glimpse into the botanical knowledge and healing traditions of their time. By making these works accessible in modern English, we aim to preserve their wisdom and invite a new generation of readers to explore the intersection of nature, medicine, and history.
Each translation is carefully crafted to honor the original meaning and tone, while providing context and clarity for contemporary readers. We hope this resource becomes a valuable reference for herbalists, historians, students, and curious minds alike.
Galen on the medicinal properties of Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree or chasteberry).
Galen (c. 129 – c. 216 CE) was a prominent Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher whose medical theories dominated European and Islamic medicine for over a millennium. Born in Pergamon (modern-day Turkey), he studied medicine extensively, combining empirical observation with the prevailing ideas of Hippocrates. Galen served as a physician to Roman gladiators and later to several emperors in Rome, gaining a reputation for his anatomical knowledge and surgical skill. His writings became foundational texts in both medieval European and Islamic medical education. Galen remains one of the most influential figures in the history of medicine.