The history of herbal lore disclosed

BETHANY, PA — Before modern doctors and hospitals existed, how did early settlers treat fevers, flu, scurvy, boils and rashes? What knowledge of plant preparations—tinctures and extracts, decoctions and poultices—made the journey from one generation to the next? Local herb expert Nathaniel Whitmore will do his best to answer those questions and more at the annual covered dish dinner of the Bethany Historical Society on Saturday, April 21. The dinner will start at 6:00 p.m., and the talk at 7:00 p.m.

Whitmore, who is well known in the area for leading nature walks and teaching about wild edible and medicinal plants, will talk about the history of herbal medicine in America. In particular, he will discuss the practices and plant medicines that were in common use during Bethany’s post-colonial period and how our current remedies and treatments were influenced by many different traditions, including those of Native Americans.

Each year, the Bethany Historical Society invites the community to participate in this neighborly get-together, which combines an interest in local lore with the social pleasures of sharing food and conversation. Participants are invited to bring their own place settings (plate, cup, silverware) and a dish to share. The Bethany Historical Society will provide the meat and the beverage.

For more information call 570/253-2536.