SC - Iron Chef Seppuku

[BalthazarBlack@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/10/00 5:25:16 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
olwentheodd at hotmail.com writes:

> Have you ever tried drinking a little fennel tea for that irritable tummy?  
>  It works really well for most tummy ailements (including cholic).
>  Just a thought..
>  olwen

This brings up an interesting thought.  Yesterday, I was puttering around at 
work making our "Tarragon Chicken Salad", and popped a few bits of fresh 
tarragon into my mouth.  I hadn't eaten fresh tarragon for years, and had 
totally forgotten the mild "numbing" effect it has on the mouth.  Has anyone 
uncovered any medical usage for fresh tarragon, either mundane or medieval?  
It seems to me that an unguent made from this stuff might be a period version 
of "Anbesol"...good for soothing the pain of toothaches.  By the way, it also 
cuts the heat from Hot Peppers quite nicely!!  Better than a radish, or olive 
oil, or any of the other "popular" remedies.

Just a thought,

Balthazar of Blackmoor

In the mornin' I go walking, 'cause it helps the hurtin' soften.  I've seen a 
lot of places, 'cause I miss her very often.