Why is Herb Robert Called Death Come Quickly? Unraveling the Mysteries Behind this Ominous Nickname
In the captivating world of botanical folklore, where flora and fauna intertwine in enchanting tales, there exists a peculiar plant that invokes both allure and unease – the ill-fated Herb Robert. This unassuming herb, with its delicate pink petals and fern-like leaves, harbors a foreboding moniker that has puzzled nature enthusiasts for centuries – Death Come Quickly.
Where did this grim epithet originate and what qualities of Herb Robert spawned such an ominous name? Let us delve into the mystique shrouding this botanical wonder and unravel the theories behind its chilling nickname
The History and Origins of the Name “Death Come Quickly”
Herb Robert, with its scientific name Geranium robertianum, has accumulated several cryptic common names through the ages. Along with Death Come Quickly, it is also known as Death Flower, Witches Herb and Storksbill. But it is the name Death Come Quickly that truly captures the imagination, inviting speculation on how Herb Robert came to be associated with such an ominous concept.
Many botanists believe the name arose from the plant’s distinctive scent, which has an earthy, pungent quality reminiscent of decaying organic matter In medieval times, people believed foul smells signified the presence of death and evil spirits, making Herb Robert’s aroma a harbinger of mortality
Another theory suggests the rapid life cycle of Herb Robert may have spawned the grim moniker. The plant can complete its entire lifespan, from seed germination to flowering to death, in just a year or two. This ephemeral existence led people to associate Herb Robert with death’s swift arrival. Hence, the name Death Come Quickly seemed apt.
Unraveling the Folklore and Legends Around Death Come Quickly
Beyond its scent and growth habits, Herb Robert has a rich history in occult lore and mythological fables. Various superstitions and legends have contributed to its sinister alias Death Come Quickly.
In medieval England, Herb Robert was renowned for its mystical healing powers but also feared for its potential harms. Witches were said to use it in potions and witches’ charms. However, some claimed merely brushing against the plant could bring about death or misfortune.
Other folktales whispered that Herb Robert grew at the entrances to the fairy realm. It could guide lost souls into the spirit world, hinting at its role as an omen of death. Charms made of Herb Robert were thought to ward off wicked faeries, ghosts and demons who spread disease.
Whether these chilling tales hold any truth or not, they cemented Herb Robert’s identity as a plant intertwined with death in the collective consciousness, earning it the foreboding title of Death Come Quickly.
The Medicinal Properties and Symbolic Meanings of Herb Robert
Despite its grim name, Herb Robert boasts an array of medicinal benefits that provide hints into its paradoxical role as both a harbinger of death and a protector against it.
Various parts of the plant can treat skin abrasions, inflammation, kidney disorders, digestive issues and respiratory problems. The leaves have styptic and astringent properties that can help clot wounds. Herb Robert’s cleansing benefits were believed to purify blood and combat illnesses that brought about untimely death.
Symbolically, Herb Robert’s deep red leaves and stems represented blood and life force. The color red is often connected to danger but also vitality. While the pink flowers represent innocence and feminine energy. This mix of red vitality and pink innocence perfectly captures Herb Robert’s dual identity as both a healer and a herald of mortality.
By exploring the rich history, legends and symbolism of Herb Robert, we can begin to understand why this unpretentious little plant earned such an ominous epithet. The interplay of its healing properties and associations with witchcraft, the spirit realm and death’s dark mysteries gave rise to its chilling nickname, Death Come Quickly.
Best Practices for Safe Foraging and Use of Herb Robert
Despite carrying a grim moniker, Herb Robert has a long legacy of medicinal use. However, foragers should take care when searching for and utilizing this plant. Here are some tips for safe foraging of Death Come Quickly:
-
Seek wild, unpolluted sources away from roadsides or areas sprayed with chemicals. The plant grows widely in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
-
Identify Herb Robert accurately before harvesting. Distinctive features are fern-like leaves, pink 5-petaled flowers and red stems.
-
Harvest leaves and stems during spring and summer when Herb Robert is at peak potency. Discard any parts that appear damaged or discolored.
-
Use Herb Robert sparingly in moderation. Consume as a tea, diluted tincture or poultice. Potential side effects include skin rash and stomach upset.
-
Note that the plant is emmenagogue so pregnant women should avoid ingesting Herb Robert.
By utilizing responsible foraging practices, the plant known as Death Come Quickly can be transformed into a valuable healing ally rather than a notorious toxic threat.
Demystifying the Ominous Nickname of a Potent Medicinal Plant
As we conclude this exploration into the mysteries enshrouding Herb Robert, it becomes clear that this fascinating plant is far more complex than its chilling nickname suggests. The moniker Death Come Quickly appears to be rooted more in medieval superstitions and occult folklore rather than any deadly poison or malevolent magic within the plant itself.
In fact, when utilized responsibly, Herb Robert has the potential to stave off death rather than hasten it, owing to its wide array of medicinal benefits from wound healing to detoxification. While its crimson hued leaves and haunting name are undeniably evocative, they likely represent the plant’s symbolic ties to blood, vitality and the recurring cycle between life and death.
Ultimately, Herb Robert exemplifies the captivating allure that plants can hold over our collective imagination. By probing deeper into its history and properties, we can move beyond ominous names and surface appearances to uncover the profound mysteries and insights on life and mortality that the botanical world has to offer.
So while this plant will forever be known as Death Come Quickly, it also deserves recognition as tenacious healer, spiritual guide and metaphor for the fleeting beauty of existence. Herb Robert teaches us that death is woven into the very fabric of life itself, to be acknowledged but not feared. With its gentle blossoms and lessons on impermanence, perhaps
This is a plant with a lot of interesting “aliases”: red robin, fox geranium, squinter-pip and crow’s foot.
In some countries, it is called “Stinky Bob” of course because of its ugly odor. So, if you plant a ring of Herb Robert around your garden , it will keep away deer and rabbits, and will also act as an insecticide. Bees, however, like Herb Robert and will be attracted by it.
Throughout history this herb has been valued as a “miracle” plant but on the other hand, it was also connected with the practice of witchcraft: a powerful plant, no doubt.
There are different theories that explain the origin of the name. Who was this Robert? Perhaps a French monk of the 12th century, or a Duke of Normandy who died in the same century? Some historians even refer to the name of Robin Hood. Hard to know.
There are different theories that explain the origin of the name. Who was this Robert? Perhaps a French monk of the 12th century, or a Duke of Normandy who died in the same century? Some historians even refer to the name of Robin Hood. Hard to know.
The plant is edible and not toxic at all: leaves, stems, and flowers are used in different medical treatments, namely: diarrhea, to improve functioning of the liver and gallbladder, to reduce swelling of the kidney, bladder, and gallbladder, and to prevent the formation of stones in these mentioned organs. It is also used for headaches, diabetes, sinus problems,arthritis, sciatica, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Some people use Herb Robert as a mouthwash or gargle. The fresh leaves are chewed to relieve sore mouth and throat. It is also applied directly, rubbing it on the skin for mosquito bites, parasites, herpes, arthritis, and sciatica.
If you are lucky enough to have Herb Robert around your house or nearby, don´t hesitate to try to print it : you will get nice results. But a warning for superstitious people:
Species of plants, Geranium robertianum, herb-Robert, red robin, death come quickly, storksbill,
FAQ
Why is it called death come quickly?
Death-come-quickly: If the plant is picked and taken into the home, a death will soon follow. If found in the house, it is definitely a curse from the evil fairy Puck (Robin Goodfellow). Crow’s foot: A crow’s foot was a symbol of approaching death; the plant is also sometimes called “witch’s foot.”
Is Herb Robert poisonous?
-
Gardeners’ Worldhttps://www.gardenersworld.comWhat is Herb Robert? | BBC Gardeners World MagazineMar 1, 2022 — Once known as Saint Robert’s Herb, was named after a French monk who used the herb to heal skin conditions, including wounds and herpes. … Herb Rob…
Why is Herb Robert called Stinking Bob?
Herb Robert is also known as “stinky Bob” due to the pungent odor produced by the crushed leaves. SPECIAL INFORMATION: In WASHINGTON and OREGON, it is designated as a Class ‘B’ noxious weed. Management of this species may be required by law in your county.
Should I get rid of Herb Robert?
You may want to remove it from areas where it will compete with seedlings and small plants for moisture, nutrients, space and light, but in tricky growing conditions that would otherwise be bare, it can be left and enjoyed.
What does the Herb Robert symbolize?
Mythology and symbolism
Herb-robert was traditionally carried to bring good luck and for fertility. Did you know? Herb-robert is thought to have gained its name from an ancient association with Robin Goodfellow, a house goblin from English folklore also known as Puck.
What is Herb Robert?
Herb Robert is a member of the cranesbill family, so named because the seedpods have bulbous bases and pointy tips which resemble a crane’s bill. The plant can either be annual or biennial. It grows up to 20”/50cm tall, although I’m sure the once which colonised my stream bank this summer were taller!
What is the connection between Herb Robert and Robin and Puck?
The connection between Herb Robert and Robin and Puck gives it a darker side. Don’t kill cock robin, don’t uproot herb Robert, don’t cross Robin Goodfellow – all will bring ill-luck. Only one of herb Robert’s local names mentions death. This is “Death comes quickly” and is only found in Cumbria.
What is the origin of Herb Robert’s name?
Herb Robert has many different names. Julie Bruton-Seal says its name was originally Rupert (named after a 7th century saint) and there are many different saintly Roberts including a pope associated with it.
How do you get rid of Herb Robert?
Herb robert is an easy weed to deal with by hand. There is a thin slender root running down from the crown which sits on top of the soil so the plant can easily be removed just by pulling the crown. You could hoe it off but that may end up leaving the seeds behind (see below) Explosive seed pods so it will spread out over a wide area quickly.
Why is Robert used in agriculture?
Both Culpepper and Maud Grieve talk about herb Robert being used by farmers for all kinds of diseases in cattle and for increasing fertility when cows can’t be got into calf. It may be that the agricultural use of the plant continued when the practice of using it for humans had been forgotten.
What does Herb Robert taste like?
Herb Robert can be used in cooking in a similar way to other herbs. The leaves have a pungent smell and a spicy taste, which can add a unique flavour to dishes. You can chop the leaves finely and add them to salads for a spicy kick, or incorporate them into mild curries, soups, and pesto.