The Nine Herbs Charm

The Nine Herbs Charm (Nigon Wyrta Galdor) is a 10th-century Anglo-Saxon metrical charm recorded in a medical manuscript called the Lacnunga. It is one of the most significant pieces of Old English literature because it preserves a rare blend of Christian influence and ancient Germanic paganism.  

The charm was designed to treat poisoning, infections, or skin issues (symbolised as a "serpent's venom") through a combination of herbalism, ritual chanting, and divine invocation.  

The Ritual and the Legend

The text tells a mythic story: a serpent crawled to a man and bit him. In response, the god Woden (Odin) took nine "glory-twigs" and struck the serpent, shattering it into nine pieces.  

To perform the charm, a practitioner would:

1. Chant: Recite the poem over the herbs before they were processed.  

2. Prepare: Crush the nine herbs into a powder and mix them with old soap and apple juice to create a salve.  

3. Apply: Sing the charm into the patient's mouth, both ears, and onto the wound itself before applying the salve.  

The Nine Herbs

While scholars debate some of the Old English names, the most commonly accepted list of the  ( modern named here) nine herbs is:

• Mugwort 
• Plantain
• Watercress / Bittercress
• Betony 
• Chamomile 
• Nettle
• Crab Apple 
• Chervil
• fennel 

Why it Matters Today

• Sacred Numerology: The charm focuses heavily on the numbers 3 and 9, which are sacred in Norse and Germanic traditions (representing the Nine Worlds).  

• The "Flying Venom": The charm mentions "nine venoms" and "nine flying things." In the Anglo-Saxon worldview, disease wasn't just physical; it was often seen as "elf-shot" or invisible darts of poison flying through the air.  

• Woden’s Appearance: This is one of only two places in Old English poetry where Woden is explicitly mentioned as a healing/magical figure, marking it as a crucial piece of pre-Christian history.

Fun Fact: The charm specifically addresses the herbs as living spirits. It speaks to the plantain, reminding the plant of how it has withstood the wheels of carts and the breath of bulls, essentially "cheering on" the plant's spirit to fight the patient's illness.

Create your own Nine Herbs Salve

Creating a modern version of the Nine Herbs Salve is a beautiful way to connect with ancestral healing traditions. The original recipe calls for "old soap," "apple grime/juice," and "ashes," but we can adapt these into a shelf-stable, skin-friendly ointment while keeping the spirit of the ritual intact.

1. Gather Your Modern "Nine"

Some of the original herbs are hard to find. Use this guide to gather your ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup Carrier Oil: (Olive oil or Jojoba work best)

• 1/4 cup Beeswax: (Replaces the "soap" as a hardening agent)

• A splash of Apple Cider Vinegar: (Representing the apple and the acidic purification)

2. The Infusion (The "Medicine")

1. Prepare the Herbs: Finely chop or grind your nine herbs. If using fresh herbs, let them wilt for 24 hours first to reduce moisture (this prevents mold).

2. Slow Heat: Place the herbs and carrier oil in a double boiler (a bowl over a pot of simmering water).

3. The Chant: As the oil warms, this is where you perform the Galdor (the chant). Traditionally, the charm is sung into the mixture nine times. You can recite the poem I mentioned earlier or simply speak to each herb, acknowledging its power (e.g., "Mugwort, oldest of herbs, bring your protection here").

4. Strain: After 2–3 hours of low heat, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean jar, squeezing out every drop of "glory."

3. Creating the Salve (The "Body")

1. Melt the Wax: Return the infused oil to the double boiler and add the beeswax pellets. Stir gently until melted.

2. The Apple Element: Add a few drops of Apple Cider Vinegar. It won't fully mix with the oil, but it honours the original instruction of "apple-grime."

3. The Test: Drop a spoonful onto a cold plate. If it’s too soft, add more wax; if too hard, add a splash more oil.

4. Pour: Pour the liquid into small tins or jars.

4. The Final Ritual

According to the Lacnunga, the magic isn't finished until the salve is "activated."

• Sing into the Jar: Once the salve is set, sing the charm over it one last time.

• Application: When applying it to a scratch or skin irritation, the ancient text suggests singing the charm into your own mouth, then into each of your ears, and finally over the wound before rubbing the salve on.

Safety Note: This salve is for external use only. While these herbs are traditional, always patch-test a small area of skin first to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction—modern skin can be more sensitive than 10th-century skin!