Crosswort

/ˈkrɔːswɜːrt/ noun

Definition

A climbing plant with small flowers arranged in cross-like clusters, native to Europe and used historically in herbal medicine.

Etymology

From 'cross' (Old English) and 'wort' (Old English, meaning plant or herb), named for the cross-shaped arrangement of its leaves or flowers.

Kelly Says

Medieval herbalists believed crosswort could heal wounds because its leaves literally looked like they were arranged in crosses—a perfect example of 'doctrine of signatures,' the ancient belief that plants shaped like body parts could cure them.

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