Elfwort

/ˈɛlfˌwɜrt/ noun

Definition

Any of several plants traditionally associated with elves in folklore or used in folk medicine for supposed magical properties.

Etymology

Compound of 'elf' and 'wort' (from Old English 'wyrt' meaning 'herb or plant'). Many plants with '-wort' names were connected to folklore and magical beliefs in medieval herbalism.

Kelly Says

Elfwort is likely another name for elecampane or similar plants used in traditional medicine—the folklore association shows how people created magical explanations for real medicinal effects they didn't yet understand scientifically.

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