''Sympathy'' Powder

By Crusader1307

An early “Pagan” Custom, the belief in various “Magic Powders” which could be used to cure illness or injuries – was very much alive in Medieval Europe. With Christianity, much of this practice was deemed “Pagan” and frowned upon. However, many Religious (Monks, Nuns etc), excelled in Herbal Medicine, which could produce various types of “curative powders”. “Sympathy Powder” (first mentioned in research done in the 17th Century), was said to be Copper Sulfate (used with great frequency in Ancient Rome). Placed into an open wound, it was attested that a laceration would heal very fast. It was sometimes referred to “Weapons Salve” and was known to exist as late as the 19th Century in some Countries.