The MEDICINE WOMEN
From a book of Norse Myths: "Eira, also Frigga's attendant, was considered a most skillful physician. She gathered samples all over the earth to cure both wounds and diseases, and it was her province to teach the science to women, who were the only ones to practice medicine among the ancient nations of the north. (Guerber, 1985, p.50)
"Aunt Sarah was one of these and she was also a basket maker and a healing women who lived to see 108 winters. She was a St. Francis Abenaki, gentle and proud. Her hands always smelled of sweetgrass and they reached out to heal many human and animal friends... (Parker, 1994, Cover flap)
Comment: Ms Parker's book on Aunt Sarah has many passages of Aunt Sarah "gathering samples" of plants to use for medical purposes. There seems to be a connection between the Norse myth, which describes an Old Norse folk practice and the actions of Aunt Sarah, who persisted in the practice at another time and place.
