Scarlet Letter

[Bikko57]

Are the use of herbs in the Scarlet Letter authentic. I was wondering if anyone knew the historical accuracy of some of the herbs prescribed by Chillingsworth. I think many of them were poisenous and those giving them out did not realize they were so harmful.
Any thoughts on this are appreciated.

[spikepipsqueak]

With herbs, the poison is in the dose.

I love the story, probably apocryphal, of the woman who was trying to poison her husband and wound up curing his heart condition. :D

It's 20 years since I read The Scarlet Letter, but if you have it in front of you, tell us some of the herbs involved.