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Strewing herbs are certain kinds of plants that are scattered (strewn) over the floors of dwelling places and other buildings. Such plants usually have fragrant or astringent smells, and many also serve as insecticides or disinfectants. Their use was widespread in England during the Middle Ages through to the 18th century.

Historical use

In the early Middle Ages, bathing had declined in England. As people got smellier, the use of fragrant herbs became more popular. They were used in all areas of the house, including kitchens, dining halls and bedrooms. The herbs were laid on the floor along with reeds, rushes, or straw, so that pleasant odours would be released when people walked on them. Certain plants would also help keep pests such as fleas at bay. In a typical medieval English monastery, for instance, the floor of the dormitory would have been strewn with rushes that were swept and replaced once or twice a year.^[1]

Rich and poor households used strewing herbs and royal households were no exception. Indeed, Queen Elizabeth I was particularly fond of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria):

'Queene Elizabeth of famous memory, did more desire it than any other herb to strew her chambers withall.'
— John Gerard, Gerard's Herbal

The post of Royal Herb Strewer was created in 1660 by King Charles II.

List of strewing herbs

Lady's bedstraw	Kills fleas. Also used to stuff mattresses.
Sweet flag	Sweet smell. Rush-like leaves.
Pennyroyal	Kills fleas (also known as fleabane) and repels ticks.
Lavender	Insect repellent (e.g. moths). Also used in mattresses and pillows.
Hyssop	Fragrant. Also has biblical reference to cleanliness ^[2]
Mint	Various species
meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)	Sweet smell.
Chamomile	Insect repellent.
Southernwood	Also known as lad's love, this was thought to be an aphrodisiac. Often used in bedrooms.
Sweet woodruff	Insect repellent.
Thyme	Various species. Insect repellent.
Rue	Cat repellent.
Rosemary	Often strewn in churches. Kills and repels insects.
Rose	Petals only.
Camphor laurel	Also known as Mawdelin (from the New Testament episode of the anointing of the feet of Jesus Christ by Mary Magdalen)
Cotton lavender	Insect repellent.
Sage	Insect repellent.
Tansy	Insect repellent.
Basil
Costmary
Cowslips
Daisies (all kinds of)
Sweet Fennel	Flea repellent.
Germander
Marjoram
Oregano
Sweet maudelin	Insect repellent (moths, lice, and ticks).
Winter savory	Insect repellent.
Hops
Violet

References

^ Kerr, Julie (2009). Life in the Medieval Cloister. London: Continuum. p. 22. ISBN 9781847251619.
^ 'Purge me with Hyssop and I shall be clean.' Psalm 51