Tuesday, November 13, 2018

How to Make It Through November, c. 7th c.

British Library, MS Add. 19352, f. 101v
"November governs the watery phlegm. This month there must be no baths or anointing: if necessary, just two baths. Among meats, no deer or goat or wild boar or wild goat. All other meats of animals and birds may be eaten, lean, served hot, boiled and spiced; including sucklings. Among fish eat any except the more watery ones, corkwing and gobies, but do not eat scaleless fish. In using spices prefer the bitter tastes. Leek and mallow are good to eat, and all dry foods. Old, light, aromatic wines. Take fenugreek soup occasionally. Make love." 
Hierophilus the Sophist, Dietary Calendar 
Fenugreek soup and chill?