ap·o·tro·pa·ic – intended to ward off evil; from the Greek apotropaios, from apotrepein, to ward off : apo-, apo- + trepein, to turn.

What have you got, what have you got
to trade for my stash of bitter pains?

A hoard of bitterer greens to test
fortitude and the swallowing reflex.

Garlic for fevers trapped in the limbs.
Comfrey for the womb’s most complex pains.

Eucalyptus for ease of mind: then follow, follow.
Roselle, hibiscus, sorrel: names to brighten the tongue.

In response to an entry from the Morning Porch.