Well just to start things off, bay leaves (a member of the laurel family) were used in ancient times for the laurel wreaths we see on people's heads. According to the section on "tussie-mussies" in one of my books, it symbolises nobility. (A tussie-mussie is a posy with its contents chosen for their symbolism and/or healing properties). Example of an invalid's posy from my book: scarlet geranium in centre (comfort), trimmed with lemon baln (sympathy),camomile (energy in adversity),thyme (courage), hyssop (cleanliness), fennel (strength) and lady's mantle (protection). Disinfectant herbs such as eucalyptus can, it says, be added to speed the patient's recovery.

Andrea

ps - the book I've looked at is "The Complete Book of Herbs" by Lesley Bremness.