Lemnian earth

medicine

Also known as: Lemnia sphragis

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Lemnian earth, also known as Lemnian bole or terra lemnia, is a type of clay historically sourced from the Greek island of Lemnos. This substance was formerly utilized in medicine for its adsorbent and protective properties. Specifically, it was employed as an astringent to treat snakebites and wounds, and in the 16th century, it was used for the plague. The medicinal soil was ceremonially dug once a year from a mound near Hephaestia, an ancient city on Lemnos.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Lemnos
In Classical times Lemnian earth (Lemnia sphragis) was used as an astringent for snakebites and wounds and in the 16th century for the plague. This medicinal soil was dug ceremonially once a year from a mound near Hephaestia. Pop. (2001) 17,545; (2011) 16,992.
Read More
In Classical times Lemnian earth (Lemnia sphragis) was used as an astringent for snakebites and wounds and in the 16th century for the plague. This medicinal soil was dug ceremonially once a year from a mound near Hephaestia. Pop. (2001) 17,545; (2011) 16,992.
Read More