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