CELTIC FOLKLORE REGARDING HERBS & PLANTS
Until fairly recently, in Irish and Scottish rural society it was
believed that sickness and disease were caused by the fairies.
A remedy could only be given by a 'fairy doctor', a person gifted
with some natural skill in combating fairy magic. The most common
herbs used in Gaelic fairy medicine were VERVAIN, EYE BRIGHT &
YARROW over which secret words would be uttered and a ritual
performed.
A potion made of herbs by a fairy doctor must be paid for in silver.
However, a charm is never paid for; a gift may be given instead.
Herbs had to be gathered in a special manner, at the correct phase
of the moon, while reciting incantations.
Herbs found by the side of sacred streams were particularly
effective, and used to cure wounds, bruises and so on.
YARROW: A sacred herb and a very potent healer, it intensifies the
medicinal action of other herbs taken with it. Helps eliminate
toxins (good for colds). It was most useful in its ability to
staunch blood flow. Also associated with weather divination.
VERVAIN: 'crubh-an-leoghain'(dragon's claw) A sacred herb in many
different cultures; associated with visions and prophecy; flowers
used on Druidic altars. Good for eye compresses and hair tonics.
Sedative, anticoagulant.
EYEBRIGHT: 'lus-nan-leac' for all manner of eye ailments; also hay
fever, colds, coughs, sore throats.
PLANTAIN: ("slanlus" - herb of health) a very common remedy, used
for many ills. Antiseptic; expectorant. If hung around the neck of a
child, would prevent abduction by the sidhe.
TANSY: boiled, good for the heart. As a compress for bruises and
strains.
CHAMOMILE: ("athair talamh" - father of the ground) One of the
finest healing herbs, has been used for centuries. Good for stomach
disorders, anti- inflammatory for wounds, sedative for nervous
disorders. LOOSESTRIFE: ("camal buidhe") keeps all bad things away.
WATER BUTTERCUP: ("fearaban") good for bones and joints
LICHEN: ("dubh cosac") good for the heart
DANDELION: ("garbh lus" - rough herb) used for many ills, especially
good for the heart, for hypertension, also a good diuretic.
RIBGRASS: ("slanugad") will purge the body of all lumps.
MULLEIN: ("lus mor" - great herb) used alot in folk magic/medicine;
can bring 'back' children abducted. If a small piece taken
regularly, will ensure long life.
WOOD ANEMONE: ("bainne bo bliatain") put leaves in a poultice on the
head for headaches.
TRAILING PEARLWORT: ("mothan") very effective as a protective herb
when carried on the person. When placed below the right knee of a
woman in labor, it brought relief. Given to a cow to eat, it
protected both the milk and the calf. When placed above the door
lintel, prevented the fairy host from 'spiriting away' any
member of the household. Also used by women as a love charm - pluck
nine roots,knot into a ring, and place in the mouth. Then seek a
kiss from the man you desire.
ST. JOHN'S WORT: to ward off fever; sedative, pain reducing; also
used on St. John's Eve (midsummer) in divination.
PURPLE ORCHIDS: A magical plant ("lus an Talaidh" - herb of
enticement). Used in love charms. It has two roots, one larger than
the other, representing a man and a woman. The plant is to be pulled
by the roots before sunrise, facing South. Which-ever root is used
is to be immediately placed in spring water; if it sinks the person
in question will be the future husband or wife. The root can also be
ground up and placed under the pillow to bring dreams of your future
partner.
ROWAN: Tree of high magic, from which potent charms are procured.
Normally planted at the door of the house for protection. Also twigs
placed over the byre door. Necklaces of rowan berries with red
thread worn for protection by Highland women.
ELDER: Another highly protective tree, beloved of the Sidhe. It is
extremely unlucky to cut down or harm an elder (bourtree). The green
sap of the bark applied to the eyelids gives the "Second Sight".
Elder is also often planted outside the house for protection. Elder
is the medicine chest of the country folk. Elder flower water used
for eye and skin complaints, burns, bruises and sprains; as an
infusion both flowers and berries are used in cold remedies.
HAZEL: Used in the sacred need fires at Beltaine. Also used in water
divination. Hazel nuts associated with wisdom of the Otherworld.
Children were given 'the milk of the nut' to make them strong.
APPLES: The fruit of life of the Sidhe, and passport to the
Otherworld. Apples and hazelnuts used in divination rites at Samhain.
JUNIPER: Berries have protective properties. Burnt by Highlanders in
the house and byre at New Year for purification.
IVY: Used for the protection of flocks, of milk and milk products.
Ivy, woodbine and rowan woven together in a wreath and placed under
the milk vessels. Other "magic hoops" consisted of milkwort,
butterwort, dandelion, marigold; or trefoil, vervain, St. John's
wort, dill.
FAIRY TREES
Certain trees in particular places are said to be under the care and
protection of the Sidhe.
A lone thorn bush growing in an uncultivated field is often such a
tree, especially if it is growing on a sharp hill slope. Hawthorn is
the favorite, but other important fairy trees are: hazel,
blackthorn, elder, rowan, willow, also alder and ash.
The site of each tree is important to the Sidhe. It must be growing
within the banks of a rath (fort), inside a fairy ring, or in a
rocky field of rough grass, especially if growing near to a large
boulder or a spring.
The sidhe will protect their special trees. If someone harms or
disturbs the tree, they will suffer, often by becoming ill.
If three thorn trees grow close together, it is dangerous to get
involved with them.
It is considered unlucky to bring hawthorn into the house.
~author unknown |
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