Author: Isla Skye
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Watermint: Mint of the Druids
“When Summer strews its cloak of hues, Then the dells, Yield earth nuts, mint and marjoram And fragrant smells.” George Sigerson, Bards of Gaeilge, 1925
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Uisge Beatha, Life Water: The Birch
“O birch, smooth and blessed, thou melodious, proud one, delightful each entwining branch in the top of thy crown.” Author unknown, Buile Suibhne, 1629 The Silver Birch or Betula pendula and Downy Birch or Betula pubescens are also called European white birch, silver birch, moor birch or hairy birch. It’s called beith or beith gheal…
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A Soft and Sweet Beauty: Marshmallow
“Marshmallow leaves is an old fashioned remedy for coughs, colds and whooping cough. An ounce of the leaves in one and a half pints of boiling water boiled down to one pint, makes a useful fomentation for inflamed wounds, boils or abscesses.” – Tommy Fagan, County Longford, Schools’ Collection, 1930’s
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The Savior: Garden Sage
“It (wild sage) is usually found near a cliff or by the side of a fence. This herb has got great praise from the old people, because one very remarkable story is related about a certain man who lived in this district. He was suffering from a pain near the heart, so finally one day…
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The Herb of Longevity: Self Heal
“The Song of the Self Heal Faery, When little Elves have cut themselves, Or Mouse has hurt her tail, Or Froggie’s arm has come to harm, This herb will never fail. The Faeries’ skill can cure each ill, And soothe the sorest pain; She’ll bathe and bind, and soon she’ll find, that they are well…