The ancient Celts had seven herbs that were valued as sacred.
Here are a three of them that spring to mind and are easily recognisable.
Dandelion ( Caisearbhán), (bitter stalk). Pissenlit (pissy beds), in French, speaks for the plant’s best-known property, but studies continue for its medicinal potential, whether diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-coagulatory or prebiotic.
Comfrey ( Lus na gcnámh mbriste), (Plant of the broken bone) and Knitbone, Comfrey was used in traditional medicine as a treatment for arthritis and other bone ailments.
Mistletoe (Drualas),it’s not an Irish native plant, although, strangely enough, there is an Irish word for it, “drualas”, that seems to be fairly ancient.
The others are Mugwort ( Mongach meisce), Guelder Rose (Caor chon), and Nettle (neantóg).
In Gaelic Irish, Dandelion is called lus Bhríd(Brigid’s plant) or Bearnán Bríd (indented one of Brigid) where “lus” is the Irish equivalent of the English “wort,” or “plant.”
Dandelion roots can be used to make coffee, when roasted, while the leaves are used widely in teas, and are considered by many to be a delicacy in salads.
Lemon Balm
Parsley
Bay
Rosemary
Rosemary
Golden Oregano
