Help with compiling a list of natural/(herbal) remedies.

ParaZep

The title is pretty self explanatory. Just wanting to compile a list of remedies for various ailments, using local (Irish) plants. Things such as using dock leaves to counteract the effects of a nettle sting. Thank kind of thing. Thanks.

eth0

Apparently there is no scientific basis to the dock leaf working. but from my experience it always does work.

Doc Ruby

Don't think we're let discuss medical stuff here, more's the pity.

eth0

This kind of carry on about medical 'advice' would drive me mad

If I recommend a dock leaf to someone he can likely sue me for pain and suffering caused by his nettle stings lasting into the second day if it didnt' work out for him.

To not get sued I'd have to recommend a militant atheist-approved concoction from a major pharmaceutical with a hefty pricetag and a ton of side effects.

ParaZep

Yeah thanks guys. Don't worry I'm not out to sue people because your foxglove poison mix only gave Great Aunt Edith a bad case of diarrhoea. If you do know of any supposed remedies I guess you can just put "In my opinion..." in front. Can't be touched then.

Darlughda

ParaZep wrote: »

The title is pretty self explanatory. Just wanting to compile a list of remedies for various ailments, using local (Irish) plants. Things such as using dock leaves to counteract the effects of a nettle sting. Thank kind of thing. Thanks.

You might want to expand your list to include a lot of the non-native species of flora that are more easy to find than some of the indigenous(native Irish) flora.

The landscape has changed continously from introduction of new plants. Even some popular houseplants can be easier to find than the stuff mentioned in old herbal lore.
For example, the aloe vera plant is very hardy and can survive a lot, so even a neglected one, has great use as its juice is very effective as a remedy for sunburn, dry skin/eczema and other skin problems.

Jim Martin

Vivienne Campbell is our local expert on such matters and she really knows her stuff:

http://www.theherbalhub.com/

ParaZep

cool thanks to both of you

eth0

eth0 wrote: »

Apparently there is no scientific basis to the dock leaf working. but from my experience it always does work.

As far as I know, it's the rubbing action that helps, so when you rub it with a dock leaf it does feel better, but it's got nothing to do with the dock leaf, it's because you're rubbing it.

slowburner

ParaZep wrote: »

The title is pretty self explanatory. Just wanting to compile a list of remedies for various ailments, using local (Irish) plants. Things such as using dock leaves to counteract the effects of a nettle sting. Thank kind of thing. Thanks.

It is a fascinating area for sure.
Any plants which contained the word 'Wort' were believed to be a cure of various sorts. Often, they were prefixed with the name of the area of illness they were reputed to heal. Many of these may have a basis in medical fact; for example, Lettuce (Sleepwort) contains mild doses of Laudenum.
Of course, none of these plants should be consumed without professional advice.

Here's a few examples for your amusement and erudition ( pinched from here )


Bloodwort - Sanguinaria Canadensis, a member of Papaveraceae, as are poppies. Produces escharotic alkaloids that corrode skin, leaving wounds. Also: redroot, bloodroot, or tetterwort.

Bruisewort - Any plant considered to be useful in treating bruises, as herb Margaret.

Cancerwort - Linaria vulgaris. Toadflax.

Kidneywort - Cotyledon umbilicus. Also called pennywort and navelwort.

Lungwort - A plant of the genus Mertensia, the lungworts. Also, a boraginaceous plant of the genus Pulmonaria.

Nipplewort - Lapsana communis.

Sleepwort - Lettuce, especially Lactuca virosa

Sneezewort - Achillea ptarmica. Goosetongue; Bastard pellitory.

Spleenwort - Asplenium. A large genus of ferns; formerly used for spleen disorders.

Stabwort - Wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella.

Woundwort - The name of several plants of the genus Stachys, a genus of labiate plants. Also, the kidney vetch.


Any here's a link to a herbal encyclopaedia.
http://www.naturalark.com/herbcomb.html