Healing Herbs of the Ancient Celts

The Celtics were a rural people by choice, preferring to live close to nature because of their love of the land and their view of themselves as being the caretakers of Mother Earth.
The Druids were the spiritual guardians of the Celts and made sure that each Celtic citizen led a healthy holistic lifestyle.
Exercise and proper diet were important as was a healthy spirituality, reflected in the many festivals of the Celts.
The Celtics practiced animism, a religious belief that all things contained a spirit: the water, trees, rocks, the land itself, and for this reason showed extra care towards nature, lest they grieve a spirit.

Trees in particular held a special place in Celtic religion, and they developed their alphabet around different trees.
The Druids were also the shamans of the Celtics, the ancient "witchdoctors" and they used trees for medicine.
In this article I'll discuss some of the herbs used for medicine by the Celts.
All are found in Ireland, and are also found throughout the rest of Europe in varying quantities and regions, especially of course in Britain and Wales.

Bilberry – (Fraochán)

Otherwise known as Huckleberries or Whortleberries, Bilberries contain powerful antioxidants, protecting the venial and arterial walls from being populated by dangerous fats, and protecting veins from other damage. They are also believed to strengthen the blood brain barrier, a membrane that separates the brain from the blood flowing around it.
This prevents harmful substances thought to accelerate aging from reaching the brain and therefore helps to prevent debilitating diseases like Alzheimers.
They are also very strong anti-cancer agents and contain anthocyanidins, a class of flavonoid, organic compounds widely distributed in higher plants; some are pigments and others have physiologic properties.
These anthocyanins also protect our immune systems and have anti-histamine properties as well. Bilberries are also good for the skin, helping it to maintain its elasticity and tone.
During the war, pilots ate bilberry jam before night missions to aid night vision.
It’s easy to use Bilberry to implement Bilberries into your diet by simply eating a about a cup every day in a fruit salad, with your breakfast cereal, in a jam on toast, or as a delicious desert. If you don't have or can't get Bilberries in your area, don't worry, Blueberries make a great substitute and have similar properties and health giving benefits.
The Celts revered Bilberry so much that they celebrated their ripening with the Festival of Lugnasa which took place on the Sunday closest to the first day of August, and the harvesting of the berries was part of the celebrations. In some parts of Ireland they still celebrate this festival as Fraochán Sunday.
It’s easy to imagine the ancient Celts wondering through the forests or along the riverbanks and bogs of the south midlands of Ireland where Bilberry is abundant, gathering baskets of them to take back to their villages, munching handfuls of them as they delighted in their work.
Among the natural remedies used by the Celts, Bilberry was probably one of the most beneficial and easiest to administer, as you merely have to chomp on a handful.

Burdock

Burdock has been found to be an excellent detoxifying herb due to its ability to stimulate the body to eliminate toxins.
It triggers all of the excretory systems, lungs, liver, kidneys, the sweat glands and the lymphatic and urinary systems to expunge toxins and excess fluids and so unblocking and detoxifying them.
The Druid shaman may have given Burdock root to pubescent teenagers suffering from acne, as it has been shown that Burdock improves this condition as well as eczema and psoriasis and also helps to regulate the hormonal system due to its containing plant sterols, which also have powerful cholesterol-lowering properties.
Burdock would also have been given to the elderly who suffered from arthritis, sciatica or gout.
It is highly alkaline and anti-inflammatory and is used by herbalists today to treat these conditions. You can see why it would have been one of the major plants used for medicine by the Celts.
Burdock grows just about anywhere due to its resilience, but prefers soil with high clay content.
I have seen it growing near the South Lagoon at Sandymount Strand in the Clontarf Road area of Dublin.
It's quite easy to use Burdock as a detoxifier, simply by making a tea of the roots, which are best harvested in July when they are at their peak medicinal value.
Considered an invasive weed by many gardeners, Burdock was held in high esteem by the Celts who used it as a medicine and a food, its roots being cooked as a vegetable or eaten raw.
Unlike the gardeners of today, the Celts considered nothing as a weed and understood that every plant had its values and served a purpose.

Nettle - (Neanntóg)

This causes our immune system to releases histamine, a chemical found in some of the body's cells.
The immune system mistakenly believes that this usually harmless substance is actually harmful to the body, and the histamine then acts on a person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, causing allergy symptoms.
But the Nettle is significant among herbs used by the Celts in that it was probably one of the most widely used due to its ability to prevent hemorrhaging and stop bleeding from wounds.
They would have used it to treat the wounds their warriors received in battle and also to help reduce excessive menstruation in the women.
Nettle also contains fibers which the ancient Celts would have likely used to make cloth for their clothing.
Nettle was used to make cloth by the Germans during World War II when cotton was in short supply. Recently it has been found that lectin found in Nettles is useful in treating Prostate enlargement and is widely prescribed for this in our times.
Nettles also have a place in ancient Celtic folklore. Known as "Devil's Claw", Nettles were believed to indicate the living place of fairies, and their stings protected one from witchcraft or sorcery.
The natural habitat for Nettle would be Woodland and Pond areas as it naturally needs fertile soil, abundant sunlight and moisture to thrive.
It wasn't until man first began cutting down the forests for his building projects that nettle began to grow elsewhere.
Being a hardy plant that has survived, according to archaeologists several Ice ages, the Nettle has followed man around, and as we all know will make its home just about anywhere and everywhere. Who among us hasn't felt the sting of the Nettle as a kid!
What causes the stinging sensation of the Nettle is the penetration of our skin by the many needle-like hairs that cover the plant.

 

Mistletoe – (Drualas)

They would later use these Mistletoe boughs in conjunction with the sacrifice of a bull to appease the Oak God Hu, who they believed would impart sexual vigor to them.
Being hallucinogenic when consumed in large quantities, the Mistletoe berries were most likely used by the Druids in their rituals of prophesying and entering the "other worlds".
Of all the natural remedies of the Celts, this was one of the most powerful.
In recent times Mistletoe has been investigated for its possible treatment of various cancers, and a drug named Iscador was developed by Rudolph Steiner and a team of physicians, pharmacists and scientists in the 1920s.
Since then a plethora of Mistletoe-based drugs have been patented by various companies with names such as Plenosol, Helixor and Isorel.
Modern herbalists also use Mistletoe juice or tincture to treat cancer, however Mistletoe is extremely powerful, and I reiterate, should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified and licensed herbalist.
Mistletoe was most likely imported to Ireland via the Greeks, who traded with the Celts and exchanged medical knowledge with them.
Reference to Mistletoe is strewn throughout Greek Mythology, the goddess Athene used it as a curative and Aeneas took it with him to the underworld in order to assure his safe return to the world above.
The Druids became great cultivators of Mistletoe, and can be found in Waterford today growing on old apple trees.
The Celts had a special name for Mistletoe growing on apple trees, calling it silver bough, and it was considered sacred to the Celtic god Manannan, the sea god. It is now quite rare however, and can only be found in about a dozen places throughout Ireland today.
The Druids used Mistletoe in their celebrations of the festival of Alban Arthuan, held during the Winter Solstice around December 21st.
The Greek writer Pliny mentions the Druids cutting Mistletoe on the new moon at the end of the Celtic year (around December 21st) and using it to decorate the oak trees surrounding they area where they would partake of the ceremonial meal.

Dandelion - (Caisearbhán)

 

A tonic made from the sap and was taken at springtime as part of a rejuvenation and "spring cleaning" process.
This would be in accord with the practices of the ancient Celts who were very much in tune with the cycles of nature.
Dandelion is today used as a great detoxifier, blood cleanser and digestive aid.
It strengthens the liver and aids it in breaking down toxins and it also stimulates the kidneys in order for the toxins to be eliminated rapidly.
The flow of bile into the intestine stimulated by Dandelion enables better digestion and prevents the formation of gallstones.
In April throughout Ireland beautiful fields of Dandelion can be seen growing in abundance. Dandelion is one of the most common wild plants found growing in Ireland, and around the world for that matter, and was another of the plants used for medicine by the ancient Celts.
The ancient Celts celebrated February 1st as a festival to the White Goddess, whom Christianity later adopted and renamed St.Brigid, and one of her symbols was the Dandelion.
The Celts would have used dandelion to treat fever such as malaria and jaundice as dandelion root stimulates the liver.
This is supported by the 12th century medical text The Physicians of Myddfai and folk medicine records from CountyMeath in Ireland.
They may also have made Dandelion coffee from its roots, which they did in Counties Cork and Kerry during the Emergency years of WWII, and which is common among naturalists today.
Dandelion was later cultivated in medieval monasteries and was featured in the repertoire of natural medicines of the time. 

Acetyl salicylic acid, derived from the bark of the Willow, has perhaps been used by us all at one time or another.
It is commonly known today as aspirin!
The common mode of administering Willow bark for anti-inflammatory conditions by herbalists is in a tea, several grams of the bark being boiled in a pint of water and administered about 3 times per day.
The Willow was sacred to the Celts, representing the month from the 18th of March to the 15th of April on the Celtic calendar, and may have been used by the Celts to combat rheumatism, common in the dampness of the bog areas. Willow was also sacred to the Moon goddess Arduinna and the Druid god Beli.

Comfrey – (Lus na Cnámh Briste)

The Gaelic name for Comfrey means "the plant for broken bones", and is used as a poultice today for treating sprains, sprains, bruises and swellings.
Comfrey is prolific in terms of its effects in promoting rapid healing of tissues, and would have been used regularly to treat open wounds and injuries.
Until recently it was used by families in the Aran Islands, Kerry, Limerick and other parts of the country as a poultice for healing broken bones, knowledge which has probably been passed up through the generations from the ancient Celts. Comfrey can be found growing along the river at Shanganagh and near Loghlinstown, and in the past, in parts of Co Louth along the river Boyne.
Due to their active lifestyle and the Druids being master botanists and herbalists, it would have been a stable in the Celtic medicine chest. Comfrey is perennial; it grows year round, and would have been widely available to the Celtic physicians. The astringent properties of Comfrey make it effective in stopping internal hemorhhage, and it is taken in a decoction to do so.

Sources

M. Dillon and N. Chadwick, The Celtic Realms(London, 1967)
The Healing Power of Celtic Plants: Their History, Their Use, and the Scientific Evidence That They Work, September 18, 2006, Angela Paine
Michael Terra, The Way of Herbs, 1998
Medicinal Plants in Folk Tradition, July 18, 2012; David E. Allen, Gabrielle Hatfield

Healing the Seven Chakras with Herbs Garima Roy Spirituality 19 Scan10032 Plants have been used as medicines for thousands of years to cure various ailments, gain wisdom and to help us connect with nature. There are scripts from 2500 BC about various plants and their healing properties. In India, there are several Vedas that mention about treating diseases using herbs and plants. Plants have vibrational frequency that is in tune with our body and psyche. These vibrational qualities of plants can assist in balancing, healing and energizing the seven major chakras. The components of herbs interact with our energy system and remove toxic elements from our blood, enhance blood circulation and regulate the flow of oxygen. If one uses the herbs appropriately, one can maintain a balanced state of mind, body and spirit, Here are some of the common herbs associated with the seven chakras – First Chakra – Root dandelion-roots Dandelion roots Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine. It connects us to the earth because that is where we receive all of the vital nutrients essential to our survival, and it is also where body toxins are released. The root chakra doesn’t just ground us physically, it also grounds us temporally by keeping us in the present moment. An imbalanced root chakra can lead to problems in the legs, feet, rectum, tailbone, immune system, depression, autoimmune deficiencies. Dandelion root tea are found to be highly effective in the treatment of depression, gallbladder or high blood pressure. Adding in foods like: carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, onions and garlic, and anything else that roots itself, can have a soothing effect for our root chakra. Second Chakra – Sacral photos of White Gardenia flowers with yellow center Gardenia flowers Sacral Chakra is located below the navel near the abdomen between the ovaries for women and near the prostate gland for men. The fundamental quality of this chakra is pure creativity, attention, sensual expression, unencumbered by the ego. When this Chakra is blocked it can lead to eating disorders, urinary tract problems, reproductive disorders, occasional headache, fever and emotional imbalances. Calendula is an easy to grow herb that enhances your creativity in all areas of life. Another herb which is highly beneficial for the sacral chakra is Gardenia. One can put Gardenia roots and oil to multiple use, and its flowers are found to be very soothing for the senses as well, no wonder its also known as the happiness herb. Sandalwood helps in curing many kinds of infection as it instigates new cell growth. You can apply sandalwood oil on your body before taking a shower or you can use it to create a good aroma in your house. Other herbs & spices that are beneficial are Coriander, fennel, licorice, cinnamon, vanilla, carob, sweet paprika, sesame seeds, caraway seeds. Third Chakra – Solar Plexus Fresh Rosemary leaves Rosemary leaves The 3rd chakra or the solar plexus chakra is the power centre of emotions and positive self control. If this chakra is blocked we tend to feel unworthy and have a low self-esteem. Our emotional state is one of depression and anxiety. We tend to be doubtful and mistrusting toward others. This can lead to a plethora of physical problems: poor digestion, ulcers, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, anorexia, bulimia, and even intestinal tumors. To unblock the energy flow, one can use lavender, bergamot or rosemary oil. Bergamot is great for the digestive system as it quickens the procedure of digestion causing less strain to the intestinal tract. In Mediterranean region, people consider rosemary as an essential herb for the stomach and intestines. One can put rosemary leaves in several dishes or you can use rosemary oil to cook dishes. Marshmallow too relaxes the third chakra and softens our efforts to control life. It helps you to relax your diaphragm and reconnect to our breath. Other useful herbs & spices are Anise, celery, cinnamon, lily of the valley, mints, ginger, mints (peppermint, spearmint, etc.), melissa, turmeric, cumin, fennel. Fourth Chakra – Heart SlideshowHawthornBerries Hawthorne berries Heart Chakra is the centre of love, compassion and forgiveness of our body’s energy system. When this chakra is blocked, we tend to feel disconnected and have trouble loving ourselves and others. We tend to experience poor circulation on the physical level, lack empathy on the emotional level, and lack devotion on the spiritual level. Many issues of love, grief, hatred, anger, jealousy, fears of betrayal, of loneliness, as well as the ability to heal ourselves and others are centered in the fourth chakra. A tea or tincture of Hawthorne berries increases trust in the process of life and encourages you to feel safe following your heart. It also helps to strengthen the heart and blood vessels. You can also use Cayenne, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, rose, basil, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley for a healthy heart. Fifth Chakra – Throat red-clover-blossom-flower-4 Red Clover Blossom Throat chakra is largely responsible for self-expression and communication. When this chakra is clear our speech becomes uplifting, wise and we can communicate our intent clearly. An unbalanced throat chakra leads to thyroid problems, laryngitis on the physical level, codependency on the emotional level, unclear thoughts on the mental level, and insecurity on the spiritual level. We often speak without thinking and have trouble expressing ourselves in an authentic way. It is also responsible for nervousness, fear and anxiety. Red clover blossoms assist in allowing a free flow of communication and self-expression. A cup of red clover tea can unlock the emotions and thoughts that are waiting to be spoken. A research conducted by the University of Maryland, Medical Centre shows that lemon balm is capable of healing several ailments including thyroid. Eucalyptus oil is another beneficial oil for decongestion, simply rubbing few drops of oil on the throat will help. Other herbs & spices that can help with the throat chakra is Coltsfoot, peppermint, sage, salt and lemon grass. Sixth Chakra – Third Eye Sixth Chakra or the Third Eye is associated with intuition and the pineal gland. drug-eyebright Eyebright When this chakra is blocked we tend to lack in imagination and intuition resulting in poor decision making and self-deception. Physically, third eye weakness may manifest as eye/ear problems, headaches, migraines, insomnia, or even nightmares. Mint, jasmine and eyebright are herbs used to open the sixth chakra. Eyebright helps to see both the light and dark sides as part of the whole, and is also used to cure eye problems. Mint has been found useful in curing depression, migraines and memory loss. It also increases connectedness between mind and body. These are the herbs & spices that can energize and heal any imbalances in the third eye chakra, Juniper, mugwort, poppy, rosemary, lavender and poppy seed. Seventh Chakra – Crown lotus crown chakra Crown Chakra connects us to the universal divine energy. This chakra is associated with wisdom, enlightenment and transcendence. When our crown chakra is cleansed and open we experience divine union and cosmic love, stretching out forever. Our unique frequency is in tune with the cosmic orchestra. When our crown chakra is blocked or closed we feel disconnected spiritually, as though we are living without any direction or purpose. On a physical level, it can lead to depression, nervous system disorders, migraines, amnesia, ADD, dyslexia, and in the most extreme cases cognitive delusions and mental illness. Lavender flowers and lotus assist in opening your seventh chakra. Lavender brings you into alignment with divine wisdom on a daily basis and is a popular herb for enhancing meditation. While lotus leaves and stems are widely used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and each part has its own set of benefits. Lavender is your best bet because it works well on all the chakras. You can include plants in your life through taking herbs internally in the form of tea, or externally as a bath or aromatherapy, you can enhance the benefits by consciously connecting with their vibrational qualities. (The information provided in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health provider/naturopath with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition) Reference & image sources Herbs and Chakras Root chakra Herbs and Chakras Chakras Dandelion roots , Burdock Gardenia flower, Rosemary leaves , Hawthorn berries , Red Clover Eyebright , Eyebright This content is locked! There's a lot of good content that you can read and watch, it takes us time and money to run this site. Please help support us by using one of the buttons below to unlock the hidden content. like tweet +1 us

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