Irish Folk Medicine

Synopsis

A fascinating exploration of the history and practice of Irish folk herbalism

During the 1930s, the Irish Folklore Commission conducted interviews with over fifty-thousand children from primary schools in Ireland. Known as The School’s Collection, the interviews offer fascinating insight into local tradition, folklore, and culture, including the use of plant medicine in Ireland during the period.

For the first time, Fiona Forde has compiled the herbal references from this collection into a comprehensive reference guide that presents a fascinating window into the practice of Irish herbal medicine.

Including herbs such as Irish Moss, Sorrell, Barberry and more, Irish Folk Medicine chronicles each of the plants mentioned in the interviews, offering pertinent insight into what herbs were used, how they were used, and why they were used.

Many of the herbs discussed are commonly utilised today, but the interviews reveal their incredible lesser-known uses, that would have been well known and understood by these local communities in Ireland. Each chapter explores how the plant was used in Irish folk medicine, alongside a modern contemporary analysis, and exciting recipes and formulas.

Irish Folk Medicine is testament to the importance of herbalism in the community. Through the eyes of children, it reveals that anyone can utilise local plants, and how vital it is to nurture and protect traditional, ancestral wisdom.

This book will be of interest to any student or practitioner of plant medicine looking to deepen their practice and understanding of herbalism, as well as anyone interested in Irish folk history.