Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 1887.djvu/20

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IRISH FOLK-LORE.
Dandelion Stomach, liver, and kidney disorders Drink decoction, alone or mixed with that of other plants, as root of Tormentilla, &c.
Tonnentil (see last) Liver obstructions Drink decoction of root; also as a substitute for St. John's Wort in the following case.
Rose Noble, Yarrow, St. John's Wort, Mullein Liver and kidneys Decoction of mixture, with or without some other plants, as Tormentil root, Black-head, &c.
Ragwort or Ragweed Rheumatism, sprained joints, sciatica Hot fomentation with decoctions of whole plant in water. Also bruised leaves in lard as ointment.
Burdock "Water" dropsy Drink decoction in water.
Foxglove "Water"Do. and gravel

Tincture made with gin, used in very small quantity on loaf sugar, known to be a dangerous medicine, and, though spoken of, seems little used.

Marshmallow Gravel Drink decoction of roots in water.
MarshmallowDo. Chest and lung diseases DrinkDo. decoctiondo. of rootsdo. in milk (use frequently).
Mullein[1] Diarrhœa Drink decoction in water.
Mullein*Do. Boils Apply leaf roasted between dock-leaves and moistened with spittle, which must be that of an Irishman, at least in co. Dublin. (Probably any one's spittle would do in Ulster.—F.W.E.)
Mullein, Sage, Marjoram, Camomile Cramps in limbs Bathe with decoction.
Blackberry leaves Diarrhœa Decoction in hot water.
Camomile Flatulence, colic, indigestion in general Drink infusion of flowers.
St. John's Wort Gravel Drink decoction of leaves and flowers.
  1. In connection with this plant a man in the parish of Gartan, co. Donegal, stated, in reference to its likeness to fox or folksglove, "This plant" (folks-glove) "sometimes cannot send up a flower, and it is then called a mullein. Mullein is a most valuable plant that ever was, as it will cure the worst consumption."