Herbs of Ireland

​Ireland has a fascinating herbal history, a history that is still handed down by a few.  We have always used nature to keep ourselves healthy.  Even just 2 generations ago, our grandparents would have used food remedies far more, they would have kept themselves healthy, aware that a trip to the doctors wasn’t always an option so they had to be more careful with their health.  
 
My grandmother would eat garlic daily for her heart and immune system, my brother was talking only the other day of how she used to crush garlic and put it into a spoon of pickle and shove it into our mouths when we were sick. 
 
I was out on Inishboffin, staying at the fantastic family run Murrays hotel(Doonmore).  Walking down to the pier there was an array of colourful flower, some were herbs and others flower.  
 
The main herb I noticed was Red clover – Trifolium pratense, a fabulous herb to help the lymphatic system.  It can be used in a mix for gout, whooping cough, chronic degenerative diseases, eczema, psoriasis and so much more
The flowers, leaves, roots and seeds are edible, the flavor is similar to alfalfa.
As a herb it has been used as:

• Alterative
• Antispasmodic
• Deodorant
• Diuretic
• Expectorant
• Lymphatic 
• Sedative
• Skin
• Tonic

 
Another herb I noticed was Wild thyme – Thymus serpyllum
– part of the mustard family
The leaves and flowers are edible and have a cress like flavor.
As a herb it has been used as:

• Antirheumatic
• Antispasmodic
• Carminative
• Digestive
• Diuretic
• Stimulant 

 
The aroma was amazing but really these herbs would have helped the islanders as medicines in the past.
 
I saw many herbs but another important one was Rhodiola – Rhodiola rosea
An important herb for strength and stamina, often used in times of stress but not suitable to everyone.
It has historically been used for:

• A tonic
• Stress hormone regulation
• Serotonin & dopamine protective
• Adaptogen
• Physical performance

 
As always, speak to an herbalist before taking any herbs.
 
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