Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 8, 1897.djvu/425

 Miscellanea. 389

Orange lily root boiled to make a poultice for axillary tumours ; the root is boiled till soft, and the outer skin peeled off; a little oatmeal is added and the whole squeezed together (Cavan).

Nepeta gkchoma — decoction used as an emmenagogue in chlorisis in some places (Ulster).

Sajnbucus tiigra — decoction of the inner bark is used as a remedy for epilepsy ; while being used, the attacks are said to be less frequent (Ireland).

Mud-remedy for wasp stings ; though I heard of this in South of Ireland, I believe it is common elsewhere.

Veronica beccabujiga, boiled and sweetened with sugar candy, used as an expectorant about Belfast and neighbourhood.

Sonchus oleraceus — Sowthistle — has virtue in its juice, which is a cure for warts.

" Glarre poultice " : the naiad from the bottom of a boghole is used to make a poultice for suppurating corns ; its properties are mainly antiseptic (North Ireland).

Peatmoss is now replacing oakum as dressing, and, I have heard, will soon probably do so entirely (Ireland, heard of from Fermanagh).

Alsine media (chickweed) heated well before a fire is applied to cure pains in the head and back of the neck (Londonderry).

The inner leaves of the common cabbage are considered remedial for drawing boils in Cheshire and Shropshire.

" Cumferry," as the folk of Wexford call a plant which, from the description I obtained of it, I think is comfrey {Syfnphi- tum officinale) ; the roots boiled down are applied externally for everything from a cold down to a sprained ankle, and are widely used.

The ashes of a burnt briar are supposed to heal cuts, if laid on them, in King's County, as also in the same county lime and sweet- oil are believed remedial in erysipelas ; mix unslaked lime with the best sweet-oil and rub with the mixture over the affected parts.

Fresh milk is used to draw out the spots of measles ; the body is washed with it (King's County).

Nettles used for rheumatism by continual excitement externally in Queen's County.

A wet handkerchief tied round a sore throat at night when going to bed is considered an excellent remedy in County Down,