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[Among the Irish peasantry there is a more or less fervent belief in the efficiency of plants to produce cures—in some cases to such an extent that until all plants fail a medical man will not be called in. Many of these cures appear to have been handed down from time immemorial, while some, possibly, may be of more recent introduction. Some of these cures are undoubtedly most efficient, while others, aided by imagination, may be successful. All, however, seem entitled to be included in the records of Medical Folk-lore. The following list has been drawn up by Mr. F. W. Egan.—G. H. Kinahan.]
Cures or reported cures by means of plants, used by the peasantry in various parts of Ulster, and some, at least, in the co. Dublin, so far as they have come under my observation.
| Red Sorrel | Cancer | Drink decoction of dried blossoms. |
| Wood Sorrel | CancerDo. | Apply ointment prepared with the leaves. |
| Wood SorrelDo. | CancerDo. in stomach | Eat the leaves. |
| Plantain (broad and narrow leaf) called "cut grass" "bleeding grass," &c. | Cuts | Apply bruised leaves, while wet with the juice. Diminishes pain, stops profuse bleeding, and prevents festering. |
| Potatoes | Sprains | Bathe in hot water in which they have been boiled. All the "mercury" of the potato supposed to be in the water. |
| Broom | "Water" dropsy, jaundice | Drink decoction of leaves and plant tops. |
