Folk Healing and Health Care Practices in Britain and Ireland


Book Description

"'This is a fascinating and beautiful organized and written manuscript'-Rebecca Lester, Washington University in St. Louis.




Medicinal Plants in Folk Tradition


Book Description

Firsthand accounts of the medicinal uses of more than 400 species as told by the plain folk of Britain and Ireland. Rich in lore and practical wisdom of the ages.




Irish Folk Medicine


Book Description

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, HEALING & HEALTH. Folk medicine was long practised in Ireland and has not yet completely died out. In some respects it has blended into the 'New Age' interest in natural treatments and holistic medicine. But folk medicine, particularly before the rise of medical science in the nineteenth century, was always a curious blend of common-sense and practical observation, and of useless or even nonsensical cures. To cure a child of dropsy by tying it up in a rope used to hang an innocent man was not likely to help; nor did sheep droppings boiled in milk help much with whooping cough. Dr Patrick Logan traces a comprehensive range of 'country cures' both for people and animals, practised in Ireland throughout the centuries. Some clearly go back to early or pre-Christian times and beliefs. The entire book is a striking testimony to human ingenuity, optimism and endurance. The great mass of the population had no access to a doctor; the local wise woman or bonesetter was the only hope.




Southern Folk Medicine


Book Description

For the first time ever, an active practitioner describes the history, folklore, and remedies of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine in this groundbreaking guide for curious herbalists. This book is the first to describe the history, folklore, assessment methods, and remedies of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine—the only system of folk medicine, other than Native American, that developed in the United States. One of the system's last active practitioners, Phyllis D. Light has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for more than thirty years. In everyday language, she explains how Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine was passed down orally through the generations by herbalists and healers who cared for people in their communities with the natural tools on hand. Drawing from Greek, Native American, African, and British sources, this uniquely American folk medicine combines what is useful and practical from many traditions to create an energetic system that is coherent and valuable today.




Irish Folk Medicine


Book Description

At a time when people are increasingly interested in natural medicine and holistic remedies, this book traces the history of folk medicine in Ireland and examines its continued popularity. It reviews a comprehensive range of country cures for both people and animals, noting that many remedies date back to early pagan times before the rise of medical science in the 19th century while others arose in the 20th century as an alternative to modern medicine. With often lighthearted humor, this guide examines how folk medicine has always been a curious blend of common sense and nonsense. From attempts to cure a child of dropsy by tying it up in a rope used to hang an innocent man to driving away whooping cough with medicine made from sheep droppings boiled in milk, this book looks at how practical observations and natural cures often went hand in hand with useless and often dangerous remedies.




Early Modern Ireland and the world of medicine


Book Description

This book contains substantial new historical research on medicine in early modern Ireland. Its twelve chapters address a variety of subjects and situate them in appropriate contexts. The main focus is on medical practitioners and their place in Irish society. The book makes a major contribution to scholarship on early modern medicine.




Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries


Book Description

Based on careful analysis of burden of disease and the costs ofinterventions, this second edition of 'Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd edition' highlights achievable priorities; measures progresstoward providing efficient, equitable care; promotes cost-effectiveinterventions to targeted populations; and encourages integrated effortsto optimize health. Nearly 500 experts - scientists, epidemiologists, health economists,academicians, and public health practitioners - from around the worldcontributed to the data sources and methodologies, and identifiedchallenges and priorities, resulting in this integrated, comprehensivereference volume on the state of health in developing countries.




Encyclopedia of Folk Medicine


Book Description

A wide-ranging compilation on the materia medica of the ordinary people of Britain and North America, comparing practices in both places. Informative and engaging, yet authoritative and well researched, Encyclopedia of Folk Medicine reveals previously unexamined connections between folk medicine practices on either side of the Atlantic, as well as within different cultures (Celtic, Native American, etc.) in the United Kingdom and America. For students, school and public libraries, folklorists, anthropologists, or anyone interested in the history of medicine, it offers a unique way to explore the fascinating crossroads where social history, folk culture, and medical science meet. From the 17th century to the present, the encyclopedia covers remedies from animal, vegetable, and mineral sources, as well as practices combining natural materia medica with rituals. Its over 200 alphabetically organized, fully cross-referenced entries allow readers to look up information both by ailment and by healing agent. Entries present both British and North American traditions side by side for easy comparison and identify the surprising number of overlaps between folk and scientific medicine.




Healing Plants of the Celtic Druids


Book Description

Following on from Healing Power of Celtic Plants, Angela Paine's latest book covers a new range of Celtic medicinal plants which are native to Britain, as well as a few plants, such as Sage and Rosemary, which were introduced by the Romans. Combining the latest scientific data on the healing properties of the herbs used by the ancient Celts with recent archaeological discoveries, written in a jargon-free, easy to understand narrative style and offering a botanical description of each plant, an outline of their chemical constituents, and advice on ways to grow, harvest, preserve and use each plant, Healing Plants of the Celtic Druids is an essential guide.




The Good People


Book Description

From the author of Burial Rites, "a literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller that takes us on a frightening journey towards an unspeakable tragedy" (Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the Train and Into the Water). Based on true events in nineteenth century Ireland, Hannah Kent's startling new novel tells the story of three women, drawn together to rescue a child from a superstitious community. Nora, bereft after the death of her husband, finds herself alone and caring for her grandson Micheal, who can neither speak nor walk. A handmaid, Mary, arrives to help Nora just as rumors begin to spread that Micheal is a changeling child who is bringing bad luck to the valley. Determined to banish evil, Nora and Mary enlist the help of Nance, an elderly wanderer who understands the magic of the old ways. Set in a lost world bound by its own laws, The Good People is Hannah Kent's startling new novel about absolute belief and devoted love. Terrifying, thrilling and moving in equal measure, this follow-up to Burial Rites shows an author at the height of her powers.