What the Celts called "holy herbs" we call "medicinal herbs" today. Here we present four of the best-known sacred herbs in more detail.
Meadowsweet, verbena, mistletoe and watercress are described as magical herbs of the Celts. According to the Celtic druids, i.e. the pioneers of herbal knowledge and folk medicine, these four herbs are said to have special powers, which is also the reason for the designation "sacred herbs of the Celts".
What the Celts used to describe as "special powers", we would probably call it a healing effect today, because the four herbs are all remedies that can be used to combat a wide variety of ailments and ailments. In the following we would like to introduce you to the four most well-known sacred herbs of the Celts and tell you the importance of each individual plant for the Celts.
4 sacred herbs of the Celts in detail
Meadowsweet:
The meadowsweet, which is native to Europe, is one of the particularly fragrant rose plants and was once used primarily to sweeten and flavor wine. Its white flower umbels are strongly reminiscent of the umbels of the elder, which is why these two plants are often confused in nature.
Hint:
An aromatic tea drink can be made from the flower umbels, which is particularly beneficial for diarrhea. But syrup can also be made from the flower umbels. The flower umbels are also used to flavor sweet fruit dishes, producing a slightly nutty taste.
The Celts once used the entire scented plant as a dye for their fabrics. Meadowsweet was also hung up in the house and stable to ward off spirits and demons.
Argentine Verbena:
The Argentinian verbena, which is popularly known as wishing herb or legendary herb, has a very fine, lilac-colored flower that unfolds its splendor from May to October. A prerequisite for this is a sunny, wind-protected location that has particularly nutrient-rich soil.
The Celts associated vervain, which they themselves called druid herb, with various forms of their superstition, such as prophecy, magical powers, etc. was collectedthis holy magic plant only in the dark of night, when even the moon was dark.
Mistletoe:
Mistletoe is one of the really interesting parasitic plants that grow on trees or shrubs as an annual or biennial. Their branches branch out very strongly in the host plants in order to get enough water and nutrients. They also develop male and female yellow flowers over the course of a season, which transform into white, yellow, or red berry fruits after successful insect pollination and cross-fertilization.
The Celts revered the once very rare mistletoe and the tree on which it grows as a sacred plant because it was said to even cure poisoning if you made a special potion out of it. This generally most important plant of the Celts could only be cut off by a priest in a white robe and with a golden knife.
But mistletoe also has a special meaning in our culture, which is why numerous lovers still kiss under a mistletoe, which in turn is supposed to lead to a special love happiness.
Watercress:
The watercress, which also has white flowers, is a marsh plant, which is why it strongly prefers locations near streams, rivers, ponds and ponds. The evergreen plant, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, can only be used fresh in the kitchen, although it is available for a very long time depending on the season. It is used in a similar way to garden cress, which is why watercress can usually be used to refine salads and soups, as well as spreads with its slightly hot taste.
The Celts used watercress mainly as an aphrodisiac! And it's revered as a sacred plant because it was said to be able to ensure that the magical powers of water were preserved.