We can learn from the ancient Celts, who were in tune with their environment and showed respect and reverence for all living things. By following their meditative practices we can tune in to our intuitive powers, and learn to listen...
We can learn from the ancient Celts, who were in tune with their environment and showed respect and reverence for all living things. By following their meditative practices we can tune in to our intuitive powers, and learn to listen...
Celtic spirituality, Herbal medications, Paganism & neo-paganism
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.
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Paine, a medicinal plant chemist, sprinkles science into her well-researched Celtic history to bridge ancient and modern herb history. She draws from recent archaeological discoveries and wraps it up in Druid lifestyle, folklore, and stories like the famous lady of the lake legend. Not just history, but modern uses and doses, along with cultivation tips are here. The 27 Celtic herbs include native British herbs and a few, such as sage (Salvia officinalis) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), introduced by the Romans. Paine ponders how much change there is in medicinal properties when these plants spread to grow wild in the US. She also wrote The Healing Power of Celtic Plants (2006). ~ Kathi Keville, American Herb Association Quarterly 35:3 2020
Angela Paine’s new book Healing Plants of the Celtic Druids stands out as a marvelous combination of modern herbal reference and Celtic/Druidic history. Paine offers plentiful background about the Druids and ancient Celtic society so the reader can better understand their herbal practices in the context of Celtic spirituality (healing is sacred) and the extensive trade networks of the ancient world that brought Mediterranean herbs up to Britain. Paine offers an in-depth look at 27 different herbs, including those native to Britain, some that were imported by the Romans, and a few of the poisonous ones that also have medicinal properties. Paine gives each plant its own chapter for a comprehensive look at its history, botanical properties, methods of growing and harvesting, medical research, and practical uses. Throughout, Paine includes personal anecdotes and comments that make for interesting reading – this is not a dry, encyclopedic work. The extensive bibliography, arranged by chapter, is indispensable for further information on subjects ranging from Celtic history to pharmacologic research. Paine has turned out a valuable work that will be of interest to herbalists, historians, and those who follow Celtic and Druidic spiritual paths. ~ Laura Perry, M.S., N.D., author of The Wiccan Wellness Book and Ariadne’s Thread.
Praise for Healing Power of Celtic Plants: 'Fascinating...What makes this book so unusual, is that it does not just dwell in the past. A former researcher into the chemistry of medicinal plants, Paine turns her academic eye to more recent pharmaceutical history, which makes most enlightening reading.' ~ Sunday Telegraph
