Medicinal Herbs Growing at Redacre

The folk name ‘measure of love’ comes from the old tradition of plucking petals from a daisy whilst saying ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ as a simple love divination charm.

The dandelion clock (seed head) is an excellent barometer. In fine weather it extends fully, but when rain is due it shuts like an umbrella. It stays shut until the threat of rain has passed.

It was believed that the root of the rose could cure the bite of a mad dog.

Its botanical name ‘helenium’ derives from Helen of Troy, as it is said to have sprung up from where her tears fell. In Celtic folklore it also had associations with elves and fairy folk.

Fat Hen was commonly eaten as a vegetable from neolithic times until the 16th century.

In mediaeval times it was hung over doors on midsummers eve to ward off evil spirits.