25 March 2009

Celandine time

When the sun is shining, the lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) flowers are shining too at this season of the year.

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Celandines are fairly widespread in Brede High Woods, often preferring old banks and waysides or some of the damper areas.

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The plant was much used medicinally in the past, particularly as a cure for piles (hence another of its names: pilewort). 

The herbalist Gerard said "the juice of the roots mixed with honie and drawn up into the nostrils purgeth the head of foul and filthy humours."  I should think the power of the inhalation required to draw honey 'up into the nostrils' would be more than sufficient on its own to clear the breathing passages.

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