NAME :  BLACKTHORN

GAELIC NAMES : DRAIGHEAN, DRAIGHEÁN.

LATIN NAME : Prunus spinosa.

COMMON / FOLK NAMES : Mother of the wood Sloe Wild plum Wishing Thorn

MEDICINAL PART : Flowers Fruit Bark of the Root

PLACES OF ORIGIN : Ireland Europe & Asia.

HABITAT : Along old bank and hedges-rows and in wild bog areas.

DESCRIPTION : Blackthorn is a shrub growing to a height of 5m. Was used to make sloe gin. This is the source of all Plums.

FLOWERING PERIOD : March to April. With the fruit ripening in October.

PROPERTIES :  Aperient Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Stomachic

USES : A tea made from blackthorn leaves is a mild purgative, it also helps bladder problems, catarrh and bronchial problems.  Juice of fresh berries helps inflammations of the throat, although is very astringent/drying.  A jam made from the fruit makes a palatable laxative. A decoction of the roots is said to cure fever.

GATHERING:  The fruit is best if gathered after a few frosts as this sweetens the rather bitter fruit.

Medical Properties of Irish Herbs, Trees & Fungi

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

RITUAL USES
Call on Dagda for use in exorcism rituals, Call on Bel for protection from fire, Call on Macha for general protection.

MAGICAL USES

Used for creating magical wands which can be used for many purposes, just carried confers protection from evil, can be used for wishes.  Also good for divining rods.

Magical Properties ; Magical Powers of Irish Herbs, Trees & Fungi

Stories, Myths and Legends associated with Blackthorn

Crith Gablach - Brehon Law Poem

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Last Updated - August 11, 2023

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