Terrill Dobson
What can the sound archive recordings of the School of Scottish Studies (University of Edinburgh) tell us about the traditional use of medicinal herbs in Scotland?
Abstract
The Sound Archives (SA) of the School of Scottish Studies (University of Edinburgh), established in 1951, contains Gaelic, English and Scots dialect audio recordings of the cultural traditions of Scotland. Included in interviews with informants throughout Scotland over the last half-century is information about traditional life, including use of herbal medicines. Utilizing information available in English, this project has explored the SA to determine what the material can tell us about the traditional use of medicinal herbs in Scotland.
153 cures were identified covering 45 different plants (a summary of these uses is included). The information period covers early 20th century. Most informants came from Argyll, Inverness-shire and Ross & Cromarty with the majority of these from Scotland’s Isles.
The most commonly used plants were bogbean, plantain, nettle, docken, dandelion, seaweed, chamomile and oats. No specific dosages and only occasional harvesting instructions or specific results were provided. More than half (60%) of the cures provided preparation information, including external preparations (such as poultices, ointments and liniments), food, decoctions (including bottled) and tea. All cures were simples (one plant) except six which included two herbs. The ailments treated were generally common including skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems. Informants also confirmed that plant cure use had been influenced by the unavailability (due to distance) and high cost of orthodox care.
Healers, when denoted, were often family with emphasis on mother and grandmother, with local or other gifted people also mentioned. Although many of these informants are from an oral tradition culture, only a few stories and legends were provided.
Overall, the project provides insight into Scottish use of plant cures in the early 20th century with an integrated and traceable summary of relevant SA materials thereby enhancing accessibility to others wishing to explore this heritage.
