Calluna Vulgaris

Calluna Vulgaris

Heather is said to grow over the final resting
place of Faeries.

Salt:In recent years heather has been used
successfully, especially in Germany, to treat rheumatic pains.

The reason for this is probably because it
contains a substance that removes excess uric acid from the body. Heather may
be used as both an antiseptic and detoxifier. It is nice in warm water with
honey for a sore throat. It contains many minerals and is concidered a
fertility plant.

Mercury: Heather is a mild sedative and can be
good to sleep on. It is good for the nerves and the heart.

Sulphur: The virtues of a mattress made from
Scottish heather were described by King James VI’s tutor, George Buchanan like
this:

‘…… so pleasant, that it may vie in
softness with the finest down, while in salubrity it far exceeds it…. and
restores strength to fatigued nerves, so that those who lie down languid and
weary in the evening, arise in the morning vigorous and sprightly.’

High Waving Heather

Emily Brontë

High waving heather, ‘neath stormy blasts
bending,

Midnight and moonlight and bright shining
stars;

Darkness and glory rejoicingly blending,

Earth rising to heaven and heaven descending,

Man’s spirit away from its drear dongeon
sending,

Bursting the fetters and breaking the bars.

All down the mountain sides, wild forest
lending

One mighty voice to the life-giving wind;

Rivers their banks in the jubilee rending,

Fast through the valleys a reckless course
wending,

Wider and deeper their waters extending,

Leaving a desolate desert behind.

Shining and lowering and swelling and dying,

Changing for ever from midnight to noon;

Roaring like thunder, like soft music sighing,

Shadows on shadows advancing and flying,

Lightning-bright flashes the deep gloom
defying,

Coming as swiftly and fading as soon.