MEDICINAL PLANTS. 103 
PLANTAIN, Plantago major. 
In severe abrasions of the skin, the broad leaf was 
applied under the bandage to allay the immediate 
pain, and to prevent suppuration or blood-poisoning. 
SNEEZE-WoRT, Achillea ptarmica. 
An infusion of the flowers and leaves was in 
common use as a refreshment after meals. In Birsay 
the flowers of this plant were used for tea. 
SORREL, Rumex acetosa and acetosella, 
The leaves were chewed because of their pleasant 
acidity, and for mitigating thirst. 
CoRN-SPURREY, Spergula arvensis, and sativa. 
The little brown seeds, locally known as “reuth,” 
were ground and made into porridge during a scarcity 
of meal. 
SUN-SPURGE, Huphorbia helioscopia. 
The white, milky-like fluid in the hollow stem 
was applied to warts to remove them, hence the local 
name, “ warty-girse.” 
Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare. 
A decoction of this was administered in doses to 
children troubled with worms. 
TORMENTIL, Potentilla tormentilla. 
Locally termed “hill-barks.”. The roots were 
scraped, and boiled in milk, and the liquid used as 
a cure for diarrhcea. A strong decoction of the roots 
was also used as a substitute for bark in the tanning 
of skins—hence the local name, probably. 
