Blaeberries were harvested for many, many years to be used in herbal remedies. It was believed that the berries helped digestive problems, diabetes and to strengthen the capillaries in the circulatory system.

A tea made from the dried leaves is strongly astringent, diuretic and antiseptic and was used to treat problems within the urinary tract. The leaves were also used to help treat and prevent the onset of diabetes as they contain a substance that reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.

A concoction made from the leaves or bark was applied locally to treat ulcers of the moth and throat and distilled water made from the leaves made an excellent eyewash for inflamed or sore eyes.

Although the fresh berries were used as a laxative, once dried they were used to cure bouts of diarrhoea.

Blaeberry fruit was also used as a valuable treatment for varicose veins and piles!

An infusion of bogbean was used for various ailments but mostly in the treatment of boils.

It is reputed to have a cleansing effect on the blood and was used as a diuretic, so was thought to help in the case of kidney stones and infections.

In very small quantities it aided digestion but too much could irritate the stomach and excessive doses caused vomiting.

An infusion was used in the treatment of muscular weakness and chronic infections that lead to debility and exhaustion, but overindulgence could also cause it to have a hypnotic effect.

In times past the leaves of the plant were boiled and the brew was believed to be effective in curing migraine and skin ailments such as eczema – but apparently it tasted absolutely awful.
Maybe people thought it would work, as 'anything that tastes that bad must be good for you'!

For centuries, bog myrtle has been used in herbal remedies.

Even as far back as the Vikings, infusions of bog myrtle were used to treat depression, poor memory and mental confusion and gave the person a sense of well-being – although in its unpurified form, it also caused hallucinations!

Many have used the aromatic oil to ward off the dreaded Scottish midge, but caution is advised, as the oil can be poisonous.

Many modern day insect repellents do contain extracts of bog myrtle.

The abundance of oil within the plants means that it can burn for a very long time should the moor catch fire unexpectedly.

Poultices made from this plant to were used to help wounds heal as it contains strong anti-bacterial agents but bog myrtle was never given to a pregnant woman as it can cause abortions.

Butterwort was not used extensively in herbal medicines although it has been used in the past as a purgative.

Otherwise, its main use was as a cough remedy. The leaves were collected because it is known to have antispasmodic properties and an infusion was used to treat whooping cough and nervous throat irritations.

Made into a poultice, it had a healing effect on the skin so when the plant came into flower in early summer, the leaves were harvested and dried for later use. It is still used today in homeopathic remedies.

The name of the butterwort stems from the use of the leaves to curdle milk, in order to produce butter.