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| Herb Beer |
The herb Vervain, known as
Vervine or Yn Lhus in Isle of Man, has always been credited with
magical properties by the Manx People. A tall plant with spiky leaves and small
mauve flowers, it has been said to cure eye, throat and respiratory diseases,
liver complaints and feverish conditions.
When
the fishing industry ran up against hard times, a "Fairy Doctor" was sometimes
called in. One of his remedies was to take a bunch of Vervain, boil it in a
little water in a boat's cooking pot and sprinkle the water on each net as it
was cast.
This apparently, was sure to bring
up the nets brimful of herring.
In the same
belief, Vervain was sometimes put in the buoys which floated the
nets.
Take one handful each of Vervain,
Nettles, Yarrow, Wild Carrot, St. John's Wort, Centaury, Marsh Mallow and
either Horehound or Hops. Boil together in two gallons of water for half an
hour.
Strain off the liquid and add to it one
pound of sugar. Let it stand until lukewarm.
Then add two ounces of fresh yeast, or one ounce of dried yeast,
cover and let the mixture "work".
Skim and
bottle.
Leave for three days or
more.
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