In 1942 James Kerr wrote the following in the Dublin Historical Record: ‘The extraordinary persistence of traditional knowledge in Ireland is illustrated by the fact that a prescription of Diancecht’s is known and used in Ireland to the present day. It is known as ‘Diancecht’s porridge’, and is given for colds and sore throats. The prescription is: Hazel buds, Dandelion, Chickenweed and Wood-sorrel, boiled into a porridge with oatmeal, and taken morning and evening. I knew people who used to take it regularly; I do not know if it did them much good – they all seemed to die off in their early eighties.’
Diancecht was the Celtic god of healing. He served as the divine healer of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the supernatural race who arrived in Ireland before the Milesians. We have no evidence that he actually existed, but his name has lived on in many of our myths and sagas. This recipe is ascribed to him, which adds to its goodness and potency even though, today, we would consider all the ingredients, with the exception of the oatmeal, as weeds.
The ingredients for this porridge are: Wild sorrel, dandelion leaves, chickweed, hazel buds and catkins, oatmeal.
How to make it: Prepare porridge as you normally do but add the herbs as well. Serve as usual. This recipe is very powerful. Sorrel is very nutritious and contains over 70 per cent of daily vitamin C requirements, as well as plenty magnesium and vitamin A. Simmering the sorrel reduces its oxalic acid content which may be a problem for people with kidney issues. Sorrel is easily recognised by the sharp notch in the leaf where the leaf meets the stem. It has a decidedly tangy flavour that is very refreshing.
Dandelion leaves also provide vitamin C, A and K plus essential minerals like potassium and iron. It is very good for liver health and boosts our immune system. It acts as a natural diuretic, so should be taken cautiously by anyone on prescription diuretics. Interestingly, the loss of potassium that is associated with taking diuretics is not an issue with dandelion, as it contains potassium so replaces the potassium lost by the extra diuresis.
Chickweed, which most farmers consider an absolute nightmare, is a powerhouse of health-giving properties. It contains vitamins C and A, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc, along with antioxidants that fight inflammation. Its cooling properties soothe the digestive system while its fibre supports gut health.
Hazel catkins and buds, which we hardly ever consider as source of nutrition, provide protein, healthy fats, and minerals. Finally, oatmeal supplies fibre, protein, and nutrients that promote heart health and regular digestion.
Together, these ingredients create a nutritional dish that cleanses the blood, supports digestion, and strengthens the immune system. This is exactly what we need as we move from winter to spring.
By collecting these wild herbs and making this age-old porridge, we engage in a living tradition, a tradition which links us to Diancecht’s divine healing energy, as well as the healing knowledge of our ancestors. This healthy legacy grows freely in our hedgerows and fields, and now is the perfect moment to embrace it as spring unfolds around us.
