Holy wells were very important in medieval times. Tobar Loch Shianta was the most celebrated healing well in Skye.
When it came to health, the Gaelic people understood the healing power of the indigenous plants all around them, including those on the shore. Plant remedies varied greatly, and please be advised that one ought to consult a professional herbalist in this regard.
The book Healing Threads by Mary Beith is well recommended for this topic. We offer a mere example of practices from Gaelic Scotland.
- Fiabhras neo Ceann goirt (Fever or Headache) - Crios Chù Chulainn (Meadowsweet)
- Ainteas san t-Sùil (Conjunctivitis) - Lus nan Leac (Eyebright)
- Tùchadh sa Bhroilleach (Chest complaints) - Tì an Dromain (Elderberry Tea)
- Galairean sna h-Àirnean (Kidney Diseases - and Purifying the Blood) - Deanntagan (Nettles)
- Brù ghoirt (Stomach pain) - Trì-bhileach (Bogbean)
- Laigse Fhala (Anaemia - or Stomach Tonic) - Beàrnan Brìghde (Dandelion)
- Creuchdan Craicinn (Skin Conditions) - Lus nam Ban-sìdh (Foxglove) or Dail-chuach (Violet)
- Losgadh (Burns) - Sòbhrag (Primrose)
- Cungaidh-leighis (Ointment for Wounds) - Lus Fala (Yarrow)
- Luaisgeanach ("Nerves") - Tì an Fhraoich (Heather Tea)
- Casan goirt (Sore feet/knees) - Duilleagan Feàrna (Alder leaves) with Còinneach (Moss)
- Ag ùrachadh a’ Chuirp (Rejuvenating the Body) - Brot Chàil-Dhuilisg (Dulse Broth)
Medicine was also a professional activity. The Medieval dynasty of the Beaton family lasted for 400 years, and the Gaelic form of their name means ‘son of life’. The first known Beaton physician attended on King Robert I of Scotland early in the 14th century. The family served the Lords of the Isles in Islay, the Macleans of Duart in Mull, and the MacDonald chiefs in Skye.
"Ann an gleannan ìosal tha cnoc beag, air chumadh taighe agus còmhdaichte le craobhan beag no nas coltaiche ri preasan a tha a’ fàs gu nàdarra. Air aon taobh tha loch le uisge tlàth agus coltas air nach eil uisge sam bith a’ ruith bhuaithe. Tha uisge an locha a’ faotainn iomadh slighe tron chnoc agus a’ togail ceann air an taobh eile ann am fuarain a tha da-rìribh fìorghlan. Tha iad sin uile a’ ruith asteach do ghlaic air chumadh uighe le grunnd de ghainmhich mhìn agus anns a bheil mòran èisg bhig. Bhon lochan sin tha an t-uisge a’ sruthadh gu làidir ann an lòn chun na mara. Ri taobh an lòin tha tobar air a dèanamh de chloich agus craobhan beaga timcheall oirre ga falach on phoball. ‘S e Loch Shianta an t-ainm a th’ air no an loch coisrigte. Bha uair a bhiodh mòran dhaoine le iomadh galar a’ tadhal air an àite seo." (An t-Urr. Dòmhnall Màrtainn, 1791)