A bunch of mint tied round the wrist keeps off infection and disease.
There is a well near the Boyne where King James washed his sword after the battle, and ever since the water has power to cure the king’s evil.
When a seventh son is born, if an earth-worm is put into the infant’s hand and kept there till it dies, the child will have power to charm away all diseases.
The ancient arrowheads, called elf-stones by the people, are used as charms to guard the cattle.
It is not safe to take an unbaptized child in your arms without making the sign of the cross over it.