Herbs

Herbal Knowledge, my speciality!

The Most Common Herbs

Aloe (Aloe vera) : Called the "Burn Plant" because of its effect on burns, aloe is also effective in preventing accidents involving fire or heat. An Aloe growing in your kitchen affords not only it's healing properties, but also protection against kitchen burns and fires.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) : A daily cup of anise tea will preserve youth. Anise burned on charcoal before bed will promote prophetic dreams.

Balm (Melissa officinalis) : Bathe in a bath of Balm to attract love. Add to incense and sachets for love and to promote healing.

Barley (Hordeum spp.) : Sprinkle Barley around the perimeter of your yard [or on windowsills] to ward off evil. A few grains under your doormat will offer protection and repell negativity and evil that would enter.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) : Basil oil rubbed on a green candle before burning will attract wealth. Use Basil as a floor wash to rid house of all evil and negativity. The incense smoke is beneficial for the same, plus banishing, exorcising and for protection.

Blackberry (Rubus villosus) : To work your way through a bramble of blackberries is damn near impossible - but it is rumored to dispell, and protect from, all disease.

Caraway (Carum carvi) : Use in your wedding cake, and throw caraway seeds after the ceremony. It promotes lust and fidelity. Of course - it doesn't have to be your wedding night/cake.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) : Well, we've seen it's effect on our feline friends... giving your cat this herb can help create the psychic link needed for a familiar. Add catnip to your sachets to attract love [but keep it away from your cat].

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) : Eat a meal hot with cayenne before a night of Bacchanalian celebrating - it will curb drunkeness.

Chamomile (Anthemsis nobilis) : Ancient Egytians assiciated Chamomile with Ra for its healing powers. Even other plants in your herb garden will benefit from this herb, as it repells insects & promotes healing. Chamomile also has the properties of attracting wealth.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) : First cultivated and used in the East, Cinnamon was burned to purify the temple. It also promotes health, vigor and libido.

Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus) : burned or ingested, clove promotes visions.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) : If you see a puff off a dandelion, but there's no wind, rain is on the way.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) : Ingested, Fennel promotes virility, fertility, and libido in general. Also acts as a protective herb.

Garlic (Allium sativum) : Ropes of garlic are used to ward off evil. Garlic is also known as a lustful herb when ingested.

Lavendar (Lavendula officinale) : Especially useful in attracting men. Lavendar promotes happiness and harmony in the home, whether burned or simply used in potpourri and sachets.

Marigold (Calendula officianis) : Use as a visionary herb. Burn when doing a divination for love.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) : Use as a floor wash to dispel negativity and promote love & happiness.

Onion (Allium cepa) : Ingested, onions can promote prophetic visions and dreams. Onion also promotes virility and libido.

Parsley (Retroselinum sativum) : Sacred to Persephone, and a favorite herb of Venus and Aphrodite - Parsley also promotes communion with the Maternal Aspect of Goddess.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) : Burn before bed for phrophetic dreams. Peppermint tea aids in divination.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) : Increases memory and protects against evil. It has been used in conjunction with juniper berries for centuries to purify the air.

Sage (Salvia officianus) : Make a broom out of Sage to really sweep away undesired influences from your circle. Promotes strength, courage, longevity and wisdom. It also banishes negativity and evil.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) : Used to invoke the Faery folk. Burn when asking advice of loved ones who have passed to the Summerlands.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) : The herb of Witches. Use for cleansing and self-purification. Ingest with care.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis) : One of the Seven Sacred Herbs of the Druids. Aids in visionary work. The Welsh called it 'llysiaur hudol' - or enchanting herb. It promotes love, lust and sexual fulfillment. Use when performing sexual magic. Helpful when invoking Goddess Diana. An herb of artists - use before any artistic performances.

Willow (Salix alba) : An herb of immortality. Willow is sacred to Hecate, Hermes, and other Underworld deities.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) : Use to remove jinx. Also good for protecting children.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginica) : Excellent for making divining rods - which can be used to find more than just water.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) : A powerful tool in conjunction with I-Ching divination. Use the flowers in Handfastings. Yarrow is sacred to Cernunnos. Associated [as the Latin name shows] with Achilles.

The Medicinal Properties

Aloe: Internally for ulcers, but ask a pharmacist about an over-the-counter type [powder], and use according to directions. Externally for general antibiotic superficial wound care, excellent for burns - use gel directly from the plant.

Anise: Internally for general lung ailment, headache, colic, relieves flatulence. Externally as an antiseptic, relief from insect bite, and as an aromatic oil.

Balm: Internally for colds, congestion, fever and flu. As a mild stimulant, will also help to relieve the dragging sleepy feeling that goes with colds/flu.

Barley: For centuries it's been used it soup... here's why: When taken internally, is a nutritive, reduces the risk of cancer, acts as an expectorant, and keeps our lower pipes working the way they should.

Basil: Internally for headache and general pain, nausea and stomach ache, soothes nerves. Externally as an antiseptic and aromatic.

Blackberry: Internally for diarrhea, flu, whooping cough, sore throat/laryngitis, anemia, is a nutritive and provides vitamins. Can be ingested liberally in almost any form you desire. Externally as an astringent and for skin irritations if you don't mind the lingering but truly temporary tattoo it leaves.

Caraway: Internally aids digestion and stomach ache. Externally as an aromatic.

Catnip: Internally for relief of colic, fever and chills, headache, stomach ache, soothes nerves yet is a mild stimulant, aids in relief of nightmares, promotes menstrual discharge.

Cayenne: Internally for colds, relieves chills, is a mild stimulant, source of vitamin C.

Chamomile: Internally for colic, diarrhea, stomach ache, earache, toothache, heartburn, soothes nerves, aids in relief of nightmares, aids digestion, promotes menstrual discharge, in large doses induces vomiting. Externally as an antiseptic and astringent.

Cinnamon: Internally for nausea, stomach ache, colic, relieves flatulence, is a mild stimulant. Externally as an astringent and antiseptic.

Cloves: Internally stomach ache, bronchitis, colic, acts as an expectorant, aids digestion, relieves nausea, relieves flatulence. Externally for toothache [oil], as an anesthetic, antiseptic, and aromatic.

Dandelion: Internally for bladder infections, constipation, jaundice, acts as a diuretic, aids gall bladder kidneys and liver, is a mild stimulant. Externally for skin irritations, acne, as an astringent. Source of vitamins A and E, potassium, iron, magnesium and copper.

Fennel: Internally for stomach ache, aids in digestion, relieves flatulence. Externally as an aromatic.

Garlic: Internally for asthma, bronchitis and lung ailments, is an expectorant, is a diuretic, is a mild stimulant. Externally as an antiseptic.

Lavendar: Internally for bronchitis, headaches, toothache, soothes nerves. Externally as an aromatic.

Marigold: Internally is a mild stimulant and strengthens pulse, reduces discomfort of measles. Externally for skin irritations.

Marjoram: chew a fresh leaf to relieve the pain of toothache. Externally for bruises and sprains.
Onion: Internally is a diuretic. Externally as an antiseptic.

Parsley: Internally for colic, jaundice, aids kidneys and liver, is a diuretic, is a mild sedative.

Peppermint: Internally for colds, flu, chills, stomach ache, colic, relieves fla tulence, promotes menstrual discharge. Externally as an anesthetic, antiseptic, and an aromatic. Source of magnesium.

Rosemary: Internally for stomach ache, colic, colds, soothes nerves yet is a mild stimulant. Externally for hair conditioning, shine and growth stimulation, is also an aromatic.

Sage: Internally for colic, colds, sore throat [gargle], aids in digestion, is an expectorant, promotes menstrual discharge, reduces discomfort of measles. Externally is antibacterial, antiseptic, and is an aromatic.

Thyme: Internally for stomach ache, colic, colds, cough, is an expectorant. Externally is antiseptic.

Valerian: Internally for sleep disorders, is a diuretic.

Vervain: Internally for asthma, bronchitis, aids kidneys, spleen and liver, promotes menstrual discharge. Externally as an astringent.

Willow: Internally for easing pain, diarrhea [bark]. Externally as an astringent.

Wintergreen: Internally for chills, cramps and menstrual discomforts, is a diuretic, is a mild stimulant, promotes menstrual discharge. Externally as an astringent, as an aromatic.

Witch Hazel: Internally is a mild sedative. Externally as an astringent.

Yarrow: Internally to stop bleeding, for colds and fever. Externally as an astringent and an aromatic. Rumored to keep baldness at bay when used on the scalp.

Methods of Application

Decoction Mixes [herbs boiled in water]: STRONG = 1 ounce herbs to 2 pints water, simmer 10 minutes, steep 15 minutes; MODERATE = 2/3 ounce herbs to 2 pints water, simmer 10 minutes, steep 15 minutes; WEAK [Tea] = 1/3 ounce herbs to 2 pints water, simmer 8 minutes, steep 15 minutes.

Infusion Mixes [boiling water poured over herbs]: STRONG = 1 ounce herbs to 1 pint water, steep 30 minutes; MODERATE = 2/3 ounce herbs to 1 pint water, steep 20 minutes; WEAK [Tea] = 1/2 ounce herbs to 1 pint water, steep 15 minutes.

Tincture: Place 4 ounces herbs, 4 ounces water, and eight ounces 75% grain alcohol [Everclear] in container and cap very tightly. Store out of any light for two weeks. At least once a day [I do it twice] mix up the herb inside and make sure all is being saturated. At the end of two weeks, drain herbs, cap tightly, and store out of sunlight. Will store a LONG time. [I've never had a batch go bad].

Ointment: Place herbs in sesame oil over low flame until warm and oils are extracted. This process may be repeated over and over, but be careful not to heat it up too much. Drain, allow to cool, and store for external use. Will keep for approximately one month if kept in a cool dark place.

Poultice: Pour boiling water just to wet herbs, but not drown them. Place wet herbs between two sheets of cheesecloth or gauze and apply externally to affected area.

Herbs Sacred To The Druids

Alder: A druid sacred tree. A whistle made of Alder is the basis for the old superstition of whistling up the wind.

Apple, Domestic: A Druid sacred tree. Apple cider can be used as a substitute for blood.

Ash:A druid sacred tree. Druid Shamanic wands were often made of ash.

Betony: A Druid sacred herb. This was a magical herb used to expel the power of evil spirits, nightmares, and despair. It was burned at Summer Solstice for purification and protection.

Birch: A Druid sacred tree. The bark was used for purification, especially during childbirth.

Blackthorn: A Druid sacred tree. It's thorns were used in negative magic.

Broom: Also known as Scotch or Irish Broom. A Druid sacred tree. Burned at the Spring Equinox, it purified and protected.

Catnip: A Druid sacred herb. Chewed by warriors for fierceness in battle.

Cedar: A Druid sacred tree. Ancient Celts on the Mainland used cedar oil to preserve heads of enemies taken in battle. To draw Earth energy, to ground yourself place the palms of your hands against the ends of the needles.

Cherry, Wild: A Druid sacred tree. Chips of the wood or bark were burned at Celtic festivals.

Club Moss: A Druid sacred herb. Among the Celts, only a priest or priestess could gather club moss. The plants and spores were collected in July and August for use in blessings and protection.

Elder: A Druid sacred tree. Sacred to the Celtic White Lady and the Summer Solstice. The Druids used it both to bless and curse. Elder wands drive out evil and negativity. Standing under and elder tree at Midsummer, like standing in a ring of Faery Mushrooms, will help you see the Little People.

Eyebright: A Druid sacred herb that promotes clairvoyance.

Ferns: The Druids classified ferns as sacred trees. Uncurled fronds of the male fern were gathered at Midsummer, dried and carried for good luck. All ferns are powerful protective plants and faeries are especially attracted to them.

Fir, Silver: A Druid sacred tree. Also known as the Birth Tree. Burning needles or sweeping around the bed with a branch blessed and protected a mother and her new baby.

Foxglove: This is a Poisonous plant! A Druid sacred herb, associated with the Little People and Otherworld beings.

Furze: Also known as gorse or whin. A druid Sacred tree, whose flowers were associated with the Spring Equinox.

Hawthorne: A Druid sacred tree. Wands of this wood have great power.

Hazel: A Druid sacred tree. Faeries are attracted to hazel. Healing wands are made from its wood, as are water divining sticks.

Heather: A Druid sacred herb. Associated with Summer Solstice.

Holly: A Druid sacred tree, sacred to the Winter Solstice because of its red berries and evergreen leaves.

Hops: A Druid sacred herb used for sleep and healing.

Ivy, English: POISIONOUS! A Druid sacred herb. Connected with the Winter solstice.

Juniper: A druid Sacred tree. Its berries were used with thyme in incenses.

Marigold: A Druid sacred herb. The Druids believed that Marigold water made from the blossoms, then rubbed on the eyelids helped one to see faeries.

Meadowseet: One of the three most sacred hers to the Druids. The other two are mint and vervain (verbena).

Mint: A Druid sacred herb. Burning mint cleanses the area.

Mistletoe: POISIONOUS! It was the most sacred tree of the Druids, and it ruled Winter Solstice.

Mugwort: A Druid Sacred herb. Was placed in barns to protect cows from the influence of faeries. The herbs powers are strongest when picked on a Full Moon. Gather at the Summer solstice for good luck, and rub on ritual tools to increase power.

Nuts and Cones: Sacred to the Druids; very magical, especially in fertility magick. Small cones or acorns were sometimes used on the tips of wands used by the Celts.

Oak: A druid holy tree. The oak was the king of trees in the grove. Magick wands were made of its wood. Oak galls, sometimes called "Serpent Eggs", were used in magickal charms. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. The Druids and other magickal pracitioners listened to the rustling leaves and the wrens in the trees for divinatory messages.

Pine: Sacred to the Druids, the pine was known as one of the seven chieftan trees of the Irish. Burn the needles inside for purification. To purify and sanctify an outdoor ritual area, brush thr ground with a pine branch.

Rowan: Its seeds are poisonious! A Druid sacred tree and sacred to the Goddess Brigit. A very magickal tree used for wands, rods, amulets and other spell objects. A forked rowan branch can help find water. It is believed to be a powerful charm against evil spirits.

Rue: The ancient Celts considered rue an antimagickal her; it is a defense against spells and drak magic. If burned it routs negativity and gets things moving.

St. John's Wort: A Druid sacred herb. The Celts passed it through the smoke of the summer solstice fire, then wore it into battle for invincibility.The people of Scotland wore it as a charm against faery influence.

Thistle, Holy: A Druid sacred herb. Primarily for protection and strength.

Thyme: A Druid sacred herb. Repels negativity and depression.

Trefoil: Aslo known as shamrock, or searaog. A Druid sacred herb, which symbolizes all triple deities. Always leave something in payment when you take trefoil, because it is a favorite herb of the Little People and faeries. A pinch of Ginger or a little milk poured onto the ground are acceptable gifts.

Vervain or Verbena: A Druid sacred herb, common in many druididic rites and incantations. Offerings of this herb were placed on altars.

Willow: A Druid sacred tree; one of the seven sacred trees of the Irish. The willow is a Moon tree sacred to the Goddess. its grooves were considered so magickal that priests, priestesses and artisans sat among the trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills, and prophecies.

Woodruff: A Druid sacred herb which acquires its scent after drying.

Wormwoodv: An accumulative poison! A Druid sacred herb which was very magickal as well as sacred to Moon deities. Burn on Samhain to aid evocation, divination, scrying and prophecy. Combine with Mugwort for added effect.

Yew: The berries are poinsionous! A Druid sacred tree. Sacred to the Winter Solstice and deities of death and rebirth. The Irish used it to make dagger handles and bows.

I'll toss in some recipes soon