FEVERFEW
Several studies confirm feverfew’s value in preventing migraines.
How to use:
Chew two leaves a day, or take a pill or capsule containing 85 milligrams of leaf material (feverfew is quite bitter).
For tea, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup, steeped 5 to 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day.
DANDELION
Despised as a weed, dandelion can help relieve premenstrual bloating.
Preliminary studies suggest possible anti-inflammatory effects.
How to use
For tea, 1/2 ounce dried leaf per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
GINSENG
Ginseng stimulates the immune system, helps protect the liver from toxics, and increases stamina. In one animal experiment, it also increased sexual activity.
How to use:
Follow package directions for teas, capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
SLIPPERY ELM BARK
Historically used to soothe sore throats, coughs, and upset stomachs, this beneficial bark is still available in bulk and in herbal cough drops and throat lozenges.
How to use:
For tea, 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered bark per cup, boiled and simmered 15 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
GARLIC
When chewed or chopped, garlic is a potent natural antibiotic; it also has anti-viral properties. It reduces cholesterol and helps prevent the formation of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
How to use:
In food, season to taste. For tea, steep 6 cloves in a cup of cool water for 6 hours.
CHAMOMILE
This popular beverage herb can calm jangled nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers, speed their healing, and help fight infection.
How to use:
For tea, 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 to 20 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
ROSEHIPS
The “hip” is the part that remains when the petals fall off the flower. Rose hips contain vitamin C.
How to use:
For tea, 2 to 3 teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Drink as needed.
GOLDENSEAL
Studies show that this herb has antibiotic action.
How to use:
For tea, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon powdered root per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day.
DANGEROUS PLANTS NEVER EAT OR INGEST ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
Avoid experimenting with ANY the following plants.
Some of them possess highly potent medical properties and should only be used by the truly experienced witch or herbalists. Many are poisonous in part or in whole and cause serious illness or death if not used properly.
Aconite
Bittersweet
Black nightshade
Blue flag
Burning bush
Calabar bean
Calico bush
Camphor
Castor oil plant (seeds)
Celandine
Christmas rose (root)
Cowbane
Daffodils
Deadly nightshade
Dog’s mercury
Elkweed
Ergot
Flag lily
Foxglove
Gelsemium
Hemlock
Hellebore
Henbane
Holly (seeds)
Honeysuckle (vine and fruits)
Horse balm
Impatiens pallida
Indian arrowroot
Inkberry
Jack-in-the-pulpit (root)
Jerusalem cherry
Jimsonweed
Laburnum (seeds)
Laurel (seeds)
Mandrake
Mayapple (roots, leaves, seeds)
Monkshood (fine as a rub – The smallest amount is deadly if used internally)
Mistletoe (seeds)
Poinsettia Poison
Dogwood
Flag
Hemlock
Ivy
Oak
Sumac
Poke root
Rosebay
Springier tree (seeds)
Spurge
Swallow wort
Thorn apple
Tobacco (Believe it! This IS a deadly poison if concentrated and eaten)
Wahoo
Wake-robin
Water dropwort
White hemlock
White bryony
Winter rose
Wood anemone (seeds)
Yellow jasmine
Yew (seeds and berries)
HERBS FOR EVERY SIGN
Herbs can be mixed and combined to produce a “recipe” that’s just right for each of us. Since the Sun sign you were born under has such an amazing influence on your health and well-being, using the herbs that correspond with that sign alone can be a tremendous help in times of stress or illness. Here’s a short list of herbs that seem to be tailor-made for each of the signs, due to their associations with both the planetary ruler and the positive qualities of that sign.
Aries – Mars
Allspice, basil, cayenne, garlic, ginger, mustard, onion, pepper.
It’s no secret that Aries is the astrological equivalent of a bullet.
It’s a red-hot burst of energy that’s capable of overcoming any
obstacle by charging straight for it. The ruler of Aries is Mars, the “red”
planet, the ancient god of war who was known for his equally fiery
temperament. No wonder, then, the herbs that correspond with your sign
are also a bit “hot” to the taste. Use them in cooking to raise your
endorphins, the substance Mars loves best.
Taurus – Venus
Apple, apricot, blackberry, cherry, heather, hibiscus, raspberry, rose.
Taurus is the sign that’s fondest of the pleasures that life inside
these bodies can provide. Whether it’s a blazing sunset, a symphony by
Mozart, or a delicious meal, you folks are experts at enjoying the
physical delights of the senses. It’s no surprise that the herbs you’ll
enjoy most are the sweet ones, since your planet, Venus, is the
purveyor of sweetness. Use each of them to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Gemini – Mercury
Clover, eyebright, fennel, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marjoram, parsley.
Your quick-witted, fleet-footed energy just loves variety – in fact, the
expression “variety is the spice of life” was written with you in mind.
Each of these herbs provide a different type of taste, and most can be
combined in a light, aromatic tea you can sip on the run. Use clove or
slippery elm to protect against gossip and to keep your thoughts and
actions grounded.
Cancer – Moon
Aloe, lemon balm, chamomile, mimosa, lavender, lilac.
Nurturing is your business, Cancer, and you distribute your soothing
touch to one and all. There’s nothing you like better than a home that
smells good, too, whether it’s because there’s something wonderful
simmering on the stove, a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room
table, or a warm, fragrant bubble bath waiting for you upstairs. Each
of the herbs listed above are known for their ability to calm, heal, or
bring a wonderful aroma to the environment. Use aloe to soothe burns
and scrapes and chamomile for a wonderful bedtime tea.
Leo – Sun
Chicory, cinnamon, goldenseal, rosemary, St. John’s Wort, sandalwood.
Your planet is the Sun, Leo, the source of life and warmth that keeps
us all alive and provides us with the energy we need to keep pursuing our
life’s quest. It makes perfect sense, then, that the bright, cheerful
sunflower would be the perfect representation of your equally bright
and happy sign. Herbs like goldenseal and St. John’s Wort are tailor-made
for you, too, since their ability to keep the body resistant to illness
and depression are well known. Mix a bit of chicory with your morning
coffee to help remove any obstacles that come up.
Virgo – Mercury
Caraway, dill, eyebright, horehound, lily of the valley, marjoram, savory.
Your quick-thinking meticulous sign likes nothing better than a mental
challenge, Virgo, whether it’s organizing a pile of papers at the
office, solving a puzzle, or learning a new skill. The herbs listed
above are all well known for their subtle abilities to strengthen the
mind, and many can be mixed together in teas to give you a boost you
often need at the end of a long day. The lily of the valley seems
perfect for you, too, with its subtle, “clean” scent and delicate flowers.
Libra – Venus
Catnip, passion flower, persimmon, rose, sugar cane, violet.
There’s no sign as fond of pleasing others as yours, Libra, whether it’s
by saying just the right thing to bring warring factions together, or by
using your polite charm to draw the object of your desires closer. Of
course, catnip is famous for its effects on our feline friends, but its
also traditionally used in conjunction with rose petals to bring loving
relationships that last forever. Since you’re ruled by Venus, you’re
capable of being every bit as sweet as the sugar cane – but if you need
a bit of help to attract a beloved, use this potent plant (sugar cane)
that’s long been used to conjure love – sweetly.
Scorpio – Pluto/Mars
Ginseng, dill, patchouli, pomegranate, saffron, vanilla.
As fond as you are of intensity and intimacy, Scorpio, it’s no wonder
the herbs you’ll love best are famous for their use in stirring up
passion. Drink ginseng tea (or offer some to your beloved) to induce a
magnetic physical attraction. Wear patchouli to arouse lust and silently
conjure the magic of the Beltane rituals. Present the object of your
desire with a pomegranate, the fruit traditionally associated with
seductive Pluto, your ruling planet.
Sagittarius – Jupiter
Anise, clove, fig, hyssop, mugwort, myrtle, nutmeg, rosemary, sage.
There’s no sign that hangs on to youth with more fervency and
determination than yours Sagittarius. To keep that youthful appearance
and disposition going as you travel the world in search of yet another
experience, drink a tea made of anise, rosemary, and Vervain. To aid in
making your dreams more prophetic than they already are, use mugwort.
Burn clove incense to attract the wealth you’ll need to pay for your travels.
Capricorn – Saturn
Comfrey, horsetail, mint, poppy, sassafras, woodruff.
You’ve always been described as a very “focused” sign, Capricorn, intent
on self-sufficiency and material success. The influence of your planet,
Saturn, gives you the ambition and self-discipline to attain those
goals, and to ensure success and prosperity in business matters, too.
Each of the herbs mentioned above are known for their ability to attract
that success, and most can be mixed together in a tea.
Aquarius – Uranus/Saturn
Anise, bittersweet, citron, dandelion, lemon verbena, rosemary, sage.
Your sign is a cerebral one, Aquarius, and your ability to turn “odd” or
eccentric ideas into strokes of genius is well known. Since
communication (and mass communication in particular) is your specialty,
the herbs above are all associated with the air principle, which rules
the intellectual side of life. To increase your already powerful
intuition, use citron, clover, or rosemary. Above all else, listen to
that intuition. It will seldom prove to be wrong.
Pisces – Neptune/Jupiter
Aloe, bay, cotton, eucalyptus, lavender, Norfolk Island pine, rue.
As the most sensitive and psychic of all signs, Pisces, yours is the one
that requires help to ward off the adverse thoughts and intentions of
others. Since you have no boundaries to keep you separate from others,
you also need protection against negative influences. To that end, use
rue, a powerful herb known to ward off ills of every kind. To stay
positive and healthy keep a lavender plant growing either outside or inside your home.
by Amber S.
Vitamin A -Vitamin A is good for the eyes. It helps night vision and is also useful for the proper function of skin cells and mucous membranes. Found in: alfalfa herb, annato seed, dandelion, lamb’s quarters, okra pods, paprika, parsley,herb, violets, watercress.
Vitamin B1 -(also called Thiamine) This vitamin is important for growth and also for maintaining a healthy appetite. Found in: bladderwrack, dulse, fenugreek, kelp, okra, wheat germ.
Vitamin B2 -(also called Riboflavin) Vitamin B2 is essential for growing children and is part of a nutritious diet for adults. Found in: bladderwrack, dulse, fenugreek, kelp, saffron.
Vitamin B12 -Essential for normal development of red blood cells. This vitamin is used in the production of red blood cells. It is also essential for growth in children and will put healthy weight on very thin children. Found in: alfalfa, bladderwrack, dulse, kelp.
Vitamin C -Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins as it cannot be stored in the body and must be consumed daily. This vitamin is used for teeth and gums. It can be destroyed by heat, sunlight and oxygen, so it must be kept in a tightly sealed dark container. Found in: buffalo berry, burdock seed, capsicum, coltsfood, coriander, elder berries; marigold, oregano, paprika, parsley herb, rose hips, watercress.
Vitamin D -Vitamin D is essential for building strong teeth and bones. It also prevents the disease rickets. Found in: annato seed, watercress, wheat germ.
Vitamin E -Vitamin E is good for eyes and skin as well as healthy bones. Found in: alfalfa, avena sativa, bladderwrack, dandelion leaves, dulse, kelp, linseed, sesame, watercress, wheat germ.
Vitamin G –(B2) Vitamin G is an essential vitamin for a healthy diet. Found in: hydrocotyle asiatica.
Vitamin K -Vitamin K is used to help the blood clot. Found in: alfalfa herb, chestnut leaves, sheperd’s purse.
Vitamin P –(Rutin) Vitamin P is essential in the strengthening and production of the capillaries. Found in: buckwheat, german rue, paprika.
Niacin –(aB-complex vitamin) Niacin is essential to a healthy diet and prevents pellagra. Found in: alfalfa leaves, blueberry leaves, burdock seed, fenugreek, parsley herb, watercress.
| Alterative | produces a healthful change without perception |
| Anodyne | pain reliever |
| Anthelmintic | expels worms |
| Aperient | gentle laxative |
| Aromatic | stimulant; spicy |
| Astringent | Causes contractions; stops discharges |
| Antibiliouse | relieves bile |
| Antimetic | Stops vomiting |
| Antileptic | relieves fits |
| antiperiodic | arrests morbid periodic movements |
| Anthilic | prevents forming of stones in the urinary organs |
| Antirheumatic | cures rheumatism |
| Antiscorbutic | cures and prevents scurvy |
| Antiseptic | stops purification. |
| Antispasmodic | relieves and prevents spasms |
| Antisyphilitic | cures venereal diseases |
| Carminative | expels gas |
| Cathartic | expels from the bowels |
| Cephalic | remedies used in diseases of the head |
| Cholagogue | Increases the flow of bile |
| Condiment | improves the flavor of food |
| Demulcent | soothing, relieves inflammation |
| Deobstruent | removes obstructions |
| Depurative | blood purifier |
| Detergent | Cleanses boils, ulcers, wounds, etc. |
| Diaphoretic | produces perspiration |
| Discutiend | heals tumors |
| Diuretic | Increases secretion and flow of urine |
| Emetic | promotes vomiting |
| Emmenagogue | promotes menstruation |
| Emollient | softens and soothes inflammation |
| Esculent | edible as food |
| Exanthematous | remedy for skin eruptions and diseases |
| Expectorant | causes expectoration (coughing) |
| Febrifuge | ends and reduces fevers. |
| Hepatic | for liver diseases |
| Herpatic | for skin diseases of all types |
| Laxative | Promotes bowel action |
| Lithontryptic | Dissolves calculi in the urinary organs. |
| Naturating | ripens and brings boils to a head |
| Mucilaginous | Soothing to inflammation |
| Nauseant | produces vomiting |
| Nervine | acts on the nervous system; stops nervous excitement |
| Opthalmicum | for eye diseases. |
| Parturient | induces and promotes labor at childbirth |
| Pectoral | for chest affections |
| Refrigerant | cooling |
| Resolvent | destroys tumors and boils |
| Rubifacient | increases circulation and produces red skin |
| Sedative | a nerve tonic; promotes sleep |
| Sialogogue | Increases secretion of saliva |
| Stomatic | Strengthens the stomach. Relieves indigestion. |
| Styptic | stops bleeding |
| Sudorific | produces profuse perspiration |
| Tonic | invigorating and strengthening. |
| Vermifuge | expels worms from the system |
by AmberSkyfire
Please refer to the herbs in the list for dosages and instructions
before attempting to take the herb. Some herbs are poisonous!
Aches: rosemary
Acne: rosemary, thyme, witch-hazel
Allergies: nettle
Amenorrhea: chaste tree berry
Antibacterial: lemon, thyme
Antibiotic: calendula, comfrey, garlic, marigold, mullein, raspberry, sweet woodruff, thyme, tumeric
Antiseptic: lavender, lemon, marigold, mint, pine, sweet woodruff, thyme
Antiviral: thyme
Anxiety: valerian
Aphrodisiac: coriander, damiana, hibiscus, lavender
Arthritis: ash leaves, bladderwrack, buckbean, nettles, parsley, rosemary, yarrow
Asthma: coltsfoot, ephedra, ginseng, lobelia, mint, mullein, nettle, sage, wild yam
Astringent: raspberry, rosemary, yarrow
Back Pain: yarrow
Baldness: wild cherry
Bed Wetting: St. Johnswort
Bile: balmony
Bladder: basil, broom, buchu, cornsilk, elder, parsley, saw palmetto, sheep sorrel, shepherd’s purse
Blood: bee balm, burdock, cayenne, chervil, chives, garlic, ginger, ginseng, nettle, plantain, red clover, sheep sorrel, strawberry, valerian, yarrow
Bones: boneset
Breath: lemon
Bronchitis: bay, borage, fenugreek, ginseng, horehound, prickly lettuce, lobelia, peppermint, sage, wild yam
Bruises: burdock
Burns: aloe vera, burdock, lavender, marigold
Cancer: garlic, ginseng, parsley, sheep sorrel, violet
Catarrh: blackcurrant leaves, goldenseal, prickly lettuce, mullein, peppermint, sage
Cellulite: lemon, rosemary
Chapping: marigold
Chest: bay, borage, calendula, cayenne, coltsfoot, ephedra, hollyhock, Irish moss, prickly lettuce, lobelia, lungwort, mullein, pansy, peppermint, sage, solomon’s seal, thyme
Childbirth: raspberry
Chills: cayenne, lavender, lemon
Circulation: mint
Cold: basil, bay, black pepper, blue mallow, cayenne, coltsfoot, elder, hollyhock, Irish moss, lavender, mint, mullein, oregano, pansy, peppermint, pine, sage, slippery elm, thyme, yarrow
Colic: anise, dill, spearmint
Cough: agrimony, bee balm, blackcurrant leaves, blue mallow, boneset, ginseng, horehound, lungwort, mullein, rosemary, slippery elm, thyme
Cramps: basil, bee balm, birch, blackberry, black cohosh, black haw, chaste tree berry, cramp bark, ginger, parsley, pennyroyal, raspberry leaves
Dandruff: sage
Depression: borage, catclaw, cayenne, ginseng, lavender, rosemary, St. Johnswort
Detergent: balmony
Diabetes: ginseng, rosemary
Diarrhea: blackberry, cinnamon
Digestion: agrimony, allspice, anise, aven’s herb, balmony, caraway, cardamom, chervil, cloves, coriander, fennel, ginger, ground ivy, lemon, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, senna leaves, spearmint, thyme, tumeric
Diuretic: thyme
Dysentery: cinnamon
Earache: garlic
Eczema: marigold
Eliminate Toxins: apple, coltsfoot, shepherd’s purse
Exhaustion: catclaw, St. Johnswort, thyme, vitamin B12
Expectorant: bugloss, pine
External Bleeding: cayenne
Eyes: eyebright, greater celandine
Face: brewer’s yeast flower
Fatigue: ginseng, mint, nettle, rosemary
Female Problems: blackberry
Fever: balm, birch, blackcurrant leaves, boneset, borage, calendula, cleavers, elder, ginseng, lemon balm, lemon verbena, marigold, plantain, sage, thyme
Flu: basil, black pepper, boneset, calendula, cayenne, elder, lavender, marigold, mint, rosemary, sage
Gall Stones: broom, cleavers
Gas: bay, cinnamon, dill, ginseng, mint
Gastrointestinal Problems: chamomile
Gout: ash leaves, burdock, burr marigold, strawberry
Gravel: cleavers
Gums: myrrh
Hair: lemon, nettle, rosemary, sage, wild cherry
Headache: birch, cayenne, chamomile, ginger, lavender, lemon, lemon verbena, mint, rosemary, sage, skullcap, thyme, valerian
Heart: cayenne, ginseng, pansy
Heartburn: ginseng
Hemorrhage: shepherd’s purse
Hemorrhoids: witch hazel
Hiccoughs (hiccups): mint
Hot Flashes: black cohosh
Hypertension: lemon
Hysteria: chamomile, tansy
Immune System: ginseng, lavender
Impotence: ginseng
Induce Perspiration: angelica, balm, calendula, lemon balm
Infection: garlic, thyme, yarrow
Inflammation: bugloss, marigold, mint, tumeric
Insect Bites: lavender, lemon, parsley, plantain, witch hazel
Insect Repellent: chamomile, lavender flowers, myrrh, pennyroyal, thyme
Insomnia: lavender, valerian
Internal Bleeding: cayenne
Jaundice: balmony, greater celandine, marigold
Joints: garlic, St. Johnswort, yarrow
Kidneys: angelica, corn silk, elder, ground ivy, parsley, purslane, sheep sorrel, shepherd’s purse
Kidney Stones: birch
Lactation: blessed thistle,caraway, fennel
Laxative: boneset. garlic
Liver: bee balm, buckbean, costmary, goldenrod
Lungs: mint,shepherd’s purse
Menopause: black cohosh, black haw, chaste tree berry, licorice, wild yam
Menstruation: basil, bee balm, birch, blackberry, chaste tree berry, ginger, marigold, pennyroyal, raspberry leaves,tumeric, valerian
Memory: ginko bilboa, rosemary
Miscarriage: black haw
Morning Sickness: tansy
Mouth: blackberry, sage, thyme, witch hazel
Muscles: arnica, pine, rosemary, sage, St. Johnswort, witch hazel, yarrow
Mucus: coltsfoot, comfrey, fennel, fenugreek, prickly lettuce, mullein, pansy, peppermint, sage
Nausea: bee balm, cloves, ginger, rose
Nervousness: valerian
Nettle Rash: nettles
Nosebleed: lemon, nettle
Ovulation: chaste tree berry
Pain Reliever: capsaicin, ginger, ginseng, valerian, willow, yarrow
Parasites: garlic
Piles: lesser celandine, pilewort, witch hazel
PMS: chaste tree berry, valerian
Prolonged Life: ginseng
Prostate: saw palmetto
Rheumatism: birch, bladderwrack, ground ivy, marigold, mint, rosemary, thyme
Scours: purslane
Sedative: anise, black cohosh, celery, chamomile, chicory, lavender, lemon verbena, prickly lettuce, sage, skullcap, valerian, violet
Skin: buckbean, chicory, Irish moss, lemon, marigold, mint, red clover, rosemary, sage, slippery elm, witch hazel
Spleen: bee balm
Sprains: marigold, parsley, rosemary
Stiffness: ginger
Stimulant: angelica, ginseng, rosemary
Stomach: fennel, goldenrod, lemon verbena, mint, pennyroyal, shepherd’s purse
Strength: garlic
Stress: garlic, ginseng
Styptic: aven’s herb
Sunburn: comfrey
Swelling: burdock, pine, yarrow
Teeth: cloves, garlic
Throat: bee balm, blackberry, blackcurrant leaves, horehound, lemon, rose, sage, thyme
Tonics: agrimony, aven’s herb, balmony, black pepper, buckbean, bugloss, cleavers, dandelion, ginseng, rosemary, violet, yarrow
Toothache: cloves, mint
Uterus: basil, bee balm, birch, blackberry, black cohosh, black haw, chaste tree berry, cramp bark, ginger, pennyroyal, raspberry leaves, shepherd’s purse
Varicose Veins: marigold, mint
Vitamins: burdock, strawberry, violet
Warts: bananna peel, dandelion, garlic, lemon, thyme
Weakness: ginseng
Weight Loss: ephedra
Whooping Cough: mouse ear, thyme
Worms: balmony, pumpkin seed, tansy, thyme, wormwood
Wounds: aloe vera, calendula, comfrey, ginseng, Irish moss, lavender, rosemary, witch hazel
Wrinkles: lemon
Herbs Listed by Magical Intention
by AmberSkyfire
Anger– alyssum
Animal Magic – cloth of gold
Anti-Theft – Garlic, Juniper,
Arthritis – buckeye
Astral Projection – belladonna, Dittany of Crete
Awareness – anise
Balance – Holly, pine
Banishing – black salt
Beauty – aloe, Avocado, Catnip, Flax, Ginseng, Maidenhair, marigold, passion flower
Binding – black salt, dragon’s blood
Birth – Birch
Blessings – elder flowers, lemon, myrrh
Bullet-Proofing – edelweiss
Business – cinnamon, marigold
Calling Spirits – Dandelion
Calm – valerian
Catalysts – Dragon’s Blood, Mandrake, Mistletoe
Cat Magic – Catnip
Centering – chamomile, pine
Chastity – cactus, camphor, Coconut, Cucumber, Fleabane, Hawthorn, Ivy, witch hazel
Clarity – jasmine
Cleansing – anise, black salt, cinnamon, collander, pine
Comfort – cypress
Confidence – marigold
Consecration – myrrh, sage
Contemplation – myrrh
Courage – basil, Black Cohosh, Borage, Columbine, garlic, Mullein, Ragweed, Rose, Sweet pea, Thyme, Yarrow
Depression – jasmine
Desire – ginseng
Determination – allspice
Divination – Black Willow, bracken, Broom, buckeye, camphor, Cherry, Clove, Corn, Dandelion, Dodder, Fig, Goldenrod, Ground Ivy, Hibiscus, Ivy, Jasmine, Meadowsweet, mugwort, Orris, rose, yarrow
Dogs – Houndstongue,
Dreams – Anise, bay, bracken, buchu, camphor, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, clary sage, Heliotrope, Holly, Huckleberry, Jasmine, Juniper, lavender, life everlasting flowers, Marigold, Mugwort, Yarrow
Eloquence – aspen
Employment – Devil’s Shoestring, Lucky Hand, Pecan
Energy – allspice, blessed thistle, dragon’s blood, marigold, myrrh, pennyroyal
Escape – Celandine
Evil – arabic gum
Exorcism – angelica, arbutus, Asafoetida, Avens, basil, bean, birch, boneset, buckthorn, clove, clover, Cumin, Devil’s Bit, Dragon’s Blood, Elder, Fern, Fleabane, Frankincense, Fumitory, Garlic, Heliotrope, Horehound, Horseradish, Juniper, myrrh, St. Johnswort
Faeries and Elves – Daisy, elder flowers, Foxglove, Ragweed, Shamrock, Wood Sorrel
Familiars – catnip
Favors – chicory
Fear – yarrow
Fertility – agaric, banana, basil, bistort, bodhi, carrot, Chickweed, Cuckoo Flower, Cucumber, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Dock, Fig, Geranium, Ginseng, Grape, Hawthorn, Hazel, Horsetail, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Oak, Patchouli, Poppy, Rice, sage, Sunflower, Wheat
Fidelity – Chili Pepper, clover, Cumin, Ivy,
Finding Treasure – Cowslip
Fire – cinquefoil, mistletoe
Fishing Magick – Cotton, Hawthorn,
Flying – basil
Focus – myrrh
Friendship – catnip, Lemon, Loveseed, passion flower, rose, Sweet pea, valerian
Gambling – Devil’s Shoestring, High John,
Gardening – Grapes,
Good Luck – Allspice, Aloe, bamboo, banyan, be-still, Bluebell, buckeye, cabbage, calamus root, caper, China Berry, Cinchona, Clover, Corn, Cotton, Daffodil, Daisy, Devil’s Shoestring, Dill, Eryngo, Fern, Goldenrod, Grains of paradise, Hazel, Heather, Holly, Honeysuckle, Houseleek, Huckleberry, Irish Moss, Job’s Tears, Moss, Nutmeg, Rose, Sandalwood, Strawberry, Violet
Gossip – collander
Happiness – adam and eve roots, Catnip, Celandine, Cyclamen, Hawthorn, High John, Hyacinth, Lavender, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Saffron, Witch Grass
Harmony – Dulse, valerian
Healing – adder’s tongue, Allspice, amaranth, Anemone, Angelica, Apple, balm of Gilead, barley, Bay, Bittersweet, Blackberry, bracken, Burdock, calamus, camphor, Carnation, Cedar, chamomile, cinnamon, Citron, comfrey, Coriander, Cotton, Cowslip, Cucumber, Cypress, Dock, Elder, Eucalyptus, fennel, Flax, Gardenia, Garlic, Ginseng, Goat’s Rue, Goldenseal, Groundsel, Heliotrope, Hemp, Henna, Hops, Horehound, Horse Chestnut, Hyssop, Ivy, Job’s Tears, Lemon Balm, marjoram, Mint, Mugwort, Myrrh, nettle, Oak, Peppermint, Pine, Potato, Rose, Rosemary, sage, Sandalwood, Thistle, Thyme, Violet, Willow
Health – Anemone, Ash, Caraway, carob, cinquefoil, Coriander, Fern, Figwort, Galangal Root, Geranium, Ginseng, Goat’s Rue, Groundsel, Hops, Juniper, Marjoram, Mistletoe, Nutmeg, Oak, Rose, Thyme
Heartache – witch hazel
Heart Chakra – Jasmine,
Hexes – angelica, bamboo, blessed thistle, Chicory, Datura, Galangal Root, Huckleberry, Hydrangea,
Home – passion flower
Hunting – Fuzzy weed
Image Magic – briony
Immortality – sage, apples
Invincibility – St. Johnswort
Invisibility – amaranth, Chicory, Edelweiss, Heliotrope,
Joy – anise, blessed thistle, catnip
Knot Magick – Dodder
Legal Matters – Buckthorn, cascara sagrada, Celandine, Hickory, Marigold
Lightening – Hazel, Holly, Mistletoe
Longevity – coriander, Cypress, lavender, sage
Love – adam and eve roots, Apple, Apricot, Almond, aster, avens, avocado, bachelor’s buttons, balm of Gilead, Barley, Basil, bean, bedstraw, beet, betony, Black Cohosh, bleeding heart, bloodroot, Brazil Nut, caraway, Cardamon, catnip, Chamomile, Cherry, Chestnut, Chickweed, Chicory, Cinnamon, cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Coltsfoot, Columbine, Copal, Coriander, Crocus, Cubeb, Cuckoo Flower, Daffodil, Daisy, Damiana, Devil’s Bit, Dodder, Dogbane, Dragon’s Blood, Duchman’s Breeches, Elecampane, Elm, Endive, Eryngo, Fig, Fuzzy weed, Gardenia, Gentian, Geranium, Ginger, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hemp, Hibiscus, High John, Houseleek, Hyacinth, Indian paintbrush, Jasmine, Joe-Pye Weed, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, marigold, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, mugwort, Orange, Plum, Poppy, Raspberry, Rose, Rosemary, Senns, Strawberry, Tansy, Thyme, Valerian, Vanilla, Violet, Willow, Yarrow
Lucid Dreaming – jasmine
Luck – (see GOOD LUCK)
Lust – avocado, caper, caraway, cardamon , carrot, cattail, Celery, Cinnamon, Cyclamen, Daisy, Damiana, Deerstongue, Devil’s Bit, Dill, Dulse, Endive, Eryngo, Galangal root, Garlic, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hemlock, Hibiscus, Jasmine,
Manifestations – balm of Gilead, Dittany of Crete
Marriage – yarrow
Meditation – bodhi, Gotu Kola, Hemp, myrrh
Mental Powers – chamomile, Caraway, Celery, Eyebright, Grape, Horehound, Rosemary, Walnut
Memory – caraway
Money and Wealth – alfalfa, Almond, Basil, Blackberry, bladderwrack, blessed thistle, blue flag, briony, bromeliad, buckeye, buckwheat, calamus, camellia, cascara sagrada, cashew, Cedar, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, collander, Comfrey, Dill, Dock, fennel, Fenugreek, Fern, Flax, Fumitory, Galangal root, Ginger, Goldenrod, Goldenseal, Gorse, Grains of Paradise, Grape, Heliotrope, High John, Honesty, Honeysuckle, Horse Chestnut, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Lucky Hand, Mint, Moss, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Oak, Orange, orange bergamot, Patchouli, Pine, Rice, sage, Snapdragon, Tea, Vervain Wheat
Nature – pine
Negativity – arabic gum, collander, yarrow
New Beginnings – birch
Nightmares – anise, lavender, thyme
Obstacles – Chicory
Offerings – hawthorn berries, lavender
Passion – caraway, cinnamon
Peace – aloe, chamomile, coriander, Eryngo, Gardenia, Lavender, Meadowsweet, myrrh, passion flower, Pennyroyal, valerian, Violet
Poppets – black salt, grave dirt, mandrake
Potency – banana, bean, Black Cohosh, caper, Dragon’s Blood
Power – cinnamon, cinquefoil, Club Moss, Devil’s Shoestring, Ebony, Gentian, Ginger, hawthorn berries, mint
Productivity – pine
Prophecy – camphor, cinquefoil
Prosperity – alfalfa, Almond, Ash, Banana, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, chamomile, Elder, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oak, Poppy, Tulip
Protection – Acacia, agrimony, agure root, Alyssum, Aloe, althea, amaranth, Anemone, Angelica, Anise, arbutus, asafoetida, Ash, balm of Gilead, bamboo, barley, Basil, Bay, bean, betony, Birch, bittersweet, Blackberry, Black Cohosh, Black Hellebore, bladderwrack, bloodroot, Blueberry, bodhi, boneset, briony, bromeliad, Broom, Buckthorn, buckwheat, burdock, cactus, calamus, Caraway, Carnation, carob, cascara sagrada, Castor, Cedar, Celandine, chamomile, Chrysanthemum, Cinchona, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Club Moss, Coconut, collander, Comfrey, coriander, Corn, Cotton, Cumin, Curry, Cyclamen, Cypress, Datura, Devil’s Bit, Devil’s Shoestring, Dill, Dogwood, dragon’s blood, Ebony, Elder, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Euphorbia, Fennel, Fern, Feverfew, Figwort, Flax, Fleabane, Foxglove, Frankincense, Galangal root, Garlic, Geranium, Ginseng, Grass, Gorse, Gourd, Grain, Grass, Hazel, Heather, High John, Holly, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Houseleek, Huckleberry, Hyacinth, Hyssop, Irish Moss, Ivy, Juniper, Juniper berries, lavender, life everlasting flowers, Lilac, Mandrake, Marigold, marjoram, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mulberry, Mullein, myrrh, nettle, Oak, Olive, passion flower, Pine, Primrose, Raspberry, Rice, Rose, Rosemary, Rue, Sandalwood, Spanish Moss, Sunflower, Thistle, Valerian, Violet, White Sage, Willow, witch hazel, wormwood
Psychic Ability – acacia, Angelica, althea, anise, Bay, bistort, bladderwrack, Borage, bracken, buchu, camphor, Celery, Cinnamon, Citron, collander, Deerstongue, Elecampane, Eyebright, Fennel, Flax, Galangal root, Grass, High John, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Marigold, Mugwort, Rose, Thyme, Yarrow
Purification – Anise, arabic gum, asafoetida, avens, Bay, benzoin, betony, birch, bloodroot, Broom, Cedar, Chamomile, Clove, Coconut, Copal, dragon’s blood, Euphorbia, Fennel, frankincense, Horseradish, Hyssop, Iris, Juniper, Lavender, lemon, life everlasting flowers, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Valerian, Vervain, White Sage
Rain – Cotton, Fern, Heather,
Reconciliation – bean
Recuperation – rosemary
Relationships – basil
Relaxation – chamomile
Remembrance – mullein, rosemary
Respect – Joe-Pye Weed,
Scrying – mugwort
Seasickness – pennyroyal
Self-esteem – jasmine
Sex – blessed thistle, Jasmine,
Sleep – agrimony, Chamomile, Cinquefoil, clary sage, Datura, Elder, Hops, Lavender, passion flower, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Vervain
Snakes– Centaury, Horsetail,
Spirit Questing – Juniper,
Spirits – wormwood
Spirituality – blessed thistle, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Gardenia, Heather, Myrrh, Sandalwood, violet
Staffs – blessed thistle
Strength – Bay, Carnation, hawthorn berries, mint, Mugwort, Mulberry, Thistle
Strengthening Spells – Echinacea
Success – aloe, Cinnamon, Clover, Ginger, High John, Mistletoe, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla
Tension – jasmine
Theft – aspen, caraway, juniper berries
Thought – jasmine, myrrh, pennyroyal
Travel – Comfrey, Eryngo
Truth – bluebell
Understanding – passion flower
Understanding Animal Languages – cloth of gold
Visions – angelica, bay leaf, Coltsfoot, Crocus, Damiana, Hemp, juniper berries
Wands – blessed thistle
War – High John,
Warts – bean
Weather – bladderwrack, broom, garlic, yarrow
Wisdom – almond, bay leaf, Bodhi, cinquefoil, Iris, Sage, Sunflower
Wishes – Bamboo, Beech, Buckthorn, Dandelion, Dogwood, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hazel, Job’s Tears, lavender, Sage, Sandalwood, Sunflower, Violet
Youth – Cowslip, Fern, life everlasting flowers
by Amber S.
When studying herbology within witchcraft, it is important to learn about how plants work and the best ways to gather our stores, whether they come from wild plants or plants in our garden. There is more to herbs and trees than meets the eye.
All things have a soul: rocks, trees, animals and people. The soul is the energy of an object that exists in the same place and time as the physical body. Things that exist on the physical plane can be seen on the astral plane because of their energy. When you remove part of a plant, it is customary and proper to ask before you take any part of it and thank the plant once you have finished.
Plants that you grow and raise in your garden do not need to be asked for their permission to take leaves and flowers. Because they depend on you for protection and sustenance, you can remove what you need when you need it. It is an understood relationship between the grower and the plants. They give their leave and fruit in exchange for protection and care. Prayers and spells should be said over the crop at significant times such as planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting.
Wild plants are a little different. these plants are dependant on themselves for their health and survival. When you remove part of a plant, you must first ask the plant. Do this by closing your eyes and imagine just for a moment what you want from the tree. Normally, you will get no answer in return or a feeling of acceptance, in which case, you may remove what you need. Occasionally, however, you will receive a feeling of mistrust or an uncomfortable feeling telling you that you may not remove any part of the plant, in which case, you must move on.
| When gathering wild herbs:- Never remove the bark from a tree. Bark covers a tree to keep out disease and fungus just the way our skin does for us. removing the bark can result in infection and the death of the tree. If you need bark for a recipe, remove twigs instead and strip the bark from the removed twigs with a knife. – Try not to remove the entire plant. If possible, take only a few leaves or flowers and move on. -Always ask a plant before you remove any part of it. -Always thank plants after you have taken from them. |
Plants are very sacred to witches. All plants should be given homage when we take something from them. There are many different ways of giving thanks. Any act of devotion is acceptable. Traditionally, gifts of apple cider, milk, honey, tobacco, or prayer are given. You can also give shiny coins or fertilizer as a gift. If you have nothing to give, a prayer for the health and well-being of the plant is more than sufficient. Leaving gifts for the tree spirits is also a good thank-you idea. Fairies enjoy music. Performing a song and dance for them is also a good thing to do if you have not brought any gifts with you.
Long ago, before many herbs were known by their present names, many herbs that were used by people in the country for medicines and food were called by common names which were usually based on what the herb or its flower, leaves, roots, or seeds looked like. These names have flowered modern stories of witches creating a brew of batswing, rat’s tail, and lady’s finger. These were not the actual ingredients of the potions, but rather common names used to describe what each herb resembled. Below is a list of old herb names.
| Modern Name | Olde English Name |
| Adder’s Tongue | Serpent’s Tongue |
| Agaric | Death Angel |
| Agrimony | Church Steeples |
| Ague Root | Crow Corn |
| Alyssum | Madwort |
| Amaranth | Red Cock’s Comb |
| American Valerian | Ram’s Head |
| Ash Weed | Goat’s Foot |
| Aster | Eyes |
| Asafoetida | Devil’s Dung |
| Avens Herb | Harefoot, Golden Star |
| Bachelor’s Button | Devil’s Flower |
| Basil | Witches Herb |
| Bay laurel | Blue Jay |
| Bear’s Breech | Gall blood from a shoulder |
| Belladonna | Devil’s Cherries |
| Betony | Lamb’s Ear |
| Bistort | Snakeweed, Dragon scales |
| Black Haw | King’s Crown |
| Bladderwack | Sea Spirit |
| Briony | Snake Grape |
| Bromeliad | Earthstar |
| Buckthorn | Bone of an ibis |
| Bugleweed | Wolf Foot |
| Burdock | Beggar’s Buttons |
| Calmus | Sweet Flag |
| Carrot | Bird’s Nest |
| Cedar | Kronos Blood |
| Celandine | Devil’s Milk |
| Chamomile | Blood of Hestia |
| Cherry tree gum | Brains |
| Chickweed | Tongue Grass |
| Cinquefoil | Five Fingers |
| Clover | Semen of Ares |
| Club Moss | Wolfclaw, foxtail |
| Coltsfoot | Coltsfoot |
| Comfrey | Ear of an Ass |
| Common Plantain | Englishman’s Foot |
| Couch Grass | Dog |
| Cowslip | Fairy’s Cup |
| Cranesbill | Crow’s Foot |
| Dandelion | Lion’s tooth, Priest’s crown |
| Dandelion Leaves | Swine’s snout |
| Datura | Witch’s thimble, Devil’s apple |
| Dill | Semen of Hermes |
| Dill Juice | Tears of a Hamadryas Baboon |
| Dill Seed | Hair of a Hamadryas Baboon |
| Dodder | Witches Hair, Devil’s guts |
| Earth Apple | from the belly |
| Elder Sap | blood |
| Euphorbia | Wolf’s milk |
| Fenugreek | bird’s foot |
| Fern | Skin of man |
| Foxglove | Foxglove, bloody fingers |
| Garlic, Wild | Eagle |
| Geranium, Wild | Dove’s Foot |
| Germander | Bird’s eye |
| Golden Seal | Indian dye |
| Goosegrass | Gosling Wing |
| Great Mullein | Hares Beard |
| Ground Ivy | Cat’s foot |
| Hart’s Tongue Fern | Horse’s tongue |
| Hawkweed | hawk |
| Heliotrope | cherry pie |
| Henbane | devil’s eye |
| Holly Leaf | Bat’s Wings |
| Honeysuckle | Goat’s Leaf |
| Hops | Nightingale |
| Horehound | Bull’s blood |
| Horsetail | Paddock Pipes |
| Hound’s tongue | dog’s tongue |
| Houseleek | from the foot |
| Hydrangea | Seven barks |
| Indian Paintbrush | Snake’s friend |
| Knotweed | sparrow’s tongue |
| Lady’s mantle | bear’s foot |
| Lavender | Elf Leaf |
| Lettuce | Lamb |
| Leopard’s bane | pig’s tail |
| Lupine | Blood from a head |
| May Apple | Duck’s Foot |
| Molukka | Fairies’ Eggs |
| Moss | Bat’s Wool |
| Mugwort | Old Man |
| Mulberry tree sap | blood of a goose |
| Mullein | graveyard dust |
| Mustard | Semen of Heracles |
| Ox Eye Daisy | Great Ox Eye |
| Pansy | Bird’s eye |
| Parsley | Devil’s Oatmeal |
| Pennyroyal | Organ Tea |
| Peony | Woodpecker |
| Periwinkle | Devil’s Eye |
| Pimpernel | Poorman’s Weatherglass |
| Pine Cones | Teeth |
| Plantain | Adder’s Tongue |
| Poppy | Blind eyes |
| Purslane | Blood of Ares |
| Ragwort | Fairies Horses |
| Resin of Draco Palm | Dragon’s Blood |
| Rosemary | Elf Leaf |
| Rowan | Thor’s Helper |
| Rue | Weasel |
| Sage | Toad |
| Shepherd’s Purse | Shepherd’s Heart |
| Skullcap Mushroom | Skull |
| Snapdragon | Dog’s Mouth, Calf’s Snout |
| Spurge | Fat from a head |
| St. Johnswort | Goat’s Ears |
| Tamarisk | Blood of an eye |
| Tansy | Buttons |
| Toadflax | Dragon Bushes |
| Tormentil | Flesh and Blood |
| Tongue of a Turnip | Lion’s hair |
| Turnip Sap | Man’s bile |
| Valerian | Rat, Capon’s Tail |
| Walnut | Heart |
| White Hellebore | Semen of Helios |
| Wild Lettuce | Titan’s blood |
| Wolfs bane | wolf’s hat |
| Woodruff | master of the woods |
| Wormwood | Crown for a King, Old woman |
| Wormwood seed | hawk’s heart |
| Yarrow | Devil’s nettle, Nosebleed |
Our minds are constantly active, always jumping from thought to thought, emotion to emotion. Getting in touch with the nonlocal intelligence, the universal soul that lies within us and is part of us all, requires finding a way past the fog of distracting thoughts that typically hide it from us. We cannot fight our way through a real fog.
If we are quiet, we encounter moments of pure silence, and through these gaps we can glimpse the deeper level of the soul. Each glimpse increases our understanding, and eventually our consciousness becomes expanded.
Controlling the flood of thoughts is very difficult for most people. Beginners can sometime become very frustrated, but frustration is just another thought, another emotion that gets in the way. The goal is to release all thoughts, quietly, passively.
A common way to begin meditation is to gently focus on one thing so that it becomes more difficult for stray thoughts to enter your mind.
To begin a breathing mediation, find a comfortable position. Sit in a comfortable chair, with your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands in your lap with the palms facing upward. Close your eyes and begin witnessing your breath. Observe the inflow and outflow of your breath without attempting to control it in any way.
You may find that your breathing spontaneously gets faster or slower, deeper or shallower, and may even pause for a time. Observe the changes without resistance or anticipation. Whenever your attention drifts away from your breath to a sound in the environment, or a sensation in your body, or a thought in your mind, gently return your awareness to your breathing.
Once a person becomes comfortable with simply sitting quietly and focusing on breathing, I recommend adding a mantra, which creates a mental environment that will allow you to expand your consciousness.
Adapted from The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press).
The purpose of meditation is to stop thinking for a time, wait for the fog of thought to thin, and glimpse the spirit within. Controlling the flood of thoughts is very difficult for most people. Beginners can sometimes become very frustrated, but frustration is just another thought, another emotion that gets in the way. The goal is to release all thoughts, quietly, passively.
A common way to begin meditation is to gently focus on one thing so that it becomes more difficult for stray thoughts to enter your mind. I like to start with a breathing meditation.
To begin meditation, find a comfortable position. Sit in a comfortable chair, with your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands in your lap with the palms facing upward. Close your eyes and begin witnessing your breath. Observe the inflow and outflow of your breath without attempting to control it in any way. You may find that your breathing spontaneously gets faster or slower, deeper or shallower, and may even pause for a time. Observe the changes without resistance or anticipation. Whenever your attention drifts away from your breath to a sound in the environment, or a sensation in your body, or a thought in your mind, gently return your awareness to your breathing.
This is the basic mediation. Once a person becomes comfortable with simply sitting quietly and focusing on breathing, I recommend adding a mantra, which creates a mental environment that will allow you to expand your consciousness.
In the ever changing dance of life today celebrates ‘Sadie Hawkins Day,’ a pseudo-holiday created by cartoonist Al Capp in his classic comic strip ‘Lil Abner.’ In the fictional town of Dogpatch, on this one day of the year women could ask a potential partner to take them on a date in pursuit of a marriage proposal. If you’re gathering the courage to ask someone you’re smitten with to attend an event with you, then be sure to take two drops of Mimulus flower essence under the tongue. Mimulus supports the energies of courage and confidence and aids them both in facing life’s challenges. It also energetically offers a sense of calm, especially if shyness is a concern. Two drops under the tongue six times a day will do the job. After all, it takes two to tango. Just ask Sadie and her suitors!
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Witches Of The Craft® 
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