“SOME” HERB’S KNOWN TO BE DANGEROUS TO PREGNANT WOMEN
ANGELICA Contains sterols and saponins in doses too high for safety during pregnancy. BLACKBERRY and RASPBERRY BLACK COHOSHand BLUE COHOSH Burdock CHAMOMILE CINNAMON OIK COW PARSNIP (YERBA DEL OSO) HTSSOP MISTLETOE MUGWORT PENNYROYAL Peony RUE SHEPERD’S PURSE THYME OIL UNICORN ROOT VERVAIN WORMWOOD YARROW
From the Website, Coven of the Goddess.com
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Working & Healing with Herbs |
| There are two basic ways a witch can use herbs in her healing practices: * For medicinal purposes * For magical purposes These methods may overlap, as herbs may be simultaneously used for medicinal and magical purposes. The ways in which herbs are prepared and used may also overlap, as herbal oils, incense, and teas may be used for both medicinal and magical purposes. Medicinal Herbs Herbalists today rely on both ancient wisdom and the knowledge of modern science. There remains, however, a reverence for the plant and herbs are never used without first understanding their effects. Some herbs have immediate effect on the body and many can be toxic. Herbal Applications Herbal Teas There are two basic methods to prepare herbal teas: When making an herbal tea, it is standard to use one ounce of dried herb, either alone or in formula, to each pint of water (or 1 Tbsp. per 8 oz. water). The standard therapeutic dosage of the tea is one-half cup tea, 3x per day. Herbal Compresses & Poultices A poultice is made by powdering or macerating fresh or dried herbs and applying them directly to the affected area. Alternately, you can also create a plaster by placing the herbs between two layers of linen or cotton. Herbal Oils & Tinctures To create an oil extract, the herbs are prepared by macerating them and then adding olive or sweet almond oils (about one pint to 2 oz. herb). The mixture is then allowed to stand in a warm place for three days, or, a faster method is to heat the oil and herbs in a saucepan for at least an hour. In either method, the herbs are then strained off and the oil is bottled, preferably in a dark bottle to keep the oil from oxidizing too quickly. Essential oils are easily purchased at any of the above locations or metaphysical stores like Herbs & Arts. They vary in expense and quality; you should always make sure to get the essential oil of the plant rather than anything synthetic. Most essential oils, with the exception of lavender and tea tree oils, need to be diluted in a carrier oil before they are applied to the skin. Sweet almond, jojoba, or apricot kernel are good choices for a carrier oil although in a pinch you can substitute olive oil or even good ‘ole vegetable oil. One nice way to use essential oils is in a diffuser. A diffuser gently heats the oil and allows the scent to spread out throughout the space. I prefer diffusers to incense because they do not burn the herbs, which creates smoke. Essential oils are excellent for aromatherapy, one form of herbal healing. Tinctures are similar to oils except that alcohol is used to extract the herbal ingredients. It is relatively easy to make tinctures at home by combining 4 oz. of powdered or cut herb with one pint of vodka, brandy, gin, or rum. Shake daily, allowing the herbs to extract for about two weeks. Let the herbs settle and then pour off the tincture, straining through a fine cloth or filter. It is best to put up a tincture at the new moon and strain it off on the full moon to take advantage of the drawing power of the waxing moon. Tinctures are also readily purchased at any of the above locations. Some are made without alcohol and most are standardized. Like oils, tinctures should be stored in dark bottles and administered with an eyedropper. They are concentrated herbal extracts that only require a few drops to about a teaspoon per dose. Generally, tinctures are made of more potent herbs that are unsuitable for consumption via an herbal tea. Using Herbs Medicinally Getting to know how herbs work is a matter of study and experience. If you want to use herbs medicinally, it is recommended that you get a good herb book (a few recommendations at the end) or even take more extensive classes. Herbs are medicine. They are not to be used or taken lightly. It can be difficult to standardize their use, so every practitioner should use caution and seek the advice of a trained herbalist if you are ever unsure! There are, however, many common herbs and spices that are gentle and non-toxic. We’ll talk about a few of them in this class. If you are new to working with herbs, this would be an excellent place to begin experimenting! Kitchen Herbs & Spices Bay oil can be applied to arthritic joints and sprains. Cayenne is a wonder healer that can be used to prevent heart problems, lose weight, stave off colds/flu/fever, relieve arthritis pain, and more. Clove powder or oil can be used to relieve toothache pain. Cumin will prevent and relieve gas (serve with beans!). Dill will relieve colic and stomach ache. Garlic oil can be used for colds & flu and to relieve earache. Ginger can be applied via compress to treat pain and inflammation. It is also excellent for colds/flu/fever and to “activate” any herbal formula. Olive oil can be taken regularly as a mild laxative. Rosemary tea can be used as a substitute for aspirin for headache. Sage tea can be used as a gargle for sore throat. Other Herbs Chamomile is known as the “Band Aid” of the stomach and is indicated for all stomach and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is also an excellent remedy for menstrual cramps. Chamomile is traditionally used as a remedy for insomnia. Catnip is a sedative and therefore excellent for insomnia as wellas gently relieving built-up emotional tension. It is also an excellent treatment for diarrhea and colic. It is best taken as tea. Damiana is an aphrodisiac and also useful for treating depression. Eucalyptus is one of the most powerful natural antiseptics and is wonderful for chest congestion. Can be rubbed on the chest and back or used in a humidifier or steam bath. Lavender is an aromatic anti-depressant that is also sleep-inducing. Lemongrass is the source of citronella oil and may be used to repel insects. It relieves gas and is antimicrobial. It has a sedative effect and is therefore helpful in relieving insomnia. Lemongrass supports the parasympathetic nervous system, which is important in the processes of healing and stress relief. The oil can also alleviate headache. It is excellent in a diffuser. Avoid use during pregnancy. Licorice root has been shown to be as effective at relieving heartburn as many commercial treatments (like “the purple pill”). It is also a mild laxative and is sweet, so is excellent to add to other bitter herbs. It should be avoided by those with high blood pressure or during pregnancy and should not be used for prolonged periods. Peppermint (and spearmint) are effective sweating agents to be used for cold, flu, and fever. They are also useful in relieving gas. Peppermint is also good for relieving depression and may be effective in relieving headache. Raspberry Leaf has been used for centuries by women during pregnancy and childbearing to facilitate delivery and prevent miscarriage. It has a relaxing effect on the uterus and is an excellent tonic for general uterine and reproductive health. Slippery Elm is a mucilaginous herb that is excellent for sore or irritated throats, cough, or dry throat and lungs. It is also a survival food and may be eaten as needed; it will generally stay down even when all else causes vomiting. Stevia is an herb that is 10-30 time sweeter than sugar. It makes an excellent, natural sugar substitute and may help to control blood sugar. Herbs can be combined to create a formula with multiple effects. It is important to store herbs and herbal formulas in glass jars to prevent volatile oils from evaporating. Be sure to label jars—particularly if there is more than one herb in the formula! Aromatherapy Aromatherapy can be used in several ways. One is massage, which activates the circulation in the skin and speeds the entry of the oils into the body (make sure to dilute essential oils before using on skin!). Another method is to put a couple of drops of oil into a hot bath. The oils can also be inhaled by placing a couple of drops in a bowl of hot water and breathing in the steam (or by using a commercial vaporizer). Essential oils can be combined with Epsom and sea salts to create bath salts and bath bombs; they can also be added to an unscented base of shampoo, conditioner, or moisturizer. The oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle. And, my favorite method, is a candle-heated diffuser, which you can buy in just about any metaphysical or health food store. Here are some common essential oils: Sandalwood is used for tension and anxiety; is a sexual stimulant. Ylang-ylang is a sedative and antidepressant. Lavender can heal burns and wounds and is a relaxant. Rose is helpful for relieving tension in women, especially stress. Jasmine oil can treat addictions and is a powerful relaxant. Rosemary can relieve fatigue and headache when inhaled. Peppermint relieves headache and stimulates perspiration. Like cut herbs, essential oils can be combined in formula to increase their effectiveness. Magical Herbs Like their medicinal qualities, herbs also possess magical correspondences which align them with the four elements as well as other things we may wish to bring to or put out of our lives. There are also a number of magical applications for herbs, including, but certainly not limited to: Herbs and herbal essential oils can be used in magic just like other correspondences and they are not restricted to healing magic. Due to their medicinal effects, however, they are a powerful ingredient to add to any physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual healing work. Incense/Potpourri Incense is typically made by crushing herbs with a mortar and pestle and then combining the crushed herbs with essential oils until the right scent and consistency is reached. Potpourri, on the other hand, uses larger herb pieces and a variety of herbs that is appealing to the eye. Use a bit of orris root powder to “fix” the potpourri; it will help the smell to last. Talismans Pillows/Sachets Teas/Infusions Essential Oil Blends Spell Workings Kitchen Magic Herbs and spices can be used in the kitchen without reservation to make food and drink both healing and magical. Herbs are particularly effective when used to induce sweating (thereby enhancing immunity) or when used to alleviate indigestion. When grown, gathered, or used with magical intention, those herbs become even more powerful. Green/garden/hedge Magic When working with any of these magics, it is easy to “layer” the magic that you use to make your intent strong. For example, you could work a spell over many months, planting herbs at a specific time on a specific day, then harvesting the herbs in the same way. Those herbs could then be used for a specific magical working, to be executed at a specific date and time. These “layers” make the magic just that much stronger. Recommended Resources Magic Books
Author & Research of this Article, Sif Redeagle, April 1, 2006 From the Website, Coven of the Goddess.com |
GOLDENSEAL
Studies show that this herb has antibiotic action.
how to: For tea, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon powdered root per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 2 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: For tea, 2 to 3 teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Drink as needed.
CHAMOMILE
This popular beverage herb can calm jangled nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers, speed their healing, and help fight infection.
how to: For tea, 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 to 20 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: In food, season to taste. For tea, steep 6 cloves in a cup of cool water for 6 hours
.
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: For tea, 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered bark per cup, boiled and simmered 15 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: Follow package directions for teas, capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
DANDELION
Despised as a weed, dandelion can help relieve premenstrual bloating.
Preliminary studies suggest possible anti-inflammatory effects.
how to: For tea, 1/2 ounce dried leaf per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day
FEVERFEW
Several studies confirm feverfew’s value in preventing migraines.
how to: Chew two leaves a day, or take a pill or capsule containing 85milligrams 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.
RASBERRY LEAF
This premier pregnancy herb is widely used to treat morning sickness and uterine irritability, and to help prevent threatened miscarriage. how to: For tea, 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
SPEARMINT/PEPPERMINT
For indigestion, try a cup of mint tea after eating.
how to: For tea, 1 teaspoon fresh or 2 teaspoons dried per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Reheat if desired. Up to 3 cups per day. For a relaxing bath, fill a cloth bag with a few handfuls of dried or fresh leaves, and run water over it.
COMFREY
This plant contains allantoin, which promotes the growth of new cells and gives it value as a wound treatment. how to: Place a bruised leaf on clean cuts or scrapes. Cover with a bandage.
Warning: Do not use internally.
SENNA
This herb is a powerful laxative. Senna tastes terrible, so most herbalists recommend a tincture or accommercial product. To avoid abdominal distress, do not take more than the package directions specify.
UVA URSI
Research has shown that this bitter herb has diuretic and urinary antiseptic effects. Use it in addition to mainstream medical treatment.
how to: One teaspoon per cup, boiled 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
GINGER
Ginger prevents motion sickness and may help prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks. how to: For motion sickness, take 2 to 3 capsules of 500 milligrams 30 minutes before departure. For tea, 2 teaspoons powdered or grated root per cup, steeped 10 minutes.
Up to 3 cups per day.
CHINESE EPHEDRA
commonly used to treat colds and asthma, Chinese ephedra (Ma Huang) can also raise blood pressure and cause insomnia and other problems. warning: Prior to using Chinese ephedra, seek advice from a health care practitioner, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. It should not be given to children under 13.
LICORICE
Licorice can soothe sore throats and treat ulcers.
how to: For sore throat, add a pinch of root to tea. For ulcers, 1/2 teaspoon of powder per cup, boiled 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day. warning: Large doses can be dangerous.
Keep away Fevers {Folk Magic} # 4
Ingredients: Honeysuckle
Another way of keeping fevers at bay, is to grow Honeysuckle above your front door, and/ or around the windows around your house.
Protection from Colds {Aromatherapy & Folk Magic} # 5
Ingredients: Eucalyptus Leaves
Another method of preventing colds from infecting you is to place eucalyptus leaves under your pillow before going to sleep. These can be fresh or dried leaves.
Flowers, Dawn (2012-03-24). The Spell Book of Wiccan Shadows (Kindle Locations 902-906). Under the Moon. Kindle Edition.
Natures Therapy
Most medicinal herbs contain many natural compounds that play off one another, producing a wide variety of results. Even medical science does not always understand how the compounds work together, or even exactly what they all are. As botanist Walter Lewis, Ph.D., and microbiologist Memory Elvin-Lewis, Ph.D., put it in their book Medical Botany: “Nature is still mankind’s greatest chemist, and many compounds that remain undiscovered in plants are beyond the imagination of even our best scientists.”
Some herbs that regulate the body almost seem to have an inner intelligence, with the ability to perform many different functions, depending upon what the individual needs. For example, ginger can raise or lower blood pressure, depending on what needs to happen to bring an individual’s blood pressure to a healthy level. And tonic herbs do more than clear up immediate, acute symptoms-they have the more general effect of renewing strength and vitality. Marshmallow, for instance, strengthens your digestive system and improves the functioning of your immune system while relieving your stomach distress.
Although 80 percent of pharmaceutical drugs are based on herbs, these drugs are generally based not on the whole herb but on one “active ingredient” derived from a plant. Modern medicine has become captivated by what it calls a “magic 0bullet”-a single substance that zeros in and destroys a germ or relieves a symptom. Whenever possible, the chemical structure of the active component found in an herb is duplicated in the laboratory and produced synthetically. This enables a drug company to produce formulas of consistent quality and strength and avoid the hassle and expense of collecting plants in the wild. (Not incidentally, it also enables them to patent the remedy and charge more money for it.)
These magic bullet drugs have several problems. First, they treat only specific problems. Well-known plant researcher and botanist James Duke, Ph.D., points out that “the solitary synthetic bullet offers no alternatives if the doctor has misdiagnosed the ailment or if one or more ailments require more than one compound.” Herbs, on the other hand, can cover many bases at once.
Also, magic bullets don’t give the body a chance to find its own solution. Dr. Duke theorizes that our bodies take fuller advantage than we realize of the complex chemistry in medicinal herbs. He believes that each herb contains hundreds of active compounds, many of which act “synergistically.” That means that all these compounds somehow combine to produce a greater effect than each has alone, and that the body extracts the compounds it needs and discards the others. One possible reason that scientific studies sometimes fail to confirm an herb’s traditional use in healing is that the studies often focus only on the isolated compound, not on the whole plant.0
Years ago, researchers extracted an active compound called silymarin from the herb;milk thistle and turned it into a pharmaceutical drug to treat liver damage. Only later did German scientists discover yet another compound in milk thistle betaine hydrochloride-that may be equally important.
The popular immunity-enhancing herb Echinacea has a similar story. For years, complex carbohydrates from Echinacea were thought to be its sole active ingredient and were extracted to produce a drug. But then a team of German researchers headed by Dr. Wagner discovered that;echinacea contains other compounds that enhance immunity.
In the case of the sedative herb valerian, medical researchers found that two compounds-valeric acid and essential oils-caused its calming effects, but for some time they remained unaware of still a third set of highly sedative compounds called valepotriates. And ginkgo, which is used to boost brain functions and circulation, has been found to be more effective when used in its whole form instead of its isolated active compounds.
WOTC Extra – Common Kitchen Herbs that Heal
What follows is a short list of herbs commonly found in kitchens, or easily found in most supermarkets. This list is alphabetical by herb. ——————————————————————————–
Anise (Pimpinella ansium) Anise helps expel gas, relieves nausea and stomach pain caused by gas. To use: crush anise seeds into a powder. Put 1 teaspoon of the powder into 1 cup of warm water. Drink up to three times a day to relieve symptoms.
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Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Basil is another anti-nauseant that also relieves gas, and promotes normal bowel function. To use: Make a strong tea using 1 teaspoon of the crushed dried herb in a half- cup of water. Drink as needed, not to exceed three cups a day. ——————————————————————————–
Capsicum or Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) Cayenne helps stimulate the appetite and acts as a milk stimulant. It may reduce discomfort from the common cold. To use: make a tea out of the dried herb, 1 teaspoon per cup of hot water. 2 cups per day only. Note: Cayenne irritates hemorrhoids and should never be used by people with stomach problems. Do not exceed recommended dosage as high doses can cause stomach and kidney problems.
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Caraway (Carum carvi) Caraway works as an expectorant for coughs due to colds. It also improves the appetite and may increase breast milk in nursing mothers. To use: Chew some seeds three or four times a day.
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Dill (Aniethum graveolens) Dill eases indigestion and upset stomachs. To use: make a strong tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of dill seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink one half-cup 2 to 3 times daily.
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Fennel (Foeniculum velgare) Fennel is a digestive aid and is known to relieve cramps. The oil is used to relieve stiff joints. To use: 15 drops of extract in warm water with honey, one daily, as digestive aid. Rub oil directly on affected area for pain alleviation. ——————————————————————————–
Fenugreek (Trigonella graceum) Fenugreek relieves sore throats and is useful for treating irritations and other inflammations. To use: as a gargle for sore throat – mix 1 tablespoon of pulverized seed in 1 cup hot water. Let steep for 10 minutes and strain. Gargle 3 times a day, every 3-4 hours. As a poultice for skin irritations – pulverize enough seed so that when mixed with 8 ounces of water, it forms a thick paste. Apply paste to affected areas once a day. ——————————————————————————–
Garlic (Allium satvum) Garlic helps fight infections, lowers blood pressure and may be able to destroy some cancer cells. To use: stir-fry cloves for a few minutes to cut down garlic-breath. Eat 2 or 3 a day for maximum effectiveness.
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Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Ginger eases cold symptoms, soothes skin inflammations and minor burns, calms upset stomachs, and is a natural remedy for morning sickness. To use: for burn and inflammations – mash fresh ginger root, soak cotton ball and then rub juice on the affected area. For all else – add ginger extract to hot water, 10 drops per cup. This can be taken up to three times daily.
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Parsley (Petroselinium sativum) Parsley settles stomachs after meals. If also helps clear congestion due to colds and is soothing for asthma. To use: make a strong tea using 1 teaspoon dried, ground parsley in 1 cup hot water. Let steep 10-15 minutes. Take once a day. ——————————————————————————–
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Mint is an anti-spasmodic and is excellent for relieving cramps and stomach pain. It also relieves gas and aids in digestion. It can help reduce the sick feeling associated with migraines. To use: drink one cup as a tea. Commercial teas are available. (Make sure it is only mint, not mint flavored.) Drink as needed.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary is used for most head pains. To use: as tea, to relieve nervous tension, make a strong tea. Rub rosemary essential oil on the temples to relieve headaches. Mix essential oils or leaves with olive oil to make a dandruff treatment. ——————————————————————————–
Sage (Salvia officinalis) Sage reduces perspiration and can be used to ease sore gums. To use: to relieve perspiration, medium tea, one time daily. To ease gums, strong infusion, gargled, 3 times daily.
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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Thyme is good for chronic respiratory problems, cold flu and sore throat. It is also an anti-fungal. To use: make a tea of the dried herb, drink daily. As an anti-fungal, rub extract on affected areas.
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric promotes good liver function and helps prevent gallbladder disease. It also may help prevent over-clotting of blood cells, and may help relieve arthritis symptoms. To use: take 300mg up to 3 times daily.
WOTC Extra – Top Five Houseplants to Purify Your Living Space, Spirituality and Physically
The top five plants all remove chemical vapors that build up in the home from paints,
cleaners, solvents and other unhealthy things – and they have magickal abilities too as listed below:
5: GERBERA DAISY Great to encourage happiness.
4: PEACE LILY Encourages harmonious energies and good communication.
3: BOSTON FERN Encourages psychic ability and intuition.
2: ENGLISH IVY For protection and luck – especially good for newly weds.
1: ARECA PALM (or Butterfly or Yellow Palm) For peace and creativity.
In some areas, it is getting time to start planning and hoeing those gardens up. For those of us blessed with land attached to our homes, a mystic garden is an excellent addition to the magickal household. A garden brings beauty and ensures a steady supply of fresh and dried herbs. It also spreads an aura of protection around your home, shielding it from the outside world. When people approach, even before they have steppped over the threshold. they will have been enchanted by the garden’s subtle powers.
Not everyone has the space to plant a garden, but even apartment dwellers can grow herbs and flowers on window sills or porches in pots and planter. Indeed a garden can be maintained indoor with house plants.
Still, an outdoor garden is worth creating if you have the time, space and inclination. In fact, it is an ideal setting in which to perform magick. Spells cast in gardens are more powerful than those done indoors, for the forces of nature resident in the plants around you and the solid earth beneath your bare feet align with your own powers to produce the needed results.
Magical Herbalism describes one method of creating a magick garden. There are countless others–in fact, you should let your imagination run wild when fashioning your mystic green corner.
Your garden need not advertise its powers. It can be your secret with the Earth. Since no one seems to think twice about herbs or fruit trees growing in a garden, on the stairs or in window boxes, why not pick plants that will bring wealth, protection and love to your home?
Your garden can also be a source of help in fulfilling your personal magical goals. If you wish to improve your psychic powers, for instance, plant a bay tree, common celery, honeysuckle, marigolds, roses or thyme. While thriving in the garden, the plants will help attune your home to psychic vibrations. Plus, their flowers, leaves and seeds can be used in magick rites to further accentuate their effects.
Those desiring a loving household may wish to include such common plants and flowers as the gardenia, primrose, spearmint, tomato, pansy, jasmine and catnip, and (if space is no problem) a few trees such as cherry, apple orange, mape and willow.
To ensure happiness in a home, you might wish to fill a window box or ranks of flowerpots with hyacinth, lavender, marjoram, catnip and morning glory (care–it creeps everywhere).
If money is a problem, you could choose mint, onion, snapdragon, camellia, chamomile, clover, dill, basil and perhaps even a small section of what. Pine, oak, ash and apple trees planted near the house also help direct prosperity your way, as will a banana plant
To ward off thefts in your home, plant a “fence” of ti (ki) around its perimeter or be sure to include garlic, cumin, vetivert, a clump of thistlees, an aspen, catcus or a juniper tree.
Bamboo and hydrangea near the home offer it general luck, as does a sunflower, which is sometimes considered a prerequisite for a garden in Mexico. Myrtle-filled widow boxes, if planted by a woman are lucky too.
When all is growing greenly, no one will be the wiser concerning your garden’s powers, although every plant is virtually a spell in and of itself.
Source:
“The Magical Household” Book
Scott Cunningham & David Harrington
Kitchen Cupboard Magic
Adapted from Witch in the Kitchen, by Cait Johnson (Inner Traditions,
2001).
We don’t usually think of sea salt and basil and apples as magical,
but our more earth-centered ancestors knew they were.
Here, then, is a list of some traditional herb correspondences;
choose one or more according to your desire. You can add a handful to your
washing-water next time you mop the floor:
Apples: Food of the Goddess, love. Add a few pieces of fresh or dried
apple to your water (but not too much or you’ll end up with sticky
surfaces!)
Basil: Love, fidelity, wealth, protection. A nice all-purpose herb
with a luscious summery scent.
Chamomile: Serenity and calm; purification. Smells like a blend of
apples and new-mown hay. While you’re at it, make yourself a cup of tea to
drink after you’ve finished cleaning; it’s very relaxing.
Cinnamon: Happy home, safety, healing, protection. The primal
home-and-hearth spice. Use pieces of cinnamon stick for your brew
(the powdered kind will turn into a gelatinous glop in the bucket).
Clove: Purification; promotes love and spirituality. Try it with
cinnamon–delicious !
Eucalyptus: Health, protection. Warm and fresh, actually kills germs.
Evergreen: Health, purification, vitality. A few sprigs of pine,
cedar, or juniper growing nearby, a few sprigs placed in boiling water will add
green freshness to your housecleaning brew.
Lavender: Love, friendship, peace, happiness, protection. Such a
sweet, relaxing, and calm-inducing scent–and it’s also an antidepressant.
Lemon peel: Purification. It’s no accident that so many cleaning
products are lemon-scented; lemon smells fresh and uplifting and cleanses
negativity.
Marjoram: Love, protection, antidepressant. You can sprinkle a little
of this dried herb in the corners of every room to promote love and
safety.
Peppermint: Purification, healing, soothing. A wonderfully relaxing
and refreshing scent.
Rosemary: Cleansing and protection; clears negativity; encourages
clear thinking.
Sage: Purification, wisdom. It’s no coincidence that the word
for “wise one” is the same as the herb’s name. A traditional ingredient of many
Native American smudge bundles, a strong sage tea will help clear your home
of negativity.
Sea salt: Traditional for purification and protection. If you’ve been
feeling vulnerable or weird and you only have time to add one
ingredient to your wash-water, this could be it.
Vanilla: love, happiness. A piece of the bean or a few drops of
extract will make your home smell and feel delicious.
Herbal Gifts from the Kitchen
Little Cooking Wreaths – can go right into soup pot, or hang in the
kitchen to be plucked from and used
Twist chive stalks into a 4-5″ circle, forming a wreath base. Twist in sprigs of thyme, parsley, oregano, marjoram and basil seed heads,
to fill out wreath. Add a short sprig of rosemary or sage. Let dry
thoroughly –wreath will shrink slightly. Thread 3 or 4 dried chiles
on sewing thread and tie around wreath top. If wreath is to hang,
cover thread by embellishing with a bow of kitchen twine or narrow
ribbon. Present your gift in a bow-tied plastic bag to preserve
flavor and minimize shattering.
Herb & Spice Blends – To present your gift, pack blends into small
labeled jars with lids, attached to an herbal cookbook.
For Beef: mix 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon
red pepper flakes, 2 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon
dried minced onion.
For Fish: mix 2 tablespoons dried dillweed, 2 tablespoons crumbled
bay leaves, 2 tablespoons freeze-dried chives.
For Fruit Pies, Spice Cakes & Cookies: mix 2 tablespoons, 1
tablespoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoons ground mace, 1 tablespoon
ground allspice, 2 teaspoons ground cloves, 2 teaspoons ground
cardamon.
For Vegetables: mix 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 tablespoons dried
basil.
For Poultry: mix 2 tablespoons curry powder, 2 tablespoons paprika, 2
tablespoons dried lemon rind.
For Tomato Sauce: mix 2 tablespoons crumbled basil, 2 tablespoons
dried minced onions, 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon
crumbled dried oregano.
For Lamb: mix 1 1/2 tablespoons dried marjoram, 1 tablespoon crumbled
dried rosemary, 1 tablespoon white pepper, 2 tablespoons garlic
powder.
Good Bread Herbs include your favorite white or wheat bread recipe
with this blend presented in a decorated muslin bag.
Blend together 2 tablespoons dried crumbled sage, 1 tablespoon dried
rosemary, 1 tablespoon dill seed, 4 teaspoons caraway seed. On gift
tag: Will flavor 2 average loaves.
Citrus Spice Simmering Potpourri
Layer following ingredients in a gallon jar and add oils to
corresponding ingredients. Shake well and age 1 day before using:
Directions for Use on gift tag: Add 1/2 cup mixture to a small
saucepan filled with 3 cups of water and bring to boil. Reduce heat,
simmer for 15-20 minutes. Mixture may be reused several times, after
adding water to it.
1 cup 1″ cinnamon sticks 1 cup whole allspice
1 cup star anise 1 cup coriander seed
2 cups dried orange peel 1/2 cup cloves
1/2 cup crushed nutmeg 10 drops cinnamon oil
10 drops allspice oil 20 drops sweet orange oil
Lemon-y Footsoak a great treat at day’s end or for pampering someone
special! Present gift with instructions for use on gift tag, tied
onto a pretty jar or a plastic bag tied with a simple bow…
Crush and place in a jar, or tie in a bouquet and place in plastic
bag, for presentation: 5 sprigs of fresh lemon balm or10 sprigs
dried lemon balm. (Rosemary may be substituted.)
Recommended Instruction Tag to read: Bring 8 cups water to boil,
combine with contents in large pan or bowl, and let steep until
water is warm and comfortable. Soak feet 10-20 minutes.
Herbal Bathing
By Kami McBride
Herbal bathing is a great way to relax, heal and support healthy skin function. The skin is the largest organ in the body. It contributes to many important functions such as secretion, absorption, excretion, temperature regulation, immune function, and sensory reception. The skin has receptor sites that transfer information through the nervous system to the spinal cord and brain. It not only provides a boundary between us and the rest of the world, but because of its millions of receptor sites, is a major player in how we perceive, experience, and interact with the world.
The skin is also a major organ of elimination just like our lungs, kidneys and colon. It plays a key role in helping our body to eliminate toxins, heavy metals, and carcinogenic substances. Herbs have many healing benefits for the skin and there are many simple herbal bathing treatments that can help our skin do its job of keeping us healthy.
Herbal Baths
Nerve Tonic BathKami’s Calming Garden Bath
Healing flower Bath
GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast
** IMMORTALITY
* Apple
* Linden
* Sage
** INVISIBILITY
* Amaranth
* Chicory
* Edelweiss
* Fern
* Heliotrope
* Mistletoe
* Poppy
* Wolf’s Bane
** INFERTILITY
* ( to create: )
* Walnut
** COURAGE
* Cactus
* Camphor
* Coconut
* Cucumber
* Fleabane
* Hawthorn
* Lavender
* Pineapple
* Sweetpea
* Vervain
* Witch Hazel
** CHASTITY
* Cactus
* Camphor
* Coconut
* Cucumber
* Fleabane
* Hawthorn
* Lavender
* Pineapple
* Sweetpea
* Vervain
* Witch Hazel
** DIVINATION
* Broom
* Camphor
* Cherry
* Dandelion
* Fig
* Goldenrod
* Ground Ivy
* Hibiscus
* Meadowsweet
* Orange
* Orris
* Pomegranate
** EMPLOYMENT
* Devil’s Shoestring
* Lucky Hand
* Pecan
** BEAUTY
* Avocado
* Catnip
* Flax
* Ginseng
* Maidenhair
* Yerba Santa
** EXORCISM
* Angelica
* Arbutus
* Asafetida
* Avens
* Basil
* Beans
* Birch
* Boneset
* Buckthorn
* Clove
* Clover
* Cumin
* Devil’s Bit
* Dragon’s Blood
* Elder
* Fern
* Fleabane
* Frankincense
* Fumitory
* Garlic
* Heliotrope
* Horehound
* Horseradish
* Juniper
* Leek
* Lilac
* Mallow
* Mint
* Mistletoe
* Mullein
* Myrrh
* Nettle
* Onion
* Peach
* Peony
* Pepper
* Pine
* Rosemary
* Rue
* Sagebrush
* Sandalwood
* Sloe
* Snapdragon
* Tamarisk
* Thistle
* Witch Grass
* Yarrow
Witches Of The Craft® 
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