Category: Herbs

BROOMSTICK

Possessed by you

BROOMSTICK

Brooms aren’t just for sweeping-at least not in the way that most people think.

Witches use brooms to clear away negativity from a room (spring cleaning, anyone?) or a ritual circle.

Brooms are also a symbol of Witches and Witchcraft that have been in use for centuries. They represent the freedom of flying (alas, only in our minds and spirits for most of us, unless we’re Harry Potter) and the comfort of hearth and home.

A Witch’s broom should never be used for everyday cleaning, but feel free to keep another broom for that-they are a handy household tool. As with your other tools, a ritual broom should be carefully tended and only used for magickal purposes.

One way to keep a special broom if you’re still “in the broom closet” is to craft one out of broom straw, aromatic herbs, and colorful foliage (topped off with a spritz of glycerin to make it last), and hang it on your wall in full sight. After all, no one but you needs to know it is anything other than a clever, crafty decoration. (If you’re craft-impaired, you can also just buy a pre-decorated rated broom and hang it up. I’ll never tell.)

 

Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Deborah Blake

 

Herb of the Day for August 23rd – Thyme

Herb of the Day

Thyme

Around 3000 BCE the Sumerians were using it as a medicinal ingredient, and the Egyptians included it among the herbs and spices used in mummification.

Medicinal Uses: Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete’s foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, and colds.
It is used for sinusitis and asthma. Eliminates gas and reduces fever, mucus, and headaches. Good for chronic respiratory problems, colds, flu, bronchitis, whooping cough, and sore throat. Lowers cholesterol levels. Good to relieve coughs, and whooping cough. Externally, helps sprains and strains.
A poultice can be made from the leaves of thyme that will combat all forms of inflammation and infection. Effective against hookworms. Rub the extract between the toes daily for athlete’s foot. Used externally, the extract can be used daily for crabs, lice, and scabies.
Taken internally by standard infusion, thyme is a first-rate digestive, febrifuge and liver tonic. Anti-spasmodic and nervine, it is held to cure a wide range of psychological disorders, even insanity. Hysteria, halitosis and assorted female ailments, especially mastitis, loss of appetite.  
Thyme baths are said to be helpful for neurastenia, rheumatic problems,, paralysis, bruises, swellings, and sprains. The salve made from thyme can be used for shingles.
Thyme is an excellent lung cleanser. Use it to dry up and clear out moist phlegm and to treat whooping cough. It makes a good tea for the mother after childbirth, as it helps expel the placenta. Steep one-half teaspoon fresh herb or one teaspoon dried herb in one-half cup of hot water for five minutes. Take up to one and a half cups a day in quarter-cup doses. A natural antiseptic, thyme is often used in salves for wounds, swellings, sciatica, and failing eyes. The tea relives gas and colic (as does the oil, taken in one- to five-drop doses). The tincture can be used in ten- to twenty-drop doses, taken three times a day. Use thyme for headaches and hangovers.

Thyme oil should be reserved for topical use, as internally it may lead to dizziness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties

Magickal uses: The Greeks burned thyme in their temples to purify them as we do today to purify an area. Add it to the magickal, cleansing bath of springtime, along with marjoram, to remove all sorrows and ills of winter. It is worn or added to the ritual cup to aid in communicating with the deceased. (It also helps one see Otherworldly entities.) To ensure a restful night’s sleep free from nightmares, sleep with it beneath your pillow. When worn it will help psychic powers develop, and if worn be a woman in her hair, it will make her irresistible. The aroma will revitalize your strength and courage. A place where wild thyme grows will be a particularly powerful energy center on the Earth.

Properties: Anthelmitic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, sedative. Contains borneol, cavacrol, fluorine, gum, trace minerals, bitter principle, saponins, flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, triterpenic acids, and vitamins B-complex, C, and D.

Growth: Thyme is a perennial that loves warm, sunny fields, and is found throughout North America. Thyme has numerous woody stems 6-10 inches high, covered in fine hair, and flattish round leaves, growing in pairs. The flowers, small bluish-purple, two-lipped, are borne in whorled in dense, head-like clusters, blooming fro May to September, like the rest of the plant, are heavily scented. Thyme requires full sun and fairly dry, light, well-drained soil.  Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody.

Infusion: steep 1/2 tsp. fresh herb or 1 tsp. dried herb in 1/2 cup water for 3 to 5 minutes. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day, a mouthful at a time.

Oil: take 10-20 drops, 3 times per day.

Bath additive: make a strong decoction and add to the bath water.

Source

Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Herb of the Day for August 20th – Licorice

Herb of the Day
Licorice


(Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Medicinal Uses: Licorice is used to relieve respiratory ailments such as allergies, bronchitis, colds, sore throats, and tuberculosis. Licorice root is often used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers. Licorice is also used in the treatment of heart disease because of its effects on cholesterol and blood pressure. It has also been used for over 3,000 years by the Chinese as a tonic to rejuvenate the heart and spleen, and as a treatment for ulcers, cold symptoms, and skin disorders.
Licorice is used in treating adrenal insufficiencies such as hypoglycemia and Addison’s disease, counteracting stress, and in purifying the liver and bloodstream.

Persons with a history of congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disorders should not use licorice compounds. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.

Magickal uses:

Properties: Licorice is demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, and laxative. It contains glycosides, flavonoids, asparagine, isoflavonoids, chalcones and coumarins. Primary of these is Glycyrrhetinic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
Licorice Root contains Vitamins E, B-complex, phosphorous, biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, lecithin, manganese, iodine, chromium, and zinc.

Growth: Licorice is a mediterranean perennial plant having blue flowers, pinnately compound leaves, and a sweet, distinctively flavored root.
Author, Crick

To 10 essential oils for scars

CAN ESSENTIAL OILS HEAL SCARS?

You would have to be very lucky to get through much of life without having to deal with scars on your skin. Whether they are caused by acne, surgery or animal bites most of us will have a few battle signs dotted around our bodies.

Of course, it is highly unlikely that you will ever be able to get rid of these scars completely. You are likely to have to carry larger scars such as those caused by surgery or major wounds around with you for life. I have a very unsightly scar on my lower abdomen caused by stomach surgery and as much as it would be great to get rid of it, I have accepted that it is a part of me and will always be a part of me. Even smaller scars will be difficult to eradicate completely and the best you can hope for might be to lighten the scar so as it fades away and gradually becomes almost unnoticeable.



Fortunately for those of us who would like to be rid of unsightly scars, many essential oils provide a safe and natural solution. It is worth remembering that any scar treatment will not be a quick fix. You will need patience and treatment may last many months before you feel happy with the results. A number of essential oils have a great many properties that benefit the skin.

Essential oils can be used to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema or simply applied to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. Some essential oils are especially effective on blemishes, stretch marks and other minor scars because they contain the cicatrisant properties which promote tissue regeneration.

This article will take a look at the essential oils that have the best scar healing effects; they are not listed in any particular order and there are no guarantees that they will work. You might have to try several oils before hitting upon the one that you feel most happy with but they have made the list for good reason having all been used successfully to treat scarring.

essential oils for scars
essential oils to the rescue!

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SCARS

1. LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils. It is a very effective essential oil that can be used for a variety of skin conditions and is widely used to treat scars. Lavender essential oil can be applied to prevent new scar tissue from forming and also to reduce the evidence of existing scars.

Unlike nearly every other essential oil, it is a very gentle oil that can be applied topically without the need for dilution although it should be diluted when being applied to fresh wounds.

2. HELICHRYSUM ESSENTIAL OIL

If you are desperate to eliminate or dissipate your scarring, helichrysum essential oil is one of the absolute best oils. There are obvious budgetary considerations when choosing your essential oils and helichrysum is extremely expensive.

Because of its price, you may be better trying another oil first but if money is not an object, helichrysum has few equals. As well as its ability to treat scars and blemishes, it has a range of other skin applications and is a popular option for acne, eczema and psoriasis.

3. CARROT SEED ESSENTIAL OIL

Carrot seed essential oil has powerful antioxidant properties and is renowned as a tonic for the skin. It can help treat scarring whether caused by acne, burns or cuts while also working to strengthen your skin’s elasticity and reducing the signs of aging like wrinkles. Carrot seed oil is a popular ingredient in creams designed to treat eczema and psoriasis.

4. CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

Cedarwood essential oil is a very popular choice for skin health. It is able to maintain both oily and dry skin and works to expel impurities and excess tissue fat. As well as its general skin care benefits, cedarwood essential oil can be used to regenerate scar tissue and diminish the signs of older scars whether they are caused by acne, stretch marks or small wounds.

5. GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL

Geranium is an excellent overall skin tonic. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and has cicatrisant properties that will help eliminate or at least fade out any scarring when applied over a period of time. It is also helps to rejuvenate old skin cells and helps give your skin a fresh lease of life.

6. ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Rose essential oil does not come cheap but it is well known for its many skin applications. When applied regularly, it can have a significant impact on the appearance of your scars. Rose oil also improves circulation and helps maintain your skin’s youthful appearance and elasticity.

7. PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL

Patchouli essential oil does not have quite the same reputation and is less popular than many other oils but it should not be discounted when it comes to skin health and scars in particular. Patchouli has outstanding restorative qualities and is able to stimulate the regeneration of skin cells. It is both anti-inflammatory and cicastrisant and can help heal new scar tissue and fade out older scars.

8. NEROLI ESSENTIAL OIL

Neroli essential oil is another very expensive option but it has a great reputation for healing scars as well as treatment of numerous skin conditions.

9. MYRRH ESSENTIAL OIL

Myrrh has some powerful skin regeneration properties and is a popular remedy for a variety of conditions including acne and psoriasis. Myrrh essential oil also widely used to treat scars caused by burns, stretch marks and small wounds. It can help promote the growth of new skin around the area of fresh scars and over time causes any lasting scars to fade away.

10. FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Frankincense essential oil is yet another great option for scars and skin health in general. This essential oil stimulates the regeneration of the new cells that grow over your scar tissue making the area smoother and the scarring less visible.

OTHER ESSENTIAL OILS TO CONSIDER FOR SCARRING

The list above is by no means definitive and many other essential oils are well known for their ability to treat skin complaints and reduce the effects of scarring. Rosemary, hyssop, Calendula and juniper essential oils have all been used with great success.

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SCARS

FOR FRESH WOUNDS AND CUTS

Clean the affected area with a mixture of warm water and 5 drops of lavender essential oil to help disinfect the area.
Dilute your chosen essential oil with a suitable carrier oil and apply it to the wound.
Cover the affected area with gauze or a band aid and change it several times a day.
If the wound is so serious that you need stitches, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor might recommend that you don’t apply essential oils until the stitches have been removed.

FOR OLDER SCARS

Make sure that you dilute your chosen essential oil with a base oil before applying it topically. Rosehip and hazelnut oil are considered to be excellent carrier oils when it comes to scarring.

Don’t expect immediate results; scar tissue takes a long time to fade and there are no guarantees that it will work. You should however start seeing some satisfactory results within a few months.

~~~

For essential oils you can buy that help heal scar tissue, click here to see them from our original article.

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Herb of the Day of the Day for August 7th: Elder

Herb of the Day

Elder

Medicinal Uses: Elder has a long history of use dating back to the 5th century BC. Hippocrates wrote about Elder.       
Elder flowers, mixed with mint and yarrow blossoms, are excellent internal cleansers when fighting flu and colds. A tea of the elder flowers and sassafras is a remedy for acne. Elder flower oil is a remedy for chapped skin. Elder is used to cleanse the body, build the blood, treat inflammation, fever, and soothes the respiratory system. The flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic effects of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to research, an extract from the leaves, combined with St. john’s wort and soapwort, inhibits the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus. The juice is especially good as a tonic for the reproductive and glandular system, and elderberry blossoms, when dried, can be used as a kidney tea. When cooked, the berries are harmless.                                              
The leaves can be used as an antiseptic poultice for external wounds, and as an insect repellant. The Greeks used a tea from the root as a laxative.

The leaves, bark, and roots of the American varieties generally contain poisonous alkaloids and should not be used internally. This herb should not be used internally by pregnant or lactating women. Elder can be toxic, especially if fresh, most notably the stems as they contain cyanide.

Magickal uses: The branches of the sacred elder are used to make magickal wands for ritual. Scattering the leaves in the four winds will bring protection. A person, place or thing may be blessed by scattering the leaves and berries to the four winds in the name of the subject to be blessed. Then scatter more leaves and berried over the named subject. Curses may be effected in the same manner. When worn it prevents all types of attacks. It keeps evil from the home when hung over the doors and windows. The berries drive away evil and negativity when carried. Grow it in your garden to protect from lightning and sorcery. Grown near the home it will bring prosperity. A fever may be dispelled by poking a twig into the ground while remaining in total silence. Since toothaches were one believed to be caused by evil spirits, it was also believed that chewing on a twig would rid you of it if you said; “Depart thou evil spirit.” To treat rheumatism, a twig is tied into three or four knots and carried in the pocket. Warts will disappear if they are rubbed with a green twig and then buried.                      
                                               
Elderberry wine, made from the berries, is used in rituals. In Denmark, it is believed to be unlucky to have furniture made of elder wood. Grown near your home, elder will offer protection to the dwellers. It is used at weddings to bring good luck to the newlyweds. Flutes made formt he branches are used to bring forth spirits. Rub warts with a green elder stick then bury it. The root and old bark can be used as a black dye. The leaves give a green dye when mixed with alum. Before felling an elder recite the following, while kneeling:

“Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood,
And I will give thee of mine,
When I become a tree.”

This will give the residing entity time to vacate. Especially among some Gypsies, sited as being dangerous, have long forbidden the use of the elder as firewood. However the wood has been used as wands for centuries.  Associated with the planet Venus and with MidSummer.

Properties: diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory

Growth: Elder is a tree or shrub, growing to 30 feet tall. The fruit is 1/4 inch globular-shaped, purple-black in color.  It prefers moist areas throughout North America.

Liquid elderberry extract is taken in amounts of 5 ml (for children) to 10 ml (for adults) twice per day.

Tea is made from 3-5 grams of the dried flowers steeped in 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes may also be drunk three times per day.

The bark and root bark must be used fresh.

Use 1 level tsp. Bark or root bark to 1/2 cup boiling water. Take no more than 1 cup a day, a mouthful at a time.
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Herb of the Day for July 26th is Cinnamon

Herb of the Day

Cinnamon

                                


Add cinnamon to remedies for acute symptoms, as this herb is a stimulant to other herbs and the body, enabling herbal remedies to work faster. It is also a blood purifier, an infection preventive, and a digestive aid. Cinnamon is used as a mouthwash, and is good for upset stomach.
For a cold medication simmer sticks with cloves for 3 min, add 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp honey, 2 tbsp whiskey.

Cinnamon is also good for yeast infection and athlete’s foot. A 2% solution will kill both of these conditions. Boil 8-10 sticks in 4 cups water, simmer 5 min, steep 45 min, then douche or apply to athlete’s foot. Cinnamon reduces cancer causing tendencies of many food additives.


Do not ingest cinnamon oil.

Magickal uses: The ancient Hebrews used cinnamon oil as part of a holy anointing oil. The Egyptians also used the oil during the mummification process. The Romans wove the leaves into wreaths, which were used to decorate the temples. Burned in incense, cinnamon will promote high spirituality. It is also used to stimulate the passions of the male. It should also be burned in incenses used for healing. The essential oil is used for protection.

Properties: Warming stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-viral, alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, aromatic, astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, germicide, hemostatic, stimulant, stomachic

Growth: Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, growing in tropical forest and being extensively cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world.
Reference
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Magickal Goody of the Day for July 14th – Calendula/ Marigold Healing Salve

Magickal Goody of the Day

witch potion 001

Calendula/ Marigold Healing Salve

Used externally for burns and irradiated skin, bruises, soreness, and skin ulcers. I love to use it for cracked, dry skin, eczema, diaper rash, and garden hands. It can help reduce bleeding and is wonderful for sore nipples and varicose veins! In other words, this salve is good for almost everything! And is a must-have in my healing cupboard.

3 cups dried calendula/ marigold petals
1 cup extra virgin olive oil, grape seed oil, or almond oil
2 ounces grated beeswax or beeswax pastilles
Optional: frankincense essential oil, 5 drops; tea tree oil, 5 drops
Cheesecloth
Heavy pot
Spoon
Measuring cup
Rubber band

Heat flowers in oil to a simmer (about 20 minutes).

Let the oil flower mixture set over night (the longer it sets, the stronger the salve).
Next, using cheese cloth over a clean cup or jar, strain the oil flower mixture (you will now have a lovely golden infusion).

In a double boiler, heat oil infusion and grated beeswax until melted and pour into clean jars and let cool, then seal (store in a cool dark place).

Magical uses: Being an herb of the sun, calendula can be used to remove negative energy. Oil can be used to consecrate tools, and the petals can be used as part of incense for divination.

The plant can be used in any ritual to honor the sun, as part of a sacred bath, incense, or strewing herb as well as to produce a yellow dye for and altar cloths for use in sun-honoring rituals. For protection, hang garlands of calendula over entry doors to prevent evil from entering.

Farmhouse Witchcraft
Penny Parker

Herb of the Day for July 14th is Sassafras

Herb of the Day

Sassafras

 Ague tree

(Sassafras officinale) 

Bark, root


Columbus is said to have sensed the nearness of land from the strong scent of sassafras. There is an old story that tells of the scent of sassafras carried out to sea by the wind; it helped Columbus to convince his mutinous crew that land was near.                                                         

Medicinal Uses:A hot infusion of dried root bark has been used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and as a wash for skin irritations, eczema, acne, and ulcers. Tea of the bark of the root was used by old timers as a spring tonic, to cleanse the blood. Good to flavor other herbs that have a disagreeable taste. Will relieve gas, ague, and colic. Taken warm, it is remedy for spasms. Good wash for inflamed eyes. Oil of sassafras is good for the toothache. Used as a wash, good for varicose ulcers. The bark of the roots contains a volatile oil that has anodyne and antiseptic properties.  The powdered leaves are used in Louisiana to thicken soup.

Sassafras should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Magickal uses: Sassafras is added to prosperity incenses. Carry it in the purse or wallet for this reason. It is also added to spells and sachets for healing.

Properties: Aromatic, stimulant, alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic, antiseptic. Contains a volatile oil, resin, wax, camphor, fatty matter, albumen, starch, gum, lignin, tannic acid, salts, and a decomposition product of tannic acid known as sassafrid.

Growth: Sassafras officinale is a small tree with green twigs and large simple or lobed leaves. It grows to 40 ft tall and10 in. in diameter with a narrow crown. The bark is thick, gray to brown, deeply furrowed. The twigs are thin, usually greenish, smooth, glabrous. The buds are rounded, greenish, covered with four scales. The leaves are variable, entire or with 2 or 3 lobes, elliptical in outline, 3-5 in long and 1.6-4 in. wide, shiny green above and paler below. The flowers are small, yellowish green, clustered at end of leafless twigs in early spring. The fruits are elliptical blue-black berries about 0.4 in. long in a red cup on a long red stalk, ripening in Fall. Sassafras is native to about the eastern half of the U. S. It is found scattered in upland and bottomland forests, often forming thickets in abandoned fields and other disturbed areas.

Take no more than a week at a time.

Infusion: steep 1 tsp. bark of root in 1 cup of water. Take 1 cup per day.

Tincture: A dose is 15 to 30 drops.

I personally place a large root in a large pot of water and boil until the water has become dark red. I then sweeten it to taste.  (Crick)
Reference
Author: Crick

How to Use Essential Oils eBook review

Hey everyone,

Wow, it looks like we have gotten a couple of reviews from different people on our new eBook on “How to Use Essential Oils – a Beginner’s Guide + Practical Tips”.

This two-part series is a comprehensive go-over of what essential oils are, how we make them/how they are derived from plants, and what you can do with them to better improve your life.  Whether it is skin care, weight loss, arthritis, headaches, indigestion, etc.  essential oils can help a lot in these areas.  They are primarily a preventative means, but it’s not like they don’t have the potency to mitigate a number of conditions.

The eBook also gives some great recipes and special blend formulas.

Check it out, and see these ebook reviews here!

For the How to Use Essential Oils eBook, click each part below (note: we will have to verify you are human but otherwise it is FREE for anyone to keep).

How to Use Essential Oils – a Beginner’s Guide part 1

How to Use Essential Oils – Practical Tips part 2

 

Thanks for telling us how you feel 🙂  Do you have some thoughts on our new eBook?  Write to us at eupterraen@eupterrafoundation.com and we will see if we can’t feature your review as well.

Share with your EO buddies if you like this!

Herb of the Day for June 23rd is Gingko

Herb of the Day

Gingko

Maidenhair Tree


The name “Gingko” comes from the Chinese, meaning  “silver fruit” or “white nuts.”                                                                         
Medicinal Uses: Gingko Biloba is used to treat memory loss and difficulties, and is used to treat head injuries. It is also used to treat tinnitus, circulatory problems, strengthening the cardiac system, impotence, asthma, allergies that affect breathing, and Alzheimer’s disease, in its early stages. Its properties enable the opening of the smaller veins, helping to improve circulation to all organs and especially the heart.          
                                                          
Ginkgo biloba expels mucus from bronchioles and lungs, stops wheezing, inhibits cough, stops leucorrhea, regulates urination, stops spermatorrhea. The ripe fruit, having been macerated in sesame oil for 100 days, has been successfully used in China for the treatment of tuberculosis. The 24 to 1 extract of the leaf is now a popular herbal product for a wide variety of vascular problems especially increasing vascular circulation to the brain for the treatment of dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.    
                                                                                             
It improves memory loss, brain function, cerebral and peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and blood flow. Relieves signs of senility, phlebitis, depression. Good for vertigo and tinnitus, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, allergies, coughs, colds, flu, inflammations, hemorrhoids, positive effect on the vascular system, increases blood flow to the brain and lower extremities, heart and kidney disorders, and glucose utilization.

Magickal uses:  Gingko is held or carried to help improve the memory. A mild tea prior to bedtime will help to remember dreams during sleep.

Properties: Seeds: astringent, expectorant, sedative, antitussive, anti-fungal, antibacterial. Leaves: relax blood vessels, circulatory stimulant. Contains ginkgolides and heterosides, volatile oil tannins, and resin.

Growth: The Gingko Biloba tree is a remnant of prehistoric times. It grows 50 to 70 feet tall. It prefers temperate areas with moist soils, and needs full sun and high humidity. The tree has attractive, fan shaped foliage and can grow to about 35 feet in twenty years. It is dioecious, meaning there are male and female plants. The female plant produces a bad smelling fruit, which contains a delicious nut that is a gourmet treat in China. The seeds are yellow. Native to China and Japan and closely related to conifers. Cultivated in the United States.
Reference
Author: Crick

Herb of the Day for June 21 is Calendula

Herb of the Day

Calendula


                                                              (Calendula officinalis) flowers, leaves


Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the petals used as lotion for skin cleansing and softening.
It is usually combined with chamomile and comfrey for a soothing ointment in cases of skin
problems, burns, cuts, insect bites, stings and bruises. Calendula is said to strengthen and
comfort the heart and aid in digestion. The flowers are used in infusion form as a wash for
red eye. The flowers are also used for hair rinse, and in a herbal bath for stimulation to aid
circulation and sooth skin.  
                                                                                                              
The petals or leaves can be used in a tea to induce sweating, promote menstruation, increase urination, relieve stomach cramps, indigestion and stomachaches, and for relief from flu and fevers.  
For bee stings, rub the fresh flowers directly on the sting to relieve the pain.

Do not use Calendula while pregnant.

Magickal uses: A masculine herb that is ruled by the Sun. The associated element is Fire. Wear a fresh marigold to court to help win a case. Place in your mattress for prophetic dreams. Add to bath water to increase confidence. Sprinkle around the bed to protect a person from evil and to bring greater understanding of dreams.

Properties: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing, anti-fungal and soothing.

Growth: Calendulas have been grown as garden plants for many years throughout North America and Europe. Calendula is a annual that requires warm temperatures and full sun. It has hairy leaves and golden-orange flowers, and has a long flowering period.

Infusion: Combine 1 to 2 tsp fresh or dried flowers with 1/2 C. water just off the boil; steep 5 to 10 minutes; strain. Used as a compress will soothe tired eyes.

Tincture: Soak a handful of flowers in 1 pint of whiskey for 5 to 6 weeks; dose is 5 to 20 drops.

Oil: Put 1 C. sweet almond oil and 1 oz. calendula petals in a jar; place in a sunny spot for 4 weeks then heat oil till petals are crisp; strain and bottle.

Salve/Ointment:  Boil 1 oz. dried flowers or leaves (or 1 tsp fresh plant juice) with 1 oz of Lard; OR; slowly heat 4 oz. white petroleum jelly in top of double boiler till melted; add 1 oz. crushed herb and simmer 20 minutes; strain into little pots; cover when cold.

Reference

Author: Crick