*G/P/E: Gender/Planet/Element
ALOE
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Water.
Magical attributes: Beauty, protection, success, peace.
Uses: Aloe has always been known for its healing qualities.
For treating wounds and maintaining healthy skin. It may be applied right from the
plant or in gel form for burns, sunburns, and can relieve poison ivy rash and
helps to combat a variety of bacteria that commonly cause infections in skin wounds.
It is also an excellent additive for soaps and creams as a conditioner.
After using gel from a leaf the opened leaf will seal itself so you can store it in
a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for future uses.
ANGELICA
G/P/E: Masculine, Venus, Fire.
Magical attributes: Protection, Exorcism.
Uses: Grow in the garden as a protection. Carry the root with you as an amulet.
Burn the dried leaves in exorcism rituals.
ANISE
G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter or Moon, Air.
Magical attributes: Protection, purification, awareness, joy.
Uses: For treating coughs, bronchitis and a stuffy nose,
it loosens bronchial congestion, making it easier to cough it up and expel it.
A good breath freshener in the morning, and if kept by the bed it will prevent
bad dreams. Also a digestive aid and can relieve an upset stomach and flatulence
when taken as a tea, and a treatment for colic. Also suggested that anise may be
beneficial to women because certain chemicals in the plant are chemical cousins to the
female hormone estrogen. Though it is mild, anise may help to relieve the discomfort
of menopause. In traditional folk medicine it has been used to promote milk
production in nursing mothers. It's recommended dosage would be 1 teaspoonful
of seeds for every cup of boiling water, steep 10-20 minutes and strain, drink 3 cups
a day for maximum effect. A good general cleansing bath is made with a handful of
anise seeds and a few bay leaves. A pillow of anise keeps away nightmares.
Also a good sedative.
APPLE
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical attributes: Love spells, good luck.
ASH
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Water.
Magical attributes: A tree with protective qualities, it is used to make brooms
for purification and wands for healing. The leaves placed beneath a pillow induce
psychic dreams. The leaves bring luck and good fortune when carried in a pocket of
bag worn around the neck.
BALM of GILEAD
G/P/E: Feminine, Saturn.
Magical attributes: The buds are carried to ease a broken heart and can be added
to love and protection charms and spells.
BASIL
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire
Magical attributes: Protection, love, wealth (if carried in your wallet),
healing relationships, ensuring faithfulness in a mate, courage, fertility, exorcism.
Uses: It is good as a tea for calming the nerves, settling the stomach,
and easing cramps and good for the bladder. In tincture form, also makes a good hair
rinse for brunettes. An ingredient of the Purification bath sachet. Add to love
sachets and incenses.
BAY LAUREL
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire
Magical attributes: wisdom, protection, psychic powers, banishes negative energy.
Uses: DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY-use as a poultice on chest for
bronchitis and chest colds.
BAY LEAVES:
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Psychic visions and dreams, repels negativity and evil.
BENZOIN
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Air.
Magical attributes: Used widely in purification incenses.
Tincture of benzoin preserves oils and preparations.
BETONY
G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter, Fire.
Magical attributes: Add to incenses of protection and purification.
Sleep on a pillow stuffed with betony to prevent nightmares.
CARAWAY
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air
Magical attributes: Protection, Passion
Uses: Add to love sachets and charms to attract a lover in the more physical aspect.
Also a mild stimulant for digestion.
CARNATION
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Worn by witches for protection during the "Burning Times",
adds energy and power when used during a ritual as an incense.
CATNIP
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical attributes: Cat magic, familiars, joy, friendship, love.
Uses: Its flowers and leaves have often been used to treat colds and insomnia.
It lowers fevers, dries up post nasal drip, gets rid of bad headaches and relieves sore
aching bones due to colds and flus, when taken in tea form, 2-3 times daily. As an
incense it may be used to consecrate magical tools.
CAMOMILE
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun or Venus, Water.
Magical attributes: Good as a meditation incense, for centering, peace,
sprinkle in your home for protection, healing, money.
Uses: Is an excellent herb both internally and externally for calming.
Great for digestion, fevers, burns, rs, anti-inflammatory for wounds,
and sedative for nervous disorders. And releaves stomachaches and diarrhea in
infants and small children (always using in diluted form). In tea form,
made of 2 teaspoons of the herb steeped for 5 minutes in a cup of boiling
water is a gentle sleep inducer. Chamomile also makes an excellent insect repellent,
simply splash some tea on face arms and feet. It is also a good hair rinse for blondes.
Plant camomile in your garden to be the guardian of the land, and you will have
certain success.
CARAWAY
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air.
Magical attributes:Used in love charms to attract a lover.
Uses: Culinary herb.
CELANDINE
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes:Helps the wearer escape unfair imprisonment and entrapment,
cures depression.
CINQUEFOIL
G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter, Earth.
Magical attributes:Hang around the doors and windows for protection from evil.
Use in spells and charms for prosperity, purification and protection.
CINNAMON
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Spiritual quests, augmenting power, love, success, psychic work,
healing, cleansing. Used in incenses for healing, clairvoyance, high spiritual
vibrations. Reputed to be a male aphrodisiac. Use in prosperity charms.
Uses: It is recommended as a skin astringent and digestive aid in tea form.
Ground, or taken with milk, good balance after a heavy meal or dessert.
Also used for diarrhea, dysentery or general indigestion. It is an excellent aromatic
and makes a good anointing oil for any magical working.
CLOVER
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air.
Magical attributes: Associated with the Triple Goddess.
Use in rituals for beauty, youth, healing injuries, curing madness. A Four-leaved
clover enables one to see fairies, and as a general good-luck charm.
CLOVE
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Wear in an amulet or charm to dispel negativity and bind
those who speak ill of you. Cloves strung on a red thread can be worn as a protective
charm. Money matters, visions, cleansing and purification.
Uses: It has a mild antiseptic quality for toothaches (chew), or in tea form it is
an expectorant for colds, also good foe nausea or vomiting. It is an antibacterial,
antiseptic, and analgesic, which means it helps prevent disease and infection.
COMFREY
G/P/E: Feminine, Saturn, Water.
Magical attributes: Safe travel spells, money, healing, honoring the Crone aspect
of the Goddess.
Uses: Has been known to slow bleeding, aid colds, ease burns.
As a poultice or a tea, comfrey may be applied to bites, sores, rashes, broken bones,
and cuts. Also a good ingredient for lotions to soothe sunburn.
CORIANDER
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical attributes: Protection of home and serenity, peace ,
good in ritual drinks, incenses for longevity and love spells.
Uses: If added to wine, it makes a good love potion for 2 consenting parties.
To use in this fashion, grind 7 grains of coriander and mix into a wine and drink.
Also used in love sachets and charms.
COWSLIP
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical uses: Luck in love, a woman who washes her face with milk infused with
cowslip will draw her beloved closer to her. Induces contact with departed loved ones
during dreams.
CYPRESS
G/P/E: Masculine, Saturn, Earth.
Magical uses:Connected to death in all of its aspects. The smoke of Cypress can
be used to consecrate ritual objects.
DAISY
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water
Magical uses:Decorate the house with daisies at Midsummer's Eve to bring
happiness to the home and to obtain the blessings of faeries. Daisies are also worn at
Midsummer for luck and blessings. In the old times, young maidens would weave
and wear daisy chains in their hair to attract their beloved.
DANDELION
G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter, Air.
Magical attributes: Divination, welcoming, messages.
Uses: The ground root can act as a coffee substitute, and the flowers make a
lovely wine. A superb cleansing tonic, and the milky juice is a diuretic, a tonic
and a relief for common stomach problems. Use a handful of flower tops to 1 pint
of boiling water, steep 10 minutes and strain. Drink this several times a day.
Use the milky latex from the stem , rub on a wart several times daily and
soon its gone. Also good for night blindness.
DILL
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Fire.
Magical attributes:Useful in love charms. May also be hung in childrens
rooms to protect them from evil spirits and protect against bad dreams.
Uses: A culinary herb.
DRAGONS BLOOD
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical uses:Widely used in love, protection and purification spells.
Keep a piece under the bed to cure impotency. Carried for good luck.
May be dissolved in the bath for strong purification.
ELECAMPANE
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Earth.
Magical uses:Useful in raising spirits and to aid in meditation.
ELDER
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Air.
Magical uses:Branches are widely used for wands. One must always be cautious
to ask permission from the Elder Dryad before cutting or harvesting Elder limbs
or leaves and berries to avoid very bad luck. It is also considered very bad luck to burn
Elder wood. The leaves hung around the doors and windows will ward off evil.
EUCALYPTUS
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Air.
Magical uses:Used in healing rituals, charms and amulets. Place the leaves
around a blue candle and burn for healing energies. Green pods worn around the
neck eases the discomfort of colds, sore throats and congestion.
EYEBRIGHT
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Air.
Magical uses:Anoint eyelids with the infusion daily to induce clairvoyant
visions and psychic dreams.
FENNEL
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Fire.
Magical attributes: Purification, protection, healing, money.
Uses: Sometimes employed as an appetite suppressant and digestive aid.
Used in tea form to expel mucus. Chew the seeds slowly for really bad breath,
or use the fluid extract to rub on gums.
FERN
G/P/E: Feminine, Saturn, Earth.
Magical uses:The Fern is an extremely powerful protective plant.
Grow them in and around the house for protection from evil and negativity.
FRANKINCENSE
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:A very powerful aid to meditation. Use to purify ritual spaces
and invoke a spiritual frame of mind.
GARDENIA
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Water.
Magical uses:Used to attract true love.
GARLIC
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical uses:A very protective herb, healing, good weather, courage, exorcism.
Uses: A culinary herb.
GINGER
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical attributes: Power, success, love, money matters.
Uses: Acts as an aid to ingestion or colds (tea form).
Also in tea form, good for cramps, to stimulate the digestive organs, migraines
and nausea, external stiffness. Can be added to the bath as a way to ease
pain and increase circulation, but only use a few sprinkles, not to much,
like cayenne, ginger quickly brings the blood to the surface of the skin.
For pain you can also soak cloths in ginger tea and apply them directly to the painful
areas. Add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken.
A good healing tea is made from a pinch of peppermint, a pinch of ginger
and either a pinch of clove powder or 2 bruised cloves, add 1 cup of hot water and steep.
GINSENG
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Love, wishes, beauty, desire.
Uses: Stimulant, tonic, and agent for prolonged life.
Also a mild pain killer, and improves blood circulation. Reported to successfully
treat asthma, bronchitis, cancer, flatulence, diabetes, weakness, fever, coughs
and heartburn, and a mild stimulant. In tea form it helps to relieve stress and moderate h
eart disease.
GARLIC
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical attributes: Protection, healing, good weather, courage, exorcism.
Uses: Lowers tension, ease colds, and improve circulation.
Garlic vinegar can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain and any
common pain (made from one liter of vinegar and ten cloves of crushed garlic steeped
for at least 10 days). Shrinks warts, relieves pain from teeth and earaches.
Good for high and low blood pressure and removing parasites and infections.
To ease the pain of aching joints, a toothache or an earache, place a crushed
raw bulb of garlic on a piece of gauze and place over the area of pain.
For joints, try using garlic paste.
HAWTHORN
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical uses:Used in protective sachets and amulets against evil influences.
Promotes happiness in marriage or a relationship. It is bad luck to cut down a
hawthorn. Burn the berries as an incense when you need energy and and change in life.
HAZEL
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Air.
Magical uses:Hazel wood is excellent for an all-purpose wand.
Forked branches can be used for divining. Sprigs of Hazel can be carried
for good luck, they are especially powerful if bound together by red and gold thread.
HENBANE
G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter, Water.
Magical uses:Carried to attract the love of a woman. Was once used as an
ingredient in a Witches flying ointment. Henbane is extremely poisonous and the
upmost caution is urged.
HIGH JOHN the CONQUEROR ROOT
G/P/E: Masculine, Saturn, Earth.
Magical uses:Use this as an additive to candle anointing oils, and charms to
increase their strength.
HOLLY
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical uses:Planted around the home for protection against evil. The leaves
and berries can be carried by a man to heighten his masculinity, virility and to
attract a lover.
HONEYSUCKLE
G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter, Earth.
Magical uses:Used widely in prosperity spells and love charms.
HOPS
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Water.
Magical uses:Used in healing incenses and charms. A mild sedative.
Hops placed in a pillow will help with sleep.
HYSSOP
G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter, Fire.
Magical uses:Use in purification baths, protective and banishing spells.
Hyssop was widely used during the Middle Ages for purification,
cleansing and consecration rituals. If burnt as an incense or thrown into a fire is
is said one may draw upon magickal dragon energy.
IVY
G/P/E: Masculine, Saturn, Water.
Magical uses:Protects the houses it grows around and over from evil and harm.
JASMINE
G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter, Earth.
Magical uses:Used in love spells, charms and sachets. Women have used
Jasmine from the earliest recorded history because of its seductive effects on men.
JUNIPER
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Protection against accidents, harm and theft. The berries are
used to attract lovers once dried and worn as a charm.
In the old traditions, Ivy and Holly was given to newlyweds as good-luck charms.
LAVENDER
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air.
Magical attributes: Sleep, long life, peace, wishes, protection, love, purification,
visions, attracting men, clarity of thought.
Uses: Has strong antiseptic qualities. Mild infusions
(3 tablespoons to 6 cups of water) make a good sedative, headache treatment,
and digestive aid. Used in oil or tincture form to heal cuts, burns or scalds,bites.
This also acts as a tonic and may be used for colds, chills, and the flu.
Lavender is an excellent aromatic, usually mixing well with other floral scents.
An ingredient in the Purification bath sachet, also used in purification incenses.
It is thrown onto the Midsummer fires by Witches as a sacrifice to the ancient gods.
Lavender is a frequent addition to healing sachets,especially bath mixtures,
and is added to incenses to cause sleep. Lavender is a great antibiotic, antidepressant,
sedative and detoxify. Stimulates the immune system.
LEMON
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon or Neptune, Water.
Magical attributes: Purification, love, blessings.
Uses: Sweetens breath. Antiseptic, antibacterial and hypotensive.
For chills and sore throat, the juice of a lemon mixed in a glass of honey and warm
water, taken 3 times daily should help. For nose bleeds, apply a small piece of cotton,
soaked in lemon juice. In oil form it is used for treating warts, insect bites,
tension headaches, eliminates cellulite, and is an anti-wrinkle tonic..
Stimulates the digestive system. Also makes a good skin cleanser, hair rinse for
blondes, and cleaning agent for brass and silver.
LEMON BALM
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon or Neptune, Water.
Magical uses: Love potions, aphrodisiacs, fertility anti depressant.
Drink as an infusion to soothe emotional pains after a relationship ends.
LEMON VERBENA
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Air.
Magical uses:Love charms, youth, beauty and attractiveness to the opposite sex.
Wear around your neck or place under a pillow to prevent dreams.
LILAC
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Air
Magical attributes: Protection, warding off evil or banishing rituals, beauty,
love, harmony and balance.
LINDEN
G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter, Water.
Magical uses:Associated with conjugal love or attraction and longevity.
LOVAGE
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Water.
Magical uses:Add the dried and powdered root to cleansing and purification
baths to release negativity. Carry to attract love and the attention of the opposite sex.
MANDRAKE
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Earth.
Magical uses:A protective charm for the home. The root increases fertility
in women and impotency in men when carried. Charge a mandrake root with your
personal energy, sleep with it for three nights prior to the full moon. The root can be
carried to increase courage.
MARIGOLD
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Prophesy, legal matters, the psychic, seeing magical creatures,
love, clairvoyance, dreams, business or legal affairs and renewing personal energy.
Uses: For internal use the flowers are prepared by infusion and recommended for
the flu, fever, rheumatism, jaundice, and painful menstruation. Externally,
buds are made into compresses for the treatment of burns. Marigold petal ointment
can help chapped hands and varicose veins, also works wonders with eczema and
inflammation. To ease inflammation, dip a compress into a strong marigold tea
combined with an equal part of apple cider vinegar. Sprains can also be helped with
marigold petals steeped in vinegar, or make a lotion with milk. Simmer 12 heads in
2 cups milk, steep, strain and apply. Also use as an antiseptic in first aid.
Place the flower beneath the head at night to induce clairvoyant dreams.
Sometimes added to love sachets. It should be gathered at noon.
MARJORAM
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air
Magical attributes: protection, love, healing.
Uses: Add to all love charms, place a piece in rooms for protection.
Give to a grieving person to bring them happiness.
MEADOWSWEET
G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter, Water.
Magical uses:Protection against evil influences, promotes love, balance and
harmony. A sacred herb of the Druids. Place meadowsweet on the altar when
making love charms and conducting love spells to increase their potency.
Wear at Lammas to join with the Goddess.
MINT (SPEARMINT & PEPPERMINT)
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury or Venus, Air.
Magical attributes: Money, healing, strength, augment power, luck, travel.
Uses: Mint in tea form aids upset stomachs, flu, and can be used to ease hiccups.
Inhalations of the leaves in boiling water is recommended for head colds and asthma.
Mint tea used instead of aspirin is great for headaches, particularly pre menstrual
headaches. Nervous headaches can be relieved if you lie in a dark room with fresh
peppermint leaves on the forehead. Aids the respiratory and circulatory systems.
An anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic. Ideal for treating indigestion, flatulence,
varicose veins, headaches, migraines, skin irritations,rheumatism, toothache,
and general fatigue.
MISTLETOE
G/P/E:
Magical uses:Worn for protection and to attract love, or to help conceive.
MUGWORT
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Air.
Magical uses: Clairvoyance, psychic dreams, astral projection, protection.
Place in the shoes for protection and to prevent fatigue on long journeys.
The fresh leaves rubbed on a magick mirror or crystal ball will strengthen divinatory
abilities. Mugwort is perhaps the most widely used Witches herb of all time.
MULLEIN
G/P/E: Masculine, Saturn, Fire.
Magical uses:Courage, protection from wild animals, protection from evil spirits,
cleansing of ritual and psychic places before and after working there. Also used for
cleansing and purifying ritual tools and altars.
MYRRH
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon or Jupiter, Water.
Magical uses:Purifying and protective incense for ritual areas. Can be used to
consecrate tools.
Uses: Excellent insect repellent and as a tincture it is good for bad breath and
gum problems.
MYRTLE
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical uses:Myrtle was sacred to the Greek Goddess Venus and has been
used in love charms and spells throughout history. Grow indoors for good luck.
Carry or wear Myrtle leaves to attract love, charms made of the wood have special
magickal properties. Wear fresh Myrtle leaves while making love charms,
potions or during rituals for love.
NETTLE
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical attributes: To advert danger, protection, healing, courage, antidote for
many poisons.
Uses: Use gloves to handle so as to avoid getting pricked. High in vitamin C
and iron and when in tea form can ease asthma and increase your energy levels.
NUTMEG
G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter, Air.
Magical uses: Clairvoyance and psychic power of visions
OAK
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:The Oak is a sacred tree in many cultures. A Witch will often
seek out a grove of Oak to perform rites. It has always been considered unlucky to
cut down an oak. After getting permission from the tree's Dryad, burn oak leaves
for purification of ritual spaces. Oak is often used for all-purpose wands and they
imbue great power. The acorns have been carried to increase fertility in women
and to increase sexual appeal by men, preserve youth and to banish illness.
Hang Oak over windows and doors to protect your house from evil spirits.
ONION
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical uses: Protection and healing. Place cut onions in a sick persons room
to absorb the illness. Leave them overnight and throw away in the morning.
ORANGE
G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter, Water.
Magical uses:The dried and powdered peel is added to love and fertility charms.
ORRIS ROOT
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical uses: Love, sexual appeal. Use in charms, amulets, sachets, incenses
and baths.
PARSLEY
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air.
Magical attributes: Fresh parsley leaves in tea form are a treatment for cramps,
while dried root decoctions eases urinary infections and arthritis. Externally,
crushed leaves relieve insect bites, and may be applied in poultice form to sprains.
Uses: Widely used as a culinary herb
PATCHOULI
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Earth.
Magical uses: Aphrodisiac and attractant of lovers for either sex
PENNYROYAL
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Earth.
Magical uses: Protection, weariness, deters insects. Avoid Pennyroyal while
pregnant.
BLACK PEPPER
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.
Magical uses:Use in protective charms.
PERIWINKLE
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical uses:Protection against evil influences. Hang around doors and windows.
PIMPERNEL
G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air.
Magical uses:Wear to detect falsehood to prevent or know when others are lying
to you.
PINE
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Air.
Magical attributes: Attunement to nature, centering, cleansing, healing,
productivity, purification against illness, a good winter incense, fertility charms.
Uses: Pine buds prepared by decoction act as an expectorant and antiseptic.
This same mixture can be used for inhalation for head colds, although it is easier
to toss some needles in hot water. Green cones and needles can be added to bath water
to ease muscle pains and swelling. For magic, pine is best suited for its aromatic
qualities of bringing one back into balance, and enhancing connection with the
natural world.
POPPY
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Water.
Magical uses:Eat poppy seeds as a fertility charm, just don't take a urine test
at work for a few days afterward. Carry the seeds or dried seed-pod as a prosperity
charm.
ROSE
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical attributes: Love, friendship, luck, protection, psychic power and divination.
Uses: Conserves of roses or rose petals in honey are often recommended for nausea
and sore throats. Roses are high in vitamin C.
ROSEMARY
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Improve memory, sleep, purification, youth, love, power,
healing, protection, intellectual.
Uses: Promotes healing of wounds, acts as an antiseptic, and can be a mild
stimulant. Good in teas for treating flu, stress, and headaches or body aches.
Mental and physical booster. Used for treating (oil form) muscular sprains,
arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine headaches, coughs,
flu and diabetes. Excellent remedy for acne or cellulite. When the leaves are
soaked in wine for two weeks, small glasses may be taken as a digestive aid. Oil of
rosemary is excellent in hair conditioners, and the flowers of this herb may be added
to lotion recipes to improve the complexion. Add to all purification bath sachets,
love incenses, and protection incenses. Make a simple of rosemary and use it to
cleanse the hands before working magic, if you have no time for a regular ritual bath.
Burn rosemary and juniper as a healing and recuperation incense.
ROWAN
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Protection, good luck, healing.
RUE
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Protection, preventing illness, clearness of mind, purification
of ritual spaces and tools, clearing the mind of emotional clutter.
SAFFRON
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses: Prosperity, healing and sexual prowess in men
SAGE
G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter or Venus, Air.
Magical attributes: Fertility, longevity, wishes, wisdom, protection, healing,
health.
Uses: Can be used in an infusion to aid digestion, or as part of a honey wine to
fight colds and fever. When applied in compresses it can ease many skin discomforts,
including dandruff. If made into cream it is good for muscular pain, and if dried
and smoked sometimes gives relief to asthma.
ST JOHN'S WORT
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Protective charms, ward off fever and illness, a banishing or
exorcism incense, the tea increases courage and will power. Gather on Midsummer's
Eve, pass through the smoke of bonfires to purify, and hang in the house as
protection and to prevent nightmares.
SANDALWOOD
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Air.
Magical uses: Purification, protection and healing.
SUNFLOWER
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Welcomes and invites the blessings of the Sun into the garden.
The seeds are eaten by women to increase fertility.
THYME
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical attributes: Sleep, psychic energy, courage, healing, purification incense,
magickal cleansing baths, a renewing of one's personal energy, warding off of
negative energy.
Uses: Powerful antibacterial, antibiotic, and diuretic properties. It helps eliminate
wastes from the body. It is used in treating whooping coughs, warts, rheumatism and
acne. A strong antiseptic which when prepared by infusion is useful for poor
digestion, exhaustion, colds, and infections, and with honey is an effective treatment
for sore throats. Also used in tea form as a fever breaker, headache reducer and to
be rid of intestinal worms, and can be used as a mouthwash. Also, a great insect
repellent. Use both the leaves and flowers. This tea works best for headaches when
taken cold. Take a magical cleansing bath in the spring of thyme and marjoram
( used in tea form or whole herbs). A pillow stuffed with it cures nightmares.
TUMERIC
Uses: added to warm milk it regulates menstrual cycle.
VALERIAN
G/P/E: Feminine, Mercury or Venus, Water.
Magical attributes: Love, calming, sleep, purification or relaxing baths.
Uses: Use the dried, powdered root. Promotes relaxation while counteracting
the effects of insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, headaches, pre menstrual syndrome
and menstrual cramping. For sleep, before bed take 1 teaspoon of herb to 1 pint of
water and simmer. Also acts as a good substitute for catnip. Use the fresh herb in
spells of love, also to get fighting couples together. Used in the Purification bath
sachet.
VANILLA
G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter, Fire.
Magical uses:The bean is used in a love charms, the oil is worn as an aphrodisiac.
VERVAIN
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical uses: Ritual cleansing or sacred space, magical cleansing baths,
purification incenses. Hang over the bed to prevent nightmares. Love and
protection charms, Vervain is also an excellent for use in prosperity charms
and spells as it brings good luck and inspiration.
VIOLET
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical uses:Mix with lavender for a powerful love charm. A Violet and
Lavender compress will aid in eliminating headaches. The flowers are carried as
a good-luck charm. The scent will soothe, clear the mind and relax the wearer.
WALNUT
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Carry the nut as a charm to promote fertility and strengthen the heart.
WILLOW
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Water.
Magical uses:Willow wands can be used for healing. The Willow will bring
the blessings of the Moon upon those who plant it or have it on their property.
Willows can be used to bind together witch's brooms and a forked willow branch is
widely used in water witching and dowsing.
WITCH HAZEL
G/P/E: Masculine, Saturn or Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Protection, chastity, healing the heart.
Uses: In tincture form it is good as a mouth rinse and to ease hemorrhoids.
As a compress, witch hazel can be applied to insect bites and other skin irritations.
WORMWOOD
G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Air.
Magical uses: Wormwood is burned to gain protection from wandering spirits.
Used in divinatory and clairvoyance incenses, initiation rites and tests of courage.
Enables the dead to be released from this plane so they my find peace.
YARROW
G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.
Magical uses: Courage, love, marriage charms, dispelling negativity, psychic
abilities, divination.
Uses: A very potent healer, it intensifies the medicinal action of other herbs taken
with it. Helps eliminate toxins (good for colds). Most useful in its abilities to
staunch blood flow. In poultice form , it is useful against infections and swelling.
In magic there is evidence that yarrow was often used as a component in incantations.
The tea drunk prior to divination will enhance one's powers of perception
(a touch of peppermint brightens this brew up and always works better).
Also drink the tea to stop arthritis symptoms such as swelling and inflammation
associated with weather divination and generally end all aching, sore muscles,
or stiff joints or back pain. A powerful incense additive for divination and love spells.
The Herbal First Aid Kit
Please remember that when dealing with potentially serious injuries, first aid
is a stop gap measure until adequate medical attention can be found! Follow up on
any serious injuries with a qualified physician!
Aloe
Break off an aloe leaf and scrape the gel to soothe minor burns, scalds, and
sunburns. Aloe has tissue regenerative properties and will help heal all wounds.
Arnica
Arnica cream or oil can be used on bruises or sprains where the skin is not broken.
Caution should be used with Arnica however since it can become toxic in high doses.
Calendula Cream
Homemade or storebought, this is antispetic and antifungal. If you make it, try
adding comfrey to the cream; it will help speed the healing process.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is an excellent antispetic for cuts and is also useful for treating toothaches.
It should be cut with a carrier oil when used on the skin since severe irritation can
occur.
Compresses
Keep squares of gauze or cheesecloth on hand to make compresses. Use comfrey,
witch hazel, or arnica for sprains; St. John's Wort for deep cuts; comfrey or witch
hazel for burns.
Crystallized Ginger
Chew for motion sickness or morning sickness.
Eucalyptus Oil
This is a good inhalant for colds, coughs, and respiratory infections.
Rescue Remedy
This combination of 5 of the Bach Flower Remedies is effective for shocks and
emotional upsets, especially in children.
St. John's Wort Infused Oil
Excellent for minor burns and sunburn.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm powder is used to make poultices for drawing out splinters and bringing
boils to a head.
Tea Tree Oil
Antispetic and antifungal. Useful for cleansing wounds.
Witch Hazel Extract
Use it to treat minor burns, sunburn, and insect bites. Apply to nasal passages
to stop nosebleeds. Wash cuts with it to help cleanse them.
Definitions & Making Herbal Preparations
Compress-
Soak a soft cloth in a hot infusion, decoction, or 5-20 ml tincture in 500 ml hot water. Squeeze out excess water and hold pad against affected area.
Cream-
A mixture of fats and water that blends with the skin to strengthen and smooth it. Use 30 g lanolin, 15 oz beeswax, 100 g. vegetable or fruit oil, and 30 ml herb water. Melt the lanolin and beeswax in a double boiler, gently stirring in the oil. Remove from heat and whisk in the herb water. Keep stirring as it cools. Store in wide mouth jars.
Decoction-
Made by simmering larger pieces of the herb, such as bark, roots, or twigs. Use 30 g. dried or 60 g. fresh herb to 750 ml water; simmer until the water is reduced to 500 ml. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day.
Infused oils-
--Hot infusion: 250 g. dried or 500 g. fresh herb to 750 ml Olive or Vegetable Oil. Heat gently in a double boiler for 3 hours. Strain through cheesecloth into dark bottles.
--Cold infusion: Pack a large jar with the herb. Cover it with cold-pressed oil and put the lid on. Let stand in a sunny window sill for 2-3 weeks. Squeeze the oil through a jelly bag and repeat the process. Store in dark glass bottles.
Infusion-
A tea made by pouring boiled (not actively boiling) water over fresh or dried herbs. Use approximately 30 g. dried or 75 g. fresh herbs to 500 ml water. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day.
Macerate-
To make, pour 500ml of cold water over 25g of herb and leave to stand overnight. Then strain and use as you would a decoction.
Massage Oils-
Use 5 drops essential oil to 20 ml carrier oil. Sweet almond, jojoba, avocado or grapeseed make good carrier oils. You can also used infused oils.
Ointment-
A mixture of oils and fats that forms a protective layer over the skin. Melt 500 g. petroleum jelly or soft paraffin wax in a double boiler. Add 60 g. dried herb and simmer gently for 2 hours. Strain through a jelly bag and pour into jars while still hot.
Plaster-
Wrap the chopped or boiled herbs, or a paste made from them, in cheesecloth or muslin before applying to the affected area. This is good for herbs that might irritate the skin, such as mustard.
Poultice-
Boil herbs in a little water for a hot poultice, or bruise or chop slightly for a cold one. Smooth a little oil on the skin to keep the herbs from sticking, apply the herb, and wrap with muslin or gauze strips.
Steam Inhalants -
Place a few tablespoons of the dried herb in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam.
Syrup-
An infusion or decoction preserved by adding sugar or honey. Use 500 ml infusion to 500 g sugar or honey; heat gently until the sweetener has dissolved. Store in dark glass bottles with cork tops; screw top bottles may explode if the mixture ferments.
Tincture -
Steep the fresh or dried herb in a 25% mixture of alcohol and water. Do not use methyl, grain, or rubbing alcohol as they are toxic. Vodka is ideal; rum has the added benefit of covering unpleasant flavors. Use 200 g. dried or 600 g. fresh herb to 1 liter alcohol and water. Place in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle. Take 5 ml three times a day, diluted in a little fruit juice or water.
Tonic Wine-
Pour 2 liters good quality wine, preferably red, over 500 g. dried herb, making sure all the herb is covered by the wine. Cover and leave for 2 weeks. Strain and take in 1/3 cup doses.
Wash-
A tea or infusion meant only for external use. A mild form of a wash would be 1/4 ounce of herb to one pint of boiling water, steeped until lukewarm, then applied.
Herbal Vinegars
Specialty vinegars are becoming ever more popular throughout the country. They are sought after for their culinary uses and as medicinal aids. For those lucky enough to have their own herbs available, here is a simple recipe and method for making your own herb vinegars.
1 gallon jug of white vinegar
assorted fresh herbs
2 Glass Jugs .. 1 gallon size
Plastic wrap
Sunshine
Patience
A good assortment of herbs for vinegar, are Oregano, Chives, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon, and Basil.
Harvest your fresh herbs early in the morning before the sun warms them too much. Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Do not remove the leaves from the stalks, but do use tender, not woody, stalks.
While the herbs are drying .. Wash and sterilize the glass jugs Fill the jugs with the fresh herbs of your choice .. you might try combining Oregano, garlic and chives ... or Tarragon, with a few slices of lemon, ... Rosemary & Thyme make a nice vinegar, and Basil, all by itself is a treat.
Fill the jug to the top with the white vinegar, and cover the jug opening with a piece of plastic wrap, before putting the lid on tightly.
Invert the Jug and place it outside where it will get full sun ... then forget about it for the next 4 to 6 weeks ... you can leave the jugs out longer if you don't have time to decant them.
When you are ready to decant the herbal vinegar .. wash and sterilize smaller containers... some people use canning jars, some use recycled liquor bottles, and some use attractive bottles found at flea markets or yard sales.
Strain the herbal vinegar twice through cheesecloth .. if it still seems a bit cloudy, strain again .. it couldn't hurt (smile). Then simply pour the herbal vinegar into the prepared containers, cap and label them. That's all there is to it. They are ready to use, or give as gifts. Have fun experimenting with different flavors. I like this "Sun Tea" type of brewing the vinegars because the herbal oils slowly leech into the vinegar and do not separate. For those watching their diets, these vinegars can be used on salads with no need to add oil.
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