Up for Grabs:
- Vintage cedar box {I left it "as is", so the winner could customize it to their liking, should the wish}.
- One antique English skeleton key from the early 1900's that has a pretty silver glaze.
- Two Rusty iron "coffin" nails.
- One Scottish hagstone.
- Four different shells.
- Two hand-dipped black herbal beeswax candles {suitable for Ancestor working, necromancy, divination or sorcery}.
- Pretty little moss green pottery mortar and pestle made by Joyce Butler.
- An Herbal Medicine-Making Primer & Wildcrafting Anarchist zine {not pictures}.
- Six empty corked bottles for your own additions.
- Seven of my incense blends in corked bottles {Mistress of Stags, Tech Duinn, Immrama, Three Sacred Fires, Herbwife, Fertile Fields, Dark Daughter}.
- Corked bottles {53 altogether} containing:
Bladderwrack
Blue Spruce Needles
Chamomile Flowers
Cinquefoil
Comfrey Root
Common Tansy
Creeping Charlie
Damiana
Dandelion Root
Elder Berries
Eyebright
Fern
Feverfew Flowers
Frankincense
Goldenrod Flowers
Graveyard Dirt
Hawthorn Berries
Heather Flowers
Hollyhock Leaves
Hops
Hyssop
Juniper Tips
Lady’s Mantle
Lavender Flowers
Lemon Balm
Lemon Verbena
Lilac Flowers
Meadowsweet
Motherwort
Mugwort
Mullein Leaf
Oak Bark
Patchouli
Plantain
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Periwinkle Leaves
Red Sandalwood
Rose Pedals
Rosemary
Rowan Berries
Selfheal
Spearmint
Staghorn Sumac Berries
Sweet Woodruff
Sweetfern
Thyme
Vervain
Viper’s Bugloss
Willow Bark
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Yarrow
How to Enter the Giveaway:
For those who are interested in entering, all you need to do is share a favourite magical and/or medicinal herb {try to include information on how to cultivate it, it's uses, properties, folklore, and such; you can refer to this post to get some ideas}. All entries must be submitted to the comment section of this post; you can either just type it out there or link to a video or blog entry that is posted elsewhere. Previously some folks were having issues posting in my comment section, so I will accept entries that are emailed to me {unfetteredwood at yahoo dot ca} and I will post them in the comment section, along with listing who the name of the person it is for. The winner will be drawn at random right after the closing date. Below you will see the vitals:
- Only one entry per person.
- Entrants must be 18 years or older.
- The giveaway is open for Canada & US only {due to the nature of the contents, I don't want to risk the kit being destroyed by customs. My apologies to international folks!}
- Should the winner reside in an area where any of the herbs are illegal, I will replace those herbs with others that are legal for them in their area.
- To enter you are not obligated to purchase anything from me or to subscribe to any of my social media haunts.
- All entries must be submitted by Monday May 26th, 2014 at 3pm EST.
- The winner will need to provide a mailing address to receive their pretties. The information provided will not be used for any other purpose than to receive their winnings. The information will not be given to anyone else, or sold to a third party.
*********
Good luck to all of you who enter!
Sláinte!
Laurel
I don't know if these count as herbs or not but Irish Moss, which isn't actually a moss, was used to bring good luck and fortune and Peralwort (part of the Sagina family) was used to keep fairies away.
ReplyDelete(I may be slightly obsessed with your shop. If I'm too frequent/witchy/close/whatever to qualify then just ignore me ^3^)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite herb to gather is wild white yarrow. I much prefer it to the cultivated yellow version. In my area (S. Central WI) it grows along roadsides like freakin' grass. You have to be quick to get it in late May or early June before the county comes through and mows it down. That's one herb that I don't hesitate to take all of it, wiping out the entire roadside -- because I know there's no one else in the area that collects it, and that it's going to be mowed down anyway.
It's deliciously fragrant and makes a lovely tea. I dry mine in bundles hanging from the basement beams and then cook it into my Healing Salve. Uh-may-zing.
<3 keep rockin' on Laurel! I shall boost this post into oblivion on my blog :3
One of my favorite herbs is lavender. I've used it mainly for medicinal purposes because it is so good at reducing inflammation. I like to blend the essential oil with other oils to help cure headaches, cramps or muscle aches, hyperactivity or restlessness, and to help heal bruises. Also of course it's amazing for burns! I'm growing some of my own right now :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite herb, particularly at this hay fever time of year, is stinging nettle. I've created a blog post with my photos of the herb and information. I particularly like to make a tea with dried nettle leaves, fresh anise hyssop leaves, and freshly grated ginger root, steeping it for 10 minutes. Blog post: http://czernakralik.tumblr.com/post/84042952992/my-favorite-herb-at-this-time-of-year-urtica
ReplyDeleteMy favourite herb is lavender, and I've been trying to get mine to flower for awhile! I love it for calming, use it in eye pillows, and use the essential oil on everything from my face to cooking burns. :)
ReplyDeleteI have too many faves, but this time of year, it's definitely violet. It grows wild all over my yard, and in addition to the medicinal use of the leaves as a laxative, the flowers make a gorgeous wine. I started a batch today!
ReplyDeleteThe flowers can also be used for making a pretty purple jelly and in teas. :)
I've been learning about mexican mint marigold. I particularly am intrigued that it can withstand harsher conditions than other plants. It's capable of growing in sand and can survive through droughts. It's useful in killing intestinal parasites and relieving general digestive problems.
ReplyDeleteI love bee balm. The scent of bee balm may lift the spirit. Bees love it too!
ReplyDeleteOooh, tough choice between lavender or jasmine... both smell great and are beautiful, and I have a particular thing for evening flowers like jasmine! They're also great for helping one sleep, and having the scent waft around people you don't get along with tends to help mellow them out!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a very little witch, my favorite game was casting spells. There was the rain blessing spell (I grew up in the desert), the healing spell, the unicorn and fairy seeing spell, and the moon spell. Several of these spells used magic powder... from the inside of Morning Glory seeds.
ReplyDeleteThe Morning Glory loves sun and poor soil and grew well on trellises at my parents house. We had several varieties, all day blooming. They made copious seeds which we collected to resow (and I to work magic) when the in spring. We had just enough cold weather for the vines to be annual, but in very warm climates they are perennial.
There are tons of different varieties of Morning Glories and some confusion about species classification. Some, like the moon flower, bloom at night. We had about four different varieties, which would sometimes naturally hybridize.
The Morning Glory spirit called to me long before I knew of its rather infamous ethnogenic properties. Like Jimsonweed, the seeds were supposed to make you trip... but could also make you go blind or crazy. This is probably due to the chemicals sprayed on commercial seeds than the substances themselves. In any case the effective dose is supposed to be extremely high. But as I said, at the time I knew nothing of that and that wasn't how I was called to use the plant.
The seeds were hard and black and if you cracked open the outer and inner husks, you could collect a white power to use for all manner of spells of interest to a small witch.
Can I just say that this is the best idea? I am loving reading through the comments.
ReplyDeleteFrom Lysa Demorest
ReplyDelete"My favorite herb to use (and very hard to grow here in Texas) is Scottish/cooler temp heathers. The earthy tones of the flower is so much more than the flowery scented heather we have here. I use the dried flowers in both tea and pillows for sleep for protection. The flowers are a nice touch in black teas to the same effect of roses."
California Poppy. It grows easily from seed, reseeds itself handily, and thrives in low water conditions. I do not recommend petals be eaten or consumed, but topical application has never harmed me in the five years I've been using it.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it is the essence of summer sunshine. The petals ~can~ be dried, carefully, to preserve color, but I prefer soaking fresh petals in clear alcohol. It pulls the color (a pale golden yellow, a sunbeam in a jar) and ends up with a very slightly fruity smell. Best used, in my opinion, as a perk-me-up and general uplifting ingredient in spellwork. Especially when you have weather that adds to a depressive mood. Like a little dose of sunshine.
From Jake: {Part One}
ReplyDelete"Rue – Ruta Graveolens
Also known as “Herb of Grace”
Planetary Ruler: The Sun
The name ‘Ruta’ comes from the Greek ‘reuo’ (to set free), called such because this herb was though to be very effective in curing various diseases. Rue is a hardy evergreen perennial native to Italy and Southern Europe, however it grows well in almost any climate. Possessing powerful stimulant known as ‘rutin’, herbalists for centuries have employed rue as a stimulant and antispasmodic. The plant itself can grow to be 2-3 feet tall, partially woody stems with blue-green shrubby leaves, and yellow flowers.
Ancient sources attribute rue with the healing of many illnesses as well as restoring good eyesight. Rue was considered to promote the onset of menstruation and of uterine contractions, and for this reason the oil of rue was cited by the Roman historian Pliny the Elder to have been used as a potent herb to induce abortion. Worn around the neck, Neapolitan physician Piperno thought it had specific effects against epilepsy and vertigo."
From Jake {Part Two}
ReplyDelete"Cultivation: Rue grows well in any climate, and prefers well drained soil, even dry, rocky soil. Rue can be a very helpful plant to have in the garden, it’s strong smell repelling many creatures including cats, dogs, and Japanese beetles. It is a semi-woody growth meaning it can be pruned into hedges. It needs full sun to grow well and is drought tolerant, and rarely needs to be watered.
*Caution: Rue can cause rashes or burn blisters to people with sensitive skin, especially in hot weather. Handle with care.
Medicinal Uses: Rue is useful in medicine for coughs, croupy affections, colic, and flatulence, being a mild stomachic. The oil may be administered on sugar or hot water. An excess of rue causes vomiting and can interfere with the liver’s work, and is NOT recommended for use during pregnancy. The leaves of the rue can be bruised and applied to ease the severe pain of sciatica. The fresh leaves applied to the temples are said to relieve headaches. Compresses saturated with a strong decoction of the plant, when applied to the chest, have been used beneficially for chronic bronchitis. If a leaf or two is chewed, a refreshing aromatic flavor will be released and any nervous headache, giddiness, hysterical spasm, or palpitation will be quickly relieved.
Culinary Use: Rue was used extensively in Middle Eastern and Roman cuisine. To this day it is employed by the Italians in their salads. In Northern Italy, it is used to give a special flavour to grappa, most of the time a small branch remaining in the bottle.
Magical Uses and Folklore: Rue has a rich magical history and is held in high esteem in Stregoneria (Italian folk magic and witchcraft), Hoodoo, and Catholic folk magic alike. According to mythology, the basilisk, whose breath could cause plants to wilt and stones to crack, had no effect on rue. It is a plant associated with the Diana, the Italian goddess of the moon, and Queen of the Witches and Fairies.
During the middle ages rue was hung in doors ways and windows to keep evil spirits out. It was thought to protect against the plague and used as a floor wash to keep out fleas. Used by the church, Rue was used as a tool to asperge holy water during Mass and exorcisms.
To create a very powerful spiritual cleanser, Rue is traditionally combined with hyssop, a power purification herb in the bible, and mixed into a bath with sea salt, while reciting psalm 51.
Throughout history rue has always had a connection with the eyes. It was thought to ease the strain on stressed eyes and bring about good sight. Nowadays rue is thought to be a magical aid in developing second sight. Rue was considered to ward off the evil eye, a common Italian folk charm against it being to tie a sprig of rue into a small wreath with red ribbon, spit through it 3 times, and invoking St. Lucy (a powerful patron for the Italians rumoured to be the originator of the cure for the evil eye).
This herb was grown around the Roman temples to Mars and is sacred to him and to Diana. A charm of ancient roman origin, the “Cimaruta” meaning ‘sprig of rue’, is a common charm in Italian folk magic. Traditionally made out of silver or tin sacred to the moon and the goddess Diana, each branch was decorated with a symbol. Many variations of the cimaruta exist, showing symbols such as snakes, phalli, solar disks, crescent moons, daggers (called the Dark of Diana Venetrix), fish, keys, rooster heads, vervain flowers (associated with fairies in Italian lore, and Diana the Queen of Fairies and Witches), and later on upon the rise of Catholicism, the sacred heart of Jesus. However varying, the primary symbols are the moon representing Diana, serpent representing Proserpina/Persephone, and key representing Hecate, a common triple goddess combination in Italian Witchcraft.
Any workings dealing with exorcism, protection, or purification can be enhanced by employing rue in its various manners. "
From Andrea Hirsh:
ReplyDelete"I love comfrey--I have a patch that was from a cutting from my father's plant, which came from a cutting from my grandmother. My dad and grandmother taught me how to use comfrey as a poultice for bruises. I love how the cuttings seem to be a gift that keeps on giving! More about comfrey: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/comfrey-leaves-zmaz74zhol.aspx#axzz30Zn7Yypi "
I love capsaicin! It's great to use topically on pain, and if you have a garden you can grow a lot of peppers to extract it easily. You do have to be careful not to get it on any membranes.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite herb by far is dandelion. Though it's not the most useful magically or medicinally, it's very nutritious, and I love the bright yellow flowers and their smell. I also enjoy watching neighbours fight madly to keep them off their lawns, but you just can't keep these guys down. Better to enjoy them philosophically.
ReplyDeleteI LOVVVVEEEE ROSES. I am not sure exactly how it is cultivated, but remember planting it with adults when I was little from pre sprouted seedlings in our backyard. there was something magical about our roses because they would grow well into late fall and bloom as well. Roses can be used for peace and love. It was the plant that I had most access to when I first started witchcraft ... having to practice in secret. I remember trying to find a way to stop the abuse of me from happening and from hell breaking loose because we had a lot of guests coming one day. While my parents were out picking up the guests, I laid rose petals all over the corners of the house, white and pink, and then lit a blue flame in my goblet in the centre of the house (I used rubbing alcohol) and prayed that things will be at peace.
ReplyDelete- Stories and Conjure (on tumblr :P)
I'm a big fan of elderflowers. they are so lovely and good for so many things. My favorite is making wine from them or elderberries
ReplyDeleteFireweed! One of the first plants to grow after a wildfire, with all of the magical uses you would expect from that. Healing, transformation, letting go, etc. Wonderful puffy seedpods good for air & wind related spells. Also makes delicious syrup. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite herb by far is basil. Since it's easy to grow I have much of it in my garden, and if I'm having a bad day the scent of it will lift my spirits without fail. Basil is used mostly for culinary purposes but it has magical and healing properties as well - it is used in love spells and spells to attract money/business, and also to promote fidelity and peace after arguments. Made into tea it can help ease the pain of menstrual cramps or stomach pains.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite herb is Chinese star anise. Not only is it marvelous to look at, it's also supposed to be lucky when you carry it whole.
ReplyDeleteIt can be burned as an incense for purification and to increase clairvoyance.
It has medicinal uses too apparently, and parts of it are very helpful in treating the flu.
I don't really have a favorite herb, but my favorite plant of all time is the pokeweed, which I've written about here: http://witchcunt.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/the-plant-that-sprang-from-my-head/
ReplyDeleteI can't speak on cultivating it from personal experience, but Harold over at Alchemy Works says:
"This seed germinates slowly over a period of 2 months at room temperature. Sow 2-3 times as much as you need. You can also try soaking the seed in the fridge for 2 weeks. Change cold water for fresh daily - some say distilled works better. It likes rich soil and full sun or partial shade, and is good in open woodland. It thrives on hot summers. This perennial can grow 10 feet high, and the stems turn a striking red as the plant matures." (source: http://www.alchemy-works.com/phytolacca_americana.html)
He also mentions in the link above "poke sallet", which many of the older members of my family still love to eat. I find it funny that poke greens are the only greens people where I'm from still call "sallet"--every other variety of greens (mustard, collard, etc) are just referred to as greens.
Pokeweed is my absolute favorite plant because it's so deeply tied (in my mind) to my childhood and ancestry.
Hi, I wrote about violets at http://bloodrootsjournal.blogspot.com/2014/05/wild-violet-syrup.html This giveaway is amazing.
ReplyDeleteMint! It's so easy to cultivate in a little pot, window garden or other sort of herb garden, and of course it tastes awesome in cooking. But it's also a lovely antimicrobial and a stimulant, among other things. Mint is definitely my favorite herb :3
ReplyDeletePeppermint has to be on my top list of favorites, for more than just its medicinal and magical uses. It is also sentimental to me as it brings memories of my grandmother. Like lavender, its incredibly versatile.
ReplyDeleteIn the medicinal regard, it can be used to sooth an upset stomach or indigestion, to clear clogged sinuses, to lessen motion sickness, to help a sore throat and even reduce menstrual pain; not to mention its pleasant and crisp scent and taste that creates a calming effect.
Magically, it can be used for spells and charms for protection, prosperity, purification, cleansing, healing and even romance. However, in my case it would be unwise to use peppermint in spells for love since it reminds me of my grandmother.
To cultivate, it is ideal to plant peppermint in an open space that it can grow freely without impeding on other plants, since it tends to take over. Another idea is to plant it in a pot in order to keep its excessive growth in check. It's a plant that grows almost anywhere, in fact volunteers used to grow in my back yard when we lived in West Valley (Utah). So, it is very easy to find naturally or in supermarkets.
it took me a momment to figure out what herb i would write about i'm choseing to write about roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) the magical and medicinal properties of this plant are amazing. the properties of roman chamomile are exactly the same as German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) yet they are different species. they both help with stress and tension, stomach troubles, lower blood pressure slightly, and it is found in herbal anti-allergy medicine. the magical properties of chamomile seem to be the same as some of its medicinal properties to relieve depression and sadness bring about peace and healing. some folklore on chamomile to the Anglo-Saxons it was one of the nine sacred herbs thrown on the ground before festivals and meetings, due to its 'solar' appearance it can help to drive out negative influences and forces and also bring to you favorable situations according to a blog written by Steven Foster "German chamomile is a sweet-scented, branching plant" whereas roman chamomile has a spreading habit and grows only about a foot high. chamomile also carries sentimental value for me back in the beginning of my spiritual life i was also going through a depression i preformed a very effective spell that lifted me from that dark point in my life. in which chamomile was an important ingredient. growing chamomile doesn't seem that difficult a blog post on gardeningblog.net says "Chamomile isn’t a very heavy feeder, and you should only need to add a bit of standard fertilizer right at planting. Unless you have very poor soil, you don’t need to fertilize through the season.
ReplyDeleteYour plants will likely thrive without additional watering though they can use more water once they start to bloom, or during any prolonged bout of hot dry weather."
I had to think on this for a while as well, but I figured I'd go with the one I remember my mother and I using the most - ginger. I am Korean and was raised with some folk remedies.
ReplyDeleteGinger root of the plant Zingiber officinale
Of the element of fire
Of the yang
From latin zingiberi, from Sanskrit srngaveram = srngam "horn" + vera "body" given to its shape of its root. The word was readopted in Middle English from Old French gingibre meaning "spirit, spunk, temper". The plant itself tends to bloom yellow flowers from white and pink flower buds, funnily enough. It's aesthetically pleasing and can adapt to warm climates so is often used for landscaping. It is a reed-like plant with annual leafy stems that grows to about three feet tall. It's often gathered when the stalk withers.
Cultivating ginger is actually fairly easy! You can start by using a store bought ginger root (but make sure it's fresh and plump and have well developed growth buds which look like little horns or bumps on the ends of the stubs), often found in your typical grocery store or asian markets. You can grow them in pots or tubs so growing them indoors to start is okay to do (especially for those of us closer north). You need a sheltered spot, filtered sunlight, warm weather, humidity, and rich, moist soil. It will die from frost, direct sunlight, strong winds, and soggy soil. The optimal time to plant would be late winter/early spring. It also doesn't take up a lot of room. It needs a lot of moisture while growing and the plant really thrives in humidity. The best time to harvest is any time after the leaves have died down and that usually takes eight months after planting. You can dig up the whole plant and find a few good rhizomes with growing buds for replanting. The others you can peel/chop/freeze or cut it into smaller chunks and store it in brandy since that will keep it in a "fresh" state. The replanted rhizomes don't need water or attention until the weather warms up again.
Ginger can be used medicinally for the common cold and flu symptoms, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea. It's typically cut up into thick slices and boiled. Add a third of a teaspoon of red pepper powder for each cup of water. Add one tablespoon of lemon rinds per cup (or if you just have lemon juice, you'll want one tsp per cup). When it's at a boil, turn the stove down to its lowest heat setting and let it simmer for about twenty minutes. Then let it steep for six+ hours for fullest effect.
Culinary-wise, ginger is used most throughout the Asian continent (countries being China, which spread to Japan and Korea and also India, Peru and the Philippines). It is used as a spice for cooking, top garnish, soups, pickled, grated, and even in beers and drinks.
In my home, mature ginger was best used especially in times of common colds and the flu. My mother would chop it up, puree it, boil it, dry it. It is a very versatile root. 1/2
For magical uses, it is best used for purifying, prosperity and inducing passion. Because of its spicy flavor, it can be used to speed things up in witchcraft and sorcery. I will explain how I've used it growing up. I would best explain my practice as folk sorcery and witchcraft, taken from how I was raised, contact with my ancestors, and folk tales.
ReplyDeleteTo purify the home, one would boil chunks of ginger and add a splash to the rag/towl you were going to clean the home with (you would also spit upon the rag/towel as this gesture is banishes negative entities and spirits). You would leave the rest of the boiled ginger bits and the "tea" out as an offering to your ancestors and ask them to help you purify the space. A whole dried root will protect from evil spirits and if you suffer from bad dreams, keep it underneath your pillow. Powdered ginger sprinkled in the yard stops trouble and acts as a barrier or a kind of simplified "Fiery Wall of Protection".
To bring forth prosperity, one would cut the root up into a cylinder shape and then cut it into coin shapes. Make a bowl with typical dough (probably with more salt so that it can dry and keep shape) and after it's dry, put the "coins" in it but leave four. Bury the bowl with the coins inside it in your backyard. Take the other four and let them dry in high corners of the four corners of your home to invite prosperity.
Inducing passion with ginger is quite simple. All you really need is ginger itself in any form. And to use it as a speed up boost to your work, I prefer it in its powdered form. In whatever form, ginger is also a great addition to typical work to give it that extra oomph. 2/2
I had a hard time deciding which herb was my favorite, but I decided to go with Valerian Root.
ReplyDeletevaleriana officinalis
polemonium caeruleum
PART USED
Rootstock
ELEMENT: Water
PLANET: Mercury
FOLK NAMES
All-heal
Capon's tail
Cat's valerian
English Valerian
fragrant valerian
garden heliotrope
German Valerian
great wild valerian
heliotrope
Phu
Saint George's Herb
Setwell
Valeria
Valerian relaxes the central nervous system, and has been used as a calming sleep aid for over 1,000 years. When taken in the proper dosage, Valerian can induce restful sleep without grogginess the next morning, unlike prescription drugs that mimic it's properties, such as Valium. It is also much safer when used with alcohol, as it doesn't magnify the effects of alcohol as do it's prescription counterparts. It is an effective stress reducer, and has benefit in cases of nervous tension, depression, irritability, hysteria, panic, anxiety, fear, stomach cramping, indigestion due to nervousness, delusions, exhaustion, and, of course, nervous sleeplessness.
Valerian is useful as a digestive aid, is helpful in cases of gas, diarrhea, and cramps, and alleviates the pain of ulcers. In the respiratory tract, it is believed to be of benefit in reducing the discomfort of asthma attacks
Valerian root is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes. The root can be distilled into oils and ointments, or dried and used in teas or capsules. Valerian should not be used by those pregnant or nursing, but is otherwise a safe herb to use intermittently when needed for stress or sleep related problems.
Magically speaking Valerian is a plant of protection and love, thought keep ones' home safe from natural disasters and keep quarrels and strife within the home to a minimum. It can also be sewn into pillows and sachets for use in dream work and sleep protection.
Folklore and Traditional Uses
Countless legends surround Valerian, which were
called "phu" for its foul odor in ancient times.
Despite its odor, Valerian was used as a potent
perfume during the Middle Ages.
Chaucer's "Millers Tale" describes a character
as "sweet smelling as the root"
of Valerian and other herbs.
According to early German folklore, the Pied Piper
had it squirreled away in his pocket as he lured
the rats and eventually the children from Hamelin.
Amazing giveaway thank you for the opportunity to win and as well as to learn some interesting things from the other entries. Good luck to all that have entered.
This is from Devorah:
ReplyDelete"One of my favorite herbs is Rosemary. From what I have read it can be
used externally for skin and hair, is good for congestion, and is full
of antioxidants. The scent has also been shown to boost memory. Some
say that in ancient Greece students would wear rosemary during exams
(I have tried this!). I believe rosemary is also associated with the
Virgin Mary and it is said that she changed the flowers blue by
putting her cloak on a rosemary bush. Unfortunately, I have not had
the best luck growing rosemary, but I have read that it prefers dry
soil and lots of sunlight."
This is from Sean B:
ReplyDelete"
Today at 7:43 AM
I like a lot of my herbs, but one of my favorites is mugwort. Considered an invasive species, I grow it in a large planter and nip the heads before seeds form to keep it from spreading. Mugwort likes dryish, sandy, well drained soil, and lots of sun.
Mugwort makes an excellent poultice for bites and stings. I mash some fresh leaves with a little water and put the resulting mush on the all too frequent wasp stings I seen to attract. It is supposed to work very well for poison ivy and poison oak, but I haven't had a case of either in over 30 years.
I used it mainly for the dream enhancing properties it seems to have. I first made my wife a dream pillow with mugwort a few years ago, and she was amazed at the vividness of her dreams. It also makes any nightmares just as vivid, though. I remake them as the leaves lose their effectiveness. Personally, I prefer making tea with mugwort. Dried leaves, a tea ball, and a 10 minute steep make a bitter brew that seems to have a greater effect on my dreams than the pillow does.
Sean"
I have become a huge fan of the holy herb, Hyssop. I use it in a soul cleaning tea proscribed by a sin eater and it has lifted many a dark cloud from my heart. The more I learn about it, the more magical it becomes to me.
ReplyDeleteHyssop---
Hyssop is a name of Greek origin. The Hyssopos of Dioscorides was named from azob (a holy herb), because it was used for cleaning sacred places.
Cultivation---
It is an evergreen, bushy herb, growing 1 to 2 feet high, with square stem, linear leaves and flowers in whorls, six- to fifteen-flowered. It may be propagated by seeds, sown in April, or by dividing the plants in spring and autumn, or by cuttings, made in spring and inserted in a shady situation. Plants raised from seeds or cuttings, should, when large enough, be planted out about 1 foot apart each way, and kept watered till established. They succeed best in a warm aspect and in a light, rather dry soil. The plants require cutting in, occasionally, but do not need much further attention.
Medicinal Action and Uses---
Expectorant, diaphoretic, stimulant, pectoral, carminative. The healing virtues of the plant are due to a particular volatile oil, which is stimulative, carminative and sudorific. It admirably promotes expectoration, and in chronic catarrh its diaphoretic and stimulant properties combine to render it of especial value. Hyssop is cultivated for the use of its flower-tops, which are steeped in water to make an infusion. As a kitchen herb, it is mostly used for broths and decoctions, occasionally for salad. For medicinal use the flower-tops should be cut in August. It is usually given as a warm infusion, taken frequently and mixed with Horehound. Hyssop Tea is also a grateful drink, well adapted to improve the tone of a feeble stomach, being brewed with the green tops of the herb, which are sometimes boiled in soup to be given for asthma. In America, an infusion of the leaves is used externally for the relief of muscular rheumatism, and also for bruises and discolored contusions, and the green herb, bruised and applied, will heal cuts promptly. The infusion has an agreeable flavor and is used by herbalists in pulmonary diseases. A tea made with the fresh green tops, and drunk several times daily, is one of the old-fashioned country remedies for rheumatism that is still employed. Hyssop baths have also been recommended as part of the cure, but the quantity used would need to be considerable.
The leaves, stems and flowers of H. officinalis possess a highly aromatic odor and yield by distillation an essential oil of exceedingly fine odor, much appreciated by perfumers, its value being even greater than Oil of Lavender. It is also much employed in the manufacture of liqueurs, forming an important constituent in Chartreuse. Bees feed freely on the plant and the odor of the honey obtained from this source is remarkably good. The leaves are used locally as a medicinal tea. As a kitchen herb it has gone out of use because of its strong flavor, but on account of its aroma it was formerly employed as a strewing herb.
RECIPE FOR HYSSOP TEA
'Infuse a quarter of an ounce of dried hyssop flowers in a pint of boiling water for ten minutes; sweeten with honey, and take a wineglassful three times a day.' (Old Cookery Book.)
Info from: botanical.com
This entry comes from Blood Lustre:
ReplyDelete"Patchouli has numerous magickal uses. It is also commonly used for its fragrance. I personally enjoy mixing the patchouli essential oil with rose and lavender and wear it as perfume. It creates a passionate but not overpowering scent. The combination of patchouli and lavender has mild protective properties.
Here is some more information:
Planet Saturn
Elemental Association: Earth
Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Deity Associations: Aphrodite, Pan, Osain
Gender: Feminie
PATCHOULI: (Pogostemon patchouli or heyeanus) This tender, aromatic herb has upright, square stems with soft oval leaves and whorls of whitish flowers on spikes. The leaves, placed among clothes to deter insects, give Indian shawls their characteristic fragrance. Patchouli gave the distinctive scent to original India ink and Chinese red ink paste.
Parts Used: Leaf
Magical Uses: Patchouli smells like rich earth, and so has been used in money and prosperity mixtures and spells. It is sprinkled onto money, added to purses and wallets, and placed around the base of green candles. Also, owing to its earthiness, Patchouli is used in fertility talismans and is also substituted for ‘graveyard dust’. Patchouli is added to love sachets and baths. Patchouli is used to attract people and to promote lust. Burn as incense for: Drawing Money; Fertility; Protection; Defense;
Lust; Banishing; Releasing; Love; Earth; Underworld.
Aromatherapy Uses: Acne; Athlete’s Foot; Cracked and Chapped Skin; Dandruff; Dermatitis; Eczema;
Fungal Infections; Hair Care; Impetigo; Sores; Oily Hair and Skin; Open Pores; Wounds; Wrinkles; Frigidity; Nervous Exhaustion; Stress Related Conditions. Key Qualities: Stimulant in small amounts; Sedative in large doses; Aphrodisiac; Nerve Tonic; Appeasing; Calming; Uplifting.
Patchouli is a popular herb found in many modern Pagan rituals. Its exotic scent brings to mind far-off, magical places, and it’s often used in incense blends, potpourri, and ritual workings. As a member of the mint family, the most commonly used portions of the plant are the dried leaves and the essential oils, but some practitioners use the stems as well. When grown, the bush will reach about three feet tall, and it’s covered in pretty purplish-white flowers. Patchouli oil is very strong, and has a deep, musky scent. It is associated with the element of earth.
Associated with love, wealth, and sexual power, patchouli can be used in a variety of magical workings. To make someone feel an attraction to you, wear patchouli oil – the scent is well-known as an aphrodisiac. If you don’t wish to wear the oil on your skin – and it’s a very strong oil, so you should always dilute it before applying it to the skin – then use the leaves instead. Place patchouli leaves in a sachet, and carry it in your pocket or wear around your neck.
In some traditions of hoodoo and folk magic, a dollar sign is inscribed on a piece of paper using patchouli oil. The paper is then carried in your wallet, and this should draw money your way.
There are some traditions of modern magic in which patchouli is valued for its repelling power. Anoint your doors or windows with either patchouli oil, or the scattered leaves, and use it to keep negative influences at bay or for magical self-defense.
Use the essential oil in blends that bring about love, protection, or other associated properties.
Part 2 from Blood Lustre:
ReplyDelete"
Blessing Oil:
If you’re unfamiliar with blending magical oils, be sure to read Magical Oils 101 before getting started.
To make Blessing Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:
5 drops Sandalwood
2 drops Camphor
1 drop Orange
1 drop Patchouli
As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.
Money Oil:
To make Money Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:
5 drops Sandalwood
5 drops Patchouli
2 drops Ginger
2 drops Vetivert
1 drop Orange
As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.
Protection Oil:
To make Protection Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:
4 drops Patchouli
3 drops Lavender
1 drop Mugwort
1 drop Hyssop
As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.
Source: http://herbalriot.tumblr.com/post/54421304209/magickal-uses-of-patchouli "
Jessica B's entry:
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My favorite herbs are lavender and rosemary! It can be used for anxiety, depression, nervousness, and nausea in medicine. Similarly, it's used in spells for happiness, alleviating depression, and emotional/mental well-being. It's also great in teas and baking!
ReplyDeleteRosemary is also tasty, but it's even better in spellwork. It's an herb that can stand in for most anything in spells if you don't have something, and its own properties include cleansing and protection. In medicine, it's an astringent, antidepressant, and diuretic, among many other things. It also attracts elves, which is important to me as someone who honors the Fair Folk.
Together, rosemary and lavender can be used for cleansing, much like sage (another one of my favorites), but without the smoke!
Oop! That first paragraph is about lavender. My bad!
DeleteFirst of all, I'm enjoying your website and shop very very much. Secondly, Dandelion is my favorite plant right now. It's just about everywhere, it's easy to harvest, and I can use it in a bunch of ways both magical and medicinal. (Also, I love love LOVE coffee but I can't deal with caffeine, so roasted dandelion root tea is a wonderful thing).
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