Friday’s Food For Thought – Hummus

August 9th, 2013 by sivodd

Hummus


Photo by Creative Commons

Ingredients:

  • One 15-ounce can (425 grams) chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans
  • 1/4 cup (59 ml) fresh lemon juice, about 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup (59 ml) tahini (we used Krinos)
  • Half of a large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt, depending on taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water
  • Dash of ground paprika for serving

Preparation:

  • In a bowl or a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl, then turn on and process for 30 seconds. This extra time helps “whip” or “cream” the tahini, making smooth and creamy hummus possible.
  • Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin and the salt to whipped tahini and lemon juice. Process for 30 seconds, scrape sides and bottom of bowl, then process another 30 seconds.
  • Open can of chickpeas, drain liquid, then rinse well with water. Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor, then process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl, add remaining chickpeas and process for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thick and quite smooth.
  • Most likely the hummus will be too thick or still have tiny bits of chickpea. To fix this, with the food processor turned on, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water until the consistency is perfect.
  • Scrape the hummus into a bowl and drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with paprika.
  • Store homemade hummus in an airtight container and refrigerate up to one week.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!

Lisa

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News & Submissions – 8/8/2013

August 8th, 2013 by sivodd

Entertainment:

Coven Season Three: ‘American Horror Story’
Details About ‘Coven’ Season Three: ‘American Horror Story’

Ryan Murphy revealed the set up for the next installment of “American Horror Story” during a Friday night event for Emmy voters. Coven will be a massive witch-off: Salem versus voodoo.

“The witches of Salem, the smart ones, got out very early and they were none of the ones who were burned,” Murphy explained. “They all gravitated toward New Orleans, where they now live, and every generation has a great witch who has the most powers of them all, and that’s called the Supreme. Ms. Jessica Lange is the Supreme.” Read full story – au.ibtimes.com

Books:

Out of the Broom Closet, into the Rave: ‘Pop Pagans: Paganism and Popular Music’
Paganism and popular music share a love of physicality. Rooting this scholarly anthology not in beliefs constructed by modern society referring to nature, but arising rather from earth’s own manifestations by cultural contexts, co-editor Donna Weston introduces 13 contributions to the study of Pagans and music now. (The capitalization is significant: convention prefers a “P” for modern followers and a “p” for pre-Christian adherents.) Read full story – popmatters.com

News:

Witchcraft-accused force-fed human excreta
PARSA, AUG 07 – A single woman in Bishrampur-1 in the district was allegedly thrashed and force-fed human excreta on the charge of practising witchcraft , police said.

According to police, Devmati Chaurasiya, Lalchuni Chaurasiya and the latter’s son Manjaya, who beat 65-year-old Saraswoti Devi Chaurasiya on Tuesday evening, are arrested for necessary investigation.

However, local resident Bijaya Chaurasiya, who was also reportedly involved in the incident, is at large. Read full story – ekantipur.com

My Mother the Witch
what if your mother were a witch? Do you think she would have done things a bit differently from other mothers? Based on my experience, you would be right…

My mother Maggie, as she likes to be called, has referred to herself as a witch for a couple of decades now — at least since she was in her early 70s. That was around the time she started adding 8,000 years to the date: She would date her letters to me 9989 instead of 1989 and 9992 instead of 1992, to signal that she was reckoning time from the estimated beginning of Goddess worship. Nowadays, at 92 years young, she talks about the Goddess often, keeps an altar with a Goddess statue from Malta, and regularly wears a large pentacle around her neck. Read full story – huffingtonpost.com

Slippery Spells: Gay-Inclusive Curriculum Leads To Witchcraft Says South Carolina Teacher
A South Carolina teacher is making the rounds on the anti-gay circuit for his wild claims about homosexuality in the classroom. Last week the infamous Fox News contributor and American Family Association radio host Sandy Rios — who last week compared the love two gay men feel to the “love” kidnapper and rapist Ariel Castro felt for the women he kept captive as slaves in his home — talked with Ira Thomas, a South Carolina teacher.

Thomas told Rios that a gay-inclusive curriculum is harmful to children, and said “it’s like teaching people about how to use crack.” Read full story -thenewcivilrightsmovement.com

Mother told she can’t pray on grounds of Concord High School
CONCORD, N.H. —A mother has been told she can no longer pray on the grounds of Concord High School.

During the school year, Lizarda Urena, the mother of two students, prayed out loud on the steps of the school as students walked in.

Urena said she had a calling in 2011 to fight school violence with prayer, so she started praying on the steps of the auditorium between 7 and 7:15 a.m. as students filtered in. Read full story - wcvb.com

Woman charged in Globe crash threatened voodoo hex, police say
BOSTON —A police report says an Everett woman accused of being drunk when her car rammed a newspaper delivery truck on a Boston highway, sending it plummeting 40 feet to the ramp below, threatened to put a voodoo hex on the arresting officer.

Police say 25-year-old Vivencia Bellegarde struck the Boston Globe truck on Interstate 93 at about 3:15 a.m. Monday. The driver, Paul Healy Jr. of Brockton, was listed in fair condition at a hospital on Tuesday. Read full story - wcvb.com

Paranormal:

Couple says app lets the iPhone communicate with ghosts
INDIANAPOLIS STAR – Those thumps and bumps in the night, or the item that mysteriously falls from a shelf, are more than coincidence and may be signs the spirit world is trying to communicate. At least that’s what a Greenwood, Ind., couple is banking on.

Ghost hunters Roger Pingleton and Jill Beitz, founders of StreamSide Software, have developed an iPhone app they say gives the dead a voice.

In developing the Spirit Story Box app (99 cents to download at the Apple app store; there is no Android version), Pingleton said his goal was to improve on other paranormal apps for the iPhone. Read full story – KSDK.com

Blogspot:

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

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News & Submissions – 8/6/2013

August 6th, 2013 by sivodd

News:

Bedfordshire kids taken by social services over card game, claim parents
A PAGAN couple claim a game of dungeons and dragons led social services to take their kids away after the authority equated it with ‘witchcraft’.

The Bedfordshire pair, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of their two daughters, say they have been persecuted for their beliefs and claim social services accused them of ‘devil worship’.

They are due to appear in court for the custody of the children in September after they were taken into foster care around 18 months ago. Read full story bedfordshire-news.co.uk

Mbozi man killed, wife injured over witchcraft
THREE people, including an old man who was butchered by unidentified people on suspicion of witchcraft at Lumbila Village, Mbozi District in Mbeya Region, died in spearate incidents over the weekend.

Mbeya Regional Police Commander (RPC), Diwani Athumani, said that the old man, Msawile Halinga (70) was stabbed to deathe by unidentified people, saying the suspects also wounded his wife Esther Mgala Mgala (60). “The deceased’s wife was taken to Mbozi District Hospital for medical treatment after she sustained multiple wounds on her body,” said the RFC. Read full story dailynews.co.tz

Police arrest man suspected of killing elderly persons over witchcraft
Kilifi,Kenya: Kilifi police are holding a man they claim is the killer behind ten deaths since 2004 in Ganze District.

His victims have been the elderly or people suspected of practising sorcery and police said he killed them “after being paid”. They added that he about to wipe out a family when he was nabbed.

But it is not clear why the suspect has been held without charge since July 18 or if police have sought court permission to continue holding him. Read full story from StandardDigital

Mysterious pentagram etched into remote Kazakhstan field explained
A mysterious pentagram discovered by satellites etched into a remote corner of northern Kazakhstan, baffling and mystifying viewers around the world has been explained — and it couldn’t be further from the Gates of Hell.

The massive 1,200 feet in diameter pentagram just 12 miles west of the city of Lisakovsk has been identified as the remnants of a former Soviet-era summer camp whose grounds are said to have never been completed. Read full story nydailynews.com

Paranormal:

Ghostly reputation makes house a tough sale
WILKES-BARRE – For sale: Two-story single family home on South Welles Street, complete with washer, dryer, kitchen appliances – and ghosts.

Stacey Evans and her husband, Matt, are trying to sell her mother’s house, but they’re afraid its long-standing reputation as haunted might hinder the sale.

Enter investigators from nonprofit, Luzerne County based Deadline Paranormal to find out for sure.

On Sunday evening the house at 46 S. Welles St. swarmed with human activity as investigators placed cameras, recorders and assorted other electronic devices throughout both floors and the basement in order to check for paranormal activity. Read full story citizensvoice.com

Media:

Life After Death – Documentary (Source: YouTube - TheRevivalChannel)

Blogspot:

  • LLEWELLYN – 10 Reasons to Help a Ghost Cross Over
  • Mooncircles – Leo New Moon: The Divine Child Within
  • The Wild Hunt - Pagan Voices: Courtney Weber, Gus DiZerega, Lupa, Arthur Pendragon, and More!
Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Nutmeg

August 5th, 2013 by sivodd

Nutmeg


Photo by yumievriwan

Nutmeg is indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia and the tree can grow up to 66 feet tall.  The peach-shaped fruit is known as the nutmeg apple, which is discarded in favor of the aromatic seed inside. The fruit splits when ripe to expose a pecan sized nut wrapped in a bright red “netting” called an aril. The nut and aril are then separated and dried. The nut is nutmeg, the aril (which turns a yellow as it dries) yields the spice mace. Both spices have a long history of use in both Chinese and Indian medicine, nutmeg is more commonly used. Health benefits include; a calming effect, helps to lower blood pressure and soothes digestive upset. It can be mixed with a neutral oil (for use in a massage) to ease joint pain and inflammation.

Components:

  • Nutmeg is a fragrant spice.
  • Active ingredients in the essential oil are myristicin, elincin, camphene, geraniol and borneol.
  • It also contains fatty substances, starch, protein and some potassium and calcium.

A warming spice oil:

  • Nutmeg can be found as a whole nut, a ground powder and an essential oil.
  • Its healing properties act on both physical and psychological level.
  • Nutmeg oil strengthens the heart and circulation, stimulates digestion, warms the body and banishes fatigue.
  • For joint pain, add a blend of nutmeg, clove and rosemary essential oils to a diffuser.

Therapeutic Effect:

  • Regular use as a seasoning stimulates the cardiovascular system, promotes concentration, acts as an expectorant, reduces joint inflammation and helps the liver remove toxins.
  • It has a warming effect on the digestive system, reduces indigestion, nausea and vomiting and calms diarrhea.

Nutmeg for diarrhea and upset stomach:

  • Fast relief for diarrhea: dissolve 3 pinches of ground nutmeg in a glass of warm milk. Sip slowly.
  • For stomach upset, add a pinch of nutmeg to peppermint tea or sprinkle nutmeg over 1 tsp. of honey.

For joint inflammation:

  • Regular consumption can relieve joint pain and gout.
  • Put 5-6 drops on a sugar cube, or in 1 tsp of honey.
  • Add the sugar to a cup of warm milk and sip throughout the day.

For toothache:

  • place 1 drop of nutmeg oil on a cotton swab.
  • Apply to the gum area around the tooth.
  • Repeat several times a day.

Kitchen Hints:

  • Pre-packaged ground nutmeg can quickly lose its aroma. It’s best to buy whole nuts and use the fine side of a cheese grater to grind to a powder yourself. Do this shortly before using. Whole nuts keep indefinitely.
  • The nuts dipped in lime milk is a sign of high quality.
  • Nutmeg is an excellent seasoning for cooked vegetables, especially cauliflower, potatoes, spinach and winter squash.
  • It’s also an excellent addition to creamy white sauce, pasta fillings and meat dishes. A familiar flavor in pumpkin pie and eggnog.
  • Nutmeg loses its flavor when heated. Add freshly grated nutmeg toward the end of the cooking process.
  • Limit your alcohol intake when eating foods with a good amount of the spice, The effects of alcohol are intensified by nutmeg.
  • Nutmeg is often used in winter drinks, such as tea and hot apple cider. Sprinkle the spice over the hot drink, it adds flavor and helps soothe colds and bronchitis.
  • Nutmeg works well with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and black pepper.

Nutmeg cookies:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 oz. candled lemon peel
  • 9 oz. ground almonds
  • 1-2 tsp. cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp. grated nutmeg
  • 1 small package graham crackers
  • Lemon cake frosting
  • 2-3 oz. chopped pistachios
  • Preheat the oven to 350 deg F
  • Beat the eggs and sugar until frothy
  • Chop the lemon peel. Stir the peel and almonds into the egg mixture. Add some cornstarch to thicken. Fold the nutmeg into the egg mixture.
  • Shape the dough into walnut sized balls and place each ball on a graham cracker.
  • Bake the cookies for 12-15 mins after they have cooled, spread frosting on them and sprinkle with pistachios

Warning:

  • The myristicin and elicin in nutmeg can be toxic in large doses. It may hallucinations or cause miscarriages.
  • Don’t use more than 2 tbsp. of ground spice or 10 drops of essential oil per day.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Sandalwood Oil (Aromatherapy)

March 18th, 2013 by sivodd

Sandalwood Oil


Photo by  Cinnamon Vogue

In India, Tibet and China, Sandalwood is used to protect religious carvings in temples. The best quality and most expensive comes from India. These trees are are endangered and protected by the government in one province. The oils from Australia and West India are less effective. True Sandalwood oil is complicated to make and becoming rare. The tree should be 40 years old before the oil can be extracted, and it requires up to 55 pounds of wood chips for 1 quart of oil, then distilled for six months.

Therapeutic Effect:

Sandalwood oil is excellent for treating respiratory and minor urinary tract infections. It also counteracts restlessness, anxiety and depression, and is believed to heighten eroticism. The essential oil, has a sweet, balsamic aroma that also repels insects.

In a diffuser, combine sandalwood oil with rose oil for a calming effect:

  • 5 drops sandalwood
  • 3 drops rose absolute

For skin irritations:
The oil helps heal cuts, rashes and eczema.

  • As a massage oil, mix 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil with 5 drops of sandalwood oil.

To release sexual energy:
In a diffuser combine:

  • 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil
  • 2 drops of sandalwood
  • 2 drops of jasmine absolute
  • 2 drops of rosemary oil.

To comfort the the grief stricken:
As a massage oil.

  • 5 drops of sandalwood oil
  • 3 drops of rose-otto oil
  • 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil

In a relaxing and uplifting bath:

  • Add 3 drops of the oil to your bathwater.
  • Relax in the warm water for at least 30 minutes.

To keep tissues elastic:

  • A massage with sandalwood oil mixed into sweet almond oil can help keep the tissues elastic and prevent stretch marks.
  • Be sure to check with a health care practitioner before using during pregnancy.

External application

  • For bronchitis: Add 3 drops of sandalwood oil to 1 gal. of hot water, place a towel over your head and inhale the vapor deeply through your nose and mouth.
  • For bladder inflammation: Mix 8 drops of Sandalwood oil with 4tbsp. of sweet cream, add to a bathtub half filled with water. Stay in sitz bath for 15 minutes. Be sure to rest for 30 minutes after.
  • For a hair dressing: Mix 2 drops of sandalwood oil with 2 tsp. of sweet almond or jojoba oil, you can also add both jasmine and rosemary oils.

Warning: Most essential oils are made up of alcohols, esters, ketones, hydrocarbons, phenols and acids. Sandalwood oil can be toxic if taken internally and in high doses. It can also cause inflammation of the skin and damage to kidney tissue.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the oil listed above.

Thanks for Stopping by!

Lisa

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Friday’s Food For Thought – DRUNKEN PORK

March 1st, 2013 by sivodd

DRUNKEN PORK

MflEKPH MEZE
Bekri meze

Ingredients:

  • 1 Ib 2 oz boneless pork loin, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Sour or Sweet trahana

Preparation:

  • Place pork in a bowl with mustard until coated on all sides.
  • Heat the oil in a heavy skillet or frying pan. Add garlic and pork, cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for approximately 10 minutes, and the meat is lightly browned.
  • Stir in the wine, a little at a time, cook over high heat until it has evaporated.
  • Add the tomato juice, cayenne pepper, oregano, allspice and season with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer for about 10 minutes, until meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  • Serve with red wine and Sweet or Sour trahana. (See directions below for Trahana)

SWEET  TRAHANA

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 1/4 cups of semolina, or 1/2 semolina and 1/2 bulgar wheat

Preparation:

  • Bring the milk to a boil in a pan, stirring constantly.
  • Add the salt, reduce the heat, and gradually add the semolina and bulgur wheat mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 10-15 minutes, until very thick.
  • Remove from heat, cover with a thick cotton towel, and let cool.
  • Break the dough into small, rough pieces and put them on a thick cotton cloth in a single layer.
  • Let stand in a dark, well-ventilated place for about 2 hours, until dry and crumbly.
  • Rub the pieces through a coarse strainer, then spread out on a thick cotton cloth, and leave in a cool place for 4-5 days, until completely dry.
  • Store in a cotton bag hanging in a cool place or in the refrigerator.

SOUR TRAHANA

  • 3  cups sheep’s milk
  • 1/2 cup Plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 1/2 cups semolina, or 1/2 bulgur wheat and 1/2 semolina

Preparation:

  • Pour milk in a large ceramic bowl, add the yogurt and salt, mix well with a wooden spoon.
  • Place a thick dish towel on top, cover with a thick blanket, let stand in a warm place, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for 18 hours.
  • Gradually stir in the semolina or bulgur wheat mixture to form a thick dough.
  • Break the dough into rough walnut-sized pieces and put them on a thick cotton cloth in a single layer.
  • Let stand in a dark, well-ventilated place for 2-6 hours, or until dry and crumbly.
  • Rub through a coarse strainer, then spread out on a thick cotton cloth, and leave in a cool place for 4-5 days, until completely dry.
  • Store in a cotton bag hanging in a cool place or in the refrigerator.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

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News & Submissions 2/28/2013

February 28th, 2013 by sivodd

News:

Even in the Bible Belt, pagan symbols dot Birmingham
Those of you who read my column regularly know that I never post political or religious pieces. However, a recent Fox News story regarding Pagan and Wiccan holidays at the University of Missouri prompted a whirlwind of religious debate across the nation.Fox News stereotyped Pagans and Wiccans as “Compulsive Dungeons and Dragons players” or “middle-aged, twice-divorced older women living in a rural area working as midwives”, and said that the bad part about Wicca was “well, witchcraft”. Negative stereotypes aside, Fox News also mentioned that there were relatively few Wiccans and Pagans in the United States (There are ~1 million).

I decided to research Wicca culture in the Magic City. What I found was that Pagans do live in Birmingham, and their influence is all around us, whether we realize it or not. Read full story studentmedia.uab.edu

Theological Meaning of Wicca
Unlike many of the world’s religions, Wicca is a religion whose theological meaning cannot be found within the pages of one sacred text, nor can it be determined by studying a specific body of work. The theology of Wicca is not determined by one head leader speaking for a body of believers. Instead, Wiccan theology is best explained by examining its principles. Read full story opposingviews.com

Native American:

A Photographer Remembers Wounded Knee, 40 Years Later
Forty years ago, a caravan of more than 50 cars full of demonstrators pulled into Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. That day marked the beginning of a 71-day occupation led by members of the Oglala Lakota tribe and followers of the American Indian Movement, attempting to address long-standing grievances — not only with the U.S. government but also with tribal leaders.

Over those 71 days, Pine Ridge was effectively barricaded from the outside world. Electricity was turned off even though it was winter, and food and medical supplies were halted. Two Native Americans and one FBI agent died before the standoff ended. Read full story npr.org

Paranormal:

Chad Stambaugh Presents New Guide to Paranormal Investigations
FRESNO, Calif. – In his new book “Paranormal Investigations: The Proper Procedures and Protocols of Investigation for the Beginner to the Pro” (published by iUniverse) author and retired Marine Chad Stambaugh takes readers into a controversial world: the supernatural.

“Paranormal Investigations” shows both the beginner and the professional when and how to correctly operate the different types of equipment integral to a paranormal investigation: cameras, camcorders, voice recorders, digital video recorders, EMF detectors, dowsing rods, pendulums and more. In addition, Stambaugh details the correct procedures for conducting both public and private investigations, including how to deal with clients, what to look for, how to look for it, and how to document an investigation. Read full story sfgate.com

Media:

The Psychology of Belief – Bias and the Brain (Source: YouTube – TheThinkingAtheist)

Does hell exist? (Source: YouTube – Tr3Vel0cita)

Rumors Link Pope Resignation to Sex, Money Scandal (Source: YouTube – MOXNEWSd0tC0M)

Religious TV show ‘risking lives’ (Source: YouTube - Tr3Vel0cita)

Blogspot:

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbal Magic – Acacia

February 27th, 2013 by sivodd

ACACIA (Acacia Senegal)

Folk Names: Cape Gum, Gum Arabic, Egyption Thorn, Kikwata, Mgunga, Mkwatia, Mokala

Powers: Cleansing, Contact the dead, Protection, Psychic Powers


Photo by Tim Waters

Acacia is native to the Sudan region in Africa, as well as Oman, Pakistan, and northwestern India. It grows to a height of 5-12m, with a trunk up to 30 cm in diameter.

The Egyptians wove their funeral wreaths with Acacia leaves, their mummies wrappings were coated with the liquid made from Acacia. Christian belief is Christ’s crown of thorns was from Acacia, and possibly the crucifix. The Bible recounts the bush of Moses was also an Acacia as well as Noah’s Ark. In honor of a departed friend, the ancient Hebrews planted a sprig. Acacia is known to stand for immortality and initiation as well as a symbol of an eternal and pure soul. In ritual the leaves are burned as incense or used to sprinkle blessed water.

Deities: Astarte. Diana. Ishtar, Osiris, Ra

Element: Air (Mental Powers, Visions, Psychic Powers, Wisdom)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun (Healing, Legal Matters, Protection)

Magical & Ritual Uses:

  • Burn for altar offerings or purification.
  • To ward off evil: Place a sprig over the bed.
  • To Open the Mind to Visions: Burn the leaves on charcoal to induce spiritual phenomena and develop psychic power,  add Frankincense and Myrrh to intensify the effect.
  • For Meditation & Inspiration: Burn the leaves on charcoal.
  • Acacia is also used in money and love spells.
  • It can be used as an emblem of immortality and initiation, as a sense of resurrection.
  • To Contact the Dead: Dip the leaves in holy water and sprinkle your altar with the water, or burn it as incense to communicate with or to memorialize the dead.
  • The wood  is ideal for a sacred chest to hold ritual tools. If you can’t obtain the wood, you can use the herb to consecrate your box and sacred tools.
  • To Cleanse a Sacred Space: Burn the dried gum as incense.  The leaves or wood can be infused to create sacred water for asperging.  Acacia may be used for blessing any sacred space. (A temple, Circle or storage area and magical possessions)

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Paul Huson: Mastering Herbalism: A Practical Gude
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Woodruff

February 25th, 2013 by sivodd

Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Folk Names: Herb Walter, ladies in the hay, muge-de-boys,  sweet grass, waldmeister,  woodderowffe, wood-rovam, wood rowan, wuderove.

Woodruff Galium odoratum is a perennial plant from the Madder family. Native to Europe and the Middle East, it grows 4-8 inches tall.

Woodruff’s scent increases when wilting, once dried it can be used as potpourri. It used to be sewn into cotton bags and hung in closets as a moth deterrent. Mixed with white wine it is thought to strengthen the heart. (Only the above-ground portion of the plant is used) It contains coumarin glucosides that acts as an anticoagulants and can be used to counteract excessive blood clotting.

Uses:

Compress:

  • Grind herbs with a mortar and pestle, place in a warm, damp cloth, fold and apply to forehead. (Do Not let pulp touch the skin)

Healing Powder:
For Insomnia

  • Mix 1/2 tsp. of powdered Woodruff with honey or fruit puree 30 minutes before bedtime.

Tea:

  • Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of dried Woodruff.
  • Steep 5 min; strain.
  • Drink 2-3 cups a day. (preferably unsweetened)

Tonic:
To strengthen the heart

  • Steep 2 tsp. of dried Woodruff in 1 cup of cold water for 8 hrs, strain.
  • Drink 1-2 cups every day.

Potpourri & Sachets

  • Make a Woodruff pillow to encourage sleep or sweeten a closet with an herb sack.
  • Display dried herbs in a bowl to add a fresh scent to a room.

Wine Punch:

  • With 1 qt. of dry, sweet white wine add no more than 3/4 tsp. of fresh, slightly wilted Woodruff.
  • Let the punch sit for a few hours.
  • Strain and serve chilled. (Woodruff is more aromatic when slightly wilted)

Folklore & History:

  • Dating back to the 14th century, Woodruff has been used to sweeten the air.
  • Medieval soldiers carried it in their helmets, they believed it promoted success in battle.
  • It is carried to attract money and prosperity, bring victory to athletes and warriors.
  • When placed in a sachet of leather it is said to guard against harm.
  • In the middle ages, it was woven into wreaths and hung in churches.

Tip: Useful as a MILD sedative and antispasmodic.

Warning: May cause internal bleeding if taken in large doses. Do not use if pregnant or taking medication for circulatory problems.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Happy Imbolc!

February 2nd, 2013 by sivodd

“I’d sit with the men, the women of God, there by the lake of beer, we’d be drinking good health forever, and every drop would be a prayer.” – Saint Brigid’s Prayer

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa


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