Posts Tagged ‘Herbs’

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The Witchy Moon, Magic, and News

Thursday, June 23rd, 2016

Thursday, June 23, 2016: The moon phase is Waning Gibbous in the zodiac sign Aquarius.

Element: Air
Color: Turquoise
Incense: Jasmine (see below for magical uses)

Garden Activities:

  • Plow, Cultivate, and weed
  • Harvest fruits and root crops
  • Hill up parsnips and carrots
  • Plant out asparagus crowns

Herbal Magic – Jasmine

(Jasminum officinale, Jamsminum grandiflorum, Jasminum odoratissimum)

Folk Names: Anbar, Jessamin, Moonlight on the Grove, Peot’s Jessamine, Yasmin

Deities: Diana, Vishnu

Planet: Moon (Fertility, Healing, Peace, Prophetic Dreams, Sleep)

Element: Water (Fidelity, Friendship, Healing, Love, Meditation, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, sleep)

Gender: Masculine

Powers: Love, Money, Prophetic Dreams


Photo By snopek

Lore: Jasmine is associated with the feminine and maternal aspect of the Divine Universe. It was held as a sacred herb of Diana of Ephesus, Quan Yin, and the Virgin Mary. Jasmine corresponds well with the High Priestess and the four nine cards in the Tarot.

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • For Love: Dried Jasmine flowers are added to sachets, charms and incense to attract a spiritual love.
  • For Money: The flowers will bring wealth and money if carried, burned or worn. It’s beautiful aroma is soothing and helps to lift spirits. Dreaming of Jasmine is said to foretell good fortune and good news for lovers.
  • For prophetic dreams: Burn in the bedroom.
  • For Creativity: Store Jasmine and Quartz crystals together to promote new and creative ideas.
  • Use in rituals when you wish to conjure the feminine properties of the Moon.
  • Jasmine is excellent to burn during meditation.
  • Dress and burn a candle with the oil for Psychic protection and health to one’s aura.

News:

Branded witches and cursed by spirits, Kenyan widows ousted from land
NAIROBI, June 23 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Juma Kalume Musunye’s six grandchildren beat her until she fell to the ground crying, and then doused her in petrol, claiming she had used witchcraft to paralyse their mother’s hands.

“They wanted to kill me,” said the 65-year-old widow who lives on Kenya’s coast, where the Mijikenda people traditionally blame witches for illness and misfortune.

“My son told them I had bewitched his wife.”

Hearing her screams, Musunye’s neighbours rushed out and rescued her.

“I am really bitter,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation ahead of International Widows’ Day on Thursday.

“I am old, my health is not good and my children do not care about me.”

Musunye was speaking by phone from Kaya Godoma, a centre set up in 2008 to care for elderly people ousted by their relatives. Read full story – dailymail.co.uk

Portsmouth medium jailed as a witch for ‘predicting’ sinking of battleship
My recent picture of HMS Barham leaving Portsmouth Harbour in the 1930s reminded Calum Kennedy of the unusual connection between the battleship, Portsmouth and witchcraft.

He recalls that in November 1941 Helen Duncan, a Scottish spiritual medium, held a séance at the Master Temple Psychic Centre, a room above Homers drug store at 301 Copnor Road, Copnor. During the séance Duncan indicated that HMS Barham had been sunk. Read full story – portsmouth.co.uk

Thanks for stopping by,

Lisa

References:

  • Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac
  • Llewellyn’s 2016 Moon Sign Book: Conseious Living by the cycles of the moon
  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs

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The Witchy Moon, Magic, and News

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

Wednesday, June 22, 2016: The moon phase is Waning Gibbous in the zodiac sign Capricorn until entering Aquarius at 4:08 PM EST.

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Element: Air
Color: Topaz
Incense: Bay Laurel (see below for magical uses)

Garden Activities:

  • Plow, Cultivate, and weed.
  • Plant onions, potatoes, rhubarb, grapes, winter wheat, and berries.

Herbal Magic – Bay Laurel

(Laurus nobilis) G

Folk Names: Baie, Bay Tree, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, Sweet Bay, Laurel, Laurier d’Apollon, Laurier Sauce Lorbeer, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel

Deities: Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus, Eros

Planet: Sun (Healing, Legal Matters, Protection)

Element: Fire (Courage, Exorcism, Health, Lust, Strength, Protection)

Gender: Masculine

Powers: Healing, Protection, Psychic Powers, Purification, Strength

Lore: Hermes invented fire by striking a pomegranate against a bay laurel. It is also sacred to Apollo and Zeus.

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • For Psychic Powers: Burn with Frankincense on charcoal. It can also be placed beneath your pillow for prophetic dreams.
  • For Protection: Carry a Bay leaf in a mojo bag to ward off evil, negativity, and unwanted people. Place around windows and in the attic to prevent lightening. A potted bay is also used to protect against storms and invoking the protection of Apollo. Wearing a wreath of bay is used to conquer one’s fear of thunderstorms.
  • To Remove a Curse or Evil Spirits: Mix with Sandalwood and burn over charcoal.
  • To Attract Love or Romance: Use in a fire sacrifice to the gods. The oil can also be extracted and used to dress a candle which is then burned.
  • For Victory: Take three fresh Bay leaves and write the names of Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael on each leaf, then wrap the leaves in white cloth and carry them.

News:

Dabble In Magic Using This Handbook Of Witchcraft
There was a time when choosing to invoke an incantation as a means to an end would get one burnt at the stake. In today’s world, taboos seem to be falling like leaves in autumn. So one need not be fearful any longer when choosing to resort to witchcraft in a time of need.

If the thought of dabbling in witchcraft has piqued your curiosity, you are in luck. There is a new handbook you should find very useful. It is titled Witchcraft: A Handbook of Magic, Spells and Potions. This beautifully bound book includes wonderful illustrations. Read full story – huffingtonpost.com

Thanks for stopping by,

Lisa

References:

  • Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac
  • Llewellyn’s 2016 Moon Sign Book: Conseious Living by the cycles of the moon
  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs

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The Witchy Moon, Magic, and News

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

Tuesday, June 21, 2016: The moon phase is Waning Gibbous in the zodiac sign Capricorn.

Element: Earth:
Color: Black
Incense: Cinnamon (see below for magical uses)

Garden Activity:

  • Plant potatoes and tubers
  • Trim to retard growth
  • Pick mushrooms
  • Prune to promote healing
  • Mow lawn

Herbal Magic – Cinnamon

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, C. verum

Folk Names: Ceylon cinnamon, Sweet Wood

Deities: Aphrodite, Venus

Element: Fire (Courage, Exorcism, Health, Lust, Strength, Protection)

Planet: Sun (Healing Legal Matters, Protection)

Power: Healing, Love, Lust, Power, Psychic Powers, Spirituality, Success


Photo by Dennis Brekke

Lore: Cinnamon was burned to purify temples in ancient China. It also promotes health, vigor and libido.

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • For Love: Add to oils, powders, and mojo bags.
  • Cleansing Incense: Mix with Frankincense, Myrrh, Camphor, and Sandalwood, burn every day for 14 days to purify your home. The insencse can also be used to smudge the body or gifts received from unknown parties or the dead.
  • To Draw money: Place three Cinnamon sticks with Fast Luck oil in a green bag, add Nutmeg with money drawing oils. Place in an amulet for good fortune
  • When burned as an Incense: Aids in healing, concentration, high spiritual vibrations, stimulates psychic powers, and enhances protective vibrations.

News

Summer solstice events and pagan sites around Britain
The summer solstice festival continues until June 21 on the campsite set closest to Stonehenge, and visitors can enjoy free access to the sacred site to celebrate the summer solstice from tonight at 7pm until 8am tomorrow (sunrise will be at 4.45am). Offerings include various food stands, a real ale bar and cider festival, as well as fire twisters and musical entertainment by night. Read full story – telegraph.co.uk

On the Summer Solstice, it’s not just neo-pagans like me who should be reconnecting with the natural world
We have a deep and undeniable relationship with nature – from the fact that our bodies naturally wake up when they see sunlight, to our tendency and need to live beside water, to the spooky fact that the menstrual cycle is the same length as the lunar month. Read full story – independent.co.uk

French woman accused of murdering daughter on beach blames witchcraft
A French woman who left her baby daughter to drown on a beach blamed “witchcraft” when she went on trial for murder on Monday.

Fabienne Kabou, 39, who was described as having “remarkable intelligence … but subject to irrational beliefs”, travelled to Berck-sur-Mer with her only child, Adélaïde, in November 2013. Read full story - theguardian

Thanks for stopping by,

Lisa

References:

  • Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac
  • Llewellyn’s 2016 Moon Sign Book: Conseious Living by the cycles of the moon
  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs

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Medicinal Monday – Nutmeg

Monday, August 5th, 2013

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)

Monday, March 18th, 2013

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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Hump Day Herbal Magic – Acacia

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

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

Monday, February 25th, 2013

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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Hump Day Herbal Magic – VALERIAN

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis) G

Folk Names: Ail-Heal, Amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon’s Trailer, Cat’s Valerian, English Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George’s Herb, Sete Wale, Set Well, Vandal Root

Powers: Love, Purification, Protection, Sleep


Photo by pfly

Valerian is a tall perennial with heads of sweet scented pink, blue or white flowers which bloom in the summer. Its one unpleasant quality is the the smell of the plant’s leaves, stems, and roots. However, cats and rats relish in it. Some herbalists suggest that Valerian was the secret of the legendary Pied Piper of Hamlin’s irresistible power over rats!

Deities: Aphrodite, Venus
Gender: Feminine
Element: Water (Dreams, Fidelity, Friendships, Healing, Love, Meditation, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, Sleep)
Planet: Venus (Beauty, Fidelity, Friendships, Good Fortune, Love, Money, youth)

Magical & Ritual Uses:
If you’re lucky enough to grow Valerian in your garden, Great Magic can be worked with the blooms.

  • Powdered, it is sometimes used as “graveyard dust.”
  • Use to purify your ritual space.
  • To ward off evil: Hang a sprig of Valerian under a window.
  • Guard against lightning: Hang sachets with powdered Valerian in the home.
  • As a sleep aid: Place a sachet with powdered Valerian in pillows.
  • A sprig of the plant pinned to a woman’s clothing will cause men to “follow her like children.”
  • For marital troubles: Wrap Valerian Root and a picture of you and your spouse in brown paper. Carry this for three days, then take out the root and throw it into running water. Replace it with Lovage root and keep that with the picture from there on.
  • As an uncrossing incense: Burn it alongside a reversing candle, and send the curse back to the person who crossed you.
  • To stop an unwanted visitor: Sprinkle Valerian root across your front steps, calling the person’s name, and commanding that he/she be unable to cross over. To make it more potent, add black pepper and salt.
  • For self purification: Make an elixir of Valerian to take daily (in very small doses).
  • To curse an enemy: Burn Valerian root with Black Arts Incense and a black candle, carve your enemy’s name in it with a coffin nail. Place his or her picture or name on paper face-down under the candle. Hide Valerian root in his/her car, so that they will have bad luck. (Personally, I would NEVER do this)

Medical Uses:

  • A powerful nerve stimulant and antispasmodic.
  • Sedative and pain-killer.
  • The purified extract is also used for epilepsy.

Warning: Large doses can cause headaches, vertigo, nervous agitation, muscular spasms, and hallucinations.

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!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Herbs & Spices

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Dill


Photo by Fire Engine Red

Dill is a member of the Umbelliferae family, related to carrots and parsley. It is easily spotted in the garden due to the thread-like, feathery leaves. In ancient civilizations,  Dill was so valued that it was accepted as a means of payment. Today, the leaves and the seeds are highly regarded for both medicinal and culinary appeal. Dill’s essential oils found in the seeds make it a versatile naturopathic remedy, it’s great for stomach and intestinal problems, mild insomnia, nervous ailments, flatulence and heartburn. It is also widely prescribed for many diseases of the liver and gallbladder and may be recommended to treat gastric problems in children. In the kitchen, it is a flavorful addition to many dishes and excellent for accenting fish, poultry, potatoes, cucumbers and cheese.

Components

  • Dill leaves have vitamin C, folic acid, beta-carotene and potassium.
  • The seeds have iron and calcium which provides a mild dietary fiber.
  • The curative effect of the seeds is greater then that of the leaves, due to the fact the seeds contain more essential oils.
  • The flavor comes from the oils, with a similar taste to that of fennel, spicy and a little sweet.

Therapeutic effect

  • Dill’s essential oils help calm a nervous stomach, alleviate bloating, flatulence and some liver and gall bladder ailments.
  • A great cure for intestinal bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
  • A tea mad from dill seeds helps stimulate the milk in nursing mothers and can soothe colic in babies.
  • Be sure to eat dill in moderation, excess amounts can impede kidney functioning.

For hiccups
Dill has been used as a hiccup remedy. Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. A tea made from the seeds can relax the diaphragm.

  • Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of dried dill leaves.
  • Cover the cup, let the tea steep about 10-15 min.
  • Sip slowly once the infusion is cool.

For insomnia

  • Pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of crushed dill seed and 1 teaspoon of mixture herbs, steep and strain.
  • Drink right before bedtime.

Dill butter

  • 1 tsp. finely chopped dill leaves, 4 tsp. butter, lemon juice, salt, white pepper
  • In a small bowl, cream the dill and butter.
  • Add lemon juice to taste, season with salt and white pepper.
  • It’s excellent on bread or melt over vegetables.

To promote lactation

  • 2 oz. dried dill leaves, 2 oz. anise seeds, 2 oz. alfalfa, Honey
  • Mix all the herbs is a container. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the mixture, steep for 15 min.
  • Use honey to sweeten.
  • Drink 2-3 cups of per day.

To ease bloating
An infusion made from dill seeds is an effective remedy for bloating and stomach discomfort. It also helps promote bowel function and has a diuretic effect.

  • Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of wine and 2 tsp. of crushed dill seeds.
  • Boil the mixture, and then let sit for 3 hours.
  • Drink up to 2 cups per day.
  • Store no longer than 2 days.

Kitchen hints

  • Store Freshly cut dill in perforated foil pouches in the freezer for up to 4 weeks. Dill completely retains its flavor and aroma when frozen.
  • Dried dill is often used to pickle cucumbers, cabbage and other vegetables. Use to flavor steamed vegetables.
  • Dill loses much of it’s flavor in drying, it must be used in greater quantities than when fresh.
  • Excellent for making vinegar. Pour 1 qt. of white wine over 2 oz. of fresh dill, let stand for 3-4 weeks.
  • Dill is great in mayonnaise Blend some mayonnaise with dill seeds or fresh dill, add a few drop of lemon juice, black pepper and a bit of mustard.
  • The leaves and seeds can prevent bloating. They are a great addition to a cabbage dish, the dill can prevent the bloating that cabbage causes.
Tip: Dill seeds are excellent breath fresher. The essential oils disinfect the mouth, which kills the bacteria. Chew on a small amount of seeds between meals.

References:

  • The Complete Guide to Naural 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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Hump Day Herbal Magic – Thyme

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Folk Names: Common Thyme, Garden

Powers: Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification, Courage

Thyme is a perennial shrub, and a member of the mint family. With over a hundred varieties, the most common being garden and lemon thyme.

The Greeks used Thyme “to make a burnt offering.”  In the Middle Ages, Europeans placed it under pillows to promote sleep and ward off nightmares. Women would also give the leaves to knights to bring courage. Thyme was also placed on coffins and burned as incense during funerals to send one into the next life.

Deities: Ares, Fairies, Mars

Gender: Feminine

Element: Water (Dreams, Fidelity, Friendships, Healing, Love, Meditation, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, Sleep)

Planet: Venus (Beauty, Fidelity, Friendships, Good Fortune, Love, Money, youth)

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • To stop nightmares or have prophetic dreams: Place beneath your pillow, or burn on charcoal and take in the aroma. (it is also great for meditation)
  • For Money: Plant THYME in the garden. Fold a dollar bill around THYME leaves, then fold again to make a packet, tie it up, and bury it on a full moon at the middle of a crossroads.
  • Growing various types of THYME: Encourages the devas to be lively.
  • To see Fairies: Carry in a amulet or sachet.
  • Money-Protection: Combine THYME, MINT, and BAYBERRY.
  • For purification: Burn prior to a ritual to cleanse the area. In spring, make a cleansing bath composed of MARJORAM and THYME to ensure all the sorrows and ills of the past are removed.
  • THYME is also carried and smelled to give courage and energy.
  • For good health: Thyme is burned or worn in an amulet. It is excellent in healing spells.
  • It is also used to communicate with friends and relatives who have passed.  THYME can be a most useful on SAMHAIN.
References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Paul Huson: Mastering Herbalism: A Practical Guide
  • 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!

Lisa

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Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off

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