Posts Tagged ‘Herbs’

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Medicinal Monday – Tea Tree Oil

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Tea Tree Oil


Photo by Arthur Chapman

Australian aborigines relied on the leaves of the tea tree to fight infections, it has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and anti-fungal agent. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Today, it is used throughout the world at an antiseptic. Scientist have confirmed that it combats harmful bacteria and fungal infections.

What it does:

  • Used topically to treat a variety of infections.
  • Once applied, the oil makes it impossible for many disease-causing fungi to survive.
  • Studies show that it fights various bacteria, including some that are resistant to antibiotics.
  • Tea tree oil mixes readily with skin oils, allowing it to attack the infective agent quickly and actively.

Benefits:

  • Tea tree oil’s antiseptic properties are excellent for treating cuts and scrapes, as well as insect bites and stings.
  • The oil promotes healing of minor wounds, helps to prevent infection and minimizes scarring.
  • Tea tree oil fights the fungus Trichophyton, which is the main cause of athlete’s foot, jock itch and certain nail infections.
  • It can also be effective against Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis, two of the organisms that cause vaginal infections.  These infections can be hard to treat, in this case, your doctor will have to prescribe a more potent antifungal medication.
  • Tea tree oil may be beneficial in the treatment of acne.
  • It is sometimes suggested as a treatment for warts. Although, studies have not confirmed this use.

Forms:

  • Oil
  • Gel
  • Cream
  • Vaginal suppository

Common Uses:

  • Disinfects cuts and scrapes
  • Minimizes scarring
  • Insect, spider bites and stings
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Fungal nail infections
  • Yeast infections
  • Dandruff
  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis

How to take it?

Athlete’s foot, skin wounds/irritations or nail infections:

  • Apply a drop or two of pure, undiluted tea tree oil to affected areas of the skin or nails two or three times a day.  Tea tree oil creams and lotions can also be used.

Yeast infections:

  • Insert a commercially available tea tree oil vaginal suppository every 12 hours, for up to five days.

Acne:

  • Mix 5 parts tea tree oil to 95 parts water and apply to area.

Dandruff:

  • Mix 10 drops of Tea Tree oil for every 8 oz. of shampoo.
  • Apply a few drops of Tea Tree oil directly to your scalp before you shampoo your hair. Shampoo as normal and then rinse thoroughly.

Shopping Hints:

  • There are a number of commercial shampoos, soaps and other skin-care products that contain tea tree oil, but they generally have such a small amount that that there is little or no bacteria-fighting effect.
  • When buying commercial products be sure it’s derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, as there are several types of tea tree. Oil from other species can be high in cineole content.

Warning:

  • Tea tree oil is for topical use only.  Never take tea tree oil orally.
  • Before using the oil for the first time, dab a small amount onto your inner arm with a cotton swab.
  • In undiluted form, it can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.

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 – Sage

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Folk Names: Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge

Powers: Immortality, Longevity, Protection, Wisdom,  Wishes

“SAGE make green the winter rain, Charm the demon from my brain.”

Photo by dnnya17

SAGE is a member of the Mint family. and is closely related to MUGWORT, WORMWOOD, and SOUTHERNWOOD. Native Americans use Sagebrush for blessing, cleansing, and purification and burn it during religious and personal ceremonies.

Native sages are Artemisias, but when used for spiritual purposes the two are treated by most people as relatively interchangeable. Salvia is used by many peoples to fumigate or cense a sacred space, bringing purification and cleansing.

Deities: Cadmus, Census, Jupiter, Zeus

Gender: Masculine

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

Planet: Jupiter (Money, Prosperity, Legal Matters, Luck, Protection)

Magical and Ritual Uses:
SAGE enhances wisdom, purifies the air, gives strength to women, and is a good addition to any reversing mojo bag or candle spell.

  • For Wisdom: Burn SAGE leaves on your altar when praying for guidance and clarity, or mix it with King Solomon Wisdom Incense as an aid to making wise decisions in career and business and family matters.
  • Add SAGE to mojo bags to impart wisdom and give the power of discernment to those who are faced with the need to make decisions in career, financial, and family matters.
  • To make a wish come true: write it on a sage leaf and hide it beneath your pillow for three nights. Once you dream of what you desire your wish will be materialized, if not, bury the sage in the ground so that no harm comes your way.
  • Utilized to ensure a long life—sometimes even immortality. Eat part of the plant every day, or in May. “He who would live for aye Must eat sage in May.”
  • Use the leaves in healing and money spells.
  • Wear a small horn filled with SAGE to ward off the evil eye.
  • SAGE may be used to purify one’s self, removing negative energy and providing a healthy attitude toward life.
  • Eat fresh SAGE leaves nine mornings in a row, timed with either a new or full Moon.
  • SAGE is excellent for the Autumn Equinox/Samhain, as well as Yule, to help remain bright when the days are at their shortest..
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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Medicinal Monday – Black Elder

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Black Elder

Botanical Name: Sambucus Nigra


Photo by Vietnam Plants & America plants

This European plant also known as “bourtree”, has Pre-Christian documents attributing protective and healing powers to the black elder. In England, it was believed bad luck to cut its branches for fear of showing disrespect to the mother elder, who was thought to inhabit the tree.

Plant Facts:

  • It is a member of the honeysuckle family and can grow to a height of 33 ft.
  • The Elder is sweet smelling and spicy, but the somewhat bitter tasting flowers produces blackish-purple fruits with an aromatic, tart taste.
  • The stalk and branches contain a white, fluffy pulp.

Origin:

  • Native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia, it thrives throughout lowland forests and along roads and fences and often found in farmhouse gardens.

Parts Used:

  • The flowers and ripe berries are used medicinally.
  • Harvest as the plant begins to blossom.

Components:

  • The black elder flowers contain flavonoids, rutin, mucins and tannins and a large portion of organic acids and calcium.
  • The berries contain fruit acids, vitamins B and C and folic acid, as well as essential oils.

Indications:

  • Also described as a “complete medicine chest”, black elder induces perspiration.
  • Take in the form of a hot drink when you have a feverish cold.
  • Elder also promotes expectoration, which makes it a good treatment for coughing and bronchitis.
  • The pulps of the berry and the freshly pressed juice have a diuretic and laxative effect on the body.
  • Avoid the red berry species of elder, as it can irritate the digestive system and make you feel nauseous.

Types of Applications

Tea flowers:

  • Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 large tsp. of dried elder flowers.
  • Strain after 10 min.
  • Drink 1-2 cups of freshly prepared tea several times, daily.

Tea from berries:

  • Add enough cold water to cover approximately 2 large tsp. of dried elder berries and allow to stand for several minutes.
  • Slowly bring the water-berry mixture to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 10min., strain and drink.

Juice, syrup:

  • Take the stems from 2 lb. of ripe berries.
  • Squeeze the juice from the berries into a saucepan, add about 1 lb. of sugar.
  • Boil for 5 min.
  • Skim the foam from the surface, fill canning jars with the syrup and seal white hot.
  • Prepared syrup is also available from pharmacies and health food stores.
  • To prevent or to treat a cold, drink the heated juice or syrup dissolved in hot water.

Puree:

  • Boil about 1 lb. of ripe elderberries with 1 cup of water and 2 diced apples.
  • Put through a sieve and sweeten to taste.
Tip: An old folk remedy for burns is a paste made of elder and milk. Boil freshly picked, chopped flowers in enough milk to make a thick paste. Allow to cool and apply to the affected part of the skin.

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, have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – St. John’s Wort

Monday, August 6th, 2012

St. John’s Wort

Botanical Name: Hypericum perforatum


Photo by Hunda

St. John’s Wort is native to the United States and Europe, and is a perennial plant that grows beside country paths and on sunny edges of woodlands. The use dates back to the ancient Greeks, Hippocrates recorded the medical use of St. John’s wort flowers. It was given its name because it blooms around June 24th, the birthday of John the Baptist. The medicinal benefits of the plant stem from a high concentration of hypericin, a red pigment that exudes from the flowers, and from pseudohypercin. Hypercin is thought to be responsible for the known antidepressant effect of St. John’s Wort. In addition, the plant has antibiotic and antiviral capabilities and has long been used to help heal wounds.

Characteristics:

  • Its small, bright yellow flowers consist of five petals with long, feathery stamens at the center. The slender, oval leaves grow in opposite pairs. If held up to the light, the leaves often appear to be perforated

Uses:

  • The fresh flowers can be used to make an oil that has proved particularly curative for skin problems, bruises and rheumatic ailments.
  • St. John’s wort extracts improves mood, and decreases anxiety and insomnia related to depression.
  • Some research shows that a combination of St. John’s wort, plus black cohosh can help improve menopausal symptoms.
  • It may also decrease alcohol intake. The constituent hyperforin, has been said to decrease alcohol consumption.
  • When the oil is rubbed onto the belly and breasts during pregnancy it can help prevent stretch marks, and is useful to treat hemorrhoids and aching, swollen veins that can occur during pregnancy.
  • The aerial parts of the plant can be cut and dried for use in herbal tea.

Gardening tips:

  • Plant in a sunny, warm location, but will grow in partial shade.
  • Likes well drained soil, not too moist, with high humus content.
  • Depending on water and nutrients it will reach a height of 2-3 ft.
  • Harvest between June and august, traditionally around June 24, near the time of the summer solstice.
  • The summer solstice can be a magical day. St. John’s Wort can be used to ward off fears, ghosts and nightmares; it is also known as the  ”witches herb”.

Care:

  • Fertilize St. John’s wort with compost in the spring and feed it with organic fertilizer as necessary.
  • It does not thrive in waterlogged soil, but tolerates dryness well.
  • Cut back the stems to just above ground level in the fall.

Harvesting and processing:

  • You can harvest from June to August, the fresh plant contains the highest active constituent contents at the end of June.
  • For tea, gather the upper non-woody parts and hang them in a dark place with the flower heads down.
  • Use only the flowers to make herb oil.
Tip : St. John’s wort can be identified by pinching the leaves or flowers, which will turn red due to the release of hypericin. The red pigment was said to represent the blood of St. John the Baptist.

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, have a great day!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbal Magic – Rose

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Rose (Rosaceae)

Powers: Healing, Love Divination, Luck, Protection, Psychic Powers

ROSE buds and petals are a symbol of love, romance and sexual attraction, as well as to draw good fortune in matters of the heart. ROSE hips are symbols of overall luck. ROSE oil appears in many love formulas and in some for luck.


Photo by alfaneque

Deities: Aphrodite, Adonis, Aurora, Cupid, Demeter, Eros, Harpocrates, Hathor, Hulda, Isis, Venus

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

Gender: Feminine

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

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • Roses represent all aspects of the Goddess, and may be used in rituals to honor the Goddess or used when Drawing Down the Moon.
  • For Luck and Protection, rose hips can be used as bringers of good fortune. They can be dried and placed in a green conjure bag with PYRITE and a selection of other money-drawing herbs. They can also be placed in a red flannel bag with FLAX seeds for protection from harm.
  • The rose is also associated with Hand-fastings and rituals of union. They are often worn by the participants and guests, and are strewn to bring divine blessings to the couple’s love.
  • Rose petals bring luck in love affairs and remove any kind of love-jinxing. Scatter fresh or dried ROSE petals on your altar when burning candles and praying, this will increase sexual passion, bring back a lover, enhance marital happiness, or for aid in breaking a jinx in crossed love affairs.
  • To make a Love-Drawing mojo bag, keep a whole QUEEN ELIZABETH ROOT in a red conjure bag with ROSE petals, LAVENDER, RED CLOVER, DAMIANA, and CATNIP, and dress it with Love Me Oil.
  • Select any nine non-toxic love herbs, being sure to include ROSE PETALS, RED CLOVER, and CATNIP. Steep the herbs in hot water for nine minutes, as you pray.
  • A rosewater soaked clothe laid on the temple will help relieve headache pain.
  • Rose petals are said to attract Fairies, and are best when stolen.
  • Drink a tea of rosebuds before sleep to induce prophetic dreams.
  • Spread rose petals around the house to calm stress, or any problems that may have manifested in the home.
  • When consecrating jewelry, set with an emerald or empowering stone for magickal work, the emerald/stone should be dressed with rose oil.
  • Roses are often brought into sabbat rites, usually white for the Autumnal Equinox, yellow for Eostara, red for Midsummer and any color for Beltane!

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • 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 fruit listed above.

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

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbal Magic – Quince

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Quince (Cydonia Vulgaris)

Powers: Happiness, Love, Protection

Quince is a member of the genus Cydonia and native to Asia in the Caucasus region. It’s a small, deciduous tree, growing 5–8 m tall and 4–6 m wide. Related to apples and pears, and like them has a pome fruit. When mature, it is bright golden yellow and pear-shaped, ranging about 7–12 cm long and 6–9 cm broad.

Quince is sacred in many cultures, the Greeks believed it to be sacred to Aphrodite, and Pliny the Elder recorded that it warded off the evil eye. The Roman counterpart to Aphrodite, Venus, is often shown holding a quince, it is said, it was given to her by Paris to show his love. This association was later transferred, in some areas, to Mary, mother ofJesus. In Pompeii, the quince was often found in artwork and tile mosaics, and frequently shown in a bear’s paw. The oldest record of it’s religious use is with Hebrews. Grieves believed it sacred to these peoples and writes in A Modern Herbal that many ”consider that the Tappuach of Scripture, always translated apple, was the Quince. It is also supposed to be the fruit alluded to in the Canticles, ‘I sat down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste.’”


Photo by Public Domain Photos

Deities: Aphrodite, Venus

Element: Earth (Employment, Fertility, Healing, Money, Prosperity)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn (Endings, Exorcisms, Longevity, Visions)

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • Carry seven Quince seeds in a flannel bag, hang around your wrist to protect from harm.
  • A desirable fruit to bring into a Handfasting, it has a history for blessing a union. It can be part of the feast and layered into the cake. The sprigs with flowers can be included in the ritual flowers. The sharing of the fruit before the Great Rite and removing the chord (once alone) would be appropriate to affirm the vows.
  • Use quince to repel negative energy from others. When a target of other’s negative energy, spread Quince on your morning muffin to keep their negation from manifesting in your life.
  • Quince is sacred to the bear to certain Romans. It you use a bear as your totem, keep a jar of quince preserves on hand.

Medicinal Uses:

  • Quince is good for weight loss, being rich in fiber.
  • It has antioxident properties, which helps the body fight free radicals and reduces the risk of cancer.
  • It has been found, Quince is helpful to those suffering from gastric ulcer.
  • Aids in digestion and helps lower cholesterol.
  • The potassium in Quince helps maintain blood pressure.
  • The presence of Vitamin C reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • It is said it is beneficial for those suffering from tuberculosis,  hepatic insufficiency, diarrhea and dysentery.
  • It is also beneficial to those suffering from liver diseases and eye diseases, if consumed on a regular basis.

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • 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 fruit listed above.

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

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Herbs & Spices

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Borage

Botanical Name: Borago Officinalis


Photo by madlyinlovewithlife

In the late Middle Ages, Physicians recommended Borage; they believed it supplied courage, confidence, cheerfulness and restoring life. Today, we know that it stimulates the production of adrenaline, which prepares the body to handle stress (the medieval beliefs were well founded). Other names for Borage: “good cheer”, “dear friend” and “sparkling eyes”. This reflects borage’s ability to brighten the mood. Rich in a polyunsaturated fatty acid, Borage seed oil is used to address metabolic problems from obesity to premenstrual complaints. It also promotes lactation, helps break a fever by inducing a sweat and breaks up phlegm while easing sore throats and coughs.

Help for viral infections:

  • A Borage and Echinacea tea have a calming effect.
  • Reduces fever and induces sweating.
  • Helps combat measles, mumps, chicken pox, colds and flus.
  • Mix equal amounts of fresh borage leaves and powdered Echinacea root. Brew in hot water, steep for 10 min. and sweeten with honey. Drink 1 cup 3 times per day.

Therapeutic Effect:

  • Borage leaves are diuretic, it increase sweat and urine.
  • It acts as an adrenal stimulant, useful for countering stress and lingering effects of steroid therapy.
  • Tea made from Borage soothes sore throats and irritated coughs.

Components:

  • The seed oil contains gamma linoleic acid. Found primarily in vegetable oils and used as a dietary supplement for treating problems with inflammation and auto-immune diseases.
  • The acid is used to to treat metabolic disturbances, including obesity, premenstrual syndrome, eczema, high blood pressure and alcoholism.
  • Recent evidence suggests Borage may be useful for treating heart disease and cancer.
  • The leaves are a good source of vitamin C, organic calcium and potassium, essential oils, tannins and mucilages. It’s also has saponins that strengthen resistance and flavonoids that prevent infection.
  • The silicic acid in Borage stimulates hormone production and balances mood swings.

For lactation:

  • A Borage tea will help promote healthy milk flow while you’re nursing.
  • Add a generous handful of fresh Borage leaves to ½ gal. of lemonade, or to the same amount of a mild hot tea, which ever flavor you enjoy – chamomile, fennel, nettle and violet blossoms are Excellent choices.
  • Let steep for at least 20 minutes, then strain through a paper filter. Drink a cup 3-4 times a day for best results.

From your garden

  • Borage is hard to find commercially. If you plan to make it a regular part of your diet, plant it in your garden. It attracts honeybees, ensuring pollination of other plants.
  • Plant the herb in sandy soil in which water drains rapidly. Sow in mid-or late spring, in full sun or partial shade, and again in early and midsummer.
  • Borage is an annual, it will die at the end of the season, but self sown seedlings germinate for replacement plants.
  • For medicinal use, the leaves are best gathered before the flower buds appear. The plant is easily bruised, so handle gently and use right away. The young leaves have a prickly texture that are edible.

Kitchen Hints

  • Preserve Borage in vinegar or in an alcohol tincture. It does not dry or freeze well.
  • Capture the flavor of Borage over the long term by making a blue vinegar from the blossoms or an emerald green vinegar from the leaves. These vinegars make wonderful gifts in decorative bottles.
  • “Cucumber herb” is another name for borage, and complement plain and pickled cucumbers. It adds flavor to salads, soups and summer stews. Try with eggs and fish.
  • The pretty blue blossoms are also edible. Remove the green sepals on the undersides before using, then sprinkle the flowers over soups and salads.
  • Freeze the flowers in ice for a garnish for punches and other summer drinks.
  • For cooking, use young leaves that are no larger than a half dollar. For teas, the bigger leaves are fine.
  • Borage is an essential ingredient to many Italian dishes. Borage risotto is very popular, as is ravioli stuffed with borage.
  • To enhance the flavor of dishes, sprinkle Borage leaves or stir them in before serving. It loses much of it’s flavor and aroma, once cooked.

Tip: Cut borage leaves into thin strips and mix into strawberry punch. Strain the punch through a paper filter before serving.

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, have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – HOMEOPATHY

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Apis (Honeybee)
Apis is the Latin word for Honeybee


Photo by SidPix

An acient treatment for joint pain, was a live bee sting. Today, Apis is a homeopathic remedy that contains bee venom and used to treat insect bites and conditions resembling stings.

Historical Origins:

Hippocrates, (in the fifth century B.C.) noted that diseases could be cured by “similars”: What causes a disease may also cure it, or “like cures like.” The German doctor Paracelsus, (in the 1500s) also followed this principle, prescribing tiny doses of poisons thought to cause disease. Closely related to homeopathy’s Law of Similars, this belief states that a substance which can cause symptoms of illness in the healthy can also be used to cure those symptoms in the sick. Thus, venom from a bee treats its “similar” beestings.

The Source of the medicine:

  • The entire body of the honeybee is crushed or ground to prepare the remedy.

Used for:

  • Those allergic to bee-stings or poison ivy.
  • Insect bites, nettle rash, allergic conditions, blisters, whitlow (an abscess on the fingertip).
  • Infections of the urinary tract, including cystitis, with stabbing hot pains. Urinary incontinence in elderly persons.
  • Fluid retention causing swelling of the eyelids, conjunctivitis and sties.
  • Allergic conditions that cause sore throat and swallowing difficulties, and tonsillitis (the throat can look as if it was stung and can be puffy, red and raw). The person often experiences hot, stabbing headaches and has dry skin.
  • Swollen, painful inflammation of the joints as in arthritic conditions and for peritonitis and pleurisy. The symptoms are made worse by heat and touch, stuffy airless rooms following sleep and in the early evening. They improve in the fresh, cool open air, after taking a cold bath, or any cold application.
  • Hives, weeping or pus-filled blisters and carbuncles.

Symptom Gauge:

Better:

  • With cold compresses
  • In cold weather
  • With exercise
  • In fresh air In the morning

Worse:

  • With heat applications
  • When warm
  • When touched
  • In hot, stale air
  • In the afternoon

Other Diagnostic Choices:

For most bites and stings, as well as for skin inflammations which have stinglike symptoms, homeopaths will turn to Apis as their first choice. Some reactions to bites and stings, include a slightly different set of symptoms. In a case like this, a homeopath might choose to prescribe another type of remedy. The following are some of these alternate choices and their symptom profiles.

Ledum:

  • Extensive swelling
  • Sensation of cold in the affected area
  • A stinging, pricking feeling
  • Relief from cold applications

Hypericum:

  • Bites or stings on fingers or toes
  • Extensive inflammation
  • Shooting pains
  • Worsening of symptoms with cold applications

Lachesis:

  • Affected area has a bluish appearance
  • Relief from cold applications

Staphsagria:

  • Excessive pain
  • Indignation about suffering
  • Frequent victim of insect bites, especially mosquito bites

Urtica urens:

  • Burning and stinging that itch badly
  • Hives at the site of the sting

References:

  • The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
  • Healthcare Natural

Apis is a great first-aid remedy to have on hand, particularly if you are allergic to bee-stings, or other insect bites. You should ALWAYS seek medical attention, but Apis offers immediate help in an emergency situation.

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, have a great day!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herb Magic – Patchouli

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Patchouli (Botanical Name: Pogostemon Cablin)
Folk Names: Kablin, Pucha-Pot

Powers: Fertility, Jinx-Breaking, Lust, Money

Patchouli is a species from the genus Pogostemon and an herb of the mint family. It is cultivated extensively in India, Madagascar, Sumatra and the Seychelles for steam distillation of oil and used to manufacture perfumes, incense, soaps, hair tonic, tobacco and cosmetics. The essential oil has a lusty, earthy scent and may be used during the Great Rite, as a candle dressing, or mixed into sexual lubricants.


Photo by phidauex

Deities: Aphrodite, Pan, Osain

Element: Earth (Employment, Fertility, Healing, Money, Prosperity)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Pluto (Control, Elimination, Money, Power, Sex, )

Magical & Ritual Uses:

  • Make a love bath: Mix Patchouli with rose petals, orange flowers and chips of Queen of Elizabeth root. Blend into a tea and use in a love bath. Air dry to keep the fragrance on you when you go on a date. Throw the bath water out the front door to attract love
  • To sex up love: Blend equal amounts of Patchouli leaves, Damiana leaves, and Myrrh, then mix on charcoal.
  • To attract money: In equal amounts, blend Patchouli leaves with Sandlewood and Quassia, carry in a green flannel conjure bag dressed with money drawing oil. You can also use this in the corners of the your house or place of employment.  For a stonger incense, add equal parts of Bayberry root chips, Cinnamon chips, Bensoin and Cloves. Burn on a bed of charcoal.  It can also be sprinkled onto money, added to a purse or wallet, and placed around candles.
  • Break a Jinx or return a spell: Mix Patchouli roots with graveyard dirt and Agrimony, and carry the mixture in a mojo bag.

Medicinal Uses:
The oil is very strong and can be tempered down by adding 10-20 drops of oil to 2 tablesp. of almond oil and 5 drops of wheatgerm oil to preserve freshness.

  • Stimulates the nervous system
  • Lifts moods
  • Relieves stress and gives the feeling of well being
  • Balances endocrine system (which balances hormones)
  • Stimulates pituitary glands (which secrete endorphins)
  • Relaxes the body
  • Relieves pain
  • Cools inflamed, cracked  and rough skin
  • Add several drops to bath water
  • Rub on pulse points, temples or as a massage oil
  • Aromatherapy to clear lethargy and sharpen wits

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • 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, have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Floral Essences

Monday, March 19th, 2012

Honeysuckle

More than 50 years ago, English physician Edward Bach developed the healing floral remedy from Honeysuckle. (along with 38 other floral essences) Honeysuckle is intended to promote emotional healing, as well as help patients regain hope and live for the present. It is usually recommended for those who dwell on an idealized past and who obsessively focus on the missed opportunities of life.

True Honeysuckle:

The true honeysuckle used to prepare this floral essence belongs to the genus lonicera. The petals of the flowers are red on the outside and white on the inside, once pollinated turn yellow. Honeysuckle is a climbing plant that can grow up to 12 feet. There are about 180 species of honeysuckle, 100 of which occur in China, with only about 20 in Europe, India and North America.


Photo by Anita363

“Longing for the past is fear of the future”

Taking the Remedy:
Floral remedies are sold in most health food stores, usually as a bottled flower essence.

  • Mix a few drops of the flower essence, or a combination of essences with spring water.
  • Sip the mixture several times daily.

The honeysuckle temperament:
People most likely to benefit, are those that have deep regrets about the past. Typically they are unable to overcome a loss or separation from a loved one. The sole source of comfort are memories of past comfort and joy, making it impossible to enjoy the present.

  • Honeysuckle’s relaxing and revitalizing effect is used to help people overcome a negative outlook on life.
  • The flower can also build powers of concentration and instill optimism about the present and future.

Supportive measures:
Try a few of these simple activities, they may improve your outlook and help you regain hope.

  • Try to maintain a positive attitude.
  • Say yes to your life, and to the here and now.
  • Sit by a stream and let its steady flow soothe you.
  • Visit one of your favorite places from your past, let yourself discover new things. You may be surprised by what you will find.
  • Find a new creative activity or hobby that requires your attention.
  • Practice deep breathing and exercises to help you relax.

Honeysuckle for children:
May aid children facing traumatic life changes. These children generally cry and talk about how they miss their former situation. Honeysuckle may relieve this stress and build confidence.

  • Can help with children who are homesick.
  • Helps to cope with separation or divorce.
  • An unsettled move to a new home or distraught about entering kindergarten.

Wildflower mixture:
For relief from grief or shock following a death or tragedy.

  • Honeysuckle can be combined with Star of Bethlehem.
  • Add 3 drops of the wildflower mixture to 1/2 oz. of water. (sip slowly)

Signs of a blocked mental state:

  • Glorifying the past
  • Being homesick and melancholy
  • Longing for the past
  • Regretting missed opportunities
  • Not being able to overcome a loved one
  • Having difficulty with everyday tasks
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Sluggishness

Signs of transformation:

  • New and Positive outlook
  • Being alert
  • Flexible
  • Open minded
  • Sharpened memory
  • New and creative activities
  • Feeling joyful
  • Learning from a past or present experience
  • Being optimistic about the present and future

Tip: Honeysuckle may also help people confront, and move beyond, suppressed painful experiences from the past.

Warning: The berries are toxic.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

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, have a great day!

Lisa

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Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off

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