Posts Tagged ‘Herbs’

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Medicinal Monday – Thyme

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Garden Thyme

Botanical Name: Thymus Vulgaris

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. It’s an aromatic herb that enhances flavor, stimulates digestion and improves appetite. Other than it’s culinary value, it has many properties for medicinal use. The main ingredient helps inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria. Thyme is useful for treating respiratory congestion, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and sore throats.

Thyme is derived from the Greek “to make a burnt offering.” Ancient Egyptians used it for embalming. The Romans used it to purify rooms and to give cheeses and liqueurs an aromatic flavor. 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. It was also placed on coffins and burned as incense during funerals to send one into the next life.

Characteristics: A woody evergreen with with small gray-green leaves that roll under the edges. Flowers can range in color from violet to pale pink.

Care: It needs a sunny warm location. Thyme  thrives well in dry soil and a well drained environment. Little water is needed, avoid humidity. Harvest time is usually in fall and winter, cutting it through these months will weaken the plant.

Harvesting: Best time to harvest is during the day when it has the highest concentration of oils. Shoots should be cut 4 inches above the soil before it blooms, usually in May or June. Bundle the shoots together and hang in a shaded area to dry. Once dry, take the leaves and buds for use in teas, cooking and medicinal remedies. Store in a jar away from light.

Uses:

  • Ideal for flavoring all meats and vegetables.
  • Increases digestibility.
  • Calms the action of intestinal muscles and prevents gas.
  • Thyme and Rosemary combined can increase effects.
  • Oil from the plant is excellent for rubs, baths and washes.

Avoid Thyme oil while pregnant.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

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

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

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbs – Garlic

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Garlic

Botanical Name: Allium Sativum

Folk Names: Ajo, Clove Garlic, Poor Man’s Treacle, Stinkweed

Native to Central Asia, garlic is a species in the onion family Alliaceae.

The ancient Greeks placed garlic at cross-roads as a supper for the goddess Hecate, or for protection to ward off demons. Greek midwives would hang garlic cloves in birthing rooms to keep evil spirits away. Athletes would take large amounts of garlic before competition, and soldiers would consume garlic before going into battle. Roman soldiers ate garlic to inspire and give them courage. Egyptian slaves were fed garlic to keep up strength. Tibetan monks were forbidden from entering monasteries if they had eaten garlic. Nicholas Culpeper, (botanist/herbalist/astrologer) linked garlic with the planet Mars. A fiery planet also connected with blood. Dreaming that there is “garlic in the house” is known to mean you will discover hidden secrets.

Deity: Hekate

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

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars (Courage, Exorcism, Hex-Breaking, Lust, Protection, Sexual Potency, Strength)

Powers: Anti-Theft, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Protection

Medicinal Uses: Garlic has been used to prevent health problems including colds, flu, menstrual pain, high blood pressure, coughs, gastrointestinal problems, atherosclerosis, and bronchitis. It has been proven to kill various fungal infections, viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites. Also labeled as an antioxidant, garlic may help prevent certain cancers such as colon cancer and can improve the effectiveness of the immune system. Most popular, garlic is used for its effectiveness of cardiovascular wellness, as well as treating atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, respiratory infections, and triglyceride levels.

Magical Uses: Garlic is known to be extremely protective. It is excellent in a new home, hang braids of garlic to ward off thieves and evil. For protection while sleeping,  place under a pillow or make into a wreath placed above the bed.  Eating and wearing garlic is said to improve agility, courage, and physical endurance.

Ritual Uses: The bulb, stem, and flowers can be used in spells and as an amulet for protection. Burn the powdered herb to break spells and curses. Place with silver in a sachet of leather to bring money. Scatter around the home to promote lust.

Other Uses: Studies have found that concentrated garlic kills ticks within thirty minutes. Dehydrated garlic is used as a nutritional supplement in pet food to repel fleas and ticks.

References:

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 – Spelt

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Spelt


Native to Asia, Spelt is a grain and distant cousin to wheat. It is high in just about any nutrient, Vitamins B1, B2, B3,B6, E, iron, potassium, calcium as well as amino acids. It’s also highly water soluble and  much easier to digest than wheat.

Spelt is is useful for feebleness, brittle hair and nails, connective tissue weakness, general weakness, sluggish bowels, rheumatic illness and vitamin-B deficiency. (Spelt can be purchased in whole food stores)

Spelt Coffee

Ingredients:

  • 4 parts brown-roasted spelt grains
  • 1 part dark-roasted spelt grains (for color)

Preparation:

  • Blend the grains.
  • Boil 2 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 cup of water for 5 minutes.
  • Strain off the grains, mix with an additional tablespoon of the roasted grains. Let stand over night in 1 cup of water.
  • Repeat 3-5 times. Drink with milk and sugar.

Spelt Broth

Ingredients:

  • Spelt bread
  • 1 cup of bouillon or milk

Preparation:

  • Slice an ample amount of bread and dry in an oven at 200F. Grind into a powder and store in a tightly sealed container.
  • Bring the bouillon or milk to a boil and stir in 3 tablespoons of bread powder. Serve immediately.

Tip: For insomnia or a headache, fill a pillow loosely with spelt grains and sleep on it. It will adapt to the head movements and support the neck.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

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

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

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Bergamot Oil

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Bergamot Oil


The Bergamot Tree is native to the Canary Islands and grows to a height of 12 feet. It is an inedible bitter green fruit with a pale green color that gives off a lemon orange scent.

Bergamot oil plays an important role in aromatherapy. The aroma is excellent for stress, relaxes frayed nerves, depression, anxiety, fear and anger. Add the oil to a sitz bath to help with urinary-tract infections. It can be applied topically for irritated skin, such as acne, insect bites, cold sores and eczema.

Uses:

Acne & Ecxema

  • Facial steam bath for cleansing and healing skin. Add 3 drops of Bergamot oil to a large bowl of steaming water, Drape a towel over your head and place your face over the bowl for 10-15 minutes. Do not use if you have broken facial capillaries.

Cystits & Pruritis

  • Add 4-5 drops of oil to a warm bath. Bathe once a day until symptoms are gone.

Stress

  • Add 3 drops of bergamot oil and sweet orange oil to bath when tub is full.
  • Add 3 drops of bergamot oil and clary-sage oil to bath when tub is full.
  • These blends can also be used with a carrier oil. (grapeseed or sweet-almond oil) Do this prior to bathing, to moisturize the skin.

Applications:

  • For a tension headache, rub a few drops of oil into temples or the back of neck.
  • To reduce fever, mix 5 drops of oil in 1 qt. of cold water and soak 2 towels. Wrap compress around your calves, cover with another towel to keep in place. When the compress is no longer cold, re soak. Reapply until fever is gone.
  • For cold sores and chicken pox, combine 3 drops of bergamot oil and eucalyptus oil with 1 tsp. of a water based gel that is used to dilute oils. Apply several times a day. Avoid vegetable oils.

(As a mosquito repellent; add oil to an aromatherapy lamp or place 2 drops on a cotton ball and place in a pocket)

Warning: Bergamot oil is considered photo-toxic, avoid sun exposure for at least 6 hours after use.

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! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbs – Fennel

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

FENNEL

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Folk Names: Samar, Sheeh, Sweet Fennel

Fennel is a Perennial herb from the Apiaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, it grows to the height of 2-6 feet.

Fennel was hung above doorways and on rafters in order to ward off  evil in the Middle Ages. The seeds were placed inside keyholes to prevent ghosts from entering the house. In 470 b.c. the Greeks defeated the Persians at Marathon. They fought on a field of fennel and this led to the belief that fennel inspired courage and strength. Greek and Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds before entering battle.

Deities: Dionysus, Prometheus

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

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury (Divination, Mental Powers, Psychic Powers, Wisdom)

Powers: Healing, Protection, Purification

Medicinal uses: All parts of the Fennel plant are used. Fennel is known to relieve digestive problems, increases lactation, relax spasms and reduce inflammation with expectorant, carminative and aromatic properties. Sweet Fennel oil is used in aromatherapy (it contains anethole, fenchon, limonene and a-pinene, while the seeds contain various flavonoids and furanocoumarins ).

Magical Uses: Hang over doors and windows with St. John’s Wort to repel evil spirits. Grow around the house, scent soaps and perfumes to ward off negativity and evil.

Ritual Uses: Use in spells and sachets for protection, healing, and purification. The oil can be used to enhance personal courage and strength, as well as love.

Other Uses: Syrup from fennel juice was given for chronic coughs. It is known to drive away fleas, powdered fennel has been used in kennels and stables.

References:

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

During the Middle Ages, fennel was hung above doorways and on rafters in order to ward off the devil. Fennel seeds were also placed inside keyholes in order to prevent ghosts from entering the house; In 470 b.c. the Greeks defeated the Persians at Marathon. They fought on a field of fennel and this led to the belief that fennel inspired courage and strength. Greek and Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds before entering battle.

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Medicinal Monday – Cowslip Tea

Monday, March 14th, 2011

Cowslip Tea (Cowslip or Primula Veris)

Folk Names: Cuy lippe, Herb Peter, Paigle, Peggle, Key Flower, Key of Heaven, Fairy Cups, Petty Mulleins, Crewel, Buckles, Palsywort, Plumrocks, Mayflower, Password, Artetyke, Drelip, Our Lady’s Keys, Arthritica, Buckles, Cuy, Frauenchlussel, Lady’s Key, Lippe, Paralysio.


Cowslip or Primula veris is a flowering plant that grows 10-30 cm tall and can be found throughout most of Europe and Asia.

It can be used fresh as well as dry (only the flowers, stems and roots are used). The flowers and leaves are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, salicylates and sodium which help strengthen the immune system. Also, the herb contains saponoids which bring about expectorant and emetic effects. The root and stem contain saccharum, amidine and tanoids and is also a natural diuretic, soothing sedative.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Cold: Helps relax bronchial passages, thins mucous secretions to promote expectoration and lower fevers. Drink 3 cups a day.

Gout: It has a diuretic action that helps eliminate uric-acid buildup. Drink 4-5 cups daily.

Headaches and Migraine: Because of the analgesic properties, it can provide quick relief for tension headaches. It is not a quick relief for migraines, but extended use can ease migraines. Drink 2-3 cups daily.

Joint Pain: It is effective for chronic and painful symptoms caused by arthritis and rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Drink 4-5 cups daily.

Tea Mixtures:

For Coughs

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz. Cowslip root
  • 1 oz. marsh-mallow flowers
  • 1/4 oz. aniseed
  • 1/4 oz. fennel seed

Simmer Cowslip in 1 qt. of water for 10 minutes. Add other herbs and steep for 10 minutes, strain. (Aids in mucus expectoration and reduces cough)

For Insomnia

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz. Cowslip root
  • 1 oz. hops
  • 3/4 oz. lemon-balm leaves
  • 1/3 oz. St. John’s Wort

Simmer Cowslip in 1 qt. of water for 10 minutes. Add other herbs and steep for 10 minutes, strain. (Calms nervous system and promotes sleep. Reduces anxiety, tension and depression)

For Gout and Joint Pain

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Cowslip root
  • 3/4 oz. nettles
  • 3/4 oz. birch leaves
  • 3/4 oz. meadowsweet

Simmer Cowslip in 1 qt. of water for 10 minutes. Add other herbs and steep for 10 minutes, strain. (Promotes the excretion of uric acid from tissue and relieves pain and swelling in joints)

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, allergic to aspirin or taking anticoagulants.

Folklore and History:

  • The Celts valued Cowslip as a cure for winter depression.
  • Medieval herbalist Hildegard von Bingen, recommended  it for palsy stroke and hallucinations.
  • It has been harvested to extinction in some regions, but can be substituted with it’s close relative Primula Vulgaris or Primrose.

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 Herbs – Echinacea

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

ECHINACEA

Botanical Name: Echinacea Augustifolia

Folk Names: Black Sampson, Coneflower, Rudbeckia

Echinacea is a Perennial plant from the the daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to North America, it grows to a height of 2-3 feet.

It was widely used by the Plains Indians for its medicinal qualities as a treatment for symptoms caused by the common cold. In the 1930s it became popular in both Europe and America as a herbal medicine.

Deities: Athena, Venus, Cerridwen

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

Gender: Male

Planet: Mars (Courage, Exorcism, Hex-Breaking, Lust, Protection, Sexual Potency)

Powers: Healing, Strengthening Spells

Medicianl Uses: Studies suggest that Echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Professional herbalists may recommend Echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections, athlete’s foot, sinusitis, hay fever, as well as slow-healing wounds.

Magical Uses: Echinacea is often used to strengthen the power of spells. It was also used by the Native Americans not only to strengthen their spells, but as an offering to spirits.

Ritiual Uses: Echinacea can be used to strengthen the power of charms, blends or sachets and burned as incense. It’ s also an excellent root to use in money magic.

Other Uses: It has been used as a general immune system enhancer, as well as treating various ailments (poisonous insect and snake bites, toothaches, mumps, small pox, blood purifier, measles). Research has shown that taking Echinacea at the first sign of a cold can decrease the duration and intensity.

References:

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 Herbs – Datura

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

DATURA

Botanical Name: Datura Stranmonium

Folk Names: Devil’s Apple, Devil’s cucumber, Devil’s Trumpet, Ghost Flower, Jimsonweed, Love-Will, Mad Apple, Madherb, Manicon, Moonflower, Stinkweed, Sorcerer’s Herb, Thornapple, Toloache, Witche’s Thimble, Yerba del Diablo (Spanish herb of the Devil)

Datura is an annual herb from the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. It is believed to be native to Asia or South America, origins are unknown. It grows to a height of 2-4 feet, reaching a diameter of 4-6 feet.

Native Americans used Datura to induce trance-like states and enlightenment, often this was served as a right of passage. In l676 in the Jamestown Colony, a group of English soldiers believed the leaves of the Datura to be suitable pot greens. They boiled and and consumed  it, the effects lasted for eleven days.

Deities: Hades, Hecate, Saturn

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

Gender: Feminine.

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

Powers: Hex-Breaking, Protection, sleep

Medicinal Uses: Datura has been used as an alternative medicine in treatments for various diseases. Seeds are the most active medicinal part of the plant. Flowering tops, Leaves and  seeds have anti-asthmatic, anodyne, hypnotic, hallucinogenic, mydriatic and narcotic properties.

Magical Uses: Datura can be used in amulets for insomnia, breaking spells and to ward off evil spirits. Sprinkle it around the house for protection. (If placed in incense, it may cause nausea and does not have a pleasant smell)

Ritual Uses: Datura was used by Shamans to transcend the physical world and embark on magical flights to the spirit world. The entire plant was used for divination, prophecy, initiation ceremonies, ritual intoxication, diagnosis and healing.

Other Uses: It is said to protect neighboring plants from insects. To cure dandruff and falling hair, the fruits of the juice are applied to the scalp.

Health Hazards: Poison!.  Datura is considered toxic.  It  should only be used under Physician’s supervision. (handling it may cause skin irritation)

References:

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 Herbs – Calamus

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

CALAMUS

Botanical Name: Acorus Calamus

Folk Names: Gladden, Myrtle Flag, Myrtle Grass, Myrtle Sedge, Lubigan, Sweet Cane, Sweet Flag, Sweet Grass, Sweet Root, Sweet Rush, Sweet Sedge

Calamus are perennial flowering plants from the Acorus family. Native to to North America and northern and eastern Asia. The leaves grow between 0.7 and 1.7 cm wide, with average of 1 cm, and the flower is between 3 and 4 mm.

The Penobscot people would cut the root and hang it throughout the house to cure illness. When traveling, they would take a piece of the root, and chew to ward off sickness. To cure a runny nose, The Potawatomi people would powder the dried root and put up their nose. The Teton-Dakota warriors believed it prevented excitement and fear when facing their enemy, they would chew it to a paste and rub it on their face.

Diety: Maiandros

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

Gender: Feminine.

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

Powers: Healing, Luck, Money, Protection.

Medicinal Uses: The root is anodyne, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hallucinogenic, hypotensive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, vermifuge and mildly tonic. Internal uses: It Stimulates the apatite and can reduce stomach acidity in small doses. In larger doses it increases stomach secretions. (known to treat anorexia) Also known to treat bronchitis, digestive complaints,  sinusitis etc. If infused it can bring about abortion. Chewing the root  can alleviate toothache and kill the taste of tobacco. External Use: It is also used to treat neuralgi, rheumatic pain and skin eruption. It is a folk remedy for arthritis, cancer, convulsions, diarrhea, ddyspepsiayspepsia, epilepsy.

Magical Uses: Grow Calamus for good luck. Use powdered in Incense and sachets for healing. String seeds as beads for healing as well.  Used to strengthen and bind spells. Keep pieces of the root in all four corners of the kitchen in protection against poverty and hunger.

Ritual Uses: The Incense is burned to treat headaches, coughs, and colds.

Other Uses: Phenylpropanoid, produced by plants are used for defense against herbivores and protection against ultra-violet rays.

Health Hazards: Calamus is considered unsafe for human consumption by the FDA due to massive doses given to lab rats over extended time has proved to be carcinogenic.

FDA studies have shown that only Calamus native to India contains the carcinogen Beta-asarone. The North American variety contains only Asarone.

References:

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 Herbs – Bachelor’s Buttons

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

BACHELOR’S BUTTONS

Botanical Name: Centaurea Cyanus

Folk Names: Bluet, Blue Bottle, Devil’s Flower, Hurtlesickle, Red Campion

Bachelor’s Buttons are annual flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Native to Europe, it grows to a height of 16-35 inches tall. It is sometimes called Common Cornflower and may also be referred to as a basketflower.

It was John F. Kennedy’s favorite flower and was worn by John F. Kennedy, Jr. at his wedding in tribute to his father. It was also used in the funeral wreath made for Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Diety: Robin Goodfellow

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

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus (Beauty, Fidelity, Friendship, Love, Youth)

Power: Love

Medicinal Uses: Bachelor’s Button is used to improve digestion, regulate the gall bladder, liver and kidneys as well as for menstrual disorders and to increase resistance to infections. It can also be used to wash out wounds and is excellent on mouth ulcers as well as eye treatment. (Corneal ulcers and Conjunctivitis)

Magical Uses: Worn by young men/women in love, (on the breast) if the flower fades too quickly it is a sign that the love will not be returned. Place a flower in the pocket, it’s ability to retain freshness will determine the outcome in sex and love. (good or bad)

Ritual Uses: It gives energy to make one more desirable to the opposite sex and can be used in love and charm spells. Bachelor’s Button can also be used to open one to the divine love of the Goddess.

Other Uses: It is used in herbal eye gels, and can be added to shampoos and hair products.

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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