Herbs, an introduction...

The following information is meant as a guide only. Please see your health care practitioner before making any changes to your method of health care. Caution should be practised when using herbs, oils and incense. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): can be drunk as a tea to improve the appetite. Is supposed to aid in cure of peptic ulcers. Considered a diuretic - will rid the body of retained water. Angelica (Angelica archangelica): Drink the tea to stimulate the appetite, relieve flatulence, and as a diuretic to stimulate kidney action. Also a general tonic for weakness and nervous headache. The tea is supposed to bring on menstruation and dispel afterbirth. The powder of the root is useful to prevent infection when fasting (3/8 tsp at a time) and a tea or decoction of the root can be useful for stomach and intestinal problems, including ulcers and nervous vomiting. In large doses can have adverse effects on heart, blood pressure and respiration, so use with caution. Externally, a decoction of the root can be used for scabies or itching skin. Elements of Sun and Fire. The root carried in a blue cloth bag is a protective talisman. Was considered to be under the guard of angels and therefore a good preventative charm against the plague. Put the whole root in a blue or white cloth bag and hang in the window as a protection against evil. Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Internally, relieves colic, stomach cramps, nausea and flatulence. Promotes digestion and improves the appetite. Is said to aid milk production in nursing mothers. Externally, makes a soothing eye compress. Can also be used for coughs. A few seeds in a glass of hot milk before bed is said to be beneficial for insomniacs and to promote sleep. Catnip (Nepeta cataria): The tea is used to treat colds, chills and fever, as it produces mild perspiration and induces sleep without increasing the fever. Also soothes nervous headaches, and will promote sleep. Can be taken for stomach pain and flatulence. Believed to bring on menstrual flow. Good to treat nervousness and restlessness, especially in children, and can also be used for colic. Cayenne (Capsicum minimum): Can be used to relieve colds and coughs, and is a local stimulant. Mrs. Grieve recommends it in cases of alcohol addiction, as it reduces the dilated blood vessels. Chamomile (German - Matricaria chamomilla, Roman - Anthemis noblis): If drunk before bed, the tea will aid sleep. Used to soothe nightmares and nervousness, for hysterical conditions, and to quiet fever and restlessness in children. Also drunk for colic, stomach ache, diarrhea, heartburn. Aids digestion. Can be used as a gentle healing wash for sores and wounds. The oil, diluted in a carrier oil, or a salve made from simmering the flowers in oil, can also be used as a rub for rheumatism, painful joints and strained muscles. Externally chamomile makes a soothing bath additive and can be used in a footbath to relieve feet. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): In tea form, makes an excellent digestive aid. Will check nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Is a mild stimulant. Externally, can be used as a skin astringent and antiseptic. Elements of Sun and Fire. Use in incenses for healing, clairvoyance, high spiritual vibrations. Reputed to be a male aphrodisiac. Use in prosperity charms. Clover (Trifolium spp.): The fluid extract of Trifolium is used as an alterative and antispasmodic. An infusion made by 1 OZ. to 1 pint of boiling water may with advantage be used in cases of bronchial and whooping-cough. Fomentations and poultices of the herb have been used as localapplications to cancerous growths. Elder (Sambucus canadensis): The bark is a strong purgative which may be employed with advantage, an infusion of 1 OZ. in a pint of water being taken in wineglassful doses; in large doses it is an emetic. Its use as a purgative dates back to Hippocrates. It has been much employed as a diuretic, an aqueous solution having been found very useful in cardiac and renal dropsies. It has also been successfully employed in epilepsy. An emollient ointment is made of the green inner bark, and a homoeopathic tincture made from the fresh inner bark of the young branches, in diluted form, relieves asthmatic symptoms and spurious croup of children - dose, 4 or 5 drops in water. Elder leaves are used in the preparation of an ointment, Unguentum Sambuci Viride, Green Elder Ointment, which is a domestic remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, for use as an emollient, and for applying to wounds.The juice of Elder leaves is stated by the old herbalists to be good for inflammation of the eyes, and 'snuffed up the nostrils,' The flowers were used by our forefathers in bronchial and pulmonary affections, and in scarlet fever, measles and other eruptive diseases. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis): elements of Sun and Air. Anoint eyelids with the infusion daily to induce clairvoyant visions. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): In tea form, used as an expectorant for colds and catarrh. Said to expel intestinal worms. The fresh leaves, or a decoction of them, can be applied to wounds to cure infection and promote healing. Elements of Jupiter and Fire. Use in purification baths and protection spells. Was a common strewing herb during the Middle Ages, and used in the consecration of Westminster Abbey. Associated with serpents and dragons, and can be burnt as incense or thrown on the fire to tap into dragon energy. Jasmine (Jasminum officinaleor Jasminum odoratissimum): Elements of Jupiter and Earth. Used in love spells and charms. Lavender (Lavendula vera or Lavendula officinale): Elements of Mercury and Air. Used in purification baths and incenses. Thrown onto fires and Midsummer as tribute to the Gods and to bring visions and inspiration. Add to healing baths and sachets, carry to attract men. The scent will induce sleep. Excellent for bringing clarity and coherence to magickal workings and for focusing visualization. When the oil of it is applied immediately to a superficial burn that the redness and pain is significantly reduced. Orange (Citrus sinesis): Elements of Sun and Water. The dried peel is added to love and fertility charms and used in Solar incenses. A traditional Chinese symbol of good luck and prosperity. Peppermint (Mentha piperata): Elements of Venus and Air. Use in healing incenses and charms; good in a healing bath. Burn as a winter incense. Any mint infusion can be sprinkled around the house as a cooling-off influence after arguments. Rose (Rosa spp.): Elements of Venus and Water. Carry roses to attract true love. Drink a tea of rose petals for divinatory dreams. Add to charms and incenses for sleep, love and healing. To dream of roses is fortunate, foretelling success in love, unless the roses are white. Drink the tea to promote beauty without and within, and mix the petals with regular tea to attract love. Sage (Salvia officinalis): Elements of Jupiter and Earth. Used in healing and prosperity charms. Regarded as a great safeguard of health, and has a reputation for promoting longevity. Is supposed to grow best in the gardens of the wise. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Elements of Mercury and Water. Use the herb in love charms and spells, and in purification baths. Vanilla (Vanilla aromatica or Vanilla planifolia): Elements of Jupiter and Fire. The bean can be carried in a love charm, and the oil worn as an aphrodisiac.