In honor of the fact that "Levannah" is in full strength tonight and tomorrow night, I was going to do a column about an herb associated with the Moon. While deciding which herb to use, this one kind of "Jumped out" at me. It is not at all associated with Levannah and is considered poisonous in most Herbals. I have never used this herb but I decided that maybe we should all "learn together". So if you will allow me to read to you, I will tell you about Jacob's ladder..... (I like that particular name.) The medicinal part of the herb is the entire plant. From the root to the flowers. It is used as an antispasmodic, a cardiac, a diuretic, a laxative and it is sometimes given for neurasthenia, apoplexy, epilepsy, and dropsy. It can be made into an ointment for headache, and rheumatic as well as gouty pains. This herb adapts to a wide variety of growing conditions, and seems to "thrive on neglect". While not a native, it has "escaped" from many gardens to become a common feature of the North American countryside. In its native Europe, the Lily of the valley is the subject of many legends. Its chaste white flowers became a symbol of the Virgin Mary and, called "Our Lady's tears", appeared in many paintings of the Virgin. The even, step like arrangement of the flowers along the stalk, inspired medieval monks to name the plant "Ladder to Heaven". While its fragrance is said to attract Nightingales. Herbalists as far back as the 16th century recommended the blossoms steeped in water for easing gout, and in wine for strengthening the memory and soothing inflamed eyes. These remedies called "golden water", were so highly valued that they were stored in golden or silver vessels. Another of the plants ancient values, the treatment of heart ailments, are considered valid to this day..... Wiccan lore says that this plant is used to improve the memory and when placed in a room, these flowers will cheer the heart and lift the spirits of those present.....