HERBS
Maple
Love, Longevity, Money
Marigold
Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Legal Matters, Psychic Powers
Marjoram
Protection, love, Happiness, Health, Money
Master Wort
Strength, Courage, Protection
Mastic
Psychic Powers, Manifestations, Lust
May Apple
Money
Meadow Rue
DIvination
Meadowsweet
Love, Divination, Peace, Happiness
Mesquite
Healing
Mimosa
Protection, Love, Prophetic Dreams, Purification
Mint
Money,Love,Lust,Healing, Exorcism,Travel, Protection
Mistletoe
Protection, Love, Hunting, Fertility, Health, Exorcism
Molukka
Protection
Moonwort
Money, Love
Moss
Luck,Money
Mugwort
Strength, Psychic Powers, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Healing, Astral Projection
Mulberry
Protection, Strength
Mullein
Courage, Protection, Health, Love,Divination, Exorcism
Mustard
Fertility, Protection, Mental Powers
Myrrh
Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality
Myrtle
Love, Fertility, Youth, Peace,
Money Nettle
Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust
Norfolk Island Pine
Protection, anti hunger Nuts
Fertility,prosperity, love, luck
Oak
Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck
Oats
Money
Olive
Healing, Peace, Fertility, Potency, Protection, Lust
Onion
Protection,Exorcism, Healing, Money, Prophetic Dreams, Lust
Orange
Love, Divination, Luck, Money
Orchid
Love
Oregon Grape
Money, Prosperity
Orris
Love, Protection, Divination
Palm,Date
Fertility, Potency
Pansy
Love,Rain Magic, Love, Divination
Papaya
Love, Protection
Papyrus
protection
Parosela
hunting Parsley
Love, Protection, Purification
Passion Flower
Peace,Sleep, Friendship
Patchouli
Money, Fertility, Lust
Pea
Money,Love
Peach
Love, Exorcism, Longevity,. Fertility, Wishes
Pear
Lust, Love
Pecan
Money, Employment
Pennyroyal
Strength, Protection, Peace
Peony
Protection, Exorcism
Pepper
Protection,Exorcism
Peppermint
Purification, Sleep, Love, Healing, Psychic Powers
Pepper Tree
Purification, Healing, Protection
Periwinkle
Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Money, Protection
Persimmon
Changing Sex, healing, luck
Plot Weed
Protection
Pimento
Love
Pimpernel
Protection,Health
Pine
Healing, Fertility, Protection, Exorcism, Money
Pineapple
Luck, Money, Chastity
Pipsissewa
Money, Spirit Calling
Pistachio
Breaking Love Spells
Plantain
Healing, Protection, Strength,Snake Repelling
Plum
Healing
Plumeria
Love
Poke
Courage, Hex Breaking
Pomegranate
Divination, Luck, Wishes, Wealth, Fertility
Poplar
Money, Flying
Poppy
Fertility,Love, Sleep, Money,Luck, Invisibility
Potato
Image Magic, Healing
Prickly Ash
Love
Primrose
Protection, Love
Purslane
Sleep, Love, Luck, Protection, Happiness
Quassia
Love
Quince
Protection,Love,Happiness
Radish
Protection, Lust
Ragweed
Courage
Ragwort
Protection
Raspberry
Protection, Love
Rattlesnake Root
Protection,Money
Rice
Protection, Rain, Fertility, Money
Roots
Protection, Power, Divination
Rose
Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Love, Divination, Luck, Protection
Rosemary
Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Purification, Healing,Sleep, Youth
Rowan
Psychic Powers,Healing, Protection,Power, Success
Rue
Healing,Health, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Love
Rye
Love, Fidelity
Saffron
Love, Healing,Happiness, Wind Raising, Lust, Strength, Psychic Powers.
Sage
Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Wishes
Sagebrush
Purification, Exorcism
St.Johns Wort
Health, Power,Protection,Strength, Love, Divination, Happiness
Sandalwood
Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Spirituality
Sarsaparilla
Love, Money
Sassafras
Health, Money
Savory/Summer
Mental Powers
Scullcap
Love, Fidelity, Peace
Senna
Love
Sesame
Money. Lust
Shallot
Purification
Skunk Cabbage
Legal Matters
Slippery Elm
Halts Gossip
Sloe
Exorcism, Protection
Snakeroot
Luck Money
Snakeroot/black
Love,Lust,Money
Snapdragon
Protection
Solomons Seal
Protection,Exorcism
Sorrel Wood
Healing,Health
Southern Wood
Love,Lust,Protection
Spanish Moss
Protection
Spearmint
Healing,Love,Mental Powers
SpiderWort
Love
Spikenard
Love
Squill
Money,Protection,Hex Breaking
Star/anise
Psychic Powers, Luck
Stillengia
Psychic Powers
Straw
Luck,Image Magic
Strawberry
Love,Luck
Sugar Cane
Love,Lust
Sumbul
Love,Luck,Health,Psychic Powers
Sunflower
Fertility,Wishes,Health,Wisdom
Sweetgrass
Calling Spirits
Sweetpea
Friendship,Chastity,Courage,Strength
Tamarind
Love
Tamarisk
Exorcism,Protection
Tansy
Health,Longevity
Tea
Riches,Courage,Strength
Thistle
Strength,Protection,Hex Breaking,Healing
Thistle/holy
Purification,Hex Breaking
Thistle/milk
Snake enraging
Thyme
health,Healing,Sleep,Psychic Powers,Love, Purification,Courage
Ti
Protection,Healing
Toadflax
Protection,Hex Breaking
Toadstool
Rain Making
Tobacco
Healing,Purification
Turmeric
Purification
Turnip
Protection,Ending Relationships
Uva Ursa
Psychic Workings
Valerian
Love,Sleep,Purification,Protection
Vanilla
Love,Lust,Mental Powers
Venus Flytrap
Protection,Love
Vervain
Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep,Healing
Vetch/Giant
Fidelity
Vetivert
Love, Hex Breaking, Luck, Money, Anti-Theft
Violet
Protection, Luck, Love, Lust, Wishes, Peace, Healing
Wahoo
Hex-breaking, Courage, Success
Walnut
Health, Mental Powers, Infertility, Wishes
Wax Plant
Protection
Wheat
Fertility, Money
Willow
Love, divination, Protection, Healing
Wintergreen
Protection, Healing, Hex Breaking
Winters Bark
Success
Witch Grass
Happiness, Lust,love, Exorcism
Witch Hazel
Protection, Chastity
Wolfs Bane
Protection, Invisibility
Wood Rose
Luck
Woodruff
Victory, Protection, Money
Wormwood
Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits
Yarrow
Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism
Yellow Evening Primrose
Hunting
Yerba Mate
Fidelity, Love, Lust
Yerba Santa
Beauty, Healing, Psychic Powers, Protection
Yew
Raising the Dead
Yohimbe
Love,Lust
Yucca
Transmutation, Protection, Purification
Healing
Acacia Protection:
Psychic Powers
Adam & Eve Roots
Love, Happiness
Adders
Tongue Healing
African Violet
Spirituality, Protection
Agaric
Fertility
Agrimony
Protection, Sleep
Ague Root
Protection
Alfalfa
Prosperity, Anti-hunger, Money
Alkanet
Purification, Prosperity
Allspice
Money, Luck, Healing
Almond
Money, Prosperity, Wisdom
Aloe
Protection, Luck
Aloes
Wood Love, Spirituality
Althea
Protection, Psychic Powers
Alyssum
Protection, Moderating Anger
Amaranth
Healing, Protection, Invisibility
Anemone
Health, Protection, Healing
Angelica
Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Visions
Apple
Love,Healing, Garden Magic, Immortality
Apricot
Love
Arabic
Gum Purify negativity and evil
Arbutus
Exorcism, Protection
Asafoetida
Exorcism, Purification, Protection
Ash
Protection, Prosperity, Sea Rituals, Health
Aspen
Eloquence, Anti-Theft
Aster
Love
Avens
Exorcism, Purification,Love
Avocado
Love, Lust, Beauty
Bachelor's Buttons
Love
Balm
Lemon Love,Success, Healing
Balm of Gilead
Love,Manifestations,Protection,Healing
Bamboo
Protection, Luck, Hex-Breaking, Wishes
Banana
Fertility, Potency, Prosperity
Banyan
Luck
Barley
Love, Healing, Protection
Basil
Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection
Bay
Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength
Bean
Protection, Exorcism, Wart Charming, Reconciliation's Potency, Love
Bedstraw
Fragrant Love
Beech
Wishes
Beet
love
Belladonna
astral projection *DEADLY POISON!!
Benzoin
Purification, Prosperity
Bergamot
Orange Money
Be-Still
Luck
Betony/wood
Protection,Purification,Love
Birch Protection
Exorcism, Purification
Bistort
Psychic Powers, Fertility
Bittersweet
Protection, Healing
Blackberry
Healing, Money, Protection
Bladderwrack
Protection, Sea Spells, Wind Spells, Money, Psychic Powers
Bleeding Heart
Love
Bloodroot Love
Protection, Purification
Bluebell
Luck, Truth
Blueberry
Protection
Blue Flag
Money
Bodhi
Fertility, Protection, Wisdom, Meditation
Boneset
Protection, Exorcism
Borage
Courage, Psychic Powers
Bracken
Healing, Rune Magic, Prophetic Dreams
Brazil
Nut Love
Briony
Image Magic, Money, Protection
Bromeliad
Protection, Money
Broom
Purification, Protection, Wind Spells, Divination
Buchu
Psychic Powers, Prophetic Dreams
Buckthorn
Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Legal Matters
Buckwheat
Money, Protection
Burdock
Protection, Healing
Cabbage
Luck
Cactus
Protection, Chastity
Calamus
Luck, Healing, Money, Protection
Camellia
Riches
Camphor
Chastity, Health, Divination
Caper
Potency, Lust, Luck
Carawy
Protection, Lust, Health, Anti-theft, Mental Powers
Cardamon
Lust, Love
Carnation
Protection, Strength, Healing
Carob
Protection, Health
Carrot
Fertility, Lust
Cascara Sagrada
Legal Matters, Money, Protection,
Cashew
Money
Castor
Protection
Catnip
Cat Magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness
Cattail
Lust
Cedar
Healing, Purification, Money, Protection
Celandine
Protection, Escape, Happiness, Legal Matters
Celery
Mental Powers, Lust, Psychic Powers
Centaury
Snake Removing
Chamomile
Money, Sleep, Love, Purification
Cherry
Love, divination
Chestnut
Love
Chickweed
Fertility, Love
Chicory
Removing Obstacles, Invisibility, favors, Frigidity
Chili pepper
Fidelity, hex Breaking, Love
China Berry
Luck
Chrysanthemum
Protection
Cinchona
Luck, Protection
Cinnamon
Spirituality, Success, Healing, Power, Psychic Powers, Lust, Protection, Love
Cinquefoil
Money, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Sleep
Citron
Psychic Powers, Healing
Cloth of Gold
Understand animal languages
Clove
Protection, Exorcism, Love, Money
Clover
Protection, Money, Love, fidelity, Exorcism, Success
Club Moss
Protection, Power
Coconut
Purification, Protection, Chastity
Cohosh
Black love, courage,protection,potency
Coltsfoot
Love,Visions
Columbine
Courage,Love
Comfrey
Safety during travel, Money
Copal
Love, Purification
Coriander
Love,Health, Healing
Corn
protection,luck, divination
Cotton
Luck,Healing,Protection,Rain,Fishing Magic
Cowslip
Healing,Youth,Treasure Finding
Crocus
Love, Visions
Cubeb
Love
Cuckoo-flower
Fertility,Lover
Cucumber
Chastity,Healing,Fertility
Cumin
Protection,Fidelity, Exorcism
Curry
Protection
Cyclamen
fertility,Protection,Happiness, Lust
Cypress
Longevity, Healing, Comfort,Protection
Daffodil
Love,Fertility, Luck
Daisy
Lust,Luck
Damiana
Lust, Love, Visions
Dandelion
Divination,Wishes,Calling Spirits
Datura
Hex Breaking,Sleep,Protection
Deerstongue
Lust, Psychic Powers
Devils Bit
Exorcism, Love, Protection, Lust
Devils Shoestring
Protection, Gambling, Luck, Power, Employment
Dill
Protection, Money, Lust,Luck
Dittany of Crete
Manifestations, Astral Projection
Dock
Healing,Fertility, Money
Dodder
Love,Divination,Knot Magic
Dogbane
Love
Dogwood
Wishes, Protection
Dragons Blood
Love,Protection,Exorcism,Potency
Dulse
Lust, Harmony
Dutchmans Breeches
Love
Ebony
Protection, Power
Echinacea
Strengthening Spells
Edelweiss
Invisibility, Bullet-Proofing
Elder
Exorcism,Protection,Healing,Prosperity,Sleep
Elecampane
Love,Protection,Psychic Powers
Elm
Love
Endive
Lust,Love
Eryngo
Traveler's Luck, Peace, Lust, Love
Eucalyptus
Healing,Protection
Euphorbia
Purification, Protection
Eyebright
Mental Powers, Psychic Power
Fennel
Protection, Healing, Purification
Fenugreek
Money
Fern
Rain Making, Protection,Luck,Riches,Eternal Youth, Health, Exorcism
Feverfew
Protection
Fig
Divination,Fertility, Love
Figwort
Health,Protection
Flax
Money, Protection,Beauty,Psychic Powers, Healing
Fleabane
Exorcism, Protection, Chastity
Foxglove
Protection
Frankincense
Protection, Exorcism, Spirituality
Fumitory
Money, Exorcism
Fuzzy Weed
Love,Hunting
Galangal
Protection, Lust, Health, Money, Psychic Powers, Hex breaking
Gardenia
Love, Peace, Healing, Spirituality
Garlic
Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti-Theft
Gentian
Love, Power
Geranium
Fertility, Health, Love, Protection
Ginger
Love, Money, Success, Power
Ginseng
Love, Wishes, Healing, Beauty, Protection, Lust
Goats Rue
Healing, Health
Goldenrod
Money, Divination
Golden Seal
Healing, Money
Gorse
Protection, Money
Gotu Kola
Meditation
Gourd
Protection
Grain
Protection
Grains of Paradise
Lust, Luck, Love, Money, Wishes
Grape
Fertility, Garden Magic, Mental Powers,Money
Grass
Psychic Powers, Protection
Ground Ivy
Divination
Groundsel
Health, Healing
Hawthorn
Fertility, Chastity, Fishing Magic, Happiness
Hazel
Luck, Fertility, Anti-Lightning, Protection, Wishes
Heather
Protection, Rain Making, Luck
Heliotrope
Exorcism, Prophetic dreams, Healing, Wealth, Invisibility
Hellebore
Black Protection *POISON*
Hemlock
Destroy sexual drives *POISON*
Hemp
Healing, Love, Vision, Meditation
Henbane
POISON Not used
Henna
Healing
Hibiscus
Lust,Love, Divination
Hickory
Legal Matters
High John the Conqueror
Money, Love, Success, Happiness
Holly
Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck, Dream Magic
Honesty
Money, Repelling Monsters
Honeysuckle
Money, Psychic Powers, Protection
Hops
Healing, Sleep
Horehound
Protection, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Healing
Horse Chestnut
Money, Healing
Horseradish
Purification, Exorcism
Horsetail
Snake Charming, Fertility
Houndstongue
ying dogs tongues
Houseleek
Luck,Protection, Love
Huckleberry
Luck, Protection, Dream Magic, Hex Breaking
Hyacinth
Love, Protection, Happiness
Hydrangea
Hex Breaking
Hyssop
Purification, Protection
Indian Paint Brush
Love
Iris
Purification, Wisdom
Irish Moss
Money, Luck, Protection
Ivy
Protection, Healing
Jasmine
Love, Money, Prophetic Dreams
Jobs Tears
Healing, Wishes, Luck
Joe-pye weed
Love, Respect
Juniper
Protection, Anti-theft, Love, Exorcism, Health
Kava-Kava
Visions, Protection, luck
Knotweed
Binding, Health
Ladys mantle
Love
Ladys slipper
Protection
Larch
Protection, Anti theft
Larkspur
Health, Protection
Lavendar
Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace
Leek
Love, Protection, Exorcism
Lemon
Longevity, Purification, Love, Friendship
Lemongrass
Repel snakes, Lust, Psychic powers
Lemon Verbena
Purification, Love
Lettuce
Chastity, Protection, Love, Divination, Sleep
Licorice
Love,Lust, Fidelity
Life Everlasting
longevity, Health, Healing
Lilac
Exorcism, Protection
Lily
Protection, Breaking Love spells
Lily of the Valley
Mental Powers, Happiness
Lime
Healing,Love,Protection
Linden
Protection, Immortality, Luck, Love, Sleep
Liquidamber
Protection
Liverwort
Protection
Liverwort
Love
Looestrife
Peace,Protection
Lotus
Protection, Lock-Opening
Lovage
Love
Love Seed
Love,Friendship
Lucky Hand
Employment, Luck, Protection, Money, Travel
Mace
Psychic Powers, Mental Powers
Maguey
Lust
Magnolia
Fidelity
Mahogany
mountain Anti-Lightning
Maidenhair
Beauty, Love
Male Fern
Luck, Love
Mallow
Love, Protection, Exorcism
Mandrake
Protection,Love, Money, Fertility, Health
Maple
Love, Longevity, Money
Marigold
Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Legal Matters, Psychic Powers
Marjoram
Protection, love, Happiness, Health, Money
Master Wort
Strength, Courage, Protection
Mastic
Psychic Powers, Manifestations, Lust
May
Apple Money
Meadow
Rue Divination
Meadowsweet
Love, Divination, Peace, Happiness
Mesquite
Healing
Mimosa
Protection, Love, Prophetic Dreams, Purification
Mint
Money,Love,Lust,Healing, Exorcism,Travel, Protection
Mistletoe
Protection, Love, Hunting, Fertility, Health, Exorcism
Molukka
Protection
Moonwort
Money, Love
Moss
Luck,Money
Mugwort
Strength, Psychic Powers, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Healing, Astral Projection
Mulberry
Protection, Strength
Mullein
Courage, Protection, Health, Love,Divination, Exorcism
Mustard
Fertility, Protection, Mental Powers
Myrrh
Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality
Myrtle
Love, Fertility, Youth, Peace, Money
Nettle
Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust
Norfolk Island Pine
Protection, anti hunger
Nuts
Fertility,prosperity, love, luck
Oak
Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck
Oats
Money
Olive
Healing, Peace, Fertility, Potency, Protection, Lust
Onion
Protection,Exorcism, Healing, Money, Prophetic Dreams, Lust
Orange
Love, Divination, Luck, Money
Orchid
Love
Oregon Grape
Money, Prosperity
Orris
Love, Protection, Divination
Palm
Date Fertility, Potency
Pansy
Love,Rain Magic, Love, Divination
Papaya
Love, Protection
Papyrus
protection
Parosela
hunting
Parsley
Love, Protection, Purification
Passion Flower
Peace,Sleep, Friendship
Patchouli
Money, Fertility, Lust
Pea
Money,Love
Peach
Love, Exorcism, Longevity,. Fertility, Wishes
Pear
Lust, Love
Pecan
Money, Employment
Pennyroyal
Strength, Protection, Peace
Peony
Protection, Exorcism
Pepper
Protection,Exorcism
Peppermint
Purification, Sleep, Love, Healing, Psychic Powers
Pepper Tree
Purification, Healing, Protection
Periwinkle
Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Money, Protection
Persimmon
Changing Sex, healing, luck
Plot Weed
Protection
Pimento
Love
Pimpernel
Protection,Health
Pine Healing
Fertility, Protection, Exorcism, Money
Pineapple
Luck, Money, Chastity
Pipsissewa
Money, Spirit Calling
Pistachio
Breaking Love Spells
Plantain
Healing, Protection, Strength,Snake Repelling
Plum
Healing
Plumeria
Love
Poke
Courage, Hex Breaking
Pomegranate
Divination, Luck, Wishes, Wealth, Fertility
Poplar
Money, Flying
Poppy
Fertility,Love, Sleep, Money,Luck, Invisibility
Potato
Image Magic, Healing
Prickly
Ash Love
Primrose
Protection, Love
Purslane
Sleep, Love, Luck, Protection, Happiness
Quassia
Love
Quince
Protection,Love,Happiness
Radish
Protection, Lust
Ragweed
Courage
Ragwort
Protection
Raspberry
Protection, Love
Rattlesnake Root
Protection,Money
Rhubarb
Protection, Fidelity
Rice
Protection, Rain, Fertility, Money
Roots
Protection, Power, Divination
Rose
Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Love, Divination, Luck, Protection
Rosemary
Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Purification, Healing,Sleep, Youth
Rowan
Psychic Powers,Healing, Protection,Power, Success
Rue
Healing,Health, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Love
Rye
Love, Fidelity
Saffron
Love, Healing,Happiness, Wind Raising, Lust, Strength, Psychic Powers.
Sage
Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Wishes
Sagebrush
Purification, Exorcism
St.Johns Wort
Health, Power,Protection,Strength, Love, Divination, Happiness
Sandalwood
Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Spirituality
Sarsaparilla
Love, Money
Sassafras
Health, Money
Savory Summer
Mental Powers
Skullcap
Love, Fidelity, Peace
Senna
Love
Sesame
Money. Lust
Shallot
Purification
Skunk Cabbage
Legal Matters
Slippery Elm
Halts Gossip
Sloe
Exorcism, Protection
Snakeroot
Luck Money
Snakeroot black
Love,Lust,Money
Snapdragon
Protection
Solomon's Seal
Protection,Exorcism
Sorrel Wood
Healing,Health
Southern Wood
Love,Lust,Protection
Spanish Moss
Protection
Spearmint
Healing,Love,Mental Powers
SpiderWort
Love
Spikenard
Love
Squill
Money,Protection,Hex Breaking
Star anise
Psychic Powers, Luck
Stillengia
Psychic Powers
Straw
Luck,Image Magic
Strawberry
Love,Luck
Sugar Cane
Love,Lust
Sumbul
Love,Luck,Health,Psychic Powers
Sunflower
Fertility,Wishes,Health,Wisdom
Sweetgrass
Calling Spirits
Sweetpea
Friendship,Chastity,Courage,Strength
Tamarind
Love
Tamarisk
Exorcism,Protection
Tansy
Health,Longevity
Tea
Riches,Courage,Strength
Thistle
Strength,Protection,Hex Breaking,Healing
Thistle holy
Purification,Hex Breaking
Thistle milk
Snake enraging
Thyme
health,Healing,Sleep,Psychic Powers,Love,Purification,Courage
Ti
Protection,Healing
Toadflax
Protection,Hex Breaking
Toadstool
Rain Making
Tobacco
Healing,Purification
Turmeric
Purification
Turnip
Protection,Ending Relationships
Uva Ursa
Psychic Workings
Valerian
Love,Sleep,Purification,Protection
Vanilla
Love,Lust,Mental Powers
Venus Flytrap
Protection,Love
Vervain
Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep,Healing
Vetch Giant
Fidelity
Vetivert
Love, Hex Breaking, Luck, Money, Anti-Theft
Violet
Protection, Luck, Love, Lust, Wishes, Peace, Healing
Wah
OOHex-breaking, Courage, Success
Walnut
Health, Mental Powers, Infertility, Wishes
Wax Plant
Protection
Wheat
Fertility, Money
Willow
Love, divination, Protection, Healing
Wintergreen
Protection, Healing, Hex Breaking
Winters Bark
Success
Witch Grass
Happiness, Lust,love, Exorcism
Witch Hazel
Protection, Chastity
Wolfs Bane
Protection, Invisibility
Wood Rose
Luck
Woodruff
Victory, Protection, Money
Wormwood
Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits
Yarrow
Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism
Yellow Evening Primrose
Hunting
Yerba Mate
Fidelity, Love, Lust
Yerba Santa Beauty
Healing, Psychic Powers, Protection
Yew
Raising the Dead
Yohimbe
Love,Lust
Yucca
Transmutation, Protection, Purification
Harvesting and Processing
Although some herbs may be collected all year, most have a particular growing season and must be harvested and either used immediately or preserved for use in the following year. Herbs need to be processed quickly to prevent deterioration and retain their healing action. Gather only healthy plants, free from disease, insect damage, or pollution.
Harvesting from the Wild
Wild plants offer a free and natural source of herbal remedies and give the satisfaction of collecting herbs in the traditional way. Furthermore, active constituents are often more highly concentrated in wild plants since the herb is likely to be growing in its preferred environment.
Identification
Proper identification of wild plants is essential. Use a field or wild flower guide to help you, since many plants look similar. If in doubt, do not pick the plant, because poisoning can result from misidentification.
Ecologicaland Legal Factors
While common species, such as nettle, may be readily harvested from the wild, many rarer species are under great pressure due to the lack of a suitable habitat. In many countries it is illegal to uproot any wild plant, and certain species may be protected. Although gathering medicinal plants such as helonias or gentian, may be legal in some countries, it will only reduce their future chances of survival in the wild . Never pick rare or uncommon plants from the wild, even if they are locally plentiful, and do not collect more than you will use. Do not harvest bark from the wild.
Do not collect from roadsides, close to factories, or in areas where crop spraying has occurred. Ideally, you will be familiar with the site from which you are harvesting herbs and knowledgeable about local pollution risks.
Harvesting from your Garden
Cultivated herbs provide a ready supply of fresh material in a controlled environment. Harvesting garden plants can be combined with pruning the plant, removing unwanted shoots, and encouraging bushiness. Cut perennials carefully so that plants can quickly regrow. Some medicinal plants, such as lemon balm, provide two or more crops per year.
General Advice
Harvesting medicinal herbs requires careful planning to make sure that the parts are processed in peak condition and fast enough to retain their active ingredients.
Equipment
If possible, use a wooden tray or an open basket for collecting medicinal herbs. This prevents crushing and deterioration of the plant. In the wild, a non- nylon rucksack or canvas sack may be more appropriate. Take a field or wildflower guide with you to aid in identification. Always make cuts with a shape knife or scissors to minimize damage to the plant, and in general try to handle plants as little as possible. Wear gloves if gathering prickly or allergenic plants, such as rue, to avoid an allergic reaction.
What to Look for
Collect material from healthy plants that are free from disease, insect damage, and, in the case of wild plants, pollution. It is important to discard any damaged plants since they can lead to disease or decay in dried plant material. Do not mix cut plant material to avoid mistakes in identification.
When to Harvest
Gather herbs in dry weather, preferably on a sunny morning after the dew has evaporated.
Picking in the right weather conditions, when the plant is at its peak of maturity, ensures that it will have a high concentration of active constituents. Unless otherwise stated in the individual plant entries. Leaves are best collected as they open during the spring or summer months, flowers as they start to bloom, fruit and berries just as they become ripe, and roots in the autumn once the plant has drawn its vitality back below the ground. Bark must be gathered with great care if the shrub or tree is to survive- in most cases, harvest it in the spring or autumn.
The Correct Medicinal Part
In many cases, different parts of the same plant- for example, the leaves and seeds- can have quite different actions and uses. Make sure that you harvest the correct medicinal part of the plant for your purposes.
Processing Quickly
Only collect plant material that you will be able to either use or process immediately after harvesting. This is important because fresh plant material, especially tender flowers and leaves, deteriorates very quickly, and the medicinally active constituents are often the first to be affected. In particular, aromatic herbs, which leave their scent in the air or on your skin, can lose their volatile oils within hours. Salad leaves and culinary herbs are best eaten right away to make the most of their nutrients, although they can be stored for a few days in a plastic bag filled with air in a refrigerator.
Processing
Herbs can be preserved in a number
The Herbal Encyclopedia
Gathering, Storing, and Using your Herbs
GATHERING:
When gathering or harvesting your herbs, first be absolutely
sure you know what you are
gathering! This is very important when gathering plants from the wild.
Be absolutely certain you know what
the plant is before you attempt to use it. If you are not sure of a
particular plant, or it "looks like" something
but could be something else, leave it alone. You would be better off to
purchase the herb through a store or
mail order. The alternative may leave you dead. If you care about our
natural plants, you will prefer to
purchase or grow what you need. Today's herbal needs are creating quite
a strain on the numbers of
medicinal plants in the wild.
Know what part of the plant you need. Some plants are used in their
entirety, others only specific parts. When
you are gathering plants from the wild, remember not to take all of a
particular species you may find in an
area. Leave some to grow and seed and flourish for the next time you
need them. Removing all of a group of
plants is rude, and the Goddess would not be pleased. Give thanks to the
plants you take for your uses.
Sprinkle around some of their seeds, to help them propagate Give them
an offering, i.e. some natural
fertilizer, a prayer, etc. in return for your uses. When taking leaves
or branches of a plant, leave plenty for
the plant to survive. You should offer the same respect to those plants
you gather from your own gardens. Be
kind to the Mother and all She has to offer, and She will reward you for
your efforts.
The parts of the plant above ground should be harvested in the morning,
before the heat of the sun has a
chance to wilt them. It is preferable to do so when the dew is still on
the plants. Leaves should be harvested
before the buds and blooms appear, and flowers should be harvested
before the fruits and seeds appear.
Bark
and roots should be harvested in the early spring, just as the plant is
beginning to show its leaf buds, or in the
fall, just as the leaves are turning. Don't strip bark from around a
tree trunk, as this will kill it. Instead, strip
bark from small patches, or particular limbs, to preserve the mother
plant for later use, and to preserve its
life.
When using an entire plant, it is customary to hang the plant upside
down in a dry area free from pests to
allow the plant to dry. Make sure your herbs have dried thoroughly
before storing them for further use, or
you may discover that you have a moldy mess instead of a medicinal herb.
Roots should be carefully washed,
scraped, and chopped into small pieces to be sure they dry uniformly and
thoroughly. Bulbs are tied together
and strung up to dry.
The dried portions can then be stored according to your needs. Roots are
usually ground into powder for use,
or left in small chunks for uses in decoctions, tinctures, and syrups.
Leaves are stored in their entirety, or
crumbled for use in teas. The same applies for blossoms. Store your
herbs in air-tight containers. The best
containers to use are colored glass. The herb then does not pick up
impurities from plastics, and does not eat
through your plastics, as can happen. Store in a dry, cool area, and
keep out of the light. This is the reason
for using colored glass. Light can often break down the healing
properties of your gathered herbs,
shortening their shelf life and rendering them nearly useless after a
short period of time. If stored properly,
the shelf life of dried herbs is approximately one year. Tinctures can
be stored for up to two years. Capsules
should be used within one year. Once an herb has been ground, it
shortens the amount of time the herb is
effective. So do pay careful attention to when you have purchased or
stored an herb, for maximum
effectiveness.
When you use one of your herbs, whether for healing, cooking, or for
magick, you should once again give
thanks to the Mother for Her bounty.
Teas
The herbs that will be used for herbal teas are generally the cut and
sifted form, or the crumbled dried leaves
and/or flowers. Herbs should always be prepared in nonmetallic
containers. Steep the herbs in a nonmetallic
container with water that has just been brought to a boil. This is an
infusion, and is used for the more delicate
herbs to prevent destroying their healing agents.
A decoction is used to extract the healing agents from herbs that are
roots and barks. The herbs are
simmered in a nonmetallic cooking container for about one hour. Simmer
uncovered until the amount of
water is reduced by one half. Those herbs that contain important
volatile oils should be simmered in a tightly
covered pot.
Don't add table sugar to herbal teas. If a sweetener is needed, use
pure, unmolested honey for its nutritional
benefits, or use stevia.
Bolus
A bolus is a suppository. It is made by combining powdered herbs with
cocoa butter. The two are mixed
together until it is the consistency of stiff pie dough. It is then
refrigerated to harden and preserve. Allow to
come to room temperature before use. Roll into strips and cut into
pieces about one inch long. Boluses are
inserted into the rectum for treating hemorrhoids, and into the vagina
for treating vaginal infections and
irritations, as well as tumors. Boluses are used at night. The cocoa
butter will of course melt with your body
heat, so take precautions to protect clothing and bedding. Residues of
the bolus should be rinsed away the
next morning.
Oils
Oil extracts are made from fresh herbs that contain volatile oils used
for healing. Fresh herbs are necessary
for the extraction of the oils. The fresh herbs are crushed with a
mortar and pestle. Olive or sesame oil is
then added, at the ratio of one pint of oil for every two ounces of
herbs. The mixture is allowed to stand in a
warm place, out of direct light, for three days. The oils are stored in
dark, glass containers. After the three
days, add one capsule of Vitamin E to each bottle for preserving the
extracted oils. This is another process
that is best done on the new moon.
Syrups
Syrups are used for treating coughs and sore throats, and make it easy
to give herbs to children. Two ounces
of herb are added to a quart of water in a nonmetallic container, and
boiled down slowly and gently until about
a pint of liquid is left. Strain while it is still warm, and add two
ounces of honey and/or glycerine. Lemon oil or
juice can also be added for flavor. Store in a dark glass container.
Capsules
Capsules are the best way to take herbs that do not taste good. They are
also the best way to take herbs that
need to be ingested over a long period of time, or for those of us who
don't have time at work to make herbal
teas. It is best to purchase finely powdered herbs for this purpose. The
small "0" sized capsules are used, or
the larger "00". The powdered herbs are blended together, if an herbal
combination is desired. Then separate
the two halves of the capsule, and fill each half. Then carefully put
the two halves back together. Take
according to the needs of the treatment.
Tinctures
Tinctures are easy to make, and a very convenient way to make use of the
healing herbs in today's fast
society. They are made with the more potent herbs that are generally not
taken as herbal teas.
Tinctures are made by combining 1 to 4 ounces of a powdered or
thoroughly crushed herb with one pint of
alcohol. The alcohol most often used is vodka. The amount of liquid
should be more than the herbs can absorb,
so you may need to add more as the days go by. It is shaken daily and
allowed to stand in a warm place, out of
direct light, for two weeks. The liquid is poured through a cloth, such
as layers of cheesecloth. The herbs that
remain are squeezed thoroughly to remove as much of the liquid from them
as possible. Keep the tincture
stored in a dark glass bottle or jar. Tinctures are used by the drop.
Don't be afraid of the alcohol content - if
you want to be sure the alcohol won't affect you, or you are a
recovering alcoholic, drop the recommended
number of tincture drops into a cup of hot water, wait a few moments,
and then drink. The alcohol will
evaporate. Tinctures can be made of single herbs, or herbal
combinations, depending upon your needs. It is
traditional magick to begin your tinctures on the night of the new moon,
and strain on the full moon, so that
the waxing powers of the moon extract the maximum amount of healing
agents from the herbs.
Creams
Creams are used to treat skin conditions of all kinds. They can be made
by melting petroleum jelly and
adding the herbs, although that is rather messy. A better method is to
boil approximately 1 cup of the herb(s)
to be used in 3 to 4 cups of water, in a non-metallic container, for
about 15 minutes for leafy herbs and 30
minutes for root herbs to extract the volatile oils. You can then strain
the herbs out, or leave them in if you so
desire, depending on the cream you are making. Add 5 ounces of sesame or
olive oil to the water remaining
and continue to simmer over low heat until all of the water has
evaporated. Melt 2 ounces of beeswax, and stir
into the oil mixture. TIP: try to have the wax and the oil near the same
temp, and stir like crazy! After the
mixture cools a bit, add 2 teaspoons of Vitamin E oil as a preservative,
and mix it in well. Pour into containers
and allow to cool completely. Most creams will keep for up to one year.
HERBAL COMBINATIONS
Healing herbs are often used in combinations when combating an illness.
Herbs are combined to give the
benefits needed from each, some to give a boost to others, some to boost
the body with healing energies. Below
are some of the more popular herbal combinations. The herbs can be taken
singly for these illnesses as well,
although the suggested combinations are best. Don't fret if you don't
have all of the suggested herbs for any
given combination - use what you have, and add the rest as soon as you
can. These combinations can usually be
in any form you choose - teas, tinctures, capsules, etc. You will want
to use equal parts of each herb, or use
more of the herb most needed, with equal parts of the booster herbs.
Remember that in any herbal healing undertaken, diet is also very
important. These combinations are not
meant to be used in the place of a doctor's advice. Also realize that
you should not take herbs continually
over a long period of time on a daily basis, as your body may build an
immunity to the herb itself, or you
may experience side effects. The exception to this would be when
treating a chronic illness, but even then,
there should be time off for your body from the herbs on a regular
schedule. Herbs are medicine, and
should always be treated as such.
Often, when taking antibiotic herbs, or prescription antibiotics, the
natural bacteria in our digestive
system is destroyed, making digestion difficult (and sometimes causing
constipation) for several days to
several weeks. To combat this, eat fresh yogurt daily, or take
acidophilus capsules, to restore the natural
digestive bacteria. This can also help to alleviate vaginal yeast
infections in women.
When using an herb or herbal combination to combat an illness or
strengthen various systems in the body,
it is best to start with a small amount, and then wait a few hours to be
sure you are not going to have an
adverse reaction, before continuing with the therapy. Stop any ingestion
of herbs at the first sign of any
adverse reaction.
ACNE
Herbs Used:
Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Leaf, Nettle,
Dandelion, Lemon Grass
Recipe for Acne Help
Bring to a simmer in a non-metallic pan 2 quarts water, 3 tablespoons
Witchhazel bark, 1 tablespoon
ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground cloves; let simmer for 5 minutes.
Then add 1/2 cup chopped fresh
thyme, 1 cup fresh chopped peppermint leaves, and 1/2 cup fresh chopped
marjoram. Simmer 5 more minutes,
set aside until cold. Mix 1/2 cup of the simmered mixture with 2
teaspoons cider vinegar, 2 ounces grain
alcohol(vodka is best), 4 drops lemon oil, and enough water to make one
pint. Apply with cotton to acne
prone areas after washing. A good aloe moisturizer afterwards is
recommended.
ALLERGIES
Herbs used:
Blessed Thistle, Skullcap Goldenseal, Cayenne,
Marshmallow, Lobelia, Burdock.
Other uses:
Colds, Hay Fever, Upper respiratory infections
ANEMIA
Herbs Used:
Red Beet, Yellow Dock, Lobelia, Burdock,
Nettle, Mullein
Other uses:
Energy, Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
Herbs Used:
Cayenne, Garlic, Hawthorne, Parsley
Other Uses:
Blood Pressure, Heart
ARTHRITIS
Herbs Used:
Yucca, Comfrey, Alfalfa, Yarrow, Cayenne, Lobelia,
Burdock, Chaparral, Black Cohosh, Cat's
Claw, Lemon Grass
Other uses:
Bursitis, Rheumatism, Gout, Blood Cleanser
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Herbs Used:
For the acute phase of CFS, a combination of echinacea,
goldenseal, and licorice. If this
combination is needed for more than seven days, add potassium-rich
foods and/or herbs to your diet. For
the chronic phase, a combination of goldenseal, astragulus, licorice,
ginseng, and evening primrose oil. One
month on, one month off is the recommended usage
frame.
Other Uses:
The combination of herbs for the chronic phase is being
studied for the treatment of
Multiple Sclerosis.
COLDS
Herbs used:
Chamomile, Slippery Elm, Cayenne, Goldenseal, Myrrh,
Peppermint, Sage, Lemon Grass, Rose
Hips, Garlic
Other uses:
Bronchitis, Ear infections, Fevers, Flu, Tonsillitis
COLIC
Herbs Used:
Alfalfa, Peppermint, Fennel, Catnip
Other uses:
Digestive disorders, Heartburn, Appetite
CONSTIPATION
Herbs Used:
Aloe Vera, Slippery Elm, Barberry
Other uses:
Cleansing, Colon
COUGHS
Herbs Used:
Elecampane, Wild Cherry Bark, Licorice, Comfrey
Root, Lobelia
Other uses:
Hay fever, Sore throats
DIAPER RASH
Apply cream made from calendula, or a cream made from
aloe.
DRUG WITHDRAWAL
Herbs Used:
Chamomile, Ginseng, Licorice, Cayenne,
Gotu Kola
Other uses:
Endurance, Energy, Memory
EARACHES
Herbs Used:
Oil of Mullein, Garlic Oil, or Lobelia Extract drops
directly into the ear.
ENERGY
Herbs Used:
Cayenne, Ginseng, Gotu Kola
Bee pollen, bee propolis, royal jelly
Other uses:
Endurance, Fatigue, Memory
EYE PROBLEMS
Herbs Used:
Goldenseal, Bayberry, Eyebright
Other uses:
Eyewash, Allergies, Hay fever, Cataracts
FEMALE PROBLEMS
Herbs Used:
Black Cohosh, Ginger, Raspberry Leaf, Blessed
Thistle, Dong Quai
Other uses:
Hormonal balance, Vaginal problems, Uterine infections
FLU
Herbs Used:
Ginger, Cayenne, Goldenseal, Licorice
Other uses:
Nausea, Motion sickness
FRACTURES
Herbs Used:
Comfrey, Horsetail, Alfalfa, Slippery
Elm
Other uses:
Fingernails, Hair, Joints, Teeth
GALL BLADDER (TO CLEANSE)
Before bed, mix together the juice of 2 lemons, 4 ounces olive oil, 6
ounces Coke Classic; drink. Upon
rising, take 10 ounces of magnesium citrate (available in drug stores).
Do not eat until you have had your
first bowel movement. Bowel movements will continue sporadically for
several hours, so do this on a day
you are at home!
GUM DISEASE
Herbs Used:
Goldenseal, Myrrh (both internally and as a
mouthwash)
HEART
Herbs Used:
Hawthorne, Cayenne, Garlic
Other uses:
Arteriosclerosis, Cholesterol, Circulation
HEARTBURN
Herbs Used:
Anise seed, Fennel seed, Peppermint,
Cinnamon, Lavendar
IMMUNE SUPPORT
Herbs Used:
pau d'arco(taheebo), Echinacea, Burdock,
Spirulina, Kelp, Cat's Claw
INFECTIONS
Herbs Used:
Echinacea, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Myrrh
Other uses:
Colds, Earaches, Fevers, Flu, Measles, Mumps
INSECTS, REPELLING
For repelling insects on skin: Mix 1 teaspoon each of essential oils of
pennyroyal, citronella, eucalyptus,
rosemary, and tansy. Shake oils in 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil.
Store away from light in a sealed
container. Use by rubbing a small amount between the palms of your
hands, and then apply to any exposed
skin. Avoid applying to the face to prevent eye contact. Reapply as
necessary. Discontinue using if a rash
develops(some people are sensitive to pennyroyal oil. Test on a small
area first). Also safe for animal use.
DO NOT INCLUDE THE PENNYROYAL OIL IF PREGNANT OR NURSING!!
INSOMNIA
Herbs Used:
Valerian, Skullcap Hops
Other uses:
Headaches, Stress, Hyperactivity
KIDNEYS
Herbs Used:
Juniper, Uva Ursi, Marshmallow, Ginger,
Goldenseal, Dandelion
Other uses:
Bladder, Urinary problems
LIVER
Herbs Used:
Dandelion, Parsley, Horsetail, Blessed (or Milk) Thistle,
Chamomile, Lobelia, Wild Yam, Ginger,
Sassafras, Kelp
Other uses:
Cleansing, Kidneys, Spleen, Gall Bladder
LUNGS
Herbs Used:
Comfrey, Fenugreek, Marshmallow, Mullein,
Chickweed
Other uses:
Asthma, Bronchitis, Coughs, Hay Fever, Pneumonia
MEMORY
Herbs Used:
Gingko Biloba, Gotu Kola, Ginseng
Other Uses:
Energy, Circulation, Tinnitus
MENOPAUSE
Herbs Used:
Black Cohosh, Licorice, False Unicorn, Ginseng, Squaw
Vine, Blessed Thistle
Other uses:
Hormone imbalance, Menstrual problems, Hot flashes, Uterine
problems
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Herbs Used:
Cramp Bark, Ginger root, Raspberry Leaf, Yellow
Dock, Vitex, Wild Yam
MIGRAINES
Herbs Used:
Fenugreek, Thyme, Lobelia, Wood Betony,
Feverfew
Other uses:
Fever, Flu, Headache
MORNING SICKNESS
Herbs Used:
Wild Yam, Dandelion, Ginger, Vitex
NERVES
Herbs Used:
Black Cohosh, Cayenne, Valerian, Ginger, St.
Johnswort, Hops, Wood Betony
Other uses:
Headaches, Anxiety, Stress
POISON IVY/OAK
Herbs Used:
Burdock, Mullein, Yellow Dock (bathing in a peppermint tea
bath will relieve the itching as
well as aid in drying up the oak/ivy)
Other uses:
Itching, Insect Bites
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
Herbs Used:
Evening Primrose Oil, Dong Quai, Vitex
Other uses:
Menstrual regulation, Painful breasts
PROSTATE
Herbs Used:
Black Cohosh, Licorice, Kelp, Gotu Kola, Ginger, Cayenne,
Juniper, Uva Ursi, Taheebo, Saw
Palmetto, Cat's Claw
Other uses:
Bladder, Liver, Spleen
REDUCING WEIGHT
Herbs Used:
Chickweed, Licorice, Safflower, Echinacea, Black Walnut,
Hawthorn, Papaya, Fennel, Dandelion
Other uses:
Energy, Cleanser
SEXUAL DESIRE
Stimulant:
Damiana, Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Gotu Kola
Depressant:
Hops, Skullcap Valerian
SKIN
Herbs Used:
Horsetail, Sage, Rosemary
Other uses:
Hair, Nails
SORE THROAT
Herbs Used:
Marshmallow Fenugreek
Alternate:
Cayenne, Ginger mixed with honey and lemon
STOP SMOKING
Herbs Used:
Hops, Skullcap Slippery Elm, Valerian,
Lobelia
Other uses:
Cough, Nerves, Stress
THYROID
Herbs Used:
Irish Moss, Kelp, Parsley, Black Walnut,
Sarsaparilla
Other uses:
Fatigue, Glands, Lymphatic System
TUMORS
Herbs Used:
Chaparral, Red Clover, Taheebo (Pau
d'arco)
Other uses:
Cleansing, Blood Disorders
ULCERS
Herbs Used:
Cayenne, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Marshmallow,
Calendula
Other uses:
Indigestion, Heartburn
YEAST INFECTION
Herbs Used:
Cayenne, Garlic, White Oak Bark, Marshmallow, Mullein (all
mixed together and used as a
bolus)
Other uses:
Leuchorea, Vagina
HERBS AND PREGNANCY
The following is help for those trying to get pregnant, already
pregnant, or about to experience the
blessed event. Once again, please seek the assistance of a qualified
person before taking these herbs. Use
at your own risk.
Fertility
The first place to start is at the beginning. Below are some things that
will help to improve your fertility
when the decision is made to go from a couple to a family.
First, you need to check with a physician to determine where the
infertility problem lies. Many things can
affect fertility for both the man and the woman. A few tests will go a
long way to preventing a lot of
hair-pulling and finger-pointing. If sperm count is low, a quick
solution is to wear boxers instead of
briefs. Sperm needs to be cooler than the body temperature to form
properly.
Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, stress, age - all have a
factor in fertility for women, and
these situations need to be addressed and treated before embarking on an
herbal treatment for fertility.
You should not be in such a hurry to get pregnant that you put yourself
or your fetus in any kind of
danger.
Fertility Tonic
2 parts ho shou wu
1 part astragalus root
1 part dong quai root (substitute ginseng for men)
2 parts false unicorn root
3 parts wild yam root
1 part vitex berries
1 part squaw vine
1 part cinnamon
The tonic may be used in tincture (3/4 teaspoon daily), capsule (3
capsules twice per day), or tea (one cup
three times per day) form. Use daily for up to 3 months. During this
time, change your lifestyle to include
plenty of exercise, rest, and above all, a healthy diet. Take a
multivitamin every day, as well as bee pollen,
propolis, and/or royal jelly. Your life is a direct reflection of what
is going on in your body, both male and
female. Take stock and change what you should to aid in overcoming the
infertility. And remember -
sometimes trying too hard can make it difficult to conceive!
Herbs During Pregnancy
These are herbs that will help the mother and baby in the early
development stages.
Black Haw
used in the early stages of pregnancy to help prevent
miscarriage
Blessed Thistle
used in the latter stages of pregnancy as a liver
tonic and builder, as well as a stimulant
of blood flow to the mammaries, and used to increase milk production;
also reduces hemorrhaging during
childbirth
Burdock Root
has a high concentration of vitamins and minerals and is
a liver booster
Chamomile
lifts the spirits and calms the nerves, used for digestive
disorders during pregnancy, is
combined with ginger to help morning sickness, and has a high calcium
content as well as an
anti-inflammatory aid
Cramp Bark
a remedy to have handy in case of spot bleeding during
early stages of pregnancy, and helps
prevent miscarriage due to stress and anxiety
Dandelion - greens and root
a high source of vitamins and minerals,
aids digestion, nourishes and tones
the system, diuretic, useful for fatigue and exhaustion, liver booster
Ginger Root
used for morning sickness and digestive problems, safe
during pregnancy for treating colds,
sore throats, and congestion
Kelp
high in vitamins and minerals, aids thyroid
Nettle Leaf
rich in many vitamins and minerals, especially iron, so it
is very useful for those suffering
from chronic fatigue and exhaustion due to low iron, aids in enriching
and stimulating flow of milk; good
for use throughout all stages of the pregnancy
Red Raspberry Leaf
tones and nourishes the uterine muscles, rich in
vitamins and minerals, enriches and
increases milk flow, restores the system after childbirth; good for the
entire pregnancy
Spirulina
high in vitamins and nutrients
Bee Products
many nutritional benefits
Always remember to eat a very healthy diet when pregnant and/or nursing!
HERBS TO AVOID OR USE WITH CAUTION DURING PREGNANCY
Many herbs contain steroids that can affect the baby's development
during pregnancy and/or nursing.
Others may be of a mild toxic type, and others may be strong uterine
stimulants. Please read this section
carefully and take heed.
Angelica
stimulates suppressed menstruation
Black Cohosh
uterine stimulant - mostly used during labor
Blue Cohosh
a stronger uterine stimulant
Borage oil
a uterine stimulant - use only during the last few days of
pregnancy
Comfrey
can cause liver problems in mother and fetus - use only
briefly, externally only, for treating
sprains and strains -
Dong Quai
may stimulate bleeding
Elder
do not use during pregnancy or lactation
Fenugreek
uterine relaxant
Goldenseal
too powerful an antibiotic for the developing fetus, also
should not be used if nursing
Henbane
highly toxic
Horsetail
too high in silica for the developing fetus
Licorice Root
can create water retention and/or elevated blood
pressure
Motherwort
stimulates suppressed menstruation
Mugwort
can be a uterine stimulant
Nutmeg
can cause miscarriage in large doses
Pennyroyal Leaf
stimulates uterine contractions (NOTE: Pennyroyal
essential oil should not be used by
pregnant women at any time!) - do not handle if pregnant or nursing
Rue
strong expellant
Saffron
can cause miscarriage and other problems
Shepherd's Purse
used only for hemmorhaging during/after childbirth
Uva Ursi
removes too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing
Yarrow
uterine stimulant
Herbs for Children
There are many herbal treatments that are safe and effective for use
with children of all ages. Here I
will deal with the childhood illnesses and problems I am most often
asked about.
The most important factor in dealing with any illness, whether acute or
chronic, is diet. A proper diet
goes a long way to alleviating problems and illnesses that stem from
inadequate nutrition. Were you aware
that medical studies are proving that diet can profoundly affect illness
in children? It has also been
proven that a lot of dietary factors are responsible for worsening such
problems as Attention Deficit
Disorder (ADD), hyperactivity, asthma, and others. A child who is
getting what his or her body needs
through good nutrition is going to develop more normally, be less prone
to illness, and the duration of
common illnesses is shortened.
Remember too that our children today are under a lot of stress, just as
us adults are. Peer pressures,
pressures in the classroom, dealing with separation anxieties and broken
marriages are just some of the
things creating stressful situations for our youngsters. This stress can
manifest itself in many
mysterious physical and mental ailments. Teaching your children when
young how to meditate and relax is
an important building block for their young lives, and is a useful tool
that they will carry with them
through adulthood.
Diaper Rash
This is a common problem that is easy to deal with. It is usually caused
by irritating diapers, prolonged
contact with wet or dirty diapers, or even a reaction to the soap used
to wash cotton diapers. Some foods
and juices ingested by the infant can raise acid levels in the urine and
stool, causing a skin reaction. Wash
the baby thoroughly and dry thoroughly at each diaper change. Use plain
mild soap and water, as some of
those baby wipes can irritate, due to the chemicals in them. Leaving the
diaper off for a while each change
can also help clear up the rash. You can apply a cream made of calendula
and/or aloe vera. You can also add
to that mixture comfrey and/or chickweed. Remember that problem will not
go away with herbs alone. You
also need to determine the cause and eliminate it.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap usually appears in the first month of an infant's life. Make
a decoction of calendula and
comfrey root. Rinse the baby's head with the warm solution each night,
allowing it to air dry on the scalp.
It may take a few days for this to clear up the problem. You can also
massage olive oil into the scalp each
night, washing it away thoroughly with a mild soap and water each
morning. Leaving the oil on the scalp
continually can actually increase the problem.
Teething
Teething pain can be soothed by giving a chamomile and/or lemon balm
infusion internally. Mix a teaspoon
of powdered slippery elm bark with a little water to make a paste, and
rub it gently on the gums.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox usually strikes in young children, but older ones do get it
as well. To relieve the itching that
usually makes the pox so unbearable, you can make a decoction of
chickweed, comfrey, and rosemary. Apply
the warm mixture with a clean cloth. Don't rub, as this will irritate
the sores and can cause them to leave
scars, but gently pat the solution on. Allow to air dry. This can be
applied several times per day to relieve
the itching. Internally, the child may benefit from a mild infusion of
echinacea, catnip, chickweed, and
yarrow. After the illness, and after any illness, the child's digestive
system will benefit from acidophilus,
or a cup of yogurt, to aid getting the beneficial bacteria in the
digestive system back in balance.
Measles
Measles is usually treated herbally in the same manner as chicken pox.
Eye strain and discomfort is
common with the measles, so keep the child in a darkened room. A mild
infusion of eyebright may be used to
ease discomfort in the eyes. This can be used as a wash for the older
child, or for young children you can
soak a clean cloth in the eyebright infusion and apply as an external
compress over the eyes.
Cough
Coughs in children are common, and usually accompany many of the normal
childhood illnesses. A cough that
continues for several days, or increases in severity, should be
immediately checked by a physician to rule
out other diseases. A mild infusion of mullein and coltsfoot usually
helps the mild cough. Horehound and/or
ginger can be added if a stronger combination is needed for older
children. The child can also benefit from
chest rubs of tea tree oil or peppermint oil. Both should be diluted in
olive or sesame oil, and remember to
do a patch test first to determine sensitivity. Inhaling the vapors of
the essential oil of lavendar, and/or
a warm bath that includes lavendar oil, can also help clear a cough. Cut
back or eliminate dairy products in
children that have a lot of mucous with their coughs, as dairy often
adds to the production of mucous.
Colic
Colic is torture for the baby and the parent. There are easy ways to
alleviate the problem, however. Give
the baby a small amount of peppermint, chamomile, or catnip infusion in
a bottle at the first sign of
distress. It also helps to give the baby a warm bath that has lavendar
essential oil added. The vapors have
a calming, soothing affect on baby and parent. Breastfeeding mothers
will want to add some fennel to their
diet for a couple of days to help alleviate the colic.
Colds
Most of the same herbs used to treat colds in adults can also treat
colds in children. You will want to
reduce the dosages, however, or make milder infusions than normal. Steam
or inhalant therapy can also
help, using essential oils of lavendar, tea tree, eucalyptus, and/or
peppermint. Make sure the child is
getting plenty of vitamin C in their daily diet for the duration of the
cold.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can cause dehydration rapidly in small infants and very young
children. It can be treated with a
mild infusion of meadowsweet, rosemary, and/or red raspberry. If
diarrhea continues for more than three
days, or is accompanied by blood in the stool, or severe cramping, seek
emergency medical care immediately.
Anxiety, Stress, Excitability
Externally, these problems can be alleviated with a warm herbal bath at
bedtime. Combine a handful of
lavendar and a handful of chamomile in one quart of water. Bring to a
boil, cover, and let steep for 15 to
20 minutes. Strain, then add the liquid to a warm bath for the child.
This is good for colicky infants as
well. Allow the child to bathe and relax in the warm water. Internally,
a cup of the infusion of chamomile
and/or skullcap can be very beneficial and calming.
Hyperactivity, A D D
There is strong evidence that chemicals such as heavy metal pollutants,
dietary allergies such as to wheat,
corn, dairy, etc., and artificial colorings, preservatives, or
flavorings, play a role in these problems. As
such, you will want to treat by supporting both the nervous system and
the liver, aiding in detoxification.
A treatment plan should consist of chamomile, gotu kola, skullcap red
clover, milk thistle, and gingko
biloba. A daily supplement of flax seed and/or grape seed oil has also
shown to be beneficial. The herbal
bath above can help, as well as inhaling or massaging with a calming
essential oil such as lavendar. And
most important, look at changing the diet to one that supports the body.
Natural diet is best. Eliminate
foods that could cause an allergic reaction, and add them back to the
diet one at a time, watching for any
changes in the child's behavior. Be sure the child gets adequate amounts
of zinc and B-complex vitamins as
well.
Mumps
Mumps can be treated internally with a combination of echinacea, clover,
chamomile, and peppermint.
Externally, fresh chopped ginger applied as a compress can alleviate the
pain of the swelling. Gentle
massage of the swollen areas with chamomile oil is also beneficial.
Inhaling eucalyptus oil also helps.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis can be treated with echinacea, mullein, chamomile, and sage
internally. A gargle of salt water,
honey and lemon (if the child is over the age of three), or sage
infusion can greatly ease the discomfort.
Influenza
Flu can be treated internally with boneset, fenugreek, peppermint,
echinacea, and mullein. Eucalyptus or
tea tree oil can be inhaled to open blocked sinus passages, or rubbed on
the chest to help open the
bronchial tubes. Additional vitamin C and zinc are also beneficial.
Lice
Lice can be treated by placing drops of tea tree oil on a fine toothed
comb, and comb the hair thoroughly
every day for two weeks. Wash the hair nightly with a mild shampoo that
has oil of thyme and tea tree oil
added. Alternatively, you can mix together 4 cups of apple cider
vinegar, 4 cups of water, 1/2 ounce oil of
thyme; use nightly as a shampoo.
Impetigo
Internally give a combination of echinacea, chickweed, and astragalus 3
to 4 times per day. Reduce the
child's intake of dairy, red meats, and peanut butter, as all have been
shown to irritate this illness. Wash
the sores carefully with an infusion made of calendula several times per
day.
Glossary and Definitions
A guide to those difficult, confusing, and hard to understand
terms and jargon
Abortificant
causes induced or spontaneous abortion
Alterative
helps to restore normal health, cleanses and purifies the
blood, gradually restores normal
bodily functions
Analgesic
relieves pain
Anaphrodisiac
reduces the sexual appetites
Anthelmintic
helps kill and get rid of parasites in the body
Antibacterial
destroys or stops the growth of bacteria
Antibiotic
destroys or stops the growth of microorganisms in the body
Antifungal
destroys or stops the growth of fungi, such as athlete's foot
Anti-inflammatory
reduces or counteracts inflammations
Antioxidant
inhibits or prevents oxidation
Antispasmodic
relieves voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms
Antitussive
prevents or eliminates coughing
Antiviral
inhibits or eliminates a virus
Aphrodisiac
creates or enhances sexual arousal
Aromatherapy
relies on the aroma of healing plants to stimulate healing,
relaxation, mood alteration, and
overall well-being
Asthenia
loss of or lack of strength, usually affecting the muscular
system
Astringent
firms organs and tissues as well as reduces excretions
Bolus
an herbal suppository inserted in the vagina or rectum
Calmative
soothing action on the body's systems
Carcinogenic
causes cancer
Cardiac
about or relating to the heart
Carminative
relieves intestinal gas and accompanying annoyances
Catarrh
inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and breathing
passages, sometimes chronically
Cathartic
strong laxative that acts fast
Cholagogue
increases the flow of bile from the gall bladder
Choleretic
stimulates the liver to produce more bile
Cirrhosis
loss of tissue function of an organ, usually the liver
Cystitis
inflammation and irritation of the urinary bladder
Decoction
an extract made by putting the parts of a healing plant into
water and bringing it to a boil, then
cooled and strained for medicinal use
Demulcent
protects and soothes internal mucous membranes
Dermatitis
inflammation or irritation of the skin
Detoxicant
eliminates toxins
Diaphoretic
increases perspiration
Diuretic
eliminates excess fluids and aids the kidneys and bladder
Emetic
induces vomiting
Emollient
protects and soothes the skin
Enteritis
irritation and inflammation of the small intestine
Essential oil plant oils
usually highly scented, extracted from healing
plants for healing applications
Expectorant
aids discharge of phlegm and mucous from the lungs and
throat
Extract
withdrawing the desired constituents from a plant through
physical and/or chemical means
Fast
to abstain from all or most foods for a specific period
Febrifuge
reduces fevers
Fomentation
a hot compress made by soaking a cloth in a decoction or
infusion, then applying externally
Gastroenteritis
inflammation and irritation of the stomach and
intestines
Hemostatic
stops the flow of blood
Hepatic
having to do with the liver
Herbalism
the practice of identifying and using plants that have
medicinal qualities
Homeopathy
a system of medicine that stresses the administration of
minute doses that would produce
symptoms of the disease in healthy persons; it is based on the system
belief that "like cures like"
Hypertensive
raises the blood pressure, or deals with high blood
pressure
Hypotensive
lowers the blood pressure, or deals with low blood pressure
Hypnotic
relaxant and sedative that induces sleep
Infusion
medicinal made by pouring boiling water over an herb, or adding
an herb to boiling water, similar
to a tea
Inhalant
a remedy breathed through the nose or mouth
Irritant
something that causes irritation or inflammation
Jaundice
yellowing of the skin caused by bile pigments in the tissues
Laxative
aids in promoting bowel movements
Lesion
a wound or inflammation, internal or external
Liniment
a liquid or thin paste used externally as a pain reliever or
counterirritant
Naturopathy
medical treatment based on using natural plants and agents
to cause a cure or prevention
Nephritis
inflammation and irritation of the kidneys
Nervine
strengthens and normalizes the nervous system
Ointment
a solid form of medication applied to the skin
Opthalmic
soothes and heals the eyes
Photosensitive
a heightened sensitivity to light or direct sun
Poultice
a plaster applied externally, usually hot
Prophylactic
aids in warding off diseases
Purgative
induces the evacuation of the intestines
Renal
having to do with the kidneys
Salve
the same as an ointment
Sclerosis
hardening of tissue due to inflammation
Sedative
calms by lowering the activity of an organ or body part
Stimulant
increases internal body heat, strengthens metabolism and body
circulation
Tea
a dried herb steeped in hot water for drinking
Thrombosis
a blood clot that partially or completely blocks a blood
vessel
Tincture
a medication derived from the medicinal agents in herbs being
dissolved into alcohol
Tinnitus
persistent ringing sound in the ear
Tonic
stimulates the overall body systems
Toxins
poisons
Ulcer
a slow-healing wound, either internal or external
Vaginitis
irritation, inflammation, or infection of the vagina
Vasodilator
relaxes the blood vessels
Dieties
Principles of Witchcraft
The Wiccan Rede
13 Goals of a Witch
Amulets and Charms
Burning Times
Candle Magic
The Chakra
Circle casting
Definitions
Dragon Magic
Feather Magic
Festivals
Flower Magic
Gems, Stones and Crystals
Witchcraft
Incense and Oils
Magical Names
Meditation
Moon Magic
Rituals
Spells
Tools
Traditional Witchcraft
Types of Witches
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