| Patchouli MEDICINAL: Patchouli is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, colds without fevers, vomiting, and nausea. MAGICKAL: Patchouli is a powerful oil worn to attract the opposite sex. It is a sensual oil, and it can ward off negativity and evil. It is also burned in incenses to aid divination and clairvoyance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pennyroyal MEDICINAL: Pennyroyal removes gas from the digestive system. It is also used as a tea, taken a few days before menstruation to aid a suppressed flow. It's strong minty smell makes its essential oil useful for externally repelling insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and flies. It should not be taken by pregnant women. Large internal doses have been known to cause convulsions and coma. Pennyroyal oil is an effective insect repellant. MAGICKAL: Pennyroyal placed in a shoe will prevent weariness on long walks and hikes, or journeys. It is also added to protection and exorcism incenses. It aids in making favorable business deals. It is given to arguing couples to cease their fighting and restore harmony in the relationship. GROWING: Pennyroyal is a perennial that grows to 1 1/2 feet high. It tolerates most soils, and prefers direct sun. Grow as you would any member of the mint family. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peony MEDICINAL: Peony root treats menstrual cramps and irregularities. It is also used in combination with other herbs to ease emotional nervous conditions. MAGICKAL: Dried Peony roots are carved and/or made into bracelets and necklaces for protection, as well as for breaking spells and curses. Peonies planted outside the home guard against storm damage and demons. A chain of beads cut from the dried root was worn as a protection against illness and injury, and to cure insanity. GROWING: Peonies are a perennial shrub-like plant, growing 2 - 4 feet high. They prefer rich, humousy, well-drained soils, and full sun. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peppermint MEDICINAL: Peppermint cleans and strengthens the body. It acts as a sedative on the stomach and strengthens the bowels. It is also mild enough to give to children as needed for chills and colds. MAGICKAL: Peppermint is used in charms to heal the sick, as well as in incenses in the sickroom of the patient. It is burned to cleanse the home, and is used in sleep pillows to aid in getting to sleep. Placed beneath the pillow, it can bring dreams that give a glimpse into the future. The essential oil is used in spells to create a positive change in one's life. GROWING: Peppermint is a perennial grown in full sun, is tolerant of most soil types, and grows to 3 feet tall. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Periwinkle MEDICINAL: Periwinkle is used made into a tea or salve for external use to treat skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, and acne. MAGICKAL: Periwinkle can help restore memory when it is gazed at or carried. It is also hung on a door to protect all within, and to prevent a witch from entering a home. GROWING: Periwinkle is a perennial plant that spreads by putting out runners, mostly used for a ground cover in partial to full shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plantain MEDICINAL: Plantain is used to clear mucous from the body, and to neutralize poisons. As a mild tea it is used to treat lung problems in children, and as a stronger tea is used to treat stomach ulcers. It is also used for diarrhea, bladder infections, and for treating wounds. MAGICKAL: Plantain is hung in the car to guard against evil spirits. GROWING: Plantains are common weeds, some varieties being annual and some perennial. They are found in all soil types, and prefer full sun. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Poppy MEDICINAL: Poppy is used for pain, insomnia, nervousness, and chronic coughs. MAGICKAL: Poppy seed pods are used in prosperity charms. The seeds are added to food to aid in getting pregnant. To find the answer to a question, write it in blue ink on a piece of white paper. Place the paper inside a poppy seed pod and put it beneath your pillow. The answer will come to you in a dream. GROWING: Poppies are perennials that like poor to average soils that tend toward dryness. There are varieties that will grow most anywhere in North America. Their foliage tends to die off by July, after a spectacular showing of flowers in the spring, but the foliage begins rejuvenation around September, which waits until spring to begin growing again. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Queen Anne's Lace MEDICINAL: Queen Anne's Lace is used for treating gallstones and kidney stones, as well as water retention and strains and sprains. GROWING: Queen Anne's Lace is found throughout most of North America. It is a wildflower, distinguished by the one red flower in the center of a cluster of many tiny white flowers. It is a biennial that grows to 3 feet tall. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raspberry MEDICINAL: Red Raspberry is one of the most proven female herbs. It strengthens the uterine wall during preganancy, reduces the pain of childbirth, and helps to reduce false labor pains. After childbirth it is used to decrease uterine swelling and cut down on post-partum bleeding. It is used to ease menstrual cramps and to regulate the flow during menstruation. It is also good for vomiting in small children, and dysentery and diarrhea in infants. MAGICKAL: Raspberry is served as a love-inducing food. The brambles are hung at the entrance to the home to prevent unwanted spirits from entering. GROWING: Red Raspberry is a biennial or perennial, depending on the variety, growing 3 - 6 feet tall. They need a cold winter and a long cool spring, so they do not do well in the South. They aren't too picky about soil, so long as they get plenty of water. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rose MEDICINAL: Rose hips are very nourishing to the skin, as well as containing vitamin C. It is used as a blood purifier, and for treatment of infections, colds, and flus. MAGICKAL: Rose water is used in gourmet dishes and in love potions. Petals are used in healing incense and sachets, and burned to provide a restful night's sleep. The essential oil is used in ritual baths to provide peace, love, and harmony within the self. The hips are strung like beads and worn to attract love. Rose petals sprinkled around the home will calm personal stress and upheavals in the home. GROWING: Roses of all varieties are adaptable to most soils as long as they have adequate water, and are occasionally fed through the growing season. There are varieties that will grow throughout North America. Plant them where you can enjoy their beauty and fragrance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rosemary MEDICINAL: Rosemary is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, and is used to regulate the mentrual cycle and to ease cramps. Mix the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish, potato salads, etc. at your next picnic to prevent food poisoning. MAGICKAL: Rosemary in all of its forms is used for protection and banishment. Rosemary leaves under your pillow do away with evil spirits and bad dreams. It is hung on porches and doors to keep thieves out. Rosemary is grown to attract elves. GROWING: Rosemary is a perennial that prefers mild climates, so it needs to be grown indoors where the winters are harsh, or very heavily mulched. It reaches 2-4 feet in height, and is tolerable of poor soils. Cut back after flowering to keep it from becoming leggy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rue MEDICINAL: Rue is used in small amounts to expel poisons from the system, such as those from snake bites, scorpion, spider, or jellyfish bites. It should not be taken with meals, and it should never be used by pregnant women. Juices from the fresh plant can cause the skin to blister. It is used internally and externally as a remedy for tendonitis. MAGICKAL: The herb is used in sachets and amulets to ward off illness. The smell of the fresh, crushed herb will chase away thoughts or envy, egotism, and love gone wrong. Rue leaves placed on the forehead will chase away headacahes. Added to baths, rue drives away spells and hexes placed on you. Rue is said to grow best if it is stolen. GROWING: Rue is a bushy perennial growing to 2-3 feet tall. It is found in in average to poor soils throughout North America, and prefers full sun. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saffron MEDICINAL: Saffron is used as a preventative for heart disease, as it prevents the build-up of cholesterol. It is also used to soothe the membranes of the stomach and colon. It is not to be taken in large doses, nor should it be taken by pregnant women. MAGICKAL: Saffron is used to clean the hands before rituals. It is used in healing mixtures. The essential oil is used to induce clairvoayancy. Thrown into the air, it can bring the winds. GROWING: Saffron grows from a bulb commonly known as a corm. It is a perennial. Plant in the fall, 3 inches deep in light, well-drained soil where it will receive plenty of sun. The three-pronged stigmas that remain after flowering is the part to harvest for healing use. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sage MEDICINAL: Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, rosemary, and wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy. MAGICKAL: Sage is used in healing amulets, incenses, and sachets, and is also used in the same manner for bringing prosperity. Sage burned at the altar or in sacred space consecrates the area. Burned in the home, it removes impurities and banishes evil, as well as providing protection. GROWING: Sage is an evergreen perennial, growing to 2 feet tall. It does best in sandy, limey soil in full sun. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Johnswort MEDICINAL: St. Johnswort is useful for bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wonds, and for dirty, septic wounds. It is used to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, as well as symptoms that occur during menopause. It is useful in swellings, abcesses, and bad insect stings. Studies are showing that it may be effective in combatting AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body. DO NOT GO INTO THE SUN if using this herb, as it causes blistering sunburns, especially in fair-skinned people. MAGICKAL: St. Johnswort is hung around the neck to prevent fevers. Wearing the herb aids you in war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. Burnt it will banish evil and negativity. Hung in the home or carried, it will prevent spells of others from entering, and it is used in exorcisms. If you pick the plant on the night of St. John and hang it on your bedroom wall, you will dream of your future husband. GROWING: St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall. It is grown throughout much of North America. It prefers rich to moderately rich soils, and full sun. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as they bloom and store in air-tight containers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sandalwood MEDICINAL: Sandalwood oil is used to coolthe body during fevers and heat stroke. It is also used to aid in the passing of kidney and gall stones, and for infections in the urinary tract. MAGICKAL: Sandalwood oil is massaged on the forehead and between the eyes to help center and calm the mind. It is used in healing oils and sachets. It is burned as a purifiying agent in every room of the home, and as a protective agent. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scullcap MEDICINAL: Scullcap is a food for the nerves. It supports and strengthens as well as giving immediate relief from all chronic and acute diseases that affect the nerves. It is used to regulate sexual desires, and is very useful in remedies for feminine cramps and menstrual troubles. It reduces fevers and aids in easing insomnia and restlessness. It is also used to lessen the affects of epilepsy. MAGICKAL: Scullcap is used in spells that bring about peace, tranquility, and relaxation. GROWING: Scullcap prefers moist well-drained soils. It is a perennial that reaches to 3 feet in full to partial shade. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Slippery Elm MEDICINAL: Slippery Elm is used to neutralize stomach acids. It is used to boost the adrenal glands, draws out impurities and heals all parts of the body. It is most useful for the respiratory system. Externally it is an excellent healer for burns, poison ivy, and wounds. MAGICKAL: Slippery elm is burned to stop gossip. GROWING: The inner bark of the slippery elm is the portion used for healing. It is a deciduous tree that grows 50-80 feet tall. It needs full sun and good soils. It is found from Canada to Florida, west to the Dakotas and Texas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solomon's Seal MEDICINAL: Solomon's Seal is used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, and wasting diseases. It is also used as a kidney tonic, and as a healer of broken bones. MAGICKAL: It is added to protection sachets and incenses. It is also used for exorcisms and cleansing mixtures. GROWING: Solomon's Seal is a perennial herb that grows from 1 - 3 feet high. It prefers moist woods, thickets, and roadsides. It prefers full to partial sun. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spearmint MEDICINAL: Spearmint is a valuable herb for stopping vomiting during pregnancy. It is gentle enough to use for colic in babies, while aiding in curing colds, flu, and gas. MAGICKAL: Spearmint is added to healing incenses and sachets to aid in healing lung diseases and other afflictions. Place some in a sleeping pillow for protection during sleep. GROWING: Grow Spearmint as you would any other member of the Mint family. It is a perennial growing to 3 feet tall and is tolerable of many different growing conditions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Squawvine MEDICINAL: Squawvine is most beneficial in childbirth. It strengthens the uterus, and relieves congestion of the uterus and ovaries. It's antiseptic properties make it valuable for treating vaginal infections, and is a natural nerve sedative. It is most often used in combination with Raspberry. GROWING: Squawvine is a perennial evergreen creeper that grow on forest floors. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taheebo MEDICINAL: Also known as Pau d' Arco. Taheebo is found in South America. It is a powerful herb with antibiotic and virus-killing properties. It gives the body the energy needed to defend itself and to help resist diseases. It is used in South America to battle cancer and leukemia. It is useful in aiding all chronic diseases. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thyme MEDICINAL: Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete's foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. MAGICKAL: Thyme is burnt to purge and fumigate magickal rooms and spaces, as well as to bring good health. Thyme in a sleeping pillow repels nightmares. GROWING: Thyme is a perennial that loves warm, sunny fields, and is found throughout North America. It grows to 15 inches tall, and makes an excellent ground cover on dry slopes. Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uva Ursi MEDICINAL: Uva Ursi strengthens and tones the urinary tract. It is especially useful for kidney infections, bladder infections, and inflammatory disease of the urinary tract. It is used as a diabetes remedy for excessive sugar in the blood. It is used for postpartum women to return the womb to its natural size, as well as to prevent infection of the womb after childbirth. It should not be used by pregnant women. MAGICKAL: Add to sachets to increase psychic powers. GROWING: Uva Ursi rarely grows more than a few inches tall. It is best propogated from cuttings. It takes an unusually long time to root, so consider instead buying small plants from nurseries. It does poorly in rich soil, as it prefers poor soils in full sun. Once established, it spreads and becomes an attractive, hardy ground cover, surviving temperatures of -50. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Valerian MEDICINAL: Valerian is a relaxer, and is very effective for insomnia. It is often used as a tranquilizer, but it leaves no sluggish effects on the user. It is used for nervous tension, pain relieving, and for muscle spasms. It should not be taken over a long period of time, as it can cause mental depression in some people after long-term steady use. MAGICKAL: Valerian is used to get fighting couples back together, in spells of love, and in purification baths. GROWING: Valerian is a perennial plant that grows to 3 feet tall. It prefers full sun, and average to rich well-drained soil. Root cuttings are best for propogation, and once the plants are established, they self-sow and spread by root runners. Valerian has a similar effect on cats as catnip, so you may need to protect your patch with chicken wire. Harvest roots for medicinal use in the fall of their second year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vervain MEDICINAL: Vervain is used to treat the liver and diseases related to the liver, as well as painful or irregular menses. It will also help increase the flow of a mother's milk. MAGICKAL: Vervain is used for cleansing incenses and baths. Buried in a field, it will make your crops abundant. It is burned to attract wealth, and hung above a bed to prevent nightmares, and above a baby's crib (out of reach!) to offer protection for the little one, and will enable the child to grow up with a love of learning and a happy outlook. Hung in the home it offers protection from negative spells, and is used as a pledge of mutual faith when given to a friend. GROWING: Vervain is a perennial herb that grows 1-2 feet tall. It prefers full sun, average to rich soils, and is grown throughout temperate North America. It is rather short-lived, but self-sows. Harvest leaves and flower tops as the plants bloom. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Violet MEDICINAL: Violet is effective in healing internal ulcers. It is used both internally and externally for pimples, abscesses, tumors, and swollen glands. It is useful in treating malignant growths, as well. MAGICKAL: Violet in a pillow will help ease headaches away. Carrying the flowers brings a change in luck, and mixed with lavendar makes a powerful love sachet. GROWING: Violets are a perennial, prefer partial shade, average to rich well-drained soil, and grow to 8 inches tall. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walnut MEDICINAL: Walnut bark is used to treat dysentery and skin diseases. The nut is used to promote strength and weight gain. The hull of the nut is used to treat skin diseases, herpes, and internal parasites. MAGICKAL: The nut still in its shell is carried to promote fertility. To discover if a Witch is in your midst, legend has it that you should drop a walnut still in its shell into the lap of the person suspected, and if that person is truly a Witch, they will be unable to rise from a sitting position as long as the walnut is in their laps. GROWING: Walnuts are trees that grow to 60 feet tall. They prefer full sun, deep and well-drained soil, and regular water. They grow well in areas such as the eastern and midwestern United States. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wild Cherry MEDICINAL: Wild Cherry Bark is a very good expectorant. It is therefore useful for all ilnesses that have related lung congestion. The bark is boiled down into a syrup, which is safe to use even for children. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willow MEDICINAL: Willow works like aspirin. In fact, aspirin was derived from willow bark. It is also used to cleanse and heal eyes that are infected or inflamed. It is safe to use, and is mild on the stomach and leaves no after-effects. MAGICKAL: Willow trees are planted near the home as a guard. Its branches have been used for the bindings on a witch's broom, and as healing wands. It is also used to bring the blessings of the moon into your life. GROWING: Willows prefer damp, low spaces, as a long rivers and streams, or areas that receive regular water. They grow throughout North America. It grows to 70 feet or more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Witch Hazel MEDICINAL: Witch Hazel is used externally for insect bites, burns, bleeding wounds, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Internally it will stop bleeding from internal organs. It is often used as a mouthwash for conditions of the mouth and throat, and for bleeding gums. MAGICKAL: The forked twigs of the Witch Hazel are used for divining. It will help heal a broken heart and cool passions when carried. GROWING: Witch Hazel is a shrub or small tree that grows 5 - 15 feet. It ranges throughout the eastern half of North America. It prefers full sun, and average soils. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wormwood MEDICINAL: Wormwood is used for all problems within the digestive system. It promotes menstruation and will help with menstrual cramps. Do not give to small children, and use only in very small quantities for very short periods of time, as the FDA considers this a poisonous plant. MAGICKAL: Wormwood is burned to raise your spirits to a higher level, enabling easier divination and clairvoyance. Thrown on the fire at Samhain, it will protect from the spirits that roam that night. GROWING: Wormwood grows mainly in temperate regions of the eastern portion of North America. It is a perennial shrub that reaches to 4 feet tall, and prefers full sun and average to poor soils. |
| Herbs P - Z |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |