Herbology Notes

The root of Angelica is related to Parsley. It has been used medically for over 2000 years. It helps to promote digestion, lessen the effects of colds and the discomforts associated with bronchitis. Angelica helps to alleviate rheumatic and stiff joints when taken over approximately 3-4 weeks.

Angelica has been long associated with protection from all forms of evil. It is originally associated with Pagan festivals, bringing happiness to the inner self. Its angelic protection, and herb of SUN the makes it a good visionary herb to use. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, HAVE DIABETES, OR A STOMACH ULCER HISTORY -- May Produce Photosensitivity

Anise is one of the oldest spices known. The seeds are known as aniseed and are used to make anisette liquer. This herb is poisonous to pigeons, but interestingly, contains the cousin chemicals of estrogen. It's anti-spasmodic properties make it a mild asthmatic and bronchial passage relaxant. It also is known to help with flatuence or gas.

If you hang a seed on your bedpost, it will bring and maintain youth, inside and out. Anise is used in handfasting cake rituals, also known as moon cakes. Placed in pillows, it helps to protect you in your dreams. Used with a bay leaf, Anise can be used for purification and protection purposes. It is known to bring enchantment and happiness to those around.

The bark of the Ash tree is also called "Senna", which is sold over the counter for constipation relief. The bark does the same properties and also assists in diaphoretic uses such as needed in intermittent fevers or night sweats. The natural chemicals of the Ash bark also relieve rheumatic complaints. Used for spleen and liver obstructions, Ash helps dissolve stones and is sometimes added to white wine for jaundice.

Ash is magickally used to remove unwanted energies, spells, and hexes. A herb of JUPITER, an Ash leaf has been known to protect you while driving if you place it in your car.

Basil contains over 150 varieties. Known freshly in the supermarket are Bush, Garden, and Sweet. Being French for "Turtle Soup", it's no wonder we use it so much in homemade soups, pastas, and more. This herb in dried, or fresh, quantities helps to relieve flatuence, or gas, and abdominal pain. Its anti-spasmodic properties are wonderful for menstrual cramp relief. The scents aid in the extracted herb for colds and headache relief. Unfortunately, large amounts, or too much of this herb is NOT FOR PREGNANCY

The leaves of the Basil plant used in tea are represented by the planet MARS. It is referred to as a religious herb sacred to the deities of Hindu; Vishnu and Krishna - the protectors of life and death. Basil is used as a symbol of love. It aids in attracting and keeping love. Sprinkle some powder over your mate while they sleep to eliminate fidelity!

In initiation rites, Basil protects fears associated with personal growth. Not only used for protection, but this herb is prosperous. Carry a leaf in your pocket to bring wealth, or give it to someone for luck in their new home. The plant causes human sympathy. You may find it planted on or around grave sites. The flowers may be seen scattered over the tombstone.

There is a risk of CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) PARALYSIS. It was mainly used in the past for sudden high fevers and insomnia. A tincture (alcohol based) has been known to assist with colitis and kidney pain.

Magickally used to consecrate ritual tools made of lead, Belladonna is always picked on May Eve. The herb is sacred to Hecate. It also invokes Bellona and other Goddesses of war. It is a herb of SATURN.

No wonder it was used to deaden pain during the "Burning Times". Of course, it was an ingredient of "flying ointment" but that goes back to the salve applied and it's scent known to be used for astral projection and helping to produce visions while meditation or casting.

The leaves and berries of this herb are mainly used. A Bilberry fruit syrup can help stop diarrhea. The tannins help to protect the digestive tract and prevent infections in the urinary and respiratory systems. This herb is used primarily for the relief of discomforts associated with macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and other orbital afflictions. A tea of Bilberry leaf can reduce the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis. A mouthwash is made from the plant to soothe mouth and throat afflictions. It also works for mouth ulcers and bleeding gums. This plant is a collagen, or connective tissue, stabilizer and can greatly improve the conditions of varicose veins. Be careful, as this herb can cause ALLERGIC REACTIONS

The bark of the Birch tree is decocted into a tea used to help ease out kidney stones and to relief the pain and swelling that go along with gout, eliminating uric waste. It also helps with rheumatic or arthritic discomforts.

The Blackberry is a classic remedy for diarrhea. It is used in jams, jellies, and syrups also. The leaves can actually be chewed to help with mouth and throat soreness. The high quantity of Vitamin C help to increase your immunity and to prevent fatigue or listlessness.

An interesting herb as it works great as a liver tonic. It also helps to lift depressive states. It helps to relieve fevers, cold symptoms, and decrease stomach flu symptoms. Possibly a new use for memory besides ginseng and it alleiviates migraine headaches. Used as an appetite stimulant, it helps to aid in an increase in breastmilk in small doses as it should NOT BE USED IN PREGNANCY. Avoid large doses, and this herb should NEVER BE TAKEN ALONE. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to ASPIRIN then do NOT TAKE this herb as it contains the main ingredient SALICIN.

Pan is invoked with the use of this herb. Representing MARS, it increases strength, healing, and protection powers. Its exorcism components help to remove unwanted influences or malevolent intent froma nother. It is also useful in curse breaking.

This Marigold variety is the "pot variety" - not the African Marigolds seen in the nurseries. Its components help to cleanse the lymph system. High doses can be used to aid in Fibromyalgia relief. A gargle of Calendula can help you with swollen or infected gums. Fevers are lowered due to the anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic properties to help you sweat it out.

If you scatter the petals of this flower under the bed, it will ward off evil spirits and give you prophetic dreams. A visionary herb, it gives energy to those who need to bless departed souls. It is a herb of consecration and love divination.

Caraway seeds are excellent for everyone, including children!! Caraway helps to promote digestion, relieve flatuence, or gas, relieve menstrual cramping, and to relieve colic discomfort. It is also a great herb to help promote breastmilk.

This herb consecrates religious instruments and personal possessions unless you are selfish and then it backfires...doesn't it always? It was once thought to help lovers to be faithful and loyal. Mainly used in cooking, it is tasty. Pigeons love it. Caraway seeds can help to protect you from other Witches. A herb of health, it improves development of mental faculties.

Catnip has been known for 2000 years. Not only a favorite of cats, it is actually a great herb to have around. The flowers and leaves in a tea decrease fevers and cold symptoms due to its diaphoretic components. Catnip helps with indigestion and insomnia, so you can go to bed peacefully. NOT FOR PREGNANCY

Of course, Catnip is used for cat magick and familiar affection. A herb of VENUS, it attributes joy, friendship and love.The incense itself consecrates magickal tools. The dried, large leaves are used to mark pages in magickal books. Grown near the home, it attracts luck and good spirits.

This herb is used in tea to cleanse the liver, aiding in jaundiced or yellow skin. It can also help to relieve gallbladder obstructions or small stones. The Greater volatile oil can be narcotic and poisonous in pure form. It should not be used internally for more than three days.

This wonderful herb is known by many tea drinkers. The main three flowers are the Common, German, and Stinking. It's safe for children and used for many stomachaches. Known as "All Woman's Ailment" it works wonders for menstrual cramps. Chamomile decreases fevers and is good for insomnia. Sometimes it has been used as a sedative for nervous disorders.

The powdered flowers help to minimize heartburn symptoms, especially in tea. It is actually an appetite stimulant, so after it fixes your pain it lets you eat again! Be aware that if you have an ALLERGY to RAGWEED or DAISIES you should NOT TAKE this herb.

Chamomile brings magickal and mundane protection. As a herb of the SUN, it harbors victory and love; an inner peace and contentment. Plant this herb for success and money. Sprinkle it around property to remove curses or bad spells.

This herb comes from the kale vegetable-like family. It is used primarily for enlarged livers, giving relief to discomfort and jaundice symptoms. In a tea combination, it releases its laxative properties making it excellent for constipation relief. People who suffer from rheumatism and arthritic complaints may benefit from this herb, as those who suffer from gout. It should NOT be taken for those who have WEAKNESS or LYMPH DISORDERS. An overdose of this herb can cause loss of vision to the retina and increase blood flow to head, giving off venous congestion.

Chicory is used to remove obstacles. the herb is brought into the home to dispel negativity. It is also used magickally for invisibility protection, to obtain favors, and for cheerfulness. Carry some Chicory to alleviate depression! Although this herb is represented by the SUN, its frugality makes its differential by being used in placement of coffee.

This spice is well known in the kitchen. It is used primarily as a flavouring agent in tea, but it does help to halt nausea. Cinnamon also relieves stomach cramps, and flatuence, or gas.

A purifying herb, it is used before gatherings for protection and spirituality. It brings peaceful energy with its scent. Love magick and lust spells are performed with Cinnamon mixde with other herbs. A spice of concentration, it helps with communication and focusing. Witches love this herb for its astral projection while crafting.

Cinquefoil has been medically used since Hippocrates discovered its attributes. It is stated that after thirty days, the effects of jaundice are not just alleviated but cured. This herb does well in tea to help with the pain and afflictions of sore throats and fevers. It also helps to decrease diarrhea episodes and abdominal cramping that goes along with it. Cinquefoil boiled in vinegar has been known to be used for toothaches.

A herb of JUPITER, Cinquefoil is known as a "flying ointment". It gives off communication and awareness with the maternal aspects of nature. It works well to bring sleep; the incense itself brings dreams of your perfect partner or prophetic dreams to open your third eye while you rest. This herb has been used in protection and money spells. It is said to ensure a good catch when used as bait for fishermen. Drop some Cinquefoil on the ground to temporarily turn others away.

The red clover with purple flowers is the herb used best in teas. It helps to alleviate mucus and spasms associated with colds, coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments such as asthma because of its anti-spasmodic properties, among others. It also relieves the discomforts of gout by eliminating uric acid waste. Clover has been used to fight ovarian and breast cancer by inhibiting tumor growth in those areas. It also reduces hot flashes in menopause. The Clover herb can reduce your cholesterol, boost your immunity and being an expectorant, it helps to get out what ails you.

Traditionally, the Clover is known for good luck. It consecrates copper tools and the ritual pentacle. Used to attract love and fidelity, Clovers are seen as herbs of money and success. It does hold an excorcism component in witchcraft to desensitize outer influences.

Cloves have been around for more than 1000 years. Its aromatic distinction is distilled repeatedly for full essence. Cloves help to relieve flatuence and dyspepsia, or upset stomach and heartburn. To move along a sluggish digestive system, it is recommended to have two drop of the crushed blossom with a teaspoon of sugar. The extracted oil is great for toothaches.

This herb is interestingly smoked for bronchitis sufferers. Althought the flowers are never used, a tea made from the other parts of the plant help to bring up mucous congestion such as in coughs or asthma. Coltsfoot can be taken in tea form cooled and as a gargle for throat conditions. The doses are limited as too much of this herb can lead to LIVER DAMAGE. NOT FOR PREGNANCY

This aromatic herb is used as an ingredient in curry. Known as an aphrodisiac, a large amount of seeds can be narcotic. Seven grains of the seed are added to liquids for love potions, usually wine.

Grown in a garden, this herb of MARS protects the gardner and all in the home. It portrays not only protection but peace and security. In ths spiritual world, Coriander helps us to acheive immortality. As an aphrodisiac, this herb is used for magickal love and healing.

The Dandelions that we see outside provide us with much to learn from. The ground root is used as a substitute for ground coffee. It provides relief for insomniacs. Dandelion tea can help with constipation complaints. It can also improve a poor appetite as it works with the rest of the body. Its diuretic components help to reduce fevers and discharge uric acid waste from the body, helping those with gout. The Dandelion plant triggers secretions of digestive enzymes and bile from the liver to stimulate the pancreas, which in turn produces natural insulin and regulates the body's sugar intake. It works well with diabetics.

One cup of tea twice a day for a few weeks can help to relieve rheumatism and arthritic aches and immobility. It could possibly assist in the chronic discomforts of osteoporosis, as it contains calcium to help increase bone strength. It helps to cleanse the liver and kidneys and is packed full of vitamins and minerals to increase the stability of those organs. The diuretic components can alleviate small kidney stones. It can even help with obesity, and decrease edema, or fluid retention. Dandelion wine is an old fermented drink that really does have some good quantities. It also relieves bladder infections and has been known to fight off some of the cancer cells accumulated in the bladder.

A symbol of the SUN, it portrays brightness. Carry a dandelion flower with you for courage. A herb of the planet VENUS, it is used in calling of the spirits, clairvoyance and divination during casting or spellbinding. If the dandelion is rubbed on the body, all welcomes and wishes are granted. It is also stated that you may carry the leaves to prevent evivtion. Dandelion is a herb of Hecate.

The flower of the Elder tree has been used medically since Hippocrates. Loved by many in syrups, the dried herb and/or berries in a tea form can also relieve diarrhea afflictions. Elderflower decreases the symptoms of colds and flus, especially with fevers. It also relieves sinusitis and hay fever with its properties. The emollient ointment of the green inner Elder bark and tincture from a young branch's fresh inner bark together are diluted in water to help asthma and with its vapors. Chest infections are diminished with this herb. It helps to decrease restlessness and agitation, especially if it is associated with respiratory problems. A gargle can be used for sore throats. Elderflower should not be used in large doses as it can cause DIZZINESS and EMESIS or VOMITING.

The Elder tree and its flowers help to protect against disease, crippling ailments and lightning. The incense and essential oils of this herb protect one against past karma; their's or another's.

Represnting both MARS and VENUS, Elderflower is sacred to the Mother Goddess and it represents rebirth. It can help one to receive messages from those who have passed. The Druid sacred tree, it stands as a protector of fairies. Elderflower is used for excorcisms, healing and prosperity spells. Scattering the leaves of this magnificent natural power in the four winds will bring protection.

A relative of Dill, Fennel is mild enough for even children and infants to use. It helps to releive indigestion and gas. The seeds are crushed into pasty edible substances or a tea is consumed to prevent coughs. It also acts as a appetite suppressant; a natural way to lose weight!! Fennel can also promote breastfeeding problems.

Strength, vitality, and healing are just a few things associated with spiritual use. Fennel is recognized as a purifier and protector. A herb of MERCURY, it consecrates sexual virility and fertility. In a powdered form, Fennel is used safely to eradicate domestic flea problems. It was, and is, mainly cultivated to be cooked or seasoned with fish.

Fenugreek is an employed spice of curry. The seeds can be soaked until pasty or boiled with dates to make nutritious jams. Its anti-pyretic natural chemicals help to reduce fevers quickly. It helps to strengthen persons suffering from anemia. Ulcerative complaints can easily digest this herb without discomfort. Fenugreek has been known to help with osteomyelitis. It also relieves those with bronchitis due to its natural ease to take internally.

Certain ferns can be used safely in teas. They help to relieve shortness of breath and coughs with shortness of breath. This herb also decreases discomfort due to splenomegaly, or enlarged spleen.

The Fern is used spiritually for divination. Carrying the sees prevents unwanted attraction; invisiblility. An herb of MERCURY, protection and exorcism. It brings luck, riches, health and external youth.

This herb interestingly enough is disliked by bees. It is sometimes substituted for double chamomile. The properties of Feverfew relieve migraine pain. It also decreases fevers and helps to open up the passageways of the lungs for those who are inflicted with bronchitis or asthma. It helps to relieve arthritic conditions and Feverfew helps to decrease women's menstrual cramping.