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Jasmine - (Jasminum officinale or J. odoratissimum) Folk Names: Jessamin, Moonlight on the GroveHerbal Uses: The flowers make a tea that calms the nerves and increases erotic feelings. Steep two teaspoons of flowers per cup of water for twenty minutes. The dose is a quarter cup, four times a day. The oil of the leaf is rubbed on the head to heal the eyes. A syrup of jasmine flowers and honey is said to help menstrual pain and lung problems. Homeopathic Uses: Homeopaths use a dilute tincture of the berries for tetanus and convulsions. Use only with medical supervision. Magickal Uses: To attract a spiritual (as opposed to a ‘physical’) love, add dried flowers to sachets and love mixtures. When carried, burned or worn they draw wealth and money. They also cause prophetic dreams when burned in the bedroom and smelling the flowers will induce sleep. Job’s Tears - (Coix lachryma) Folk Names: Tear Grass Magickal Uses: Sting the seeds onto a necklace and wear for sore throats and colds or teething in small children. Carry three seeds for good luck. Hold seven seeds in your hand, make a wish and then through them into running water for it to come true. Or, count out seven seeds while concentrating on your wish. Carry them with you for seven days and your wish will be granted. Joe-Pye Weed - (Eupatorium spp.) Folk Names: Gravelroot, Hempweed, Joe-Pie, Jopi Weed, Trumpet Weed Magickal Uses: To gain the favor and respect of those you come in contact with, carry a few leaves with you. A few leaves placed in your mouth before making advances to some one you love will ensure your success. Juniper - (Juniperus communis) Folk Names: Enebro, Gemeiner Wachholder (German), Geneva, Gin Berry, Ginepro, Gin Plant Juniper has been used throughout Europe as a protective herb. It was possibly one of the earliest incenses used by Mediterranean Witches. Herbal Uses: Primarily a diuretic, the berries help digestive problems, gastrointestinal inflammations, and rheumatism. The berries are taken as a tea (simmer two teaspoons per cup for ten minutes; take up to one cup four times a day), or taken as jam or syrup in water, milk, or herb tea. The dry berries can be chewed; three a day is sufficient. Homeopathic Uses: Homeopaths use Juniperus communis for kidney inflammations, edema with suppressed urine, and faulty digestion. Bloody urine with a cough may be an indication for this remedy as well. Magickal Uses: Carried or burned, it helps the psychic powers and breaks hexes and curses, and drives off snakes. Add to love mixtures, and carry the berries to increase male potency. It guards against theft. Hung at the door it protects against evil forces and people, and is burned in exorcism rites. A sprig will protect the wearer from accidents and attacks by wild animals. It guards against ghosts and sickness. Justica - (Justica pectoralis) Folk Names: Yacu-Piri-Piri An important medicinal plant from Columbia, used as a pneumonia cure. Highly valued and respected by Latin American natives. May contain some of the same potent, hallucinogenic, tryptamine alkaloids as Justica pectoralis spp. stenophylla, used in intoxicating snuff by Latin American Indians from the area of the upper Orinoco river. |