"The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes
but in
having new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Herbs
I have been putting this off long enough. So. Here is my herb page. I'm new at this herb stuff still, and being what I am, I have to research it. I won't limit any herb to its magickal properties; therefore, each herb will have its own page giving its description, history, uses and recipes. Take what you want. Use what you will. Due to the nature of my research, herbs will only go online about once per week. I will credit my sources, and give notes as I go about trying the recipes. As an added note as to why these herb pages will be so long: Every time I go online to look up information about herbs, there is only a cut and paste version from Scott Cunningham...how can I use an herb if there isn't any specific information about how to use it? How can I accept that it works if it appears that the person posting it doesn't know? And that's why my herb pages will be so long. When you use them, everything you might need will be in one spot.
So far I don't have any magickal uses for herbs other than incense. It isn't because I won't use them magickly, it's because I just don't use them in such a manner. I will provide listings of magickal purposes and uses for all the herbs even though I don't use them that way, so I hope these will be of use to everyone envolved. (disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and I do not prescribe herbs for medical purposes. If you are sick...SEE A DOCTOR! end disclaimer). Since I tend to regard magick in a rather practical manner, most of my recipes are rather practical. They will be very hands on and/or meant to be used in real everyday life. I guess when you just get down to it...I am a medicine woman. Yes I speak to the Gods, but I help the people. Maybe that is why my magick is so down to earth. That is where the people are. Hmmm....have to think about that...
To view pictures of herbs...and I really recommend this site!...  University of Washington's Medicinal Herb Garden Not only does it have closeup of herbs, it is continually adding to their very impressive list.
I have an earache...
2000 B.C. - Here, eat this root.
1000 A.D. - That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. - That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1940 A.D. - That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 A.D. - That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2000 A.D. - That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root.
Pretty hilarious, yes?
Drying Herbs: One way to keep your herbs for later use is to dry them. Start in the morning, after the morning dew has dried, or in the cool of the evening. Bring your scissors and basket, and go hit your garden. Usually you want to choose the younger leaves (being more tender), so cut off a sprig right above the next joint of leaf growth. Shake or brush off as much dirt as possible. Rise under a gentle stream of water so you won't bruise the leaves. Remove the leaves from the stems, and place them on drying trays or a shallow basket that allows air to flow through. For herbs with very small leaves (like rosemary), use cheesecloth to catch any that fall through. Place the trays/baskets in a dry dark place, away from sunlight for 3-4 days. Shake occasionally so they dry evenly. Once dry, crumble or crush and place in an airtight container away from heat. Make sure you label the containers! If you are drying the herbs in bunches, keep them in bundles no more than one inch thick. Hang them straight down from the ceiling or rafters, taking care to keep them dust-free. This can be done by placing them in paper bags with holes cut into the sides for air circulation.
If you don't want to wait for the air-dry method, you can always use the oven. Set your oven on the lowest temperature, and spread the herbs onto a cookie sheet (one layer!). Check frequently, and don't let them turn brown. Cook for 1-4 hours or when they crumble to the touch and still have some of their original color. Sources:
Algy's Herb Page
Gardening Highlights
Herbal Preparations: Infusion: A standard infusion is prepared by adding 1-2 teaspons of dried herb (or 2-4 teaspoons of fresh herb) to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes and then strain. If left too long, the infusion will become bitter. The general dosage is one cup three times a day. It may be taken hot or cold, but if prepared for colds or flus, it is best to be hot.
Decoctions: This is the best if using bark and/or seeds. Use 1-2 teaspoons of herb per cup of cold water. Bring mixture gently to a boil. Cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. The usual dosage is 1 cup three times a day. If the herb is very bitter, use 4 teaspoons three times a day. Do not prepare more than 24 hours in advance.
Tincture: This is an alcoholic extraction of an herb. Any part of the plant may be used, and due to the process allows the tincture to remain effective for up to 2 years. Place 4 ounces of dried herb in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and add 2 cups vodka. Leave for two weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain through a loth into a brown glass bottle. Keep tightly closed. The standard dose is 15 drops three times daily.
Syrup: Prepare two cups of an infusion or decoction of the herb. Strain and add 1 3/4 cup brown sugar or a honey and sugar mixture. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a clean glass bottle and sear. Store in the refrigerator. The usual dose is 1 teaspoon three times a day. This is especially good if the herb is bitter.
Capsules: Dry, powdered herbs can be placed inside empty geletin capsules. This is good for bitter herbs.
Oil Infusion: For external use only. They can be prepared by hot or cold methods. for the hot: fill a jar with fresh herbs and cover with olive, sunflower, or almond oil. Place the jar up to the neck in a saucepan of water and bring to a medium temperature. Simmer for up to three hours. Strain into a brown glass bottle. For the cold method, follow the hot method, except place the oil on a sunny windowsill instead of heated in a pot. The process can be repeated with fresh herbs to create a more potant oil.
Cream: A cream is a blending of oil, beeswax and water. Melt 2 ounces beeswax in a double boiler. Add one cup olive or other vegetable oil and blend. Add two ounces herb. Simmer 20 minutes, mixing well. Add a drop of tincture of benzoin as a preservative. Strain into sterilized jars.
Ointment: Ointment does not penetrate the skin like cream, but covers and protects it. Melt petroleum jelly in a double boiler and add plenty of herbs, making sure that the melted petroleum jelly covers the herb. Simmer until the herbs are crisp. More herbs can be added to increase potency. Strain into jars while hot.
Suppositories: These are best made in advance. Blend equal quantities of powdered herbs with cocoa butter. Place the mixture into bullet-shaped molds make of foil and refrigerate. Remove the foil before using.
Compress: Soak a cloth in a hot decoction of herbs, squeeze most of the liquid out and apply the hot cloth to the affected area. Once it has cooled, repeat. Tinctures and essential oils can be added to the liquid.
Poultice: Effective for boils, abscesses, chest infections and sprains. Mix chopped herbs or powdered seeds with boiling water to make a pulp. Place the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area while hot. It should be replaced when cool. A thin layer of calendula cream will protect the skin and prevent the poultice from sticking.
Steam and Inhalant: Use steam for skin problems like acne and as an inhalant for bronchial problems like sunusitis and laryngitis. Add a strong decoction, one or two drops of essential oils, or 2 teaspoons of tincture to boiling water.
Sources:
Garden Guides
Rosemary |
Feverfew |
Chamomile |
Dandelion |
Water |
Peppermint |
Lavender |
Sage |
Allspice |
To flip through the pages of my BOS faster...
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Brightest of Blessings