Herbal Garden
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"A place full of shades of green,
jewels of colour peeking through,
a place to meditate, relax and heal,
where time slows down and life
flows quietly by on butterfly wings"
M.S'D
Herbs- they grow anywhere - in gardens,
in tubs and pots on verandas and patios. Whether you use them for flavouring,
to decorate your special place, for magical workings or for healing - they
have a multitude of uses and have been around for countless ages. My little
jungle here in the U.K. (I'm not a tidy gardener!) has a wide variety of
both cultivated and wild herbs (some are called weeds!) which have encouraged
plenty of wildlife.
I've just finished the last two herb-beds one of which is the herb-patio and
now I'm hoping to dig a new wildlife pond to replace the one I have which has
become "slightly" over-crowded! There's some pics of the jungle here!!
(Warning:- it may take a while to load because of the pics)
Here I hope to list a rough guide to those that I grow (or
that grow independently!!) and how they can be/or were used, what lore/magick
was attached to them and how to grow them (an ongoing project I think!)
it's not a full herbal index - however there are some really good sites
that offer this (see Links).
NOTE: With the medicinal herbs I would
recommend reading about and seeking professional advise before using
as some could/can cause severe reactions.
I've used common names and have tried to include how to grow and what gender,
planet and element each is.
(A - B) (C - D) (E - F) (G - H) (I - J) (K - L) (M - N) (O - P) (Q - S) (T - V) (W - Z)
A - B
Agrimony -
Agrimony - known as Church-Steeples, Sticklewort, Cockeburr and also in Anglo-Saxon
times as Garclive. It was one of the main herbs used in the making of eau
d'arquebusade an herbal lotion used to treat wounds, bruises and sprains
in the early 14th century. In traditional Chinese healing a close relative
known as Shaggy Speedwell is known to encourage blood-clotting.
Medicinal:
Parts used: Flowers and leaves.
Used as part of an herbal tea it may help with digestive ailments and indigestion,
may also be of help with urinary problems such as cystitis. As a gargle it
may be beneficial towards the relief of sore throats and laryngitis. Used in
ointment form it may aid the healing of wounds, bruises and sprains.
Magical
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Jupiter
Element- Air
Used for protection. Can be worn as part of an amulet or carried in a sachet
to banish negativity, to reverse spells and hexes. If placed under a pillow
it is said that it will make a person sleep like the dead.
Cultivation:
By seeds sown in April - May in trays of compost or in the garden
in well drained soil in sun. Agrimony is at home whether in its natural
wildflower-meadow or in a border, and with it's lovely fern-type leaves
makes a nice counterpart to herbs such as lavender and thyme. It is best
to harvest just before the flowers open and dried gently in the shade
before storing in air-tight containers.
Oddments!
It was said that to bind Agrimony together with Broom, Ground ivy, Maidenhair
Fern and Rue and carried would enable the bearer to 'see' witches and if placed
above doorways would prevent witches from entering the house! The whole plant
yields a dye and depending when it was gathered this ranged from pale to deep
yellow.
Angelica -
First introduced to Britain in the 16th century Angelica - also known
as Masterwort and Archangel plant - was first used by the Chinese as early
as AD200. In Britain it was used to treat fevers, typhus and the bites of
'mad dogs'. Sucking the stem was said to protect against the plague and to
carry it would offer protection against poisons and witchcraft!
Medicinal:
Caution: Not to be used during
pregnancy. May cause rash if handled.
Parts used - Roots and leaves.
As a tea or syrup is said to aid relieve coughs and bronchitis also may aid
with periods, if used with chamomile may help with lose of appetite. Leaves
used as a compress may ease painful joints and rheumatic inflammation.
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Sun
Element- Fire
An herb of Imbolc, angelica is used for protection and healing. Protective
if grown in the garden or sprinkled round the house or rooms. The dried roots
can be used as good luck charms. Cultivation:
By seeds sown in late spring - either in good compost or directly in soil -
Angelica is happy in sun or dappled shade where the soil is rich and moisture
retentive. It has a habit of self-seeding rather too well so remove seeds-heads
before they ripen to halt the spread! To harvest, pick when just coming into
flower and dry hanging upside down in a warm, dry room. Store in airtight jars
or containers.
N.B. The seeds do not have a very long life so should be planted quickly.
Oddments!
Candied angelica was originally used as a cough lozenge and the oil is still
used nowadays by confectioners and distillers as flavouring for sweets, syrups
and in some spirits and liquors.
Avens -
(H) - Used for digestive problems; diarrhea, calming nausea and halt
vomiting, as a mouthwash or gargle for sore throats.
(M) - Can be used in cleansing rites, supposed to protect against poisonous
beasties if worn in an amulet
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Jupiter
....element: Fire
Balm -
(H) - Used for digestive troubles, stress and tension
(M) - Used in healing incenses and spells, also spells for success
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Moon
....element: Water
back to top
California Poppy -
(H) - Used as a mild sedative, anti-spasmodic and for colic pains
Cleavers
Cleavers - also known as Goosegrass (because geese are fond of it), Clivers,
Hedgeheriff, some of it's local names are of an old origin deriving from
the Anglo-Saxon 'Hedgerife' meaning tax-gatherer or robber because of its
habit of 'plucking' sheep as they passed by. This plant was known by the
Greeks who named it Philanthropon, it was also used in the 14th century as
an ointment for burns and scalds.
Medicinal
Caution: - The fresh juice is
a strong diuretic and should not be used where there is a possibility
of diabetes.
Parts Used:- Dried and fresh aerial parts also fresh expressed juice
Despite its appearance Cleavers is a valuable plant, it has astringent
and diuretic effects and is also an alterative in that it can strengthen the
immune system. As a tea it is said to aid in conditions such as tonsillitis
and recurrent throat infections, if used with Iceland Moss and Marshmallow
it may aid with cystitis. Used as a wash it may aid skin conditions such as
'dry' psoriasis and as a cold compress for ulcers.
Magical
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Venus
Element- Water
This herbs power primarily lies with love, so may be used in any spells and
charms concerned with this.
Cultivation
Cleavers can be a bit of a menace, it has been known to clog up strimmers
due to its loving to stick to everything and it does have a tendency
to spread. It is best grown either as part of a woodland area (cleavers
likes moist, well-drained soil in shade) or by fencing. It's very easy
to grow from seed, I've found that it doesn't need any help at all, just
sow it were you want it in early spring or summer. Harvesting should
take place before flowering and the herb left to dry in the shade unless
it is to be used fresh, then it may be frozen in ice-cubes or if for
external use packed into dark jars and covered with a base oil.
Oddments!
The seeds, if dried and roasted, may be used as a substitute for coffee and
the stalks have been used to form rough sieves for straining fresh milk. Bedfordshire
lace-makers once used the small, round fruits to cover the heads of pins to
protect their fingers. Cleavers were also once used to treat obesity as it
was said to make "fat folk thin". The herb is still used in parts of China
as a vegetable and a red dye may be extracted from the roots.
Chives -
(C) - With a mild oniony flavour I find these ideal in salads, cut into
small pieces to add to mashed spud or even eaten fresh while wandering in
the garden!
Comfrey -
Daisy -
(H) - Used for coughs and catarrh, as a gentle laxative also in
poutices for injuries
(M) - Most of the Daisies power seems to do with love so could be
used in love spells and amulets
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Water
Dandilion -
Dandilion also known as Priests Crown, Swine's Snout, Lion's Tooth and more
commonly as Piss-a-bed! The earliest records for the use of Dandilion as an
herb, date back to AD659 in China. It was also used in Arabic medicine during
the 11th century and Welsh physicians used it as early as the 13th century.
The flowers provide the basis for Dandilion Wine and the roots not only are
the basis for 'Dandilion and Burdock Wine' but also if dried and roasted form
a coffee alternative.
Medicinal:
Parts used: Flowers, leaves and roots. Dandilions are a rich source
of potassium and as an herbal tea is a good diuretic and may be used
to relieve water retention i.e. due to pre-menstrual tension. Also used
as a detoxicant and to improve digestion.
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Jupiter
Element- Air
Used for divination and wishes, to leave a cup of dandilion tea by the bed
was said to call the spirits
Cultivation:
This is one of those plants that will grow where-ever it wants! But if you
wish to keep a supply separate from the rest of the garden then just sprinkle
some of the seeds into a compost - filled tub and leave it, simple!! The roots
are best collected during the summer months - then split lengthways and dried
in a dry, warm room. The leaves and flowers can be collected at any time.
Oddments!
Dandilions are important to Bee-keepers in that they provide pollen for the
bee's at times when other plants may not be available. They can be used not
only to make teas, wines and a form of coffee (which doesn't keep you awake)
but also make a substantial beer! The young leaves can be used in salads.
Echinacea -
(H) - Probably one of the more well known remedies against both bacterial and
viral infections easily bought at most herbalist shops
(M) - said to strengthen spells
Elder -
Elder also known as Ellhorn, Old Gal, Rob Elder and Pipe-Tree is a truly versatile
plant, used not only for it's many medicinal qualities but also in numerous
tasty recipes! The Elder is also rich in folklore, it is said that as witches
or spirits lived within it permission should always be asked before cutting
any part from the Elder.
Medicinal
Caution: The berries should not be
eaten raw.
Parts used- Leaves, flowers, berries and bark
The flowers eaten fresh may help relieve hay-fever symptoms, as a tea for colds
and fevers. The berries in the form of a 'rob' may aid with coughs, they are
also a gentle laxative. A cream made from the flowers may soothe sore skin
and chapped hands, the leaves in the form of a compress aid with bruises, sprains
and wounds.
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Venus
Element- Water
Used for protection, healing, blessing and sleep, a sacred herb of the Summer
Solstice, the flowers can be used for wishing, and all parts of the elder may
be given to hand-fasted couples for blessing and good luck. Elder is also used
as the sacred wood of funeral pyres and sprigs of elder were placed in coffins.
Cultivation:
Sow seeds in a cold-frame in good quality compost, it can take up to 2 years
before germination starts and then it's fairly erratic. Elders will grow in
any moist soil in sun or dappled shade. Oddments!
Panpipes were traditionally made from the stems of elder. The flowers can be
added to salads and a strong decoction made from the leaves makes a good, organic
insecticide for greenfly.
Evening Primrose -
Fennel -
(C) - Can be eaten in salads, cooked with fish
(H) - used as a remedy for wind and colic, has a calming effect on coughs
(M) - Used for protection, healing and cleansing, is said to ward against evil
spirits if hung at windows and doors
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Mercury
....element: Fire
Fern -
(M) - protective, brings luck
If burnt outside is said to call the rain but the fiddleheads burnt over a
Midsummer fire can be used as protective amulets
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Mercury
....element: Air
Feverfew -
(H) - Primarily used for migraines, can assist with dizziness and tinnitus.
May also relieve painful periods
(M) - Protection, if carried with you is said to protect against colds, fevers
and accidents
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Venus
....element: Water
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It
appeared in the writings of Confucius in the 5th century and has been used
medicinally in the West for at least 2000 years.
Medicinal
Parts Used: Root
Like most herbs Ginger is more often used in an herbal tea- it is said to enhance
the absorption of other herbs and can help relieve colds, coughs, constipation
(not to mention wind!) Also for relieving travel-sickness- crystallized ginger
is extremely handy for this- nausea, morning sickness and if used for feverish
conditions- promotes perspiration. In gargle form Ginger may help in the relief
of sore throats and can be included in a compress to treat muscle spasms. In
some herbal remedies Ginger may be substituted as an alternative to cayenne
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Mars
Element- Fire
Can be used in love spells- as a 'hot' herb- or for success, grown to attract
money or in dry powdered form sprinkled into a purse. Ginger can be used as
a substitute for Mandrake.
Cultivation:
One way to grow Ginger (apart from buying a plant!) is to buy a nice, plump
'hand' of Ginger from a shop. Look for one that has small pale green spikes
on one or more of the 'fingers'. Cut these fingers off and plant in good compost
with the tip of the green spike showing, place in daylight and keep warm and
just moist. It can take awhile but is well worth it!! Ginger is a lovely 'palm'-like
plant and produces spikes of purple-streaked white flowers.
Oddments:
Once used to aid and revive a low sex-drive and if eaten with raw fish was
said to destroy certain parasites!
Goats Rue -
Hazel -
(C) - hazel nuts- found in such delightful things such as fruit&nut chocolate!
(M) - Tree of Wisdom - nuts are eaten before divination, the wood can be used
for wands and forked twigs as divination rods. Woven hazel crowns if worn were
said to confer invisibility, Protection from lightening
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Sun
....element: Air
Heather -
(M) - White heather is said to give good luck and protection to its wearer
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Water
Honeysuckle -
Also known as Goatsleaf and Woodbine, is more commonly used in China. The English
variety was used during the 15th century as a laxative and in the form
of a syrup for asthma.
Medicinal:
Caution: Most of the properties refer
to the wild variety NOT the fragrent garden
varieties. Parts used- Flowers
The flowers have shown to have a wide spectrum of anti-biotical and anti-microbial
properties and used as part of a tea or syrup it may ease colds, flus and sore
throats.
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Jupiter
Element- Earth
An herb of the Spring Equinox which if planted near the house is said to bring
luck. Used for protection and money workings. The flowers are said to heighten
psychic powers if rubbed on the forehead.
Cultivation:
By seed sown when ripe in good compost and left in a cold-frame. Germination
is erratic. Honeysuckle does well in most conditions providing they're not
kept too wet.
Hops -
Horehound (white) -
(H) - Has been used in treatment for bronchitis also has been used to promote
healing of wounds
(M) - Used for protection and healing
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Mercury
....element: Air
Ivy -
(M) - used for protection and healing, can be used in love and fidelity charms.It
is "magickally" paired with holly
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Saturn
....element: Water
Jasmine -
Also known as Jessamin and Moonlight on the Grove, has a beautiful scent that
fills the garden on warm, still evenings. It uplifts the spirits and is deeply
relaxing.
Medicinal:
Caution: The berries are poisonous.
Parts used- Flowers
A tea made from the flowers is said to calm the nerves and syrup made with
the flowers and honey may help with coughs. The essential oil used in massage
is said to help with menstrual pain.
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Moon
Element- Water
An herb of the Spring Equinox the flowers may be added to love mixes or sachets
to attract 'spiritual' love. If carried are said to attract money.
Cultivation:
By cuttings taken from non-flowering shoots, put into good compost, covered
and kept warm. A climbing plant that will do well in most soils that are moisture
retentive.
Oddments!
It takes approximately eight million flowers to produce just 2.2lbs (1kg) of
oil! The oil is traditionally extracted by laying individual flowers on a layer
of odourless oil and left in the sun.
Ladies Mantle -
Lavender (English) -
Also known as Elf-Leaf, lavender has been popular for over 2,000 years as a
perfume for soap and bath essences, its name comes from the Latin 'lavare'
which means 'to wash'
Medicinal:
Caution: Oil is for external use
only
Parts used- Flowers
As part of a tea may help with stress headaches, as a gentle tonic and to promote
natural sleep. The oil used as part of a liniment may help ease aches and pains.
Lavender also has good antiseptic and healing qualities and as such makes a
useful addition to the first aid kit for the treatment of cuts, grazes, minor
sunburn and insect bites.
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Mercury
Element- Air
An herb of Midsummer it was thrown upon the fire as an offering to the Lord
and Lady. It is long associated with love spells and is also used for protection,
sleep and peace.
Cultivation:
Easily grown from seed sown in good compost or by cuttings taken in the summer
from non-flowering stems. Lavender prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Pruning
should be done after the flowering season but take care not too cut into 'old'
wood.
Oddments!
In Elizabethan times a washerwoman was known as a 'lavender'. The flowers can
be crystallized and eaten or alternatively be used fresh or dried (as can the
leaves) in many recipes. Used as part of 'sleep-pillows'
Lovage -
Mallow -
The marsh mallow is another of those plants which many overlook. It was first
recorded as being used in ancient Greece mixed with wine to ease coughs. The
dried roots were at one stage a traditional natural teether for babies.
Medicinal:
Parts used- Flowers, leaves and roots.
The dried root as part of a tea aids digestive problems. A syrup or tea made
from the leaves may help with coughs, catarrh and ease bronchitis, used as
a gargle may ease mouth-ulcers. The root used as a poultice is good for boils,
abscesses, to draw out splinters and ease insect bites and stings.
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Moon
Element- Water
The roots dried and carried were said to attract love and friendship also to
provide protection. Cultivation:
Sow the seeds when ripe in late summer in good compost and leave in a cold
- frame until germination occurs. Plant out when the plants are big enough
to handle and have a good root system. Mallows will thrive and self-sow in
most soils…even heavy clay!!
Oddments!
Marshmallow sweets were originally made from the candied root and were sucked
to soothe coughs and sore throats. The leaves can be eaten cooked like spinach
also chopped in salads (as can the flowers)
Marigold (pot) -
Calendula, Pot Marigold, Ruddes, Golds- are just a few of the names used for
an herb that was written about as early as the 13th century. It is a good all-rounder
with anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This is one of
my favourite herbs!
CAUTION - do NOT confuse
this plant with Tagettes i.e. French and African marigolds.
Medicinal:
Parts used - Flowers
Used externally as either a cream, compress or tincture - Marigolds can be
used to help heal infected wounds, cuts and spots, also rashes, bruises, sores,
chapped skin, mild burns and scalds. The tea can be drunk to aid with fevers,
sore throats, indigestion and painful periods or as a gargle for sore gums.
Magical:
Gender - Masculine
Planet - Sun
Element - Fire
Can be used in spells for protection, if slept with is said to both protect
and aid in prophetic dreams. As an amulet to - strengthen and comfort the heart,
also to aid in legal matters.
Cultivation:
A really easy plant to grow, seeds can be sown in the garden from March through
to April - in any soil in sun or light shade. They self-sow quite happily in
late summer/early autumn - and do not need much attention at all. Harvest the
flowers on hot/dry days and dry flat in a dry, warm room.
Oddments:
Flowers were traditionally added to soups and stews to make them more nourishing,
washing the hair with the juice of marigolds was said to lighten it, was used
to produce a warm yellow/orange dye for cloth and added to some cheeses to
provide the yellow colour. The flowers can be added to salads; they impart
a slight peppery flavour.
Marjorum -
(C) - for flavouring savoury meals
(H) - Used for its antiseptic qualities, as a mouthwash, as a lotion for stings,
bites, wounds and cuts
(M) - Used for protection, health, love
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Mercury
....element: Air
Meadowsweet -
Meadowsweet - also known as Bridewort, Bride of the Meadows and Meadwort. In
1883 salicylic acid was first isolated from the plant and later synthesized
as aspirin thus validating why this humble herb worked! Although meadowsweet
has similar properties to modern day aspirin it doesn't have the side-effects
of it.
Medicinal:
Parts used- Flowers and leaves
As a tea it is said to aid in relieving nausea and heartburn, also aids in
reducing fevers and in relieving rheumatic pain in muscles and joints.
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Jupiter
Element- Air
Used mainly for love spells but also said if strewn about the house will aid
in keeping the peace. Meadowsweet should form part of a bridal bouquet for
love and luck.
Cultivation:
Sow seeds in good compost in spring. Meadowsweet prefers rich, moist soil in
sun or partial shade. Do not allow it to dry out too much as this encourages
mildew.
Oddments!
Used during medieval times to strew across earthen floors and to sweeten the
air. Also used to flavour Mead in some counties.
Mint -
(C) - Added to potatoes or peas while cooking adds a nice flavour, also mint
makes a refreshing tea. Mint jelly goes well with lamb
(M) - Protection, healing. Fresh mint is said to aid in magick and healing
spells and to call in good spirits
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Mercury
....element: Air
Oregano -
(C) - used in some savoury recipes also one of the herbs for bolognese sauce
Pansy (Jump-up-Jacks, Heartsease) -
(H) - May be used for some types of eczema also as an anti-imflammatory for
bronchitis
(M) - Love, rain magick
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Saturn
....element: Water
Passionflower -
The Passion Flower also known as Maracoc, Maypops, Passion Vine and Apricot
Vine was first introduced here from Brazil in the late 16th century, and was
described by a doctor in the 17th century as a cure for epilepsy. It is fairly
hardy in the south of England.
Medicinal:
Parts used: Dried leaves
As a tea -or part of- it may help with (as a calming herb) insomnia, calm anxiety
and nervous tension, it may also help as an antispasmodic. Passionflower may
help in the treatment of shingles and irritable bowl syndrome.
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Venus
Element- Water
Although named Passion Flower the plants main uses if placed in the home are
for calming problems and bringing peace or if sprinkled across the doorway
to prevent harm from entering. If carried it is said to attract friends. Placed
beneath a pillow it is said to bring peaceful sleep or burnt as an incense
to bring understanding.
Cultivation:
By seeds sown in the spring and propagated in a warm atmosphere, by semi-ripe
cuttings taken in the summer or by runners - this is how it's spread in my
garden! I'm lucky in the SW as it's mild so I can leave the plant to it's own
devices and just cut it back when it gets too big (twice a year sometimes!)
The leaves can be harvested throughout the summer, preferably before it starts
flowering and after the fruit have appeared. Dried carefully in a warm, dry
room and then stored in airtight dark jars.
Oddments!
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable, the flowers can
be made into a syrup, but the fruits (my favourite) can be made into delicious
jellies and jams.
Perriwinkle -
(H) - the tea is said to be used as a gargle for sore throats
(M) - Protection, love. Also called " Sorcerer's Violet" is said
to make a powerful charm to protect against snakes, poison, evil-eye and wild
animals
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Water
Primrose -
(M) - Protection, love. Primroses growing in the garden are said to attract
fairies
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Earth
Rosemary -
Rosemary (also known as Polar Plant, Compass Weed, Incensier) and first said
to be grown in England in the 14th century after being sent to Philippa - wife
of Edward 3rd - by her mother.
Usage of this plant can be traced through the ages. It makes an ideal herb
to cook with roast lamb.
Medicinal:
Parts used- Flowers, leaves and tender branches
As a tea -or part of- it can have a calming effect on the digestion if upset
due to stress, with camomile for headaches or valerian for stress headaches.
It is said to strengthen the heart and blood vessels. Used as a rub it may
ease muscular pain, sciatica and neuralgia, it may also ease rheumatism and
arthritis. A few drops of essential oil in the bath can help improve skin tone
and circulation. Rosemary makes a good conditioner for the hair and scalp,
and the scent of crushed leaves can help clear a stuffed or blocked nose.
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Sun
Element- Fire
It can be used for love spells, healing and purification. Rosemary is one of
the oldest incenses and can be used as a substitute for frankincense. Put under
a pillow to aid in sound sleep and to protect from both nightmares and harm,
if worn is said to aid the memory whilst the scent is said to preserve youthfulness.
It may also be grown to attract the 'wee folk'.
Cultivation:
By seeds sown (and left uncovered) in April - May in trays of compost or in
the garden in well drained soil in sun, also by semi-hard wood cuttings in
late summer or hard wood cuttings in late autumn - early spring. It grows best
in a sunny position in well-drained soil and may be grown into a hedge but
must not be cut back into 'old' wood. I harvest mine throughout the summer
(taking only the 'soft' cuttings) and dry it upside down in a warm, dry room
then store in airtight jars.
Oddments!
A weak dilution of Rosemary vinegar makes an excellent disinfectant, it was
said that thieves used this to rob plague victims!! The leaves are one of the
ingredients of Eau-de-Cologne, also if placed in drawers or wardrobes is said
to deter moths. And on a last note…..Rosemary is reputed to grow best where
the 'mistress' of the house is Boss!
Sage -
(C) - One of the main ingrediants for stuffing poultry
(H) - Used as a gargle for inflamations of the mouth, gums, tongue and throat.
As a compress it is said to assist the healing of wounds
(M) - Immortality, protection, wisdom. Sage is said to promote wisdom if carried,
the leaves are also used in healing and money spells
....gender: Masculine
....planet: Jupiter
....element: Air
Scullcap -
The Scullcap - also called Helmet Flower and Hoodwort - so called because the
shape of the flowers were said to resemble the leather helmets worn by Roman
soldiers grows fairly worldwide. The earliest writings on one of the family
were found in China dated to the 2nd century - I grow the European and U.S
varieties.
Medicinal:
Caution: Large overdoses may cause
headaches.
Parts used: Dried leaves and flowers.
As a tea -or part of- Scullcap may help with headaches, migraine, stress and
tension and menstruation.
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Saturn
Element- Water
Scullcap may be used in spells, charms and sachets to aid relaxation and peace.
It was also said to protect a married man from the charms of other women if
his wife wore it. Also as an aid to meditation.
Cultivation:
By seeds sown in the spring - either in good compost or directly in soil -
Scullcap is happy in sun or dappled shade where the soil is moisture retentive
and not too dry. To harvest, pick when just coming into flower and dry hanging
upside down in a warm, dry room. Store in airtight jars or containers.
Oddments!
The Native American women used Scullcap to promote menstruation and to prevent
spasmodic pain. In the 18th century it was apparently used with success to
treat rabies, it has also been used in the past to treat epilepsy and schizophrenia.
The European Scullcap was used to treat fevers and convulsions.
Self-Heal -
Self-heal - also known as All-Heal and Heart of the Earth - was used
extensively in the medieval times and in China still is. It has however fallen
by the wayside in Western herbalism, this is a shame as Self-heal is a useful
addition to the herbal first-aid kit.
Medicinal:
Parts used- Young shoots and leaves
The fresh leaves can be used in the form of a compress or poultice for cuts,
wounds and bruises. As a tea mixed with honey and used as a gargle it may ease
sore throats and mouth ulcers.
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Venus
Element- Earth
Traditionaly gathered at night Self-heal is used primarily for healing magic.
Cultivation:
By seed sown in autumn in a cold frame using good compost. Self-heal prefers
moist conditions in sun or shade. It's a bit of a menace and needs to be kept
trim or it will spread….rapidly!!
Oddments!
The small leaves can be added to mixed salads.
Solomons Seal -
(M) - Cleansing, protection, consecration, placed in the four corners of a
house will protect and exorcise any unwanted spirits
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Saturn
....element: Water
Tansy -
Also known as buttons, Tansy is from the Greek word athanasia or immortality
as corpses were once packed with it to preserve them before burial and to keep
away the bugs and rats. The essential oil is banned in several countries, as
it is potentially extremely toxic.
Medicinal:
Caution: Oil NOT to
be used, tea not to be taken if pregnant as it stimulates the uterus.
Parts used - Leaves and flowers.
As a weak tea it is said to useful in purging intestinal worms (personally
I'd rather go to the chemist!!). A wash or lotion may help with scabies.
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Venus
Element- Water
Said to prolong health and give long-life if worn. Tansy was given to Ganymede
to make him immortal.
Cultivation:
By seed sown in good compost in spring and kept at a gentle temperature or
more commonly by division in spring. Tansy is more then a bit invasive and
is better suited for growing in a hedgerow or large tub.
Oddments!
Tansy leaves soaked in boiling water produce a good insecticide; ants in fact
do not like tansy at all! It was traditionally used in cooking at Easter as
a symbol of the bitter 'Passover' herbs and Tansy cake is in fact a type of
omelette!
Thyme -
(C) - flavouring for savoury dishes
(H) - Used for it's antiseptic qualities, as a gargle for sore throats, in
cough remedies and in lotions for wounds
(M) - Health, courage, healing, can be burned as an incense to cleanse
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Water
Valerian (red) -
(H) - Used to reduce tension , also as an aid to the relief of cramps
(M) - Protection, love, cleansing. Possible substitute for graveyard dust
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Water
Vervain -
(H) - Used to strengthen the nervous system while relaxing tension. Maybe used
to ease depression
(M) - Protection, cleansing, healing, peace.
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Earth
Violet -
(H) - History of use as a cough remedy and in the treatment of bronchitis
(M) - Protection, love, healing. As a charm was said to bring luck, good fortune
and protect against evil
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Venus
....element: Water
Willow (Goats) -
(M) - Protection, healing. Besoms were traditionally bound with a willow branch,
the wood can also be used for protective charms and wands
....gender: Feminine
....planet: Moon
....element: Water
Wormwood -
Also known as Old Woman and Absinthe, wormwood oil is notorious as the
flavouring in the now banned Absinthe. Indeed many countries banned the use
of the oil as flavouring as it proved highly addictive and was found to cause
irreversible damage to the nervous system.
Medicinal:
Caution: Oil NOT to
be used internally, tea not to be taken if pregnant.
Parts used- Dried leaves and flowers.
As a weak tea it is said to stimulate the digestion. A poultice made from the
leaves and flowers is said to soothe bruises and sprains.
Magical:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Mars
Element- Fire
Burnt in incenses or worn to aid with psychic powers and protection. If burnt
in graveyards was said to summon the departed spirits. Supposed to protect
against witches.
Cultivation:
By seed sown in good compost in early summer, left uncovered and kept warm.
Germination is erratic. Wormwood prefers well drained soil in full sun.
Tip: Best grown in a container on it's own as it deters plants
from growing near it!
Oddments!
The prunings from wormwood can be soaked in water to produce an effective and
natural herbicide.
Yarrow -
Yarrow (a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon word- gearwe) also known as Nosebleed,
Woundwort and Milfoil (to name a few!) is an old herb with a long history in
both medicinal and magical uses. It is said that soldiers used yarrow leaves
to heal their wounds during the Trojan Wars!!
Medicinal:
Caution: First things first; Allergies
are common and sensitivity can increase with usage as Yarrow is toxic
in excess. Symptoms can include headaches, vertigo and photosensitivity,
also must NOT be used during pregnancy.
Parts used: Flowers and leaves.
As an herbal tea -or part of- it can help with fevers (combined with elderflower
and ginger), lower blood pressure, improve digestion and aid with cramps and
periods. As a mouthwash it can help inflamed gums and used externally as a
wash or salve yarrow can aid chapped skin, rashes, stop bleeding and help heal
wounds. An infusion of the flowers can be used as a cleansing skin lotion and
is useful for very oily skin. A wash (including rosemary and peppermint) is
said to help with dandruff (and baldness- but not if the hair's done a runner
already!!)
Magical:
Gender- Feminine
Planet- Venus
Element- Water
Can be used in love spells, worn as an amulet for protection, to conquer fear
and grant courage, if hung indoors it is said to avert illness. Yarrow stalks
were also once used for divination.
Cultivation:
By division in late autumn/ early spring or by seeds sown (and left uncovered)
in spring/ late summer in trays of compost or in the garden in well drained
soil in sun. Germination is erratic and Yarrow can be invasive!! I start harvesting
mine towards the end of summer and dry upside down in a warm, dry room then
store in airtight jars.
Oddments!
Leaves and flowers are still used to flavour some liqueurs, in the 17th century
yarrow was used as a snuff substitute and also in salads (yarrow has a high
iron content), it can be used to produce a dye, has been used in the brewing
of beer and one of yarrows constituents was used as a quinine substitute at
the turn of the century! Not bad for going for a weed!!
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