Mary DAlba October, 2009

The Witch’s Cupboard

Mint

Mint (Mentha spp) is also known as “Garden Mint”.   Other names include Menta (Spanish, Italian), Menthe (French), Minze (German), and Nahnah (Arabic).  “Mint” is a general term for herbs in the Mentha family.   There are many different types of Mint which you can research for specific qualities.  Mint is found in parts of Europe and parts of Asia.

In ancient times, Mint was considered an honored herb.  It was used as payments to the Pharisees.  It was also used by the Romans to crown themselves during celebrations and victory.   One of the Goddess myths is that Demeter turned the nymph Mintha into a Mint plant after she caught Hades’s eye in the Underworld.  Mint was also used by Solomon when creating his ritual sprinkler.

Mint can be used in amulets and spells to bring in success and protection.  The bright green mint leaves can be used to bring in prosperity by placing a few leaves in the purse or wallet.  Mint is also used in travel spells to protect the traveler.  Mint is also known to calm the nerves, clear the mind, aid with learning and knowledge.
Mint is considered a “Greene Herb” and is used in kitchen magick.  It is known to bring pleasure to all guests in the household.  Many use it when doing spells and rituals to protect the home.  Mint, along with other protection herbs as rosemary, is sprinkled within the home to keep it safe.

Mint in health is found in many common household items such as toothpaste, medicine and candy .  Mint generates heat and healing so many use it to sooth muscles and help with pain and the joints.  It is also used to battle headaches by just rubbing Mint on the head.  It helps with stomach ailments, including appetite problems, and within oils and liniments to provide healing.

Remember, this is not a substitution for medical advice so always check with a medical professional to make sure working with herbs are safe for you.

Keywords for Mint

Magickal Uses/Spells:  Healing, travel spells, provoking lust, removing evil, money and prosperity spells, success, victory, calling in good spirits, aids in magick, protection, blessing, love potions
Deities:  Pluto, Hecate
Invocatory:  Hades, Mintha
Planet:  Mercury, Venus
Gender:  Masculine
Element:  Air
Tarot Correspondence:  The Fool

Tags: healing, herbs, magic, magick, mint

• Herbal

LynSusun September, 2009

Wild Foods for Wise Women
The Missing Part of Your Diet May Be In Your Own Back Yard

Boost Your Immunity and Prevent Cancer With Dandelion, Honeysuckle, Clover

and Other Ordinary Weeds

Did you know that many of those unglamorous “weeds” that you’ve been poisoning or pulling out of your garden and lawn are some of the world’s most well-respected and powerful healing plants? If not, you aren’t alone: many people don’t realize that common ordinary weeds can build and maintain good health. Common weeds that grow by you can boost your immunity, strengthen your liver, help you build strong blood, counter colds and the flu, increase your vitality, and even prevent cancer.

Health-promoting weeds are easy to find (even in the city), easy to identify, easy to prepare, incredibly abundant, and as delicious as high-priced gourmet goodies. Go outside right now and see if you can find one or more of my seven favorites: Burdock, Dandelion, Honeysuckle, Plantain, Red Clover, Violet, or Yellow Dock.  (To the botanist: Arctium lappa, Taraxacum officinale, Plantago majus, Trifolium pratense, Viola odorata, and Rumex crispus.) You probably take them for granted. But if they could talk, they would say “Here we are! We love you! We’re waiting to change your life!”

How can they change your life? When properly prepared and used, these weeds can boost your immunity, strengthen your liver, renew your energy, and help prevent cancer. And the best part is, they’re free!
Immune System Boosters

Dandelion and Honeysuckle are particularly good builders of the immune system. (The immune system is a network of cells and cell products that defends the body against disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancer cells.) Dandelion root tincture (20 drops, 2-3 times a day) actually increases the production of interferon, a protein that inhibits viral multiplication and activates T-cells.

Can a powerful immune system prevent cancer? Put cancer into remission? Prevent the recurrence of cancer that has been treated? Stop a cancer from metastasizing? In my book Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way, I answer these questions affirmatively (and share recipes for immune-building soups, too). Building powerful immunity can help us remain cancer-free and it provides long-lasting benefits – and long life – for relatively little effort.
Liver Strengtheners

The liver is the body’s recycling center. This large organ is critical to healthy digestive functioning, utilization of hormones, and removal of chemicals from the body. Dandelion is an outstanding liver strengthener. It is known to protect, heal and tone up the liver, helping to relieve food allergies and aid digestion, as well as repairing damage done by drugs, chemicals, alcohol, and infections such as hepatitis. Burdock, Red Clover, Plantain, and Yellow Dock are also powerful liver strengtheners.

Most experienced healers that I’ve met are unanimous in their agreement that a healthy liver is the basis for a healthy and long life. Perhaps the single most important benefit to be gained from befriending the weeds is the strengthening of your liver function.

Dandelion, Yellow Dock, or Burdock roots are used in tinctures (20 drops, 2-3 times a day) or vinegars (1-2 large spoonsful on salad daily); Red Clover is best taken as an infusion; Plantain leaves are eaten in salad or infused in apple cider vinegar.
Blood Builders

Yellow Dock builds strong blood. Strong blood is rich in iron and other minerals needed for health. Strong blood is nutrient-rich – so vital organs get the nourishment they need for optimum functioning. Strong blood helps muscles work well without cramping and aching. Strong blood is low in cholesterol and moves easily through the circulatory system. Strong blood is packed with plenty of energy: for life, for work, and for sex.

Other green allies that build strong blood are Dandelion leaves, Red Clover blossoms, and Plantain leaves. (And for strong veins, Burdock root vinegar is a trusted ally.) Daily doses of Yellow Dock root – vinegar (see below) or tincture (5-20 drops once or twice a day) – often increase iron levels in the blood twice as fast as iron supplements.  If you wish to avoid alcohol, soak chopped fresh Yellow Dock roots (or any of the other plants mentioned here) in vinegar to cover for 6 weeks. I use 1-2 tablespoons a day of the resulting medicinal vinegar to build strong blood.
Counter Colds and the Flu

Throughout the orient, Honeysuckle flowers are steeped in water and the resulting strong tea – scientifically established as antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-infective – drunk to ward off colds and the flu.  (An injectable form of Honeysuckle is used in Chinese hospitals to counter severe infections.)  Red Clover blossoms mixed with ordinary mint and steeped in hot water for several hours is an effective “cold remedy” passed down from Colonial housewives.
Increase Vitality, Even Prevent Cancer

The leaves of Violets and the blossoms of both Honeysuckle and Red Clover are renowned as safe, life-enhancing tonics. In addition to enhancing vitality and rejuvenating fertility, they have proven effectiveness against pre-cancerous conditions. Red Clover especially is noted for its ability to reverse in situ breast cancers, cervical dysplasia, and pre-cancerous polyps of the colon. Violet, whether drunk in infusion or applied as a poultice, has a reputation as a dissolver of breast lumps and a protector of the lungs, even checking the growth of tumors.
Anti-Cancer Agents

The most amazing thing about these seven humble plants is that each of them has been associated with cancer prevention. Plantain is an important Latin-American folk remedy against cancer. Burdock as a specific cure for breast cancer dates back to at least 1887 in the Ukraine. Around the world, Red Clover is a widely used folk remedy against cancer and is known as “The herb of immortality.” Dandelion is known to stop the promotion of oncogenes. (When damaged or turned on, an oncogene initiates cancer.) Violet slows tumor growth. Honeysuckle is a popular anti-cancer agent in China. Yellow dock is one of the original plants in the Native American anti-cancer brew now known as Essiac.

As you can see, these seven plants are not useless weeds by any means. Even if you don’t reach out and pick them from your yard (or that nearby vacant lot), I know you’ll be more aware of the abundance of green blessings surrounding you.

For more information on how to prepare and use herbs consult any of my books including Healing Wise and Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way. (Available in book stores and health food stores, or by calling 1-800-356-9315)
How To Use These Amazing Plants

Burdock:

* Dig first-year roots in autumn; use mature seeds.
* Used internally, it resolves chronic skin problems; fresh root binds and removes heavy metals and chemicals.
* Use daily for six or more weeks;  it is not unusual to take burdock regularly for 2 to 3 years.
* Dried root infusion: 1 to 2 cups.
* Cooked, dried, or raw root: eaten freely.
* Fresh root vinegar: 1-4 tablespoons.
* Tincture of fresh roots or seeds: 30-250 drops.
* Infused oil of seeds: as needed on skin or scalp to encourage growth of new hair.
* Burdock is slow acting but miraculous.

Dandelion:

* Leaves are nourishing, roots are tonifying.
* Improves outlook, improves digestion and appetite, relieves food allergies.
* Can use daily for prolonged use.
* Fresh leaves and flowers: eaten freely.
* Cooked greens: ½ to 2 cups (125 to 500 ml).
* Dried root infusion (tea) 1 to 3 cups (250-750 ml).
* Tincture of fresh plant, including root: 15-120 drops.
* Wine of fresh flowers: no more than 6 oz (200 ml).
* Infused oil of fresh flowers: as needed.
* Dandelion is a superb ally for liver and breasts. Regular use – internally before meals and externally before sleep – helps keep breasts healthy, reverses cancerous changes. Digestion is settled and strengthened a few minutes after taking a dose. Results in breast tissue are slower, taking six weeks or more to become evident.

Honeysuckle:

One of the most vigorous vines known, Honeysuckle makes an excellent complementary medicine for many Western drugs, moderating or eliminating many of their damaging side-effects. The flowerbuds are harvested in May or June, dried quickly in the sun without turning or handling, infused in water overnight (one ounce dried blossoms to one quart boiling water in a tightly sealed jar steeped for 4-10 hours), and drunk freely.
Plantain:

* Use leaves, harvested any time, or ripe seeds with hulls.
* Internal use:
* Seeds: anti-microbial, against thrush;
* Leaves: promote blood clotting, increase in iron, strengthen digestion.
* Used externally: leaf poultice or oil reduces cysts, heals skin and connective tissues, stops itching and prevents scars.
* Daily use: no limit.
* Raw leaves: 3-20 chopped in salad.
* Fresh leaf vinegar: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml).
* Fresh leaf oil/ointment or poultice: as needed.
* Internal response is prompt; noticeable improvement in blood iron is seen in two weeks of daily use. External response is also rapid: itching ceases, bleeding stops, pain abates, and swelling recedes in minutes. Plantain promotes quick, scarless healing from all wounds.

Red Clover:

* Use the just-opened blossoms with a few leaves clinging.
* Internally: alkalinizes, builds blood; helps prevent the recurrence of cancer, protects liver and lungs, improves appetite, relieves constipation, eases anxiety; relieves symptoms of menopause, increases fertility.
* Externally: softens and reduces breast lumps; is antifungal.
* Daily use is without limit.
* Fresh blossoms: eaten freely.
* Infusion (tea) of dried flowers: up to one quart (1 liter).
* Tincture/mother tincture of fresh blossoms: 15-100 drops.
* Fresh flower vinegar: 1-4 tablespoons (15-60 ml).
* Note: Over consumption of blood-thinning coumarins, which are present only in low amounts in red clover but found in greater amounts in other clovers such as sweet clover, can lead to the breakdown of blood cells and increase risk of hemorrhage.
* Red clover (legume family) shares with its sisters, lentil and astragalus, the ability to repair damaged DNA, turn off oncogenes, and reverse both pre-cancers and in situ cancers.  According to J. Hartwell, author of Plants Used Against Cancer, medical literature has reported and confirmed hundreds of cases of remission of cancer after consistent use of red clover. I agree.

Violet:

* Use the leaves, harvested any time, even during flowering.
* Externally: Eases pain and inflammation, heals mouth sores, softens skin, antifungal.
* Daily dose: Use without limit, non-toxic.
* Fresh leaves: in salad, as desired.
* Dried leaf infusion: up to one quart (1 liter).
* Fresh or dried leaf poultice: continuously.
* Internal and external use of violet can shrink a breast lump in a month.

Yellow Dock:

* Use roots of a plant at least two years old, dug after autumn frosts, or very early in the spring; leaves, harvested at any time, use ripe seeds.
* Internally: as root tincture or vinegar, yellow dock builds healthy blood, protects liver, and acts as a laxative. As a seed tea, it heals mouth sores and checks diarrhea.
* Externally: Poultices dissolve lumps, counter tumors and kill fungus infections.
* Can be used daily for up to 12 months.
* Tincture of fresh roots: 10-60 drops per day.
* Fresh root vinegar: 1-2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day.
* Dried seed tea: no more than one cup (250 ml) per day.
* Fresh root oil/ointment: liberally, as needed.

Tags: backyard, garden, healing, health, Herbal, herbs

• Herbal

Hearthkeeper September, 2009

Merry meet and Blessings all

Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, September 21, is coming up, no longer will the day
rule the night. The time for the second harvest is upon us. The fields are becoming very full and soon there will be a hint of yellow in the green leaves. The geese in our neck of the woods are going south. The fruits and vegetables at the farmers market are no longer the sweet, small offerings of summer but are now full, ripen gifts of Fall..

This is a wonderful time of year for food ; The feast is upon us. It is a
time for bread and baked goods. Wine, ale, and cider are the drinks of choice.

Here are some recipes that you can share for Mabon and all year.

Mabon Moon Cider

4 cups apple cider
1/2 tsp. whole cloves
4 cups grape juice
additional cinnamon sticks
2 cinnamon sticks for cups, 6 inches long
1 tsp allspice
In a 4-quart saucepan, heat cider and grape juice.
Add cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Bring just to boiling. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve with ladle from a cauldron. Makes 8 cups.

ACORNS (cookies)
(Yield: 3 dozen)

1 cup butter or margarine, melted
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1½ cups chopped pecans
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
2½ cups self-rising flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
Finely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar
until lightly and fluffy.  Beat in pecans and vanilla until blended.  Stir
in flour until blended. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on UNGREASED
cookie sheets; flatten slightly, pinching at one end to form a point. Bake
10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.  Remove from cookie sheets; cool completely on a wire rack. In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, melt chocolate morsels, stirring until smooth.  Remove from heat; keep double boiler over water.  Dip large ends of cooled cookies into melted chocolate; roll in chopped pecans.  Cool to set chocolate.

CRESCENTS
(Yield: 4 dozen)

2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup ground almonds (hazel nuts or pecans work well too)
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
Confectioners’ sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, ground almonds, sugar,
vanilla and almond extracts; knead until well blended and mixture holds
together. Shape into a ball; refrigerate, covered, for 1 hour. Preheat oven
to 375°F. Form the dough into 1-inch balls; form each ball into a
3-inch-long roll. Place 2-inches apart, on UNGREASED cookie sheets; curve
to make crescents. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until set but not brown. Remove
from cookie sheets; place on a large piece of aluminum foil. Dust
generously with confectioners’ sugar, turn and dust again to coat both
sides. Cool.

ALMOND COOKIES
(Yield: 4 dozen)

2¾ cups self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon almond extract
Sugar
Almond halves

Preheat oven to 325°F.  Spray cookie sheets with non-stick vegetable spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until mixture
resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, combine egg, milk, and almond
extract.  Add to flour mixture, blending well.  Shape the dough, 1 teaspoon
at a time, into balls.  Roll in sugar.  Place on prepared cookie sheets.
Press an almond half onto each cookie. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until
delicately browned. Remove from cookie sheets; cool on a wire rack.

Apple upside down cake

This is a great cake to make for a special occasion or to top off a family dinner or holiday meal.
Ingredients:

* 3 large golden delicious apples
* 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
* 1 scant teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 4 tablespoons melted butter
* .
* Cake
* 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, stirred before measuring
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2/3 cup milk

Preparation:

Heat oven to 325°. Butter a 9-inch square cake pan or spray with baking spray. Core the apples and cut into wedges; peel and slice thinly. Combine apple slices with the brown sugar, 1 scant teaspoon of cinnamon, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Arrange the apple mixture in the prepared baking pan.

Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. In a large mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture to the first mixture, alternating with the milk, beating just until blended. Spoon the batter evenly over the apple slices; gently spreading to cover. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Invert the hot cake onto a platter or cake plate and let stand for about 5 minutes. Remove the pan and scrape up any fruit slices clinging to the pan and arrange them over the cake.

Potato Leek Soup

3 tablespoons butter
3 leeks, thinly sliced*
1 medium or large onion, chopped
4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or enough to barely cover potatoes)**
1 cup heavy cream
salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper to taste

1) Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat then add onions and leeks. Cook, stirring, until onions are limp and just slightly brown.

2) Add sliced potatoes to saucepan then pour in enough chicken broth to just barely cover the potatoes. Continue cooking over medium heat until potatoes are tender. Using a potato masher, mash and stir potatoes until desired consistency is reached. As you mash the potatoes and the soup thickens, turn down heat and stir frequently with a large spoon to prevent scorching on the bottom.

3) Add one cup of heavy cream (or more if you desire) and salt and black pepper to taste. Cook 15 minutes more over low heat, stirring frequently, then remove from heat and serve.

*Make sure to remember to clean leeks thoroughly and slice only the white and light green part of the leeks.

**This can easily become a vegetarian soup by simply using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Savory Sweet Potato and Ginger Pancakes

Serving Size : 6
Categories : Florida Dept of Agriculture Side Dish
Vegetarian

Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
——– ———— ——————————–
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes — peeled and diced
1/4 cup yellow onion — chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger — minced
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup green onions — sliced
Peanut oil — as needed for frying

Place a small amount of the sweet potatoes in a food processor and pulse
until the potato pieces are about the size of dried rice; repeat procedure
with remaining potatoes until they are similar in size. Add the yellow
onions to the last batch of potatoes to be processed. Combined remaining
ingredients and add to processed potatoes in a large bowl; mix thoroughly
and spoon potato batter into a skillet and fry with 1/8-inch of oil over
medium heat; brown both sides and serve hot.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 180 Calories; 4g Fat (18.0% calories
from fat); 6g Protein; 31g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 98mg Cholesterol;
410mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0
Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat.
Source:
“The Florida Department of Agriculture”
(Internet Address):
“http://www.fl-ag.com”

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Ragout
Serving Size : 6
The Florida Tomato Committee

Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
——– ———— ——————————–
2 pounds fresh Florida tomatoes
12 ounces medium pasta shells (about 4 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano — crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 slices lean bacon — cut into 1/2-inch pieces
10 ounces fresh mushrooms — quartered (about 3 cups)
1 cup frozen peas

Use tomatoes held at room temperature until fully ripe. Core and coarsely
dice (makes about 5 cups); set aside. Bring a large covered pot of water to

a boil. Add pasta; cook until barely tender, about 10 minutes; drain. Place
in a serving bowl; cover to keep warm. Meanwhile in a large nonstick
skillet, stir together olive oil, garlic, salt, oregano and black and red
peppers. Cook and stir over medium-high heat, until garlic just begins to
turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add bacon; cook and stir until lightly cooked,
but not crisp, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until mushrooms
are lightly browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in reserved tomatoes;
increase heat to high and cook until tomatoes start to release their juices
and start to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and simmer,
uncovered, until tomatoes are cooked down and saucy, but still chunky, about
8 minutes. Stir in peas. Spoon tomato sauce over pasta; toss until combined.

Source:
“The Florida Tomato Committee”
Yield: “5 1/2 cups”
Herb tips
There are quite a few ways you can preserve your herbs for use over the rest of the year. One method I found works well for herbs you will use most in wet foods is to chop them up and place them by the teaspoon full into ice trays. Place enough water over them to fill the cover each ice cube compartment(slowly so you do not send them pouring into another compartment.

You can also dry herbs by laying on clean screens until dry.
If using this method, turn the herbs during the first few days.
You can also dry in a very low temperature in the oven on cookie sheets.
Watch carefully and turn often.
You may want to invest in a food dehydrator if you plan on large scale herb gardening..

Herb Salts: this is a great gift idea as well as a tasty seasoning.
In a 250 degree oven spread a layer of free running salt on a cookie sheet.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs on top of the salt, and bake for 10-20 minutes,
stirring and checking often. When they are dry enough to crumble,
then let cool and crumble the herbs into the salt, stir and place in
a jar.
You can use this as a seasoning salt; especially good with vegetables!
Herbs that work well are chives, oregano, thyme, lemon balm or lemon thyme, parsley rosemary or basil.

You can also puree the herb and place into 4 ounce jars. Then store them in the freezer. Take out one at a time . Usually good for a week or 2

Puree
4 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups washed and dried basil leaves
Blend until pureed. Transfer to clean jar. Store in refrigerator.

Each time you use it stir and then top with a thin layer of oil. It
will keep one year by doing this. This is good on grilled chicken or
fish, stirred into soups or mixed with sun dried tomatoes and
broiled on bread.

Zesty Herb Blend

3 tablespoons dried basil
3 tablespoons dried marjoram
3 tablespoons dried thyme
3 tablespoons dried tarragon
1 tablespoon dried lemon peel
1 tablespoon whole oregano

Place all items in a small jar and seal. Shake until well blended.
This is great for adding to meat and vegetables.

Fine Herb Butter

1 cup butter
2 tablespoons parsley
2 tablespoons chives
1 tablespoon tarragon

Mince herbs and mix all with room temperature butter by hand or
mixer. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving. Wonderful with
vegetables, eggs, fish or bread.

Julia Childs Spices Fines Mix

1 teaspoon ground bay leaf
1 teaspoon ground clove
1 teaspoon ground mace
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon dried savory
1 tablespoon ground white pepper

Combine all ingredients.

Author: Julia Childs
Well another month has flown on by , as if on butterfly wings. Samhain is fast approaching and food becomes comfort. Look for some fun Samhain and Halloween foods next month.

Merry Cooking and Blessed Eating
The Hearthkeeper

Tags: cooking, herbs, Recipes

• Recipes

Mary DAlba August, 2009

Cinnamon
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. verum) also known as Sweet Wood and Ceylon cinnamon.   Its origin is Sri Lanka.   Cinnamon is pretty common in foods these days such as cinnamon rolls and cinnamon tea.  It is a bark that is ground into powder form that can be added to food and burned as incense.

In ancient times, Cinnamon was used as a religious herb, created to purify temples.   It also helped with mummification to create a sweet smell.  Throughout history, its leaves have been used in medicine.
Cinnamon can be used and substituted for Sun Magickal work such as healing, illumination, magickal power, physical energy, protection, success, and putting an end to legal matters.  Cinnamon is very powerful in Satchels and Amulets.   Mix cinnamon with frankincense, myrrh and sandalwood for a strong protection incense.   Use it to draw love to you by dressing a red candle or add it to a red mojo bag.  You can also use it for money drawing by burning it on a charcoal and casting a spell on a bill you want paid.
Cinnamon can be help as an astringent, carminative and stomachic.  It helps with flatulence, internal hemorrhaging, as a stimulant and with vomiting.  It is known to help with stomach and digestion issues.  Many times a tea is made to help with digestion issues by putting a teaspoon of Cinnamon into boiling water and drink as a tea.  (However, you may find the tea to be very strong so you may want to use less based on what you prefer for taste.)
Remember, this is not a substitution for medical advice so always check with a medical professional to make sure working with herbs are safe for you.
Keywords for Cinnamon

Magickal Uses/Spells:  Love/sex magick, health, fertility, lust, passion, protection, prosperity/money, deep healing, spirituality, scrying, power, strength and success.
Deities:  Venus, Aphrodite, Apollo
Planet:  Sun, Uranus
Gender:  Masculine

Element:  Fire
Tarot Correspondence:  The Lovers, The Sun

Tags: cinnamon, healing, herbs, magic, magick

• Herbal

LynSusun July, 2009

Using Herbs Simply and Safely

Are herbs “dilute forms of drugs” – and therefore dangerous? Or are they “natural” – and therefore safe? If you sell herbs, you probably hear these questions often. What is the “right” answer? It depends on the herb! These thoughts on herbs will help you explain to your customers (and yourself) how safe – or dangerous – any herb might be.

To prevent problems when selling or using herbs:

1. Be certain you have the correct plant.
2. Use simples.
3. Understand that different preparations of the same herb can work differently.
4. Use nourishing, tonifying, stimulating, and potentially poisonous herbs wisely.

Be Certain You Have The Correct Plant

One of the easiest ways to get into trouble with an herb is to use the “wrong” one. How could that happen? Common names for herbs overlap, causing confusion as to the proper identity. Herbs that are labeled correctly may contain extraneous material from another, more dangerous, herb. Herbs may be picked at the wrong stage of growth or handled incorrectly after harvesting, causing them to develop detrimental qualities.

Protect yourself and your customers with these simple steps:

* Buy herbs only from reputable suppliers.
* Only buy herbs that are labeled with their botanical name. Botanical names are specific, but the same common names can refer to several different plants. “Marigold” can be Calendula officinalis, a medicinal herb, or Tagetes, an annual used as a bedding plant.
* If you grow the herbs you sell, be meticulous about keeping different plants separate when you harvest and dry them, and obsessive about labeling.

Use Simples

A simple is one herb. For optimum safety, I prepare, buy, sell, teach about and use herbal simples, that is: preparations containing only one herb. (Occasionally I will add some mint to flavor a remedy.)

The more herbs there are in a formula, the more likelihood there is of unwanted side-effects. Understandably, the public seeks combinations, hoping to get more for less. And many mistakenly believe that herbs must be used together to be effective (probably because potentially poisonous herbs are often combined with protective herbs to mitigate the damage they cause). But combining herbs with the same properties, such as goldenseal and echinacea, is counter-productive and more likely to cause trouble than a simple.  A simple tincture of echinacea is more effective than any combination and much safer.

Different people have different reactions to substances, whether drugs, foods, or herbs. When herbs are mixed together in a formula and someone taking it has distressing side effects, there is no way to determine which herb is the cause. With simples, it’s easy to tell which herb is doing what. If there’s an adverse reaction, other herbs with similar properties can be tried. Limiting the number of herbs used in any one day (to no more than four) offers added protection.

Side effects from herbs are less common than side effects from drugs and usually less severe. If an herb disturbs the digestion, it may be that the body is learning to process it. Give it a few more tries before giving up. Stop taking any herb that causes nausea, dizziness, sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, headache, or blurred vision. (These effects will generally occur quite quickly.)  Slippery elm is an excellent antidote to any type of poison.

If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to consult resources that list the side effects of herbs before you use them.

Understand That Different Preparations Of The Same Herb Can Work Differently

The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used.

* Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used.
* Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used.
* Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilized, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive.
* Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally.
*

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium for nourishing and tonifying herbs; not as strong as tinctures for stimulants/sedatives.
*

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are usually weaker in action than tinctures.

Use Nourishing, Tonifying, Stimulating, & Potentially Poisonous Herbs Wisely

Herbs comprise a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some are nourishers, some tonifiers, some stimulants and sedatives, and some are potential poisons. To use them wisely and well, we need to understand each category, its uses, best manner of preparation, and usual dosage range.

Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing herbs are taken in any quantity for any length of time. They are used as foods, just like spinach and kale. Nourishing herbs provide high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenes, and essential fatty acids.

Examples of nourishing herbs are: alfalfa, amaranth, astragalus, calendula flowers, chickweed, comfrey leaves, dandelion, fenugreek, flax seeds, honeysuckle flowers, lamb’s quarter, marshmallow, nettles, oatstraw, plantain (leaves/seeds), purslane, red clover blossoms, seaweed, Siberian ginseng, slippery elm, violet leaves, and wild mushrooms.

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They build the functional ability of an organ (like the liver) or a system (like the immune system). Tonifying herbs are most beneficial when they are used in small quantities for extended periods of time. The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take. Bland tonics may be used in quantity, like nourishing herbs.

Side effects occasionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Many older herbalists mistakenly equated stimulating herbs with tonifying herbs, leading to widespread misuse of many herbs, and severe side effects.

Examples of tonifying herbs are: barberry bark, burdock root/seeds, chaste tree, crone(mug)wort, dandelion root, echinacea, elecampane, fennel, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, ground ivy, hawthorn berries, horsetail, lady’s mantle, lemon balm, milk thistle seeds, motherwort, mullein, pau d’arco, raspberry leaves, schisandra berries, St. Joan’s wort, turmeric root, usnea, wild yam, and yellow dock.

Sedating and stimulating herbs cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which may be unwanted. Some parts of the person may be stressed in order to help other parts. Strong sedatives and stimulants, whether herbs or drugs, push us outside our normal ranges of activity and may cause strong side effects. If we rely on them and then try to function without them, we wind up more agitated (or depressed) than before we began. Habitual use of strong sedatives and stimulants – whether opium, rhubarb root, cayenne, or coffee – leads to loss of tone, impairment of functioning, and even physical dependency. The stronger the herb, the more moderate the dose needs to be, and the shorter the duration of its use.

Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating are some of my favorite herbs. I use them freely, as they do not cause dependency. Sedating/stimulating herbs that also tonify or nourish: boneset, catnip, citrus peel, cleavers, ginger, hops, lavender, marjoram, motherwort, oatstraw, passion flower, peppermint, rosemary, sage, skullcap.

Strongly sedating/stimulating herbs include: angelica, black pepper, blessed thistle root, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, licorice, opium poppy, osha root, shepherd’s purse, sweet woodruff, turkey rhubarb root, uva ursu leaves, valerian root, wild lettuce sap, willow bark, and wintergreen leaves.

Potentially poisonous herbs are intense, potent medicines that are taken in tiny amounts and only for as long as needed. Side effects are common.

Examples of potentially poisonous herbs are: belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparral, foxglove, goldenseal, henbane, iris root, Jimson weed, lobelia, May apple (American mandrake), mistletoe, poke root, poison hemlock, stillingia root, turkey corn root, wild cucumber root.

In addition, consider these thoughts on using herbs safely:

* Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways.
* Increase trust in the healing effectiveness of plants by trying remedies for minor or external problems before, or while, working with major and internal problems.
* Develop ongoing relationships with knowledgeable healers – in person or in books – who are interested in herbal medicine.
* Honor the uniqueness of every plant, every person, every situation.
* Remember that each person becomes whole and healed in their own unique way, at their own speed. People, plants, and animals can help in this process. But it is the body/spirit that does the healing.  Don’t expect plants to be cure-alls.

Tags: herb safety, Herbal, herbs, safety

• Herbal

Hearthkeeper May, 2009

Merry Meet and welcome to this months notes.. I apologize that chaos has ensued and I was unable to get my column in on time last month… and Loki is still hounding me.. but I am working around that.

I want to talk to you all this month about the seasons. Renewal and death.. as that is the season we are in now. It has just passed Ostara in the Northern Hemi and Mabon in the Southern Hemi, Beltane is fast approaching in the Northern hemi with Samhain coming on for the Southern hemi.

While we Northerners are preparing to plant and be fertile, We Southerners are settling in to the death of the year; the time when things get ready to rest for the coming season. But in reality it is just different stages of growth. For there always needs to be a time of rest . when you gather your strength for the great push towards fertility.

At this point many of us are doing the same things, raking the gardens, preparing them for the coming seasons, tending the plants, either new sprouts being hand tended in our homes or the aging almost finished plants of the end of the season. We are also tending our lives as well. Cleaning up our past issues, shaking things out and seeing what needs mending and care. Looking for what we can cut and get rid of as well as what we may need to plan on planting there for later.

Here are some herbs to assist in the “clean up” either to prepare to plant them (fresh herbs are better) or drying and saving for the year.
Agrimony
Protection, banishes negative energy, sleep
Benzoin resin
Prosperity, astral projection, purification.
Blessed Thistle
Purification, hex-breaking, protection from evil- removes unwanted influences, particularly of malevolent intent. Strew to cleanse buildings or rooms, beneficial in healing spell

Burdock

Rinse with a root decoction for ridding oneself of a gloomy feeling about yourself or others.
Cedar
Home purification, good fortune, luck.
Clove
Banishing, love.
Copal resin
Purification, cleansing.
Dandelion Leaf
Divining,Used in Samhain rituals. Sleep, protection, healing. A very nutritious and universally beneficial herb.
Dried Fig
Fertility, love spells- excellent ingredient in spell bags. Divining. Sacred to Dionysus, Juno and many others. Recommended for a Beltane altar. If placed on the doorstep before leaving it will ensure you will arrive home safely.
Hyssop
An excellent purifying herb. Use in purification baths and spells. Associated with serpents and dragons, and can be burned as an incense to call on dragon energy. Aids in physical and spiritual protection.
Rosemary
Cleansing, purification, exorcism

Sage
Purifying, use as incense during sacred rituals-walk the smoke to the four corners of the room to repel and rid negative energies and influences. Especially good when moving into a new home.
Scotch Broom Leaf
A Druid sacred tree. Use in purification and protection spells and scatter to exorcise evil spirits. Burn to calm the wind. The branches are used to make traditional besoms. Its smoke is a sedative. Use in moderation, can be toxic.

St. John’s Wort
Health, protection, strength, love divination, happiness, exorcism. A Druid sacred herb. Use in protection and exorcism spells and incenses of all kinds. Carry to strengthen your courage and conviction. Burn to banish negative thoughts and energies.
Valerian Root
Use for dream magick and sleep protection baths. Keep in the home or grow in the garden to aid in keeping harmony. May be used to purify a ritual space. Useful in consecrating incense burners.
Yarrow Flower
Use to dispell melancholy, negative energy, lingering sorrow, or depression. Carried as a sachet or amulet it repels or rids of negative influences. Aids in divination. Good remedy for colds. Opens the pores and purifies the blood. Said to prevent baldness as a hair wash.
These are just to name a few. I am sure that you all have some wonderful herbs I may have missed or even never thought to use.
I have used some of these in Rituals, ritual baths,sprays to disperse quickly and evenly around the house, mop water and just dotted around the room if I felt it just needed a boost. You can make sachets to place under cushions and pillows, to place in your dresser drawers, even to carry in your purse or pocket.  I will end this for now as I do not want to run on and on and on. As is my way..LOL

Until next time

Blessed Home and Hearth

The Hearthkeeper

Tags: cottage witch, green witch, herbs, magic, magick, witch

• Herbal

Amy Jung May, 2009

It’s been a busy month for me getting my herb gardens in. With the smell of Spring in the air I felt the need to share some of my favorite spring recipes. Lavender rolls are a yearly treat at Beltane in our house, hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Hope your celebrations are the best, lets make this is the first day of a Blessed Spring for all!
Lavender Herb Rolls

1 pk Active dry yeast
1/4 cup Warm water
1 Teaspoon white sugar
a dash of salt
3/4 cup cream cheese
¼ cup milk
1/4 cup Honey
2 Tablespoon sweet Butter
1 Teaspoon Dried lavender buds
1 Tablespoon Fresh lemon thyme
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh basil (finely chopped)
1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
2 Eggs
1 ¼ cup Unbleached flour
1 ¼ cup whole wheat flour

In a small bowl, add sugar to water, dissolve yeast in water mix (put this aside till it begins to foam). In a larger bowl, mix together the cream cheese, milk, honey, butter, herbs, baking soda and eggs. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour to form a stiff dough, beating well after each addition. Cover and let rise about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Punch the dough down. Place in a well-greased muffin tin. (you can use paper muffin cups if you wish) Let rise 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 350 F. 20 to 30 minutes or untill golden brown.

Makes 10 rolls

ROSE WATER

(for skincare, not to be eaten)

2 cups of dried rose petals
1/4 cup vodka
1 cup witchhazel
1 cup distilled water
1 tsp glycerin
10 drops rose oil

Pour vodka, witchhazel and water over rose petals.
Put in a crockpot on low setting for at least 3 days.
Strain liquid into a jar (preferably not a clear jar), discard the rose petals.
Add glycerine & rose oil.

Tags: Crafts, herbs, lavender, rose water

• Herbal

LynSusun March, 2009

Take Heart from Hawthorn

Its many common names include whitethorn, hagthorn, ladies’ meat, quickthorn, maytree, and mayblossom. Its magic and medicine are ancient and memorable. From the earliest records, hawthorn is one of the sacred trees. Hawthorn is the sixth tree of the Ogam cycle, Hath. Hath precedes Quer, the oak, center tree of the cycle of thirteen. Hawthorn is said to guard the hinges and to oversee crafts. A branch of flowering hawthorn placed in studio or workshop is believed to make the craftsperson skilled and successful. Hath shuts what is open and opens what is shut. Her magic, like her medicinal effect, is slow but long lasting.

The day of the fairies’ return is not a calendar date, but, according to Ellen Everet Hopman, author of Tree Medicine, Tree Magic, “the day the hawthorn blooms.” As the fairy gates open this May, open your heart to hawthorn. Let its beauty and strength imbue you with great heart, for hawthorn is the herb of healthy hearts.

Hawthorn (Cratageus) is notable for its long thorns and bright red haws (apple-like berries). The thorns may be used as needles; and hedges of thorny hawthorn grow quickly enough to keep even goats at bay. The tasty crimson haws – called cuckoo’s beads, chucky cheese, and pixie pears – are fermented into wine or baked into little cakes to celebrate the new May.

The leaves, flowers, and ripe berries of Cratageus oxyacantha taste great and are easily consumed in teas, infusions, and tinctures. Consistent, long-term use of hawthorn is especially recommended for ageing hearts, weak hearts, damaged hearts, and those with hypertension, angina, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, or Reynaud’s disease (arterial spasms).

Regular use of hawthorn can:

* Lower blood pressure
* Increase the effectiveness of the heart’s pumping action
* Strengthen the heart muscle
* Slow the heartbeat
* Dilate coronary arteries
* Prevent heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
* Help those healing from heart surgery
* Support the immune system
* Increase longevity

The German Commission E – a scientific body which determines the effectiveness of herbal medicines – recommends tea or tincture of hawthorn for:

* Cardiac insufficiency corresponding to stages I and II of the NYHA
* Feelings of pressure and tightness in the cardiac region
* The ageing heart not yet requiring digitalis
* Mild bradyarrhythmia
* Increasing coronary and myocardial circulation

There are no contraindications and no overdose of hawthorn. It is safe to take with any other medicine, including other heart medicines. (Though it is redundant to take blood pressure medicine after taking hawthorn for three months.)

Hawthorn is a member of the rose family, and thus closely related to rose hips, apples, cherries, apricots, and almonds. Hawthorn tea is typically made by steeping two teaspoonfuls of dried leaves and flowers in a cup of boiling water for twenty minutes. Hawthorn infusion is made by steeping one ounce of dried flowers and leaves or one ounce of dried haws in a quart of boiling water for at least four hours. I make hawthorn tincture by soaking dried hawthorn haws in 100 proof vodka for at least six months, or until it turns quite red.

A dose is a cup of tea, half a cup of infusion, or a dropperful of tincture, taken first thing in the morning and last thing at night. For the first three months of use, a third dose, midday, may be added. Traditional European herbalists always add a big spoon of honey to hawthorn tea or infusion. They believe that sweetness heals the heart.

Hawthorn’s ability to slowly lower blood pressure is well documented, although the mechanism of its action is unclear. Hawthorn does not block calcium channels nor is it a diuretic. In fact, it is highly regarded as a safe way to lower blood pressure when the patient is diabetic or has kidney disease. An injectable preparation of hawthorn was widely used in modern medicine prior to the introduction of blood pressure drugs and heart-valve surgery. It is still available in Germany.

The elder Rodale wrote of his heart and its response to hawthorn in Organic Gardening in the mid-50s. His editorials praising his renewed health and vigor stand as a modern-day testament to an age-old herb.

The leaves, flower buds, flowers, and berries/haws of the hawthorn are all rich in anti-oxidant flavonoids. Flavonoids benefit the heart and blood vessels in many ways. Their powerful anti-inflammatory effects relax the blood vessels. Their anti-microbial actions stop low-level infections like those associated with gum disease from harming the heart. And flavonoids support healthy functioning of the immune system and the liver. No wonder hawthorn is the herb of longevity in stories and tales!

In addition to flavonoids, hawthorn is rich in minerals, and contains a small amount of the active principle oligomeric procyanidine (1-epicatechol). Numerous scientific authors have scratched their heads in amazement that hawthorn can have any helpful effect since it has no harmful effect. Pharmacological studies of it constituents evidence “no objectively assessable results.” There just isn’t enough “active ingredient” to account for its observable actions. But herbalists understand that the magic of hawthorn is in the sum of the parts, not in one active principle.

The nutrients in hawthorn assist its active ingredient so that the heart and circulatory system are slowly and deeply healed on multiple levels. Hawthorn carries its magnesium and calcium directly to the heart muscles, enhancing their ability to contract and increasing available oxygen. This beneficial effect extends into the coronary blood vessels as well. Hawthorn is unique in its ability to strengthen the weak heart and carry the old heart into a healthy future.

Hawthorn works thoroughly, dependably, and slowly. Consistent use of the remedy is required for benefits to accrue. But, once gained, improvement persists. I take hawthorn berry tincture several times a week to keep my 60-plus-year-old heart in great shape.

There’s magic and medicine in the tree of May, hawthorn. Take some home for yourself today.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material in this article is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Tags: hawthorn, healing, herbs, medicine, natural medicine

• Articles

FireyPearl March, 2009

Thank you for welcoming me back into the Pagan Pages family. It is good to be home.

Knowing if you are pagan is relatively simple, but choosing your path is a little more complex. There are hundreds of pagan paths that a practitioner can follow. Before you choose your path research them. Follow your heart when you make your final decision.

The title of this column is Blessed Be the Kitchen Witch. I am a kitchen witch but I am so also much more. I have brought many more practices into my craft, hearth witchery, cottage witchery, green witchery and garden witchery. I am an earth based witch and all of these practices are centered on the hearth and home so to me all fall into Kitchen Witchery. They are what make me the witch I choose to be. This column will have a little bit of all.

All of the spells, advice, and tips in this column are used with harm to none. Please follow the Wiccan Rede when doing any of the workings found here.

The following was found on the internet and I don’t know who the Author is.

The Kitchen Witch’s Creed

In this pot I stir the sun,

an’ follow the rule of harming none.

Banishment of bane when goin’ windershins;

an’ with water and salt negativity is cleansed.

Household duties are more than chores,

Magick abounds when mopping the floors.

With this broom, I do sweep,

To clean my house and safety keep.

Marigold, Basil, Thyme, and Yarrow,

My spell is cast for a better tomorrow.

Lemons for joy and apples for health,

The pow’r within brings great wealth.

And in this kitchen I do pray,

To truly walk the Witch’s Way.

The tools of a Kitchen Witch do not necessarily have to be bought. A simple wooden spoon can become a wand. A cup or bowl can become a chalice and vessel. Ordinary kitchen knives can be used for an athame and boline. The kitchen broom becomes a staff. The slow cooker or crock pot or a heavy duty cooking pot can be used as a cauldron. A simple coffee grinder takes place of the mortar and pestle. A Kitchen Witch’s magick comes from within, so be sure to use natural materials. Ie: glass, metal, wood, pottery, and ceramics, the broom should be made of straw.

A Kitchen Witch uses essential oils and incense to create balance. He or she turns everyday mundane life into magicak moments. They will take pride in the meals they prepare, and the recipes they create. There are many spells involving a broom and mop. They use these items to cleanse their home which is also their sacred space. He or She will also keep to the rule of harming none as not to jeopardize their magick. Their symbols involve household items such as a cauldron, broom, corn dolls, the triquetra, and a kitchen witch doll. Of course they will use any symbol that is comfortable for them.

A little lore using simple elements from the house.

The refrigerator is the appliance dedicated to air.

Fire dwells within the stove

Water rules over the kitchen sink

All the foods and herbs in the kitchen are ruled by the earth element.

It is thru the use of these basic everyday items from our kitchens that our magick is created.

Even more lore from a Kitchen Witch’s home

Be sure to wash all of your dishes every night is you work with fairy magick. Faries don’t like a dirty kitchen and they won’t let you sleep until you clean it!!

Hang wind chimes in doorways, in front of windows outside, or from a balcony rail to ward off negative energy and keep away intruders.

Sifters and strainers kept in the kitchen are good for protection and will keep the kitchen safe.

If you have a bunch of accidents in your kitchen it is time to magikcally cleanse it.

Sew herbs or magickal powders into the lining of your drapes. Place packets of herbs or magickal powders under your throw rugs. This helps protect and scent the home at the same time.

Herbs for alternate healing

NOTE: Before using any of these remedies please check with your doctor. Some may be bad for your health if you have an existing condition that will interact with the herbs.

Art

• The Art of SteelGoddess
• The Crafty Writer

hritis: Comfrey

Flu: cayenne pepper

Gout: comfrey.  Gout is also in the arthritis family

Headaches: rosemary

Insect Stings: Marigold

Nightmares: chamomile, rosemary

I will have more for you next month.

Natural Remedies

Cool whip will condition your hair in 15 min.

Dump Nestea into a bath for sunburn

Use meat tenderizer for bee stings

Puffy eyes? Preparation H….I know it sounds gross but it works…yes I have used it…lol

Use that old time favorite snack jell-o for stinky feet… I know.. now I am really grossing you out, but these really work.

Put Kool-Aid in plain yogurt and let your kids use it for finger paints. Your kids will love it and it won’t hurt them if they eat it.

Use Pam cooking spray for a sticking bike chain

Pam will also remove paint and grease from your hands

Peanut butter will take the ink off the face of dolls

Stay tuned for more

March brings us our Spring Equinox. It is also the sabbat of Ostara. Ostara is celebrated on this equinox. It is also known as Lady Day. Ostara is named after the Goddess Eostre. While modern day Wiccans equate Ostara with the spring equinox, the original Ostara was a lunar holiday celebrated on the 1st full moon following the equinox. The significance of Ostara is the beginning of spring and the renewal and rebirth of nature herself.

The full moon for March is called the Chaste Moon. March is the month when spring is upon us. With spring comes the rebirth of plants and animals. Now is the time for new beginnings, new projects, and planting your flowers and new herbs.

I live in an apartment complex so I don’t have flower beds (the BIG downfall of apartment buildings) I do however have a balcony. Since this is the 1st spring I have been here I am going to try my hand at balcony gardening. I will get planters for the railing and plant some of my favorite flowers and a herb garden. I can’t wait. This month’s gardening will be geared towards the apartment dwellers.

For those of you who have a sunny kitchen window (I don’t) the windowsill full of potted plants and herbs not only looks good, but they release magickal energies into the room. Plant some common herbs that are used in your kitchen. Of course plant some of the herbs you like so you can have their energies too.
This month’s craft

Doorway Protection for those living in an apartment

Items Needed:

1 purple candle   glue gun and glue sticks  wire cutters

¼ yard ½ “ lace, gathered and color of choice

2 yds ¼ “ satin ribbon in your color of choice

4 yds ½ “ satin ribbon in a contrasting color

10 small silk rose buds ( found at Hobby Lobby or Michaels)

Gather these items into your sacred space. Light the purple candle. Before making this protective charm, sit and clear your mind and think of how you want this charm to protect your home. When you are ready begin.

1. Take the broom and “very carefully” pass it thru the flame of the candle, the fire will help infuse your charm with your energy. Do this for each item.
2. With the ¼ “ ribbon tie a double bow and glue to the top of the handle. Cut the wire stems off 2 of the silk rosebuds. Glue these to the center of the bow.
3. Take the ½ “ ribbon and tie it into a triple bow. Glue this to the base of the handle. Cut the wire stems off 4 of the rosebuds. Glue them to the center of the bow.
4. Glue the gathered lace along the bottom edge of the bristles(about 1” from the bottom) Cut the stems off the remaining rosebuds and glue them evenly spaced across the lace.
5. Hold your finished broom in your hands as you visualize its intent.

The following incantation is recommended but now necessary. I know it doesn’t rhyme but I haven’t yet mastered that.

Wrapped in ribbon and lace

This broom is enchanted.

Cleansed in fire, now may my wish be granted.

Magic broom of mine protect from harm,

Ward off negativity

Blessed be.

Hang the broom bristles up over your door.

Allow the candle to burn for a bit then extinguish. Put the candle away and use the next time you work any protection for your apartment.

As I told everyone in June 06, I had a “kitchen witch doll” that hang in 7 different kitchen’s and had made it thru all the moves. Well I had to give her a decent send off as she didn’t make it thru my last move intact. Next month’s craft will be the making of a Kitchen Witch Doll.

In closing: Everyone has their own magickal or sacred place. Mine is my home. I feel the magick of my home as well as work my own magick. For some this is their magickal place too. Whatever your place, make it your own. Decorate it to your taste. For those who’s space is outside, enhance your place by adding nice chairs and pots of flowers that you feel drawn too. This place too can be made your very own. Whether inside or out, have fun making your space. Let it take on your personality as well as keeping its own.

Remember: Magick happens all around us.

See you next month

Tags: craft, herbs, kitchen witch, magic, magick, natural, remedies

• Articles

LynSusun February, 2009

You Can Have a Green Ally!

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

medicine is people’s medicine. So why don’t more people use it? Because it can seem complicated and scary, for starters. That’s the reason I urge you to use herbal medicine simply — one herb at a time. And that’s a good reason to have a green ally: one plant that teaches you the fundamental principles of herbal medicine.

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

medicine is spirit medicine as well as body medicine. Our green allies tend our souls along with our sores. So why don’t more books and courses talk about plant spirits? Or, if they do, why do they divorce it from herbal medicine? Because it’s not something that is easily written or even talked about. You have to connect with the devas and fairies yourself. And that’s a good reason to have a green ally: one plant that opens you and guides you into the realms of green blessings.

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

medicine is broad, deep, wide, timeless. It takes seven lifetimes to become an herbalist.

Take the time this year to develop a relationship with one special plant: a green ally. How?

Choose a plant that grows very near to you … no more than a one-minute walk from your door. You don’t need to know the name of the plant, or anything about it. You will be sitting with your plant every day, so, if possible, choose one that grows in a quiet and lovely place … in a pot on your balcony is just fine … in a park is great … so is an alley … or a backyard.

You can read about the plant you’ve chosen if you do know the name, but it isn’t necessary. The point is to develop a special caring, nurturing relationship with your green ally. The following six exercises can help you do this. They are from my latest correspondence course: ABC of

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

ism with Susun Weed, which focuses on ways to prepare and use 52 herbs and herbs for dealing with more than 20 health concerns. I also offer a year-long Green Ally Correspondence Course. For more information on my other correspondence courses visit me at www.susunweed.com

Green Ally Exercises from “ABC of

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

ism with Susun S. Weed”

First green ally exercise:

Sit and breathe with your green ally for 3-10 minutes a day. You breathe out and the plant breathes in; the plant breathes out and you breathe in.

Second green ally exercise:

Make a detailed drawing of your green ally, as accurate as you can make it. Then do a soft-focus, impressionistic drawing of your green ally. When the weather is too inclement to breathe with your green ally, breathe with your green ally’s picture.

Third green ally exercise:

What part of your green ally is usually used? Are other parts helpful? Experiment by making several small tinctures, oils, and vinegars of the different parts of your plant. Ask the plant to help you discover new ways to use her.

Fourth green ally exercise:

Observe the conditions that your green ally chooses to live in. Does your ally grow near to people (to be used) or far from them (to be left alone)? In a shady spot (cool) or a sunny one (warm)? In a wet area (moist) or an arid one (dry)? In rich soil or poor soil? Plants make alkaloids and glycosides in rich soils; resins and essential oils in poor soils.

Fifth green ally exercise:

Write a story from the point of view of your green ally. Let your ally speak to you and through you. Listen for the voice of your ally in your dreams, in your day dreams, in your mind. Write down what she says.

If this is hard, try writing with a pen instead of on a computer; or try writing with your non-dominant hand. A warm-up exercise given to me by Jean Houston is to first write a page of praise of your ally, tell your ally how wonderful she is, and how much you like her.

Final green ally exercise:

Introduce one or more friends to your green ally. Tell them what you know, what you feel, and what you think about your ally. If it is edible, feed them some.

Study with Susun Weed in the convenience of your home! Choose from four Correspondence Courses: Green Allies, Spirit & Practice of the Wise Woman Tradition, Green Witch, and ABC of

Herbal

• WiseWoman Traditions

ism – includes audio/video tapes, books, assignments, special mailings, plus personal time.

Learn more at www.susunweed.com

Tags: geen, Herbal, herbs, holistic, medicine

• Articles