Post by estatigua (Tiggy) on Jan 2, 2007 17:51:03 GMT -5
Saffron
MEDICINAL: Saffron is used as a preventative for heart disease, as it prevents the build-up of cholesterol. It is also used to soothe the membranes of the stomach and colon. It is not to be taken in large doses, nor should it be taken by pregnant women.
MAGICKAL: Saffron is used to clean the hands before rituals. It is used in healing mixtures. The essential oil is used to induce clairvoayancy. Thrown into the air, it can bring the winds.
GROWING: Saffron grows from a bulb commonly known as a corm. It is a perennial. Plant in the fall, 3 inches deep in light, well-drained soil where it will receive plenty of sun. The three-pronged stigmas that remain after flowering is the part to harvest for healing use.
*Sage
MEDICINAL: Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, rosemary, and wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant.
MAGICKAL: Sage is used in healing amulets, incenses, and sachets, and is also used in the same manner for bringing prosperity. Sage burned at the altar or in sacred space consecrate the area. Burned in the home, it removes impurities and banishes evil, as well as providing protection.
GROWING: Sage is an evergreen perennial, growing to 2 feet tall. It does best in sandy, limey soil in full sun.
*St. Johnswort
MEDICINAL: St. Johnswort is useful for bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wounds, and for dirty, septic wounds. It is used to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, shingles, as well as symptoms that occur during menopause. It is useful in swellings, abcesses, and bad insect stings. Studies are showing that it may be effective in combatting AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body. DO , NOT GO INTO THE SUN if using this herb, as it causes blistering sunburns, especially in fair-skinned people.
MAGICKAL: St. Johnswort is hung around the neck to prevent fevers. Wearing the herb aids you in war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. Burnt it will banish evil and negativity. Hung in the home or carried, it will prevent spells of others from entering, and it is used in exorcisms. If you pick the plant on the night of St. John and hang it on your bedroom wall, you will dream of your future husband.
GROWING: St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall. It is grown throughout much of North America. It prefers rich to moderately rich soils, and full sun. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as they bloom and store in air-tight containers.
Sandalwood
MEDICINAL: Sandalwood oil is used to cool the body during fevers and heat stroke. It is also used to aid in the passing of kidney and gall stones, and for infections in the urinary tract.
MAGICKAL: Sandalwood oil is massaged on the forehead and between the eyes to help center and calm the mind. It is used in healing oils and sachets. It is burned as a purifiying agent in every room of the home, and as a protective agent.
Saw Palmetto
MEDICINAL: Used for all wasting diseases. Also very useful for all diseases of the reproductive glands and organs. It is also used for the mucous membranes, as well as for treating bronchitis and lung asthma. It's most popular current use is for treating enlargement of the prostate gland.
Scullcap
MEDICINAL: Scullcap is a food for the nerves. It supports and strengthens as well as giving immediate relief from all chronic and acute diseases that affect the nerves. It is used to regulate sexual desires, and is very useful in remedies for feminine cramps and menstrual troubles. It reduces fevers and aids in easing insomnia and restlessness. It is also used to lessen the affects of epilepsy.
MAGICKAL: Scullcap is used in spells that bring about peace, tranquility, and relaxation.
GROWING: Scullcap prefers moist well-drained soils. It is a perennial that reaches to 3 feet in full to partial shade. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years.
Slippery Elm
MEDICINAL: Slippery Elm is used to neutralize stomach acids. It is used to boost the adrenal glands, draws out impurities and heals all parts of the body. It is most useful for the respiratory system. Externally it is an excellent healer for burns, skin cancers, poison ivy, and wounds.
MAGICKAL: Slippery elm is burned to stop gossip.
GROWING: The inner bark of the slippery elm is the portion used for healing. It is a deciduous tree that grows 50-80 feet tall. It needs full sun and good soils. It is found from Canada to Florida, west to the Dakotas and Texas.
Solomon's Seal
MEDICINAL: Solomon's Seal is used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, and wasting diseases. It is also used as a kidney tonic, and as a healer of broken bones.
MAGICKAL: It is added to protection sachets and incenses. It is also used for exorcisms and cleansing mixtures.
GROWING: Solomon's Seal is a perennial herb that grows from 1 - 3 feet high. It prefers moist woods, thickets, and roadsides. It prefers full to partial sun.
*Spearmint
MEDICINAL: Spearmint is a valuable herb for stopping vomiting during pregnancy. It is gentle enough to use for colic in babies, while aiding in curing colds, flu, and gas.
MAGICKAL: Spearmint is added to healing incenses and sachets to aid in healing lung diseases and other afflictions. Place some in a sleeping pillow for protection during sleep.
GROWING: Grow Spearmint as you would any other member of the Mint family. It is a perennial growing to 3 feet tall and is tolerable of many different growing conditions.
Squawvine
MEDICINAL: Squawvine is most beneficial in childbirth. It strengthens the uterus, helps prevent miscarriage, and relieves congestion of the uterus and ovaries. Its antiseptic properties make it valuable for treating girl thingyl infections, and is a natural nerve sedative. It is most often used in combination with Raspberry.
GROWING: Squawvine is a perennial evergreen creeper that grows on forest floors.
Taheebo
MEDICINAL: Also known as Pau d' Arco. Taheebo is found in South America. It is a powerful herb with antibiotic and virus-killing properties. It gives the body the energy needed to defend itself and to help resist diseases. It is used in South America to battle cancer and leukemia. It is useful in aiding all chronic diseases.
*Thyme
MEDICINAL: Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete's foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, and colds.
MAGICKAL: Thyme is burnt to purge and fumigate magickal rooms and spaces, as well as to bring good health. Thyme in a sleeping pillow repels nightmares.
GROWING: Thyme is a perennial that loves warm, sunny fields, and is found throughout North America. It grows to 15 inches tall, and makes an excellent ground cover on dry slopes. Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody.
Uva Ursi
MEDICINAL: Uva Ursi strengthens and tones the urinary tract. It is especially useful for kidney infections, bladder infections, and inflammatory disease of the urinary tract. It is used as a diabetes remedy for excessive sugar in the blood. It is used for postpartum women to return the womb to its natural size, as well as to prevent infection of the womb after childbirth. It should not be used by pregnant women.
MAGICKAL: Add to sachets to increase psychic powers.
GROWING:Uva Ursi rarely grows more than a few inches tall. It is best propogated from cuttings. It takes an unusually long time to root, so consider instead buying small plants from nurseries. It does poorly in rich soil, as it prefers poor soils in full sun. Once established, it spreads and becomes an attractive, hardy ground cover, surviving temperatures of -50.
Valerian
MEDICINAL: Valerian is a relaxer, and is very effective for insomnia. It is often used as a tranquilizer, but it leaves no sluggish effects on the user. It is used for nervous tension, pain relieving, and for muscle spasms. It should not be taken over a long period of time, as it can cause mental depression in some people after long-term steady use.
MAGICKAL: Valerian is used to get fighting couples back together, in spells of love, and in purification baths.
GROWING: Valerian is a perennial plant that grows to 3 feet tall. It prefers full sun, and average to rich well-drained soil. Root cuttings are best for propogation, and once the plants are established, they self-sow and spread by root runners. Valerian has a similar effect on cats as catnip, so you may need to protect your patch with chicken wire. Harvest roots for medicinal use in the fall of their second year.
Vervain
MEDICINAL: Vervain is used to treat the liver and diseases related to the liver, as well as painful or irregular menses. It will also help increase the flow of a mother's milk.
MAGICKAL: Vervain is used for cleansing incenses and baths. Buried in a field, it will make your crops abundant. It is burned to attract wealth, and hung above a bed to prevent nightmares, and above a baby's crib (out of reach!) to offer protection for the little one, and will enable the child to grow up with a love of learning and a happy outlook. Hung in the home it offers protection from negative spells, and is used as a pledge of mutual faith when given to a friend.
GROWING:Vervain is a perennial herb that grows 1-2 feet tall. It prefers full sun, average to rich soils, and is grown throughout temperate North America. It is rather short-lived, but self-sows. Harvest leaves and flower tops as the plants bloom.
Violet
MEDICINAL: Violet is effective in healing internal ulcers. It is used both internally and externally for pimples, abscesses, tumors, and swollen glands. It is useful in treating malignant growths, as well.
MAGICKAL: Violet in a pillow will help ease headaches away. Carrying the flowers brings a change in luck, and mixed with lavendar makes a powerful love sachet.
GROWING: Violets are a perennial, prefer partial shade, average to rich well-drained soil, and grow to 8 inches tall.
Vitex
MEDICINAL: Vitex is a normalizing herb for the reproductive system. It is most commonly used in treating infertility, PMS, menopausal problems, and hormonal imbalances. It is most effective when taken over a period of time, and in conjunction with other herbs used for the same purposes. It is also known as chaste tree fruit, or chaste berry.
Walnut
MEDICINAL: Walnut bark is used to treat dysentery and skin diseases. The nut is used to promote strength and weight gain. The hull of the nut is used to treat skin diseases, herpes, head and body lice, and internal parasites. Walnut leaf is used to treat eczema, hives, and boils.
MAGICKAL: The nut still in its shell is carried to promote fertility. To discover if a Witch is in your midst, legend has it that you should drop a walnut still in its shell into the lap of the person suspected, and if that person is truly a Witch, they will be unable to rise from a sitting position as long as the walnut is in their laps.
GROWING: Walnuts are trees that grow to 60 feet tall. They prefer full sun, deep and well-drained soil, and regular water. They grow well in areas such as the eastern and midwestern United States.
Wild Cherry
MEDICINAL: Wild Cherry Bark is a very good expectorant. It is therefore useful for all ilnesses that have related lung congestion. The bark is boiled down into a syrup, which is safe to use even for children.
GROWING: Wild Cherry grows throughout North America in moist areas, and along riverbanks. It is either a tall shrub or small tree, depending upon growing conditions of the area.
Wild Yam
MEDICINAL: Wild Yam is helpful to the liver and the endocrine system. It is also used in regulation of the female system, particularly during menopause and menstrual distress, as well as used in treating infertility. Used with chaste berry and dandelion it is an effective treatment for morning sickness.
GROWING:Usually found wild in the eastern half of North America, it is a perennial plant that is a low creeper, and occupies average to poor soils and full sun.
Willow
MEDICINAL: Willow works like aspirin. In fact, aspirin was derived from willow bark. It is also used to cleanse and heal eyes that are infected or inflamed. It is safe to use, and is mild on the stomach and leaves no after-effects.
MAGICKAL: Willow trees are planted near the home as a guard. Its branches have been used for the bindings on a witch's broom, and as healing wands. It is also used to bring the blessings of the moon into your life.
GROWING: Willows prefer damp, low spaces, as a long rivers and streams, or areas that receive regular water. They grow throughout North America. It grows to 70 feet or more.
Witch Hazel
MEDICINAL: Witch Hazel is used externally for insect bites, burns, bleeding wounds, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Internally it will stop bleeding from internal organs, treats bronchitis, flu, and coughs as well as promotes healing of stomach ulcers. It is often used as a mouthwash for conditions of the mouth and throat, and for bleeding gums.
MAGICKAL: The forked twigs of the Witch Hazel are used for divining. It will help heal a broken heart and cool passions when carried.
GROWING: Witch Hazel is a shrub or small tree that grows 5 - 15 feet. It ranges throughout the eastern half of North America. It prefers full sun, and average soils.
Wormwood
MEDICINAL: Wormwood is used for all problems within the digestive system, as well as liver and bladder ailments. It promotes menstruation and will help with menstrual cramps. Do not give to small children, and use only in very small quantities for very short periods of time, as the FDA considers this a poisonous plant.
MAGICKAL: Wormwood is burned to raise your spirits to a higher level, enabling easier divination and clairvoyance. Thrown on the fire at Samhain, it will protect from the spirits that roam that night.
GROWING: Wormwood grows mainly in temperate regions of the eastern portion of North America. It is a perennial shrub that reaches to 4 feet tall, and prefers full sun and average to poor soils.
Yarrow
MEDICINAL: Yarrow is used to stimulate and regulate the liver. It acts as a blood purifier and heals the glandular system. It has been used as a contraceptive, and as a part of diabetes treatment, as well as treating gum ailments and toothache. Also is used in formulas for treating colds, flus, and fevers. It arrests internal and external bleeding during childbirth. It is used to stop the bleeding of external wounds.Pregnant women should avoid this herb.
MAGICKAL: Since Yarrow has the ability to keep a couple together for 7 years, it is used in love sachets as well as a gift to give to newlyweds. When worn it wards off negativity, and if held in your hand it repels fear. Yarrow added to the bath protects from harm.
GROWING: Yarrow is a perennial, and its various varieties range from 8 inches to 3 feet tall. It prefers full sun, and average to poor dry soils.
Yellow Dock
MEDICINAL: Yellow Dock is a powerful blood purifier and astringent. It is used in treating all diseases of the blood and skin It is very high in iron, making it useful for treating anemia. It nourishes the spleen and liver, detoxifies the liver, and cleanses and enriches the blood.
MEDICINAL: Saffron is used as a preventative for heart disease, as it prevents the build-up of cholesterol. It is also used to soothe the membranes of the stomach and colon. It is not to be taken in large doses, nor should it be taken by pregnant women.
MAGICKAL: Saffron is used to clean the hands before rituals. It is used in healing mixtures. The essential oil is used to induce clairvoayancy. Thrown into the air, it can bring the winds.
GROWING: Saffron grows from a bulb commonly known as a corm. It is a perennial. Plant in the fall, 3 inches deep in light, well-drained soil where it will receive plenty of sun. The three-pronged stigmas that remain after flowering is the part to harvest for healing use.
*Sage
MEDICINAL: Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, rosemary, and wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant.
MAGICKAL: Sage is used in healing amulets, incenses, and sachets, and is also used in the same manner for bringing prosperity. Sage burned at the altar or in sacred space consecrate the area. Burned in the home, it removes impurities and banishes evil, as well as providing protection.
GROWING: Sage is an evergreen perennial, growing to 2 feet tall. It does best in sandy, limey soil in full sun.
*St. Johnswort
MEDICINAL: St. Johnswort is useful for bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wounds, and for dirty, septic wounds. It is used to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, shingles, as well as symptoms that occur during menopause. It is useful in swellings, abcesses, and bad insect stings. Studies are showing that it may be effective in combatting AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body. DO , NOT GO INTO THE SUN if using this herb, as it causes blistering sunburns, especially in fair-skinned people.
MAGICKAL: St. Johnswort is hung around the neck to prevent fevers. Wearing the herb aids you in war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. Burnt it will banish evil and negativity. Hung in the home or carried, it will prevent spells of others from entering, and it is used in exorcisms. If you pick the plant on the night of St. John and hang it on your bedroom wall, you will dream of your future husband.
GROWING: St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall. It is grown throughout much of North America. It prefers rich to moderately rich soils, and full sun. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as they bloom and store in air-tight containers.
Sandalwood
MEDICINAL: Sandalwood oil is used to cool the body during fevers and heat stroke. It is also used to aid in the passing of kidney and gall stones, and for infections in the urinary tract.
MAGICKAL: Sandalwood oil is massaged on the forehead and between the eyes to help center and calm the mind. It is used in healing oils and sachets. It is burned as a purifiying agent in every room of the home, and as a protective agent.
Saw Palmetto
MEDICINAL: Used for all wasting diseases. Also very useful for all diseases of the reproductive glands and organs. It is also used for the mucous membranes, as well as for treating bronchitis and lung asthma. It's most popular current use is for treating enlargement of the prostate gland.
Scullcap
MEDICINAL: Scullcap is a food for the nerves. It supports and strengthens as well as giving immediate relief from all chronic and acute diseases that affect the nerves. It is used to regulate sexual desires, and is very useful in remedies for feminine cramps and menstrual troubles. It reduces fevers and aids in easing insomnia and restlessness. It is also used to lessen the affects of epilepsy.
MAGICKAL: Scullcap is used in spells that bring about peace, tranquility, and relaxation.
GROWING: Scullcap prefers moist well-drained soils. It is a perennial that reaches to 3 feet in full to partial shade. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years.
Slippery Elm
MEDICINAL: Slippery Elm is used to neutralize stomach acids. It is used to boost the adrenal glands, draws out impurities and heals all parts of the body. It is most useful for the respiratory system. Externally it is an excellent healer for burns, skin cancers, poison ivy, and wounds.
MAGICKAL: Slippery elm is burned to stop gossip.
GROWING: The inner bark of the slippery elm is the portion used for healing. It is a deciduous tree that grows 50-80 feet tall. It needs full sun and good soils. It is found from Canada to Florida, west to the Dakotas and Texas.
Solomon's Seal
MEDICINAL: Solomon's Seal is used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, and wasting diseases. It is also used as a kidney tonic, and as a healer of broken bones.
MAGICKAL: It is added to protection sachets and incenses. It is also used for exorcisms and cleansing mixtures.
GROWING: Solomon's Seal is a perennial herb that grows from 1 - 3 feet high. It prefers moist woods, thickets, and roadsides. It prefers full to partial sun.
*Spearmint
MEDICINAL: Spearmint is a valuable herb for stopping vomiting during pregnancy. It is gentle enough to use for colic in babies, while aiding in curing colds, flu, and gas.
MAGICKAL: Spearmint is added to healing incenses and sachets to aid in healing lung diseases and other afflictions. Place some in a sleeping pillow for protection during sleep.
GROWING: Grow Spearmint as you would any other member of the Mint family. It is a perennial growing to 3 feet tall and is tolerable of many different growing conditions.
Squawvine
MEDICINAL: Squawvine is most beneficial in childbirth. It strengthens the uterus, helps prevent miscarriage, and relieves congestion of the uterus and ovaries. Its antiseptic properties make it valuable for treating girl thingyl infections, and is a natural nerve sedative. It is most often used in combination with Raspberry.
GROWING: Squawvine is a perennial evergreen creeper that grows on forest floors.
Taheebo
MEDICINAL: Also known as Pau d' Arco. Taheebo is found in South America. It is a powerful herb with antibiotic and virus-killing properties. It gives the body the energy needed to defend itself and to help resist diseases. It is used in South America to battle cancer and leukemia. It is useful in aiding all chronic diseases.
*Thyme
MEDICINAL: Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete's foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, and colds.
MAGICKAL: Thyme is burnt to purge and fumigate magickal rooms and spaces, as well as to bring good health. Thyme in a sleeping pillow repels nightmares.
GROWING: Thyme is a perennial that loves warm, sunny fields, and is found throughout North America. It grows to 15 inches tall, and makes an excellent ground cover on dry slopes. Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody.
Uva Ursi
MEDICINAL: Uva Ursi strengthens and tones the urinary tract. It is especially useful for kidney infections, bladder infections, and inflammatory disease of the urinary tract. It is used as a diabetes remedy for excessive sugar in the blood. It is used for postpartum women to return the womb to its natural size, as well as to prevent infection of the womb after childbirth. It should not be used by pregnant women.
MAGICKAL: Add to sachets to increase psychic powers.
GROWING:Uva Ursi rarely grows more than a few inches tall. It is best propogated from cuttings. It takes an unusually long time to root, so consider instead buying small plants from nurseries. It does poorly in rich soil, as it prefers poor soils in full sun. Once established, it spreads and becomes an attractive, hardy ground cover, surviving temperatures of -50.
Valerian
MEDICINAL: Valerian is a relaxer, and is very effective for insomnia. It is often used as a tranquilizer, but it leaves no sluggish effects on the user. It is used for nervous tension, pain relieving, and for muscle spasms. It should not be taken over a long period of time, as it can cause mental depression in some people after long-term steady use.
MAGICKAL: Valerian is used to get fighting couples back together, in spells of love, and in purification baths.
GROWING: Valerian is a perennial plant that grows to 3 feet tall. It prefers full sun, and average to rich well-drained soil. Root cuttings are best for propogation, and once the plants are established, they self-sow and spread by root runners. Valerian has a similar effect on cats as catnip, so you may need to protect your patch with chicken wire. Harvest roots for medicinal use in the fall of their second year.
Vervain
MEDICINAL: Vervain is used to treat the liver and diseases related to the liver, as well as painful or irregular menses. It will also help increase the flow of a mother's milk.
MAGICKAL: Vervain is used for cleansing incenses and baths. Buried in a field, it will make your crops abundant. It is burned to attract wealth, and hung above a bed to prevent nightmares, and above a baby's crib (out of reach!) to offer protection for the little one, and will enable the child to grow up with a love of learning and a happy outlook. Hung in the home it offers protection from negative spells, and is used as a pledge of mutual faith when given to a friend.
GROWING:Vervain is a perennial herb that grows 1-2 feet tall. It prefers full sun, average to rich soils, and is grown throughout temperate North America. It is rather short-lived, but self-sows. Harvest leaves and flower tops as the plants bloom.
Violet
MEDICINAL: Violet is effective in healing internal ulcers. It is used both internally and externally for pimples, abscesses, tumors, and swollen glands. It is useful in treating malignant growths, as well.
MAGICKAL: Violet in a pillow will help ease headaches away. Carrying the flowers brings a change in luck, and mixed with lavendar makes a powerful love sachet.
GROWING: Violets are a perennial, prefer partial shade, average to rich well-drained soil, and grow to 8 inches tall.
Vitex
MEDICINAL: Vitex is a normalizing herb for the reproductive system. It is most commonly used in treating infertility, PMS, menopausal problems, and hormonal imbalances. It is most effective when taken over a period of time, and in conjunction with other herbs used for the same purposes. It is also known as chaste tree fruit, or chaste berry.
Walnut
MEDICINAL: Walnut bark is used to treat dysentery and skin diseases. The nut is used to promote strength and weight gain. The hull of the nut is used to treat skin diseases, herpes, head and body lice, and internal parasites. Walnut leaf is used to treat eczema, hives, and boils.
MAGICKAL: The nut still in its shell is carried to promote fertility. To discover if a Witch is in your midst, legend has it that you should drop a walnut still in its shell into the lap of the person suspected, and if that person is truly a Witch, they will be unable to rise from a sitting position as long as the walnut is in their laps.
GROWING: Walnuts are trees that grow to 60 feet tall. They prefer full sun, deep and well-drained soil, and regular water. They grow well in areas such as the eastern and midwestern United States.
Wild Cherry
MEDICINAL: Wild Cherry Bark is a very good expectorant. It is therefore useful for all ilnesses that have related lung congestion. The bark is boiled down into a syrup, which is safe to use even for children.
GROWING: Wild Cherry grows throughout North America in moist areas, and along riverbanks. It is either a tall shrub or small tree, depending upon growing conditions of the area.
Wild Yam
MEDICINAL: Wild Yam is helpful to the liver and the endocrine system. It is also used in regulation of the female system, particularly during menopause and menstrual distress, as well as used in treating infertility. Used with chaste berry and dandelion it is an effective treatment for morning sickness.
GROWING:Usually found wild in the eastern half of North America, it is a perennial plant that is a low creeper, and occupies average to poor soils and full sun.
Willow
MEDICINAL: Willow works like aspirin. In fact, aspirin was derived from willow bark. It is also used to cleanse and heal eyes that are infected or inflamed. It is safe to use, and is mild on the stomach and leaves no after-effects.
MAGICKAL: Willow trees are planted near the home as a guard. Its branches have been used for the bindings on a witch's broom, and as healing wands. It is also used to bring the blessings of the moon into your life.
GROWING: Willows prefer damp, low spaces, as a long rivers and streams, or areas that receive regular water. They grow throughout North America. It grows to 70 feet or more.
Witch Hazel
MEDICINAL: Witch Hazel is used externally for insect bites, burns, bleeding wounds, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Internally it will stop bleeding from internal organs, treats bronchitis, flu, and coughs as well as promotes healing of stomach ulcers. It is often used as a mouthwash for conditions of the mouth and throat, and for bleeding gums.
MAGICKAL: The forked twigs of the Witch Hazel are used for divining. It will help heal a broken heart and cool passions when carried.
GROWING: Witch Hazel is a shrub or small tree that grows 5 - 15 feet. It ranges throughout the eastern half of North America. It prefers full sun, and average soils.
Wormwood
MEDICINAL: Wormwood is used for all problems within the digestive system, as well as liver and bladder ailments. It promotes menstruation and will help with menstrual cramps. Do not give to small children, and use only in very small quantities for very short periods of time, as the FDA considers this a poisonous plant.
MAGICKAL: Wormwood is burned to raise your spirits to a higher level, enabling easier divination and clairvoyance. Thrown on the fire at Samhain, it will protect from the spirits that roam that night.
GROWING: Wormwood grows mainly in temperate regions of the eastern portion of North America. It is a perennial shrub that reaches to 4 feet tall, and prefers full sun and average to poor soils.
Yarrow
MEDICINAL: Yarrow is used to stimulate and regulate the liver. It acts as a blood purifier and heals the glandular system. It has been used as a contraceptive, and as a part of diabetes treatment, as well as treating gum ailments and toothache. Also is used in formulas for treating colds, flus, and fevers. It arrests internal and external bleeding during childbirth. It is used to stop the bleeding of external wounds.Pregnant women should avoid this herb.
MAGICKAL: Since Yarrow has the ability to keep a couple together for 7 years, it is used in love sachets as well as a gift to give to newlyweds. When worn it wards off negativity, and if held in your hand it repels fear. Yarrow added to the bath protects from harm.
GROWING: Yarrow is a perennial, and its various varieties range from 8 inches to 3 feet tall. It prefers full sun, and average to poor dry soils.
Yellow Dock
MEDICINAL: Yellow Dock is a powerful blood purifier and astringent. It is used in treating all diseases of the blood and skin It is very high in iron, making it useful for treating anemia. It nourishes the spleen and liver, detoxifies the liver, and cleanses and enriches the blood.
