Post by estatigua (Tiggy) on Dec 27, 2006 18:43:05 GMT -5
Apple
Magical uses- The blossoms are good for love and healing spells. Giving half of an apple to your lover to eat while you eat the first half will ensure a happy relationship. Since an apple is a symbol of immortality it is given as an offering on Samhain.
Medicinal uses- Crushed apple leaves can be rubbed on a fresh wound to keep it from getting infected. Apple is also good for use as a diuretic. Apple peels can be made into a tea that is good for rheumatic illness. Apple wine is an ancient "cure all" which has been mentioned as early as the 2nd century AD
Legend and Lore- The apple tree is a very hardy tree which grows in many different climates which attests to many legends about it. The most famous being the story of Adam and Eve. In all honesty the bible does not say the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge is an apple but that is the common belief. The Greeks also had a few apple stories as well. The origin of the Trojan War was attributed to the Apple of Discord, a golden apple thrown down in front of an assembly of the Gods by the Goddess of Chaos Eris. There was an
inscription on it which read "For the Fairest" Naturally this caused a bit of trouble since Hera - Wife of Zues and Queen of the Gods, Athene -Goddess of Wisdom, and Aphrodite - Goddess of Love all wanted the apple. Paris the son of the King of Troy was appointed to choose the most beautiful of the three. They all offered him something if he chose them, Hera offered him power and riches, Athene offered him wisdom and fame but he chose Aphrodite he offered him the love of the most beautiful woman on earth who was Helen the wife of a Greek king. With Aphrodite's help Paris kidnapped Helen and returned to Troy with her. His refusal to return her to her husband sparked the Trojan War and lead to the destruction of Troy.
Clover
Magical uses- Clover is good in prosperity, luck and health spells. Carrying a three leaf clover brings you protection while carrying a four leaf clover brings luck.
Medicinal uses- Clover is good for a sleep aid when you are overly tired. Clover is good to use on children with coughs, wheezing, and bronchitis as it is mild enough for their systems. Clover can also be used for acne and other skin eruptions.
Legends and Lore- The three leaf clover was associated with the Christian Trinity, the greek and Roman Triad Goddesses, and the sacred sun wheel of the Celts. At one point it was considered a charm against witches. The three leaf clover is also the National flower of Ireland (although some contest that wood sorrel is the true shamrock). The four leaf clover was also considered a Christian symbol at one point as a symbol of the cross, it was widely used to ward of evil andwitches during the Burning Times. It is also said to help the wearer see fairies, various spirits, heal illnesses, and to have good luck. There is an old rhyme associated with the four leaf clover in which each of the four leaves represented different aspects of happines. One leaf stoof for fame, the second was wealth, the third was for a faithful mate, and the fourth was for good health. The five leaf clover is said to be unlucky and the two leaf is said to enable a maiden to see her future mate.
Dandelion
Magical uses- It is believed that blowing the down off of a dandelion sends your thoughts to a loved one no matter how far away. If the down falls off without the wind helping it means that rain is on the way.
Medicinal uses- Can be used to clean up acne and other types of skin eruptions. It is good for the liver and helps clear obstructions and detoxifies poisons. Using the juice from a broken stem on a wart for a few days will dry up the wart. Dandelion can also help reduce a fever, constipation, insomnia and hypochondria. It is also good to use as a tonic and a stimulant. The fresh juice is the most effective treament but a tea made out of dandelion will work also.
Legend and Lore- The name dandelion is derived from the french word dent-de-lion which means lion's tooth. It was given this name because of it's rough jagged edges which resemble a row of teeth from early depictions made out of wood. To dream of a dandelion is supposed to be bad luck.
Basil
Magical uses- It is used for protection spells and aids in attracting love and keeping it. If sprinkled over your lover while sleeping it eliminates infidelity. Basil is used for wealth and prosperity spells, also a leave carried in your pocket or purse will aid in attracting money and prosperity.
Medicinal uses- Externally applied to insect bites it will draw out the poison. Internally it is used for stomach cramps, flu, menstrual cramps, vomiting colds, and headaches. Basil is also used for reducing stomach acid. It has also been used for a headache and whooping cough. It is mostly used for the stomach and surrounding organs and will alleviate constipation and entritis.
Legend and Lore- In Haiti it is associated with the Goddess of Love Erzulie. Haitian store owners sprinkle basil water around their places of business to chase evil spirits away and bring prospective customers. It was believed that a woman who wished her husband to stay faithful would dust her upper body especially her heart with basil powder and he would then be a faithful and loving mate.
Elder
Magical uses- Elder wood is used in making ritual staffs and wands. Scattering leaves to the four directions provides protection. A lot of people make Elderberry wine to use in rituals. Grown near your home elder will protect the dwellers within. In some places it is considered unlucky to have furniture made of elder wood.
Medicinal uses- CAUTION Pregnant or lactating women should not used elder internally. CAUTION Any part of the elder if fresh can cause poisoning. Once it is dried or cooked it loses the poisonous qualities. Elder oil is good for chapped skin, and the tea, mixed with sassafras, applied externally is good for acne. You can use the leaves as an insect repellent and as a treatment for wounds. Warm tea from the flowers can induce sweating. It is good for headaches related to a cold or rheumatism. When mixed with lard or other creamy base it makes a good ointment for burns. The dried berries can be made into a tea useful for diarrhea.
Legend and Lore- Elder has been used by man all the way back to the Bronze and Stone ages. In earlier times flutes and similar musical instruments were made with Elder. The Goddess Freyja chose to live in a black Elder because of its purported medicinal qualities. Later it gained a bad reputation in Europe for being associated with witches and evil. It was also considered dangerous
to sleep under the shade or plant one near the home or make cradles out it for the same reason. According to them it was the favorite plant of the witches, as this is where some witches lived and the people were afraid to cut it down for fear of the tree's witch. If a person cut down an elder tree it was believed that they would die within three days. Also witches who were being hunted were supposed to be able to turn themselves into branches of the tree. Part of the reason for such a foul reputation was the fact that in those days anything poison was considered to be evil and province of the devil, and since elder can be poisonous it fell into that category.
Elecampane
Magical uses- Used during scrying to increase effectiveness. Add this herb to love charms and amulets of all kinds.
Medicinal uses- It is good for intestinal worms, water retention, slows tooth decay and hardens the gums. It is used in respiratory ailments, bronchitis, and urinary ailments. Elecampane is usually combined with other herbs to increase effectiveness. The oil is effective in treating diarrhea and whooping cough. Externally it is used as awash for wounds and itching rashes. burned it works as an insect repellent. A decoction is used in treatment of worms and externally as a wash for scabies.
Legend and Lore- It's species name helenium was a reference to Helen of Troy who was said to be carrying it when she was abducted by Paris.
Acacia
Acacia senegal
Common Names: Cape gum, Egyptian thorn, gum arabic tree.
Medicinal Part: Gum.
Description: Acacia is a small, spiny, leguminous tree or shrub which grows in sandy soil, mostly in tropical Africa. After the rainy season ends, the stem begins to exude gum, which is collected from December to
June for marketing as gum arabic. The acacia has alternate, bipinnate leaves and axillary racemes of yellow flowers arranged in globose heads. The fruit is an oblong pod.
Properties and Uses: Demulcent. Gum arabic's main effect is to form a protective, soothing coating over inflammations in the respiratory, alimentary, and urinary tracts. In conjunction with various astringents,
it is helpful for coughs, sore throat, and catarrh, as well as in cases of diarrhea and dysentry. The sweetened mucilage has sometimes been used to treat the early stages of typhoid fever. The mucilage also makes a good vehicle for other medicines, in addition to having nutritional value in its own right.
Preparation and Dosage: Gum arabic is usually dissolved in water to make a mucilage.
Mucilage: A dose is from 1 to 4 tsp.
Syrup: Mix 1 part mucilage with 3 parts of a syrup. A dose is from 1 to 4 tsp.
CAYENNE
Capsicum spp.
MEDICINAL: Cayenne, also called capsicum, is very effective added to liniments for all sorts of arthritis and muscle aches. Internally it benefits the heart and circulation when taken alone or added to other remedies. It is also used to stimulate the action of other herbs. Capsicum is also used to normalize blood pressure. It will stop bleeding both externally and internally, making it excellent for use with ulcers. It is used in antibiotic combinations, for menstrual cramps, and as a part of treatment for depression. Sprinkle a small amount into socks or shoes to warm the feet during the winter months. It can be taken safely with NSAIDS, and may help you to reduce your dosages of these common arthritis drugs.
Neem
Azadirachta indica
MEDICINAL: This plant, known as "the village pharmacy" in India, has been used for at least 4000 years for its medicinal qualities.All parts of the plant are used. Neem has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including wounds, burns, sprains, bruises, earache, headache, fever, sore throat, food poisoning, shingles, colds, flu, hepatitis, mononucleosis, fungal infections, yeast infections, sexually transmitted diseases, acne, skin diseases, heart diseases, blood disorders, kidney problems, digestive
problems, ulcers, periodontal diseases, nerve disorders, malaria, fatigue, and a host of others. It is being closely studied for use in battling AIDS, cancer, diabetes, allergies, and as birth control for both men and women. Neem should not be used for more than two weeks at a time. For chronic ailments, it should be used on a schedule of two weeks on, one week off, or as directed under the guidance of a health practitioner. It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-septic, and strengthens the body's overall immune reponses. It should not be used by internally by pregnant women.
Magical uses- The blossoms are good for love and healing spells. Giving half of an apple to your lover to eat while you eat the first half will ensure a happy relationship. Since an apple is a symbol of immortality it is given as an offering on Samhain.
Medicinal uses- Crushed apple leaves can be rubbed on a fresh wound to keep it from getting infected. Apple is also good for use as a diuretic. Apple peels can be made into a tea that is good for rheumatic illness. Apple wine is an ancient "cure all" which has been mentioned as early as the 2nd century AD
Legend and Lore- The apple tree is a very hardy tree which grows in many different climates which attests to many legends about it. The most famous being the story of Adam and Eve. In all honesty the bible does not say the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge is an apple but that is the common belief. The Greeks also had a few apple stories as well. The origin of the Trojan War was attributed to the Apple of Discord, a golden apple thrown down in front of an assembly of the Gods by the Goddess of Chaos Eris. There was an
inscription on it which read "For the Fairest" Naturally this caused a bit of trouble since Hera - Wife of Zues and Queen of the Gods, Athene -Goddess of Wisdom, and Aphrodite - Goddess of Love all wanted the apple. Paris the son of the King of Troy was appointed to choose the most beautiful of the three. They all offered him something if he chose them, Hera offered him power and riches, Athene offered him wisdom and fame but he chose Aphrodite he offered him the love of the most beautiful woman on earth who was Helen the wife of a Greek king. With Aphrodite's help Paris kidnapped Helen and returned to Troy with her. His refusal to return her to her husband sparked the Trojan War and lead to the destruction of Troy.
Clover
Magical uses- Clover is good in prosperity, luck and health spells. Carrying a three leaf clover brings you protection while carrying a four leaf clover brings luck.
Medicinal uses- Clover is good for a sleep aid when you are overly tired. Clover is good to use on children with coughs, wheezing, and bronchitis as it is mild enough for their systems. Clover can also be used for acne and other skin eruptions.
Legends and Lore- The three leaf clover was associated with the Christian Trinity, the greek and Roman Triad Goddesses, and the sacred sun wheel of the Celts. At one point it was considered a charm against witches. The three leaf clover is also the National flower of Ireland (although some contest that wood sorrel is the true shamrock). The four leaf clover was also considered a Christian symbol at one point as a symbol of the cross, it was widely used to ward of evil andwitches during the Burning Times. It is also said to help the wearer see fairies, various spirits, heal illnesses, and to have good luck. There is an old rhyme associated with the four leaf clover in which each of the four leaves represented different aspects of happines. One leaf stoof for fame, the second was wealth, the third was for a faithful mate, and the fourth was for good health. The five leaf clover is said to be unlucky and the two leaf is said to enable a maiden to see her future mate.
Dandelion
Magical uses- It is believed that blowing the down off of a dandelion sends your thoughts to a loved one no matter how far away. If the down falls off without the wind helping it means that rain is on the way.
Medicinal uses- Can be used to clean up acne and other types of skin eruptions. It is good for the liver and helps clear obstructions and detoxifies poisons. Using the juice from a broken stem on a wart for a few days will dry up the wart. Dandelion can also help reduce a fever, constipation, insomnia and hypochondria. It is also good to use as a tonic and a stimulant. The fresh juice is the most effective treament but a tea made out of dandelion will work also.
Legend and Lore- The name dandelion is derived from the french word dent-de-lion which means lion's tooth. It was given this name because of it's rough jagged edges which resemble a row of teeth from early depictions made out of wood. To dream of a dandelion is supposed to be bad luck.
Basil
Magical uses- It is used for protection spells and aids in attracting love and keeping it. If sprinkled over your lover while sleeping it eliminates infidelity. Basil is used for wealth and prosperity spells, also a leave carried in your pocket or purse will aid in attracting money and prosperity.
Medicinal uses- Externally applied to insect bites it will draw out the poison. Internally it is used for stomach cramps, flu, menstrual cramps, vomiting colds, and headaches. Basil is also used for reducing stomach acid. It has also been used for a headache and whooping cough. It is mostly used for the stomach and surrounding organs and will alleviate constipation and entritis.
Legend and Lore- In Haiti it is associated with the Goddess of Love Erzulie. Haitian store owners sprinkle basil water around their places of business to chase evil spirits away and bring prospective customers. It was believed that a woman who wished her husband to stay faithful would dust her upper body especially her heart with basil powder and he would then be a faithful and loving mate.
Elder
Magical uses- Elder wood is used in making ritual staffs and wands. Scattering leaves to the four directions provides protection. A lot of people make Elderberry wine to use in rituals. Grown near your home elder will protect the dwellers within. In some places it is considered unlucky to have furniture made of elder wood.
Medicinal uses- CAUTION Pregnant or lactating women should not used elder internally. CAUTION Any part of the elder if fresh can cause poisoning. Once it is dried or cooked it loses the poisonous qualities. Elder oil is good for chapped skin, and the tea, mixed with sassafras, applied externally is good for acne. You can use the leaves as an insect repellent and as a treatment for wounds. Warm tea from the flowers can induce sweating. It is good for headaches related to a cold or rheumatism. When mixed with lard or other creamy base it makes a good ointment for burns. The dried berries can be made into a tea useful for diarrhea.
Legend and Lore- Elder has been used by man all the way back to the Bronze and Stone ages. In earlier times flutes and similar musical instruments were made with Elder. The Goddess Freyja chose to live in a black Elder because of its purported medicinal qualities. Later it gained a bad reputation in Europe for being associated with witches and evil. It was also considered dangerous
to sleep under the shade or plant one near the home or make cradles out it for the same reason. According to them it was the favorite plant of the witches, as this is where some witches lived and the people were afraid to cut it down for fear of the tree's witch. If a person cut down an elder tree it was believed that they would die within three days. Also witches who were being hunted were supposed to be able to turn themselves into branches of the tree. Part of the reason for such a foul reputation was the fact that in those days anything poison was considered to be evil and province of the devil, and since elder can be poisonous it fell into that category.
Elecampane
Magical uses- Used during scrying to increase effectiveness. Add this herb to love charms and amulets of all kinds.
Medicinal uses- It is good for intestinal worms, water retention, slows tooth decay and hardens the gums. It is used in respiratory ailments, bronchitis, and urinary ailments. Elecampane is usually combined with other herbs to increase effectiveness. The oil is effective in treating diarrhea and whooping cough. Externally it is used as awash for wounds and itching rashes. burned it works as an insect repellent. A decoction is used in treatment of worms and externally as a wash for scabies.
Legend and Lore- It's species name helenium was a reference to Helen of Troy who was said to be carrying it when she was abducted by Paris.
Acacia
Acacia senegal
Common Names: Cape gum, Egyptian thorn, gum arabic tree.
Medicinal Part: Gum.
Description: Acacia is a small, spiny, leguminous tree or shrub which grows in sandy soil, mostly in tropical Africa. After the rainy season ends, the stem begins to exude gum, which is collected from December to
June for marketing as gum arabic. The acacia has alternate, bipinnate leaves and axillary racemes of yellow flowers arranged in globose heads. The fruit is an oblong pod.
Properties and Uses: Demulcent. Gum arabic's main effect is to form a protective, soothing coating over inflammations in the respiratory, alimentary, and urinary tracts. In conjunction with various astringents,
it is helpful for coughs, sore throat, and catarrh, as well as in cases of diarrhea and dysentry. The sweetened mucilage has sometimes been used to treat the early stages of typhoid fever. The mucilage also makes a good vehicle for other medicines, in addition to having nutritional value in its own right.
Preparation and Dosage: Gum arabic is usually dissolved in water to make a mucilage.
Mucilage: A dose is from 1 to 4 tsp.
Syrup: Mix 1 part mucilage with 3 parts of a syrup. A dose is from 1 to 4 tsp.
CAYENNE
Capsicum spp.
MEDICINAL: Cayenne, also called capsicum, is very effective added to liniments for all sorts of arthritis and muscle aches. Internally it benefits the heart and circulation when taken alone or added to other remedies. It is also used to stimulate the action of other herbs. Capsicum is also used to normalize blood pressure. It will stop bleeding both externally and internally, making it excellent for use with ulcers. It is used in antibiotic combinations, for menstrual cramps, and as a part of treatment for depression. Sprinkle a small amount into socks or shoes to warm the feet during the winter months. It can be taken safely with NSAIDS, and may help you to reduce your dosages of these common arthritis drugs.
Neem
Azadirachta indica
MEDICINAL: This plant, known as "the village pharmacy" in India, has been used for at least 4000 years for its medicinal qualities.All parts of the plant are used. Neem has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including wounds, burns, sprains, bruises, earache, headache, fever, sore throat, food poisoning, shingles, colds, flu, hepatitis, mononucleosis, fungal infections, yeast infections, sexually transmitted diseases, acne, skin diseases, heart diseases, blood disorders, kidney problems, digestive
problems, ulcers, periodontal diseases, nerve disorders, malaria, fatigue, and a host of others. It is being closely studied for use in battling AIDS, cancer, diabetes, allergies, and as birth control for both men and women. Neem should not be used for more than two weeks at a time. For chronic ailments, it should be used on a schedule of two weeks on, one week off, or as directed under the guidance of a health practitioner. It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-septic, and strengthens the body's overall immune reponses. It should not be used by internally by pregnant women.