Herbs
From Mother Earth
APPLE - Choice of Beauty, pour libations of cider on roots before tree rituals,
use apple cider in place of blood where it is called for in old recipes, wands
of apple for emotional magic, as well as love rites. Wiccans pile apples on
altars at Samhain, as apples are one of the foods of the dead. Apple is the
symbol of immortality. A branch of apples which bore buds, flowers, and fully
ripe fruit (also known as silver bough) was a magical charm which enables it
possessor to enter into the land of the Gods, the Underworld, in Celtic
Mythology. Crab apple special to the other worlders, use for special attention
or protection of other worlders.
ASH
-(Fraxious excelsior) inner and outer worlds linked, macrocosm and microsom.
Protection, prosperity, sea rituals, health, staff of Ash hung over the
doorposts wards off malign influences, garter made of the green bark was worn as
protection against the powers of sorcerers and conjurers, leaves scattered to
the four quarters protect a house or area. Healing wands are made of ash. A few
leaves placed in a bowl of water next to the bed left over night will prevent
illnesses. The water should be discarded each morning and the rite repeated each
night. Burn ash at Yule for prosperity. Druid wands were often made of ash and
carved with decorations. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar
magic, fresh ash leaves under your pillow stimulate psychic dreams. Use leaves
to make circle, call Aires - throw leaves to Aires as called: Blessings to all
who come to my aid
Between friends is this bargain made
Dismiss and disperse circle
ANISE HYSSOP - perennial half hardy, propagate by cutting only not good pot
plant Good in tea, salad, fruit, aromatic good for potpourris.
ALDER - Represents the letter F (Fearn) in the Drudic alphabet, Tree is sacred
to Bran, Brother of Branwen, who kept the Cauldron of Regeneration. Also
associated with Romano-Celtic God Cocidlus, a form of Silvanus, prince of satyrs
in the Dionysian myth, and Elder Wine God, a wildman of the woods and a
disreputable orgiast. Its and Oraculars protective, helps to find spiritual
protection in disputes, also an oraculars strength. This is a Druid Sacred Tree,
the pith is easily pushed out of fresh shoots to make whistles, from which the
old superstition of whistling up the wind comes.
ALECOST - costmary, sweet mary, mint geranium, this is the camphor plant family,
hardy perennial, not good for containers, use leaf sparingly, has sharp tang
tends to be overpowering, flowers do not have scent, don't bother harvesting for
drying, scent is in leaves, picked just before flowering, use in potpourri, hair
rinse, and baths.
AGRIMONY - dog burr perennial, mix with witch hazel for a refreshing astringent,
harvest after flowering and dry, fade from bright green to olive green, but the
burr like blooms are fragile
ANGELICA - biennial, short lived perennial (4 years) not a good indoor plant,
can be confused with hemlock (poison). has licorice flavor, Young leaves used to
season salads, seeds used by confectioners in pastry. Stems are candied.
Externally use in bath for exhaustion. Crushed leaves freshen car, prevent
travel sickness.
BIRCH - Represents beginnings and births, stands for the Runic letter B (Beth or
Beorc), and is the first letter of the Druidic Alphabet. is also known as the
Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch and White Birch. Its witness suggests the White
Goddess, also used to expel evil spirits
Strip bark at new moon and write in Dragons Blood (red ink) "Bring true
love" burn and say:
Goddess of Love, God of Desire
Bring to me sweet passions fire
Or cast bark into stream or other flowing water:
Message of Love, I set you free
To capture a Love and return to me
BASIL -(ocimum basilicum) annual good for pots, best known for its culinary
uses, I like it best in tomato dishes, both dried and fresh. Scent of oil can
allay mental fatigue, good in a bath vinegar which is refreshing and antiseptic.
Kept in kitchen in pot it repels flies or rub crushed leaf on skin to repel
mosquitoes. Exorcises negativity from the home, sprinkle in corners of home to
protect and cleanse
BAY - tender perennial evergreen tree, makes good potted plant , slow grower and
lasts years till it needs to be outdoors. Fresh leaves stronger than dried ones,
good for soups, stews and stock, Bouquet garnie. Place in flour to deter weevil.
Add an infusion to a bath to relieve aching limbs.
BETONY -(stachys officinalis, Betonica officinalis, Stahys betonica) Also called
bishopwort, wood betony, purple betony, hardy perennial, good in great large
container, Leaves used in tea usually mixed with other Herb's such as mint and
lemon verbena. Flowers taste very sweet and can be added to sherbets, ice creams
and fruit salad, powder used as herbal smoking mixture. Fresh plant provides a
yellow dye, as a hair rinse good for highlighting graying hair, DO NOT TAKE ROOT
INTERNALLY. Power to expel evil spirits -
Druids sacred herb use to dispel nightmares and despair. Burn at Midsummer
Solstice for purification and protection - also sprinkle at doors and windows
for same.
BRIAR ROSE- (rosa rubiginosa) also known as WildRose, Briar, sweet briar, hip
fruit, regular scented roses may be substituted, Steep in water (petals) drink
at bedtime for clairvoyant dreams. Burn petals with love incense to strengthen
love spells.
BROOM - (cytisus scoparius) Scotch broom Irish Broom, physicians power, sweep
ritual area with this to cleanse and protect BURDOCK - (arctium lappa)
cocklebur, beggars buttons, steep handful in bucket of water to wash floors,
wards off negativity, purifies and protects.
BISTORT - polygonum bistorta, snakeweed, dragonwort, carry a piece of dried root
to conceive
BORAGE - hardy annual - not good for containers, attractive to bees, plant near
tomato to control tomato worm, cut up in salad, float blooms in drinks or
punches, garnish fruit salad, dried flowers to decorate candles, picture frames,
bookmarks, etc, steam for towel tent for facial, potpourris flowers add color,
in tea has gamma linolenic acid (GLA) rich in potassium and calcium. Not for
prolonged use, fresh leaves can cause dermatitis.
BOX - boxwood, tender evergreen, slow grower, good for container, long lived,
600 years is common. Wood is non-fibrous, twice as hard as oak, heavy, does not
float, does not warp, wood gives of musky smell when wet. Choice for
woodworkers. POISON
BLACKTHORN - (Prunus spinosa) also called Sloe, is a wintry tree, the fruits
ripen and sweeten only after the first frosts, a cold spring was known traditionally
as a "Blackthorn Winter". Wood from the Blackthorn was traditionally
used for the Irish cudgel or shillelagh, thorns were used in Witchcraft to
pierce wax images. Ogham represents strong action of fate or outside influences
in your life or journey. Also unexpected change, issues to be faced and
decisions to be made which are inescapable. Counquers resistance, draws on
spiritual strength, new direction with opportunities.
BRYONY/WHITE
(bryonia alba, bryonia dioica) poisonous, also known as English mandrake, briony,
ladies heal, root can be substituted for the rare true mandrake root, set a
piece of root on your money to increase prosperity.
BALM
OF GILEAD (canary balm) half hard perennial, good for containers, good for spicy
or woody potpourri. Infusion of leaves in bath water for invigorating bath,
crush leaves in hand to clear head, rub leaves on skin to repel mosquitoes. Said
to be an aphrodisiac when applied to certain areas of the body.
BEECH
- letter Ph (Phagos) old knowledge, old writing, wishes, carry beech wood to
increase creative powers, tree represents the need to turn to past and its works
in order to find/rediscover lost wisdom. Creates firm basis on which to make
further ideas, interpretations.
BEE
BALM - bergamont, hardy perennial, good for large pot, small flower petals on
green salad, fresh leaf in china tea for earl grey flavor, use in wine and
lemonade. Chopped leaves can be added sparingly to salads, stuffing's and in
jams and jellies. Flower heads keep their fragrance when dried use in
potpourris, oil used in fragrance. Attractive to bees, valuable to beekeeper.
CEDAR - (cedrus libani) Also known as a Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae, Yellow Cedar.
To draw energy and ground, place the palms of your hands against the ends of the
leaves.
CHIVES - besides culinary, plant next to apple to prevent scab, next to roses
for black spot. Prevents scab infections on animals. Leaves are mildly
antiseptic and on food they stimulate appetite.
CALENDULA - Pot marigold, marigold, great potted plants. Use as lotion (infuse
flowers) to clear skin, reduce pores, antiseptic and anti bacterial.Flowers give
clairvoyant dreams.
CARAWAY - hardy biennial, not good in pots seeds have breath sweetening
properties, when chewed. Pigeon fanciers claim pigeons don't stray if baked
caraway dough is in coot.
CHICORY - blue endive - hardy perennial, not good for containers, flowers in
salad, leaves in salad (young ones) roasted root substitutes for or used to cut
coffee, boil leaves to produce blue dye, good for animal fodder.
CARDAMON - perennial, seed pod is a spice, used in Indian cooking, stimulates
digestion, calamity for gas, prevents griping effects of laxatives
CORIANDER - tender annual, plant can be container grown but can give off
unpleasant smell till seeds ripen. Leaves & ripe seeds have 2 distinct
flavors, seeds aromatic, leaves earthy pungent.
CATNIP - (nepeta catania) hardy perennial, good for pots, used freshly picked
young shoots in salads or rub on meat, was used as tea before china tea was
introduced. Infusion for scalp irritations mashed for poultice for external
bruises, plant near vegetables to deter flea beetle. good for cat toys, scent
repels rats. Chewed by warriors for fierceness in battle, large leaves are
powerful markers in magic books, give to cats for psychic bond.
CELANDINE - (cheidonum majus) also known as tettenwort, swallow herb, figwort,
piewort. perennial To prevent unlawful imprisonment, wear a red flannel bag
filled with the herb next to the skin, replace ever three days. Source of an
orange dye, but sap may be irritating to the skin
CHAMOMILE -(anthemis noblis) hardy evergreen, not a good potted plant. Wild
chamomile, roman chamomile, ground apple, Roman chamomile smells like fresh
apples and its the most enjoyable to use. plant near ailing plants to revive
them, next to onions to repel mosquitoes, rinse with infusion on fair hair,
antiseptic. Oil: pack flowers in olive oil leave in sun for 3 weeks, add 5 or 6
drops to bath for relaxing. Burn or add to spell bag to increase money.
CALAMINT - Hardy perennial, not good for containers, add to salads, flowers
attract butterflies and bees.
COWSLIP - hardy perennial, primula, not good inside in container, but good
outside, leaves in salad, cowslip wine.
CHERVIL - hardy annual, not good for containers, leaves rich in c, carotene,
iron and magnesium. Fresh leaves in warm poultice for aching joints, Infusion of
leaves to clean skin, maintain suppleness and discourage wrinkles.
CURRY PLANT - hearty evergreen perennial, good for containers, leaves smell
stronger than they are, and good for chicken, rice, yellow flowers in
potpourris.
CLUB MOSS - (lycopodium clavatum) also knows as Wolf Claw, staghorn. Among the
Celts, only a priest or priestess could gather club moss, it had to be cut with
a silver dagger. The plants and the spores (collected in July and August) were
used for blessings and protection.
COMFREY -(symphytum officinale) hardy perennial, not suitable for pots indoors
but good patio plant. Also known as slippery root, knit bone, blackwort. comfrey
is high source for potassium for garden, choice source, boil fresh leaves for
golden fabric dye, good feed for racehorses, cure for septic sores on animals in
poultice. Place a piece of the root into each bag of your luggage to ensure the
safety of your bags durning traveling. Not for human consumption.
DANDELION - perennial, good in containers, but grow wild in fields, not
necessary, leaves and roots use in salads. flowers make excellent country wine,
roots when dried, chopped and roasted are coffee substitute, this is a diuretic
causes urination, (nick name piss a beds) and is best because does not cause
leach of potassium from body. Good as a fertilizer. Is a good source of copper
yellow brown dye from root, and makes excellent food for rabbits, guinea pigs
and gerbils.
DYERS GREENWEED - dwarf deciduous shrub, used as a decorative ground cover,
flowers yield a yellow dye, rich green dye when mixed with wood.
DRAGONS BLOOD - Calamus Draco, Dracolna draco, pterocarpus draco, is a red dye,
gum resin used to write spells on parchment or bark.
DILL - Annual, good for containers, seed sharper in flavor than leaf, use Dill
seed to replace salt in no salt diet, chew seeds for halitosis and infuse
crushed seeds to make nail strengthening bath.
ELM - regeneration's, qualities of boldness and fidelity given as good luck
token to departing friends
EYEBRIGHT - (euphrasia officinalis) promotes clairvoyance, handful in pint of
water, tightly cover pot and brew overnight. Strain, squeezing herb dry, store
in tight covered container, away from sun and heat but not in fridge.
Drink half teaspoon in half cup spring water to promote clairvoyance.
ENGLISH MACE , sweet nancy, hardy perennial, good for containers, chicken,
stews, rice and pork, dry flowers for arrangements.
ELECAMPANE Hardy perennial, too big for containers, has sharp bitter flavor, use
dried or cook as root vegetable.
ELDER - hardy shrub, good in large containers in shade, also known as Witch
Tree, llnorn, elderberry, Lady Elder, represented by the letter R (Ruis) sacred
to the elder Goddess, or Crone, the Callech, spirits of the Pagan dead, once
called Helleder (after Hel, queen of the Underworld) are said to be imprisoned
in Elder Wood. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. Exorcism, protection,
healing, prosperity and sleep. Elder is worn to ward off attackers of every
kind, over doorways it keeps evil from the house, berries, if carried, protect
against evil and negativity, grown in the garden, it protects the household
against the ravages of sorcery and brings prosperity. Flutes made from its
branches call forth spirits, DO NOT BURN, and is good for wands. Before cutting,
this was recited:
Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood, And I will give thee of mine, when I become a
tree. Flowers pollen produces yeast for cordial, elderflower water whitens and
softens skin, fruits make lavender or violet dye when combined with alum, but
color fades when exposed to light, stand under tree at Midsummer to help you see
fey. Elder wands drive out evil spirits or thought forms.
EVENING PRIMROSE - hardy biennial, is a pot herb as all parts of the plant can
be eaten, leaves in salads, roots boiled (like sweet parsnips). Leaf and stem
infused make an astringent facial steam, add to hand cream as softening agent.
FERNS - male ferns (lucky hand, dryopteris filixmas), maidenhair (adiantum
pedatum, native to North America and Asia), bracken (pteridum acquilinum), Lady
fern and polypody (oak fern, both native to the US and both polypodium vulgare),
uncurled fronds gather at midsummer and carry for good luck. All ferns are good
luck and protect. Dried uncurled fronds attract fey. Burn ferns indoors for
strong wall of protection, outdoors burn for rain.
FIR (abeis alba) see also pine... Silver Fir, also known as Birth Tree,
the letter A (Ailm) in the Druidic alphabet. Fir is the tree of the Three
Brighids. Used as the Yuletree and so represented the Rebirth of the Sun.
Evergreens in general were symbols of immortality, as they remained green year
round, didn't die during the winter. Healing fertility, protection, exorcism,
money, scattered on the floor they drive away evil, good for cleansing baths. .
Pine cone gathered on Lugnasad still retaining its seeds, is an awesome magical
object. Eating one pine nut everyday they will be immune to physical wounding
with metal. Pine needles are burned to reverse
and send back spells. Tree confers the strength and healing learned from past
and present lives hich can or should be a well of insight and knowledge for the
future. Strong sight and clear vision.
FENNEL - perennial - one of the sacred herbs, roots boiled as a vegetable, tips
used to flavor and garnish fish, soups, and made into tea. Popular flavoring for
liqueurs and a scent for soap. Foliage attracts butterflies in warmer climates.
Avoid large doses.
FLAX - annual, stems are soaked in water to release fibers for making linen
cloth, linseed oil for commercial drying in oil paints, varnish and putty.
FEVERFEW - (chrysanthemum parthenium) also known as featherfoil, flirtwort,
hardy perennial, containers indoors not good but good patio pot, leaves are very
bitter, use sparingly in salads. Infusion of leaves is mild disinfectant, leaves
in sachets make good moth repellent. Travelers carried it as a ward against
sickness or accident during their journeys.
FURZE - (ulex europaeus) also known as gorse, whin. Its golden flowers are
associated with the spring equinox. Wood and blooms are burned for protection
and preparation for conflict of any sort.
FOXGLOVE - also known as fairy gloves, fairy fingers, fairy caps, dead men's
bells. Hardy evergreen perennial, not good in pots, in garden, grown for the
flowers to attract fey. Druid sacred herb associated with the fairies and the
little people.
GINGER - root, container plant, used In Chinese cooking mostly, chew for travel
sickness.
GARLIC - besides culinary uses, insect repellent, neutralizes poisons of bites
and stings, also excellent glue and enables wholes to be made cleanly in glass,
crush clove, rub onto glass, dry, then cut or drill.
GOLDENROD - perennial, not too good for containers, but can be done, sweet
goldenrod is used as astringent, tea made from dried flowers and leaves is
aromatic beverage, lotions made from flower good for bee stings.
GERANIUMS, SCENTED - tender evergreen perennial, good for pots, Victorians used
scented leaves in the bottom of cake tins to flavor desserts, but are not eaten,
used in aromatherapy, oil is relaxing and is used sparingly, good in soy oil for
massage, to relieve premenstrual tension, dermatitis, dry skin, DO NOT USE
crispums in cooking, can cause upset stomach.
GOOD KING HENRY - all good, perennial, good for pots. Cough remedy for sheep,
Plants fed to fatten poultry, also leather dye (green)
HOLLY - (llex aquiolium, US variety is llex opaca) hardy evergreen, male and
female plants, the letter T (Tinne) with the form of the Tau Cross, dedicated to
CuCulainn. The berries are seen as drops of the Underworlds Goddesses life
giving blood, in which lay the secret of the trees immortality, or year round
greenness. Associated with the Holly King, or Holly Knight, also known as the
Green Knight or Wild Man. Holly guards against poison and evil spirits, thrown
at wild animals it makes them lie down quietly and leave you alone, even if you don't
hit them with it, potent life symbol along with Ivy and Mistletoe, Aids balance,
unity and directness. For protection, plant near house to repel negative spells,
bag of berries and leaves carried by men increases their ability to attract
women.
HAWTHORN - (crataegus Oxyacantha) Also called May Tree, White Thorn, sacred to
the Goddess Olwen, represents fertility in the Druidic Alphabet, where it formed
the letter H (Uath), the Goddess as the death-bringing Crone was connected with
the Hawthorn, in the legend of Cu Culainn. Cleansing and chastity, protection,
happiness, protects against lightning, in the house where it resides no ghost
may enter, sacred to the Fay (faeries) and where Oak, Ash and (haw)thorn are
grown, one may see the Fay. Used to decorate
maypoles, wands of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are said to be
highly erotic to men.
HEATHER -(cailuna vulgaris) use at Midsummer to promote love and protection, red
for passion, white for cooling passion of unwanted suitors.
HOPS - (humulus lupulus) May tree, hardy perennial, climbing plant, good for
pots, leaves to make brown dye, good mulch from leaves, and good for compost.
Blossoms are highly erotic to men
HAZEL - (corylus spp) Sacred to Witches and to the Celtic Sea God, Manannan.
Symbolic of female wisdom, Bards claimed that their knowledge of rhymes, epic
tales, secrets of magic and poetic inspiration came from eating "Sacred
Hazelnuts", with the Goddess as instructress. The trees alphabetical letter
is C (coll) known as witchhazel as it was the wood of choice for witches
divining rods. intuition, straight to the source, luck wishes, fertility,
protection, string of hazelnuts on a cord hung in house or ritual room attracts
fey, use for healing wands and divining rods, if outside and in need of magical
protection quickly draw a circle around yourself with a hazel
branch.
HONEYSUCKLE - Semi-evergreen woody vine, not a good container plant. Add flowers
to salads, infusion of the flowers can be used for tea. Dried flowers for
potpourris, herb pillows and perfumery. Wisdom and foundation
HOREHOUND/BLACK - stinking horehound, with good reason, bees love it, flowers
attractive by stink, not good choice for containers Has to be collected before
flowering and carefully dried. Not recommended for the amateur.
HOREHOUND/WHITE hardy perennial, good for container, Infuse leaf as a spray for
cankerworm in trees, mix infusion with milk in dish for fly killer DO NOT
SPRAY.
HORSETAIL
bottle brush Ideal for containers, but cut back in summer to prevent spores.
Yields a yellow ochre dye. Stems have high silica content and dry used to scour
metal and polish pewter. Summer 2oz of dry or fresh herb in 1 1/2 pts water for
20 min., and soak nails to strengthen. Makes good conditioner and rinse for
hair. Storehouse of vitamins USE CAUTIOUSLY
HEARTSEASE - hardy perennial, wild pansy, and many other romantic names, viola
family, good in container, flowers to salads and decorate sweet dishes, added to
bath water for cleansing the skin and shampooing thinning hair....
HORSERADISH, hardy perennial, root, not good in containers, in cooking the
volatile oil evaporates leaving nothing. Used in sauces and vinegar's oil is
released when grated raw. Flavor strongest in autumn, mild in spring. Root has
calcium, sodium, magnesium and C has antibiotic quality useful in preserving
food. Young leaves can be added to salad for zip.
HYSSOP hardy semi-evergreen, grow near cabbages to lure away whiteflies, plant
near vines to increase yield. lovely for containers. good for tossed salad.
Slightly bitter, add to soups etc
HERB BENNET - perennial, root is aromatic, can be substitute for cloves, made
into infusion and used to sweeten breath. Young leaves can be eaten in salads
IVY ENGLISH - (hedera helix) symbol of resurrection, healing and calming. Plants
produce a resin sometimes included in varnishes, flowers attract bees, and birds
depend on berries in winter. Caution, plant is poisonous. Ivy is connected with
the Winter Solstice and used for decorating, provides protection when growing on
or near house.
JUNIPER - (juniperus communis) Hardy evergreen perennial, good for pots, Crushed
berries are good in marinades, sauerkraut and stuffing for Cornish hens and
other game birds. Harvest berries in late summer. Planted by the door
discourages thieves, berries strung and hung in house attract love.
JACOBS LADDER - hardy perennial, good for container, dried flowers looklovely in
potpourris
LAUREL BAY LEAVES - (Laurus nobilis) also known as sweet bay, burned to induce
psychic visions, leaves under pillow give inspiration and visions, counters
negativity and restriction
LILLY OF THE VALLEY - (convallaria majalis) POISON all parts of the plant, good
for pots, Hardy perennial,. Soak flowers in water sprinkle around ritual area to
draw peace and knowledge.
LADYS MANTEL - hardy perennial, good container plant leaves can be boiled for
pale green dye.
LEMON BALM (bee balm) half hardy perennial, can be container grown, add fresh
leaves to vinegar, add leaves to wine, teas and beers or use chopped with fish.
Use fresh or frozen leaves, drying the oil dissipates. Is great for bee keeping
LEMON GRASS - perennial, container friendly, known in Asian shops as sereh, use
chopped fresh or dried, bunch and remove as you would bay leafs, powder form is
very strong. Great for tea and in Chinese cooking.
LEMON VERBENA - tender deciduous shrub, good for container, flavor oils and
vinegar, drinks, fruits. Potpourris.
LAVENDER - hardy evergreen perennial, good container plant, use flowers to
flavor herb jelly or vinegar, flowers can be crystallized. Blend for massage oil
in aromatherapy. Best oil is from distillation and is bought. Rub fresh flowers
into skin or pin sprig on clothes to discourage flies, use flowers in potpourri,
herb pillows, linen sachets for moth repellent.
LOOSESTRIFE /PURPLE (lythrum salicaria) placed in the corners of each room, this
herb restores harmony and brings peace.
LOVAGE - hardy perennial. fine in outside large container but gets really big.
Essential culinary herb, reminiscent of celery used in soups stews and stocks.
Treat as spinach. Deodorizes and antiseptic, can be added to bath water.
MEADOWSWEET -(filipendula ulmaria, spirea ulmaria) also known as queen of the
meadow, gravel root, meadowwort. Hardy perennial, nice for containers. Black dye
from roots crushed using copper mordant. Leaves and flowers in potpourri,
flowers in wine, decorate altar for love spells, is one of the three sacred
herbs. One of the three most sacred Druid herbs (the other two are mint and
vervain or verbena)
MARIGOLD - (calendula officinalis).perennial herb, good in pots, also known as
calendula, holigold, pot marigold, Bride of the Sun. Marigold water is made from
the blossoms, rubbed on the eyelids (NOT IN EYES) this liquid helps you see fairies.
Flowers added to pillows give clairvoyant dreams, petals can be used as a hair rinse,
a coloring agent for butter and cheese, and a substitute for the color of
saffron.
MINT - hardy perennial good for containers, spearmint or peppermint near roses
to deter aphids, buddleia mint will attract hover flies. Good with lamb,
vinegar's, jellies, tea, and chocolate. Peppermint oil can be used in massage to
relieve muscular pain,. OIL can cause allergic reaction, avoid prolonged intake
of inhalants from the oil, which must never be used on babies. Stuff poppets for
healing and love, add to incense to clean house or ritual area.
MARSH MALLOW, hardy perennial, boil roots to soften, peel and quickly fry
w/butter.
MUGWORT -(artemisia vulgaris) also known as sailors tobacco, witch herb, old
man. rub on crystal balls and mirrors, increases strength, soak mugwort in wine
for 7 days at new moon, strain, drink small amount to aid clairvoyance and
divination and crystal reading, rub on tools to increase power, also protects,
gather at midsummer Solstice for good luck.
MARJORAM (origanum majorana) WILD MARJORAM (origanum vulgare) see oregano.
MYRTLE
- half hardy evergreen shrub, when young is good in containers. leaves sweetest
when in flower, are astringent and antiseptic. Every part of plant is aromatic
and used dried in potpourris, use as juniper for roasting game.
MISTLETOE (viscum album) also known as birdlime, all heal, golden bough. The
most sacred "tree" of the druids and ruled the winter solstice. The
berries are poisonous. bunches of mistletoe can be hung as an all-purpose
protective herb. the berries are used in love incenses.
MOONWORT (botrychium lunaria) the crescent shaped leaflets and fronds are used
in love bags, put a piece of moonwort inside a locket with your lovers picture
to promote lasting love
MOSS/IRISH (chondrus crispus) also known as pearl moss. herb is for gaining and
keeping a steady income of money, make poppets for luck or money, stuff moss
inside , burn it with incense during spell workings for luck or money, sprinkle
inside your purse or billfold
MELILOT - biennial, used for fodder, often added to relaxing baths, seeds and
flowers used to flavor foods
NASTURTIUM - half hardy annual, good for pots, flowers have pepper flavor good
for salads, pickled flower buds good for capers substitute, leaves added to
cream cheese with flowers makes good dip, but use with caution, do not eat more
than half oz per day, leaves contain vitamin c and iron and are antiseptic,
which is strongest before flowering.
NETTLE - hardy perennial, not good in pots, used in fabric going way back,
marked dwelling place of elves and protection against sorcery, and a dozen other
old wives tales, fresh leaves to be cooked and eaten as spinach, makes good tea,
whole plants yields weak greenish yellow woolen dye, good spray against aphids,
make hair soft and shiny when used in rinse, do not eat old plants uncooked,
plant must be cooked, and they do sting.
OREGANO & MARJORAM - (origanum majorana, origanum vulgare) also known as
wintersweet, sweet marjoram, pot marjoram hardy perennial, good for containers,
spicily aromatic, good antiseptics and added to baths and foods and distilled
into oil for perfumes. An infusion of marjoram, mint and rosemary can be
sprinkled around the house for protection or for protecting
specific objects.
OLIVE - evergreen tree, not grown easily in this country, source of the olive
and its oil, rich history, biblical symbol of peace.
OAK -(quercus robur)Also known as tanners bark, white oak. The letter D (Duir)
in the Druidic and represents power, Irish churches used to be called dair-thech
"oak house" an old druidic name for the Sacred Grove. solid
protection, doorways to the mysteries, health, money healing, potency,
fertility, luck. offers great magical protection, for strength , endurance, to
ask special protection or attention from the God. Planting an acorn in the dark
of the moon ensures you'll receive money in the near future, carrying any piece
of it draws good luck, carry an acorn against illnesses and pains and for
longevity and to preserve youthfulness. The Celtic Shamans would not meet for
rituals unless an Oak was present. Its ogham represents primeval strength and
the ability to overcome and survive. Wands are made of
its wood. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers.
Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere.
PINKS - dianthus evergreen hardy perennial, good pot plants. From flowers,
remove petals, cut off white heel, add to salads, fruit pies, flavor jams,
sugar, crystallize, mix with white wine, add to potpourris and sachets.
POPLAR - some traditions identify the Poplar with the Tree of Life. Letter E (Eadha)
rebirth, money, flying (added to ointments to facilitate astral projection)
Shield Makers Tree, as it has the power to protect from death and magical uses.
Associated with power of speech and language, liked with the wind (as in
whispering or talking tree) Crann Critheac, Gaelic quivering rree. Overcomes the
urge to give way under the burden of worldly pressures, aids determination.
PENNYROYAL - semi evergreen hardy perennial, good in containers, mint has very
strong flavor, use sparingly, good substitute for peppermint in water ice, oil
is also toxic. DO NOT USE on pregnant persons or with kidney problems. Plant
outside kitchen door to keep ants from entering the house.
PRIMROSE, hardy perennial, good for pots, flowers are lovely in salads,
crystallized to decorate, young leaves are interesting vegetable steamed, CAN
CAUSE contact dermatitis
PRIVET - deciduous shrub, valuable hardwood timber for tools and charcoal,
leaves once used by Shakers to make mouthwash, yellow dye from leaves ALL PARTS
ARE POISONOUS IF INGESTED
PARSLEY - hardy biennial, has look alike in wild that are poison, use caution
when hunting in wild, good in pot\s, used in culinary, high in vitamin C iron
and other minerals, antiseptic chlorophyll, tea from crushed seeds to rinse
hair. DO NOT USE oil during pregnancy.
PINE - (See also Fir) mix needles with juniper and cedar to burn and purify home
and ritual area, cones and nuts are fertility charms. Cones and nuts are
fertility charms. pine nuts and cones also sacred to druids highly stepped in
magic, small cones or acorns are often used to tip the wands used by Celtic
priests, all nuts can be used in fertility magic.
ROSEMARY - tender shrub, container is preferred, used with meat,
especially lamb, with tomato sauce dishes, baked fish, summer wines, vinegar 's.
Put sprigs on wood burning stove makes house smell lovely. use on dark hair in
final rinse gives it shine (use chamomile for fair hair) long touted as a hair
tonic. Oil has anti bacterial properties, use oil externally as insect
repellent. Rosemary tea makes a good mouthwash, good antiseptic gargle.
Antiseptic solution added to bath promotes healthy skin. WARNING do not use oil
internally, large doses of leaf are toxic also.
ROWAN
- also called Quickbeam or Mountain Ash, Witchwood, Sorb Apple, represents the
second letter of the Drudic tree alphabet L (Luis). Tree is sacred to the
Goddess Brigit. In Ireland, "the Rowan tree of the North" bore the
berries of Immortality. The tree was guarded by a Formorian Giant. Rowans grown
near stone circles are the most potent. To protect, heighten perception, to
attune with the other worlds, or other worlds, to the eventual attunement with
the Goddess. Use for wands, rods, amulets and spells, berries also for spells
(do not eat, seeds are poisonous), wands for knowledge and general divination.
Fire with rowan wood summons spirits
especially when facing conflicts.
RUE - (ruta graveoiens) also known as herb of grace, hardy evergreen - can be
grown in container, is bitter, very bitter, but tea is made from it. WARNING:
handling the plant can cause allergic reaction, called rue burns, do not take
cuttings of plant when wet, or in full sun, use gloves. Ancient Celts considered
rue an antimagical herb, defense against spells and chaos magic, fresh sprig for
water to consecrate, bless or heal, burn for exorcism or purification, routs
negativity and gets things moving.
SORREL - hardy perennial, good in pots, use sparingly as is strong, good in
soups eggs fish sauces with poultry and pork. Useful for tenderizing meat, wrap
it around steaks or add pounded leaf to marinade, raw leaves in salads, but
reduce the vinegar or lemon to compensate for increased acidity. Good dye plant,
with mordant alum makes yellow or green dye, use juice of leaf to remove rust
mold and ink stains from linen wicker and silver. Large doses are poisonous.
ST JOHNS WORT (hypericum perforatum) hardy perennial, can be grown in container
but is tall and needs staking. Flowers release yellow dye with alum and red dye
with alcohol. Said whoever treads on this plant after sunset will be swept up on
the back of a magic horse that will charge around the heavens until sunrise
before depositing its exhausted rider on the ground. The Celts passed it through
the smoke of the Summer Solstice fire, then wore it in battle for invincibility,
it can be burned to banish and exorcise spirits.
SAGE, JERUSALEM - tender evergreen perennial, good in container, good for
culinary, aromatic leaves good in potpourri.
SAGE - half hardy perennial, good for pots, plant with cabbages to repel cabbage
white butterflies, next to vines if also beneficial, dried leaves of the
pineapple sage are good for potpourris, great in food, kills off any bugs in
meat as it cooks, usually used in sausages for this reason and a good
preservative, use in oil or vinegar flavoring. used in fragrances, perfumes soap
and to flavor wine, vermouth and liqueurs. Make smudge sticks, bunches of stems
with leaves gathered together and burned to cleans and purify.
SWEET CICELY - hardy perennial, not good in pots, aka anise, myrrh sweet fern
and switch - root can be cooked as a vegetable (similar to parsnip) with butter
or white sauce, unripe seeds into fruit salads, leaf is sweet aniseed, also
first nectar plant of the spring, valuable to beekeepers, many wild plants
resemble this, but are poisonous, hunt wild with caution.
SWEET WOODRUFF - (asperula odorata) also known as master of the woods, wuderove.
hardy perennial, takes aroma when dried, good for containers, potpourris, not
good for tea and can poison. In MayWine, bottle of hock, glass of sherry, sugar,
strawberry, sprig of woodruff thrown in 1 hour before serving. Carry a sprig to
change the course of life and bring victory, add to Beltain wine as a symbol of
clearing away barriers.
SWEET ROCKET hardy biennial, good for containers in group, young leaves good
addition to salad, flowers too. Best for smell, use flowers in potpourris.
SOUTHERNWOOD - deciduous hardy perennial, strong flavor leaves used in salad,
makes good aromatic vinegar. Hung in kitchen to deter flys, mosquitoes and in
closets against moths.
SALAD BURNET - evergreen hardy perennial, good for containers, leaves have nutty
flavor and slight taste of cucumber, used in salads, or used as garnish to
flavor casseroles, leaves also make herbal vinegar, high tannin content, root of
great burnett can be used in tanning of leather.
SANTOLINA - cotton lavender, French lavender, half hardy evergreen shrub, cannot
be grown indoors, good as patio plant, not used in cooking, line drawers, under
carpets and in closets to deter moths and other insects, or make herbal moth
bags; handful wormwood; handful of spearmint; handful of santolina
handful of rosemary; 1 tablespoon of crushed coriander
dry and crumble the ingredients, mix together and put in muslin or cotton bag.
SOAPWORT - soaproot, hardy perennial, good for containers, gentle power the
saponins make this ideal for upholstery and delicate fibers, mixture of leaves,
roots and water was once used on sheep in Europe before shearing them. crush
root, chop fresh stems, if dried, soften in water overnight, put in pan with
water and stir till sudsy, do not boil, as it decomposes the active product,
strain and use immediately as it can not be stored, DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY
SOLOMON'S SEAL (polygonatum multiflorum, p. odoratum) also known as dropberry
and sealroot, can be burned as a thank-you offering to the Elementals for their
help.
SAVORY - half hardy annual, good for containers, winter and summer savory the
best varieties, flavor is hot and peppery.
TARRAGON - half hardy perennial, container friendly, promotes appetite, culinary
uses are many
TUMERIC - perennial, from the rhizome, used as food coloring in curries, rice
and grain dishes, Used to give the distinct orange color to Buddhist robes.
THYME -Garden thyme (thymus vulgaris) wild thyme (thymus serpylium) diverse,
evergreen half hardy to hardy, good for containers, also known as common thyme,
mother of thyme, used in so many different foods, also antiseptic properties.
Oil is used to kill mosquito larva, drops added to bath water and massage oil,
OIL IS TOXIC, Repels negativity, pour tea of thyme and marjoram into bath for a
cleansing magic bath, pillow of thyme cures nightmares, at funeral wear sprig of
thyme to repel negativity of the mourners
THISTLE/HOLY - for protection and strength, grow around house to turn away
thieves.
TREFOIL (trifolium spp) also known as purple clover, shamrock, three-leaved
grass. Symbolizes the Triple Deities. Always leave something in payment when you
take trefoil because its the favorite herb of the Fay, a pinch of ginger or
little milk poured onto the ground are acceptable gifts. Decorations of trefoil
on the altar honor all triple deities. Carry a three-leaf clover for protection
and luck, a four-leaf one to avoid military service.
THRIFT - evergreen perennial. Flowers have a strong scent of honey, planted in
gardens to attract butterflies.
THISTLE/HOLY - (cnicus benedictus, carduus benedictus) also known as blessed
thistle and St Benedict thistle. for protection and strength, grow around house
to turn away thieves.
TOADFLAX - perennial, used in Middle Ages as laundry starch, used as a fly
poison when boiled in milk, flowers yield yellow, orange, green or brown dye
depending on the mordant used
VALERIAN - (valeriana officinalis) also known as garden heliotrope, vandal root,
St. Georges herb. hardy perennial, not good in pots, plant near other vegetables
to stimulate phosphorus and earthworm activity, infuse root and spray on ground
for earthworms, leaves to compost for minerals, root in rat traps. Used in love
spells, to reconcile troubled couples, put in pillows to promote rest, also,
cats like the smell better than catnip.
VIOLET - hardy perennial, good for containers, flowers crystallized for
decoration, and homemade sweet, add to almond oil for an interesting variety.
Flowers also used in potpourris, floral waters and perfumes.
VERVAIN - (verbena officinalis) also known as holy herb verbena, blue vervain,
hardy perennial - does not like containers, not good for food, Enchanters Herb,
holy herb, A Druid sacred herb, common in their many rites and incantations. It
was so highly held that offerings of this herb were placed on altars. to heal
and promote sleep, when burned, wards off psychic attack, used in spells of
love, purification and attracting wealth, attractant for opposite sex
WALL GERMANDER - ground oak, evergreen hardy perennial, good for containers,
used occasionally in the flavoring of liqueurs.
WOOD SAGE - hardy perennial, curly kind can be container grown, leaves have mild
garlic flavor, can be added to salad, but can be bitter, once used for making
ale before hops.
WILD CHERRY (Prunus serotina) also know as black cherry, chokecherry, chips of
the wood or bark were burned at Celtic festivals.
WILD STRAWBERRY - hardy perennial good for containers, mash fruit and extract
juice for a face pack to whiten skin and lighten freckles, and ease light
sunburn.
WILLOW -(Salix Alba) White willow, Tree of Enchantment, witches aspirin, moon
tree, sacred to the Goddess, the letter S in the Tree Alphabet, night vision,
lunar rhythms, female aspects, wands are used for moon magic, all parts of the
tree ward against evil and may be carried or placed in the home for this
purpose. Knock on willow tree (knock on wood) to avert evil. Leaves, bark and
wood are used in healing spells, magical brooms, especially Witches brooms, are
traditionally bounds with willow branches. Groves of willows were considered so
magical that priests, priestesses and all types of
artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and
prophecies. Include leaves to ask special protection or special attention of the
Goddess, DO NOT BURN. To have wish granted, ask permission of the willow,
explain, tie a knot on a bendable shoot, while asking, when wish is granted,
untie knot, thank the tree and leave a gift.
WORMWOOD -(artemisa absinthium) also known as absinthe, evergreen, hardy
perennial, can produce a yellow dye, used in vinegar leave for two weeks,
strain, refreshing tonic in bath, insect repellent, antiseptic, sacred to moon
deities and aids divination when burned, stronger when used with mugwort, burn
on Samhain to aid evocation scrying and prophecy, strengthens incenses for
exorcism and protection. POISON, do not take internally....
WOAD - isatis tinctoria, or genista tincturia, or dyers greenwood dye, seeds
used to make blue tint used skin by Celts, seeds were chewed to activate color.
(not suggested these days, crush with mortar)
WINTERGREEN - evergreen perennial, use leaves to make an aromatic infusion,
which can sweeten breath, leaves can be dried for use in tea.
WOODRUFF (asperula odorata) see sweet woodruff
WITCH HAZEL - perennial shrub, sacred to North American Indians. infusions and
tinctures made from young flowering twigs used as an astringent, to sooth bug
bites and cleans skin. Careful for allergic reactions.
WATERCRESS - perennial, almost evergreen, leaves rich in minerals and vitamin C
and A, used in soups and salads raw or cooked. Use only cultivated plants, wild
plants can host dangerous liver fluke.
YARROW - (achillea milefolium) also known as milfoil, woundwort, seven years
love, hardy perennial, not container friendly, good in salads, 1 small leaf can
speed decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of compost, also infuse to make copper
fertilizer, add to incense for divination and love spells, has power to keep
couples happily married
YEW - (taxus baccata) Also knows as English yew, European yew, represented by
letter I (idho) in the tree alphabet. Traditional cemetery tree, because Celtic
Priests and Priestesses regarded it as a symbol of immortality and planted it in
their Sacred Groves, druids also used wands of Yew to foretell the Future. Also
symbol of the hunt as yew made superior bows. Herb was sacred to the the Winter
Solstice and deities of death and rebirth. Irish used to make dagger handles and
wine barrels. Berries are poisonous, leaves on grave remind us that the death of
a dear one is only a pause in live
before rebirth, healing for mental and emotional problems, contains the secrets
of the Goddess, makes fine bows.
Adapted from The Alberta Pagan Community List
Author
Unknown
|