Introduction:
Traditionally, Witches have a great deal of knowledge of herbs and their healing properties. with present movement back to nature, and the desire for survival in this modern age, that knowledge could today stand us in very good stead. It is important that Witches once again be the Wise Ones of Herbal Medicine.

Cautions:
I would advise that you don't use any herb unless you know for sure that you have the right herb WHEN IN DOUBT... DON'T this same advice should be taken even if you go to your local health store to purchase packaged prepared herbal cures. Know what you are taking! Know your plants. Read, read, read. Try to get a good book that has colored pictures in it so you can learn to identify the different flowers, plants, and trees. Many different plants have similarities, enough to cause confusion! You cannot spend too much time studying illustrations and photographs.
A lot of people think that because they are using herbs, they don't have to be carefull about how and when they are using them. They think that because you can walk into a store and buy right over the counter, and its all natural, theres no problem. NOT SO!
For centuries witches had prescribed a tea brewed from the Foxglove leaves for people with heart problems. I remember my Great-grandmother talking about giving people Foxglove. Today, one the most important heart medications, Digitalis re-discovered by an English doctor, William Withering, is made from the leaves of the Foxglove plant. Dr. Cheney, of Stanford University, "discovered," and proved, that rraw cabbage juice helped to heal stomach ulcers--knowledge again carried for hundreds of years by... yep!! Witches. My point here is that when you are using herbs, you are using the very ingredient that is used to produce 90% of modern medications, and like all medications, take into account any allergies you may have and know what the possible side effects are.KNOW YOUR HERBS!!!!!!

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF HERBS:
Many herbal preparations have been wasted or Spoiled because the user did not prepare them and/or use them properly. So, with that in mind, here is a list of things to remember:

1)Pick only the parts of the plants that you are going to use.
2)Make sure you do not damage the plants when picking them.
3) The best time to harvest for using the leaves, would be just before the plant flowers.
4)If it is the flowers that are desirable, such as hyssop, chamomile and lavender. harvest time is at bloom time.
5)Make sure you pick your herbs when they're dry.
6)Make them up into small bundles, do not crush them!
7) Tie them in little bundles to hang upside down in a dark place with good air movement. (you can microwave herbs by placing them between layers of paper towel, then microwaving for a minute or two.)
8)The freezer is another option, You do not have to blanch herbs to freeze, just chop, frezer bag and to the freezer.
9)When making remedies use utensils made from cast iron, enamel, glass, pottery, or stainless steel. Use wooden or steel spatulas, plastic or nylon sieves, and tea strainers. Do NOT use aluminum pots or pans since foods absorb this element, which is potentially toxic
10)All equipment should be sterilized and kept clean.
11)Do NOT store herbals in plastic for long periods because the plastic, other than freezer bags in the freezer, because they will absorb the chemicals from many herbs.