The Pagan Heart
Callum's Herbaria

Callum's Herbal

By Callum Mostyn

   

Index of Herbs: Apple Apricot Balsam Banana Basil, Sweet Birch Blackberry Chamomile, Roman Chives Cinnamon Clove Clover, Red Coffee Comfrey Dandelion Eucalyptus Tree Frankincense Garlic, Softneck Ginseng Hyssop Lavender Lemon Lemon verbena Marigold

Mint Myrrh Noble Laurel (Sweet Bay) Oak Olive Oregano Pennyroyal Poppy Rose Rosemary Sandalwood Strawberry Sunflower Sweet Cicely Sweet Violet Tarragon Thyme Wild Carrot/Queen Anne's Lace Willow Wormwood Ylang Ylang

   

Apple - Pyrrus spp.

Parts used: Fruit Blossoms Magical uses: Longevity Spirituality Love & passion Communion with the dead Feminine divine

Culinary uses: the apple is tasty raw, cooked into pastries, breads, and some main dishes - especially with pork. Makes a good ingredient in salads, and in jams, jellies, and butters. Medicinal and Other uses: the apple is a powerhouse of health. It contains fibre, flavonoids to reduce heart disease risks, helps fight diabetes, reduce kidney stone risks, guards against asthma and also breast and colon cancer, and increases the skin's UV-B protection. Finally, it is a natural weight loss aid.

   

Apricot - Prunus armeniaca

Parts used: Fruit Kernel Magical uses: Love Relationships Sexual magic

Culinary uses: the fruit of the apricot tree is delicious eaten fresh, stewed or in pastries and jams. Medicinal and Other uses: apricot kernels are often used in scrubs and oils for cosmetic purposes.

   

Birch - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) also yellow, black, paper birch

Parts used: Leaves Bark Oil Sap Magical uses: Avatar of the Earth Mother Protection Exorcism

Link

Culinary uses: the fermented sap is used in beer, wine, spirits, and vinegar. Medicinal and Other uses: Medicinal and Other uses: different birches are used to treat kidney stones, itchy skin, scalp issues, sedative, laxative, arthritis, rheumatism, gout.

   

Apricot - Prunus armeniaca

Parts used: Fruit Kernel Magical uses: Love Relationships Sexual magic

Culinary uses: the fruit of the apricot tree is delicious eaten fresh, stewed or in pastries and jams. Medicinal and Other uses: apricot kernels are often used in scrubs and oils for cosmetic purposes.

   

Balsam - Impatiens

Parts used: Leaves Magical uses: Concealment Aids sudden change Surprise Fertility and fecundity

Culinary uses: none - toxic in nature. Medicinal and Other uses: Balsam is reputed to aid in treating skin conditions. The leaves are boiled up into a paste with lard and applied to boils and other skin conditions to draw out the infection.

   

Banana - Musa sapientum

Parts used: Fruit Leaves Magical uses: Sacrifice Potency Fertility Prosperity

Culinary uses: the banana is very versatile appearing in foods from dessert, to baking, to smoothies, and various casseroles and salads. Medicinal and Other uses: the banana is a great energy food, replacing Vitamin B and potassium. It also contains carbohydrates, helps lower blood pressure, and is high in fibre.

   

Basil, Sweet - Ocimum basilicum

Parts used: Leaves Stem Seeds Oil Flowers Magical uses: Love & fidelity Prosperity & luck Exorcism, protection & purification Happiness

Culinary uses: basil is delicious freshly chopped and added to salads, pasta sauces and vegetable dishes. Stir it into soups 10 minutes or so before serving. Mix it into stuffing for meats and poultry. Or wash, dry and bottle in oil or vinegar. You can chop and freeze fresh basil, or blend it with pine nuts and garlic for a fresh pesto (if not using fairly quickly, leave out the garlic - it will turn bitter. Medicinal and Other uses: basil in one form or another is effacious for acne, aromatherapy, colds, dentistry, influenza, insect bites, insomnia, migraines and headaches, nausea, non-venomous snakebites, skin infections and wounds, stomache and abdominal pains.

   

Birch - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) also yellow, black, paper birch

Parts used: Leaves Bark Oil Sap Magical uses: Avatar of the Earth Mother Protection Exorcism

Culinary uses: the fermented sap is used in beer, wine, spirits, and vinegar. Medicinal and Other uses: different birches are used to treat kidney stones, itchy skin, scalp issues, sedative, laxative, arthritis, rheumatism, gout.

   

Blackberry - Rubus Fruticosus

Parts used: Leaves Roots Fruit Magical uses: Protection Healing

Culinary uses: The fuit can be eaten fresh, cooked, frozen, made into jellies, jams, or syrups. The leaves are used in teas. Medicinal and Other uses: Medicinal and Other uses: Helps heal stomach disorders, hemorrhoids, UTI and bladder infections, mouth infammations, and menstrual disorders.

   

Chamomile, Roman - Chamaemelum nobile

Parts used: Flowers Oil Magical uses: Purification Finances Sun magic Sleep, serenity, and calmness

Culinary uses: herbal tea. Medicinal and Other uses: Chamomile is a wonderfully gentle herb with no known side-effects - considering its thousands of years of usage, it's probably safe to say it has none. It is predominantly a relaxant, safe for children and adults, and non-addictive. It helps calm hyperactive people and bring sleep to insomniacs. It also helps digestive issues.

   

Chives - Allium schoenoprasum

Parts used: Leaves Flowers Bulbs Magical uses: Energising Familial Bonding Healing

Culinary uses: Used as a flavouring herb in many dishes such as soups, salads, pasta, sauces, egg and potato dishes. Medicinal and Other uses: Chives are a mild antibiotic, appetite stimulant and an aid in digestion.

   

Cinnamon - Cinnamomum zeylancium

Parts used: Bark Magical uses: Spirituality and passion Healing Power Protection and safety Home magic

Culinary uses: Cinnamon in powdered form is popular in drinks, pastries, sweets, and some savoury dishes. The quills are often used in drinks (such as mulled wine) and many Indian dishes. Medicinal and Other uses: New research is showing a strong link between cinnamon and diabetic control. Also beneficial as an anti-clotter, anti-microbial agent, brain function, heart and colon health, cold fighting, energy boosting, and battles haliotosis.

   

Clove - Eugenia caryophyllus

Parts used: Dried flower buds Oil Magical uses: Sexual magic Love and spirituality Purifier Protection and warding

Culinary uses: Clove, both the whole dried flower buds and the powdered version, is a common kitchen spice used in baking, pastries, and sweets. Medicinal and Other uses: the clove is quite a powerhouse. It has strong antioxidant properties, anti-fungal qualities, anti-bacterial action, and tastes good. It numbs and alleviates toothache, relieves digestive issues, and combats intestinal parasites. It is a common ingredient in potpourri.

   

Clover, Red - Trifolium pratense

Parts used: Flowers Magical uses: Love and fidelity Good marriage Female health

Culinary uses: red clover teas and infusions are the common way to consume this herb, although the flowers do look pretty tossed into a salad. Medicinal and Other uses: used to treat eczema, psoriasis, gout and various degenerative diseases. It has a long-standing reputation for keeping the female reproductive system healthy, and aiding in lactation. It also purifies the blood.

   

Coffee - Coffea arabica

Parts used: Seeds Magical uses: Memory Energy boost Personal wealth

Culinary uses: as a flavouring and a drink. Growing poularity of beans coated in chocolate as a snack too. Medicinal and Other uses: Coffe can aid in the treatment of burns, nausea, and narcotic poisoning. Drinking it also helps boost short-term memory. It is a stimlant and a component in many pain medications.

   

Comfrey - Symphytum officinale

Parts used: Leaves Root Magical uses: Protection Healing Spiritual comfort

Culinary uses: as a food item, comfrey doesn't have a role any more. There are suspicions about its potential to be a carcinogen, and large quantities may affect the liver. I have used it in soups to treat internal ulcers however, with no ill effect. Medicinal and Other uses: Comfrey's nicknames - Boneset, Knitbone - tell a lot about this herb's properties. It is a healant with incredible abilities. It is beneficial in healing ulcers, wounds, haemorrhages, bronchitis, and the cough.

   

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale

Parts used: Whole plant Leaves Roots Flowers Magical uses: Fertility - both sexes Prosperity Wish magic Time magics

Culinary uses: the roots, dried, roasted and ground, are often used as a coffee substitue. The flowers make an intriguing dandelion wine, and the fresh leaves are often used in soups and salads. Medicinal and Other uses: dandelion has a long history as an aid for kidney infections, cirrhosis, gallstones and constipation.

   

Frankincense - Boswellia sacra

Parts used: Gum resin Magical uses: Protection Spirituality

Culinary uses: None Medicinal and Other uses: Frankincense is a common ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes, and incense. Medicinally it can help treat bronchial infections, chest congestion, mouth and throat infections, and kidney infections.

   

Garlic, Softneck - Allium salivum

Parts used: Bulbs Magical uses: Love & fidelity Wards against evil Prosperity

Culinary uses: garlic adds a wonderful flavour to most meats and vegetables. Raw, it spices up sauces and dressings. Medicinal and Other uses: garlic has a wonderful effect upon the immune system, helping to prevent colds and infections, skin problems and also dysentery. Legend also considers it an aid against the bite of a snake...

   

Ginseng - Panax quinquefolium

Parts used: Roots Flowers Magical uses: Love Healing Sacrifice Protection

Culinary uses: ginseng is predominantly consumed medicinally, however many drink ginseng tea daily. Medicinal and Other uses: a wide variety of uses from blood pressure, treatment of debility from illness, nervous system issues, boosts energy, through to aphrodisiac and nerve tonic.

   

Gum tree - Eucalyptus

Parts used: Leaves Oil Resin Bark Seeds Magical uses: Healing Protection

Culinary uses: the eucalyptus tree should not be consumed - unless you are a koala. Medicinal and Other uses: eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, and makes a wonderful rub, linament, ointment or inhalation.

   

Hyssop - Hyssopus officinalis

Parts used: Leaves Flowers Whole plant Magical uses: Purification Creation of sacred space Protection Clairvoyance Banishing

Culinary uses: hyssop has a bitter, slightly mint-like flavour, so use sparingly until you determine your taste for it. The flower heads make a tasty addition to salads, while the leaves work well in teas, soups, stews, cheeses, and sauces. Medicinal and Other uses: Hyssop blended with rue and honey has a long-standing reputation as a cough remedy. Hot tea helps break fevers, clear congestion, and aid the healing of upper respiratory tract conditions. Also helps heal buises, cuts and scrapes, and reduce flatulence.

   

Lavender - Lavendula

Parts used: Leaves Flowers Oil Magical uses: Protection Peace and joy Love and friendship Home and hearth Healing

Culinary uses: The flowers can be crystalised and used to decorate foods, or added to jams and icecreams. Sugar can be flavoured by mixing with the flowers and leaves, as can honey, oils and vinegars. The flowers and leaves are wonderful in teas. Medicinal and Other uses: Lavender has a long-standing history treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and migraines, bronchial conditions, sunburns and skin irritations, muscular pains, burns, and halitosis.

   

Lemon - Citrus limon

Parts used: Fruit Juice Rind Flowers Oil Leaves Magical uses: Purification Memory Love and loyalty Loss

Culinary uses: the juice is a common ingredient in dishes requiring a "bite" or sour tang, and in drinks. The rind is used in baking and sweet and sour dishes. Medicinal and Other uses: the antioxidant and vitamin-rich properties of the lemon help with general health, as well as to target coughs, colds, fevers, sore throats, nausea, and headache. Also beneficial in toiletries, hair-care, cleaners and fresheners, potpourri, and perfumes.

   

Lemon verbena - Aloysia triphylla

Parts used: Leaves Oil Magical uses: Dream magic Power boost in spells Love and passion

Culinary uses: the leaves are good in salads, teas, and stuffings. The flowers make a nice addition to salads too. Medicinal and Other uses: medicinally, lemon verbena is effective in treating flatulence, abdominal pain, indigestion, and colds. It is common in potpourri.

   

Marigold - Calendula officinalis

Parts used: Flowers Petals Magical uses: Spirituality Passion Power Protection

Culinary uses: marigold can be used as a substitute for saffron, to add colour to fodds, in salads, stews, soups, and baking. Medicinal and Other uses: skin restorative and moisturiser, stomach issues, hepatitis, eczema, and an antiseptic.

   

Mint - Mentha

Parts used: Whole plant Oil Leaves Magical uses: Protection Love and marriage Sexuality Money

Culinary uses: mint turns up in pretty much all aspects of cooking - from flavouring meat, fruit, vegetables, and sweets, to drinks, oils, and vinegars. Medicinal and Other uses: mint has a place in the treatment of stomach disorders, dietary discomfit, haliotosis, skin and respiratory conditions, burns, and sinusitis.

   

Myrrh - Commiphora myrrha

Parts used: Resin Magical uses: Blessing Protection Consecration Exorcism

Culinary uses: none Medicinal and Other uses: Myrrh is used as a disinfectant, to promote circulation, combats diabetes, and makes a good bruise/strain liniment.

   

Noble Laurel (Sweet Bay) - Laurus nobilis

Parts used: Leaves Oil Magical uses: Trance & dreamwork Purification Protection

Culinary uses: fresh bay leaves are wonderful added to sauces, soups, stews and bouquet garnis. In lieu of fresh, dried can be used. Medicinal and Other uses: the only non-poisonous member of the laurel family, bay is effective in treating colic, flatulence, indigestion, rheumatism, sacbies and sprains.

   

Oak - Quercus robur (English Oak) also white, black, red oak

Parts used: Leaves Acorns Bark Galls Magical uses: Sacred to the sun Abundance Fertility Longevity and healing Protection Binding Death and trasformation

Link

Culinary uses: acorns can be used, but their bitterness often precludes this. Medicinal and Other uses: the various oaks are used to treat hemorrhoids, leukorrhea, fevers, diarrhea, mouth and throat sores/inflammations.

   

Olive - Olea euopaea

Parts used: Fruit Oil Magical uses: Love and family Protection Purification & consecration Victory

Culinary uses: olive oil, the oil of the gods, is incredible to cook with. Meats, vegetables, breads - all are complimented by the rich flavour. The fruit is often marinated in oils and vinegars, sometimes stuffed as well. In pastas, tapenades, salads, sauces, breads, pizzas - the olive (whether as fruit or oil) is truly versatile. Medicinal and Other uses: olive oil is a popular ingredient in cosmetic and skin care products due to its amazing effect upon the exterior of the body. The olive leaf has a longstanding history as a wound healant. Just as amazing is what the oil does inside for the circulatory system.

   

Oregano - Origanum vulgare & Origanum majorana

Parts used: Whole plant Leaves Seeds Oil Magical uses: Protection Love & happiness Home and hearth Wealth

Culinary uses: traditional herb for Italian and Greek dishes - in soups, sauces, meat dishes, cheeses, and flavouring (oils and vinegars). Medicinal and Other uses: Oregano has marvelous properties when it comes to treating insomnia, joint aches and pains, headaches, digestion, and respiratory conditions.

   

Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium

Parts used: Leaves Oil Whole plant Magical uses: Peace Protection Banishing evil

Culinary uses: don't eat - poisonous. Medicinal and Other uses: pennyroyal is an insect repellent, plain and simple. Fresh leaves can be rubbed on the skin to prevent isect bites, but may cause a rash so test first. Dried, it makes a wonderful powder to scatter through any insect-prone zones (such as a dog or cat bed), and aside from being pleasant smelling, is environmentally safe, and as long as the animals don't consume it, safe. Do however keep it away from children and pregnant women.

   

Poppy - Papaver somniferum & Papaver rhoeas

Herbs:

Apple - Pyrrus spp.

Parts used: Fruit Blossoms Magical uses: Longevity Spirituality Love & passion Communion with the dead Feminine divine

Culinary uses: the apple is tasty raw, cooked into pastries, breads, and some main dishes - especially with pork. Makes a good ingredient in salads, and in jams, jellies, and butters. Medicinal and Other uses: the apple is a powerhouse of health. It contains fibre, flavonoids to reduce heart disease risks, helps fight diabetes, reduce kidney stone risks, guards against asthma and also breast and colon cancer, and increases the skin's UV-B protection. Finally, it is a natural weight loss aid.

   

Rose - Rosa

Parts used: Fruit Oil Magical uses: Love and family Protection Purification & consecration Victory

Culinary uses: Culinary uses: the rose hips are often used in teas, and the petals in salads, or crystallised and used in sweets. Rosewater is a common ingredient in sweets. Medicinal and Other uses: rose is used in treatments for colds, the flu, diarrhea, sore throats, eye infections, scurvy, and minor infectious diseases. Added to various medicines as a flavouring, and to vitamin C tablets.

   

Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis

Parts used: Leaves Flowers Oil Magical uses: Consecration and purification Memory and concentration Banishes evil and protects Heals

Culinary uses: rosemary has a strong flavour that compliments meat - especially lamb. It is also tasty in soups, stews, with baked and sauteed vegetables. Used in lesser quantities, it adds a unique flavour to pastries and breads. It also makes a great cooking oil and salad vinegar. Medicinal and Other uses: rosemary is an incredible herb. It alleviates arthritis, dandruff, depression, disgestive problems, headaches, muscular injuries, nervous tension, poor circulation. It makes a good antiseptic mouthwash, repels insects and is wonderful on the skin and hair. It is also beneficial in increasing mental clarity and heliping the memory.

   

Sandalwood - Santalum album

Parts used: Heartwood Oil Magical uses: Mental focus and clarity Exorcism Healing Protection Consecration

Link

Culinary uses: red sandalwood is used as a food colouring. Medicinal and Other uses: another versatile herb, sandalwood is useful in treating bladder infections, kidney stones and inflamation, fevers, bronchitis, gastric irritability, dysentery, prickly heat, inflammatory skin diseases, and headaches.

   

Strawberry - Fragaria vesca

Parts used: Leaves Roots Fruits Magical uses: Sexual magic Healing love Luck Protection

Culinary uses: Strawberries are versatile - eat them fresh, in jams and desserts, to flavour wines, oils, and vinegars. Also makes a nice tea. Medicinal and Other uses: actually quite a useful herb - it helps with skin inflamation and sunburn, as well as diarrhea and digestive problems. It also makes a great skin care product!

   

Sunflower - Helianthus annuus

Parts used: Whole plant Seeds Oil Magical uses: Fertility Health Wisdom

Culinary uses: Sunflower oil is wonderful in cooking and salads. The seeds are used raw or roasted in many grain-based products sun as cereal and bread, and also in pasta and salad dishes. Medicinal and Other uses: The sunflower is actually very useful medicinally. It makes a good massage oil. The seeds are nutritionally very rich. It is used to treat arthritis, bronchial issues, coughs and chest complaints, kidney problems, malaria, and tuberculosis.

   

Sweet Cicely - Myrrhis odorata

Parts used: Leaves Roots Seeds Magical uses: Communion with the dead Self-knowledge

Culinary uses: The leaves can be added to salads, pasta, deserts, and soups. The roots are a vegetable and salad food. The seeds are a tasty addition to desserts and salads. Medicinal and Other uses: Useful in digestive discomfit and also to help treat anemia.

   

Sweet Violet - Viola odorata

Parts used: Leaves flowers Oil Magical uses: Calming Love & happiness Sleep

Culinary uses: the flowers can be candied and used in cooking, and fresh, make a delightful addition to salads. Medicinal and Other uses: violet has a history as a breath freshener. It is used in perfumes, to treat bronchitis and other respiritory problems, coughs, and throat infections.

   

Tarragon - Artemisia dracunculus

Parts used: Oil Leaves Magical uses: Protective Calmative Aphrodisiac

Link

Culinary uses: tarragon has a very long history of flavouring sauces, chicken and egg dishes, and vinegars, oils, and mustards. Medicinal and Other uses: high in vitamins A and C, the leaves are thought stimulate appetite. It is used against toothache, indigestion, worms, and rheumatism. Tarragon is also a flavouring and perfumery ingredient.

   

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris

Parts used: Whole plant Flowers Leaves Oil Magical uses: Purification Energy boost Connection to the Fey

Culinary uses: common ingredient in bouquet garni, flavouring in stocks, soups, marinades and sauces, works well in meat, vegetable, and fruit dishes of all sorts. Medicinal and Other uses: treats bronchial issues, asthma, digestive problems, and fungal infections. The oil is a powerful aromatherapy treatment for depression, exhaustion, bronchial concerns, and skin problems.

   

Wild Carrot/Queen Anne's Lace - Dacus carota

Parts used: Seeds Magical uses: Banishing Warding

Culinary uses: wild carrot is very bitter and not recommended for eating - although you can if you so choose. Medicinal and Other uses: skin restorative, kidney disorders, and antiseptic.

   

Willow - Salix nigra, Salix alba

Parts used: Bark Magical uses: Protection Warding against negative spirits Healing

Culinary uses: none that I am aware of. The bitter flavour doesn't work as a food for me. Medicinal and Other uses: the bark, fresh, dried, or powdered, is used in teas and infusions to alleviate pain and reduce fever. It is a bit bitter, and honey can be added to sweeten, or blend it with other herbs. Traditionally white willow is used for rheumatism, arthritis, diarrhea, fevers, and headaches. Black willow has been used to treat ovarian pain and gonorrhea.

   

Wormwood - Artemisia absinthium

Parts used: Leaves Whole plant Magical uses: Protection Psychic aid Lunar magic Fertility

Culinary uses: as a food item, I don't recommend casual consumption of Wormwood. It does have a role internally on a medicinal level, one supported by the scientific community, but care should be used. Medicinal and Other uses: Wormwood is helpful in treating worms, gall bladder issues, indigestion and stomach discomfit, insect bites, and bruises.

   

Ylang Ylang - Cananga odorata

Parts used: Oil Flowers Magical uses: Fertility and sexuality Feminine consecration Calmative and relaxant

Link

Culinary uses: none. Medicinal and Other uses: ylang ylang is quite versatile, with uses as an antiseptic, sedative, fever reducer, to lower blood pressure and tension, relieve depression, stimulant, calmative, aphrodisiac, skin disorders, hair rinse, and insect bites relief.