HERBAL MAGICK

"Be careful of reading health books, you may die of a misprint"     
-Mark Twain

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF HERB MAGICK?
  Herb Magick  began in the distant past, when humans first began to experiment with the plants that they found growing around them.  By 3000 BC, many plants were being regularly used in magic in Egypt.  By 200 BC, thousands of plants were called upon to smooth the path of human existence in Europe, Africa, the America's, Asia and elsewhere.  
The first herbals (descriptions of plants and their uses) were written in ancient Greece.  Most herbals include magical as well as medicinal information.  These writings were copied over and over through time, spreading the magical herbal lore. 
   Information on Herbal Magick was handed down between herbal practitioners and their students.  Greek and Roman texts were copied and disseminated during the 1400's in Europe.  Eventually, this mass of Herbal lore accumulated and made its way outward from the great centers of learning and found soil in common people.  
Herb magic and herbal medicine were freely mixed.  Herbalists uncovered the ritual uses of the plants that grew in their areas.  Then spread their knowledge to those who wanted to learn.

 MY 10 FAVORITE HERBS and their MAGICAL USES:

 1.  ASTRALGALUS or HUANG-CHI:
This herb is known to strengthen the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count.  The Chi is the vital force of the body, its universal energy, and Astralgalus has been known throughout the world and centuries as a chi tonic.  This herb is also very good at raising the metabolism, therefore promoting the healing of wounds and injuries.  Whenever I develop colds throughout the year I benefit from the PROPER use of Astralgalus.  It also helps with immune weakness.

 2. CAYENNE PEPPER:
Despite its hot nature, cayenne is actually a soothing restorative for the digestive tract when taken in raw form.  Cayenne (along with garlic) is very very tasty.  It is the cooked cayenne that can irritate the body.  The best form in which to take this herb is powered.  Eat cayenne pepper at the first sign of a cold or flu.  This herb is a classic remedy for diarrhea and cramps in the bowels.  Cayenne has a fascinating effect on blood pressure. This herb has also been said to help prevent heart attacks, headaches, indigestion and depression.  It has been said that ingesting Cayenne makes your "Aura" grow. 

 3.  ECHINACEA:
Native American herbalists taught the white man the uses of this herb, which is now one of the most important immune boosters and blood purifiers ever.  It was traditionally used for snakebites, scorpion stings and tarantulas.  Echinacea is effective for sore throats via hot tea and to relieve cold and flu symptoms.  I ingest this herb either by capsule or tea.  Good quality Echinacea should leave a tingling sensation in the mouth and on the tongue.  

 4.  GINGER:
Ginger is known to break up a badly congested chest colds and improve digestive conditions.  It is very warming to the body when ingested.  Capsules do not work for me, so I use it in brewing tea.  I buy the actual root and either chop or shred it into the tea I am preparing.  Ginger can be used to raise the body temperature to drive off a cold or a chill.  I also add Cayenne powder to my tea (I like spice).  Ginger also helps with nausea and motion sickness.  I am told you can sniff Ginger powder into your nose to relieve sinuses, but I have not tried this procedure. Ginger is the leading stimulant and anti inflammatory that promotes good circulation, another reason to use this great herb. 
  This herb is becoming rare in the wild, this is scary, considering this is one of the most glamorous herbs on the market today.  Ginseng is a general tonic that balances body systems, wards off stress, balances the metabolism, stimulates the mind, strengthens the body and has a reputation as an aphrodisiac.  Native American herbalists used Ginseng root for nausea and vomiting and also included it in love potions.  Ginseng is also known to improve the digestive tract and soothe lung complaints.

 6.  MILK THISTLE:
This herb protects and rebuilds the human liver.  Milk Thistle has a steroid like action on the liver cells.  It speeds up protein synthesis leading to faster liver regeneration in cases of Hepatitis, alcoholism and poisoning from drugs and pollutants.  There are no toxic effects from this herb.  I have been taking Milk Thistle via capsule for many many years.  Anyone who has been or thinks they may have been poisoned (in any way) can benefit from Milk Thistle.  

 7.  GARLIC:
Ahhh, were do I begin with this one.  I know, I know, a Vampyress who loves garlic?  Who said those myths were real (about garlic that is).  Garlic has been associated with strength, speed and endurance.  It destroys infection and represses various bacteria, fungi and yeast.  The only way to get garlic's total effect is to crush the clove and cook with it, or just eat it raw.  If you cook garlic to long, it will loose its potency.  Garlic is effective against parasites, respiratory ailments, stomach cancers and high blood pressure.  You can take this in capsule form, but to combat colds and flu's quickly, eat it raw.

8.  KAVA KAVA:
This herb is closely related to black pepper.  Kava Kava is a total relaxant of the muscular system.  Kava has been proven to have many pharmacological effects, they are:  sedative and hypnotic, anti fungal, analgesic and anesthetic.  I love this herb!  I take the capsule form.  Many studies from around the world have proven Kava to be effective and safe, although to much at one time can have an intoxicating effect (damn).  This herb is taken the place of Valium and Xanax for anxiety stricken people in Germany.

9.  FEVERFEW:
This herb, if properly used, is a wonderful relief for migraines. Feverfew has been shown by research to have valuable prophylactic properties, including, anti-clotting function on platelets in the blood.  Feverfew can often be very helpful as an anti inflammatory for arthritis.  Its bitterness has a stimulating action on the digestive tract.  It is also known to be a tonic for the uterus and it helps with the relief of menstrual problems. 

10.  VALERIAN:
This herb is my favorite of all!  Valerian is the herb which is best known as the great nerve restorer.  It is used in treatment of many disorders of the nervous system which are caused by exhaustion.  If you have anxiety, nervous tension or major headaches, this herb is for you!  I have been using Valerian for hundreds of years for pain and it works.  Valerian is an excellent remedy for any muscular spasm which is caused by tension and it works equally well for bowel spasm.  It is also a strengthening herb with very good tonic properties and improves the circulation as it tones the heart.  I take the capsule form.

Gathering your Flowers, Herbs and Plants:
The magickal hours to gather are, three, six, nine and twelve. Make sure your plants are healthy and free from pesticides. Gather your flowers and herbs in a basket or something else handy and open. If you place your plants in a plastic bag for instance, they will become hot and dilute their healing properties. Also if you dry plants that have been placed in a bag they will turn black.

  VARIETY of HERBAL GARDENS:

A Fairy Garden - This garden will consist of lots of tiny plants, including the fairy favorite, thyme.  Also Corsican mint and the creeping thymes.  If you have a larger garden, search for the alpine collections in your local nurseries.  Place a mirror among the plants to reflect the moonlight.  If you have a large tree in your yard, plant a circle of annual flowers at its base. Moss and mushrooms are also a favorite plant/herb in fairy gardens.

Love Garden - Roses (all varieties), Yarrow, Vervain, Violets, Lavender, Rosemary, Basil, Lemon Balm and Lovage .

A Pizza Garden - This garden would include oregano, basil and thyme.  Also try planting some roma tomato's, garlic and small onions.  You can substitute roma tomato's for cherry tomato's in a hanging basket or tub.  The whole garden can be laid out in a cartwheel pizza shape.  Add what you like and good luck.  This garden can be successful indoors too!

The Five Senses Garden - This is a garden that appeals to all five senses.  I start with a list appealing to all 5 senses and below I will list them with a few herb plants to go with each theme.
      1. Sight - Sunflower, mullein and Angelica.  In addition to these would be your favorite rose.
      2. Smell - The strongest smelling herbs would be curry plant, citronella, lemon balm. and lavender.
      3. Touch - Spiky English holly, soft lambs ears or mullein plant, rough borage or comfrey. 
      4. Taste - Mints of all variety, lemon balm or verbena, or try chives, garlic, lettuce or thyme.
      5. Hearing - This one would include Mimosa and other plants bringing bees, hummingbirds, etc...

A Bee Garden - Many flowers and herbs attract bees.  The herbs I am listing will bring forth an exceptional number.  If bee's are not disturbed, they will not bother you.  Foxglove is a favorite for bee's, but this herb is poisonous, and caution children and animals not to eat or handle the flowers.  Bee's also love mint, marjoram, oregano, bee balm, elecampane, thyme and viper's bugloss.  Again, do not disturb the bee and it will not disturb you! 

A Kitchen Herb Garden - This garden is a collection of your most prized herbs.  Mine being garlic would be the center of kitchen garden.  You can choose to your liking, but here are a few idea's;  basil, chives, bay and Cilantro/Coriander are all very popular and easy to grow.  Dill, fennel, lemon verbena, mint and lovage are used in dips, vinegars and oils.  Parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme and the variety of savory's are a great choice for a lot of meals made in the kitchen.  Pick and choose which ones you like. 

Butterfly Garden - Begin with a base of meadow grass, planting your taller plants in back and shorter ones in front to create a terrace effect.  Using stones would make a nice space between the two.  Marigolds, zinnias, baby's tears, sweet alyssum, milkweed, passion flower, daisy, lavender, verbena, boneset, clover and thistle are all excellent choices that can be arranged into a variety of patterns

MAGICKAL HERBS (over 600 listed), updated often!
Herbs have long been used as amulets to protect against evil and ward off bad luck; dried and burned as magickal incense during rituals; and added to the strange flying ointments and mysterious cauldron brews of Witches from bygone eras. Herbs can be used to cure or to curse, as well as to conjure or to banish supernatural entities. They can enchant our gardens and our homes and guide us on the path to transformation and self-improvement. But, most importantly, herbal magick can be used to open the door to spiritual realms and other worlds, and create a link between human beings and the higher forces known as Deity. Most herbals included magical as well as medicinal information. Such books were copied and recopied for centuries, further spreading magical herbal lore. I hope you enjoy my Magickal Herb List (taken me forever to create)!

 MAGICKAL DRUID HERBS:

BROOKLIME - 
Part used - Above ground portion
Herbal Uses - Poultices, Diuretic Infusions
Magical Uses - Water Safety {mix with Watercress} and Visionary Capacities - to strengthen the 'third eye'. {Herb of Mars} 
(CAUTION}: Pregnant women should AVOID 

FIGWORT - 
Parts Used - Above ground portion & root
Herbal Uses - Internally or externally as a tea, poultice, or tincture
Magical Uses - Protection and to attract health, peace and joy. {Herb of Venus}

MADDER -
Part Used - Root
Herbal Uses - As a tea, infusion or for dying fabrics
Magical Uses - For a young woman's coming-of-age ceremony.  (Herb of Mars} 

MANDRAKE -
Part Used - Root
Herbal Uses - Poultices, Salves, {Anesthetic}
CAUTION - Not recommended for home use -TOXIC
Magical Uses - Protects against demonic possession, Used as a puppet, Placed on mantle to bring prosperity and happiness, To attract love and repel diseases, Exorcisms, Travel unnoticed
CAUTION - DO NOT INGEST! - {Herb of Mercury} 

MEADOWSWEET -
Parts Used - Root, Flower, Leaf
Herbal Uses - Tea, Infusion
Magical Uses - Love Spells, Promoting Peace {Herb of Jupiter} 

MINT -
Part Used - The above ground portions
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tea, Oil, Salve
{CAUTION - No more than 2 cups per day of infusion - or 2 drops per day of oil, Larger doses can be toxic to the kidneys}
Magical Uses - Protection, Healing, Easy Travel, Attracts prosperity & money. {Herb of Venus} 

MISTLETOE -
Parts Used - Twig & Leaf
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tea, Tincture
CAUTION - Berries should not be used for internal consumption - Large doses of this herb have been known to induce convulsions in children
Magical Uses - Use to combat despair, herb of protection, child theft by fairies, healing, hunting, conception, to bring beautiful dreams, unlock the secrets of immortality through dreams - used for wands and ritual items or placed around a 'Hand of Glory' to ward off thieves - to protect the bearer from werewolves. {Herb of the Sun & Jupiter}
CAUTION - You should take note that this herb is considered by many in the study of herbs, to be extremely toxic. It should not be used for medical complaint, without full and total knowledge of it's usage and dosages. 

OAK -
Parts Used - Bark, Leaf, Acorn
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tea, Salves
Magical Uses - Abundance, fertility, longevity, protection, spiritual awareness while remaining fully rooted in the earth plane, it's wood is used for staves and wands, use any parts for protective charms which bring healing. Acorns bring fertility and abundance. Plant in the dark of the moon to bring financial prosperity. {Tree of Jupiter}
CAUTION - Parts of this tree contain the compound known as tannic acid. Tannic acid in this form is toxic to humans. Oak bark tea can be bought OTC, if you would prefer. Otherwise, if you intend to use this particular herb, make sure that you do a complete study on how to use it. 

SELAGO - 
Parts Used - Above ground portions, spores
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Powder, Poultice
Magical Uses - Charm of power and protection, wear it, add it to incense, use it to commune with the Gods & Goddesses. 

SELF-HEAL - 
Part Used - Above ground portions
Herbal Uses - Tea, Tincture, Poultices
Magical Uses - Purification, ward of insect stings & serpents, protection from enchantment, make dreams come true, bring love, dispel fears, bring youth & beauty, protection for the practitioner of magical workings, bring peace, kept in home it attracts wealth and keeps plants healthy. Drinking it's juice cuts sexual desire, burn to banish pangs of unrequited love, worn to recover stolen articles, put in child's cradle brings joy and a lively intellect. 

VERVAIN - 
Part Used - Leaves, Blooms, all parts
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Poultice, Tincture, Tea
Magical Uses -Vervain was one of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids. Sweeping the sacred space with bunches of vervain will cleanse and purify it as well as raising its vibrations. Used in ritual bath to detoxify the physical body and refine the aura. Taking the tea before the ritual will heighten the consciousness and intensify clairvoyant powers. Vervain was also known to be a very effective healer and protector. Vervain was sometimes buried in fields to ensure a bountiful harvest. When a piece of vervain was carried it was said to help soldiers escape their enemies. A piece of vervain hung above the bed is said to prevent nightmares. Hanging a piece of vervain in the home was said to protect against evil spirits, lightning and storms. An infusion, sprinkled around the home, was said to keep evil from entering. The bruised plant worn around the neck was a good luck charm and guarded against headaches and venomous bites. One belief was that vervain would bring magical powers and immortality to its possessor. It was said that if a bride picked a sprig of vervain on her wedding morning she would ensure the love and faithfulness of her husband.

WATER HOREHOUND -
Part Used - Above ground portions
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tincture
Magical Uses - Offerings to deities 

WILD BASIL - 
Part Used - Above ground portions
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Poultice, Oil
{The type - Thyme is used in tincture for children's chest complaints}
Magical Uses - Protection, repel thieves, attract customers to a business, dispel melancholy, bring joy, mend quarrels, additive for love spells, 
fidelity, purification, courage, health, vitality, strength, healing - wear to enhance psychic powers, 
place by bed to ward off nightmares, ritual offerings. {Herb of Venus} 

WOAD - 
Part Used - Leaf
Herbal Uses - Poultice, Salves, Dye
Magical Uses - Paint for ceremonial use. {Herb of Mars & Jupiter} 

  Herb magic is becoming very popular in this century.  I have a great love for herbs and to  learn something new every day regarding the medicinal and therapeutic uses for specific herbs is very rewarding!!       ~Vampyress

The magical and medicinal uses described on VAMPYRESS' site pages comes from a variety of sources, both modern and
 historical and collected over  many ~ many years!

These are common metaphysical, folklore, and legendary uses and VAMPYRESS make no guarantees as to their effectiveness.  It is up to you to decide their value, for yourself.