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Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts

2.26.2009

Absinthe

Absinthe has been banned from this country and many others due to the fact that it causes hallucinations; not to mention that wormwood is a poison. If you are concerned about the wormwood, don't add it.

Ingredients:
1 pint vodka
2 tsp. crumbled wormwood (dried)
2 tsp. anise seed
1/2 tsp. fennel seed
4 cardamom pods
1 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. chopped angelica root
1 2/3 cups sugar syrup

Preparation:
Place vodka in a large jar with a tight fitting lid. Add wormwood and shake well; steep for 48 hours and strain out. Crush seeds and pods in mortar. Add them and all remaining herbs to vodka and steep in a warm place for 1 week. Filter and sweeten. Pour into a bottle and enjoy a piece of history.

Suggestion:
Pour a half glass of water into a half glass of Absinthe for authenticity.

Note: This drink will be very bitter even with the sugar syrup in it. Wormwood is a bitter herb. The drink will be brown.

2.23.2009

Druidic Tea: Willow Moon

Willow Moon:

Matters of the Otherworld; healing, love, water magick, feminine mysteries.

2 parts willow bark
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 part dried apples
pinch of rosemary

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Vine Moon

Vine Moon:

Earth, sex magick, overcoming difficulties.

1 part blackberry
1 part dandelion
splash of grape juice
pinch of hibiscus

Do not take blackberry during first or second trimester of pregnancy.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Reed Moon

Reed Moon:

Fertility, love, protection.

1 part red clover
1 part hyssop
1 part boneset
pinch of slippery elm

Boneset is toxic in large doses or if taken over long period of time.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Oak Moon

Oak Moon:

Lust, strength, energy, endurance, fertility, fire magick, male mysteries.

1 1/2 parts white oak bark
1/2 part mint
1/2 part orange peel
pinch of cinnamon/nutmeg

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Ivy Moon

Ivy Moon:

Healing, cooperation, binding.

1 part mullein
1/4 part wintermint
1/2 part barberry

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Holly Moon

Holly Moon:

Matters of animals; magick, prophecy.

1 part kelp
1/2 part rose petals
1/2 part raspberry
pinch of yarrow

Do not use kelp during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. DO NOT use kelp if you have a thyroid problem. Do not take raspberry during first or second trimester of pregnancy.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Hazel Moon

Hazel Moon:

Manifestations, protection, healing, fertility.

1 parts ginseng
1/2 part mugwort
pinch of savory
splash of any non-citrus juice

Note: Mugwort is a hallucinogen and toxic in large amounts. Use with caution, and as always, have a healthy respect for what the Goddess gives.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Hawthorn Moon

Hawthorn Moon:

Peace, sleep, dreams, prosperity, happiness.

1 part hawthorn
1 part catnip
1/2 part rue
1/2 part champagne

Do not use rue during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. It can cause sensitivity to the sun and is toxic in moderate to large amounts.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Elder Moon

Elder Moon:

Exorcism, prosperity, astral travel, finding faeries.

1 part ginko
1 part mugwort
1 part valerian
1 part spearment
pinch of anise/anise extract
pinch of allspice

Valerian is a sedative, and shouldn't be taken in large amounts. (Also attracts cats like catnip, so keep it in a safe container if you don't want it to get chewed up)

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Birch Moon

Birch Moon:

Matters of beginnings and children; purification.

3 parts ginger
1 part lemongrass
pinch of dill
splash of lemon juice

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Ash Moon

Ash Moon:

Matters of the intellect; magick, healing.
2 parts angelica
1/2 part sage
1/2 part black cohosh
pinch of rosemary

Do not use black cohosh during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. Black cohosh is a sedative and not to be taken in large amounts.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

2.15.2009

Sacred Water

Make your own sacred water by adding one part of the following herb mixture to four parts water in a large, clear bottle or jar:

rose petals
jasmine
hyssop

Stir in three teaspoons of sea salt.

Begin your waters during the third quarter of the moon. Sit the mixture in a sunny spot where it will be undisturbed until the last night of the fourth quarter of the waning moon. (9-16 days, depending on when you start).

If the water gets low, add one-half to three-fourths cups water. When it has "percolated" sufficiently (it will look like tea), strain off the herbs and save in a jar for divination.If using clear water, drop a crystal or shell into the bowl. This will aid in your focus.

Scry as usual.

~Source Unknown~

Hex Breaking Potion

If a hex has been cast against you or your family, make an infusion from the bark of the plant known as the Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpuracea) then let it cool.


Dip the fingertip of your right index finger into the infusion and then use it to trace the symbol of a cross on your forehead and/or those of the family members afflicted by the hex. As this is done, shout the work "Wahoo!" seven times.




According to occult tradition, the hex will be instantly broken.




WARNING: Do not drink the infusion as Wahoo is regarded as poisonous.

Astral Oil

5 parts mugwort
2 parts parsley
1 part catnip
1 part orris root powder
3 drops jasmine oil
pinch of valerian root

Crush the herbs and mix them into a natural, unscented oil. Apply to body before attempting astral projection.

Note: Always be cautious when using mugwort. It is a powerful herb which must be used both carefully and sparingly.

~Source Unknown~

2.04.2009

Herbs for Imbolc

Herbs can play an important role in any Sabbat celebration. At Imbolc, which is still in the middle of winter, the herbs play a practical as well as a spiritual role since they can be used to fortify the physical strength of the individuals that ingest them, therefore making it more likely that you will survive the rest of winter in good health.

Some of the herbs (By no means an all-inclusive list) that are particularly available and/or useful during this season are:

* Ash (leaf or wood) - Imbolg's symbolic tree is the ash tree and it is called the herb of the sun. Medicinally, reputed to clear obstructions from the spleen and liver.

* Celadine - Magickally, reputed to bring joy and cure depression. Medicinally, used to help jaundice and eczema. The fresh juice is used to cure warts, ringworm and corns. The roots are good for hemorrhoids.

* Chamomile - Magickally, it is used for purification and protection as well as Initiative and energy in adversity. Medicinally, it is antibacterial and used for upset stomachs and fevers

* Coriander - Magickally, for healing, especially headaches, love and health. Medicinally, it strengthens the urinary system and eases gas & indigestion

* Dragon's Blood - Magickally, drives away evil and negativity while building love and potency. Medicinally, it promotes healing and stops bleeding (used externally).

* Garlic - Magickally, good for protection and courage. Guards against foul weather. Medicinally, Prevents and cures intestinal worms. Very antiseptic, it is good for sore throats, bronchitis and infections.

* Heather - Magickally, Brings good luck and promotes peace in the home. Medicinally, strengthens the heart, suppresses coughing and aids sleeplessness.

* Lemon - Magickally, used for longevity, purification, love and blessings. Medicinally, it raises the vitamin C levels in the body, thus fighting rickets and scurvy.

* Myrrh - Magickally good for purification and blessings, exorcism, healing, and spirituality. Medicinally, Promotes circulation and increases heart rate and power.

* Rose Hips - Magickally, it is good for love, attraction, healing, sleep, peace of mind and spiritual peace. Medicinally, it provides one of the best natural sources of vitamin C available. They are used to combat acute disease and to build up the body and strengthen the immune system.

* Sage - Magickally, it boosts self-esteem and is good for protection, and exorcism. Medicinally, ensures long life, eases sore throat, dries up breast milk and is useful as a poultice for sores and stings

* Sunflower - Magickally, used for fertility, wishes, wisdom and health, Medicinally, fevers, vomiting, lung and throat problems, coughs and colds.

* Vervain - Magickally, good for purification and peace. Medicinally, used to treat the liver and diseases related to the liver, exhaustion, fatigue, fever, insomnia, asthma, post-natal depression, as well as painful or irregular menses. It will also help increase the flow of a mother's milk (after birth of the child).

* Violets - Magickally, used for protection, luck, and love. Medicinally, they are effective in healing internal ulcers. It is used both internally and externally for pimples, abscesses, tumors, and swollen glands.

* Witch hazel - Magickally, used for protection. Medicinally, used externally for insect bites, burns, bleeding wounds, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Internally it will stop bleeding from internal organs, treats bronchitis, flu, and coughs as well as promotes healing of stomach ulcers.

Herbal Bouquets

Herbal Bouquets: Language Of Herbs

The healing powers of herbs have long been known. And, in addition to their medicinal properties herbs, like flowers, speak a silent, symbolic language. While in recent times, flowers have become the more popular way to convey messages of love and caring, in ancient times, and even as recent as the Victorian era, herbal bouquets were exchanged to express that which words could not.

Some herbs have many meanings, even varying in interpretation by different sources. Others have very specific messages, such as Rosemary which symbolizes remembrance says, "Your presence revives me." A considerate nosegay of Chives asks, "Why do you weep?" Verbena's reassuring message is "You have my confidence." Abor Vitae conveys unchanging friendship saying, "Live for me." Mugwort bestows sentiments of happiness and travel, telling its recipient, "Be not weary." Sage speaks of domestic virtues, long life, and good health. Its potent message is, "I will suffer all for you."

Alas, not all herbal messages are loving or even uplifting. Borage speaks of bluntness and says, "Your intentions only embarrass me." Lemon Balm begs, "Don't misuse me," and the spiciness of Savory tells it like it is, "The truth may be bitter." Goldenrod offers a little more encouragement while sending a message of indecision, pleading, "Allow me time to decide."

Still, the language of herbs can be light-hearted and humorous. The common cooking herb Parsley stands for useful knowledge, festivity, joy, and victory while claiming, "The woman of the house is boss." Sweet Marjoram tells a persistent admirer, "Your passion sends blushes to my cheeks."

The following offers the symbolic messages of other herbs:

Balm - sympathy Basil (sweet) - good or best wishes, love or serious intentions
Bergamot (Monarda, Bee Balm) - compassion, sweet virtues
Betony - surprise, healing Calendula - sacred affections, joy, remembrance, grief
Catnip - intoxication with love
Chamomile - energy in adversity
Cilantro (Coriander) - hidden worth
Cowslip - pensiveness, happiness
Dill - good spirits
Elder -zealousness
Fennel - worthy of praise or flattery
Geranium - present preference
Gloxinia - a proud spirit
Hop - injustice
Ivy - friendship, matrimony, fidelity, constancy
Lavender - acknowledgment, suspicion, devotion, loyalty
Mint - grief, homeliness, wisdom, eternal refreshment
Marigold - despair, grief, honesty
Nasturtium - optimism, splendor
Pennyroyal - flee away
Peppermint - cordiality
Santolina - protection
Sorrel - affection
Southernwood - bantering jest
Spearmint - warmth of sentiment
Tansy (Tannacetum) - resistance, life everlasting, hostile thoughts
Thyme - thriftiness, happiness, courage

Herbs heal on many levels and offer us a way to convey our sentiments through their beauty and fragrance. Herbs may be combined with other herbs or flowers in a posy or nosegay to convey just the sentiment you wish to express to someone you care about.

~Source Unknown~

Essential Oil Conversion Chart

1/2 dram = 1/16 oz., or approx. 60 drops
1 dram = 1/8 oz., or approx. 120 drops
2 dram = 1/4 oz., or approx. 240 drops
4 dram = 1/2 oz., or approx. 480 drops
8 dram = 1 oz., or approx. 960 drops
1 oz = 2 tablespoons or 6 teaspoons or 30 ml/cc or 28.35 grams or approx. to 700 drops
Another source says 1 oz. = 1120 drops
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons or 15ml
1 teaspoon = 5ml/cc
15 grams = 1/2 oz (.52905 oz)
15 grains = 1/4 teaspoon (solid) or 15 drops of fluid
60 grains = 1 tsp. Or about 60 drops
To convert ounces to grams multiply # of ounces by 28.35
To convert grams to ounces you multiply # of grams by .03527
To convert grams to grains you multiply by 15.43
To convert grains to grams divide by 15.43
1 gal. = approx. 7.775 pounds (depending on the liquid)

U.S. to Metric
1/5 teaspoon = 1 milliliter
1 teaspoon = 5 ml
1 tablespoon = 15 ml
1/5 cup = 50 ml
1 cup = 240 ml
2 cups (1 pint) = 470 ml
4 cups (1 quart) = .95 liter
4 quarts (1 gal.) = 3.8 liters

Weight
1 fluid oz. = 30 milliliters
1 fluid oz. = 28 grams
1 pound = 454 grams

Metric to U.S.
1 milliliters = 1/5 teaspoon
5 ml = 1 teaspoon
15 ml = 1 tablespoon
34 ml = 1 fluid oz.
100 ml = 3.4 fluid oz.
240 ml = 1 cup
1 liter = 34 fluid oz.
1 liter = 4.2 cups
1 liter = 2.1 pints
1 liter = 1.06 quarts
1 liter = .26 gallon

Weight
1 gram = .035 ounce
100 grams = 3.5 ounces
500 grams = 1.10 pounds
1 kilogram = 2.205 pounds
1 kilogram = 35 oz.

Cooking Measurement Equivalents
1 cup = 16 tablespoons or 48 teaspoons
3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons
2/3 cup = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
3/8 cup = 6 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons
1/6 cup = 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
1/16 cup = 1 tablespoon
1 pint =2 cups
1 quart = 2 pints
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons

Droppers come in various sizes with various size openings. A drop is usually exactly the same amount of liquid no matter what size the dropper, but essential oils are very, very thin and lightweight and very, very thick and heavy weight, and so thick Patchouli weighs more in less space than thin Tea Tree. But generally:

1 dropper holds 20 drops which is 1 milliliter
1/2 dropper yields 10 drops which is 0.5 ml.

From The Aromatherapy Book by Jean Rose

Herbal Dreamcraft

Dream Divination:

Sights into the future, burn frankincense, dried jasmine flowers, or mugwort in bedroom before going to sleep. Tea brewed from mugwort or rosebuds will also work. You can also sleep with ash leaves, bay leaves, cinquefoil, heliotrope, holly, jasmine flowers, marigold flowers, mimosa, mugwort, onion, or yarrow under your pillow.

Dreams of Guidance for Love matters:

Sleep with any of the following herbs above your bed or underneath your pillow; cinquefoil, marjoram, vervain, and yarrow.

Dreams of Spiritual Guidance:

Drink mint tea before sleeping, or sleep with Buchu leaves or mint leaves under your pillow.

Enhance Dream Recall:


Mugwort, passionflower leaves, and rosemary. Drink as tea before going to bed or place under your pillow while sleeping.

Healing Dreams:


Drink tea-potion made from catnip or mint, burn cedar as a magickal dream incense, or sleep with agronomy, catnip, mint, sandalwood, or thyme under the pillow.

Mugwort:

Most potent herb for dreamcraft. Aids in astral projection and lucid dreaming when burned as incense or placed under pillow while sleeping. Brew a tea from mugwort and drink it just before going to bed in order to strengthen psychic and magickal dream powers.

Prophetic Dream Visions:

Make dream pillows or potions with any of the following herbs; adder's tongue, agrimony, anise, camphor, cinnamon, daisy, holly, hops, ivy, lemon verbena, lesser celandine, mandrake root, marigold, mistletoe, mugwort, onion, peppermint, purslane, rose, Saint John's wort, verbena, vervain, wormwood, and yarrow.

Psychic and Spiritual Growth:

burn frankincense or mugwort, drink mugwort tea, or sleep with the herb underneath or sewn into your pillow.

Spiritual Protection:


Burn cedar incense before going to bed. Keep live hyacinth plant near your bed, or sleep with any of the following herbs underneath your pillow; anise seeds, marigold flowers, mistletoe, mullein, purslane, rosemary, thyme, Ti plant, and yarrow. Will also guard against nightmares, psychic attacks, and baleful phantoms of the night.

Sweet Dreams and Restful Nights:

Place any of the following herbs under your pillow; catnip, hops, mistletoe, passionflower leaves, psyllium seeds, and vervain. Rub juice of a lettuce on your forehead or eating its leaves before going to sleep will also help.

MILD SEDATIVE:

Pour 1 pint boiling water over 1 tsp. dried catnip. Cover andsteep until cool. Strain and sweeten. Start with 2 Tlb. increase by 1 Tlb. until you find the right amount. Store in the fridge.

HOP SEDATIVE:

Pour 1 pint boiling water over 1 1/2 tsp. dried hops flowers. Let steep, covered,10 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Add lemon juice.

FEVERFEW TEA:

Pour 1 pint boiling water over 1 ounce of feverfew flowers. Cover and steep until cool. Strain and sweeten with honey. Drink cool.

TO INDUCE SLEEP:

Mix 2 Tlb dried peppermint with 1 Tlb each of rosemary and sage. Pour 1pint boiling water over the herbs, steep for 5 to 10 minutes,strain and sweeten with honey.


2.03.2009

Cherokee Dream Pillow

The following recipe is said to keep away nightmares and bring prophetic dreams.

Stitch a small pillow of muslin of another light weight fabric. It is best to create a pillow that is able to be opened by putting velcro at one end, so you can refresh the pillow from time to time with new herbs without having to unstitch the end or make a new pillow. You may wish to cover muslin pillow with a light weight, washable "casing" as well. Once you stitch the pillow together, fill with:

4 oz dried lavender flowers
4 oz dried sage
2 oz ground orris root-as a preservative-(optional)
4 oz deer's tongue herb
2 oz cedar shavings
4 oz coltsfoot herb
4 oz sweet fern
2 oz violet

Keep dream pillow under or inside of your regular bed pillow. When storing your pillow each morning you may either leave it where it is or put it inside of a plastic bag by your bed. Storing it in the bag will help the herbs retain their freshness for a longer period of time.