The Kiss of the Sun for Guidance
The Song of the Birds for Mirth
One is Nearer Gods' Heart in a Garden
Then Anywhere else on Earth

(author unknown)

Certain herbs also have powerful magickal properties. What follows is a guide to herbs and their properties, both magickal and medicinal. But please do remember, herbs are medicine so don't overdose on them. Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding any adverse reactions especially if you are taking any other sort of medication. The majority of the herbs listed here should not be taken if you are pregnant or suspect you might be or if you are nursing. Consult a doctor before beginning an herbal regimen.

WARNING

If you are pregnant or suspect that you might be do not take the following herbs. They can cause miscarriage and birth defects.

Angelica

Belladonna

(highly poisonous in large doses, hence its other name, "Deadly Nightshade")

Burdock

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cow Parsnip

Hyssop

Immortal

Mistletoe

(poisonous)

Motherwort

Osha

Pennyroyal

Peony

Rue

San Qui

Shepherd's Purse

Thyme Oil

Vervain

Wood Betony

Wormwood

Yarrow

Yerba

Aloe: Aloe is great for skin irritations such as sunburn, minor burns, eczema and roseacea because it is a strong and effective anti-inflamatory. The stuff you buy in a tube at the drugstore (usually dyed a noxious green colour) does not compare whatsoever to that you get straight from the plant. Take a leaf from your aloe plant, remove the spines, squeeze the gel on to the affected are and let it dry. For maximum effectiveness, apply three times a day until the area is healed.

Angelica: Angelica has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. It is very useful for women's complaints because it stabilizes hormone levels and along with them, your sexual energy.

But Angelica is not just for women—it can be used as a general tonic by both sexes as it imparts energy and vitality. Angelica works accumulatively meaning that you will not notice a difference until at least one month after you begin treatment. Angelica tinctures and tablets are available at most health food stores. Be extremely careful to follow the dosing instructions included because Angelica is toxic if you take too much.

Magickally, Angelica is used in spells and potions to bless and stimulate any enterprise.

Astragalus: Taken over time, Astragalus stimulates the immune system thereby helping to ward off infections such as the common cold, the flu or other infectious maladies. It can also be useful when taken if you are already sick, especially if you begin taking it at the onset of symptoms. It aids healing processes and increases endurance. Astragalus also works as a general tonic to give you increased energy and to banish the blahs.

Basil: Basil is really easy to grow. You just put it on your windowsill, keep the soil semi-dry and occasionally remove the flowers to keep the leaves growing nicely. Basil is a great addition to pasta sauces.

Magickally, it is associated with spells having to do with friendship, love, protection and health.

Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh is excellent for treating women's complaints because it contains substances that aid the body in the production and utilization of hormones. This calms PMS, treats painful menstruation and the symptoms of menopause. Black Cohosh is another herb that works cumulatively—you are not likely to see major results until about two months after you begin treatment. Black Cohosh is widely available at healthfood stores. WARNING: Don't take Black Cohosh if you are pregnant or think that you might be.

Buckeye: Buckeye is useful in potions: Grind the Buckeye with Rosemary and High John for general good luck or with Damiana as an aid to divination and psychism.

Burdock: Burdock has been used for millenia to boost the immune system and improve general wellbeing. It contains substances that balance the immune system and for this reason is useful in treating colds and other infections. It is particularly helpful when treating infections of the skin such as chicken pox and shingles. It can also treat acne, psoriasis and eczema because it removes toxins from the body.

Calendula: Calendula is another herb with a long history of use: The Ancient Greeks and Medieval healers knew it to be an effective healer of skin ailments. Calendula is very soothing to the skin.

Cayenne: Cayenne is amazing at improving circulation because it contains a compound which, when ingested, opens up the blood vessels. Because of this stimulating effect on circulation, cayenne works as a mild aphrodisiac.

Magickally, Cayenne provides a fiery, igniting force to many spells, particularly those having to do with new projects, creativity and love.

Chamomile: For hundreds of years, Chamomile has been used as a folk remedy for calming a turbulent stomach—if you suffer from motion sickness, stomach flu, gas, then chamomile is the guy for you.

Chamomile also has a relaxing effect so you can take it to calm your nerves.

Magickally, Chamomile is used in spells having to do with relationships (especially marriage) and prosperity. It also aids in meditation.

Catnip: While most of us know that catnip makes our furry familiars mighty happy, it is less widely known that it can be used to treat indigestion. You can put about a tablespoon into a teaball and brew a pot of tea to calm a persnickety stomach. You can use this same tea on your face if you have normal, combination or oily skin as it is a mild but effective astringent.

Magickally, it can be used in potions to help increase a psychic and spiritual bond with cats. Give some to your cat and then later make yourself a meal and share some of it with your puttytat.

To aid in achieving love, happiness and strength, combine it with High John and grind with a mortar and pestle.

Chives: Chives are another no brainer as far as it comes to growing herbs. They are very hardy and you can grow them on your windowsill. As long as you keep the soil fairly moist, you should have no trouble. Spice up your breakfast by adding some chives to your omelette.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been acknowledged for its healing properties for over 4000 years. Its has many medicinal uses. If you are having a really heavy period, you can take cinnamon to help reduce the bleeding. It is also good if you have a cold and a really runny nose because cinnamon can help staunch the flow. Make yourself a cup of tea, add about half a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar and enjoy. For optimal benefits, drink a cup three times a day.

Magickally, it is used primarily in love spells and those designed to heat up your sex life.

Clove: Clove can be used as a breath freshener (though a good swig of Scope is my personal preference when I'm hoping for a kiss). It also adds a wonderful flavour to many foods from soups to pies.

Magickally, it is used in protection and love spells and also to attract good spirits.

Comfrey Leaf: Harvest the comfrey and dry the leaves. Put one teaspoon of it in one cup of boiled water and steep for ten minutes and strain to aid digestion.

Magickally, it is used in spells designed to balance energies and increase health.

Damiana: Damiana is another herb that is helpful if you want to heat up your sex life. When the Spaniards arrived in The New World, the natives hospitably gave them a drink brewed with Damiana—it was meant to give the Spaniards a bit of extra spring in their step after their long journey. Unfortunately, it worked just a little bit too well and the Spanish proceeded to exploit and massacre the natives—there's gratitude for you!

But I digress—Damiana does give you some extra vim and vigour by boosting your entire nervous system. By doing this, it also boosts your sexual drive which is why physicians of the Victorian era prescribed it for patients whose married lives had gotten just a little hum-drum. As an aphrodisiac, Damiana can't be beat—it works almost immediately to get you in the mood.

If you are growing your own Damiana, harvest it and dry the leaves then brew by using four teaspoons of the herb and filling a teapot with boiled water. Steep 3-4 minutes then drink a cup or two. Otherwise it is available at health food stores.

Dandelion: The Ancient Greeks (who really were a sickeningly clever bunch) had it right when they ascribed great healing powers to the humble dandelion. Dandelion is an immune system booster and increases your health and vitality generally and is particularly useful in treating water retention and bloating. It also works to cleanse the body of waste and toxins. Boil some dandelion root (dried) for 10-15 minutes. Strain it and drink a cup. Be warned though, it is not exactly a taste sensation.

Dill: You can easily grow Dill at home on your windowsill. It thrives on full sun and doesn't like to be overwatered so keep the soil semi-dry. You can pull off a bit of dill anytime you want to add it to your cooking.

Magickally, it is associated with protection, general good fortune and monetary gain.

Echinicea: Numerous medical studies have shown that echinicea is a powerful immune system stimulant. Echinicea works wonders if you begin dosing at the onset of cold symptoms. It can actually prevent a major cold from developing or at least lessen its effects.

Echinicea ointment is an excellent treatment to aid in the rapid healing of small, uncomplicated wounds.

Eucalyptus: WARNING—Do not take if you have gallbladder problems.

Eucalyptus is a boon to those suffering respiratory problems. It clears nasal congestion, soothes a cough and causes you to cough up mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes. It also has antiseptic properties.

To make Eucalyptus tea, boil one teaspoon of Eucalyptus leaf in one and a half cups of water and simmer for 10 minutes. You can also boil five tablespoons of eucalyptus in a pot of water for fifteen minutes and add it to your bath—great for clearing nasal and chest congestion.

Magickally, it is used for protections and to attract healing and good vibrations.

Feverfew: Once again, the Ancient Greeks (and afterward, the Romans who borrowed so much from Greek culture and knowledge, the big copycats) knew what they were talking about when they prescribed Feverfew for hangovers. It is an excellent treatment for headache because it prevents your blood vessels from constricting thereby causing a throbbing headache.

Feverfew is particularly useful when taken prophylactically by migraine sufferers. In other words, if you take Feverfew on a regular basis, you can cut down on the number of migraines you suffer.

Garlic: Garlic, that old stinker, not only adds zing to your cooking, it is also good for you. It treats high blood pressure and reduces your chances of developing hardening of the arteries. It also has antibacterial and immune system stimulating effects and treats colds, flus and other infections. Just don't take it if you have a hot date planned.

Magickally, it is used in spells having to do with healing and protection and to ward off negative energies.

Ginger: Ginger has been used medicinally for more than 5000 years. It quells a temperamental stomach—particularly one brought on by motion sickness. Steep one half a teaspoon of dried ginger in one cup of boiled water for 5 to 10 minutes then drink. You can add a teaspoon of sugar to make it go down more easily.

Ginseng: Ginseng is a stimulant and general tonic that is said to promote long life and sexual potency. It also has antidepressant properties.

Magickally, it is generally used in spells having to do with health and beauty, rejuvenation and love.

Hibiscus Blossom: It can be chewed to sweeten breath.

Magickally, Hibiscus is used in love and attraction spells and to stimulate divinatory power. Make a sachet of the flowers and sleep with it beneath your pillow to stimulate prophetic dreams.

High John (Tormentil): High John the Conqueror is a legendary figure, a black slave who by virtue of his cleverness and quick wits always managed to get the best of his "masters."

High John the Conqueror root is used magickally for many purposes (for confidence, to master any situation, money, good luck, protection) and is extremely powerful. To make a High John amulet, concentrate on your intent and anoint the High John Root with the oil appropriate to your purpose. Rub the oil in thoroughly, then wrap it in a piece of cotton or a mojo bag and carry it with you.

Jasmine: Jasmine is one of my favourite flowers—it's beautiful buds open by moonlight and their fragrance is intoxicatingly romantic. You can make a jasmine tea by drying the flowers and then adding a few to a cup of boiled water, steep about three to five minutes, strain and then drink.

Magickally, it is associated with dreams, creativity, love and longing.

Kava: Kava has been used for at least one thousand years by the indigenous populations of the South Pacific for its nerve calming effects. Today, herbalists recommend for it for tension, insomnia and frayed nerves. Another great thing about kava is its effects begin to kick in within half an hour of your taking it. Kava is widely available in health food stores and you can also grow your own if you live in the right climate (ie. warm and moist). If you are growing your own, remove the bark from the root and soak it in boiled water for ten to fifteen minutes, strain it and then drink.

Lavender: The Ancient Romans valued lavender for its relaxing properties. To make yourself a soothing pot of lavender tea, take about four teaspoons of dried lavender flowers, put them in a tea ball and brew in a tea pot for ten minutes.

To help you sleep, dab a few drops of the essential oil the underside of your pillow.

To give yourself a sense of balance and the fortitude to face a difficult situation, take a couple quick whiffs of lavender essential oil.

Magickally, use it in spells to attract love, money and good spirits.

Lemon Verbena: Magickally, it is used to excite romantic attraction and love. It adds power and strength to any spell. To prevent bad dreams, tuck some lemon verbena into your pillowcase.

Mandrake: WARNING! Do not take internally—extremely poisonous.

There are two types of Mandrake, both of which are poisonous but highly powerful magickally. There is the Mandragora officinalis and the more commonly known English mandrake.

Magickally, Mandrake is used in protection spells and Cernunnos and other sexual magick.

Mugwort: WARNING—not to be taken internally. Magickally it is used in spells related to psychism and prophetic dreams. It can also be used to charge divinatory tools.

Nettle: Nettle is often used to treat skin problems (skin allergies, inflammation etc). A nettle tonic is also good for anemia. Dry the nettle (leaves and stem). Use gloves when you pick them or you'll be sorry! Then put four tbsp. of the dried herb in a small pot of water. Boil for ten to fifteen minutes, strain and drink. Take two to three times per day. Magickally, it is used for the removal of spells and curses.

Nutmeg: Use in spells having to do with money, general good luck and love. Also, it is mighty tasty in pumpkin pie.

Passionflower: WARNING—Don't take this if you are also taking sleeping pills or tranquillizers.

Passionflower has long been a folk remedy for sleeplessness and anxiety. It can also be effective as a painkiller because it actually blocks the pain from travelling along your nerve endings to your brain.

Use it in spells having to do with friendship, prosperity, love and, of course, passion.

Patchouly: Not to be taken internally.

Patchouly drives negative energies (and people) from your sphere. It aids in divination and is also a powerful ingredient in love and attraction spells.

Peppermint: Peppermint aids in soothing an upset stomach—it works equally well on nausea and indigestion. Peppermint is widely available but I love growing my own mint and to me, fresh peppermint leaves make a nicer tasting tea than the dried.

Put three tablespoons of fresh peppermint leaves in a teapot and steep for ten minutes then strain, add a bit of sugar to taste and drink.

Magickally, it is consumed to promote prophetic dreams and is used in spells concerning psychism and health.

Red Rose Petals: Magically, they are used in spells concerned with beauty and romantic love. Pink rose petals are used in spells concerned with friendship, love and joy.

Rosemary: Rosemary is another herb you can easily grow on your windowsill. Keep the soil slightly damp and there you go. Rosemary is great to have around for cooking purposes. Not only does it taste great but it improves your circulation and memory and is a powerful antioxidant.

Magickally, it is used for good luck and the enhancement of love.

Sage: Sage is, of course, amazing in cooking, especially stuffings. It is also a general health tonic. It aids in digestion and is said to be an antioxidant.

Magickally, it is associated with wisdom, money, prosperity and purification. Burning sage banishes bad energy and attracts good spirits.

Saw Palmetto: Saw Palmetto is a good herb for men to take because it balances hormone levels which change as men age sometimes causing prostate cancer. It also helps boost sagging (pun sooo not intended!) libido levels.

Sweetgrass: Sweetgrass has been used by the North American Native Peoples for hundreds of years because its enchanting smell is said to powerfully attract good spirits and banish bad ones.

St. John's Wort: St. Johns' Wort has been used by the cunning folk for hundreds of years as a tonic to help brighten your outlook on life and bring happiness. Now modern science has proven that St. Johns' Wort is an excellent treatment for mild to moderate depression. In Germany, this herb is the #1 drug prescribed by physicians to combat depression. To get the full benefit of St. Johns' Wort, you need to take it long term. You can buy it at drug and health stores everywhere but if you grow it yourself, you can harvest the plant (leaf, flower, stem) and dry it. Then make a pot of teas of it by putting 3 tbsp. in a teapot with boiled water and steeping for ten minutes.

Magickally, it is used to banish negative spirits and bring good fortune and joy into your sphere.

Valerian: The Ancient Greeks used Valerian to calm nerves, soothe headaches and as an aid to sleeplessness.

Take 1/2 an ounce of dried valerian root and put it in one litre of hot water. Simmer for about 20 minutes and then strain the liquid into a bottle. If you refrigerate it, it should keep for about three days. Take one tablespoon of it once daily for a week or two (tastes like crap, by the way). If you are not a do-it-your-selfer, you can buy Valerian at most health food stores.

Magickally, it is often used in consecration rituals and spells promoting harmony and love.

Text © 2000 Sheila O'Sullivan/The Electric Witch
Layout & Graphics © 2000 Kevin Andrew Murphy/Alphyn Press.
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for inclusion in personal Books of Shadows
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