Cloves

Essential Oils

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is an herbal generally associated with Yule. It is classified as a parasitic plant that grows on top of existing plants and draws nutrients from its host. These plants are usually harvested in the winter and hung to dry for use later on. Generally, this plant is considered a good luck charm. You can carry it on you for luck or lovers who kiss underneath it are ensured happiness. It is also a symbol of peace.

This herb can be used magically for:

• masculine energy
• attracting love
• protection
• good luck
• forgiveness
• increasing sexual potency
• banishing energy and unwanted spirit

Medicinally, it can be used for:

European Mistletoe

• lowering blood pressure
• general health of the heart and circulatory system
• epilepsy
• rheumatism

American Mistletoe

• uterine contractions to aid in menstruation and childbirth

When using mistletoe in teas for medicinal remedies be careful as it is toxic. You would have to ingest a substantial amount to kill you but you must keep out of reach of small children and pets. Do not use mistletoe if you are pregnant or nursing.

For more information you can visit this very informative site here.

Sacred Yule Plants and Herbs

So in recognition of Yule (this happens to be my second favorite Sabbat), I would like to post a little something about sacred Yule plants and herbs. In fact, I have a jar of Mistletoe sitting on my newly decorated altar right now. So I just want to give a brief description of each of these plants and why they are important for this holiday.

Yule usually falls between December 20th and December 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. It's considered a minor Sabbat and is also the Winter Solstice, the shortest day in the year. It symbolizes the rebirth of the God and also the defeat of the Holly King by the Oak King.

1. Evergreens - Fir, Juniper, Cedar, Pine, these are all from the evergreen family. Typically the Yule tree or as people of the Christian faith like to call them Christmas trees are constructed from the evergreens. They symbolize protection, prosperity, and renewal.

2. Holly - Holly is generally a positive, healing wood. It is also a very protective wood and is used in the construction of many wands. It represents the Holly King which can be equated to Santa Claus in the Christian tradition.

3. Ivy - This plant can be used to bind family and romantic relationships together. It is also used in protection, as a barrier between you and a toxic situation, and can be used to improve relationships.

4. Mistletoe - This is a plant of peace and is used to end discord and strife. Everyone knows about hanging a sprig of Mistletoe over the doorway to get a kiss. The kiss represented peace.

5. Birch - This is a very versatile wood. It is often used as a Yule log along with Oak and is used to craft besoms. It is the first tree in the Celtic year and symbolizes rebirth.

6. Oak - Also used for the Yule log, it represents the Oak King. They symbolize power and endurance and I believe are one of the most majestic trees there are.

7. Yew - This tree is associated with immortality and longevity. It tells us this is a time of change and is associated with the Crone aspect of the Goddess.

Herbal Remedies and Modern Medicine: Some Thoughts

Being sick is never fun. Period. I've been sick for the past couple of days, presumably with a virus. Everyone knows there is virtually nothing one can do to ease a virus. You just have to ride out the symptoms for the next couple of days to a week. I've still been working during this time and I think I'm just about near the end of this. So to help ease my suffering I've been drinking orange juice like it's going out of style, rubbing down with eucalyptus oil, and throwing back Robitussin like it's little cherry flavored shots.

So imagine my surprise when I'm speaking to a fellow Witch about the medication I'm taking and she scolds me for not using herbs in place of my Robitussin because apparently modern medicine is not as efficient and is more dangerous than drinking herbal tea and tinctures. I felt like I needed to clear up some misconceptions out there about herbal remedies vs. modern medicine and I think the best way to get this out there is by writing it in Q & A form. Just so everyone knows, I am in no way a physician. I'm a veterinary technician with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science and Chemistry and just so happens to be a Witch.

You're a Witch! How come you don't heal yourself with your energy and through using what Mother Earth has given you?

First off, deciding to use modern medicine to help you with the cold, the flu, strep throat, etc doesn't mean you're any more or less of a Witch. I'm sure if I summoned a 17th century Witch to modern times they would think taking one pill to cure a migraine in half an hour would be a gift from the Goddess herself or even *gasp* MAGICK. With that being said, I'm not saying using an herbal remedy wouldn't work. I'm just saying that herbal remedies are not as fasting acting as modern medicine from my experience. A lot of herbal tea remedies say you need to drink 4 to 5 cups over a period of 3 to 4 days and that's from a remedy just to help with menstrual cramps, not something like the flu!

Modern medicine takes those chemical compounds found in plants, isolates them, and puts it into some kind of oral form like a pill. So you're not getting all the vitamins and minerals from the herbs along with the other inactive/active ingredients. You are getting that one isolated compound that soothes the symptoms you have and you're also getting it in larger doses to where you can feel it working very soon.

As for using your energy to heal yourself, it does help to balance your energies to try and prevent illness. However, relying solely on energy to heal an illness is the same thing as Christians relying on prayer. So if you don't believe prayer can heal the flu or cancer then you're probably like me and highly doubt relying solely on your energy can heal you too.

Isn't modern medicine more dangerous than herbs and oils?

Not necessarily. Herbs aren't regulated by the FDA and therefore do not come with warning labels attached to them like modern medicine does. However, there are some herbs out there that can cause harm just like modern medicines. Some herbs cause dermatitis when in contact with the skin, abortions, vomiting, hormone/glucose peaks and valleys, allergic reactions, etc. Not to mention it can be very easy to confuse poisonous plants with non-poisonous ones. With oils, there is always a chance it could cause an allergic reaction or dermatitis. Usually there will be a label on your oils warning for dermatitis if you buy them from a store.

I want to strengthen my immune system. I feel like modern medicine suppresses it so wouldn't herbs help make it stronger?

A lot of people think this way and I'm partial to the idea as well. That's why if I have minor illnesses like a headache, a sore throat, or a rash I'll most likely use an herbal remedy or nothing at all and see if I can get better on my own. However, if I have a fever of any sort, I equate that to needing to bring out the big guns and will use something like Robitussin or even see a doctor. If you are really ill, please see a doctor and get something to help you get better. Illnesses such as strep throat can get increasingly worse without that penicillin shot and unless you're cultivating the mold for it in your backyard you will be miserable suffering through it and it can potentially be life threatening.

Remember that Witch I was talking about that sparked this conversation? She was using herbal teas and eucalyptus oil for an upper respiratory infection to "strengthen her immune system" and ended up with pneumonia. Please, don't let it get that far.

I don't feel like a Witch when I'm not using herbs for healing. Do you ever feel that way?

I love my herbal teas. I look at them as a way to strengthen my immune system and communicate with my spirituality. I'm not saying you can't use herbs when you're sick. I use herbs and oils all the time but you do need to be careful when mixing these with modern medicine. Too much of those compounds can lead to complications and that's why there is a warning on the label of modern medicine saying to consult a physician if using an herbal supplement. Seriously. Read the labels!

Do you think people who refuse to use modern medicine are dumb?

Absolutely not. Ultimately, the choice is ours to use it or not to use it. It's just my personal opinion and preference to use it because I hate being sick and want to recover as quickly as possible because I feel like my energy just sucks when I'm feeling shitty. Like, I don't even want to write in my beautiful Grimoire when I'm feeling sick and that just doesn't fly with me. Whatever floats your boat. If you can get through a bout of the flu without a Z Pack, more power to you!

Body Booster Tea Recipe

After staying up all hours of the night with friends, I needed a little booster this morning to help start off healthy and strong. What better way to start your morning with a great herbal tea? Herbs are loaded with antioxidants, immune supportive enzymes, vitamins and minerals, and free radical fighting power!

Here's a recipe for a Body Boosting Tea. You'll need:

• St. John's Wort (antidepressant/emotion control)
• Hyssop (lowers blood sugar/metabolism)
• Stevia (lowers blood pressure/fights diabetes)
• Lemon Balm (immune booster)
• Fennel Seed (antioxidants/fights free radicals)
• Honey (assists the digestive system)

Place pinches of each herb into a pestle and mortar to grind them together. Then place the contents into a tea ball. Bowl a pot of water and let the tea ball simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Add honey to the tea and enjoy!

For more information about these herbs and many more, please click here.

Dill

Lao Coriander, otherwise known as Dill, is an herb used in many traditional dishes around the world as well as for medical purposes. Its name has thought to have originated from the Norse or Anglo-Saxon word "dylle" which means "to soothe or lull". In Anglo-Saxon England, Dill was used for various medicinal purposes such as for:

• Headaches
• Boils
• Lack of Appetite
• Stomach Problems
• Liver Problems
• Nausea

It may also be used for:

• Fever and Colds
• Cough
• Bronchitis
• Sleep Disorders
• Menstrual Cramps
• Nerve Pain

For a more complete list of uses, click here.

In Greece, Dill leaves were used as fragrance. It also has the ability to be used as an antibacterial against Staph infection. However, Dill may also cause miscarriage.

Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices

Picture from: http://suhanijain.com/2012/10/29/health-benefits-of-herbs-spices-daily-health-tips/

Aloe

Aloe is notorious for its soothing abilities for burns such as sunburn. It also soothes dry, itchy skin. It helps to sooth inflammation and keep bacteria away from from organs that are vulnerable. Studies show that this little plant can even help heal gastric ulcers. Also, aloe may help those with type 2 diabetes with its blood sugar-lowering effects.

If you'd like to read more about these medical effects and about the research being done you may click on the reference below.

Reference:
The Amazing Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

Stevia

Picture from: http://ezgrogarden.com/all-about-plants/stevia-the-sweet-herb/

Stevia is a very interesting herb. Native to South America, this herb is known as the "sweet herb". It's been used as a natural sweetener for years. However, it has medicinal properties as well that can prove beneficial  These properties include:

• may aid in weight loss
• an alternative sweetener for diabetics
• may treat high blood pressure and heartburn
• may increase muscle contractions within heart to help pump and circulate blood
• may aid in preventing pregnancy 

Stevia may be able to reduce blood sugar levels after meals which would be ideal for people with type 2 diabetes. More research is currently being done in order to solidify the following medicinal properties above. However, it has been shown that stevia does interact with the body to produce these effects however minor it may be. Stevia may cause nausea, bloating, dizziness, and muscle pain in some people. People may also have allergic reactions to it. Stevia may also interact with diabetic drugs, high blood pressure drugs, and lithium.

As for magickal uses of Stevia, it is unknown. However, it makes a wonderful natural sweetener for herbal teas!

Reference:

Stevia: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and Warnings

Thyme

Picture from: http://www.crunchybetty.com/thyme-to-control-blemishes-and-acne

Thyme is a very interesting herb. Did you know that thyme volatile oil was placed in milk to keep it from spoiling before the invention of refrigeration? Interesting right? During the periods of plague, townspeople would burn this herb to ward off the disease from themselves and their home. This herb has a multitude of uses which include:

• treatment for coughing
• aiding in curing bronchitis
• relief from the common cold
• fights respiratory infections
• aides in asthma relief
• aides in allergy relief
• combats parasites

As for spiritual uses, thyme has a reputation for improving health, sleep, and increasing psychic awareness, mainly clairvoyance. It is also used in procuring love and can be seen coupled with rosemary in many love spells. It's also said to increase courage.

Reference: Thyme: Herbal Remedies

Try This!

Make a small satchel of lavender and thyme to place under your pillow to help you sleep peacefully at night.

Drink herbal tea that consists of 1 part rosemary, 1 part thyme, and 1 part peppermint to help ease your common cold. Add honey to help ease your sore throat and aide in cough relief. 

Dandelions

I don't know about you but Dandelions are everywhere where I live. They always pop up in the spring and stick it out through the summer till they finally die and children pick them to blow their seeds away for their wish. When I was younger, I thought they were really pretty flowers and I used to pick them for my mom all the time. It wasn't till I got older that I found out that they were undesired by people and labeled a weed.

Dandelions have wonderful healing properties though that I think everyone should have a chance to know about! These properties when ingested as extract include:

• Weight loss
• Supports Insulin production
• Contains Pectin which is anti-diarrheal and helps lower cholesterol
• Contains Gallic acid which is anti-diarrheal and anti-bacterial
• Contains Choline to help improve memory
• Supports healthy teeth and gums

For a more thorough list please Reference: The Health Benefits of Dandelions

Lemon Balm

Picture provided by: http://bartanica.com/botanicals/lemon-balm/

Lemon Balm comes from the mint family. The leaves give off a lemon aroma and can be used in various medicines. Lemon Balm can be used as a medicinal treatment for various illnesses. Here are some illnesses it's said to be able to help.

• Upset stomach
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Vomiting
• Colic
• Menstrual cramps
• Headache
• Toothache
• Hysteria
• Melancholia
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• ADHD
• Swollen airways
• High blood pressure
• Sores
• Tumors
• Insect bites
• Alzheimer's Disease

Reference: Lemon Balm: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and Warnings

Now that's a pretty long list for such a tiny herb! However, like any other herb it also comes with side effects and warnings so make sure you thoroughly research the herb before deciding to use it in herbal tea and remedies. The above link is great for checking out what it's said to help with and what could possibly be harmful.

Rosemary

Picture provided by: http://georgeweigel.net/favorite-past-garden-columns/cooking-herbs

Rosemary is a pretty hardy herb. It loves heat, it loves the sun, and it's a pretty low maintenance plant. If you're going to use this herb for cooking and you're growing your own, it's best to make sure to cut clippings before the plant blooms. Of if it does bloom then you should cut the blooms off because this makes the herb taste woody. If you're using it for other purposes other than cooking or for adding fragrance to soaps, lotions, your home, etc, then here are a few medicinal qualities that come in handy.

• Improves memory
• Relieves spasms and muscle pain
• Aids in hair growth
• Helps maintain circulatory and nervous systems
• Treats indigestion
• Can work as an antioxidant

You may ingest rosemary by eating it in foods or drinking it in herbal teas. You can also use it in topical creams such as lotion, soaps, salve, and oils. However, here are a few warnings about this herb.

• Do not use this herb if you are pregnant. It acts as an abortifacient which can cause miscarriage.
• If you are on medicines to control blood sugar and are diabetic Rosemary is known to altar blood sugar levels and interfere with the drugs taken for diabetes.
• Rosemary acts as a diuretic so do not take it in addition to other diuretic drugs. It can raise your chances of dehydration.
• Rosemary interferes with the blood's ability to clot so do not take it along with any other blood thinners you may be taking.
• Rosemary interferes with ACE inhibitors taken for high blood pressure

Reference: Rosemary Medicinal Properties

As for the magical properties of Rosemary the famous saying is:

"Rosemary for Remembrance"

Rosemary is most famous for its ability to improve our memories. It is also known to aid in protection, purification, and passion. It is commonly used in love spells as an anointing oil.

Try this!

• Place Rosemary under your pillow to help you remember your dreams
• Place 3 drops of Rosemary oil on a pink candle, let it burn all night and burn itself out to help bring passion and love your way.
• Carry Rosemary on you to help bring you good luck and protection.

Benefits of Green Tea

I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of green tea and may have heard about how great it is for the body. However, do you know what green tea actually is? Well, green tea is derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone low amounts of oxidation during the processing stage. It originated in China and is more commonly consumed in Asian cultures. However, it is becoming more popular in the West where it is more traditional to drink black tea because of the amazing health benefits.

Spiritually, green tea is said to bring the drinker riches, courage, and strength. It's also supposed to bring the drinker a calming sense.

Lavender

Picture from: http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/gardening/lavender-0908#slide-1

Lavender is a great plant to have around. It attracts bees and butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant. It loves to be placed in a sunny space. It inspires feelings of peace and serenity and gives off a calming energy. Although it is a beautiful purple flower, it has found its way into shampoos, lotions, oils, food, and more. The best way to use its healing capabilities is to use it as tinctures, oils, in teas, in food, and as salve. Here are a few things lavender can be used for.

• Lavender oil is a good antiseptic and can be used to clean scrapes and cuts. The oil comes from the actual flower part and not the leaves or seeds.
• It reduces anxiety and nervousness. You can make a lavender sachet to hang around the house or carry with you.
• It can be used to cure headaches. You can take some lavender oil and massage it into your temples.
• Lavender oil can be used as a muscle relaxant and when massaged into the skin it helps unknot muscles and reduces spasms.
• Using lavender as an oil diffuser helps cure insomnia. I, personally, like to drink it as a tea before going to bed.
• When taken as a diluted essence it can help with conditions such as depression, hysteria, and fainting.

Reference: http://www.health-mind-body.com/lavender.html

Soothing Lavender Bath

What you will need:

Essential Lavender Oil

Lavender herb (optional)

Lavender candle (optional)

You may use one or all of these things in your bath. Place 5-10 drops of lavender oil into your bath water. Mix the water and oil with your hand. You may want to place some lavender herb into your bath as well. Anoint the candle with the oil and light it so that the scent of lavender fills the air. Relax and enjoy!

Peppermint

Picture from: http://purehomeandbody.com/essential-oils-2/single-and-blended-essential-oils/singleoils/peppermint/

Peppermint is one of my favorite herbs. I love using it in my herbal teas! Here's a little information on this fragrant herb's healing properties. Peppermint can be used internally or externally. When taking it internally it can treat morning sickness, nausea, excessive gas, and helps immensely with putting your gastric intestinal tract back on track. Externally, it can be used to ease the upper respiratory tract, to treat itching and skin burns, ringworm, and can be used to ward off bugs.

This plant can help clear the mind and can relieve headaches. It can also aid you in helping your body heal from the flu or a cold. It can also help with muscle pain especially in joints.

Try this!

Peppermint and Lavender Tea

1 part peppermint

1 part lavender

Boil a quart of water. Place peppermint and lavender in a teaball and place into the boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes. Add honey or sugar for sweetening.

*Note: this tea may have a relaxing effect that may cause drowsiness as lavender helps with insomnia. 

Herbs for Peace

Try using these herbs when casting spells for peace or use them to create herbals teas that induce a state of peacefulness.

Parsley

Parsley has a very rich background to fall back on. Those little leaves on your plate at dinner may not look like much, but the Greeks used to crown their victors with garlands made out of parsley. It was also used in funeral rites and dedicated to Persephone, Queen of the Dead.

Parsley can also be used as a tonic to clear the complexion. To do this, steep the parsley in boiling water for twenty minutes before you strain it. It's also very rich in iron.

Parsley is also associated with love, protection, and purification. It does very well with cleansing baths.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are said to represent that thoughts of loved ones. They can be used for purification, cleansing, clairvoyance, protection, and wisdom. They can be used in many spells and rituals to intensify psychic abilities. When using the leaves as form of purification and cleansing, place them into a cauldron, light them, and let the smoke and sweet aroma fill the house. For protection, you may hang them in the highest part of your home.