Herbs~

[Tabitha Twain]

Herbs, plants we see every day and use with out our knowledge. They have many uses that aid us everyday, weather by using them as spices, for teas, charms, spells, or sometimes just for decoration. In any case they are very helpful, it only matters as to what you are aiming for so you can use the best herb that will do the job.

I Will add 1-2 Herbs a week at first. Depending on how that carries on, I'll add more per week. I will explain what not to do if it is Harmful to use in a certain way.

Are there any specific herbs anyone would Like to know more about, or any aims any one has that has to do with herbs?  

[Tabitha Twain]

Table of Contents

Page One ~ Alyssum, Lavender, Sage & Dandilions  

[Tabitha Twain]

Alyssum
Lobularia Maritima
Element ~ Unknown
Planet ~ Mercury
Native ~ Mediterranean
Edible ~ Yes

Quick Information~
Clusters of Alyssum can be white, lavender or even pink.

Profits~
Protective, Especially against Glamour, spells, and even Hexes. To ease anger, carry a sprig with you in your pocket or a locket. When taken medicinally, it helps with Asthma and nervous disorders, diuretic, and a provider of vitamin C.

Cooking~
The whole flower is edible. It’s said that despite the flowers sweet aroma, is has a mild spicy taste. Leaves and the stems are good for omelets, soups, stews, and any other vegetable dishes, possibly even meat. The the flowers themselves are excellent for salads.

Gardening~
Good for a garden due to the fact that these plants attract good insects, such as lady bugs, that devour harmful insects, like aphids. They also smother weeds, and are easy to grow. When they stop blooming simply clip some of the flowers off to encourage its growth. Fantastic to have in Moon or even Faerie gardens.

Old History~
Once used to treat Rabies (A-lyssum = not enraged, or the Greek term, “Without Madness”). When Alyssum’s are added to bouquets this often means forgiveness, apology or a truce. Once used in Spain to treat and prevent Scurvy due to its nutrients. The old names for this Herb was Madwort and Healbite. Also known as Sweet Alice, Seaside Lobularia, Gum Alison, Sweet Alison and Mary’s Cushion, while a variety of Alyssum is called a Carpet of Snow.

Caution~
People with sensitive skin have gotten dermatitis (or rashes) from handling this plant. This can include the symptoms of Skin turning red, swelling, or itching of the skin. Sometimes even lesions, often oozing and scarring
It is strongly encouraged that you do not pick any Alyssum from the wild for some may be endangered. Its actually quite easy to grow. Do not use if Allergic.  

[Tabitha Twain]

Lavender
Lavandula Augustifolia, or Lavandula Latifolia, or Lavandula Hybrida
Element ~ Air
Planet ~ Muercury
Native ~ Mediterranean
Edible ~ Yes

Quick Information ~
The plants oil is what’s mainly used for medicines. Lavender can be found in fragrance oils, soaps, shampoos cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and other decorations.
Magicks ~
Lavender is a very good herb to have, especially when it comes to cleansing a space. You can always put some Lavender buds into either sachets, or your pendulums bags. If a spell calls for it, the buds could also be rolled onto a ointment covered candle. When preparing for meditation, it is helpful to ease and relax both the body and mind.
Profits ~
For those who have or suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, stress issues, headaches, mental issues, circulation disorders of the body, toothaches, sprains sores, joint pain or loss of appetite; Lavender if a very good, powerful herb to help. It is good to smell if you do suffer from anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, depression, nervousness, stress. Apply Lavender oils to the skin for a headache (on the upper lip), toothache, or for sprains, or sores. And drink (you can eat them, but it tastes a bit like soap) to increase appetite. And to help with any mental issues, or circulation disorders, soak in a warm bath of lavender oils (or boiled buds) and some grape seed oil. Lavender also helps with Cancer and to promote menstruation. When in trouble of hair loss, simply apply 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of Rosemary, 2 drops of thyme, and 2 drops of cedar wood. Mix them all together in 3 mL Jojoba oil and 20 mL grape seed oil. Message into scalp for two minutes with a warm towel around the head every night until Hair stats to grows back.
Gardening ~
Repels insects and mosquitoes. It is recommended that when you star t to grow Lavender by little seedling, to keep them indoors for the first few weeks. When flowers start to fade, pluck them to encourage new growth.
Cooking ~
Lavender is used as a flavor component, such as Lavender Vanilla Sugar, Lavender seasoned Salmon, or Lavender Salad Dressing. You can also make Lavender Lemonade or teas.
Old History ~
Repeled insects when applied onto the skin. Due to the fact that it helps relieve insomnia, bunches of Lavender buds were once stuffed into pillows to sleep with.
Caution ~
Avoid Lavender completely if you have a scheduled surgery, stop two weeks prior of use. Lavender slows the nervous system, and with anesthesia can slow it much more making it dangerous. Do not apply onto young children who have not yet reached puberty. Lavender contains a hormone that could disrupt their growth. Also, avoid consumption of Lavender if pregnant or breastfeeding. Large consumptions of Lavender can induce constipation or headaches. Do not combine with Chloral Hydrate Sedatives (Barbiturates), Sedative Medications (CNS depressants) Some Sedatives include clonazepam, lorazepam, Phenobarbital, zolpidem  

[Tabitha Twain]

The next herb will be sage. If you have any questions, thoughts, anything you'd like to share or say, be my guest! : )  

[Damiana Freesia]

I just wanted to tell you how helpful this has been for me ive learned so much already and plan on starting a garden of my own in the spring  

[Tabitha Twain]

Damiana Freesia

I just wanted to tell you how helpful this has been for me ive learned so much already and plan on starting a garden of my own in the spring

I am glad I could be of some help~  

[Tabitha Twain]

I will charge my camera tonight, and take a picture of my mini garden, as requested.  

[Tabitha Twain]

HELLO EVERYONE! Sorry for the long wait, but I am now back. First of all, as promised, my little garden. I'm sorry it isn't much. It is pretty small.

Starting at the right is Sage, then Lavender and Alyssum.  

[Tabitha Twain]

Sage
Salvia Officinalis
Element ~ Earth & Air
Planet ~ Venus, Juniper & Moon
Native ~ Mediterranean
Edible ~ Yes (The leaves and flowers)

Quick Information
Grayish-green leaves and a wooden stout. I can be used as a mouth refresher, and tooth cleanser. Sage attracts bees, and butterflies. It is associated with the Deities Zeus, Jupiter, and Consus.

Magick
Every once in a while its good to cleanse an area, or your self of any negativity that may linger around unwanted. There are many ways to go about cleansing a space or area, but Sage rises as the most popular in all religions. Sage holds purifying qualities that make it so favoured in vast religions, such as Shamanic religions, Greeks, Romans, Wiccans and even Christianity.

When you burn the sage, its best to have a bundle (Look at the bottom) wrapped up to make it easier to do the ritual of cleansing, or banishing. It is also customary that a chant is said while taking the sage and “Smudging” the room or your self (mind don’t smudge it on you, just hold it close to your body or walls). Sage can also be used as incense, another way to remove negativity energy in a room. It is preffered that one would first ground themselves before doing this task along with any other cleansing or spiritual means or rituals. Warning: Burning sage smells like Marijuana, so beware the questioning parents or neighbors.

Sage serves as an earth and air element, due to the plant and that you are using the smoke when cleansing one’s self, place or object.

Profits
Sage was mainly used as a medicine, being effective or many different situations. When served as tea, it can be a diuretic to help drunkenness, rid worms within the body and remove any unwanted sexual desires. It can withhold extreme sweating, treat depression, nervous anxiety and liver disorders. Also provides as a miracle skin cure too. Sage can also relieve stings from spiders or jellyfish. Is a useful antiseptic wash for unclean wounds, and

Cooking
Sage is said to be very good when chopped and cooked with chicken. Can be used as stuffing whether it has been dried or not for pork or cheese dishes. Sage was once used in ale, beer and wine to help the flavor. Always use sage leaves sparingly; a little goes a long way. Sage is full of nutrients such as vitamin. A and C. Sage was a European herb that often helped with the digestion when consumed. Also, sage was used in is the plain narrow-leafed varieties and the non-flowering broad-leafed varieties of sage that are used as cooking herbs. It is a common condiment for Mediterranean dishes, specifically Italian foods. It is generally used in marinades for meat, fish, pork sausage, lamb and even vegetables like peas, eggplants, lima beans and carrots. It is the perfect seasoning for poultry. Interestingly enough, sage is used in the preparation of English Sage Derby cheese and other soft cheeses. It is also used as a flavoring in certain biscuits, scones, breads and other baked foods.

Gardening
Sage seedlings should be held indoors, or inside a sheltered spot outside until they grow mature. Their growing area should be kept clean, and tidy. Water regularly, but be careful to not over water them. Transplant then to a bigger area once they become big and strong enough to move. Harvest the right before they bloom for best results. Sage usually blooms from May to August. Dry the leaves in a well ventilated room, then store them in tight jars. DO NOT PUT LEAVES IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT TO DRY.

Medicine
Sage was used medicinally before it was ever a cooking herb. It was considered an effective serpent Sage tea is a diuretic when drunk cold and cause sweating when drunk warm. Its bitter principle gets rid of worms. Sage was once recommended for getting rid of unwanted sexual desire. Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, rosemary, and wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant.


Old History
The Romans knew Sage as an all powerful healing herb, believing that it could create life, and make the one who ate it immortal. It was once used as a mouth freshener and tooth cleanser. . Native Americans also consider sage a sacred plant.

Caution
Sage DOES contain “Thujone”, a toxin to the nervous system, causing great damage to the brain and the liver cells, and can lead to convulsions, when the body’s muscles’ relax and contract rapidly leading to an uncontrollable shake throughout the body. Can also cause epileptic or narcotic symptoms. Use only in small amounts, and even smaller ones if pregnant, or breast-feeding.
Warming: Thujone is an addictive Hallucinogen.

 

[Tabitha Twain]

Okay, so I know I've been behind on this but I will be posting about Dandilions next. If there is a Herb, Flower or even a tree you are interested in learning about, please let me know. I'd be more than happy to gather all the information for you.  

[Tabitha Twain]

Dandilion
Dandelions’ are edible, so you can just gobble up the whole thing from petal to root.
Now, did you know that dandilions contain a good source of potassium? Well, they do.
The root of the weed is most commonly used for psychic power, spirit contact, and the Otherworld. They are also good for tea, and for spell events. Drinking tea from the root bring divination, Fairies, good luck, honor/invoke devas, and bring psychic power.