Disclaimer--This information is not intended to be taken as a
replacement for medical advice. Any person with a condition
requiring medical attention should consult a qualified
| practitioner or therapist |
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Herbal Treats
Lotions & potions
For The Throat
Wild Cherry Bark
Horehound root
peppermint candy
1/4 cup honey - boiled in a 1/2 gallon of distilled water and 2 shots of Honey Meade. This will make the throat feel better and will warm your bones.
My Aunt used 4 large White onions, 1/2 pound peppermint candy, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup black strap molassas and 1/2 gallon of water boiled for a couple of hours,drain. Add and 3 cups moonshine put in bottle and bury in the earth 3 month prior to using. Stunk like nothing you have smelled before, but it would kick whatever that was making you sick....right out of there.
Nimue
Tracy Rowlett
Burns & Sore Throat
Honey is a topical pain reliever. Try swollowing a 1/2 teaspoon of honey as needed, for the sore throat. It's better than any lozenge. I've tried & it tastes better too. Or you can add it to any tincture. It will enhance the effect of anything it's added to.
Then same goes for minor burn pain...Put a little honey on a small burn, cover with a bandage. It also promotes tissue growth, helping to heal burns faster.
Blessings
Friendship Tea
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup Tang orange drink
1 cup instant tea
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ground cloves
Add all ingredients to a large bowl to mix. Stir until blended. Store in a tightly covered container. Add 2 1/2 to 3 tsps. of tea mixture to hot water.
This also makes a wonderful gift to a friend.
Herbal Infusion in Water:
For leaves, flowers and crushed seeds
1 cup water
2 tsp. Herb tea
Boil water in a glass, enamel coated or stainless steel pan and take off the burner. Add the herb tea to the water. Cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a cup. Can be sweetened with honey.
ALLERGY / DECONGESTANT
(Infusion)
1 part nettles
1 part peppermint
1 part mullein leaf
1 part comfrey leaf
1/2 part eyebright
1/2 part licorice
1/2 part rosehips
1/4 part marshmallow
1/4 part elder berries
1/4 part hyssop
Mix. Boil. Sweeten if necessary. Drink.
Psychc Herb Jar
A herb jar to enhance your powers physically and mentally. Fill one jar with the following:
· Cinnamon [for dream Magick]
· Nutmeg [for good luck]
· Allspice [healing]
· Ginger [lunar Magick]
· Basil [protection]
· Fennel seeds [spiritual healing]
· Garlic [spiritual purification]
· Marjoram [protection]
· Sage [spiritual purification]
· Cloves [protection]
· Mustard seed [protection]
Before you do any Scrying-of any kind-inhale the scent deeply and shake the jar gently.
~ Author Unknown ~
The Herban Corner - Growing Herbs Indoors
By Karen Hegre
Herbs can be grown indoors on suitable window-sills. When growing indoor herbs be sure there is plenty of light. If you are using a south facing window, be sure that the herbs get a little shaded during the middle of the day in the summer when the sun is shining. On other window-sills be sure you turn the pots for even lighting during the day.
Below are a list of herbs for beginners, the containers that are best to use and a very brief tip on how to care for them. There are, of course, many other herbs that can be grown indoors but this will get you started.
Basil; Grow in Provence pots) Requires the sunniest position and tolerates dry air. Prevent if from
flowering to get long life from this herb.
Bay; Large pots or tubs; Prefers filtered sun and rich soil in a cool place
Chervil; Grow in Troughs; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Be sure it has moist cool soil.
Chives; Pots; Keep well fed and watered. You can pot this up from divisions from your garden.
Lavender; (Large pots or tubs. Buy the dwarf varieties for indoors. Enjoys direct sun.
Lemon Verbena; Tubs; Likes filtered sun with rich soil in a cool spot.
Marjoram; Pots; Choose sweet marjoram if you are planning on keeping this herb in a warm room.
Mint; Pots; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Pot in moist, cool soil
Parsley; Pots; Choose the compact variety. It does well in a room temperature about 60 degrees.
Tarragon; Pots; Takes full sun but will tolerate light shade
Thyme; Troughs or pots; Keep in full light and water sparingly
Rosemary; Large pots; Likes a bright situation so reflected light can be used. Be sure however, that the room is cool, about 60 degrees.
Sage; Troughs, Large pots; Select a variegated kind for indoor color. Sage likes direct sun!
Now that you have chosen which herbs you are going to grow indoors, here are some tips! The important think is knowing the temperature, watering feeding and lighting to give proper caring.
Temperature;
Most herbs prefer a warm temperature about 60-70 degrees. Herbs will tolerate the temperature range of 45-75 degrees, but they will not thrive for long.
Watering;
Make sure all your containers can adequately drain. Be sure not to over-water indoor herbs. Water in the mornings, so that the excess moisture evaporates during the day. Air is very important for potted herbs and over-watering can cause root-rot fungus to thrive. If necessary place a small fan beside your indoor
herbs.
Feeding;
Herbs need feeding with a weak fertilizer every two weeks in the spring and summer, but in the winter you can reduce to a monthly feeding! Use half the recommended dosage of fertilizer at all times .
Lighting;
There are special grow lights, however, I use the regular 'shop' fluorescent lights. These will improve the growth of your indoor potted herbs if you don't have good window placement and lighting. Be sure the lights are about six to nine inches above smaller herb and twelve to sixteen inches above the larger herbs.
About the author:
Karen is an avid gardener and crafter. She and her husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, plus 'Fairy Gardens' where the children can learn about different herbs and hear Karen read a story about the Garden Fairies and Flowers.
Fab Folk remedies
Oddball Ointments, Powerful Potions, & Fabulous Folk Remedies"
by Jean Karen Thomas and Jerry Baker Health Book
Fried Salt Can Unplug Stuffed Sinuses
If out-of-control sinuses have taken the honk out of your honker, heat ordinary table salt in a frying pan, then spread it out on a
clean towel. Fold it up and lay it on the bridge of your nose. Voila! You'll be breathing like a champ again.
Cayenne Pepper Soothes Arthritis Pain
The heat from the pepper brings more blood circulation, more oxygen, and more relief. Make your own pain fighting creme by
adding 3-4 drops of cayenne pepper tincture to 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and rub it on.
Marigolds Can Relieve Scalp Irritation
Marigolds are more than just pretty flowers, they make a super hair rinse too! Prepare a strong tea using 4 tablespoons of marigold to 1 quart of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, then add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to restore your scalp's proper PH. Use as a final rinse after shampooing.
Carrots Are A "Grate" Cure For Laryngitus
Simply grate a carrot onto a piece of cheescloth. Fold the cloth in half, moisten with warm water, wrap it around your neck, and then wrap a warm towel on top. It should ease the inflammation in no time at all.
Black Tea Can Help Slash The Risk Of Strokes
Brew up a steaming pot of antioxidant rich black tea, and sip 4 or more cups a day to help clobber blood clots.
Banish Back Pain With A Little Tub Of Thyme
Toss a handful of dried thyme into your tub as you run a hot bath. Soak for 15 minutes, and feel your aches and pains go down the drain.
Stop The Madness Of Leg Cramps With Minty Wraps
Steep 2 tablespoons each of yarrow and peppermint in two cups of hot water, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain and chill. Saturate cheesecloth, wrap around your legs and elevate them for 20 minutes.
Instant Relief From Stinging Bug Bites
Simmer some crushed sage leaves and cider vinegar until softened. Wrap the mixture in a washcloth, cover the bites, and no more sting!
Devil Of A Remedy For Arthritis
Combine equal parts of devil's claw, passionflower, and ginger. Then use 1 teaspoon of this devine potion per 1 cup of boiling water. Steep. covered, for 20 minutes, strain. then drink 1 cup two or three times a day to tame flare ups.
For Diarrhea: Chocolate
When all else fails, mix 1 teaspoon of chocolate carob powder in 1/4 teaspoon of applesauce, and eat it slowly. It will quickly
put the brakes on the urge to purge.
Chamomile Soothes Pink Eye
For a fast acting homemade eye wash, steep 2 teaspoons of chamomile in 1 pint of boiling water for 10 minutes. Then cool, strain the infusion through a steril cloth, rinse your eye, and bye bye pink eye.
Rasberry Leaves For Menstrual Cramps
Steep 1 heaping teaspoon of rasberry leaves in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes. Strain then drink 1 to 2 cups each day during menstruation for blessed relief.
Ginger For Upset Stomach
By: Marilyn Pokorney
The common ginger root used in cooking has been found to alleviate nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness.
For motion sickness ginger is more effective than the common Dramamine, says the British medical journal Lancet. Researchers recommend 1,500 mg. of ginger approximately 30 minutes before travel. An alternative is a 12 oz. glass of ginger ale. Another study found that a 940 mg. dose of ginger was effective if it was consumed 20 to 25 minutes before travel.
Physicians in Europe found that 250 mg. of common ginger stops the nausea and vomiting of mothers-to-be.
A study with 80 Danish naval cadets unaccustomed to sailing heavy seas found that one gram of ginger reduced vomiting and cold sweating. Fewer symptoms of nausea and vertigo were also reported.
The magic ingredient is gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger. It works with the gastrointestinal tract and does not interact with the nervous system so it has no side effects of toxicity.
A 1/2 teaspoon of ginger is as effective as Dramamine in relieving motion sickness and is equal to 940 mg.
A ginger tea can be made by measuring one teaspoon of powdered ginger in a cup of boiling water or fruit juice.
Another method of using ginger is to use essential oil of ginger. Fill a bowl with boiling water, put in one drop of ginger per pint
of water used, cover your head and inhale for 5 minutes with your eyes closed.
For morning sickness drink ginger ale or ginger tea, eat ginger snaps or take 250 mg. of ginger four times daily. Using 1/8 teaspoon of powdered ginger 4 times a day relieved morning sickness in pregnant women.
During pregnancy, the total daily dose should not exceed one gram daily. For others, the daily dose may approach two to three grams if needed. For prevention of motion sickness, begin taking three to four hours before the planned trip.
The active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, so when purchasing a ginger extract, make sure it is standardized in an 11:1
concentration. The recommended dose of the extract is 1,000 mg.
While ginger is safe for most people, if there is a history of heartburn or gallstones, a doctor should be consulted before use.
For more information on ginger, extracts, oils, and more, visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/health/ginger.htm
Herbs For Every Sign
Our lovely planet provides us with many gifts. Stones, crystals, herbs, trees - each one is a container of natural magic, holding a special quality that's perfect to heal whatever ails us. Herbs can be mixed and combined to produce a "recipe" that's just right for each of us. Since the Sun sign you were born under has such an amazing influence on your health and well-being, using the herbs that correspond with that sign alone can be a tremendous help in times of stress or illness. (Editor's note: check with a reliable herb book or herbalist before using herbs.) Here's a short list of herbs that seem to be tailor-made for each of the signs, due to their associations with both the planetary ruler and the positive qualities of that sign.
Aries - Mars
Allspice, basil, cayenne, garlic, ginger, mustard, onion, pepper. It's no secret that Aries is the astrological equivalent of a bullet. It's a red-hot burst of energy that's capable of overcoming any obstacle bycharging straight for it. The ruler of Aries is Mars, the "red" planet, the ancient god of war who was known for his equally fiery temperament. No wonder, then, the herbs that correspond with your sign are also a bit "hot" to the taste. Use them in cooking to raise your endorphins, the substance Mars loves best.
Taurus - Venus
Apple, apricot, blackberry, cherry, heather, hibiscus, raspberry, rose. Taurus is the sign that's fondest of the pleasures that life inside these bodies can provide. Whether it's a blazing sunset, a symphony by Mozart, ora delicious meal, you folks are experts at enjoying the physical delights of the senses. It's no surprise that the herbs you'll enjoy most are the sweet ones, since your planet, Venus, is the purveyor of sweetness. Use each of them to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Gemini - Mercury
Clover, eyebright, fennel, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marjoram, parsley. Your quick-witted, fleet-footed energy just loves variety - in fact, the _expression "variety is the spice of life" was written with you in mind. Each of these herbs provide a different type of taste, and most can be combined in a light, aromatic tea you can sip on the run. Use clove or slippery elm to protect against gossip and to keep your thoughts and actions grounded.
Cancer - Moon
Aloe, lemon balm, chamomile, mimosa, lavender, lilac.
Nurturing is your business, Cancer, and you distribute your soothing touch to one and all. There's nothing you like better than a home that smells good, too, whether it's because there's something wonderful simmering on the stove, a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table, or a warm, fragrant bubble bath waiting for you upstairs. Each of the herbs listed above are known for their ability to calm, heal, or bring a wonderful aroma to the environment. Use aloe to soothe burns and scrapes and chamomile for a wonderful bedtime tea.
Leo - Sun
Chicory, cinnamon, goldenseal, rosemary, St. John's wort, sandalwood. Your planet is the Sun, Leo, the source of life and warmth that keeps us all alive and provides us with the energy we need to keep pursuing our life's quest. It makes perfect sense, then, that the bright, cheerful sunflower would be the perfect representation of your equally bright and happy sign. Herbs like goldenseal and St. John's wort are tailor-made for you, too,since their ability to keep the body resistant to illness and depression are well-known. Mix a bit of chicory with your morning coffee to help remove any obstacles that come up.
Virgo - Mercury
Caraway, dill, eyebright, horehound, lily of the valley, marjoram, savory. Your quick-thinking meticulous sign likes nothing better than a mental challenge, Virgo, whether it's organizing a pile of papers at the office, solving a puzzle, or learning a new skill. The herbs listed above are all well-known for their subtle abilities to strengthen the mind, and many can be mixed together in teas to give you a boost you often need at the end of a long day. The lily of the valley seems perfect for you, too, with itssubtle, "clean" scent and delicate flowers.
Libra - Venus
Catnip, passion flower, persimmon, rose, sugar cane, violet. There's no sign as fond of pleasing others as yours, Libra, whether it's by saying just the right thing to bring warring factions together, or by using your polite charm to draw the object of your desires closer. Of course, catnip is famous for its effects on our feline friends, but its also traditionally used in conjunction with rose petals to bring loving relationships that last forever. Since you're ruled by Venus, you're capable of being every bit as sweet as the sugar cane - but if you need a bit of help to attract a beloved, use this potent plant (sugar
cane) that's long been used to conjure love - sweetly.
Scorpio - Pluto/Mars
Ginseng, dill, patchouli, pomegranate, saffron, vanilla.
As fond as you are of intensity and intimacy, Scorpio, it's no wonder the herbs you'll love best are famous for their use in stirring up passion. Drink ginseng tea (or offer some to your beloved) to induce a magnetic physical attraction. Wear patchouli to arouse lust and silently conjure the magic of the Beltane rituals. Present the object of your desire with a pomegranate, the fruit traditionally associated with seductive Pluto, your ruling planet.
Sagittarius - Jupiter
Anise, clove, fig, hyssop, mugwort, myrtle, nutmeg, rosemary, sage. There's no sign that hangs on to youth with more fervency and determination than yours Sagittarius. To keep that youthful appearance and disposition going as you travel the world in search of yet another experience, drink a tea made of anise, rosemary, and vervain. To aid in making your dreams more prophetic than they already are, use mugwort. Burn clove incense to attract the wealth you'll need to pay for your travels.
Capricorn - Saturn
Comfrey, horsetail, mint, poppy, sassafras, woodruff.
You've always been described as a very "focused" sign, Capricorn, intent on self-sufficiency and material success. The influence of your planet, Saturn, gives you the ambition and self-discipline to attain those goals, and to ensure success and prosperity in business matters, too. Each of the herbs mentioned above are known for their ability to attract that success, andmost can be mixed together in a tea.
Aquarius - Uranus/Saturn
Anise, bittersweet, citron, dandelion, lemon verbena, rosemary, sage. Your sign is a cerebral one, Aquarius, and your ability to turn "odd" or eccentric ideas into strokes of genius is well-known. Since communication (and mass communication in particular) is your specialty, the herbs above are all associated with the air principle, which rules the intellectual side of life. To increase your already powerful intuition, use citron, clover, or rosemary. Above all else, listen to that intuition. It will seldom prove to be wrong.
Pisces - Neptune/Jupiter
Aloe, bay, cotton, eucalyptus, lavender, Norfolk Island pine, rue. As the most sensitive and psychic of all signs, Pisces, yours is the one that requires help to ward off the adverse thoughts and intentions of others. Since you have no boundaries to keep you separate from others, you also need protection against negative influences. To that end, use rue, a powerful herb known to ward off ills of every kind. To stay positive and healthy keep a lavender plant growing either outside or inside your home.
Kim Rogers-Gallagher
Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar 2000
Dangerous Essential Oils
by: Semirhage
Everyone seems to think that "natural" is a synonym for "perfectly safe." Nothing could be further from the truth! An alligator is natural -- but you couldn't call it a safe beast to be around. The same goes for herbs and essential oils -- there are some oils that are simply dangerous to use. Below is a list of essential oils that you should never, ever use when working with aromatherapy. The most commonly available essential oils are highlighted in red.
Causes Skin Irritation
(even in low dilutions)
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May Cause Miscarriage
(avoid in pregnancy)
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Poisonous or can Cause Nerve Damage
(never use under any circumstances)
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Phototoxic (causes sunburn if applied to skin exposed to sunlight)
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| Ajowan, Allspice, Pimento leaf and berry, Anise seed, Lemon balm, Basil (in some individuals), Bay leaf, Borneol camphor, Cassia (should never be used on the skin), Chervil, Cinnamon leaf and bark (bark should never be used on the skin, leaf only in very low dilution), Clove, Elecampane -- also called Inula, Fennel, Lemon, Lemongrass, Peppermint (in high dilution), Mustard, Oregano, Pine, Thyme | Basil, Bay leaf, Cedarwood (all), Celery seed, Citronella, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper, Labdanum, Marjoram, Mugwort, Myrrh, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Sassafras, Thuja, Thyme | Bitter Almond (contains cyanide), Arnica (tincture or ointments with arnica are fine), Sweet birch, Boldo leaf, Calamus, Brown and Yellow camphor, Chervil, Deertongue, Nutmeg, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sage, Santolina, Sassafras, Tansy, Thuja, Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed, Wormwood |
Angelica root, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Orange |
Other oils to use cautiously if you have certain conditions:
Rosemary should not be used by people who have epilepsy, high blood pressure or a compromised circulatory system. Rosemary essential oil can trigger epileptic seizures. Applying rosemary essential oil can cause a rise in blood pressure (temporary) in people with hypertension.
The only essential oils that are considered safe for use on children are lavender and chamomile, and those should be restricted in use. Children's skin is much thinner than an adult's and easily absorbs even tiny amounts of essential oil.
The generally recognized "dose" of essential oil is considered 1% dilution -- 10 drops of essential oil per 1 oz. of carrier fluid or oil. A child's safe dose is half of that, or about 5 drops of lavender or chamomile per ounce of carrier. You run a serious risk of rash or skin problems at higher rates of use. Use only a few drops of pure essential oil per bath, and NEVER use any oil that is on this list! Remember to swish the water around a lot before getting in an essential oil bath -- the essential oil will float on top of the water and a small puddle of it can adhere to skin, causing a burn. If this happens, and you feel a tingling sensation, make sure that you wash the area thoroughly with soap immediately.
Many people are surprised that commonly available essential oils, such as Pennyroyal, are on this list of dangerous essential oils. Yes, these oils are sometimes sold to the general public, without warning labels or safety information. Remember that companies selling essential oils are not interested in educating you, for the most part -- they just want to sell you essential oil.
Essential oils on the "poison" list should NEVER be used in any aromatherapy blend, including soaps, shampoo, bath products or lotions. Even low dilutions applied to the skin can be absorbed into the blood stream, causing damage and reactions.
Feel free to print out this page and use it as a reference when shopping for essential oils. Better to be safe than sorry!
Index of Poisionous Plants
| Aconite Apple (Balsam) Apple (Bitter) Baneberry Bloodroot Bryony, Black Bryony, European White Bryony, White Cabbage Tree Calabar Bean Calotropis |
Cherry Laurel Clematis Coca, Bolivian Cocculus, Indicus Dropwort, Hemlock Water Foxglove Gelsemium Hellebore, Black Hellebore, False Hellebore, Green Hellebore, White |
Hemlock Hemlock, Water Hemp, Indian Ignatius Beans Ivy, Poison Laburnum Laurel, Mountain Lovage, Water Mescal Buttons Nightshade, Black Nightshade, Deadly |
Nux Vomica Paris, Herb Poppy, White Saffron, Meadow Spurges Stavesacre Strophanthus Thornapple Wake Robin, American Yew |
Bear in mind "A Modern Herbal" was written with the conventional wisdom of the early 1900's. This should be taken into account as some of the information may now be considered inaccurate, or not in accordance with modern medicine.
Essential Oils are highly concentrated distilled plant essences. They are very aromatic, and have a wide variety of applications.
They are sometimes used medicinally for treating specific ailments. In addition to treating physical conditions, these oils can effect us mentally and emotionally as well.
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