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Mulled Cider

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 10:32 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

½ gallon apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 orange, sliced

Put it all in a saucepan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain and serve hot.

Notes:

This beverage is traditional at harvest gatherings and as a special treat when the kids come in from Trick or Treating on Halloween, or to warm up your hands sitting around the bonfire on Samhain. It's a great warm up on a brisk autumn day.

We use apple cider for our harvest and Samhain libations. It is great for giving thanks for successes in the areas of prosperity and love, and for drawing prosperity and love. This beverage features both sun energies and cthonic energies.

Quick Witch Tips:

You can buy mulling spices at most grocery stores in the late autumn. Follow the directions on the package.

Extra Hot Chocolate

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 09:56 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

Per serving you need-
1 cup of milk
a dash cayenne pepper powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp Cocoa
1 tsbsp powdered milk
1 drop vanilla extract

Combine all dried ingredients and mix well. Warm the milk in a sauce pan, stirring constantly. Do not allow it to boil!

Notes:

I have heard this called Mexican and Aztec hot chocolate, though I'm not sure that's accurate. Either way, it warms you to the toes and keeps you warm much longer than other folks's cocoa and it's got a greater depth of flavor. It's also not very sweet so you might want to provide your guests with a sugar bowl.
For some, chocolate is a traditional Day of the Dead offering and this makes a great libation during Samhain and Rites of Passing. For others, this beverage combines the energies of Ares and Aphrodite and that means passion- like Beltane. But it might be too hot.

This beverage is warming in more ways than one. It's a playful blend of male and female energies that will get your circulation going and may spark a bit of lust while it's at it. Be prepared for the release of some very playful energies when you prepare this beverage; Perfect for snuggling on a cold winter's night.

But this isn't an adult's only beverage; kids love it too and t's great for a sledding break.

Quick Witch Tips:

Just add some cinnamon, ceyenne and vanilla to some instant hot cocoa for a quick treat.

Feverfew

Mon, 07/14/2008 - 09:59 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysantheim parthenium or Pyrethrum parthenium

Zones:
most
Other Names:
bachelor's button, featherfew, featherfoil, ague plant, devil daisy, feather-fully, flirtwort, maid's weed, midsummer daisy, missouri snakeroot, nosebleed, prairie-dock, rainfarn, vetter-voo, wild chammomile, matricaria

Feverfew is an short lived perennial native to southeastern Europe which is now widespread across North America, Europe and Australia.

Propagation:

Feverfew can be grown from seed, cuttings or by division. It is not picky about soil as long as isn't soggy and prefers full sun, but will also do well in partial shade. Feverfew is also a good container plant but should not be brought inside to overwinter but instead placed in a sheltered area so that it can have a dormant period. It'll die anyway if you bring it in.

It will reseed if seed heads are left on the plant at the end of the season. Due to the fact that it reseeds like crazy, this plant can be very invasive. Deadhead spent flowers to control its spread and save the seeds to plant them where you want them later.

It is said the bees do not like this plant. I can't vouch for the truth of this, but you may want to keep it in mind when placing it in your garden.

History and Folklore:

Feverfew was used by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians for inflammation and menstrual pain as well as general aches and pains.
Dioscorides documented feverfew's use for inflammation and swellings in the first century of the common era.

In medieval Europe it was used for just about everything and it has enjoyed long popularity in cottage gardens. During the time of the plagues, it was planted around houses to protect those inside from the disease. (It may have actually prevented plague carrying vermin from entering)

The name parthenium is from the Greek meaning "girl" and alludes to its traditional use for female complaints.

Harvesting & Storage:

Cut fresh leaves as needed or lay flat on a screen to dry and store in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Household Use:

Feverfew can be used to keep away bees and other insects.

Magical Attributes:

Feverfew is masculine in nature (though it has always felt feminine to me) and is associated with the plant Venus and the element of water.

Feverfew is often use in mojo bags. Alone or combined with hyssop and rosemary in a bag it is used to prevent general accidents. To prevent accidents while travelling, put it in a bag with comfrey root and a St Christopher medal and put it in your glovebox, rearview mirror or carry on bag. Likewise, using feverfew as a bath tea will help break hexes designed to make you more accident prone.

Growing this plant around the ouside of your home is said to prevent illness from entering.

Binding the flowers to the wrist is said to assist in drawing out pain as well.

Healing Attributes:

An infusioni of feverfew is good for migraines and other headaches and PMS symptoms. Chewing the leaf at the first sign of a migraine is traditionally affective at stopping it in its tracks. Because the leaf tastes aweful and can cause blistering inside the mouth, it is suggested that you add it to a sandwich instead of eating it straight. Drying seems to weaken the medicinal effect of this herb.

Feverfew can be used as an infusion (or tea) but tinctures are much more effective.

Feverfew has blood thinning qualities and should not be used by anyone who is taking blood thinners or who is planning to undergo surgery.
Pregnant women should not use feverfew.

Culinary Use:

Feverfew doesn't taste very good and large quantities aren't very good for you. It can cause sores to form on the inside of your mouth, can cause stomach upset and thins the blood.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Plantago

Tue, 07/08/2008 - 13:06 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Plantago major

Zones:
3-10
Other Names:
plantain, greater plantain, common plantain, Soldier's herb, White man's footprint, Cart track plant, dooryard plant, healing blade, hen plant, lambs foot, roadweed, roundleaf plantain, waybread, wayside plantain, white man's foot

Plantago major is often called plantain, not to be confused with the banana-like plantain which is delicious fried.

Propagation:

Plantago likes full sun. Other than that, it's not very picky.

History and Folklore:

Plantago seeds are often found in grain seeds and that is how they have spread all over the world. It was called "White man's footprint" by Native Americans because it sprouted up wherever European settlers had spent any amount of time. It was also called "Soldier's herb" due to its use as a field dressing.

The "waybread" mentioned in the Nine Herbs Charm of Wodin or Odin is believed to be plantago.

Harvesting & Storage:

Leaves should be used fresh if at all possible. Select young, tender leaves whether you are using fresh or drying for tea. If you're cooking it, you may wish to remove the sinewy veins.

Household Use:

The sinews in the veins pull out cleanly and are strong and pliable. They could be used for crafts. When I was a child I used to pull these out and braid them when I was sitting outside bored. They become hard and brittle when dry though.

Magical Attributes:

Plantago is feminine in nature and resonates with the planet Venus and the element Earth. It is used in spells related to strength, healing and protection and as a charm against snakebites.

It can also be used in any working to enhance the affect of other herbs.

Healing Attributes:

Comfrey has traditionally been used to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth by douching with the infusioni. It has also been used as a field dressing. Indeed it is a potent coagulant and can be used to stop bleeding. Ground (or chewed in the case of an emergency) fresh leaves can be applied to cuts, scrapes and insect bites to ease pain and stop bleeding.

Plantago is also rumored to have an expectorant affect on the lungs and the tea is recommended for people who are trying to quit smoking as well as for people suffering from lung complaints.

People who take blood thinners or who are at risk for blood clots should never take plantago internally, not as a vegetable or a tea, but can use it externally.

Culinary Use:

The leaves are edible, but tough and stringy. Young leaves are preferred as they are more tender. They may be prepared like spinach. Dried, they make a good tea.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Plantago may be used in place of comfrey in all herbal preparations. It is a safer alternative and has similar healing properties.

Some people get contact dermatitis from plantago, so use caution.

As plantago is a coagulant, those who are taking blood thinners or who are at risk for blood clot should not use it internally.

Mugwort

Wed, 07/02/2008 - 11:11 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Artemisia Vulgaris

Zones:
most
Other Names:
Common wormwood, wild wormwood, Felon herb, St. John's Plant, Chrysanthemum weed, sailor's tobacco, moxa, Artemis Herb, Naughty Man, Old man, Old Uncle Henry, Muggons

Mugwort is a member of the daisy family (Asteracea) with characteristic disk flowers in panicles,(flower made up of many small flowers, in groups, several off the same stem) very small, reddish or gre

Propagation:

Prefers nitrogenous soil, lots of sun, very hardy. Spreads by an underground root system, so care must be taken that they don't escape. Do not over water. This plant is nearly impossible to kill. Save yourself a hassle and plant it in a pot!

History and Folklore:

The name Mugwort is said to have come from the plant's traditional use of flavoring drinks- which you drink out of mugs, see?

Another theory suggests that the name came from a word meaning "moth" alluding to the plant's usefulness at keeping away pests.

"Wort" is an old term for "plant", especially one of a useful nature.

Roman soldiers put mugwort in their sandals to keep their feet from getting tired.

In Holland and Germany the plant was considered sacred to John the Baptist who presumably wore a girdle of Mugwort. The plants are gathered on St. John's Eve, made into a crown and worn to protect from possession, disease and general misfortune.

Poultry and grazing animals enjoy this plant, and it may be the same Artemisia of Pontos lauded by the ancients as excellent for fattening livestock.

In Wales, mugwort was tied to the left thigh of a woman having a difficult labor. But it was believed that if the mugwort was not immediately removed after the birth, she might hemorrhage.

Harvesting & Storage:

Harvest shortly before the plant flowers and hang to dry.

Collect the root in autumn. Wash and dry thoroughly and spread on a screen to dry. Do not let the roots touch one another or they may mold.

Household Use:

Dried mugwort added to a fire is useful in keeping it smoldering for a long time. The stalks make good kindling.

Mugwort's long stems and nifty leaves make great wreathes and garlands.

An infusioni of Mugwort, or Mugwort oil is a good all-purpose cleaner and insect repellant.

Magical Attributes:

Alli varieties of Artemesia are sacred to the Goddess Artemis who gives comfort (or death) to women in labor. Also, Diana through association and Hekate, Patron of herbalists and midwives.

It is also associated with the moon which in turn is associated with the cycles of womanhood.

Mugwort is feminine in nature, associated with the element of Earth, and either Venus or the Moon (depends who you ask) and ruled by either Taurus or Libra.

Mugwort can be used as a sacred smoking or smudgingi herb for protection or divinationi. It is safe to smoke (as safe as smoking anything is) by itself, mixed with tobacco, or other smokeables in a rituali context and enhances astral projection, lucid dreaming and altered states of consciousness. Some say that simply keeping mugwort under your pillow or in your bedroom will encourage prophetic dreams. (Try making a dream pillow stuffed with mugwort.) Others say you must burn it as incense or smoke it. Burn mugwort as you use divination tools.

Mugwort is also used in protective sachets, especially those created in relation to travel. It is said to prevent delays, and other annoyances associated with traveling, as well as to protect the traveler from accidents, thieves and other dangers associated with traveling.

Mugwort stems also make very nice wands.

Use herbal water made of mugwort to cleanse ritual tools, especially those used for divination.

Hanging mugwort over or on a door will keep unwelcome energies from passing through.

A garland or girdle of mugwort can be worn while dancing around the midsummer balefirei and thrown into the fire at the end of the night to ensure protection throughout the year.

Healing Attributes:

Mugwort is a topical anesthetic with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Fresh, crushed mugwort leaves applied to the skin relieves burning, itching and pain and, with continued application, can help get rid of warts.

It is also said that coating your skin with mugwort juice before exposure to poison oak will prevent a rash.

It is said that chewing fresh mugwort leaves will help relieve fatigue and clear the mind. A tea of the roots was used also for this purpose.

An infusioni of fresh leaves can be used for chronic stomach complaints and to stimulate the appetite.

Mugwort has also been used in Europe to induce abortions. It helps strengthen contractions and it is used in a compress to promote labor and help expel the afterbirth. It is also used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease painful menstruation and the onset of menopause. Use in combination with ginger in a tea to soothe difficult menstruation.

Interestingly, it has also been used in China to prevent miscarriage and ease excessive menstrual bleeding.

It is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to make Moxas to cure rheumatism and to correct fetal position prior to delivery. The fluff is carefully removed and rolled into a cylinder which is heated and placed near pressure points to relieve pain. This method is called moxibustion.

It has been used for centuries for disorders and epilepsy, as it has mild sedative and antispasmodic properties.

An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers helps expel pinworms.

Mix the dry herb with honey and apply to bruises to fade them (could try this on hickies too).

Infusioni - 1 ounce dried herb to 1 pint boiling water. 5-10 minutes. Do not make too strong as it is very bitter.

Tincture i- Cover four ounces of fresh herb with 1 pint 100 proof alcohol, vodka, gin or brandy. Cover and keep in a dark place, shaking several times per day for two weeks.

Do not continue to take Artemesias for more than 1 week. Break for several weeks before taking mugwort again as regular use of mugwort can cause nervous issues.

Culinary Use:

Mugwort has a slightly bitter taste. It is used to season fish and meat, especially game and is a traditional seasoning for Christmas Goose in Germany. It is also used to flavor rice cakes in Asia.

Before hops, it was used to flavor beer. For this purpose, the plant should be gathered while in flower and dried before use.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Mugwort is considered a noxious weed in some of the United States. Check with your States laws before planting as some carry heavy fines for planting certain plants.

Mugwort should never be used during pregnancy or lactation or by anyone who has pelvic inflammatory issues as it causes uterine contractions and can be passed through the mother's milk.

Mugwort should not be used for more than one week continuously. Continued, habitual use of mugwort can cause nervous problems, liver damage and convulsions.

Some people have topical allergies to mugwort. Test some on your skin before using.

Foxglove

Mon, 02/25/2008 - 14:46 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Digitalis spp

Zones:
4-10
Other Names:
Goblin Gloves, Witches' Gloves, Dead Men's Bells, Fairy's Glove, Gloves of Our Lady, Bloody Fingers, Virgin's Glove, Fairy Caps, Folk's Glove, Fairy Thimbles

Foxglove is a striking plant for shade gardens, but it is also very poisonous and should be planted with this in mind. It reaches up to 5 feet tall and can spread to 18 inches.

Propagation:

Foxglove will grow in most zones, but not along the gulf coast. It likes a bit of sun, but scorches easily and requires a bit of shade in the latter part of the day. If you live in the deep south, it will do best in the deep shade. Foxglove germinates well from seed. Just throw it down, no need to even cover it or fertilize. Plant foxglove in moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, but remember, they are biennial so you won't get any blooms until next year. It will then self seed and you will need to divide the clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding. Mulching will prevent reseeding.

History and Folklore:

The origin of the common name "foxglove" is unclear, but the original name may have been folksglove, referring to faerie folk.
The Latin name, digitalis comes from the word "digitanus", meaning finger for the timble shaped flowers that look like you could fit your finger right inside.

Although foxglove is very dangerous if misused, it has a long history of medicinal use for heart and kidney problems, edema and aconite poisoning. Legend says that Van Gogh used it to treat his epilepsy.
An old saying about foxglove goes "It can raise the dead and it can kill the living".

In the 1700s, William Withering learned of this folk remedy from "an old woman in Shropshire" and studied it. This led to Digitalis being a very important plant-derived medicine for heart disease that is still in use to this day.

In Roman mythology, Flora showed Hera how to impregnate herself with no need of a man by touching a foxglove to her belly and her breasts. She either gave birth to Mars or Vulcan from this method, depending on the source.

Scandinavian legend says that the faeries taught foxes to ring foxglove bells to warn each other of approaching hunters.

Harvesting & Storage:

Cut flowers when they first bloom and hang upside down to dry.
Be sure to wear gloves when working with foxglove.

Household Use:

Foxglove is poisonous to humans but attracts bees and hummingbirds.

Magical Attributes:

Foxglove is a banefuli herb associated with the planets Saturn or Venus, depending who you ask.

Juice or dew collected from foxgloves can be used in rituali to commune with the fearies and the leaves are said to help break faerie enchantments. Do not let it touch your skin and do not inhale the smoke if you burn the leaves!

Plant foxgloves anywhere you wish to invite the faeries to come visit.

Carry foxglove with you to attract faerie energy.

Healing Attributes:

Chemicals are extracted from foxglove for the medical industry. Digitalis is a common medicine for heart patients. However, it is also a cardiac toxin and should never be used except under the care of a professional.

Culinary Use:

None. Foxglove is a cardiac toxin. Do not eat.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Foxglove can be very dangerous, so always handle with care. To reduce the amount of toxins you are exposed to, always wear gloves. Foxglove toxins are strongest when the plant is in flower, so it is safer to collect leaves after the plant has set seeds. Plants grown in the shade are also supposedly less toxic. I am also told that foxglove plants with lighter colored flowers are less toxic than those with darker colored flowers. Don't take my word for it though. What do I know?

Joe Pye Weed

Thu, 02/14/2008 - 15:25 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Eupatorium spp.

Zones:
3-7
Other Names:
Queen of the Meadow, gravel root, kidney root, mist-flower, snakeroot, purple boneset, eupatorium, Sweet Joe-Pye Weed, Hempweed, Joe-Pie, Jopi Weed, Trmpet Weed,

Joe Pye Weed is a Native American perennial member of the family asteraceae found in all parts of the US with the exception of the deep south and the far north.

Propagation:

Joe Pye Weed can be grown from seed, plant six weeks before the last frost and cover lightly so that sunlight can reach the seeds. Keep moist.
Or it can be grown from cuttings.

Joe Pye Weed generally prefers full sun and moist soil. Some varieties such as E. purpureum can tolerate less moisture and part shade conditions.

History and Folklore:

It is said that the plant was named after a Native American healer who used it to treat typhus.

The name Eupatorium comes from the name of King Mithridates Eupator who lived in Parthis from 120 to 63 BCE who is said to have discovered the medical effectiveness of the Eupatorium family, which includes the European native Boneset.

Joe Pye Weed was used by many Native American tribes for healing and magic. It was used as a diuretic, to treat colds and fevers, as a love medicine, as a poultice for wounds, as a wash to strengthen children and for joint pain and the flowers were used as good luck charms.

Harvesting & Storage:

Gather leaves anytime. Dig the root after a frost. Joe Pye Weed dries well.

Household Use:

Joe Pye Weed is suitable for butterfly gardens. It attracts Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Great Spangled Fritillaries, Pearl Crescents, Monarchs, and Tawny-edged Skippers

Magical Attributes:

Joe Pye Weed can be used in spells for love or respect. A leaf can be tucked into your cheek to ensure that words spoken to the opposite sex will be well-received. Gamblers can carry the plant on them to help bring them good luck. Carrying the plant with you will also encourage others to look upon you with respect.

Healing Attributes:

The entire plant can be used, with the root having the strongest effect. It can be made into a diuretic tea to stimulate the bladder and kidneys and to encourage sweating to break a fever. It is also useful for influenza.

Simmer 1 once dried root in 1 pint water for 30 minutes, strain and cool, take 1/2 cup 4-5 times per day
OR
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp leaves and flowers. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink 1-3 times per day.

WARNING: This herb can cause liver and kidney damage and severe intestinal problems if overdosed or used for long periods of time.

Culinary Use:

None

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Joe Pye Weed is supertall, so it makes a great privacy hedge.

Jerusalem Artichoke

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 21:21 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Helianthus tuberosus

Zones:
hardy to zone 4
Other Names:
sunroot, sunchoke, topinambur, canada potato, earth apple, girasole, tuberous sunflower, lambchoke

Native to eastern North America. Grown for its tubor, root vegetable.

Propagation:

Jerusalem artichokes are very hardy, vigorous growers. Tubors, or chunks of tubors can be planted in spring or autumn in fertile soil in a sunny spot or dappled shade and they will grow like weeds. Mine are planted in a row with part of the row in mostly shade and the other in in part sun. The ones in the shade are considerably shorter than the ones in the sun, but they are all taller than I am and I have to stand on tiptoe to reach the flowers in the part sun plants.

Don't worry if they take awhile to sprout in the spring. They generally make their first appearance in late spring to early summer and look like little baby sunflowers. They should be heavily mulched every autumn. Lack of proper fertilization will result in loss of flavor. That being said, the plants themselves are not picky and will grow in just about any soil. They do not like to grow in places where there aren't significantly defined seasons, however.

Don't be afraid to harvest the first year as each plant produces about 75 tubers. Wait till after the first frost to begin harvesting. If you are going to grow sunchokes, make sure to harvest every year to prevent them from going crazy. Don't worry, it's almost impossible to dig up every tuber, even when you want to. Seeds ripen in November. Best not to let the plant reseed itself (although the birds and squirrels like them). It will spread just fine by tubers, you don't want it in the neighbor's yard too!

Sunchokes don't play nice with other plants. They aren't bothered by weeds and will smother out bedmates. This year I planted sunflowers with them and they seemed to do well as they were in full bloom before the sunchokes were even thinking about blooming and it was a nice affect. Then the squirrels mowed down the sunflowers and that was the end of that. (The Japanese Beetles like the sunchokes but not enough to cause any serious damage) Next year I am thinking of planting more sunflowers and maybe some beans with them so the beans can climb the Sunchokes and sunflowers, though I have been warned against this because all three are susceptable to the same Sclerotina or white mold disease.

Be careful! These plants can be highly invasive. In fact, it is listed as a noxious weed in Minnesota.

Baby sunchokes are susceptable to slug damage.

Plants can also be started from seeds but will be very delicate their first year. They take up to 17 days to sprout.

History and Folklore:

Jerusalem Artichoke is a native to North America (not Jerusalem) and is not an artichoke (artichokes are members of the thistle family, Sunchokes are members of the sunflower family). Early settlers first called the plant girasole, the Italian word for sunflower. Apparently this word sounds like Jerusalem. It may also have occasionally been specified as the articiocco (edible) girasole, which sounds similar to artichoke.

The flavor of the root is said to be similar to the flavor of artichokes. But I think it's closer to a water chestnut.

This plant was first cultivated by Native Americans who called it Sun Root. It has been propegated for over 500 years. It was "discovered" by Champlain at Cape Cod in 1605 where it was grown by the natives there along with beans and maize. Lewis and Clark were also fed Sunchokes by Native Americans during their trek across the US.

Today this plant is grown in the US for human food, livestock fodder (it is especially loved by pigs), alcohol production and as a source of fructose.

Harvesting & Storage:

Roots can be dug in the autumn after the plant dies back. For best flavor, wait until after you get a good hard frost before digging up the roots. Store them in a cool place that isn't too dry. Wrapped in plastic in the fridge will do nicely. They will get bitter if kept too long in storage. It is best to leave them in the ground and dig them up as you need them. You can continue digging them right into early spring.

Household Use:

The flowers are pretty and the seeds will attract birds and squirrels and can be used in crafts.

Magical Attributes:

Like all Helianthus flowers, this one is sacred to Helios, the Roman Apollo, Ra and other sun Gods.

Healing Attributes:

Because it stores its sugar as inulin, which converts to fructose, which is safe for diabetics, Sunchoke is recommended as a potato substitute for diabetics. It does not cause sugar spikes like starch does (in potatoes) and, according to some herbalists (of the Edgar Cayce school) has a healing effect on the pancreas.

A flour can be made of roasted sunchokes and this is recommended for use by people who are allergic to grains.

The tuber's high potassium content needs to be taken into account, however, especially by those with kidney disorders. It has six times the potassium of a banana.

Sunchoke is also said to encourage the growth of natural probiotics, or helpful bacteria, in the gut. This is helpful for people with problems with candida or yeast overgrowth.

It is recommended that sunchokes be added to the diet slowly to allow the body to get used to it. There is also the occassional inulin allergy to watch out for.

Culinary Use:

Jerusalem artichokes are high in potassium, iron, fiber, niacin, thiamine, phosphorus and copper. Scrub and cut them immediately prior to eating them, as they brown quickly. Do not peel them as most of their nutrients are stored close to the skin.

The tubers can be prepared like potatoes, but tend to get overly mushy when boiled. They are best very lightly steamed or stir fried and some people enjoy them raw in salads. They are crisp and sweet if they've been subjected to cold.

Starch is stored in Sunchoke tubers as inulin which is not easily digestable by humans, so it is a good food for diabetics and dieters who can tolerate it. Some folks have a hard time digesting it and in these folks it can cause gas and bloating. I am told that if you starti out with small amounts and get your body used to it, it'll learn to digest it.

Sunchokes have been used in France for wine and beer production.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Notes: I cooked my first Jerusalem Artichokes last night. These are the babies I planted last spring. I don't want to eat too many now because I want them to establish, so I only made a few. For science. I scrubbed them (didn't peel them) sliced them thin and sauted them for about 10 minutes in olive oil.
Oh my goodness.
Are they good.
They do taste a bit like artichokes- not like those pickled artichoke hearts you get on your pizza, but like properly steamed artichokes. The kind you pick out one petal at a time and dip in butter and scrape the meat off with your teeth and marvel allowed that we go through so much trouble for so little food just cause it tastes so good. Those. And these jerusalem artichokes taste buttery and rich and warm. It sort of reminded me of back in the day when I wasn't a vegetarian and I used to fry my potatoes in bacon grease. Yum. Oh, and ah.. they seem to have digested fine too.

Heather

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 21:02 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Calluna vulgaris

Zones:
4-8
Other Names:
Scot's heather, Heath, Froach, Ling, Scotch heather

This is a European native common to fields, ditches and waste areas in the cooler areas of Europe and the British Isles, especially in the heath land habitats where it is an important food source for

Propagation:

Heather will do best in zones 4-8, it prefers a bright area with acidic soil and good drainage. There are a few varieties who will tolerate some shade, but not many. Young heather should be watered regularly, but established plants shouldn't need extra water unless threatened with drought. It takes 2-3 years to reach its full size. Do not fertilize, as this plant prefers poor soil. Peat or pine needle mulch can be used. Heather should not be pruned, as this causes it to dry out faster. It does well in a container as well as in the garden.

The seeds are tiny and take up to two months to germinate. They require sunlight (don't cover them) and moisture, and cold treatment before planting is very helpful. You can sow it in the fall, or in containers at midwinter.

Deer and other grazing animals love to nibble on heather, as do the heather beetle and many butterfly and moth larvae. This makes in a wonderful addition to a butterfly or nature garden, but rather high maintenance for use as an ornamental. It is also susceptible to root rot where drainage is not sufficient.

Heather releases a chemical that prevents other plants from growing near it. Keep this in mind when planning your garden.

History and Folklore:

The word Calluna is derived from the Greek meaning "to sweep"

Heather (along with thistle) is the national flower of Scotland.

In Scotland farmers carried torches around their fields before midsummer to insure good crops and around their cattle to ensure their fertility.

Harvesting & Storage:

Cut flowering stems in autumn. They don't like being cut, so it's best to do it at the end of the growing season and hang to dry for later use.

Household Use:

Heather dries well and can be used in many crafts. The branches can be woven into wreathes, baskets, mats, and are traditionally used to make brooms.

The roots can be made into musical pipes.

Heather yields a yellow dye.

Magical Attributes:

Heather is feminine in nature and ruled by Venus and the element of water. It is also associated with Gemini and, accordingly, Mercury. It is represented by the Ogham letter Ura. It is associated with the God Nechtan Mac Labraid, the Cupbearer of the Tuatha De Dannan, guardian of the sacred well of Segais and husband of Boane, after whom the river Boyne in Ireland is named. Also, Isis, Osiris, Venus, Aphrodite

Heather can be used in spells relating to new beginnings, and self-discovery, enhancing physical beauty and bringing a peaceful resolution to any conflict. It is also used at initiations.

Keeping heather about the house will attract friendly spirits and will bring peace to the household. Carrying heather will attract positive energies, general good luck and protect against rape and other violent assaults, making it useful for traveling sachets.

Burning heather together with fern will aid in magic designed to bring rain. The two plants can also be bundled together and used to sprinkle water on the ground for the same purpose.

Heather helps in summoning spirits and attracts faeries to the garden.

Heather is a good plant to use to make besoms and can be added to midsummer fires to ensure the fertility of the attendants.

Heather is said to be stained with the blood of war in Scotland, thus, white heather is the luckiest and the best for use in magic.

Heather should be part of a bridal bouquet or the decorations to ensure good luck to the couple and peace and cooperation in their household.

Healing Attributes:

Heather is useful for ailments of the genitourinary systems, including stones, kidney and bladder infections, vaginal discharge, enlarged prostate, and menstrual and menopausal symptoms. It stimulates the flow of bile and urine, making it useful in cleansingi and purifying teas.

It is also a soothing herb and is good for spasmodic complaints in any system, including stomach and intestinal cramping and spasmodic coughs. Its soothing nature also makes it good for nervousness and insomnia.

It can also be added to salves for gout and rheumatism and to soothing skin preparations.

Heather may raise blood pressure slightly, and should not be used by people with blood pressure issues.

Culinary Use:

A recipe for heather beer was found on pre-Pict potsherds dating back to 2000 BC. Heather ale remains a popular beverage in Scotland. It also makes a pleasing tea.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

False Indigo

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:10 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Baptisia australis

Zones:
3-8
Other Names:
Blue False Indigo, Indigo Weed, Rattleweed, Rattlebush, Horse Fly Weed, Blue Wild Indigo,

False indigo, baptisia, is a member of the Fabacea (aka Legumacea) family with distinctive blue pea-like flowers about an inch long.

Propagation:

Baptisia may be propagated by cuttings, division or by seed. It enjoys full sun to part shade and prefers that its soil not be too alkaline. This plant can run wild and take over, so it is best to deadhead it before the seeds fall and periodically divide the rhisomes to keep it manageable.

History and Folklore:

The genus name Baptisia is derived from the greek bapto, meaning "to immerse", in reference to the plant's for creating dyes for cloth. The specific name australis is Latin for "southern".

False indigo is native to North America and is most common in the midwest. It was used by many Native peoples for various purposes including medicine and dye, which the Europeans later did as well. Its common name comes from this practice, as it was often used by Europeans as a substitute for true indigo Indigofera tinctoria.

Harvesting & Storage:

Flower and seed stalks can be hung upside down to dry and added to wreathes and floral arrangements.

Household Use:

The seed pods of wild blue indigo yeild a lovely blue dye similar to that of true indigo. The dried seed pods are also quite pretty in floral arrangements.

This plant is said to repel flies from animals. To try this, hange a bunch of fresh flowers in your barn.

Magical Attributes:

Feminine in Nature, false indigo is an excellent protective herb. Plant it around your home for general protection, wear it on your person or use it in spells and amulets of a protective nature. It is especially useful for spells and amulets designed to protect pets and familiars- just make sure they don't get ahold of it and eat it!

Healing Attributes:

Baptisia is toxic and should not be used except under the care of an experienced practitioner. This herb should never be used by pregnant women.

This plant has been used as an antiseptic, a purgative and to combat coughs and fevers.

A tea of the roots has been used as an emetic and purgative, a poultice of the roots as an anti-inflammatory and small pieces were held in the mouth to treat toothaches.

A decoction of the stems has been used to stimulate the immune system and help the body fight of pneumonia, tuberculosis, influenza and other serious illnesses, espcially of the upper respiratory system. It may also be used externally as a wash for smallpox and similar illnesses.

Side effects of ingesting blue indigo may include vomiting, diahrrhea and gastrointestinal spasms.

Culinary Use:

This plant is poisonous and should never be ingested

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

False indigo is an excellent choice for a natural dye for robes and altar cloths and for paper and wicker crafts.

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