Syndicate
Navigation
antiseptic
Calendula
Wed, 07/09/2008 - 15:02 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Calendula officinalis
Zones:
most
Other Names:
pot marigold, english marigold, poet's marigold, Husbandman's Dial, Marybud, Merrybud, Marygold, Summer's Bride
Calendula is a mediterranean annual that has become a popular garden plant in much of the world.
Propagation:
Calendula likes a full sun position, but doesn't like too much heatl. It will grow readily from seed and will reseed if allowed to do so in mild climates. Those who live in colder climates should gather the seeds in autumn and replant the following year. Seeds should be planted right in the garden as soon as the danger of frost has passed and barely covered. Thin to 12 inches apart. Although they are tolerant of poor soils, calendula prefers to be planted in a nice bed of compost and some mulch around its roots once it gets going in the summer.
They do well in pots and window boxes too. However, many people find their aroma to be too overpowering for indoors.
Calendula are attractive to aphids which makes them a good diversion plant for more delicate plants. They are also susceptible to mildew if it is too hot and humid. Use a soap spray to get rid of aphids and a gentle fungacide will take care of the mildew.
History and Folklore:
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all loved calendula and used it for culinary and healing purposes. During the medieval period it was considered a cure for just about everything. During the Rennaissance, it was a popular garden flower and commonly used as a pot herb earning it the name pot marigold.
Shakespear honored the flower in a verse in A Winter's Tale
""Hot lavender, mints, savoury, marjoram;
The marigold, that goes to bed wi' the sun
And with him rises weeping: these are flowers.""
It was said that if marigold didn't open by 7am there would be a thunderstorm.
One medieval belief about marigold was that it would strip a witch of her will.
Harvesting & Storage:
Pick flowers as soon as they open as they get progressively more bitter the older they get. Dry upside down in a dark place with good ventilation. Once they are dry, remove the petals and store in a sealed jar away from light and heat which can damage the oils they contain.
Household Use:
Calendula makes for long lasting cut flowers, but the scent is overpowering for some.
Petals can be used to make a lovely yellow dye. It has been used to lighten hair.
Magical Attributes:
Calendula symbolizes love and constancy and is great for wedding bouquets and decorations. It is the traditional "he loves me, he loves me not" flower and is useful for love potions.
Wreaths of marigold hung over a door are said to keep evil and negativity from entering.
Dried petals can be strewn to consecrate an area or burned in consecrationi insense. They are also a good addition to dream pillows.
Healing Attributes:
Calendula is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and is often added to healing salves.
Culinary Use:
Calendula petals can be used as a food coloring agent and has traditionally been used to color butter and cheese. Many people use it to make yellow rice without saffron. They are also good in salads or sprinkled over cakes for a festive look.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Mugwort
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 11:11 — DawnBlackBotanical 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.
Lemon
Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:48 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Citrus limon
Zones:
tropical
Lemons are evergreen trees native to Asia. Lemon trees have smooth, green oval leaves which produce fragrant flowers in the winter followed by the tart yellow fruits we know and love.
Propagation:
Lemon trees prefer a warm habitat, full sun and no frost. Lucky for those of us who live where winter still happens, lemoni trees can be grown indoors and there are dwarf varieties that fit nicely in large pots that you can bring indoors whenever the temperature dips below 30 degrees Farenheight.
Lemons prefer well-drained, slightly acid (but not too acid) soil. Mulch thickly, but don't let the mulch touch the trunk. Water deeply weekly, but give your tree a good misting daily. Deadhead the flowers that appear for the first few years to give the tree a chance to establish its root system before it puts energy into making fruit.
Meyer lemons are recommended as a good variety for growing indoors.
If your tree is indoors all the time, you may need to artificially pollinate it to get fruit. Use a q-tip to move pollen from one flower to another.
History and Folklore:
Harvesting & Storage:
Lemons are ripe when they are bright yellow and firm and smell marvelous.
They can be stored at room temperature for several days and for serveral weeks in the fridge. The peel can be dried on paper towels and stored in sealed jars for up to a year for use in cooking or potpourri. Leaves can be plucked as needed.
Household Use:
Lemon trees make great bonzai specimens.
Lemon juice is a great rinse for hair and will gradually lighten hair if used regularly.
Show your kids how to use lemon to send secret messages to their friends. Write with a toothpick dipped in lemon juice and let it dry. Heat over a lightbulb (or whatever) to make the message reapper!
Check out this book for more:
Lemon Magic: 200 Beauty and Household Uses for Lemons and Lemon Juice
Magical Attributes:
Lemons can be used to celebrate lunar deities and lemonaid is especially good for summertime rituals.
Lemon juice is purifying and cleansingi and can be used to that capacity in rituali, try using it as an asperge or using lemoni bath products in your ritual bath. Lemon leaf can be added to a bath tea for the same purpose. Either lemon oil can be added to washwater, or lemon leaf can be steaped in it to cleanse your home.
Lemon flowers are used in love spells and the rind can be added to baked goods prepared with loving intent.
The fruit can be used to turn away harmful spells or the evil eye.
Healing Attributes:
The juice of one fresh, organic lemoni mixed with six ounces of water is a wonderful cleansingi and purifying tonic to be drunk twice a day! It helps with digestion by assisting in the cleansing of the entire digestive tract and can relieve bloating, indigestion, gas, constipation and diarrhea. It is also a liver stimulant and helps cleanse the system of toxins, particularly uric acid. It is useful for rheumatism, excessive menstruation, asthma and supports the immune system during times of illness.
Served hot with a bit of honey, lemon water is a traditional remedy for all manner of colds, fevers, sore throats and general congestion.
Drinking lemon water regularly will ensure proper digestion of your food and absorption its nutrients.
Lemon water should be used instead of oral electorlyte solutions (like Pedialyte or Gaterade) for rehydrating purposes because it works and it has less sugar.
Some people are sensitive to lemons. This may manifest as a headache or asthmatic symptoms. The acid in lemons is damaging to tooth enamel.
Culinary Use:
Lemons have a variety of culinary uses.
It is often used in beverages such as lemonaid, tea, and lemoni water.
Lemon juice sprinkled over other fruit or potatoesi will prevent them from turning brown after they are cut and peeled.
Lemon juice is a traditional flavoring for fish, and is also good on rice and beani dishes. Try this instead of salt.
Lemon peels contain pectin, which helps set jams and jellies. They are also frequently added to candies, cookies, cakes and other sweets.
Note that in modern farming methods, lemons are heavily doused in pesticides. Go organic with these!
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Heather
Mon, 01/07/2008 - 21:02 — kitchenwitchBotanical 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:
Geranium
Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:44 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Geranium maculatum
Zones:
3-8
Other Names:
Crane's bill, Spotted Geranium, Spotted Cranesbill, Wood Geranium, Spotted Cranesbill, Wild Cranesbill, Crowfoot, Dove's-foot, Old Maid's Nightcap, Shameface, hardy geranium, wild geranium
These beautiful North American natives are among my favorite flowers.
Propagation:
These geraniums transplant well and also grow well from seed. They will grow well in sun if kept moist but prefer shady areas. If you do plant yours in the sun, be aware that they will go dormant during very hot, dry periods, but will often come back when conditions improve. The soil should be rich and humusy, like the woodland floor. If you choose the right spot, your geraniums will grow and spread with little attention from you.
For use as a ground cover, space the plants about 20 inches apart. They will spread.
Flowers bloom for a very long period, but this plant does not rebloom. Therefore, deadheading is not necessary to encourage more blooming, but you may want to do it if you want to discourage spread.
History and Folklore:
The word Geranium comes from the Greek geranos meaning "crane".
The Wild Geranium rhizome is rich in tannini and was used by early American settlers to tan hides.
Harvesting & Storage:
Leaves and roots should both be harvested just before the plant flowers and then dried for later use. Alternatively, the rhizome/root can be harvested in the autumn.
Hang to dry or lay on a screen until firm yet flexible. Seal in a glass jar and store in a cool dry place.
Place small canvas bags over the seed heads (like the little drawstring herb bags) to catch the seeds when they ripen.
Household Use:
Magical Attributes:
A tea of Wild Geranium flowers is an effective counter to many love spells. A bit of the root can be carried as an amuleti to attract happiness and prosperity. It can also be used in spells to encourage conception, successful pregnancy and safe childbirth, especially in sympathetic spells.
Healing Attributes:
Infusions may be made of any part of the plant for the treatment of diarrhea, dyssentery, irritable bowel, cholera, kidney problems, internal bleeding and many other issues that call for the use of an astringent. It is also antiseptic and may be applied externally for issues involving pus, discharge and inflammations. It can be used as a douche or gargle to this affect if called for. The powdered, dried root can be used as a styptic.
Although the entire plant is effective, the rhizome contains the highest concentration of tannini and healing properties.
Culinary Use:
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
False Indigo
Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:10 — DawnBlackBotanical 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.
Thyme
Sat, 12/29/2007 - 10:24 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Thymus spp
Zones:
4-9
Thyme is a member of the mint family. It is generally a low growing perennial, winter hardy to zone five.
Propagation:
Thyme prefers full sun to part shade and loose, fast draining soil, preferably sandy. The roots should never be allowed to stay wet. Thyme is winter hardy, but a light mulch will protect it when the ground freezes. It does not need fertilizers. Thyme does best if it is pruned in the spring or summer after its first year.
With the exception of Common Thyme, which is light germinated, so seeds should be scattered on the surface, the seeds are small and slow to germinate, and many varieties are sterile cultivars, so it is best to propagate by division or cuttings, or buy a plant at your local nursery.
Thyme and lavender grow well together, perhaps mainly because they enjoy the same conditions.
Grow thyme amongst cabbages to protect them from cabbagei worms, flies, beetles and aphids.
History and Folklore:
The word Thyme comes from the Greek meaning to "fumigate". This indicates that it was used as a smudgingi herb. The Greeks thought very highly of Thyme. It was mixed in drinks to enhance intoxicating effects and induce bravery and warriors were massaged with thyme oil to ensure their courage. Women wore thyme in their hair to enhance their attractiveness. The phrase "to smell of thyme" meant that one was stylish, well groomed, poised, and otherwise attractive.
Thyme is a Mediterranean native spread throughout Europe by the Romans. Their soldiers added it to their bathwater to increase bravery, strength and vigor.
It enjoyed a long association with bravery. In Medieval England, ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme into their knights' scarves to increase their bravery. In Scotland, highlanders brewed tea to increase courage and keep away nightmares.
Thyme was used as early as 3000 BCE by Sumerians as an antiseptic. It does indeed have impressic antiseptic qualities.
It was used as an embalming herb in ancient Egypt and was burned in other places as offerings to celebrate Rites of Passing. It was placed in coffins throughout Europe to ensure passage into the next world.
Harvesting & Storage:
Leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the year. Give the plant a year to get established before doing any heavy harvesting. The best flavor is right before flowering.
Thyme dries very well. It should be dried as any other herb on the stem and the leaves stripped off later.
Household Use:
The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.
Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well if you have problems with dandruff.
Magical Attributes:
Thyme is feminine in nature and associated with the element of water and the planet Venus. Thyme is also associated with Freya, Aphrodite and Ares.
Thyme can be used in spells to increase strength and courage.
When working hard to achieve a goal that seems unachievable, thyme can be used to keep a positive attitude.
Smudgei your home with thyme to dispel melancholy, hopelessness and other mellow but negative vibrations, especially after a family tragedy or during a long sickness.
Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent nightmares.
Faeries love thyme. Its addition to your garden will attract them and it can be used in spells to communicate with faeries.
Thyme is excellent in rituali baths and smudgingi for early spring festivals when we seek to leave the old behind and begin anew.
Healing Attributes:
The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.
Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well, if you have problems with dandruff.
Medical Use
Thyme has been used as a cough remedy and digestive aid as well as a treatment for internal parasites.
The active constituent, Thymol, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and a strong scent that helps loosen phlegm and sooths the respiratory system. It is used in many over the counter cold remedies.
It is also used for athlete's foot and hemorrhoids.
For internal use, steep two teaspoons of fresh herb or one teaspoon of dried herb in one cup of boiling water. Drink no more than twice a day, in the morning and evening, to relieve lung problems and dispel parasites.
A stronger tea can be used as a mouthwash to treat sore gums, as a foot soak to get rid of athlete's foot, a body or hair rinse for lice or dip a rag in it and use it as a compress for skin inflammations.
Thyme can also be added to massage oils and bath oils for the treatment of rheumatism and general aches and pains. These oils can also be used for colds and lung complaints.
Use oil of thyme by dropping into an infuser, or into a pan of boiling water and inhaling the fumes up to four times daily to relieve congestion. Never take essential oils internally.
Culinary Use:
Thyme has a long association with cooking and is part of French Bouquet Garni and Herbes de Provence. The most common type of thyme used in cooking is Common Thyme or English Thyme, but there are many varieties that can be used, all bring their own personality to the table.
It adds a marvelous rich flavor to meat dishes and stews. Adds flavor to veggies too and is especially good on potatoesi. Actually, you can put thyme on just about anything. Try it on grilled cheese sandwiches or in scrambled eggs. It combines well with parsley, sage and rosemary, as the song says.
Thyme is a tough herb, and should be added early in cooking as the flavor is slowly released by heat.
The flowers are edible as well as the leaves, and make a lovely garnish.
The woody stems can be laid over charcoal when barbequing to flavor the smoke.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Begin new projects with a hearty meal seasoned with thyme and herbed wine.
Serve meals heavily laced with thyme when your family is facing a difficult struggle to attain a goal to ensure that you all remain lighthearted and don't give up hope!
Plant many varieties of thyme inside and outside your home. Plant the small creeping varieties between stepping stones and the trailing varieties in hanging pots near heavy traffic areas. The scent will remind you and anyone else who spends time in your home that you are strong and capable and fill your home with hope and good cheer. Whenever you come home feeling drained and ready to give up, just breathe deeply and be refreshed.
Cinnamon
Mon, 12/10/2007 - 10:16 — DawnBlackBotanical Name:
Cinnamomum zeylanicum and C. verum
Zones:
tropical
The cinnamon tree is an Asian evergreen member of the laurel family. It has brown, papery bark and leathery leaves. Yellow flowers appear in the summer followed by purple berries.
Propagation:
Cinnamon is a tropical tree that is not suited to propagation in most parts of North America and nor does it enjoy being grown in a pot. Best to buy it.
History and Folklore:
Cinnamon is a much beloved spice with a long and rich history. It was mentioned in Chinese books on healing more than four thousand years ago. It was also used in Egypt and Europe. In Egypt it was part of a mix of herbs and spices that was used to fill body cavities during mummification. In Europe it was such a hit that it was one of the sparks of the age of exploration.
Harvesting & Storage:
Cinnamon sticks, pupularly used for flavoring cider or ground and mixed with sugar for a variety of uses, are formed from the bark. The leaves and buds also contain volitile oils and fragrance and oil can be extracted from any of these. The oil obtained from the leaf is not as strong and also not as likely to cause skin irritation.
Household Use:
Add cinnamon to potpourri. Ground cinnamon sprinkled in cabinets will discourage bugs from entering.
Cinnamon sticks are great in crafts.
Try making this year's yule ornaments out of sweet scented cinnamon clay.
Magical Attributes:
Cinnamon is associated with the element of Fire, the Sun and the God Apollo.
Cinnamon is commonly used in incense. It smells really good and fills the room with a warm, comfy feeling, especially nice on cold winter days. It can be burned to sanctify an area or object, to increase the spiritual "mood", to aid in healing spells or in healing in general (this is appropriate for burning right in the sick room) and also to enhance the male libido. The oil may be used to anoint objects during blessing and protection rituals. (Be sure to dilute this heavily with a carrier if it's going to touch your skin!)
Cinnamon and cinnamon oil can be used in love spells and to make charms to draw love, happiness, and money. Those cinnamon scented brooms you can buy at gift shops can be charged to bring these things to your household and hung up somewhere near the door.
If you are in need of some quick cash, make a bowl out of cinnamon clay, write the amount of money you need on a peice of paper and place it in the bowl with a few coins as offerings of good faith. when you get the money, bury the paper and the coins in the yard and your bowl is ready for your next money request.
Other herbs that enhance cinnamon's money drawing properties are cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and ginger.
Healing Attributes:
Cinnamon is great for upset stomachs, including car sickness and morning sickness, and digestive problems, including gas, vomiting and diarrhea. However, women who are pregnant should not ingest large amounts of cinnamon as it can endanger the pregnancy. I find cinnamon gum or to be very affective for morning sickness without the dangers of actually ingesting cinnamon tea. People with ulcers should also avoid ingesting cinnamon as it can irritate them. Again, chewing cinnamon gum occasionally is a reasonable alternative and effective against mild stomach upsets like that associated with motion sickness. Don't overdo it though, as over-chewing of cinnamon gum can deaden the nerves of the mouth and cause inflammation.
It is called for in teas and other healing beverages when a warming affect is desired. It is also useful in combination as it stimulates the action of other herbs. A cup of cinnamon tea after dinner is said to stimulate digestion and help regulate blood sugar.
Cinnamon should not be applied topically as it is considered a dermal toxin and it is extremely irritating to mucus membranes in particular. Cinnamon oil, however, (not essential oil) can be applied to a toothache to deaden the pain, much like clove oil, but it is not as affective as clove oil.
Culinary Use:
Cinnamon is a common spice in the kitchen often used in combination with sugar. It is especially tasty with applesi, and orangei squashes, such as pumpkin and acorn squash. It is an important mulling spice, great in cider and wine.
For an exotic flavor, try coating your chicken with cinnamon (no sugar) and browning it before adding stewed tomatoes and chopped peppers, heat and serve over rice. Also try it in chili. Yum! It's an important spice for savory dishes in India, Morocco and Greece.
I also like adding cinnamon to coffee and hot cocoa.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Spice up that dinner for two with garam masala. It's a marvelous Indian spice mix containing cinnamon. Trust me. It'll make you and your partner feel extra affectionate.