Water
Pickled Okra
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Tue, 04/21/2009 - 11:59.1 pound Fresh okra
2 dried chilis
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp dried dill
1 cup white vinegar
1 cups water
2 tbsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 1 pint canning jars
Trim, wash and pat okra dry.
Place 1 chili, 1 clove of garlici and 1 tbsp of dill in each jar. Fill with okra.
Place jars of okra in a pan of hot water.
Leave out the chili pepper if you can't take the heat!
Okra
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Tue, 04/21/2009 - 10:47.Abelmoschus esculentus or Hibiscus esculentus
Okra is a member of the hibiscus family and an African import to the American South.
Okra seeds can be planted about 1/2 inch deep. It also doesn't like being transplanted, so starti in peat pots or direct sow after temperatures have warmed up, or grow it in a container. Okra does not like cold, so don't put it outdoors until the weather is consistently warm into the evening. Temperatures below 50 degrees will halt growth.
You should allow eight to twelve inches between plants in each direction and make sure they are placed in a sunny spot with good circulation. Place them near the back of the garden, because they will get quite tall. Plants grow quickly and flowers soon appear followed by buds about 60 days after sprouting.
Keeping pods picked will encourage the plant to keep producing. Keep the bed clear of weeds and mulch deeply but water sparingly.
Companion Planting
Plant okra near peppers as it provides protection to them from sun and wind damage.
Okra is an African native plant first grown in Egypt in the 12th century BCE and then throughout North Africa and the Mediterranean. It has since spread throughout the world. Ground okra seeds may have been used (among other things) by Southerners during the blockades of the Civil War as a coffee substitute.
Cut young pods from the plant shortly after they appear. If you wait too long they will get tough. How long is too long depends on the variety. Refer to the instructions that came with your seeds or experiment. 3 inches is a good general rule. Once you starti, you'll need to keep harvesting every two days until the weather gets cold.
Okra can be trimmed, blanched, patted dry and frozen. Before using frozen okra, thaw completely and pat dry. If you fry okra, try slicing and breading it then freezing it in meal sized portions for future use. Okra can also be pickled.
If your okra gets too tough for eating, dry it and use it to make crafts like you would gourds.
Okra is a suitable offering for many Orishas.
Okra contains powerful masculine energy and can be added to achieve balance or to increase masculine energy in a mixture.
Okra is high in fiber. It helps stabilize blood sugar. Its mucilage binds cholesterol and toxins in the body. It is also cleansingi to the colon and encourages the growth of healthy bacteria.
Okra is a necessary ingredient in gumbo and is also delicious breaded and fried and pickled. It is also delicious grilled on skewers over hot coals.
Okra prepared with lemon juice is said to be an effective aphrodisiac. More practically, both are purifying and soothing to the digestive tract.
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Extra Hot Chocolate
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sat, 12/06/2008 - 10:56.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 vanillai extract
Combine all dried ingredients and mix well. Warm the milk in a sauce pan, stirring constantly. Do not allow it to boil!
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.
Just add some cinnamon, ceyenne and vanillai to some instant hot cocoa for a quick treat.
Rice Pudding
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 15:38.1 cup cooked white rice
1 quart milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp Cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp vanillai
1 tsp butter
Nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 2 quart baking dish.
For variation, add 1/2 cup chopped apricots to enhance the fertility energy or raisins to enhance the prosperty energy with the sugar and rice. Sprinkle with slivered almonds to add an extra crunch and to enhance all associated energies
Mulled Cider
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 11:32.½ gallon apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 orangei, sliced
Put it all in a saucepan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain and serve hot.
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.
You can buy mulling spices at most grocery stores in the late autumn. Follow the directions on the package.
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Feverfew
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 07/14/2008 - 10:59.- ague plant
- antiinflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- aperient
- bachelor's button
- bitter
- carminative
- devil daisy
- Emmenagogue
- feather-fully
- featherfew
- featherfoil
- feverfew
- flirtwort
- Full Sun
- maid's weed
- matricaria
- midsummer daisy
- missouri snakeroot
- nosebleed
- Perennial
- prairie-dock
- protection
- rainfarn
- sedative
- Stimulant
- stomachic
- Top Healing Herb
- vasodilator
- Venus
- vermifuge
- vetter-voo
- Water
- wild chammomile
Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysantheim parthenium or Pyrethrum parthenium
Feverfew is an short lived perennial native to southeastern Europe which is now widespread across North America, Europe and Australia.
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.
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.
Cut fresh leaves as needed or lay flat on a screen to dry and store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Feverfew can be used to keep away bees and other insects.
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.
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.
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.
Valerian
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 16:36.- all-heal
- amantilla
- Antispasmodic
- capon's tail
- carminative
- cat's valerian
- fu
- garden heliotrope
- garden valerian
- genicularis
- Jupiter
- marinella
- mutagen
- nervine
- Partial Shade
- Perennial
- phu
- Samhain
- sedative
- setwall
- St George's Herb
- Stimulant
- terdina
- theriacardia
- valerian
- Valeriana officinalis
- van
- vandal root
- Water
- wenderot
- Yule
Valeriana officinalis
Garden valerian, or garden heliotrope (no relation to heliotrope) is native to Eastern Europe.
Valerian is happy in most situations provided it has fertile, weed-free soil and enjoys partial sun. It is best grown from shoots or by division as seeds do not germinate reliably. You should not allow valerian to dry out.
If you are growing to harvest the root later, it is best to cut off the flowers as they appear.
The Latin valere from whence the common name of this plant originated means "to be strong or healthy" and it may refer to the healing applications of the plant or it may refer to its strong odor. Indeed the ancient Greeks called this plant "Phu" (like phew!).
It was believed that this plant had the properties of turning anything bad into good.
Harvest valerian roots in autumn of its second or third year after the leaves have died back. Wash them and then dry them quickly and put in the oven at 120 degrees until they are brittle. Store in an airtight container.
Cats love the smell of valerian and find it quite intoxicating. It is useful stuffed inside cat toys.
Valerian root is associated with the planet Jupiter and the element of water. It is also useful in Samhain and Yule celebration rituals.
Valerian root is useful in spells related to ending guilt and negative self talk and developing self acceptance. It is also useful in animal magic, especially cat magic and evoking animal spirits. Also, transformation spells, for turning bad situations around into positive ones.
Valerian has a sedative action useful against insomnia, anxiety, and stress. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel.
However, valerian is reported to be a mutagen so it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Maple
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Tue, 05/27/2008 - 11:45.Acer spp
There are approximately 125 species of maple. Most are indigenous to Asia but there are many native to America, Europe and Africa as well.
Maple seeds, called samaras, have wings designed to carry them some distance away from the mother tree. These can be gathered and planted and will often grow quite well. Most need to be stratified first, either through cold stratification or by using a file to wear down the hard outter shell.
Maples can take up to six months to germinate and can be troubled by root rot when young. Keep young maple trees in a sheltered, semi-shaded area.
Maples of all ages can be bothered by aphids and are popular hosts for many species of butterfly and moth. Maples are also affected by a number of fungal parasites. Although these may look ugly, they don't usually cause lasting harm to the tree.
The word acer is from the Latin meaning "sharp" which refers to the pointed leaves.
Maple sugar was being made by the Native Americans long before Eurpean colonists came to America. A number of stories exist to explain where the practice came from.
One story says that when the Creator first made the world, maple syrup ran from maple trees all the time. One day Glooskap came by and saw that all the villagers were laying under the trees letting the syrup run into their mouths and all the work was undone and the fields overgrown. So he made the sap runny and told the people that if they wanted syrup they'd have to work for it and showed them how to turn the runny sap into sweet, thick syrup.
Another story says that red squirrel first showed a hunter how to get sweet sap from the maple. He liked to bite off the branches to make the sap ooze out and when it had dried into a sugar crust would come back and lick it joyfully.
Pick up branches after a storm to make wands and staves.
Maple trees make great bonzai. The wood of sugar maple and sycamore maple are especially prized for making furniture and flooring.
Maple trees are a valuable host to many species of moth and butterfly and make an excellent addition to a butterfly garden.
Maple is feminine in nature and associated with the moon and jupiter and the elemental energies of water.
Maple is excellent for wands, staves and maypoles.
Maple is useful in moon magic and in spells related to travel, learning and decision-making, especially in matters related bringing about or dealing with change. Maple is also useful for spiritual healing.
Maple syrup may be used in Kitchen Witchery for love spells and spiritual healing, i.e. soothing the psyche.
Maple wood is useful for smoking and curing meat.
The sap of the sugar maple can be boiled down to make maple syrup, maple sugar and maple candy.
Joe Pye Weed
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Thu, 02/14/2008 - 16:25.- Antispasmodic
- aperient
- astringent
- Attacts butterflies
- Cathartic
- diaphoretic
- diretic
- Emetic
- eupatorium
- Full Sun
- gravel root
- Hempweed
- joe pye weed
- Joe-Pie
- Jopi Weed
- kidney root
- Love
- mist-flower
- Perennial
- purple boneset
- Queen of the Meadow
- relaxes mucus membranes
- respect
- Snakeroot
- Stimulant
- Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
- Tonic
- Trmpet Weed
- Venus
- Water
Eupatorium spp.
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.
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.
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.
Gather leaves anytime. Dig the root after a frost. Joe Pye Weed dries well.
Joe Pye Weed is suitable for butterfly gardens. It attracts Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Great Spangled Fritillaries, Pearl Crescents, Monarchs, and Tawny-edged Skippers
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.
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.
None
Joe Pye Weed is supertall, so it makes a great privacy hedge.
Heather
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 01/07/2008 - 22:02.- antiseptic
- Aphrodite
- Attracts faeries
- beauty
- beginnings
- Calluna vulgaris
- cholagogue
- Crafter's Herb
- diaphoretic
- discovery
- Diuretic
- expectorant
- Froach
- Gemini
- Heath
- heather
- Isis
- Ling
- Mercury
- Midsummer
- Nechtan Mac Labraid
- Osiris
- purifying
- Scot's heather
- Scotch heather
- Vasoconstrictor
- Venus
- Venus
- Water
- weather
Calluna vulgaris
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
