exorcism
Stinging Nettle
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Fri, 01/30/2009 - 12:08.Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle is a common weed found in moist shady places in Europe, Asia and North America. They are perennial, growing up to 4 feet tall in the summer and dying back in the winter.
Plant nettles six to twelve inches apart in moist, rich soil that gets some shade. They will grow like a weed and spread out like crazy. They do grow well in a pot. If grown in the garden they should be surrounded by an underground barrier to prevent them taking over. Stinging nettles are best grown in their own patch.
Cut nettles back after they flower but before they seed so they don't spread out of control.
Stinging nettle is mentioned in the Nine Herbs Charm. It has been used in Europe for centuries as food in early spring when other sources of food were scarce, as a nutritive spring tonic and to build the strength and milk production of pregnant and lactating women and livestock and as medicine for various conditions. Hippocrates recorded 61 medicinal uses of the plant in the fourth and fifth centuries BCE.
Nettle was once widely used for its stem fibres which were retted and spun like flax. In Denmark, burial shrouds made of the resulting cloth have been found dating back 5000 years or more. Native Americans used the fibre for making fishing nets and for cordage.
Nettle leaves produce a green dye which was used in war time Europe the make camouflage and is used to this day in Germany to keep canned vegetables looking a healthy green.
Make sure you wear thick gloves and long sleeves and jeans when harvesting nettle. Their stingers can pierce through thin fabric. Pluck young nettle leaves in the spring and dry or steam and then freeze to store. Cooking or drying will destroy the sting. Do not harvest or eat later season leaves because they will starti to get tough and grainy. The grainy bits are said to cause urinary issues.
Cut the stalks to the ground in the autumn, strip off the leaves (and add them to your compost bin make a nettle tea fertilizer for your plants) and lay flat to dry. Once dried, the stalks can be broken up to retrieve the long fibers for handspinning or shredded to make paper.
If you wait till after the first frost to harvest your nettle for fiber, you will find them much less stingy.
The long soft fibers from stinging nettle can be spun into thread or yarn and woven into fabric that is said to be as strong as hemp and as soft as cotton.
The stalks can be shredded and made into paper.
Cut and dry nettles to add to winter fodder for horses, cattle, goats, pigs and sheep.
Nettle leaves make a lovely green dye. Add and iron mordant and the dye turns black, copper produces a lovely grey-green (like for camouflage). The roots can be boiled with alum for a nice yellow dye.
Nettle is male in action and associated with the sign of Scorpio (some say Ares) and the planet Mars and element of Fire.
Nettle can be burned to drive out negativity or unwanted spirits. It can also be used in protection bags, our ground into powder and used in spells to break curses.
Stinging nettle tea is a great spring tonic and a good addition to the diet of anyone recovering from a long illness or who has chronic weakness, fatigue or anemia. Steep the dry or fresh leaves in boiled water for 10 minutes and strain. The steeping process will destroy the steam and what you have left is a delicious and nutritious green broth. It is also a great internal cleanser, useful for urinary tract problems and inflammatory conditions and is said to be helpful to and protective of the prostate.
Freeze dried nettle tablets are useful for hayfever. Freeze drying retains the sting chemicals which are helpful with allergic conditions.
Nettle tea, steamed nettles and other preparations containing nettle may be given to pregnant and lactating women and animals to keep them strong and healthy and to increase milk production.
A traditional remedy for rheumatism calls for smacking the affected area with fresh nettles, sting and all to relieve pain and inflammation.
Nettle leaves make a fabulous tea or soup stock.
Steamed nettles are a great side dish all their own. Try topping with vinegar, sesame seeds and sesame oil or almondi slivers. Add them to any recipe calling for spinach or greens.
Nettles are high in protein, vitamin C & A and Iron
Bistort
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sat, 01/05/2008 - 22:46.- Adderwort
- astringent
- bistort
- Columbrina
- Dracunculus
- Dragon’s Scales
- Earth
- Easter Mangiant
- English Serpentary
- exorcism
- Fertility
- Invasive
- Oderwort
- Ostara
- Osterick
- Partial Shade
- Passions
- Perennial
- Polygornun bistorta
- prosperity
- Saturn
- Serpentaria
- Serpentary Dragonwort
- Snake
- Snakeroot
- Snakeweed
- Styptic
- Twice Writhen
Polygonum bistorta, P. bistortoides
Bistort P. bistorta is native to many parts of Europe and Western Asia. P. bistortoides, the American native version is very similar.
Bistort prefers a moist, shady area and is great for a woodland or bog garden or it looks nice planted around an ornamental pond. Divide the root stock in early autumn or spring.
The name Bistort comes from Latin meaning twice-twisted, referring to the shape of the root.
Harvest and dry the rootstock in the spring when the leaves first begin or in autumn. Cut lengthwise to dry in the sun.
Can be used to cure leather, but you need large quantities.
Bistort is considered to be feminine and associated with Saturn and the Earth element.
Bistort is used for psychic powers, especially burned in combination with frankincense. It is also a useful addition to money and fertility sachets, or simply carry it with you if you want to conceive. It can also be added to the holy wateri or smudge mixture that is used during exorcisms. An infusioni of bistort root is said to help chase away spirits of the earthbound dead.
Bistort root has a high concentration of tannini, so it is an astringent. It has been used most commonly as a poultice for boils and festering sores..
It is also styptic and is useful for internal and external bleeding, as well as for diarrhea, dysentery and cholera. Keep the powder on hand to use for external bleeding or mix a half teaspoon into a cupful of warm water for internal bleeding and bowel problems.
A decoction has been used for heavy menstruation and as a gargle for ulcers of the mouth and for bleeding gums. It can also be added to lotions for use on sores with discharge and it can be used as a douche to stanch excess discharge.
The powdered leaves were once used to help expel worms from children.
Leaves and young shoots can be used as a vegetable eaten raw or cooked. They have a tangy acidic taste.
The roots are very starchy and can be roasted, baked or boiled with baking and roasting being the tastier of the three options. They can also be dried and pounded, the resulting powder used like flour.
The seeds can also be eaten raw and cooked, but they are very small.
Bistort is an ingredient in Herb Pudding, traditionally eaten during Ostara.
Excessive use of bistort may cause photosensitivity.
Bistort contains oxalic acid which can bind to other minerals impeding their absorption and so should not be ingested in large quantities. People with gout, kidney stones, rheumatism and arthritis should avoid foods containing oxalic acid. Cooking reduces the affect of oxalic acid. Other plants containing oxalic acid are sorrel, rhubarb and spinach.
Anise
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sat, 01/05/2008 - 16:19.Pimpinellaa anisum
Anise is a graceful, feathery annual resembling members of the carrot family with branching ridged, round stems and small, star like white flowers which appear in clusters in the late summer.
Anise likes a sunny, sheltered site with well-drained, alkaline soil. It is suitable for all areas of North America, but the seeds won't ripen without a good hot summer. Anise needs 120 days to produce fully ripened seed heads. It is an annual, and grows 1-2 feet high. It does not transplant well, though it will live happily in a pot indoors or on a patio. Sow in the late spring.
It is a good companion plant with coriander, but shouldn’t be grown with carrot.
Anise is one of the oldest known plants that were grown for both culinary and medicinal use. It was an important in 2nd century BCE Egypt where it was grown for food and medicine and as an ingredient in liquor.
Anise was one of the ingredients in mustaceus; a special cake made with digestive herbs that was served as a finishing dish for feasts. This may be the origin of the modern-day wedding cake.
In 1305, King Edward I declared anise a taxable drug and the revenue earned through its import helped repair damages to the London Bridge.
The Native Americans called anise “Tut-te See-hua”, which means, “It expels the wind”
The best anise is grown in Spain, but it is also grown in Turkeyi and Egypt.
Pick the leaves as you need them and collect the flowers as they open. The fruits are ready for harvesting when they are gray-green at the tips. Cut the plant, retaining a good deal of stem and hang upside down in a paper bag to dry. The seeds will drop off and collect in the bottom. Store the seeds in a dark, dry place.
Gather the stems and dig up the roots in autumn.
Crush the seed and use in potpourri.
Roast the seed and use as a breath freshener.
Oil of anise is a natural insecticide.
Animals on the other hand seem to love it. It is said that the oil added to bait to catch fish, rats, mice, or anything else, will increase your chances. Dogs also like anise, and it is sometimes added to dog food. Anti-bloodsport activists would use it to put hunting dogs of the scent and ruin the hunt.
Anise is associated with the element of air, the God Apollo, the planets Mercury and Jupiter and the astrological sign Gemini. Anise is also considered masculine.
Hang an anise seed head from your bedpost to restore lost youth.
Use anise in dream pillows to keep away nightmares and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Fresh anise leaves or anise seeds used in a potpourri will protect a room from evil spirits and intentions.
It can be used in holy waters for blessing and exorcisms.
It is said that the scent stirs up lust.
Anise seeds carried in a sachet will ward off the evil eye.
Anise aids in divinationi and may be added to a rituali bath and/or burned while meditating or divining.
Anise has been used as an offering to entice spirits to aid in magical operations.
Anise is helpful for all sorts of coughs and helps to relieve congestion. It is useful added to syrups and lozenges. Or a tea can be made by steeping one teaspoon of the seeds in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Take up to one and a half cups per day. You can also make a tincture to keep on hand by using two ounces of seeds per ½ quart brandy and a pinch of lemoni peel. Let sit two to three weeks. Take one teaspoon as needed.
Some say anise is high in estrogen content and can be used to stimulate the flow of breast milk. It is also used to ease the pangs of childbirth. It may also help relieve the discomfort of menopause.
Anise seed is good for the digestive system and can be used to stimulate the appetite, aid in digestion, or relieve cramps, nausea, flatulence, or colic. A few seeds taken with water will cure hiccups.
Anise may increase the amount of iron that is absorbed into the body.
Anise is popular for desserts and baked goods. The seed may be used whole or crushed in breads, cakes, fruit dishes or cookies.
Try adding anise to the water when boiling shellfish.
The leaves or flowers may be added to fruit salads or used as a garnish.
The stem and root may be mixed into soups and stews.
Many liquors are flavored with anise including French pastis, Greek ouzo, Spanish ojen, Turkish raki, Italian anesone, Arab arrak and Egyptian kibib.
Do not overdo it. Large quantities of anise can be toxic. Do not use the essential oil without dilution.
Because anise may increase the amount of iron that is absorbed into the body, use caution when taking both iron supplements and anise at the same time.
Anise can be used with dogs like catnip with cats. Don't let them overdo it though, see above toxicity warnings!
Solomon's Seal
Submitted by DawnBlack on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 13:40.Polygonatum biflorum
Solomon's Seal is a lovely woodland perennial with native varieties in North America, Asia and Europe. It can grow up to two feet tall.
Solomon's Seal prefers a light soil, a good mulch and a shady location. It can be grown by division or by seed. It will return year after year and spread itself. It is a lovely, delicate addition to a shade garden.
Some areas list Solomon's Seal as an invasive weed.
Solomon's Seal is named for King Solomon of Hebrew lore who was granted great wisdom by the Hebrew God and had a special seal that aided him in his magical workings, allowing him to command demons without coming to harm.
According to herbal lore, King Solomon himself placed his seal upon this plant when he recognized its great value. Those with imagination can see the seal on the root stock in the circular scars left by the stem after it dies back.
Solomon's Seal has also been traditional used to "seal" wounds.
You can estimate the plant's age by examining the rhizome. Each year the stem leaves on scar, or "seal" on the rhizome. Counting these will give you an idea of how long your plant has been alive.
Although this plant is not currently listed as endangered, the usual warnings about responsible wildcrafting apply. Because this plant is so easy to grow in a shady garden bed, wildcrafting is usually not necessary.
Gather the rhisomes in the fall and lay on a screen to dry in a warm, dry location with good circulation free from humidity and sunlight. Once dry, store in a cool location away from light.
Solomon's Seal aids one in making difficult decisions and accepting and seeking change. Helps in spellwork to aid changing/breaking habits and helps in smooth transitions for changes beyond our control. It is also used in love potions to amplify commitment between partners and to "seal" a spelli or a sacred oath or promise.
An infusioni of Solomon's Seal, or insense made of Solomon's Seal root can both be used to drive away negative vibrations and malicious spirits. It can also be used to summon helpful spirits and elementals.
The root can be carried as an amuleti to ward off malicious spirits and to increase wisdom.
Solomon's Seal is appropriate for use during Autumn Equinox rituals.
The fresh root, pounded and applied topically helps fade bruising. (I have not tried this on a hicky, but it might work for that too.) A decoction can also be used as a facial rinse to help fade blemishes or for poison ivy and similar skin problems.
An infusioni can be used for profuse menstruation and internal bleeding, indigestion and other stomach and digestive complaints including ulcers, bowel problems and hemmorhoids. It is also said to speed the healing of broken bones. Used as a mouthwash, it is said to help strengthen gums.
Solomon's Seal root tea is a good tonic acting on the kidneys, heart and sexual organs as well as soothing the digestive system.
Oil infused with Solomon's Seal root is good to keep on hand for first aid treatment of sprains, strains and broken or bruised bones. (Not to replace, but to enhance traditional medical intervention.) Solomon's Seal root tea or tincture aids in the repair of broken bones and may be drunk after a doctor has set the break. It is also great for torn ligaments, disolcations and other issues with joints.
Young shoots harvested in early spring can be prepared and eaten like asparagus.
The roots should be boiled with three changes of water before being roasted and eaten.
Alli parts of the adult plant, especially the berries are poisonous and should not be consumed.
Solomon's Seal seem innocuous, but parts of it are poisonous. Seek out a personal consultating with a skilled herbalist before using internally for food or medicine.
St John's Wort
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 13:07.Hypericum perforatum
This is a bushy little perennial and very winter hardy. It grows to about one to three feet tall. Leaves are small, stalkless, opposite and pale bluish green growing up long brown stems.
Propagate by runners in the autumn or by seeds in the spring.
Average soil, partial to full sun.
Plants will need to be replaced after 5 years or so, but will spread if not checked. It is a very vigorous grower, spreading by both seeds and runners and should be kept in a pot or raised bed.
St. John's Wort has been used in medicine for over 2.400 years. It was used in ancient Greece and prescribed by Hippocrates and others for insanity, among other problems. It was also used in the Crusades to treat battle wounds.
It is associated with St. John the Baptist. It was gathered on St. John's Day and soaked in olive oil to create an anointing oili called the "Blood of Christ". It is said that the red sap "bleeds" in August on the day when St. John was beheaded.
There is much folklore about this plant.
The ancient name Fuga Daemonum (Scare Devil) and the Latin name Hypericum ("over" + "apparition") attests to its usefulness in driving away evil spirits. The latter may also refer to the fact that it was hung over religious icons. It was hung in the home, and carried as a talismani. It was also used to protect from lightening strikes.
On legend says that if you step on a St. John's Wort plant, you will be stolen away by a faerie horse.
St. John's Wort was also used for divinationi of romance and longevity. St. John's Wort was hung over the beds of the members of a household. The sprig that was most wilted indicated who would die the soonest. Keeping a sprig under your pillow is said to grant you a vision of St. John, who will promise that you will live another year. If no such vision comes, however...expect you will soon die.
Alli of these should, of course, be done on Midsummer or St. John's Eve.
It is traditionally burned in the Midsummer Fires. Flowers brought into the house on Midsummer Day are said to protect the household from a myriad misfortunes, including invasion by evil spirits, the evil eye, illness and fire.
It is traditionally harvested on St. John's Day (June 24th) or Midsummer's day, early in the day after the dew has dried. Harvest soon after flowering.
Otherwise, harvest flowers and leaves as needed.
Flowers are used to produce a yellow dye. Stem produces a red dye.
In the garden St. John's Wort attracts bees. It does not produce nector so few adult butterflies are attracted to it. The Grey Hairstreak butterfly's larvae feeds on its seeds and the the Gray Half-Spot moth's larvae feeds on its foliage, so it may still be a useful addition to a butterfly garden.
The flowered stems are great for weaving into wreathes.
St. John's Wort is linked with the Sun and Leo, Midsummer's Day, or St. John's Day.
St. John's Wort can be added to the fires for Midsummer celebrations and used to make garlands. The infused oil might be useful for an anointing oili for Midsummer rituals and exorcism. It's bloody red color also lends it well to death and rebirth rituals and celebrations of women's mysteries.
It can also be used for smudgingi during rituals of exorcism, especially of poltergeists.
The most popular use of St. John's Wort medicinally is for depression. Studies of various constituents of this herb suggest that there is indeed something to the claim of its effectiveness against mild depression. It does not seem to be at all effective against severe depression.
St. John's Wort tea is also used for rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, shingles and symptoms of menopause. It is also a soothing muscle relaxer for when you overdo it (not for chronic problems).
The oil rubbed into joints may ease rheumatism. It is also used for minor wounds, burns and to help fade scars.
Infuse olive oil for topical use by stuffing a wide-mouthed jar with herb, then covering with olive oil and sealing. Place in a sunny window and shake a few times a day for six weeks. It will be bright red when done.
Makes a pleasant, slightly bitter tea.
St John's Wort can render birth control pills and similar forms of contraception useless. Do not rely on these methods of birth control if you are using St. John's Wort!
St. John's Wort should also not be taken by patients using Indinavir, a drug often given to AIDS patients, Cyclosporin, an immunosuppressive drug given to transplant patients, and Warfarin, an anticoagulant.
Side affects of St. John's Wort may include dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash and photosensitivity. When using St. John's Wort, take extra care with sun protection.
If you are using St. John's Wort for depression, it is prudent to also seek therapy. Do not combine it with pharmaceutical anti- depressants.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use St. John's Wort as it may cause miscarriage and side affects for nursing infants are unpredictable.
