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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:

False Solomon's Seal

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:15 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Smilacina spp

Zones:
3-9
Other Names:
Solomon's Seal, False Solomon's Seal, Bog False Solomon's Seal, Star-Flowered Solomon's Seal, Starry Solomon Plume, Starry Smilac, Spikenard, Scurvey berry

As its name would imply, False Solomon's Seal looks quite a bit like True Solomon's Seal.

Propagation:

False Solomon's Seal enjoys a moist shady location with well-drained soil, neutral to slightly acidic. It will do well alongside a stream or pond and will tolerate some sun, but not full sun. It prefers a cooler situation and will benefit from mulching to keep the roots cool during hot summers. It can be grown from rhizomes or from seed, though the seed may take as much as 18 months to germinate. Plants can be divided in spring or early autumn.

History and Folklore:
Harvesting & Storage:
Household Use:
Magical Attributes:

This plant is a true survivor and often the first to return after a forest fire. Use it to help you get through hard times and to rebuild after your world has come crashing down.

Healing Attributes:

The smoke of the root has been used to calm hysterics.

An infusioni of the root has been used for constipation, rheumatism, as a general stomach tonic, and to regular women's cycles. An infusion of the leaf has been used as birth control- 1/2 cup per day for no more than a week is said to prevent conception. A decoction of the leaf is said to be useful for colds and rheumatism, 1 cup 2-3 times per day.

Externally, the root relieves pain, has antiseptic qualities and stops bleeding. The dried powdered root is a useful thing to have on hand for first aid. The crushed, fresh root makes a soothing poultice for strains, sprains, boils, arthritis and swellings.

An infusion of the root has been used for inflamed eyes.

Culinary Use:

The berries are edible and bittersweet but large quantities have a laxitive affect. This is removed by cooking. Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked and the young shoots may be eaten like asparagus. The root should be soaked in a bowl of water with a few teaspoons of baking soda added for several hours before cooking.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

This plant is fabulous in the garden, just its presence is calming. Plant it a a quiet area where you go to relax when things get to be just too much.

Hellebore

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:14 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Helleborus spp.

Zones:
varied
Other Names:
Christe Herbe, Christmas Rose, Melampode, Black Hellebore

Native to much of Europe. Helebores are members of the family Ranunculaceae, which is often confused with members of the Rosacea family.

Propagation:

Hellebore will grow in any well-drained garden soil and is extremely shade tolerant. It is great for underplantings around shrubs and troublesome shady spots in the garden. Seedlings can be directly sowed or started indoors and transplanted no later than their second year. Sometimes it takes a few years for flowers to appear. Be patient and your Hellebore will bloom by its third year.

Divide as necessary in Mid to late summer once the root stock is big enough to be cut.

Hellebore is extremely poisonous. It is best to wear gloves when working with it to avoid absorption through the skin.

History and Folklore:

Ancient herbals distinguish between Black Hellebore and White Hellebore. White Hellebore has been identified by modern scholars as a plant now known as False Hellebore. Black Hellebore, on the other hand has been identified as Helleborus officianalis, a native of Greece and Asia Minor.

The genus name, Helleborus comes from the Greek elein, meaning "to injur" and bora, meaning "food" alluding to the plant's poisonous nature.

Melampodium, an old name for Hellebore, refers to the ancient physician Melampus who used Hellebore to cure the daughters of the king of Argos of the madness of the maenads. Where they drunk? Did the herb make them vomit themselves sober?

Some have speculated the Alexander the Great died of Hellebore poisoning while being treated for an illness.

In Christian lore, the first Hellebore grew from the spot where a little girl's tear dropped onto the snow because she had no gift for the Christ child.

According to some sources, Hellebore was an ingredient in the legendary "flying ointmenti".

Harvesting & Storage:

Wear gloves while harvesting. Harvest hellebore just after it blooms, on a moonless night, if you want to get fancy. Hang to dry and store in a sealed container away from moisture and light.

Household Use:

Hellebore will brighten up the shady corners of your garden and perhaps discourage critters from raiding it.

Magical Attributes:

Hellebore is associated with Mars and Saturn and corresponds to the element water.

It is used in magic for healing of mental/emotional afflictions and for banishing and exorcisms. It has been used also for increasing intelligence and for protection and invisibility spells. Apparently the plant was dried and powdered and scattered around the person to be made invisible. Ancient magicians also used hellebore to change the nature of other plants, to make their fruits have various unpleasant and uhealthy properties by either grafting the plants together or using hellebore as fertilizer.

This is a banefuli herb which should never be ingested and you should wear gloves when handling it.

Healing Attributes:

Hellebore was traditionally used as a cure for poisoning of livestock and was considered by the ancient Greeks to be a cure for insanity. It was also used as a powerful purgative. Its use is not advised by anyone today.

Culinary Use:

None. This is a poisonous herb.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Although Hellebore is extremely poisonous, it is also extremely unpleasant to put into one's mouth. Thus, it's not as dangerous as it could be. Animals and children who may put it in their mouth will likely spit it right back out. However, handling it extensively is not advised either because toxins may absorb through the skin.

For magical purposes, roses can be substituted for hellebore.

Blue Cohosh

Sun, 01/06/2008 - 18:27 — Guest
Botanical Name:

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Zones:
3-7
Other Names:
blue ginseng, squaw root, or papoose root

Blue cohosh is a pretty, feathery wildflower that grows in North American woodlands. It's one of my favorite denizens of the woods. It's just an elegant plant.

Propagation:

If you are going to plant Blue Cohosh, you will need a forest, or a forest-like area. It needs shade, and rich, moist, humusy soil. You can grow it best from a rhizome or you may be able to find a potted plant somewhere. I got mine from a plant conservancy (they go in and rescue native wildflowers from sites where condos and the like are being built and sell them to the public) and planted it off the trail in my woods, and she has done quite well there. Seeds can be difficult to germinate. They require repeated cold stratification and may take up to three seasons to germinate. Once you get her going though, she's a relatively easy plant to care for. Alli she needs is alot of shade. Too much sun (even 25%) will kill her.

If you are going to make your own blue cohosh potions, please try to grow it yourself rather than collecting it in the wild. Surely there's a spot under a big shade tree you can pile some shredded leaves to make a home for this elegant lady! She'll dance well with hellebore, or lily of the valley (not that I recommend ever growing lily of the valley) and will make a lovely companion for a hosta. Be careful when handling this plant as some people have problems with contact dermatitis from it.

History and Folklore:

Native Americans and early settlers used blue cohosh tea for a wide range of complaints.

Harvesting & Storage:

Give the plant three years or so to get big and strong before digging up the roots in the fall.
Roots should be cut into small pieces and dried.

Household Use:
Magical Attributes:

Blue Cohosh can be used to protect objects and places from evil. It can be added to washes to protective washes (like car rinse water, etc.) and it is also used in bundles to protect infants and children. Just don't let the kids get ahold of it!

Healing Attributes:

Blue Cohosh is described as a uterine tonic. It is said to improve uterine muscle tone. It is used to stimulate contractions during childbirth and also to bring on a late period. Use of blue cohosh to bring on contractions is not recommended because its toxicity could affect the newborn. Many midwives have reported increased fetal heart rate and fetal distress related to the use of blue cohosh. It also increases blood flow to the pelvic area, so it may cause extra problems if not used with great care.

Anyone who is pregnant and wishes to stay that way, should not use it! It is traditionally used in combination with black cohosh and pennyroyal to terminate pregnancy. It may also be used to help the uterus return to its normal size after childbirth, to help the uterus recover after a miscarriage, or to help expel the placenta after childbirth

Paradoxically, blue cohosh has been used to strengthen the uterus in women who are prone to miscarriage. It is used to this end for several months prior to conception and then discontinued before attempting conception. Using blue cohosh while attempting to get pregnant, may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.

In addition to these, blue cohosh has been used for a number of women's health issues, especially those related to the uterus. These include endometriosis, cervical dysplasia and many menstrual complaints, including weak, spotty periods, irregular menstruation and painful menstruation.

For all of these, an alcohol extract is advise.

Blue Cohosh is an estrogenic plant, so people with estrogen-dependant tumors should not use it. Also, anyone who has been advised not to take birth control pills, or use any other sort of hormonal birth control, should not use this herb without consulting a physician. It is also quite hard on the heart and kidneys and should not be used by anyone who has any concerns about the health of theirs. Blue Cohosh tends to lower blood pressure. If you already have a problem with this, you could have serious problems. Headache, pain in the limbs and vomiting can occur at toxic levels. If this happens, see a doctor immediately.

Culinary Use:

The entire plant is toxic and should not be eaten.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Blue and black cohosh, and castor oil for that matter, are not the best ways to induce labor. Neither is pitocin. You might be surprised to discover that nipple stimulation (a whole lot of it, like several hours) is a very efficient way to induce labor.

Cinnamon

Mon, 12/10/2007 - 10:16 — DawnBlack
Botanical 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 apples, and orange 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.

Motherwort

Thu, 10/25/2007 - 19:59 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Leonurus Cardiaca

Zones:
3-8
Other Names:
Lion’s tail, heartwort; Agripaume, Herbe battudo, Agripalma, Melissa, salvatica, Aartgespan, Hartgespan, yi mu cao, yakumos

Motherwort is an interesting and distinctive member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It grows on a single, tall square stem decorated from top to bottom with opposite leaves. The leaf shape varies somewhat by location, but are generally lobed and palmate.

Propagation:

Motherwort is an attractive accent plant that adds interest to the herb garden. It also attracts bees and butterflies. I have never had to plant motherwort myself. It is a volunteer in my yard forming a beautiful natural flower bed along with burdock and pokeweek in the back corner of my yard behind my altar. However, it can be easily grown from seed just like any other mint. If allowed to set seed at the end of the year, it will reseed and return year after year. Take care, as it can be invasive. Cut the stalks before seeds drop to prevent invasion.

Soil should be light, slightly alkaline and well drained. Motherwort likes a sunny spot, but will tolerate some shade and will germinate once temperatures reach 65-75 degrees farenheight.

History and Folklore:

Motherwort was first used by the Greeks to soothe the anxiety of pregnant women. This use continued and spread and gave the herb its common name. The botanical name, Leonurus cardiaca also comes from the greek. Leon=lion, ouros=tail and kardiaca refers to the heart.

Historicallly, the herb has been associated with longevity. An old legend states that there was once a town whose spring ran through a patch of Motherwort. Alli the local townspeople got their daily drinking water from that spring and all of them lived to be over 100 years old. Its association with longevity was widespread throughout Europe and Asia.

Traditional herbals suggest motherwort for "hysterical" conditions and "meloncholy".

In the Victorian language of flowers, motherwort symbolized concealed love.

Harvesting & Storage:

The plants should be harvested while in full bloom. Cut the entire plant at the base of the stalk and hang upside down to dry. Be sure to leave a few stalks to self seed. Once dry, store in an air-tight glass container away from light and heat.

The fresh leaves and flowers can also be preserved as a tincture immediately after harvest.

Household Use:
Magical Attributes:

Motherwort energies promote inner trust and confidence that the ultimate outcome will be best for all involved in the fullness of time. It is also used for counter-magic and associated with immortality and spiritual healing. It is a protective herb, especially in spells designed to protect pregnant women and their unborn children.

Motherwort can be smoked to promote astral projection, but smoking too much can cause reperatory arrest. It is therefore perhaps best used as a smudge or burned as inscense in these cases. It is especially good in combination with mugwort.

Motherwort is associated with Frigga (Freya, Frige, Fricka, Frija) and Ogun
It corresponds to the energy of Leo, Venus, and the element of Water.

Healing Attributes:

Motherwort, as its name implies, is a woman's herb. It has been used in Asia to prevent pregnancy and regulate menstrual cycles. It is used by midwives to help expell the afterbirth, to help get the uterus back into shape after childbirth, to prevent uterine infections and to ease symptoms of post partum stress and depression. Some herbalists recommend drinking motherwort tea during pregnancy, but its other uses indicate that this would probably put the pregnancy at risk of premature termination, so caution is advised. This use of motherwort is only indicated in cases of extreme anxiety during pregnancy when the risk posed by the mother's stress is greater than the risk posed by a cup of motherwort tea. It is most often used in late stage pregnancy and during labor, however, one must take into account the affect the herb may have on the fetal heart rate. Many women swear by Motherwort tea as a treatment for cramps, bloating and irritibility associated with PMS and hotflashes. It is also used in cases where a woman's cycle is disturbed due to stress.

Motherwort is a relaxant that acts on the smooth muscles and vascular system. It is particularly effective in helping to slow the heartbeat that is revved up due to stress.

Motherwort should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by anyone under treatment for a thyroid condition. It could interfere with thyroid medications. Individuals who take digoxin should not use motherwort as it can intensify the action of the drug causing heart rate to slow down too much for safety. Also, do not take motherwort in conjunction with other herbs that affect the heart such as ginger, hawthorn, mistletoe, ginseng, pleurisy root, and squill. Motherwort has also been reported to interfere with blood clotting and shouldn't be used by those with blood clotting issues.

Motherwort can cause diarrhea and stomach irritation in large doses. Prolonged use may lead to photosensitivity, so if you use motherwort on a regular basis, be sure to cover up and use sunscreen!

Motherwort may cause drowsiness. Do not operate heavy machinery while under the influence of this herb. If you take any drugs that have a side effect of drowsiness, be aware that motherwort will most likely intensify this effect. This includes over the counter drugs such as diphenhydramine or doxylamine and over the counter sleep aids. Caution should also be taken in combining motherwort with sleep inducing herbs such as catnip, hops, kava, St. John's Wort and valerian.

Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water no more than twice per day or up to 1 teaspoon of tincture per day. Motherwort should not be given to young children.

Motherwort tea is very bitter. Sweeten with honey.

Culinary Use:

Young shoots can be cooked like any other green.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Serve motherwort tea in moments of family crisis. It helps sooth the physical symptoms of stress (and panic) so that you can focus on solving the problem.

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