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Geranium

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:44 — kitchenwitch
Botanical 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 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.

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