Edible
Eggplant
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Fri, 09/18/2009 - 16:18.Solanum melongena
Eggplant is a tender perennial native to Asia. It grows up to 3 feet tall with a similar spread and has wide, coarsely lobed leaves. The stem is often prickly.
Eggplant may be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. They should be planted out in a sunny location only after the nights have warmed up to more than 50 degrees. They like fertile soil so add some compost when you plant them. Plant 18-24 inches apart. (I plant them in the four corners of the planter box.)
Mulch around the base of stems to keep off weeds and help retain moisture as well as to keep the roots warm in case of a cold snap. Start pinching off flowers as the growing season comes to an end so that the plant concentrates on ripening existing fruits.
It is believed that eggplant originated in India but it was first cultivated in China. Thomas Jefferson first introduced eggplant to the US in 1806.
Interesting note: Eggplant seeds contain nicotine. About 20 pounds will equal the same amount as a cigarette.
Cut away fruit when they are plump and glossy and big enough to use. Store in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
A diet high in eggplant is helpful for type 2 diabetes. It is high in fiber and has a low glycemic index.
Eggplant is also purported to help lower cholesterol and offer some protection against cancer and heart disease.
However, eggplant should be avoided by those who suffer from gout and other inflammatory issues.
Folklore says that eggplants shouldn't be eaten by pregnant women because they may cause miscarriages.
Before using, slice and salt your eggplant and let it sit for a few minutes then rinse to remove bitter flavor. This will also reduce the amount of oil your eggplant absorbs during cooking as eggplants can absorb rediculous amounts of oil. Eggplant is delicious stewed, roasted or fried.
Sunflower
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Fri, 09/18/2009 - 14:57.Helianthus annuus
Sunflowers are native American plants of the compositae family. Their bloom is made up of many small petal-less flowers bunched together and ringed with large bright petals.
Sunflowers grow best in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. They like a bit of mulch. They should be planted directly in the ground after the last frost and need protection from squirrels and birds. A floating row cover is a good idea for the first few weeks until the plants are established. They will continue to grow all summer and bloom in late summer.
Evidence suggests that sunflowers were first domesticated in Mexico around 2600 BC. Native Americans also domesticated sunflowers in Mississippi and Tennessee. Their nutritious seeds and oil have been a staple for centuries.
It is said that sunflower is the fourth sister to the traditional native American corni, beans and squash combination. The Aztecs, Incas and Otami used the flower as a symbol for their solar deity.
In late September, the petals will fall off of the sunflower head and the head will starti to curl. When you peak into the head you will find that the seeds are visible and turning black. When this happens, cut the stem far enough from the head that you have a good handle. Then hang the head upside down in a well ventilated area out of the sun until it is thoroughly dried out then shake and rub the seeds out into a bag.
Alternatively, put a mesh bag over the sunflower as it starts to ripen to protect it from the birds and let it ripen on the stem.
The seeds will keep longer in their shells. They will store up to a year in the freezer but will start to go bad after about 2 months. You can roast them like pumpkin seeds in the oven, sprinkled with a little salt, or not.
Sunflower oil can be used to make homemade soap (though coconut oil is best)
Sunflowers can be used to extract toxins from the soil including lead, arsenic and uranium. Simply plant them in the tainted area and don't eat their seeds!
Sunflower is associated with the Sun and all solar deities.
Its essence helps balance the first chakra and also helps with confidence in leadership roles.
Growing sunflower in the garden brings positive energy to the home. (Plant near the front door so everyone sees it before they come in!)
Sunflower oil can be used as a carrier oil for healing oils used in massages and ointments.
Use sun butter in place of peanut butter and you will soon find you prefer it. It's also safe to eat in the presence of nut allergic kids!
Dandelion
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Wed, 05/06/2009 - 15:22.Taraxacum officinale
Dandelions are common weeds all over the world with varieties native to Asia, Europe and North America.
Dandelions grow everywhere. There's no need to propagate. But it is easier to gather roots from tilled soil than from the lawn, so till, scatter seeds and water. They like full sun.
The name dandelioni comes from the French dent de lion which means "tooth of the lion". The modern French name, however, is pissenlit, which means "to wet the bed". Indeed an English folkname for the plant is pissabeds.
Leaves should be gathered as soon as they appear in the spring as they get bitter after a short while. These do not store well and should be used fresh.
The bright yellow flowers should be gathered as soon as they open. Remove the green bits from the base of the flower before using. These can be added to wines, vinegars or jellies.
The roots should be dug up in the autumn when they are plump with stored starches for the winter or first thing in the spring when they are sweeter. Generally anytime between the first of September and the end of February is good. These can be cut into pieces 3-4 inches long and dried on a screen in an area with good ventilation. Once dried, they should be stored in a cool dry area, sealed in a bug-proof container for no more than one year.
Dandelion leaves are a great addition to the diet of breeding rabbits and lactating cattle and goats.
The dandelioni is masculine in action and associated with the planet Jupiter, the element of air and both Pisces and Sagittarius. It is also associated with any solar deity, Hecate, Brighid and Belenos.
A tea of the flowers and leaves may be drunk to increase psychic ability while pouring boiling water over a bowlful of roots will aid in calling spirits.
Make a wish and blow the seeds off a dandelion head!
Dandelion is most often used as a diuretic and in cleansingi tonics and in cases of kidney and liver issues.
For liver issues, a tincture from the flower tops and/or a broth of the leaves is said to bring relief.
For stones, make a decoction of the root and cool before straining and then sweeten with honey. Drink a mugful morning and night. This is also good for indigestion and other stomach complaints.
A very strong decoction of the herb and root is recommended for many skin eruptions as its cleansing action helps purge impurities that can cause pimples, eczema and other skin issues. Drink a mugful several times a day.
Dandelion flowers can be used in salads, to make jelly, wine and punch.
The young leaves can be used raw or blanched in salads or sandwiches, steamed like spinach or cooked into soup or broth.
The dried root can be ground up and used like coffee. Fresh roots can also be used in salads.
Dandelion Beer is made from the fermented dried leaves, Dandelion Wine is made from the flowers and homemade Root Beer sometimes includes Dandelion Roots.
In the early spring gather dandelioni leaves by the bucketful and boil them up with some sorrel, parsley, carrotsi and onions to make a delightful broth than you can then can or freeze as a base for any number of soups the rest of the year. Use this base whenever you are feeling bloated or have digestive issues or simply feel the need to cleanse.
There are lots of flowers that look like dandelion but aren't! If the leaves are branched, if there is more than one flower on the stem or if the plant is at all hairy, you're not looking at a dandelion! Don't eat it unless you're absolutely sure.
Violet
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 13:04.Viola spp
There are about 500 species of violet around the world. Most are small perennial herbs, but there are some annuals and shrubs in the family as well.
Violas and pansies can be easily raised from seed, from cuttings or purchased as bedding plants from your local nursery. There are a huge variety available. Many people consider violets to be weeds in their yard and may let you come in and dig them up if you ask. Plant them in an area of dappled sunshine and mulch well to keep the roots cool.
Violets and pansies are very cold and shade tolerant, they don't like heat much but will come back again after the heat has passed. Pansies are known for blooming in the spring and then again in the fall.
Violas are used as food by many caterpillars, so be sure to plant enough to share and enjoy the show when the butterflies come to lay their eggs.
Pinch off blooms as they appear and candy to preserve indefinitely.
Violets are affiliated with the planet Venus OR Pluto and are associated with the nymphs of ancient Greek myth as, in the Odyssey Homer says that Ogygia is "beautiful land of parsley and violets." Violets are also associated with death and rebirth through the story of Attis.
Violets are useful in love spells and may be carried as an amuleti to increase one's luck in love. Try combining them with lavender for enhanced effect.
Also useful in spells for protection, wishes, peace and healing.
In the language of flowers, violets represent faithfulness.
Violas are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and A. They also make a lovely, soothing tea that is used in Chinese medicine.
Violets and pansies taste floral and a bit celeryi like. They are great additions to salads and lovely decorations on cookies and cakes. They can easily be candied by painting them with a bit of egg white and sprinkling them with sugar or dipping them in melted syrup.
Viola odorata is most often used for this, but any variety is suitable though they may not be as flavorful. Pansies are lovely.
Violet syrup is used to flavor violet scones and viola essence flavors many liquors. Both the ancient Greeks and the Romans used violets to make wine Vinum Violatum
Don't confuse true violets with African violets, those fuzzy leafed things you get in the houseplant section. African violets won't survive outdoors in most places and they don't have the true violet's distinctive flower shape.
Potato
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 04/20/2009 - 14:24.Potatoes are American native plants of the nightshade family with their distinctive flowers in white, pink, red, blue or purple with bright yellow stamens.
Prepare the ground well before planting potatoes by digging deep to loosen soil and get rid of rocks and weeds.
To grow potatoes from seed, cut up the fruits and soak overnight in water. The good seeds will sink to the bottom. These can be planted in a sunny location in the spring.
To grow potatoes from tubors or "seed potatoes" allow the potatoes to sit in a sunny spot until they sprout. Cut the potato apart with a sprouting eye on each piece and plant these in the ground.
To increase yields, mound dirt up around the plant as it grows to encourage tubor production.
A great way to grow potatoes in a small space or on a patio is to use a bag as demonstrated in this tutorial.
Make sure to keep the tubers covered with soil until it's time to harvest to prevent them turning green, bitter and poisonous.
The potato is an American root vegetable that was an important crop in Peru and Chile up to 10,000 years ago. It was first introduced into Europe in the 1500s and features strongly in the history of both Ireland and the United States due to the Great Potato Famine of the mid-1800s which reduced the population of Ireland by up to a quarter through starvation, disease and emigration and the US saw a huge influx of immigration from Ireland.
Harvest the potatoesi for storage in the fall after the plant turns yellow and dies back but before a hard frost. New potatoes can be dug up as soon as tubers starti to form. These early potatoes will not have a thick enough skin for long storage but taste delicious.
Potatoes store well in the dark at temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees. Cold storage will alter the flavor of potatoes and should be avoided. Do not store in plastic bags. Paper or cloth bags will allow moisture to evaporate.
Potatoes can be carved into poppets for sympathetic magicki. In kitchen magick it represents stability and represents the basic necessities of life.
Potato juice, especially from redskin potatoesi, is said to be good for ulcers and other issues related to stomach acidity as well as gallstones. It is also said to be a good liver tonic.
Slices of raw potato can be placed on skin inflammations and burns for quick relief. Mix shredded raw potato with olive oil to relieve dry, chapped skin.
Peel off any green skin and cut away any shoots before eating potatoesi.
Potatoes are good raw, boiled, mashed, fried or baked.
Calendula
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 16:02.Calendula officinalis
Calendula is a mediterranean annual that has become a popular garden plant in much of the world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calendula is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and is often added to healing salves.
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.
Asparagus
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 19:05.Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus is a Eurasian member of the lily family (liliaceae) and a fast-growing, long lived perennial. Spears shoot up early in the spring sometimes growing as much as 10 inches in a 24 hour period.
Asparagus is great for permaculture because it can live 15 years or more and keep providing you with tasty spears each spring. It grows best in sandy, alkaline soil in full sun, but it's not picky. It can handle a bit of shade and less than perfect soil too, as long as you fertilize it well.
You can get asparagus crowns at most garden centers. Dig a furrow about 10 inches deep and wide and as long as you want your row to be. Fill the trench about halfway with compost and place your asparagus crowns on top, about 10 inches apart and cover loosely with soil and water. This is best done in the springtime as soon as the danger of frost has past.
You won't get any spears your first year, but the fern-like foliage will still be pretty. Make sure you mulch well every autumn to keep weeds down and a steady stream of nutrients coming. Asparagus is a hungry plant.
The word asparagus comes from the Greek and it refers to any young, tender shoot that can be eaten.
Asparagus was prized by the ancient Greeks over 2500 years ago. It was considered to be a cleansingi and healing herb and used it for many medicinal purposes. The Romans in their turn also prized asparagus and cultivated it (the Greeks wildcrafted it) from the and spread it throughout Europe on their conquests. Emperor Augustus coined the term “velocius quam asparagi conquatur” which means to do something quicker than you can cook asparagus. Similar to our phrase “two shakes of a lambs tail”. So much did the Romans prize asparagus, that in the first century, runners took asparagus from the Tiber River valley to the Alps so that it could be frozen and thus preserved for the Feast of Epicurus
King Louis XIV had asparagus grown in his greenhouses so that he could enjoy it year round, he dubbed asparagus the King of Vegetables. It was also popular in England and other parts of Europe and colonists brought it to America where Native Americans used it for medicine.
Asparagus was considered a phallic symbol banned from girls schools in the 19th century, but Victorian women were taught to detect the scent of this aphrodisiac on their husbands- a sure sign that he was behaving improperly!
Do not harvest your asparagus until it's at least three years old. This allows the plant to have time to build a strong root system.
Your plants will starti sending up shoots shortly after the frost has past and may continue well into June. Cut the shoots near the base when they are about 10 inches long and about as thick as your finger. If they are thinner than a pencil, your plant isn't ready for harvesting yet, or it's gotten tired of being harvested and needs to be let alone. Make sure the heads of the spears are tight and haven't started to feather out. Once they've started to get ferny, it's too late to harvest them.
Asparagus is best eaten fresh, but if you want to save some for later, put it in a glass of water like a bouquet of flowers and store it in the fridge. If you want to save some for a long time later, steam the stalks for about five minutes and then freeze them in a freezer bag.
Asparagus is aligned with Mars and Jupiter and the element of fire. It is also sacred to Zeus.
It is used in lust and fertility spells especially as relates to male stamina and potency.
Asparagus is a good diuretic and is full of nutrients to help build up strength. It is a good food to eat when you are doing a bodily cleansingi, a great "spring tonic" kind of food.
Asparagus is one of the most nutrient dense vegetables you'll find at your grocery store. It is high in folic acid, potassium, fiber, vitamins B6, A, C and thiamin, contain no fat or cholesterol and are low in sodium.
Steam asparagus for five minutes so that it is bright and tender-crisp. Then serve plain or with a butter or cream sauce. It is also excellent in creamy soups or lightly stir fried with other vegetables. My ex husband used to like his asparagus boiled until it was mushy and served with toast and butter and I have to admit, it's good that way. Asparagus is also good raw, with or without dip.
Garlic
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 01/07/2008 - 20:49.Allium sativum
Garlic is similar to onion, except the bulb, rather than being one large bulb, is made of several cloves. It has long slender leaves that emerge directly from the ground and a striking flower head.
Propagate from cloves. Garlic needs a cold period to trigger growth, so your cloves should be planted in the late fall. Plant the cloves with the pointed side up. Do not separate cloves from the bulb until just before you are ready to plant them, or they may dry out.
The young plants look like newly sprouted grass with a lovely garlici smell. These are great on potatoesi and in salads. Store in a cool, dark and dry place.
Garlic prefers loose, rich, well-drained soil.
Garlic has been part of horticulture for at least 5000 years and was grown by the ancient Egyptians, Indians, Chinese and Babylonians.
Its image has been found in Egyptian tombs depicted as an offering to the Gods. The pyramid builders of ancient Egypt were paid partially in garlici and Egyptians swore oaths on cloves of garlic.
Roman soldiers at garlic before battle for strength and bravery.
It was used to maintain health during the plague, as well as to ward off evil spirits, vampires, the evil eye and various spells.
It was first brought to the Americas on Columbus's second voyage.
An Islamic legend claims that when Satan left the Garden of Eden, garlic and onions grew from his footprints.
Harvest garlici by pulling up bulbs in late June or July, or when the lower 1/3 of the leaves starti to yellow and the bulbs have segmented into cloves. Stop watering about two weeks before harvesting.
Lay out the bulbs in a well ventilated area with high temperature and low humidity for two days, then braid the tops together and hang for at least two weeks.
Garlic may be pureed or minced in olive oil and stored in the freezer.
Garlic flowers dry well and last a long time in flower arrangements.
Growing garlici near other plants will help protect them from pests.
Rub cloves of garlic on your fingernails and let it sit for a bit to strengthen them.
Garlic is masculine in nature and associated with the planet Mars, the element Fire and the sign Aries. It is sacred to Hecate and is a suitable offering to her left at a crossroads.
A spelli from the American West to dispatch an unwanted lover: Place a clove of garlici intersected with two crossed pins where he is sure to walk. When he walks over it, he will lose interest.
A potion with the opposite affect was made of a strand of the target's hair, threads from his or her clothing, ruda leaves, alcohol and garlic. Somehow you had to make the poor victim ingest this, and then he or she would fall madly in love with you.
Garlic cloves can also be used, with other things, to stuff poppets intended for negative magic.
Garlic braids hung over the door repel thieves and envious people as well as bring good look. Change the braid every year. Hanging garlic over a bedroom door will draw lovers into it.
Garlic is said to have aphrodisiac powers when eaten.
Wiping a knife with garlic juice empowers it against negative energies.
A clove of garlic can be added to any mojo bag to strengthen its energy.
Garlic is used for exorcism, spell-breaking, invoking passion, protection and strength.
Also used to protect against psychic vampirism.
Garlic has antibiotic properties, but should not be used directly on wounds or in poultices or salves because it can be irritating to the skin and may inhibit blood clotting.
Regular consumption of garlici may help lower HDL cholesterol and raise LDL cholesterol.
It has also been indicated in cancer studies.
To enhance garlic's natural healing properties, let it sit for 20 minutes or so after preparation (chopping, crushing, etc.) before cooking. This allows certain chemical reactions to take place that activate its active constituents.
Garlic may inhibit the formation of blood clots. Use caution if you are taking blood thinners or use aspirin regularly.
Do not give garlic to pets as it can destroy red blood cells causing possibly fatal anemia. (Please don't panic if you dropped some garlic off the cutting board and your dog snapped it up, these problems tend to occur with regular consumption rather than the occasional nip.)
Breastfeeding mothers who eat lots of garlic have occasionally found that their babies became more colicky, or refused to nurse until they stop eating garlic!
Large amounts of garlic may cause stomach upset.
Garlic is an indispensable seasoning for many dishes.
Reduce garlici breath by chewing parsley or fenugreek or cardamom seeds after your meal.
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Burdock
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sun, 01/06/2008 - 20:37.Arctium lappa
A native of Eurasia, especially England and Scotland, an invasive weed in the United States, Burdock grows in moist waste places, ditches and roadsides.
Burdock grows wild everywhere and is generally considered a weed, so wild collection in public places is not usually a problem. (Never collect any plant from private property, state or national parks or wildlife preserves without permission.)
Not fussy about soil, but does best in light, well drained soil. Sow seeds one inch deep directly in soil in autumn or early spring 18 inches apart.
The name Arctium is derived from the Greek arctos, “bear”
Lappa, Greek “to seize”, Celtic llap, “Hand”
Dock refers to its large leaves.
Burr is from the Latin Burra which means “Wool” alluding to the fruit’s tendency to get caught in fur or wool of passing animals.
It is said that George de Mestral, the Swiss inventor of Velcro, got the idea after examining the fruit of a burdock plant that had stuck to his dog’s fur.
Gather the roots from two year old plants in early spring and from one year old plants in mid autumn. It is best to gather your roots in the autumn of the first year. Leaves can be gathered and used as needed but are at their peak in early summer.
The flower appears in mid to late summer and the fruits ripen in early autumn. Collect them when they are dry in appearance (and stick to your clothing) and shake out the seeds. You can spread the seeds on paper to dry.
The roots must be sliced thin to dry properly and may become moldy. Lay roots and leaves flat to dry.
Burning this plant when green produces a large amount of carbonate of potash.
Bored children on a picnic may find burdock fruits to be fun to play with. They stick together just like Velcro and can be used like building blocks to make things.
Burdock is associated with feminine energies, Venus and the element of water.
Burdock is used in rituals, amulets and spells to ward off negativity and for general protection. It can be used in potions, baths, incense and amulets. Also used for general healing. The root can be carved into a figure, dried and carried or worn as a protective amuleti.
Burdock is considered one of Nature’s best blood purifiers.
Dried roots dug up in the first year are the best source, but fruits and leaves can also be used.
Take a decoction of 1 ounce herb to 1 ½ pint of water, boiled down to a pint, one teacupful per day as a blood purifier and for scurvy, boils and rheumatic afflictions.
Use the same decoction externally as a wash for ulcers and scaly skin disorders. A poultice of the leaves can be applied to bruises and swellings as well.
An infusioni of the leaves is good for indigestion, especially in people who suffer often.
A tincture, essential oil or extract of the seeds can be used externally as a skin smoother and for problems such as eczema, psoriasis, canker sores and hemorrhoids. Internally for kidney complaints or a general tonic. Large amounts induce sweating, which is believed by many herbalists to help rid the body of toxins.
Burdock can be added to shampoos or hair rinses for dandruff and itchy scalp.
In China, where it is called niupangzi, Burdock is used to treat impotence and infertility.
Some people experience dermatitis from topical exposure to burdock. Check for allergies by placing a bit of Burdock extract in a small area and wait 24 hours before using it to treat larger areas.
Cut immature flower stalks before flowers open. Scrub and peel them. Boil for a vegetable similar in flavor to asparagus or artichoke hearts. You can also use them raw in salads, but they are a bit bitter if not boiled first. These stalks may also be candied like Angelica stems.
The roots may be eaten like any root vegetable. This is called gobo in Japan. It is crispy and sweet and mild. Scrub the root and slice it thin. Simmer it for twenty minutes, until tender in butter or water.
There is a soft drink available in the United Kingdom known as “Dandelion and Burdock Beer”. Whether or not commercial varieties contain either herb is questionable (Like “Ginger Ale” in America) but health food stores may carry authentic varieties. If you’re not in Europe and would like to make your own, look here
When harvesting the roots, remember some basic rules. Plants store up nutrients in their roots to get them through the winter. A bienniel, therefore, will have the fattest, juiciest roots in the autumn of their first year. By the time new leaves form in the spring (so you can find your plant) some of those nutrients have been depleted. The plant will die in its second year, so it's not going to bother storing up nutrients in its roots. Of course, this puts you in a quandary if you want to collect seeds. You can figure it out.
Blackberry
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sun, 01/06/2008 - 20:01.Rubus fructicosus, Rubus canadensis
There are many subspecies of this plant, but all work equally well.
Blackberries grow everywhere, and especially prefer dry, sandy soil in hedges or at the forest's edge. It can be cultivated by seed, or by softwood cuttings in the early summer or leaf bud cuttings in the late summer, or division in the early spring or autumn. It needs well-drained soil in a partially shaded position. This plant is an annual and will not produce fruit till the second year. Blackberries are susceptible to cane blight, crown gall, aphids and viral diseases. They are excellent additions to faerie and wildlife gardens as they provide good shelter. They attract birds including the brown thrasher, catbirds, cardinals, mockingbirds and vireos. They are also popular with swallowtail butterflies.
According to some English folklore, passing under the archway formed by a bramble branch will cure (or prevent) all manner of afflictions including hernia, ruptures, pimples and boils. This has also been used as a remedy for "downer" cows.
Celtic lore said that blackberries were fae fruit, and thus forbidden for people to eat, but blackberryi wine is allowed.
In Greek mythology, the hero Belleraphon was thrown into brambles when he dared to ride the Pegasus to Olympus and was blinded by the thorns and wandered outcast and alone therafter.
In Christian lore, Christ's crown of thorns was made of brambles, and thus the berries were turned from red to black.
Another tale says that Lucifer landed in brambles when he was cast down from heaven and thus he cursed them so that they would be ugly (I think they're kind of pretty, actually). It is said that he hates them so much, he stomps on them on Michealmas Day and after that, it's unlucky to harvest them. Other folklore says this happens on Halloween.
Even so, blackberries were considered as protection against earthbound spirits and vampires. If planted near a home, a vampire couldn't enter because he would obsessively count the berries and forget what he was about.
Berries should be harvested as soon as they ripen (they turn black). Overripe berries should be discarded and underripe berries should not be eaten. Berries can be used fresh or dried, or preserved in a jelly, jam, wine or any number of tasty treats.
Leaves should be harvested before or during flowering and laid to dry in the usual manner.
Roots can be dug in the summer. After the berries have appeared in the second year is the best time to do this. They should be dried quickly, in an oven or under a hot sun.
Young shoots can be harvested in the spring for use in salads.
Blackberry plant parts for use in protective magic should be gathered during the waning moon.
A permanent black dye can be made using blackberryi leaves and lye. The young shoots produce light gray using alum mordant. The root produces orangei dye. The canes produce reddish tan and the berries bluish gray.
Leaves can be added to a bath tea to freshen the skin in the winter.
Dried berries can be added to potpourri.
Blackberry is feminine is in nature and associated with Aries, the planet Venus and the water element. It is strongly associated with the Goddess Brigid, healing, prosperity, protection and first harvest festivals.
Blackberry vines can be woven into protective wreaths and the leaves can also be added to mojo bags and other preparations for general household protection and prosperity.
Drinking a tea from blackberryi leaf is said to aid in spells to increase money and to work as a mild aphrodisiac.
In dream symbology, blackberries represent loss, sorrow and remorse. If you are pricked in your dream, the your enemies will conspire with your friends against you. If they draw blood, then you will get the raw end of a deal.
Blackberries are traditionally baked into pies to celebrate the First Harvest.
A healing spelli that invokes Brigid makes use of blackberry leaves. Dip nine leaves in a natural water source and lay them on a burn or a red inflamed area. Say to each leaf as you lay them on the wound- "Three ladies came from the East, One with fire and two with frost, Out with fire, in with frost!"
Blackberry is a cooling herb.
Fresh leaves, bruised can be applied to give some relief to burns, especially from steam or boiling water and is also useful for hemorrhoids, skin ulcers, and eczema. A decoction used as a mouth rinse is also good for sore throats.
The fruit is especially good for the liver and kidneys, while the leaf acts on the stomach and intestines.
The fruit should be eaten, either fresh, or in jam or wine, by those having trouble with stones or diarrhea. A decoction of the root bark or an infusioni of the leaves may also be used. For stones, simmer 1 tbsp of root per cup of water for 20 minutes. Add enough water to return it to one cup, and drink one cup per day, spaced out throughout the day in 1/4 cup intervals.
In the summer when the berries are ripe, make this syrup to help ease winter colds and flu- cover fresh berries with malt vinegar and let them stand for three days. Mash and strain. Add one pound of sugar for each pint of juice that results and bring it all to a boil. Allow it to boil for five minutes, then let cool and seal. Add a teaspoon of this syrup to a cup of water to help keep your feverish little ones hydrated.
Blackberries are tasty right off the bush or sprinkled over shortbread and smothered in cream, or added to a bowl of cereal. They also make great jams and wines.
The dried leaves may be added to herbal tea blends.
There are probably some blackberryi canes in your back yard right now.
