strength
Springtime Quiche
Submitted by DawnBlack on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 10:02.1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1 (10 ounce) package frozen asparagus, thawed, drained (Water- Rebirth, spring, health, passion)
2 eggs (Alli- Binding, connections, connection to spirit)
1 cup plain yogurt (Air- Grounding, inspiration)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (Earth- prosperity, fruitfulness, bounty, rebirth)
4 1/2 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (Earth- Strength & courage to face challenges)
4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Air- Things coming to fruition. Joy of completeness)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (Fire- Protection)
a pinch of thyme (Fire- Good health, well being, strength for challenges ahead)
Pinch of Saffron soaked for 10 minutes or so in 2 tbsp of water (fire, transmutation, breaking inertia, changes, new beginnings)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Precook piecrust for 5 minutes.
This quiche celebrates changes and provides us with the strength of body and spirit to go forth and meet them. The yellow color and the addition of saffron honors Eos, the Dawn making this recipe perfect for your Ostara brunch.
Spiced Milk with Honey
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 11:36.1 quart milk
1 tablespoon honey
4 cardamom pods
4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
Tie up all the spices in a cheesecloth square, or, if you don't have one you can just put them right in the pan and strain the milk before serving. Combine spices, milk and honey in a saucepan.
This is marvelous before bedtime after a long hard day playing in the snow. It warms the heart and soul, as well as the body and casts a sleepy spelli. It's marvelous for topping off the Imbolc festivities just before sending the little ones off to dreamland. Its energies promote familial love, strong bonds and a feeling of being nurtured and loved.
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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Echinacea
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sun, 01/06/2008 - 23:39.- Attacts butterflies
- Attracts bees
- Attracts Wildlife
- Black Sampson
- Black Susan
- Comb flower
- coneflower
- Echinacea
- Echinacea augustofolia
- Echinacea pallida
- Echinacea purpurea
- energy
- Full Sun
- Healing
- Hedgehog
- immunostimulant
- immunotonic
- Indian Head
- Jupiter
- Kansas snakeroot
- Perennial
- purifying
- Red sunflower
- Rock-up-hat
- Scurvy root
- Snakeroot
- strength
- Tonic
E. purpurea, E. pallida, E. augustofolia
Echinacea is a native of North America and can be found in wild prairies and open woodlands. It also adapts well to the garden. There are nine species, three of which, E. purpurea, E.
E. purpurea is the easiest to grow.
Sow seeds in the fall so that they freeze over the winter, or store them in your freezer for a few weeks before planting. Scatter them over the surface, as light is necessary for germination. These plants prefer alkaline soils with good drainage. Weeds are a serious danger to young seedlings, because they grow very slowly and herbicides are just as dangerous to Echinacea as it is to the weeds, so you’re going to have to be diligent about weeding. Plant in full sun. It will tolerate shade, but it will result in an inferior harvest. Seedlings should be thinned to about a foot apart.
It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Echinacea is being stripped from its wild populations and responsible herbalists should grow their own. Buying plants that have already been started will remove the hassle altogether, as adult plants are remarkably easy to maintain. This is an incredibly drought tolerant plant and natural rainfall is usually sufficient for its needs. Only water if the surface is dry. Echinacea usually does not need fertilizer and has very few disease problems. It will return year after year and if you don't deadhead it, it will drop its seeds and have babies too.
Echinacea attracts bees and butterflies and birds may come after your seeds in winter!
The name Echinacea comes from the Greek echinos, meaning hedgehog or sea urchin, which refers to the bristly scales of the dried seed head.
This is a North American native and was used extensively by the Native American populations for all manner of ailments. The Plains Nations used it more than any other herb.
Harvest the tops in the third year, and the roots in the fourth year.
Thoroughly wash and dry the roots. Lay roots and tops out in the sun to dry.
The long-lasting cut flowers are beautiful in arrangements.
Carrying Echinacea will provide inner strength during trying times. It is an appropriate flower for offerings, especially to place spirits and river God(dess)es. Including Echinacea in a spelli or charm will increase its effectiveness.
Echinacea is a wonderful all-around healing tonic and it has been used as a cure for just about everything. It increases your T-cell count and stimulates your immune system. It is safe to use indefinately, but loses potency if you use it too long, so it's best to only use it during flu season or when you're not feeling well and take a break the rest of the time. Two weeks on and two weeks off seems to be the most common recommendation. It can be alternated with astragalus.
The entire plant is useful, but most of the power is in the root. To make a tincture, use the root or uproot the entire plant and chop it up fine and place it in a wide-mouthed jar. Cover it with 80+ proof alcohol and seal it. Store it in a cool place for several weeks, giving it a shake every few days.
Alternatively, you could make a tea out of the leaves. Or just chew them.
Although many immune combinations combine echinacea and goldenseal, it's not recommended.
People with asthma or autoimmune dysfunction including AIDS and Lupus should use Echinacea with caution. No studies have documented negative affects, but the action of the active constituents of Echinacea could theoretically complicate autoimmune problems.
Those with allergies to other members of the daisy family, ex. ragweed, should use Echinacea with caution.
Echinacea makes a pleasing tea.
Crocus
Submitted by DawnBlack on Sun, 01/06/2008 - 21:51.Crocus spp.
Crocus are members of the iris family native to Central and Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and western China.
Most crocuses like full sun and well drained soil, though there is quite a bit of variation between species. Be sure to do your research for the specific species you have.
Crocuses grow from corms, which are planted in autumn about 2-3 inches deep. They will pop up from beneath the snow like daisies (why do they say pop up like daisies- they don't pop. Crocuses do!) in the early spring. They can be killed by a late frost though.
Squirrels like to eat crocus corms.
In areas colder than zone 6, autumn crocuses may not do well in cold winters. After the first couple of frosts, but before winter has really set in, they should be dug up and stored covered with sand or peat moss in a cool dry place, about 50 degrees until after the danger of frost has passed in the spring.
After about 4 to 6 years, your crocuses will need to be divided. Do this by digging up the corms right after the foliage has faded and replanting them right away or storing them in a box of sand or peat moss until autumn planting time.
The name crocus is krokos in Greek, karkom in Hebrew, kurkama in Aramaic, and kurkum in Arabic and Persion. It means yellow, presumably referring to the saffron spice obtained from the autumn saffron crocus although this flower is actually purple! Saffron is an extremely expensive ingredient made from the sexual organs of Crocus sativa that also produces a fabulous yellow dye.
Although many of our garden crocuses are "Dutch", they are not native to the Netherlands but were first brought there by an ambassador from the Holy Roman Empire.
Homer referred often to the Goddess Eos as saffron-robed.
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Some sites claim that saffron is $200-300 per ounce. I've seen it at $90 an ounce, but this may not have been the good stuff. It was used to dye the robes of royalty and was once a symbol of status and wealth.
You can pick any crocus and put it in a vase to bring its beauty into the house.
Crocus sativa is an autumn blooming crocus that provides saffron. The finest saffron is made from the stigmas. The next finest grade is fram the stamens. The petals can be eaten as a vegetable. Harvest the stigmas and stamens (there are 3 of each, if there aren't, you've got the wrong flower) on a sunny day when the flowers are fully open. You can pick the whole flower, or simply pluck out the parts you want with your fingers or a pair of tweezers.
Lay your stigmas flat on a bit of waxed paper in a warm place to dry and store in an air tight container.
Saffron can be used to make a fabulous bright yellow dye, paint or ink. You need to use a mordant such as alum to make the saffron colorfast or the color will be gone the first time you use it. It can also be used to color eggs. Use vinegar in the water to set the color.
I will experiment more with this and get back to you.
Next year, after my saffron has grown.
If I don't kill it.
Spring crocus is associated with Venus, Eos and Aphrodite, water and Mercury and Venus.
Saffron is associated with Eos and with Venus and Aphrodite. It is also associated with the Sun and mars, Leo and fire. For centuries, saffron has been associated with wealth, power and rarity. This makes it an excellent offering for any deity and is a traditional ingredient in crescent moon cakes made in honor of the Phoenician Goddess Ashtoreth.
It is also useful in spells aimed toward wealth and recognition, to bring strength. It can also be infused into holy wateri and burned in censors for various rituals.
It is also proported to be an aphrodesiac. Hot date? Two words. Indian food.
An infusioni of saffron is also said to help enhance psychic abilities.
Rinsing bedlinens in an infusion of saffron (or possibly a whole crocus) is said to help bring strength to the body while one sleeps.
Spring crocus is a traditional decoration for early spring festivals such as Imbolc and Ostara. It is also useful for all spells related to new beginnings.
Any crocus (autumn, spring, whatever) can be used in spells for love, friendship, settling disputes, peace and divinationi.
Saffron has been used for treating a variety of illnesses including measles, bladder, kidney and liver disorders and diabetes. Modern studies show that it may be useful in treating cancer by helping to fight tumers and easing the discomfort associated with chemotherapy. It has also been used to treat recovering alcoholics and is said to help repair damage done to the brain by alcoholism. An infusioni of saffron is said to help relieve depression.
Stigmas gathered from Crocus sativa (and only this one, no other species!) is a common flavoring in many ethnic dishes. The red-orangei threads should be soaked for 20 minutes in whatever liquid you are using for your recipe and then added early in the cooking process.
Saffron is especially good with rice and is a traditional ingredient in many rice dishes.
You only need to use a few threads of saffron for cooking. Its flavor is not strong, but it doesn't get stronger if you use more, it just wastes money.
Be sure if you are eating a crocus (petals, stamen, stigmas) that you are eating Crocus sativa. It will have six petals, three bright orangish red stigmas and three similarly colored stamen and 6-9 grasslike leaves. The petals will be violet in color, darker at the throat and somewhat vieny.
Thyme
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 11:24.Thymus spp
Thyme is a member of the mint family. It is generally a low growing perennial, winter hardy to zone five.
Thyme prefers full sun to part shade and loose, fast draining soil, preferably sandy. The roots should never be allowed to stay wet. Thyme is winter hardy, but a light mulch will protect it when the ground freezes. It does not need fertilizers. Thyme does best if it is pruned in the spring or summer after its first year.
With the exception of Common Thyme, which is light germinated, so seeds should be scattered on the surface, the seeds are small and slow to germinate, and many varieties are sterile cultivars, so it is best to propagate by division or cuttings, or buy a plant at your local nursery.
Thyme and lavender grow well together, perhaps mainly because they enjoy the same conditions.
Grow thyme amongst cabbages to protect them from cabbagei worms, flies, beetles and aphids.
The word Thyme comes from the Greek meaning to "fumigate". This indicates that it was used as a smudgingi herb. The Greeks thought very highly of Thyme. It was mixed in drinks to enhance intoxicating effects and induce bravery and warriors were massaged with thyme oil to ensure their courage. Women wore thyme in their hair to enhance their attractiveness. The phrase "to smell of thyme" meant that one was stylish, well groomed, poised, and otherwise attractive.
Thyme is a Mediterranean native spread throughout Europe by the Romans. Their soldiers added it to their bathwater to increase bravery, strength and vigor.
It enjoyed a long association with bravery. In Medieval England, ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme into their knights' scarves to increase their bravery. In Scotland, highlanders brewed tea to increase courage and keep away nightmares.
Thyme was used as early as 3000 BCE by Sumerians as an antiseptic. It does indeed have impressic antiseptic qualities.
It was used as an embalming herb in ancient Egypt and was burned in other places as offerings to celebrate Rites of Passing. It was placed in coffins throughout Europe to ensure passage into the next world.
Leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the year. Give the plant a year to get established before doing any heavy harvesting. The best flavor is right before flowering.
Thyme dries very well. It should be dried as any other herb on the stem and the leaves stripped off later.
The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.
Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well if you have problems with dandruff.
Thyme is feminine in nature and associated with the element of water and the planet Venus. Thyme is also associated with Freya, Aphrodite and Ares.
Thyme can be used in spells to increase strength and courage.
When working hard to achieve a goal that seems unachievable, thyme can be used to keep a positive attitude.
Smudgei your home with thyme to dispel melancholy, hopelessness and other mellow but negative vibrations, especially after a family tragedy or during a long sickness.
Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent nightmares.
Faeries love thyme. Its addition to your garden will attract them and it can be used in spells to communicate with faeries.
Thyme is excellent in rituali baths and smudgingi for early spring festivals when we seek to leave the old behind and begin anew.
The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.
Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well, if you have problems with dandruff.
Medical Use
Thyme has been used as a cough remedy and digestive aid as well as a treatment for internal parasites.
The active constituent, Thymol, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and a strong scent that helps loosen phlegm and sooths the respiratory system. It is used in many over the counter cold remedies.
It is also used for athlete's foot and hemorrhoids.
For internal use, steep two teaspoons of fresh herb or one teaspoon of dried herb in one cup of boiling water. Drink no more than twice a day, in the morning and evening, to relieve lung problems and dispel parasites.
A stronger tea can be used as a mouthwash to treat sore gums, as a foot soak to get rid of athlete's foot, a body or hair rinse for lice or dip a rag in it and use it as a compress for skin inflammations.
Thyme can also be added to massage oils and bath oils for the treatment of rheumatism and general aches and pains. These oils can also be used for colds and lung complaints.
Use oil of thyme by dropping into an infuser, or into a pan of boiling water and inhaling the fumes up to four times daily to relieve congestion. Never take essential oils internally.
Thyme has a long association with cooking and is part of French Bouquet Garni and Herbes de Provence. The most common type of thyme used in cooking is Common Thyme or English Thyme, but there are many varieties that can be used, all bring their own personality to the table.
It adds a marvelous rich flavor to meat dishes and stews. Adds flavor to veggies too and is especially good on potatoesi. Actually, you can put thyme on just about anything. Try it on grilled cheese sandwiches or in scrambled eggs. It combines well with parsley, sage and rosemary, as the song says.
Thyme is a tough herb, and should be added early in cooking as the flavor is slowly released by heat.
The flowers are edible as well as the leaves, and make a lovely garnish.
The woody stems can be laid over charcoal when barbequing to flavor the smoke.
Begin new projects with a hearty meal seasoned with thyme and herbed wine.
Serve meals heavily laced with thyme when your family is facing a difficult struggle to attain a goal to ensure that you all remain lighthearted and don't give up hope!
Plant many varieties of thyme inside and outside your home. Plant the small creeping varieties between stepping stones and the trailing varieties in hanging pots near heavy traffic areas. The scent will remind you and anyone else who spends time in your home that you are strong and capable and fill your home with hope and good cheer. Whenever you come home feeling drained and ready to give up, just breathe deeply and be refreshed.
Fabulous (and easy) Spinach Quiche
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Thu, 11/29/2007 - 15:25.1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
2 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 1/2 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 ounces shredded swiss cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
a pinch of thyme
Adapted from a recipe stolen from allrecipes.com
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Precook piecrust for 5 minutes.
Place the spinach in a colander to drain as much liquid as possible.
This is a great recipe for celebrating or easing your way through those transitional moments in life, especially those that need physical strength and vitality to get through. How about serving this as a reward for those who are helping you pack for your move?
Make it quick by buying pre-sliced mushrooms, preshredded cheese and premade piecrust. Or make it long by using fresh spinach and steaming it lightly. Keep the fat down by using fat free yogurt. You can use sour cream instead of yogurt if you prefer and feel free to mix it up with cheddar cheese instead of swiss.
Motherwort
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Thu, 10/25/2007 - 20:59.Leonurus Cardiaca
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Young shoots can be cooked like any other green.
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.
