Navigation
prosperity
Rice Pudding
Mon, 07/28/2008 - 14:38 — kitchenwitchIngredients:
1 cup cooked white rice
1 quart milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp Cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp butter
Nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 2 quart baking dish.
Notes:
For variation, add 1/2 cup chopped apricots to enhance the fertility energy or raisins to enhance the prosperty energy with the sugar and rice. Sprinkle with slivered almonds to add an extra crunch and to enhance all associated energies
Quick Witch Tips:
Mulled Cider
Mon, 07/28/2008 - 10:32 — kitchenwitchIngredients:
½ gallon apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 orange, sliced
Put it all in a saucepan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain and serve hot.
Notes:
This beverage is traditional at harvest gatherings and as a special treat when the kids come in from Trick or Treating on Halloween, or to warm up your hands sitting around the bonfire on Samhain. It's a great warm up on a brisk autumn day.
We use apple cider for our harvest and Samhain libations. It is great for giving thanks for successes in the areas of prosperity and love, and for drawing prosperity and love. This beverage features both sun energies and cthonic energies.
Quick Witch Tips:
You can buy mulling spices at most grocery stores in the late autumn. Follow the directions on the package.
Ginger
Mon, 01/07/2008 - 20:09 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Zingiber officinale
Zones:
10
Other Names:
African ginger; Black ginger; Jamaican ginger;
The ginger root, which is the part that is used, is a twisty, knotted grayish-yellowish rhizome that is somewhat juicy with a pungeant, spicy aroma.
Propagation:
Ginger can't really be grown in the average American back yard, but it can be purchased in the average American grocery store. If you want to try growing it, you'll have to keep your plant indoors. Ginger does not like temperatures below 50 degrees. It also doesn't like full sun. You can grow ginger from the knobby bits off a ginger root. Soak them overnight and set them in a pot just beneath the soil's surface the buds facing up. Water very lightly at first, and then increase water as the plant starts growing. Stop watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
History and Folklore:
"Had I but a penny in the world, thou shouldst have it for gingerbread"- Shakespear
Harvesting & Storage:
Dig up new young sprouts that form around the main plant. Use the tubors you need and replant the rest.
Household Use:
Magical Attributes:
Ginger is energetic and firey and adds power to any magical activity. It is used in spells to "speed things up" or to cause plans to come to fruition quickly. It can also be used in spells to add passion to an existing relationship.
Healing Attributes:
Ginger is a warm, stimulating plant that triggers the immune system and is great for any cold conditions associated with shiverring. Such as low grade fever or walking home from the busstop in the rain.
The most common use for ginger in healing is the treatment of upset stomach. Ginger tea, ginger ale, candy, tablets, and the curiously strong ginger Altoids are often kept on hand for sour stomachs, morning sickness and car sickness. It is also used to help combat nausia associated with chemotherapy. Studies have shown similar results between ginger and over the counter medicines for treating nausea. (These contain sugar and phosphoric acid and coloring, which is pretty much Caffein Free CocaCola. You decide.) People who tend to have sensitive stomachs and indigestion may find relief by developing the habit of drinking a cup of ginger tea after each meal.
Overdoing it, however, can stimulate your stomach too much and lead to indigestion and gassiness, so moderation is advised.
It is also a noted anti-inflammatory agent. Eating ginger candy has helped me with back pain but others have used it for osteoarthritis. I am told you can also apply fresh slices of ginger right to the affected area, but I have not tried this. (Your comments on this are appreciated!)
Ginger has also been rumored to help fight cholesterol (it hasn't helped mine) and to prevent blood clots. Some research also suggests that ginger has cancer fighting properties.
Ginger candy is my favorite method of consumption (you can make this by soaking dried ginger in a sugar syrup and then letting it dry again, or buy it at a specialty shop. I get mine at Trader Joe's.) but some people find the flavour of ginger to be just too strong. It is an acquired taste. Ginger tablets or ginger extract might be better for these folks.
People who are taking blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders should be cautious of possible complications caused by ginger. (None have been reported, they are just theoretically possible.)
Pregnant women shouldn't use huge amounts of ginger for a long period of time (again, theoretically possible complications) but it is safe to use up to 1 gram of ginger a day for morning sickness.
Culinary Use:
Ginger is a traditional spice in many wintery warm goodies such as gingerbread and apple pie. In these, it is generally used in a dry, powdered form. Fresh ginger is often used in asian stir fries and soups.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Trader Joe's has candied ginger and a fabulous trail mix called Ginger and Mago Go Nuts. Stock up and store some in your glove compartment to do double duty as car sickness and fast food attack preventatives.
The only popular ginger ale that actually contains ginger these days is Vernors. It is, unfortunately, not available everywhere. Ginger ale snobs agree that Jamaican ginger beer is superior to American varieties. You can find these at health food and specialty stores.
Geranium
Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:44 — kitchenwitchBotanical 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:
Pelargoniums
Mon, 01/07/2008 - 11:15 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Pelargonium spp.
Zones:
Subtropical
Other Names:
geranium, garden geranium, scented geranium, zonal geranium, stork's bill, herb robert
There are over 200 species of pelargonium, far too many for me to list them all here. These are very popular bedding plants (annuals in most places) and houseplants (especially scented geraniums).
Propagation:
Pelargoniums are subtropical plants and are not frost hardy. Thus, they are usually treated as annuals in the garden or grown as house plants. Outdoor plants may be brought indoors in the fall and replanted again in the spring. They transplant well. There are many extremely fragrant varieties, (try Pelargonium graveolens) as well as some lovely trailing varieties that make attractive additions to the indoor garden.
Soil should be quick draining and high in organic matter and these plants should be fertilized monthly from early spring to early autumn, but do not need to be fertilized in the dark half of the year. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Pelagorniums can be propagated by cuttings. Simply clip off a bit of an existing plant, preferably a young shoot up 3 to 5 inches long, and put the end in moist sand or vermaculite. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and keep the vermaculite moist, but not wet. When a good root has formed you will not be able to easily pull the shoot straight up. It is now time to pot your new baby plant. Once it starts showing new growth, you can starti your fertilizing regimine.
If you prefer to start your plants by seed, you'll want to begin about February. Scrape the seeds with a nail file to stratify them and plant in flats about 1/8 inch deep. Keep it moist, but not wet and keep the temperature around 70 to 75 degrees farenheight. You should have baby pelagorniums in about two weeks. Make sure the babies get plenty of sunlight. You can transplant them when they are about an inch tall. Do not plant them outside until you have reliable daytime temperatures of at least 60 degrees. Cooler nights are okay.
Pelagorniums are hassled by various insects including aphids, tobacco worms, spider mites, slugs and caterpillars (but we like caterpillars). They are also susceptable to various funguses. Make sure that you've got good soil drainage and that your plants aren't overcrowded so there's good air circulation between them to minimize these problems.
History and Folklore:
The word Pelargonium comes from the Greek pelargos because the seed pod is said to look like a stork's bill.
When Linnaeus created his plant taxonomy, he placed geraniums and pelagorniums in the same family due to the similar shape of their seeds. They have since been separated, but pelagorniums are still called geraniums by most gardeners.
Harvesting & Storage:
Scented geranium leaves can be used to scent sugar, jams and jellies or dried for use in potpourri.
Household Use:
Some Pelargonium species are said to repel mosquitos. Whether this is true or not, I cannot say. If you experiment, let me know.
Scented geraniums are excellent for use in cosmetics (have you heard of Attar of Rose? It's a pelagornium.) as well as in potpourri.
You can combine cornstarch, arrowroot powder and baking soda and layer this with scented geranium leaves of your choice to make a great scented body powder.
To make your own herbal household cleaners, layer scented geranium leaves with baking soda, let it soak it up for a couple of months and sift for an all-natural carpet fresh or a add some borax for a scented scouring powder.
Fragrances range from spicy (nutmeg, cinnamon) and citrusy (orange, lemon, lime and citronella), to the famous rose scented geraniums. I am told, though I have yet to smell it, that there is a chocolate variety.
Magical Attributes:
These plants are feminine in nature and associated with Venus and in some cases Mercury, they are aligned with the element of Water.
Pelargoniums can be used in any spells related to happiness, prosperity and fertility, especially talismans and sympathetic magic. Also, health. protection and love.
The color of the bloom and the scent can also determine the magical attributes of these plants. Rose scented geraniums, for example, can be used in place of roses for many uses and as is often done in the cosmetic industry.
Healing Attributes:
Pelargonium sidoides may be useful for respiratory tract infections by preventing bacteria and viruses from getting a hold on mucus membrains. Tablets are available.
Scented geraniums are used in many aromatherepeutic remedies.
Culinary Use:
Layer scented geranium leaves with sugar and let it sit for a month or two. Sift out the leaves and you'll have lovely scented sugar.
Heat apple jelly until it is liquidy, add several rose geranium leaves, pour into a jar and allow to cool and refrigerate. After several days, remove the leaves. You can try this with other types of scented geranium as well. Or try it with real rose petals. (You don't have to remove the rose petals)
Also try steeping scented geranium leaves in wine, lining the bottom of the baking pan with leaves of your preferred scent, or added to cider or tea, blended into butters, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to remove the leaves before eating.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Chamomile
Sun, 01/06/2008 - 19:53 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Chamaemilum nobile and Matricaria recutita
Zones:
4-9
Other Names:
(German Chamomile) Wild Chamomile, Scented Mayweed, Hungarian Chamomile, (Roman Chamomile) Garden Chamomile, Ground Chamomile, Low Chamomile, Whig Plant, English Chamomile
Chamaemilum nobile- Roman Chamomile
Propagation:
Roman chamomile is usually propagated by division.
German chamomile is usually grown from seed. Sow directly into soil in the spring. It will reseed itself each year if you allow the heads to go to seed.
Chamomile prefers sandy, slightly acidic soil and direct sunlight, but likes a bit of shade if it gets too hot on a regular basis.
History and Folklore:
The word Chamomile comes from the Greek meaning "ground apple", probably because of its apple-like fragrance.
The Romans used Chamomile for incense. Roman Chamomile gained its name, not from ancient Rome, but because a 19th century plant collector found some growing on the ruins of the coliseum in Rome.
Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt for fevers and was dedicated to their Sun God Ra.
To the Anglo Saxons, it was one of the nine sacred herbs.
Harvesting & Storage:
Cut flower tops as they form and hang or spread on cloth to dry.
Household Use:
Chamomile added to the bath is very relaxing. It is especially good for fretful babies.
Chamomile tea is an excellent rinse for brightening blonde hair.
The dried flowers are excellent in potpourri.
Infuse chamomile flowers in milk for a soothing skin cleanser that both fights acne and moisturizes. Use within one week.
Chamomile planted near sick or delicate plants will help them return to or maintain their health.
Water young plants with chamomile tea to prevent "damping off".
Magical Attributes:
Chamomile is associated with the Sun, Leo and the element of Water. It helps cleanse and invigorate the throat chakra (5th). It is associated with various sun Gods, including Ra, Cernunnos, Lugh and others.
It is used in spells for money, peace, love, tranquility and purification.
An infusioni used to wash thresholds (doors and windows) will help keep unwanted energies or entities from passing through. Sprinkle powdered chamomile flowers around your self or home to remove spells cast against you and to prevent fires and lightening strikes. You may also use herbal water, if you prefer.
Use it in a rituali bath before performing spells for any of these purposes. Just a simple chamomile bath while visualizing will increase your attractiveness to the opposite sex. Also, use it in a bath as part of a spelli to release a loved one, or to release feelings of pain, loss or anger.
Washing your hands in chamomile water before gambling will increase your luck.
Add to sachets for luck or money. Or place pressed chamomile flowers in your wallet to attract money to it.
Use in meditationi incense.
Healing Attributes:
German chamomile is most often used in healing in the US, but Roman chamomile works as well.
It relaxes the body and mind and promotes a good night's sleep. It's safe enough to use for children. Also for teething stress and colic. Scientific studies have shown that it acts like leading anti anxiety medications, check with your doctor if you plan to use it this way. For nerves and insomnia, drink warm at bedtime. Can mix with warm milk and honey.
It is also a gentle muscle relaxant, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It can be used, especially in combination with similar herbs, to sooth problems associated with muscle cramps and spasms. Especially useful for menstrual cramps. Drink two or three cups of tea per day.
It aids in digestion and sooths gastric complaints and colitis including irritable bowel problems. It also safely relieves morning sickness and restlessness that comes with pregnancy. For stomach problems, including gastritis, colitis and morning sickness, drink a cup of tea an empty stomach first thing in the morning hot or cold.
When used topically, it speeds the healing of cuts, scrapes, blisters and burns. It is also helpful for rashes, eczema and other skin inflammation. Add it to a salve, rinse the affected area with chamomile tea, or add a few drops of essential oil to bathwater.
Do not use ointments for burns, use compresses or light lotions instead. Oils hold in body heat and don't let the burns heal.
A chamomile tea bag makes a good compress. Chill or use warm.
Eye inflammations can be treated by placing a cool compress soaked in chamomile tea over the eyes.
Chamomile mouthwash helps keep gums healthy and soothes mouth inflammations.
Chamomile Teai- 2 teaspoons German Chamomile flowers to 1 mug of boiling water. Cover and steep five minutes.
Chamomile may cause allergic reactions in those allergic to ragweed.
Chamomile should not be used by people who are already using blood thinners because some constituents may have anticoagulant action.
Culinary Use:
Roman chamomile is most often used in cooking.
The fresh leaves are good mixed with butter or sour cream for potatoes.
In Spain it is used to flavor Mantazilla, a light sherry.
Chamomile flowers were used in Anglo Saxon Europe for making beer until they started using hops.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Blackberry
Sun, 01/06/2008 - 19:01 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Rubus fructicosus, Rubus canadensis
Zones:
3-8
There are many subspecies of this plant, but all work equally well.
Propagation:
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.
History and Folklore:
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 blackberry 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.
Harvesting & Storage:
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.
Household Use:
A permanent black dye can be made using blackberry leaves and lye. The young shoots produce light gray using alum mordant. The root produces orange 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.
Magical Attributes:
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 blackberry 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!"
Healing Attributes:
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.
Culinary Use:
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.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
There are probably some blackberry canes in your back yard right now.
Bistort
Sat, 01/05/2008 - 21:46 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Polygonum bistorta, P. bistortoides
Zones:
4-8
Other Names:
Osterick, Oderwort, Snakeweed, Snakeroot, Easter Mangiant, Adderwort, Twice Writhen, Serpentaria, Columbrina, Dracunculus, Serpentary Dragonwort, Patience dock, Red Legs, Easter Giant, Passions, English Serpentary, Dragon’s Scales, Snake,
Bistort P. bistorta is native to many parts of Europe and Western Asia. P. bistortoides, the American native version is very similar.
Propagation:
Bistort prefers a moist, shady area and is great for a woodland or bog garden or it looks nice planted around an ornamental pond. Divide the root stock in early autumn or spring.
History and Folklore:
The name Bistort comes from Latin meaning twice-twisted, referring to the shape of the root.
Harvesting & Storage:
Harvest and dry the rootstock in the spring when the leaves first begin or in autumn. Cut lengthwise to dry in the sun.
Household Use:
Can be used to cure leather, but you need large quantities.
Magical Attributes:
Bistort is considered to be feminine and associated with Saturn and the Earth element.
Bistort is used for psychic powers, especially burned in combination with frankincense. It is also a useful addition to money and fertility sachets, or simply carry it with you if you want to conceive. It can also be added to the holy wateri or smudge mixture that is used during exorcisms. An infusioni of bistort root is said to help chase away spirits of the earthbound dead.
Healing Attributes:
Bistort root has a high concentration of tannini, so it is an astringent. It has been used most commonly as a poultice for boils and festering sores..
It is also styptic and is useful for internal and external bleeding, as well as for diarrhea, dysentery and cholera. Keep the powder on hand to use for external bleeding or mix a half teaspoon into a cupful of warm water for internal bleeding and bowel problems.
A decoction has been used for heavy menstruation and as a gargle for ulcers of the mouth and for bleeding gums. It can also be added to lotions for use on sores with discharge and it can be used as a douche to stanch excess discharge.
The powdered leaves were once used to help expel worms from children.
Culinary Use:
Leaves and young shoots can be used as a vegetable eaten raw or cooked. They have a tangy acidic taste.
The roots are very starchy and can be roasted, baked or boiled with baking and roasting being the tastier of the three options. They can also be dried and pounded, the resulting powder used like flour.
The seeds can also be eaten raw and cooked, but they are very small.
Bistort is an ingredient in Herb Pudding, traditionally eaten during Ostara.
Excessive use of bistort may cause photosensitivity.
Bistort contains oxalic acid which can bind to other minerals impeding their absorption and so should not be ingested in large quantities. People with gout, kidney stones, rheumatism and arthritis should avoid foods containing oxalic acid. Cooking reduces the affect of oxalic acid. Other plants containing oxalic acid are sorrel, rhubarb and spinach.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Bayberry
Sat, 01/05/2008 - 21:01 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Myrica cerifera, M. carolinensis
Zones:
2-10
Other Names:
Wax myrtle, Myrica, Candle Berry, Arbre a suif, Myricae Cortex, Tallow Shrub, Wachsgagle, Tallowberry, Candleberry Myrtle, Northern Bayberry, Southern Bayberr, Small Waxberry, Yang-mei, Vegetable Wax
Bayberry grows in thickets near swamps in sandy areas, especially near the Atlantic coast and near Lake Erie.
Propagation:
Bayberry is a hardy deciduous shrub that will grow well to zone 2 in full sun. It is very adaptable to difficult soil conditions and doesn’t mind poor, sandy or heavy clay soils. It does best in slightly acid soil, however.
Bayberry will grow as wide as it is tall and it can get up to 8 feet tall. Pruning will control its growth well.
Bayberry is an attractive ornamental shrub and serves as a shelter for wildlife in a wildlife garden. It is especially useful in gardens where the soil is sandy and had little nutrients. The berries are enjoyed by many types of birds including tree swallows, eastern meadowlarks, red bellied woodpeckers, and gray catbirds and the shrubs make great nesting sites.
Because the flowers are unisexual, you will need at least two bayberry bushes, one of each sex, to get berries.
History and Folklore:
Settlers in the Louisiana area first used myrtle wax in the 1600s. The water from boiling the wax off of the berries was also used to treat typhoid dysentery, which was a serious problem at the time. Soap from myrtle wax was considered to be much gentler than common lye soap. In addition to washing, it was used for shaving and soap plasters.
Harvesting & Storage:
Harvest the root in late autumn and pound to separate bark from the root. Dry thoroughly and powder. Store in a dark place in tightly sealed containers.
Gather the berries early in the morning in the fall or winter and boil to remove the wax. The wax will float on top and can be skimmed off. It is called myrtle wax. It can be used to make soap or candles.
Household Use:
Candles can be made from bayberry wax. Bayberry candles are harder than beeswax candles, burn with little smoke and have a pleasant odor.
Bayberry boughs with berries on them are very attractive in floral arrangements and smell wonderful.
Magical Attributes:
Bayberry is feminine in nature and associated with the Earth element and the planet Jupiter.
Bayberry candles are burned to bring luck and prosperity to the household. Likewise, bayberries and bayberry leaves can be useful in money drawing spells. Try adding bayberries to a luck or fortune sachet or mojo bag.
The candles themselves are high quality, long burning, and very useful in candle magic.
Healing Attributes:
The decoction is a good gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers. It is also said to strengthen gums.
The water in which the berries have been boiled to remove the wax can be used to treat dysentery.
Poultices and washes made from the powdered root have been used for ulcers and itchy skin.
Culinary Use:
The fragrant leaf can be used similarly to bay leaf.
Bayberry can cause vomiting in large doses. Side affects from ongoing ingestion include dizziness, dry eyes and mucus membranes, dry throat, cramping, and flatulence.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Basil
Sat, 01/05/2008 - 20:56 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Ocimum basilicum
Zones:
Annual in Northern Zones, Perennial in Southern Zones
Other Names:
Albahaca, St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil
Basil is a member of the mint family with a characteristic square, hairy stem, labiate flowers and opposite leaves. It has a rich, spicy aroma reminiscent of the other mints with a hint of clove.
Propagation:
Basil requires full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in ground after frost danger has passed. ¼ inch down. Keep moist. Germinates in 5-7 days. Thin to 6-12 inches apart. Or sow indoors. Mulch around stems to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Must be well watered at least once a week. Fertilizer not usually needed. Use sparingly as it will reduce its fragrant oils. Pruning will encourage bushy growth.
Treat as an annual or bring indoors in cool weather and keep under artificial lights 6-8 hours per day. Very sensitive to cold. A single frost will kill it. But it is drought tolerant and, if dry and drooping, will usually spring back after a good watering.
If sowing indoors, allow six to eight weeks of growth before transplanting or at the very least, wait till they have two pairs of true leaves.
To maintain full flavor, pinch off flower spikes as they form. Prune or harvest at least once every two weeks from the top, not the sides, especially cutting back the center stalk. Cut just above where some leaves meet the stem. This is a growth node and will encourage side growth, more leaves.
Vulnerable to slugs, whiteflies and spider mites.
Plant basil with tomatoes and asparagus to repel aphids, mites, tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles. It is also supposed to improve the general growth and flavor of tomatoes.
History and Folklore:
Ocimum is from the Greek, meaning "to be fragrant"
The word Basil comes from the Greek, meaning "King"
Basilisicum is from the Latin for Basilisk, a creature that could cause madness and death. It was carried or ingested as a charm against attacks. It may have been used to cure madness, or it may have been attributed with causing madness.
Basil may have been brought to Greece by Alexander the Great around 350BCE
African folklore claims that basil protects against scorpions, while Greek lore said that scorpions would breed in the presence of basil.
European lore claims that it belongs to Satan and you must cursei the ground as you plant it in order for it to grow properly. This is where the French idiom, semer le basilic "to sow the basil" came from, it refers to ranting.
Basil was used in English folk magic, like so many other things, to ward off harmful spells as well as to keep away pests.
Apparently, witches drank basil juice before flying on their brooms. Perhaps it aids in astral projection.
During Tudor times, small pots of basil were given to guests as a parting gift. Perhaps it would be useful in traveling spells.
Also, several sources say that if a gift of basil is given to a member of the opposite sex, he or she will fall deeply in love with the giver and be forever faithful. In Romania, this act is representative of an official engagement.
In India it is highly revered, Holy Basil being sacred to the Hindu religion as a manifestation of the Goddess Tulasi.
According to lore, the God Vishnu seduced her in her husband's guise and, horrified when she realized she's been unfaithful, however unknowingly, she killed herself.
Another version claimed that the mortal Tulasi, whose name was Vrinda, threw herself onto her husband's funeral pyre because she was so upset that he died.
Either way, Vishnu deified her and declared that she should be worshipped by wives and would prevent them from becoming widows. Her burnt hair was turned into the Holy Basil, which is called Tulsi in reference to her, is a Hindu symbol of love, fidelity, eternal life, purification and protection.
So important was this plant that in some Indian courts, people swore oaths by a basil bush. According to sources, some Hindu households keep their own basil plant, pray to it, and keep a lamp burning by it at night.
In Haiti, Basil is sacred to the goddess of love, Erzulie.
It is a symbol of love in Italy. A pot of basil placed on a balcony meant that the woman who lived there was ready to receive suitors.
Harvesting & Storage:
The best time to harvest is on a warm, sunny day, just after the dew has dried and just before the flowers form. But you can harvest basil as you need it.
Harvest by pinching off leaves as needed once the plant is strong enough to handle it. If taking a large harvest, leave at least two shoots intact. It will grow back in a few weeks.
Hang upside in bunches or lay flat on drying rack to dry. Ensure proper ventilation to reduce the chance of mold. Store in an airtight container away from heat or light for up to one year. The flavor of dried basil is not as good as fresh basil.
To maintain better flavor, chop fresh basil and freeze in ice cubes to drop into sauces. Use within one year. You can also freeze whole leaves in a plastic bag. Rub the leaves with olive oil before freezing.
Or try mixing chopped basil with butter and then freezing. This is good for fish.
Basil can also be preserved by using it to make pesto, herbal butters, and vinegars or make and can sauces while your basil is still fresh.
Basil leaves can also be packed in jars of olive oil. Simply stuff as many leaves as you can into a wide-mouthed jar and top with oil and leave in a sunny spot for a week or so, shaking periodically. Then store in a cool spot.
Household Use:
Basil makes wonderful potpourris, herbal sachets and dried bouquets. Try opal, lemon, anise and cinnamon basil for this. It is reputed to keep flies away and has larvacidal properties against mosquitoes and houseflies.
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of basil may make it useful in making household cleaners.
Magical Attributes:
Basil is sacred to Vishnu, Tulasi and Erzulie, masculine in nature, and associated with the element of Fire and the planet Mars.
Basil helps steady the mind, brings happiness, love, peace, and money and protects against insanity.
Use basil in spells to attract love and in preparation for astral projection or to bring luck in physical journeys.
Apparently carrying a leaf in your pocket or wallet will attract money. Placing one in your cash register will attract money there too.
Soak basil in water for three days and then sprinkle the water over the threshold of your place of business to bring in customers and keep away thieves. (Haiti)
Dust the upper half of your body, especially over your heart, with powdered basil to keep your lovers eyes only on you. (S. America)
Keep a bit of basil in each room to protect the home and family. To protect you when leaving the house, rub some basil on your forehead. (Hindu)
Also used in peacemaking spells and to make up after a fight.
Healing Attributes:
Basil tea after a meal is said to aid digestion and prevent flatulence. It is used for many stomach complaints, where a calming affect is desired, such as stomach and abdominal cramping due to gas or other reasons and also for digestive ailments.
It has a mild sedative action and is also useful for nervous headaches and anxiety.
Holy Basil is used in Ayervedic Medicine to increase the body's resistance to stress, to enhance adrenal function and for physical and mental endurance and to balances the chakrasi.
The oils of basil have antibiotic and antifungal properties.
Culinary Use:
Used in many Italian, Mediterranean and Thai dishes. The main ingredient in pesto and one of the herbs in the yummy herbal liquor chartreuse. It's excellent with most meats, beans, tomato dishes, pasta, rice, eggs, cheese, soups and stews. It adds interest to mildly flavored (tasteless) vegetables. It blends well with thyme, garlic and lemon. Heat saps basil's flavor and aroma, so always add it near the end of cooking.
The seeds of several types of basil, soaked in water until they become gelatinous, are used in Asian desserts.
Try basil mayonnaise or herbal butter.
The best sandwich in the world consists of soft goat cheese spread on toast and several slices of fresh, homegrown tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Serve the bread on the side and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and you have the best salad in the world.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
After arguing with a loved one, take some time to calm down while sipping some basil tea. Then you'll be prepared to return to the conversation and settle the dispute peacefully.
Serve meals heavily laced with basil during times of family strife and argument to help with reconciliation and peacekeeping.
Basil is also useful when a suitor comes a-calling to encourage his or her interest, consider adding a drop or two to your fragrance oil and include it in your recipes when preparing a romantic dinner for two.
All content copyright Dawn Black unless otherwise stated. No content may be distributed electronically or in print without express permission from the author.
**** Add to Technorati Favorites **** Stumble It! **** Dig This ****
Syndicate