Full Sun
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.
Okra
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Tue, 04/21/2009 - 10:47.Abelmoschus esculentus or Hibiscus esculentus
Okra is a member of the hibiscus family and an African import to the American South.
Okra seeds can be planted about 1/2 inch deep. It also doesn't like being transplanted, so starti in peat pots or direct sow after temperatures have warmed up, or grow it in a container. Okra does not like cold, so don't put it outdoors until the weather is consistently warm into the evening. Temperatures below 50 degrees will halt growth.
You should allow eight to twelve inches between plants in each direction and make sure they are placed in a sunny spot with good circulation. Place them near the back of the garden, because they will get quite tall. Plants grow quickly and flowers soon appear followed by buds about 60 days after sprouting.
Keeping pods picked will encourage the plant to keep producing. Keep the bed clear of weeds and mulch deeply but water sparingly.
Companion Planting
Plant okra near peppers as it provides protection to them from sun and wind damage.
Okra is an African native plant first grown in Egypt in the 12th century BCE and then throughout North Africa and the Mediterranean. It has since spread throughout the world. Ground okra seeds may have been used (among other things) by Southerners during the blockades of the Civil War as a coffee substitute.
Cut young pods from the plant shortly after they appear. If you wait too long they will get tough. How long is too long depends on the variety. Refer to the instructions that came with your seeds or experiment. 3 inches is a good general rule. Once you starti, you'll need to keep harvesting every two days until the weather gets cold.
Okra can be trimmed, blanched, patted dry and frozen. Before using frozen okra, thaw completely and pat dry. If you fry okra, try slicing and breading it then freezing it in meal sized portions for future use. Okra can also be pickled.
If your okra gets too tough for eating, dry it and use it to make crafts like you would gourds.
Okra is a suitable offering for many Orishas.
Okra contains powerful masculine energy and can be added to achieve balance or to increase masculine energy in a mixture.
Okra is high in fiber. It helps stabilize blood sugar. Its mucilage binds cholesterol and toxins in the body. It is also cleansingi to the colon and encourages the growth of healthy bacteria.
Okra is a necessary ingredient in gumbo and is also delicious breaded and fried and pickled. It is also delicious grilled on skewers over hot coals.
Okra prepared with lemon juice is said to be an effective aphrodisiac. More practically, both are purifying and soothing to the digestive tract.
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Lavender
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Wed, 12/10/2008 - 16:32.Lavandula spp
Lavender is an aromatic member of the mint family native to the Mediterranean region, Northern and Eastern Africa and parts of India.
Most lavenders prefer a warm, sunny spot with well-drained soil. Lavender is a plant that doesn't like its "feet wet" so well-drained soil is of the utmost importance. It will tolerate some drought and heat quite well, however. Most lavenders will grow well throughout the Southwestern United states, but more Northerly regions may have trouble. Try the Hidcote or Munstead variety in the North. The humid deep South may have trouble with any variety of lavender.
The good news is that it grows reasonably well in pots and can be brought indoors in cold or wet weather. Lavender doesn't need a big pot. Just an inch or two wider than the root ball is sufficient. The important thing is that the pot drains well. Mix your potting soil with equal parts sand and put a layer of loose gravel in the bottom of the pot before adding your soil. This will encourage drainage. Water when the soil feels dry and try not to wet the leaves. Make sure your lavender plant gets plenty of sun.
Plant your lavender where it will get full sun but be sheltered from harsh winds and not be in a drain path. Space the plants well apart to allow air circulation. It should be fed some compost the first year to get it started; After that, ignore it except for providing some protection from cold and wet. A thick layer of mulch after the first frost will protect the roots in areas where repeated thawing and freezing may stress the plant.
For best fragrance and essential oil production, the soil should be nutrient poor and alkaline.
Lavender is a good companion for fruit trees, rue and any plant that might be troubled by white fly or that would benefit from bees and other pollinating insects lavender attracts.
Lavender deters fleas and moths. Place sachets of lavender buds or lavender wands in cupboards and closets or stuff them into pet bedding to help deter pests from these areas.
Lavender is masculine in action and associated with Mercury, the element of air and the astrological sign Virgo.
It may be used as an asperging herb (to sprinkle water for purification purposes) and dried lavender sticks or wands can be burnt like incense.
It is also useful in spells to sharpen the mind, to encourage or strengthen pure love (as opposed to the naughty sort) and to encourage fertility.
The scent of lavender is relaxing and uplifting all at once making it a great aromatherapy for stressed out or depressed individuals. Try adding some lavender oil to your bath or add it to grapeseed or a similar oil for a relaxing massage at the end of a hard day.
Stuffing a pillow with lavender buds may help insomniacs relax and fall asleep and soothes headaches.
Lavender is a good addition to wedding cakes because of its delicate flavor and its association with love and fertility.
To make lavender flavored sugar, layer dried lavender buds and sugar in a jar and let it sit in a dark place for about a month. Sift out the lavender buds and enjoy your sugar in delicately flavored cakes, custards and tea.
An easy way to scent your clothing and bedding is to stuff a knee-high stocking with lavender and knot it. Throw this in your dryer with your drying laundry. It'll come out smelling divine!
Pokeweed
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Wed, 07/23/2008 - 10:20.Phytolacca americana
Pokeweed is a native american perennial that produces terminal clusters of fragrant white flowers in the mid to late summer followed by attractive purple berries that taste pretty aweful to humans but
The seed may be slow to germinate, it may take several months, but it germinates readily in moist (but not wet), rich soil at moderate temperatures. Pokeweed prefers a sunny position but doesn't mind a little bit of shade.
The United States Declaration of Independance was written in fermented pokeberry juice.
European settlers were introduced to pokeweed by Native Americans. They liked it so much they took it back to Europe where it grows wild today. Native Americans used pokeweed for food, medicine, dye and to paint their horses. Poke salet (young poke greens, boiled twice) is historically a popular southern dish.
Young leaves should be harvested just as they emerge from the ground, boiled 2-3 times with the water being discarded after each boiling. They may then be eaten with a little salt and fatback to taste.
Berries should be picked when ripe, purply-black and firm.
Pokeberries can be used to make ink or dye.
Pokeweed can be used for exercisms, it's violent purging action symbolic of purging the body of spiritual as well as physical poison. Taking pokeweed internally is never recommended.
An infusioni of pokeweek can be used to break hexes and to protect an area from negativity and other harmful influences.
Pokeweed berry juice makes a good magical ink and can be used in place of blood in any rituali.
Pokeberry juice may be added to other juices and jellies to help relieve arthritis.
Grated pokeroot was used by native americans in a poultice to relieve inflammations and swellings of the breast (Please note, this may leave toxins on the breast. Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Ever.)
Poke root extracted in alcohol (no more than a drop or two a day!) is used to combat colds and viruses. It is particularly useful for issues of the lymphatic system- anything that causes swollen glands. An oil extract can be used to make a salve for minor bumps, bruises and bites.
Research is underway with regard to possible treatments for leukemia, AIDS and other deadly diseases.
Note: This is provided for your information only. I do not recommend taking pokeberry internally for any reason.
Although all parts of the mature plant are toxic and can cause violent vomiting, diarrhea and death, the young leaves are said to be quite delicious. They must be harvested just as they emerge from the ground and if there is any red in them they are too old! They need to be boiled in three changes of water for 20 minutes each to ensure that all the toxicity has been leached out.
Berries are unpleasant tasting raw but can be cooked into pies or added to jellies and wines. This isn't recommended. If you do eat the berries, be sure to remove and discard the seeds as they are very toxic.
Pokeberry is a beautiful native plant that I just love to have in my garden. I have no desire, however, to try preparing the young leaves or berries for my own use because I am too worried about poisoning potential. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and the berries attract birds. That is enough for me to feel that this plant is a valuable and strictly ornamental addition to my native garden. But take care to keep children and pets away. Although butterflies, bees and birds love pokeweed, it is toxic to all mammals.
Feverfew
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 07/14/2008 - 10:59.- ague plant
- antiinflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- aperient
- bachelor's button
- bitter
- carminative
- devil daisy
- Emmenagogue
- feather-fully
- featherfew
- featherfoil
- feverfew
- flirtwort
- Full Sun
- maid's weed
- matricaria
- midsummer daisy
- missouri snakeroot
- nosebleed
- Perennial
- prairie-dock
- protection
- rainfarn
- sedative
- Stimulant
- stomachic
- Top Healing Herb
- vasodilator
- Venus
- vermifuge
- vetter-voo
- Water
- wild chammomile
Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysantheim parthenium or Pyrethrum parthenium
Feverfew is an short lived perennial native to southeastern Europe which is now widespread across North America, Europe and Australia.
Feverfew can be grown from seed, cuttings or by division. It is not picky about soil as long as isn't soggy and prefers full sun, but will also do well in partial shade. Feverfew is also a good container plant but should not be brought inside to overwinter but instead placed in a sheltered area so that it can have a dormant period. It'll die anyway if you bring it in.
It will reseed if seed heads are left on the plant at the end of the season. Due to the fact that it reseeds like crazy, this plant can be very invasive. Deadhead spent flowers to control its spread and save the seeds to plant them where you want them later.
It is said the bees do not like this plant. I can't vouch for the truth of this, but you may want to keep it in mind when placing it in your garden.
Feverfew was used by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians for inflammation and menstrual pain as well as general aches and pains.
Dioscorides documented feverfew's use for inflammation and swellings in the first century of the common era.
In medieval Europe it was used for just about everything and it has enjoyed long popularity in cottage gardens. During the time of the plagues, it was planted around houses to protect those inside from the disease. (It may have actually prevented plague carrying vermin from entering)
The name parthenium is from the Greek meaning "girl" and alludes to its traditional use for female complaints.
Cut fresh leaves as needed or lay flat on a screen to dry and store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Feverfew can be used to keep away bees and other insects.
Feverfew is masculine in nature (though it has always felt feminine to me) and is associated with the plant Venus and the element of water.
Feverfew is often use in mojo bags. Alone or combined with hyssop and rosemary in a bag it is used to prevent general accidents. To prevent accidents while travelling, put it in a bag with comfrey root and a St Christopher medal and put it in your glovebox, rearview mirror or carry on bag. Likewise, using feverfew as a bath tea will help break hexes designed to make you more accident prone.
Growing this plant around the ouside of your home is said to prevent illness from entering.
Binding the flowers to the wrist is said to assist in drawing out pain as well.
An infusioni of feverfew is good for migraines and other headaches and PMS symptoms. Chewing the leaf at the first sign of a migraine is traditionally affective at stopping it in its tracks. Because the leaf tastes aweful and can cause blistering inside the mouth, it is suggested that you add it to a sandwich instead of eating it straight. Drying seems to weaken the medicinal effect of this herb.
Feverfew can be used as an infusion (or tea) but tinctures are much more effective.
Feverfew has blood thinning qualities and should not be used by anyone who is taking blood thinners or who is planning to undergo surgery.
Pregnant women should not use feverfew.
Feverfew doesn't taste very good and large quantities aren't very good for you. It can cause sores to form on the inside of your mouth, can cause stomach upset and thins the blood.
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.
Plantago
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Tue, 07/08/2008 - 14:06.Plantago major
Plantago major is often called plantain, not to be confused with the bananai-like plantain which is delicious fried.
Plantago likes full sun. Other than that, it's not very picky.
Plantago seeds are often found in grain seeds and that is how they have spread all over the world. It was called "White man's footprint" by Native Americans because it sprouted up wherever European settlers had spent any amount of time. It was also called "Soldier's herb" due to its use as a field dressing.
The "waybread" mentioned in the Nine Herbs Charm of Wodin or Odin is believed to be plantago.
Leaves should be used fresh if at all possible. Select young, tender leaves whether you are using fresh or drying for tea. If you're cooking it, you may wish to remove the sinewy veins.
The sinews in the veins pull out cleanly and are strong and pliable. They could be used for crafts. When I was a child I used to pull these out and braid them when I was sitting outside bored. They become hard and brittle when dry though.
Plantago is feminine in nature and resonates with the planet Venus and the element Earth. It is used in spells related to strength, healing and protection and as a charm against snakebites.
It can also be used in any working to enhance the affect of other herbs.
Comfrey has traditionally been used to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth by douching with the infusioni. It has also been used as a field dressing. Indeed it is a potent coagulant and can be used to stop bleeding. Ground (or chewed in the case of an emergency) fresh leaves can be applied to cuts, scrapes and insect bites to ease pain and stop bleeding.
Plantago is also rumored to have an expectorant affect on the lungs and the tea is recommended for people who are trying to quit smoking as well as for people suffering from lung complaints.
People who take blood thinners or who are at risk for blood clots should never take plantago internally, not as a vegetable or a tea, but can use it externally.
The leaves are edible, but tough and stringy. Young leaves are preferred as they are more tender. They may be prepared like spinach. Dried, they make a good tea.
Plantago may be used in place of comfrey in all herbal preparations. It is a safer alternative and has similar healing properties.
Some people get contact dermatitis from plantago, so use caution.
As plantago is a coagulant, those who are taking blood thinners or who are at risk for blood clot should not use it internally.
Mugwort
Submitted by DawnBlack on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 12:11.- Antifungal
- antiseptic
- Artemis
- Artemis Herb
- Chrysanthemum weed
- cleansing
- Common wormwood
- Diana
- Divination
- dreams
- Earth
- Felon herb
- Full Sun
- Hecate
- Libra
- Midsummer
- Moon
- moxa
- Muggons
- mugwort
- Naughty Man
- Old man
- Old Uncle Henry
- Perennial
- Psychic
- sailor's tobacco
- smudging
- St. John's Plant
- Taurus
- travel
- Venus
- wild wormwood
Artemisia Vulgaris
Mugwort is a member of the daisy family (Asteracea) with characteristic disk flowers in panicles,(flower made up of many small flowers, in groups, several off the same stem) very small, reddish or gre
Prefers nitrogenous soil, lots of sun, very hardy. Spreads by an underground root system, so care must be taken that they don't escape. Do not over water. This plant is nearly impossible to kill. Save yourself a hassle and plant it in a pot!
The name Mugwort is said to have come from the plant's traditional use of flavoring drinks- which you drink out of mugs, see?
Another theory suggests that the name came from a word meaning "moth" alluding to the plant's usefulness at keeping away pests.
"Wort" is an old term for "plant", especially one of a useful nature.
Roman soldiers put mugwort in their sandals to keep their feet from getting tired.
In Holland and Germany the plant was considered sacred to John the Baptist who presumably wore a girdle of Mugwort. The plants are gathered on St. John's Eve, made into a crown and worn to protect from possession, disease and general misfortune.
Poultry and grazing animals enjoy this plant, and it may be the same Artemisia of Pontos lauded by the ancients as excellent for fattening livestock.
In Wales, mugwort was tied to the left thigh of a woman having a difficult labor. But it was believed that if the mugwort was not immediately removed after the birth, she might hemorrhage.
Harvest shortly before the plant flowers and hang to dry.
Collect the root in autumn. Wash and dry thoroughly and spread on a screen to dry. Do not let the roots touch one another or they may mold.
Dried mugwort added to a fire is useful in keeping it smoldering for a long time. The stalks make good kindling.
Mugwort's long stems and nifty leaves make great wreathes and garlands.
An infusioni of Mugwort, or Mugwort oil is a good all-purpose cleaner and insect repellant.
Alli varieties of Artemesia are sacred to the Goddess Artemis who gives comfort (or death) to women in labor. Also, Diana through association and Hekate, Patron of herbalists and midwives.
It is also associated with the moon which in turn is associated with the cycles of womanhood.
Mugwort is feminine in nature, associated with the element of Earth, and either Venus or the Moon (depends who you ask) and ruled by either Taurus or Libra.
Mugwort can be used as a sacred smoking or smudgingi herb for protection or divinationi. It is safe to smoke (as safe as smoking anything is) by itself, mixed with tobacco, or other smokeables in a rituali context and enhances astral projection, lucid dreaming and altered states of consciousness. Some say that simply keeping mugwort under your pillow or in your bedroom will encourage prophetic dreams. (Try making a dream pillow stuffed with mugwort.) Others say you must burn it as incense or smoke it. Burn mugwort as you use divination tools.
Mugwort is also used in protective sachets, especially those created in relation to travel. It is said to prevent delays, and other annoyances associated with traveling, as well as to protect the traveler from accidents, thieves and other dangers associated with traveling.
Mugwort stems also make very nice wands.
Use herbal water made of mugwort to cleanse ritual tools, especially those used for divination.
Hanging mugwort over or on a door will keep unwelcome energies from passing through.
A garland or girdle of mugwort can be worn while dancing around the midsummer balefirei and thrown into the fire at the end of the night to ensure protection throughout the year.
Mugwort is a topical anesthetic with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Fresh, crushed mugwort leaves applied to the skin relieves burning, itching and pain and, with continued application, can help get rid of warts.
It is also said that coating your skin with mugwort juice before exposure to poison oak will prevent a rash.
It is said that chewing fresh mugwort leaves will help relieve fatigue and clear the mind. A tea of the roots was used also for this purpose.
An infusioni of fresh leaves can be used for chronic stomach complaints and to stimulate the appetite.
Mugwort has also been used in Europe to induce abortions. It helps strengthen contractions and it is used in a compress to promote labor and help expel the afterbirth. It is also used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease painful menstruation and the onset of menopause. Use in combination with ginger in a tea to soothe difficult menstruation.
Interestingly, it has also been used in China to prevent miscarriage and ease excessive menstrual bleeding.
It is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to make Moxas to cure rheumatism and to correct fetal position prior to delivery. The fluff is carefully removed and rolled into a cylinder which is heated and placed near pressure points to relieve pain. This method is called moxibustion.
It has been used for centuries for disorders and epilepsy, as it has mild sedative and antispasmodic properties.
An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers helps expel pinworms.
Mix the dry herb with honey and apply to bruises to fade them (could try this on hickies too).
Infusioni - 1 ounce dried herb to 1 pint boiling water. 5-10 minutes. Do not make too strong as it is very bitter.
Tincture i- Cover four ounces of fresh herb with 1 pint 100 proof alcohol, vodka, gin or brandy. Cover and keep in a dark place, shaking several times per day for two weeks.
Do not continue to take Artemesias for more than 1 week. Break for several weeks before taking mugwort again as regular use of mugwort can cause nervous issues.
Mugwort has a slightly bitter taste. It is used to season fish and meat, especially game and is a traditional seasoning for Christmas Goose in Germany. It is also used to flavor rice cakes in Asia.
Before hops, it was used to flavor beer. For this purpose, the plant should be gathered while in flower and dried before use.
Mugwort is considered a noxious weed in some of the United States. Check with your States laws before planting as some carry heavy fines for planting certain plants.
Mugwort should never be used during pregnancy or lactation or by anyone who has pelvic inflammatory issues as it causes uterine contractions and can be passed through the mother's milk.
Mugwort should not be used for more than one week continuously. Continued, habitual use of mugwort can cause nervous problems, liver damage and convulsions.
Some people have topical allergies to mugwort. Test some on your skin before using.
