Perennial
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.
Dandelion
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Wed, 05/06/2009 - 15:22.Taraxacum officinale
Dandelions are common weeds all over the world with varieties native to Asia, Europe and North America.
Dandelions grow everywhere. There's no need to propagate. But it is easier to gather roots from tilled soil than from the lawn, so till, scatter seeds and water. They like full sun.
The name dandelioni comes from the French dent de lion which means "tooth of the lion". The modern French name, however, is pissenlit, which means "to wet the bed". Indeed an English folkname for the plant is pissabeds.
Leaves should be gathered as soon as they appear in the spring as they get bitter after a short while. These do not store well and should be used fresh.
The bright yellow flowers should be gathered as soon as they open. Remove the green bits from the base of the flower before using. These can be added to wines, vinegars or jellies.
The roots should be dug up in the autumn when they are plump with stored starches for the winter or first thing in the spring when they are sweeter. Generally anytime between the first of September and the end of February is good. These can be cut into pieces 3-4 inches long and dried on a screen in an area with good ventilation. Once dried, they should be stored in a cool dry area, sealed in a bug-proof container for no more than one year.
Dandelion leaves are a great addition to the diet of breeding rabbits and lactating cattle and goats.
The dandelioni is masculine in action and associated with the planet Jupiter, the element of air and both Pisces and Sagittarius. It is also associated with any solar deity, Hecate, Brighid and Belenos.
A tea of the flowers and leaves may be drunk to increase psychic ability while pouring boiling water over a bowlful of roots will aid in calling spirits.
Make a wish and blow the seeds off a dandelion head!
Dandelion is most often used as a diuretic and in cleansingi tonics and in cases of kidney and liver issues.
For liver issues, a tincture from the flower tops and/or a broth of the leaves is said to bring relief.
For stones, make a decoction of the root and cool before straining and then sweeten with honey. Drink a mugful morning and night. This is also good for indigestion and other stomach complaints.
A very strong decoction of the herb and root is recommended for many skin eruptions as its cleansing action helps purge impurities that can cause pimples, eczema and other skin issues. Drink a mugful several times a day.
Dandelion flowers can be used in salads, to make jelly, wine and punch.
The young leaves can be used raw or blanched in salads or sandwiches, steamed like spinach or cooked into soup or broth.
The dried root can be ground up and used like coffee. Fresh roots can also be used in salads.
Dandelion Beer is made from the fermented dried leaves, Dandelion Wine is made from the flowers and homemade Root Beer sometimes includes Dandelion Roots.
In the early spring gather dandelioni leaves by the bucketful and boil them up with some sorrel, parsley, carrotsi and onions to make a delightful broth than you can then can or freeze as a base for any number of soups the rest of the year. Use this base whenever you are feeling bloated or have digestive issues or simply feel the need to cleanse.
There are lots of flowers that look like dandelion but aren't! If the leaves are branched, if there is more than one flower on the stem or if the plant is at all hairy, you're not looking at a dandelion! Don't eat it unless you're absolutely sure.
Violet
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 13:04.Viola spp
There are about 500 species of violet around the world. Most are small perennial herbs, but there are some annuals and shrubs in the family as well.
Violas and pansies can be easily raised from seed, from cuttings or purchased as bedding plants from your local nursery. There are a huge variety available. Many people consider violets to be weeds in their yard and may let you come in and dig them up if you ask. Plant them in an area of dappled sunshine and mulch well to keep the roots cool.
Violets and pansies are very cold and shade tolerant, they don't like heat much but will come back again after the heat has passed. Pansies are known for blooming in the spring and then again in the fall.
Violas are used as food by many caterpillars, so be sure to plant enough to share and enjoy the show when the butterflies come to lay their eggs.
Pinch off blooms as they appear and candy to preserve indefinitely.
Violets are affiliated with the planet Venus OR Pluto and are associated with the nymphs of ancient Greek myth as, in the Odyssey Homer says that Ogygia is "beautiful land of parsley and violets." Violets are also associated with death and rebirth through the story of Attis.
Violets are useful in love spells and may be carried as an amuleti to increase one's luck in love. Try combining them with lavender for enhanced effect.
Also useful in spells for protection, wishes, peace and healing.
In the language of flowers, violets represent faithfulness.
Violas are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and A. They also make a lovely, soothing tea that is used in Chinese medicine.
Violets and pansies taste floral and a bit celeryi like. They are great additions to salads and lovely decorations on cookies and cakes. They can easily be candied by painting them with a bit of egg white and sprinkling them with sugar or dipping them in melted syrup.
Viola odorata is most often used for this, but any variety is suitable though they may not be as flavorful. Pansies are lovely.
Violet syrup is used to flavor violet scones and viola essence flavors many liquors. Both the ancient Greeks and the Romans used violets to make wine Vinum Violatum
Don't confuse true violets with African violets, those fuzzy leafed things you get in the houseplant section. African violets won't survive outdoors in most places and they don't have the true violet's distinctive flower shape.
Potato
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Mon, 04/20/2009 - 14:24.Potatoes are American native plants of the nightshade family with their distinctive flowers in white, pink, red, blue or purple with bright yellow stamens.
Prepare the ground well before planting potatoes by digging deep to loosen soil and get rid of rocks and weeds.
To grow potatoes from seed, cut up the fruits and soak overnight in water. The good seeds will sink to the bottom. These can be planted in a sunny location in the spring.
To grow potatoes from tubors or "seed potatoes" allow the potatoes to sit in a sunny spot until they sprout. Cut the potato apart with a sprouting eye on each piece and plant these in the ground.
To increase yields, mound dirt up around the plant as it grows to encourage tubor production.
A great way to grow potatoes in a small space or on a patio is to use a bag as demonstrated in this tutorial.
Make sure to keep the tubers covered with soil until it's time to harvest to prevent them turning green, bitter and poisonous.
The potato is an American root vegetable that was an important crop in Peru and Chile up to 10,000 years ago. It was first introduced into Europe in the 1500s and features strongly in the history of both Ireland and the United States due to the Great Potato Famine of the mid-1800s which reduced the population of Ireland by up to a quarter through starvation, disease and emigration and the US saw a huge influx of immigration from Ireland.
Harvest the potatoesi for storage in the fall after the plant turns yellow and dies back but before a hard frost. New potatoes can be dug up as soon as tubers starti to form. These early potatoes will not have a thick enough skin for long storage but taste delicious.
Potatoes store well in the dark at temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees. Cold storage will alter the flavor of potatoes and should be avoided. Do not store in plastic bags. Paper or cloth bags will allow moisture to evaporate.
Potatoes can be carved into poppets for sympathetic magicki. In kitchen magick it represents stability and represents the basic necessities of life.
Potato juice, especially from redskin potatoesi, is said to be good for ulcers and other issues related to stomach acidity as well as gallstones. It is also said to be a good liver tonic.
Slices of raw potato can be placed on skin inflammations and burns for quick relief. Mix shredded raw potato with olive oil to relieve dry, chapped skin.
Peel off any green skin and cut away any shoots before eating potatoesi.
Potatoes are good raw, boiled, mashed, fried or baked.
Betony
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 14:22.- astringent
- Attracts bees
- betony
- bishop's elder
- bishopwort
- Brid
- Bridget
- Cancer
- common hedgenettle
- Crafter's Herb
- Imbolc
- Juno
- Jupiter
- justice
- lousewort
- Mercury
- Midsummer
- nervine
- Partial Shade
- Perennial
- protection
- purification
- purple betony
- Sagittarius
- sedative
- spiked betony
- St Brid's Comb
- St Brid's Day
- Stachys betonica
- Venus
- woundwort
stachy officinalis or betonica officinalis
Betony is a woodland perennial and a member of the mint family with its characteristic square stem and bilabiate flowers.
The name betony is said to derive from a Celtic word bewton which means "good for the head".
Makes a chartreuse dye with an alum mordant.
Identified with attorlothe of the Nine Herbs Charm
Betony can be added to any protective mixtures, grown around the home to protect it or carried on the person (especially under one's hat) to protect from negativity, misfortune and hexes. Scattered near doors, it prevents unwanted energies (and people) from entering. It can has been planted in graveyards to prevent evil spirits from escaping.
Betony can be stuffed into a pillow or placed underneath to prevent nightmares and night terrors.
Stinging Nettle
Submitted by kitchenwitch on Fri, 01/30/2009 - 12:08.Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle is a common weed found in moist shady places in Europe, Asia and North America. They are perennial, growing up to 4 feet tall in the summer and dying back in the winter.
Plant nettles six to twelve inches apart in moist, rich soil that gets some shade. They will grow like a weed and spread out like crazy. They do grow well in a pot. If grown in the garden they should be surrounded by an underground barrier to prevent them taking over. Stinging nettles are best grown in their own patch.
Cut nettles back after they flower but before they seed so they don't spread out of control.
Stinging nettle is mentioned in the Nine Herbs Charm. It has been used in Europe for centuries as food in early spring when other sources of food were scarce, as a nutritive spring tonic and to build the strength and milk production of pregnant and lactating women and livestock and as medicine for various conditions. Hippocrates recorded 61 medicinal uses of the plant in the fourth and fifth centuries BCE.
Nettle was once widely used for its stem fibres which were retted and spun like flax. In Denmark, burial shrouds made of the resulting cloth have been found dating back 5000 years or more. Native Americans used the fibre for making fishing nets and for cordage.
Nettle leaves produce a green dye which was used in war time Europe the make camouflage and is used to this day in Germany to keep canned vegetables looking a healthy green.
Make sure you wear thick gloves and long sleeves and jeans when harvesting nettle. Their stingers can pierce through thin fabric. Pluck young nettle leaves in the spring and dry or steam and then freeze to store. Cooking or drying will destroy the sting. Do not harvest or eat later season leaves because they will starti to get tough and grainy. The grainy bits are said to cause urinary issues.
Cut the stalks to the ground in the autumn, strip off the leaves (and add them to your compost bin make a nettle tea fertilizer for your plants) and lay flat to dry. Once dried, the stalks can be broken up to retrieve the long fibers for handspinning or shredded to make paper.
If you wait till after the first frost to harvest your nettle for fiber, you will find them much less stingy.
The long soft fibers from stinging nettle can be spun into thread or yarn and woven into fabric that is said to be as strong as hemp and as soft as cotton.
The stalks can be shredded and made into paper.
Cut and dry nettles to add to winter fodder for horses, cattle, goats, pigs and sheep.
Nettle leaves make a lovely green dye. Add and iron mordant and the dye turns black, copper produces a lovely grey-green (like for camouflage). The roots can be boiled with alum for a nice yellow dye.
Nettle is male in action and associated with the sign of Scorpio (some say Ares) and the planet Mars and element of Fire.
Nettle can be burned to drive out negativity or unwanted spirits. It can also be used in protection bags, our ground into powder and used in spells to break curses.
Stinging nettle tea is a great spring tonic and a good addition to the diet of anyone recovering from a long illness or who has chronic weakness, fatigue or anemia. Steep the dry or fresh leaves in boiled water for 10 minutes and strain. The steeping process will destroy the steam and what you have left is a delicious and nutritious green broth. It is also a great internal cleanser, useful for urinary tract problems and inflammatory conditions and is said to be helpful to and protective of the prostate.
Freeze dried nettle tablets are useful for hayfever. Freeze drying retains the sting chemicals which are helpful with allergic conditions.
Nettle tea, steamed nettles and other preparations containing nettle may be given to pregnant and lactating women and animals to keep them strong and healthy and to increase milk production.
A traditional remedy for rheumatism calls for smacking the affected area with fresh nettles, sting and all to relieve pain and inflammation.
Nettle leaves make a fabulous tea or soup stock.
Steamed nettles are a great side dish all their own. Try topping with vinegar, sesame seeds and sesame oil or almondi slivers. Add them to any recipe calling for spinach or greens.
Nettles are high in protein, vitamin C & A and Iron
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.
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.
