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Pokeweed
Wed, 07/23/2008 - 09:20 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Phytolacca americana
Zones:
most
Other Names:
poke, poke sallet, red ink plant, crowberry, cancer root, coakum, chongras
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
Propagation:
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.
History and Folklore:
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.
Harvesting & Storage:
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.
Household Use:
Pokeberries can be used to make ink or dye.
Magical Attributes:
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.
Healing Attributes:
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.
Culinary Use:
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.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
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.
Enchanter's Nightshade
Tue, 07/08/2008 - 09:32 — DawnBlackBotanical Name:
Circaea lutetiana
Zones:
most
Other Names:
broad leaved enchanter's nightshade, sorcerer of Paris, Witch's Grass, Great Witch Herb, Wood magic herb, Paris nightshade, Herb of St Etienne, St Stephen's wort
Enchanter's Nightshade is a native perennial member of the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) found in moist woodlands across the midwest United States.
Propagation:
Plant enchanter's nightshade in a spot that mimics natural woodland conditions. It likes rich, loamy soil and dappled shade and mulch well with dead leaves. The seeds should be planted in autumn, or stratified in the freezer for 3-6 weeks before planting. They should be barely covered with soil. This is a good choice for midwinter planting.
Enchanter's nightshade spreads like crazy, so be keep this in mind when deciding where to plant.
History and Folklore:
The genus Circaea is named after Circe, an enchantress featured in the Odyssey by Homer. Some say this plant was part of the potion she used to turn Odysseus's companions into swine. Since this is a native American plant, I doubt she or Homer ever actually saw it. However, she is not the only Homeric hero associated with this herb. The common name Sorcerer of Paris and Paris Nightshade alludes not to the city in France, but to Paris of Troy from the Illiad.
Enchanter's nightshade is listed as an ingredient in many of the "ancient" herbals and magical compendiums, but berries are often mentioned. Since this plant has sticky burrs, not berries, one can only assume that these texts were referring to a different (probably European native) plant.
In the language of flowers, enchanter's nightshade means witchcraft or sorcery.
Harvesting & Storage:
Household Use:
Magical Attributes:
Enchanter's nightshade is aligned with the planet Saturn.
It is used for Binding, enchantment, hexing, shapeshifting and transformation.
Particularly it is a useful aid to the Law of Attraction. Use when you are working to create energy to draw like energy into your life. It is also used in spells to balance energies and forces, light/dark, male/female, etc. Also helps in work to find ones connection with all things, release our potential and find out true will.
The action is very gentle and subtle. It is a wonderful thing to focus upon during meditationi.
Healing Attributes:
Culinary Use:
Although it is not particularly poisonous, enchanter's nightshade is inedible.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Maple
Tue, 05/27/2008 - 10:45 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Acer spp
Zones:
most
There are approximately 125 species of maple. Most are indigenous to Asia but there are many native to America, Europe and Africa as well.
Propagation:
Maple seeds, called samaras, have wings designed to carry them some distance away from the mother tree. These can be gathered and planted and will often grow quite well. Most need to be stratified first, either through cold stratification or by using a file to wear down the hard outter shell.
Maples can take up to six months to germinate and can be troubled by root rot when young. Keep young maple trees in a sheltered, semi-shaded area.
Maples of all ages can be bothered by aphids and are popular hosts for many species of butterfly and moth. Maples are also affected by a number of fungal parasites. Although these may look ugly, they don't usually cause lasting harm to the tree.
History and Folklore:
The word acer is from the Latin meaning "sharp" which refers to the pointed leaves.
Maple sugar was being made by the Native Americans long before Eurpean colonists came to America. A number of stories exist to explain where the practice came from.
One story says that when the Creator first made the world, maple syrup ran from maple trees all the time. One day Glooskap came by and saw that all the villagers were laying under the trees letting the syrup run into their mouths and all the work was undone and the fields overgrown. So he made the sap runny and told the people that if they wanted syrup they'd have to work for it and showed them how to turn the runny sap into sweet, thick syrup.
Another story says that red squirrel first showed a hunter how to get sweet sap from the maple. He liked to bite off the branches to make the sap ooze out and when it had dried into a sugar crust would come back and lick it joyfully.
Harvesting & Storage:
Pick up branches after a storm to make wands and staves.
Household Use:
Maple trees make great bonzai. The wood of sugar maple and sycamore maple are especially prized for making furniture and flooring.
Maple trees are a valuable host to many species of moth and butterfly and make an excellent addition to a butterfly garden.
Magical Attributes:
Maple is feminine in nature and associated with the moon and jupiter and the elemental energies of water.
Maple is excellent for wands, staves and maypoles.
Maple is useful in moon magic and in spells related to travel, learning and decision-making, especially in matters related bringing about or dealing with change. Maple is also useful for spiritual healing.
Maple syrup may be used in Kitchen Witchery for love spells and spiritual healing, i.e. soothing the psyche.
Healing Attributes:
Culinary Use:
Maple wood is useful for smoking and curing meat.
The sap of the sugar maple can be boiled down to make maple syrup, maple sugar and maple candy.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Phlox
Mon, 05/05/2008 - 10:32 — DawnBlackBotanical Name:
Phlox spp.
Zones:
most
The phlox family (Polemoniaceae) contains hundreds of members, with 67 in the genus "phlox", only a few of them are actually referred to as phlox in common garden vernacular.
Propagation:
Phlox grows well from seeds or you can buy started plants and transplant them. If you don't want them to spread, you'll want to deadhead your flowers or they'll reseed like crazy! Deadheading also encourages more blooms and keeps the plants looking neat.
Phlox is susceptable to powdery mildew if grown in shady or damp conditions. Give it plenty of sunlight, good drainage and good air circulation, but don't let it dry out.
History and Folklore:
Cantua buxiolia, aka Kantuta, a phlox native to South America is the national flower of Bolivia and Peru and is known as the "magic flower" and "sacred flower of the Incas". It is red, yellow and green, to match to Bolivian flag!
Over 40 species of phlox were used by Native American tribes for various purposes including decoration, food, medicine and hygiene products.
The word Phlox comes from the Greek meaning "flame".
Most phlox is native to the US but was brought to Europe in the 1700s where it enjoyed popularity as a cottage garden plant and was bred for many color and form variations.
In the language of flowers, phlox means: Our souls are united. or We think alike.
Harvesting & Storage:
Pick flowers just after the dew dries in the morning of their first full bloom. Cut ripe flowerheads and shake into a paper bag to gather seeds.
Household Use:
Phlox make charming and sweet scented additions to cut flower bouquets, tussie mussies, etc.
The taller varieties look great in boarders and the lower-growing varieties are great edgers and ground covers. Phlox is very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Magical Attributes:
Early blooming plox is particularly appropriate for any springtime celebration and makes great flower wreaths with a bit of floral tape. Alli phlox varieties are great for use in wedding decorations, wreaths, crowns and bouquets.
All types of phlox is useful for spellwork for encouraging groups of people (families, coworkers, grassroots organizations) to work together harmoniously toward a common goal. Plant some in your yard to encourage family unity and harmony.
Phlox is also useful in meditations to help you to pluck up the courage, or find an appropriate way to express your love for someone. It can also be used in meditations to increase productivity and stop procrastinating.
Because of the many different color varieties available, phlox can be used in color magic.
Healing Attributes:
Culinary Use:
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Foxglove
Mon, 02/25/2008 - 14:46 — DawnBlackBotanical Name:
Digitalis spp
Zones:
4-10
Other Names:
Goblin Gloves, Witches' Gloves, Dead Men's Bells, Fairy's Glove, Gloves of Our Lady, Bloody Fingers, Virgin's Glove, Fairy Caps, Folk's Glove, Fairy Thimbles
Foxglove is a striking plant for shade gardens, but it is also very poisonous and should be planted with this in mind. It reaches up to 5 feet tall and can spread to 18 inches.
Propagation:
Foxglove will grow in most zones, but not along the gulf coast. It likes a bit of sun, but scorches easily and requires a bit of shade in the latter part of the day. If you live in the deep south, it will do best in the deep shade. Foxglove germinates well from seed. Just throw it down, no need to even cover it or fertilize. Plant foxglove in moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, but remember, they are biennial so you won't get any blooms until next year. It will then self seed and you will need to divide the clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding. Mulching will prevent reseeding.
History and Folklore:
The origin of the common name "foxglove" is unclear, but the original name may have been folksglove, referring to faerie folk.
The Latin name, digitalis comes from the word "digitanus", meaning finger for the timble shaped flowers that look like you could fit your finger right inside.
Although foxglove is very dangerous if misused, it has a long history of medicinal use for heart and kidney problems, edema and aconite poisoning. Legend says that Van Gogh used it to treat his epilepsy.
An old saying about foxglove goes "It can raise the dead and it can kill the living".
In the 1700s, William Withering learned of this folk remedy from "an old woman in Shropshire" and studied it. This led to Digitalis being a very important plant-derived medicine for heart disease that is still in use to this day.
In Roman mythology, Flora showed Hera how to impregnate herself with no need of a man by touching a foxglove to her belly and her breasts. She either gave birth to Mars or Vulcan from this method, depending on the source.
Scandinavian legend says that the faeries taught foxes to ring foxglove bells to warn each other of approaching hunters.
Harvesting & Storage:
Cut flowers when they first bloom and hang upside down to dry.
Be sure to wear gloves when working with foxglove.
Household Use:
Foxglove is poisonous to humans but attracts bees and hummingbirds.
Magical Attributes:
Foxglove is a banefuli herb associated with the planets Saturn or Venus, depending who you ask.
Juice or dew collected from foxgloves can be used in rituali to commune with the fearies and the leaves are said to help break faerie enchantments. Do not let it touch your skin and do not inhale the smoke if you burn the leaves!
Plant foxgloves anywhere you wish to invite the faeries to come visit.
Carry foxglove with you to attract faerie energy.
Healing Attributes:
Chemicals are extracted from foxglove for the medical industry. Digitalis is a common medicine for heart patients. However, it is also a cardiac toxin and should never be used except under the care of a professional.
Culinary Use:
None. Foxglove is a cardiac toxin. Do not eat.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Foxglove can be very dangerous, so always handle with care. To reduce the amount of toxins you are exposed to, always wear gloves. Foxglove toxins are strongest when the plant is in flower, so it is safer to collect leaves after the plant has set seeds. Plants grown in the shade are also supposedly less toxic. I am also told that foxglove plants with lighter colored flowers are less toxic than those with darker colored flowers. Don't take my word for it though. What do I know?
Echinacea
Sun, 01/06/2008 - 22:39 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
E. purpurea, E. pallida, E. augustofolia
Zones:
4-9
Other Names:
Purple coneflower (E. purpurea), pale purple coneflower(E. pallida), Narrow-leaf purple coneflower(E. augustofolia), Kansas niggerhead, Sampson root, American coneflower, Black Sampson, Black Susan, Comb flower, Hedgehog, Indian Head, Kansas snakeroot, Red sunflower, Rock-up-hat, Scurvy root, Snakeroot
Echinacea is a native of North America and can be found in wild prairies and open woodlands. It also adapts well to the garden. There are nine species, three of which, E. purpurea, E.
Propagation:
E. purpurea is the easiest to grow.
Sow seeds in the fall so that they freeze over the winter, or store them in your freezer for a few weeks before planting. Scatter them over the surface, as light is necessary for germination. These plants prefer alkaline soils with good drainage. Weeds are a serious danger to young seedlings, because they grow very slowly and herbicides are just as dangerous to Echinacea as it is to the weeds, so you’re going to have to be diligent about weeding. Plant in full sun. It will tolerate shade, but it will result in an inferior harvest. Seedlings should be thinned to about a foot apart.
It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Echinacea is being stripped from its wild populations and responsible herbalists should grow their own. Buying plants that have already been started will remove the hassle altogether, as adult plants are remarkably easy to maintain. This is an incredibly drought tolerant plant and natural rainfall is usually sufficient for its needs. Only water if the surface is dry. Echinacea usually does not need fertilizer and has very few disease problems. It will return year after year and if you don't deadhead it, it will drop its seeds and have babies too.
Echinacea attracts bees and butterflies and birds may come after your seeds in winter!
History and Folklore:
The name Echinacea comes from the Greek echinos, meaning hedgehog or sea urchin, which refers to the bristly scales of the dried seed head.
This is a North American native and was used extensively by the Native American populations for all manner of ailments. The Plains Nations used it more than any other herb.
Harvesting & Storage:
Harvest the tops in the third year, and the roots in the fourth year.
Thoroughly wash and dry the roots. Lay roots and tops out in the sun to dry.
Household Use:
The long-lasting cut flowers are beautiful in arrangements.
Magical Attributes:
Carrying Echinacea will provide inner strength during trying times. It is an appropriate flower for offerings, especially to place spirits and river God(dess)es. Including Echinacea in a spelli or charm will increase its effectiveness.
Healing Attributes:
Echinacea is a wonderful all-around healing tonic and it has been used as a cure for just about everything. It increases your T-cell count and stimulates your immune system. It is safe to use indefinately, but loses potency if you use it too long, so it's best to only use it during flu season or when you're not feeling well and take a break the rest of the time. Two weeks on and two weeks off seems to be the most common recommendation. It can be alternated with astragalus.
The entire plant is useful, but most of the power is in the root. To make a tincture, use the root or uproot the entire plant and chop it up fine and place it in a wide-mouthed jar. Cover it with 80+ proof alcohol and seal it. Store it in a cool place for several weeks, giving it a shake every few days.
Alternatively, you could make a tea out of the leaves. Or just chew them.
Although many immune combinations combine echinacea and goldenseal, it's not recommended.
People with asthma or autoimmune dysfunction including AIDS and Lupus should use Echinacea with caution. No studies have documented negative affects, but the action of the active constituents of Echinacea could theoretically complicate autoimmune problems.
Those with allergies to other members of the daisy family, ex. ragweed, should use Echinacea with caution.
Culinary Use:
Echinacea makes a pleasing tea.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Apple
Sat, 01/05/2008 - 20:56 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Malus domestica
Zones:
most
Apples are among the most common fruits eaten in the US and Europe. They grow just about anywhere. There are many varieties; most are small to medium sized tree.
Propagation:
For most varieties, you must plant two trees for pollination. Most trees will not produce fruit their first year and some may not produce much fruit until their third or fourth year. Dwarf varieties generally fruit quicker. Excessive pruning will cause plants to take longer to fruit.
Pick your apples when they are ripe. Apples must be picked by hand to avoid damage (don't shake the tree) though windfall apples (on the ground) can be gathered, the bad parts cut off, and the apples cooked that same day. Undamaged apples store very well in a cool spot provided they are kept clean and dry. Apples can be made into applesauce or apple butter and canned or baked in pies and frozen. They can also be dried. Just slice them thin and lay them out to dry in the sun, or use a food dehydrator.
Apple leaves can be plucked any time and dried like any other herb.
Gather apple blossoms when they bloom in the spring and dry by your preferred method.
Gather branches for wands and wreaths after a storm.
History and Folklore:
Apples grow wild in most of Europe. They have a very long history and are revered by many people. They are mentioned in old Saxon manuscripts and twenty two varieties were mentioned by Pliny. Now there are more than two thousand cultivated varieties.
Once upon a time, in parts of Britain, people wassailed their orchard trees on Christmas Eve to ensure their abundant fruiting the next year. The farmer and his family and helpers would go out to the orchard with cakes and cider and throw cider over the trees and place the cakes in their branches. They’d drink to the health of the trees, saying something like this-
Here’s to thee old apple tree
Whence thou may’st bud
And whence thou may’st bud
Hats full! and Caps full!
Bushel- bushel bags full!
And my pockets full too!
Huzzah!
This is said to have evolved from customs involving sacrifices to Pomona.
In the Edda, an old Scandinavian Saga, Iduna kept apples that the Gods would eat to ensure their eternal youth. In Greek folklore, the Hesperides guard apple trees that will provide the same gift to those who eat of them. Although the Bible never actually says so, many people believe that the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was an apple.
The Trojan war was started when the Goddess Eris threw an apple into the midst of a party of Goddesses, saying that it was for ‘the fairest’.
The sacred Isle of Avalon is also known as the Isle of Apples.
Apples are believed to be the preferred food of the dead in many faiths and make great offerings.
Harvesting & Storage:
Household Use:
Dried apples and branches can be used to make fragrant wreaths and other decorations. To dry the apples, just slice them thin and lay them out to dry in the sun. Branches can be braided into a wreath like any other wreath.
Magical Attributes:
Apples are sacred to many Goddesses including Aphrodite, Iduna, Freya, Pomona, Eris and through various folklore, Apples are associated with love, fidelity, fertility, marriage, beauty, vanity,wisdom, the soul, the afterlife and immortality. Apples are arguably the most magical and symbology laden of fruits.
Apple is feminine in nature and ruled by Taurus, Friday, and Venus.
If you slice an apple widthwise, you can see a five-pointed star. They are often used cut this way to decorate alters during harvest rituals.
Apple blossoms can be used in love and healing incense.
To ensure fidelity, give an apple to your lover as a gift. You eat one half, the lover the other.
Apples are a symbol of immortality and are given as an offering to the dead on Samhain.
Pour apple cider on the ground in your garden before you plant to give the earth life.
Apple wood is used to make wands.
If you peel an apple all in one piece and throw the peel over your shoulder, it will fall in the shape of your future mate's initials.
Healing Attributes:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. (seriously).
Apples are high and fiber and can be used to treat constipation. Granny Smith apples are great for this, eaten before bedtime. Stewed apples may be used as a gentle, but fast-acting laxitive.
They contain malic and tartaric acids which help neutralize the chemicals associated with gout.
The pectin in fresh apples can help treat heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
Apples are a great snack when you are having a low blood sugar moment.
Crushed apple leaves can be placed on a fresh wound to prevent infection.
The unsweetened juice will reduce acidity in the stomach, aid in digestion and help sour stomach.
The act of eating a whole apple (not sliced and peeled) cleans the teeth and freshens the breath. It helps remove plaque and push back the gums to remove deposits.
The bacteria that causes typhoid fever die in apple juice, so water of questionable wholesomeness can be mixed with cider or apple juice. (Of course, boiling is always best!)
For all feverish conditions; slice an apple and place in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer till the apple is soft. Strain and chill. Serve cold.
Culinary Use:
Apples are great raw and in pies, breads, apple sauce and apple butter. They are also good baked or candied. High in pectin, they are often used with other fruit to help jellies jell.
Apples are very easy to digest, the entire process taking only about 80 minutes. The sugars pass quickly into the bloodstream which makes it a good snack for those low blood sugar moments.
Apples have properties that make them good companions for other food. Cabbage relatives are known for containing chemicals that agrivate gout, apples contain chemicals that neutralize these and so apples are a good companion for cabbage. Also, apples help digest fats making them good companions for fatty meats, such as pork and duck. They are complimented well by warm (fire and sun corresponding) herbs such as ginger, cinnamon and allspice.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Keep apples in the fruit bowl or in the fridge at all times for a quick and easy snack to munch on at the computer, on the way out the door, or grab and put in a purse or backpack for later. If there are any left at the end of the week, bake them up in a pie or make apples & dumplings or serve them fried with red onions as a side dish with potato pancakes, cabbage or pork chops. Apples are extremely versatile.
St John's Wort
Sat, 12/29/2007 - 12:07 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Hypericum perforatum
Zones:
5-9
Other Names:
Saint John's Wort, St Joan's Wort
This is a bushy little perennial and very winter hardy. It grows to about one to three feet tall. Leaves are small, stalkless, opposite and pale bluish green growing up long brown stems.
Propagation:
Propagate by runners in the autumn or by seeds in the spring.
Average soil, partial to full sun.
Plants will need to be replaced after 5 years or so, but will spread if not checked. It is a very vigorous grower, spreading by both seeds and runners and should be kept in a pot or raised bed.
History and Folklore:
St. John's Wort has been used in medicine for over 2.400 years. It was used in ancient Greece and prescribed by Hippocrates and others for insanity, among other problems. It was also used in the Crusades to treat battle wounds.
It is associated with St. John the Baptist. It was gathered on St. John's Day and soaked in olive oil to create an anointing oili called the "Blood of Christ". It is said that the red sap "bleeds" in August on the day when St. John was beheaded.
There is much folklore about this plant.
The ancient name Fuga Daemonum (Scare Devil) and the Latin name Hypericum ("over" + "apparition") attests to its usefulness in driving away evil spirits. The latter may also refer to the fact that it was hung over religious icons. It was hung in the home, and carried as a talismani. It was also used to protect from lightening strikes.
On legend says that if you step on a St. John's Wort plant, you will be stolen away by a faerie horse.
St. John's Wort was also used for divinationi of romance and longevity. St. John's Wort was hung over the beds of the members of a household. The sprig that was most wilted indicated who would die the soonest. Keeping a sprig under your pillow is said to grant you a vision of St. John, who will promise that you will live another year. If no such vision comes, however...expect you will soon die.
Alli of these should, of course, be done on Midsummer or St. John's Eve.
It is traditionally burned in the Midsummer Fires. Flowers brought into the house on Midsummer Day are said to protect the household from a myriad misfortunes, including invasion by evil spirits, the evil eye, illness and fire.
Harvesting & Storage:
It is traditionally harvested on St. John's Day (June 24th) or Midsummer's day, early in the day after the dew has dried. Harvest soon after flowering.
Otherwise, harvest flowers and leaves as needed.
Household Use:
Flowers are used to produce a yellow dye. Stem produces a red dye.
In the garden St. John's Wort attracts bees. It does not produce nector so few adult butterflies are attracted to it. The Grey Hairstreak butterfly's larvae feeds on its seeds and the the Gray Half-Spot moth's larvae feeds on its foliage, so it may still be a useful addition to a butterfly garden.
The flowered stems are great for weaving into wreathes.
Magical Attributes:
St. John's Wort is linked with the Sun and Leo, Midsummer's Day, or St. John's Day.
St. John's Wort can be added to the fires for Midsummer celebrations and used to make garlands. The infused oil might be useful for an anointing oili for Midsummer rituals and exorcism. It's bloody red color also lends it well to death and rebirth rituals and celebrations of women's mysteries.
It can also be used for smudgingi during rituals of exorcism, especially of poltergeists.
Healing Attributes:
The most popular use of St. John's Wort medicinally is for depression. Studies of various constituents of this herb suggest that there is indeed something to the claim of its effectiveness against mild depression. It does not seem to be at all effective against severe depression.
St. John's Wort tea is also used for rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, shingles and symptoms of menopause. It is also a soothing muscle relaxer for when you overdo it (not for chronic problems).
The oil rubbed into joints may ease rheumatism. It is also used for minor wounds, burns and to help fade scars.
Infuse olive oil for topical use by stuffing a wide-mouthed jar with herb, then covering with olive oil and sealing. Place in a sunny window and shake a few times a day for six weeks. It will be bright red when done.
Culinary Use:
Makes a pleasant, slightly bitter tea.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
St John's Wort can render birth control pills and similar forms of contraception useless. Do not rely on these methods of birth control if you are using St. John's Wort!
St. John's Wort should also not be taken by patients using Indinavir, a drug often given to AIDS patients, Cyclosporin, an immunosuppressive drug given to transplant patients, and Warfarin, an anticoagulant.
Side affects of St. John's Wort may include dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash and photosensitivity. When using St. John's Wort, take extra care with sun protection.
If you are using St. John's Wort for depression, it is prudent to also seek therapy. Do not combine it with pharmaceutical anti- depressants.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use St. John's Wort as it may cause miscarriage and side affects for nursing infants are unpredictable.
Thyme
Sat, 12/29/2007 - 10:24 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Thymus spp
Zones:
4-9
Thyme is a member of the mint family. It is generally a low growing perennial, winter hardy to zone five.
Propagation:
Thyme prefers full sun to part shade and loose, fast draining soil, preferably sandy. The roots should never be allowed to stay wet. Thyme is winter hardy, but a light mulch will protect it when the ground freezes. It does not need fertilizers. Thyme does best if it is pruned in the spring or summer after its first year.
With the exception of Common Thyme, which is light germinated, so seeds should be scattered on the surface, the seeds are small and slow to germinate, and many varieties are sterile cultivars, so it is best to propagate by division or cuttings, or buy a plant at your local nursery.
Thyme and lavender grow well together, perhaps mainly because they enjoy the same conditions.
Grow thyme amongst cabbages to protect them from cabbage worms, flies, beetles and aphids.
History and Folklore:
The word Thyme comes from the Greek meaning to "fumigate". This indicates that it was used as a smudgingi herb. The Greeks thought very highly of Thyme. It was mixed in drinks to enhance intoxicating effects and induce bravery and warriors were massaged with thyme oil to ensure their courage. Women wore thyme in their hair to enhance their attractiveness. The phrase "to smell of thyme" meant that one was stylish, well groomed, poised, and otherwise attractive.
Thyme is a Mediterranean native spread throughout Europe by the Romans. Their soldiers added it to their bathwater to increase bravery, strength and vigor.
It enjoyed a long association with bravery. In Medieval England, ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme into their knights' scarves to increase their bravery. In Scotland, highlanders brewed tea to increase courage and keep away nightmares.
Thyme was used as early as 3000 BCE by Sumerians as an antiseptic. It does indeed have impressic antiseptic qualities.
It was used as an embalming herb in ancient Egypt and was burned in other places as offerings to celebrate Rites of Passing. It was placed in coffins throughout Europe to ensure passage into the next world.
Harvesting & Storage:
Leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the year. Give the plant a year to get established before doing any heavy harvesting. The best flavor is right before flowering.
Thyme dries very well. It should be dried as any other herb on the stem and the leaves stripped off later.
Household Use:
The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.
Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well if you have problems with dandruff.
Magical Attributes:
Thyme is feminine in nature and associated with the element of water and the planet Venus. Thyme is also associated with Freya, Aphrodite and Ares.
Thyme can be used in spells to increase strength and courage.
When working hard to achieve a goal that seems unachievable, thyme can be used to keep a positive attitude.
Smudgei your home with thyme to dispel melancholy, hopelessness and other mellow but negative vibrations, especially after a family tragedy or during a long sickness.
Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent nightmares.
Faeries love thyme. Its addition to your garden will attract them and it can be used in spells to communicate with faeries.
Thyme is excellent in rituali baths and smudgingi for early spring festivals when we seek to leave the old behind and begin anew.
Healing Attributes:
The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.
Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well, if you have problems with dandruff.
Medical Use
Thyme has been used as a cough remedy and digestive aid as well as a treatment for internal parasites.
The active constituent, Thymol, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and a strong scent that helps loosen phlegm and sooths the respiratory system. It is used in many over the counter cold remedies.
It is also used for athlete's foot and hemorrhoids.
For internal use, steep two teaspoons of fresh herb or one teaspoon of dried herb in one cup of boiling water. Drink no more than twice a day, in the morning and evening, to relieve lung problems and dispel parasites.
A stronger tea can be used as a mouthwash to treat sore gums, as a foot soak to get rid of athlete's foot, a body or hair rinse for lice or dip a rag in it and use it as a compress for skin inflammations.
Thyme can also be added to massage oils and bath oils for the treatment of rheumatism and general aches and pains. These oils can also be used for colds and lung complaints.
Use oil of thyme by dropping into an infuser, or into a pan of boiling water and inhaling the fumes up to four times daily to relieve congestion. Never take essential oils internally.
Culinary Use:
Thyme has a long association with cooking and is part of French Bouquet Garni and Herbes de Provence. The most common type of thyme used in cooking is Common Thyme or English Thyme, but there are many varieties that can be used, all bring their own personality to the table.
It adds a marvelous rich flavor to meat dishes and stews. Adds flavor to veggies too and is especially good on potatoes. Actually, you can put thyme on just about anything. Try it on grilled cheese sandwiches or in scrambled eggs. It combines well with parsley, sage and rosemary, as the song says.
Thyme is a tough herb, and should be added early in cooking as the flavor is slowly released by heat.
The flowers are edible as well as the leaves, and make a lovely garnish.
The woody stems can be laid over charcoal when barbequing to flavor the smoke.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Begin new projects with a hearty meal seasoned with thyme and herbed wine.
Serve meals heavily laced with thyme when your family is facing a difficult struggle to attain a goal to ensure that you all remain lighthearted and don't give up hope!
Plant many varieties of thyme inside and outside your home. Plant the small creeping varieties between stepping stones and the trailing varieties in hanging pots near heavy traffic areas. The scent will remind you and anyone else who spends time in your home that you are strong and capable and fill your home with hope and good cheer. Whenever you come home feeling drained and ready to give up, just breathe deeply and be refreshed.
All content copyright Dawn Black unless otherwise stated. No content may be distributed electronically or in print without express permission from the author.
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