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Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 5:00 pm
Celandine SpiritLady Yve Celandine (Chelidonium Majus, also known as Chelidonium, Garden Celandine, Greater Celandine, Tetterwort, Killwart, Wartflower, Jacob's Ladder, Wartweed, Felonwort, Cockfoot, Devil's Milk, Jacob's-ladder, and Swallowwort) is a plant many confuse by name. (Three unrelated flowers share the name Celandine: Greater Celandine, Lesser Celandine, and Celandine Poppy) When I refer to Celandine, assume I mean Greater Celandine. The name Celandine comes from Chelidon, the Greek word for swallow. The Greeks believed that the plant flourished with the swallow's Spring arrival and withered with their Fall departure. Magikal Uses:Celandine is a herb of protection, and some use it for protection in legal matters. It is used by some practitioners as a herb to integrate in seasonal rituals to celebrate and represent the waxing of the Sun. Working with Celandine is appropriate when seeking victory. It also assists in increasing one's self-confidence when facing adversaries Medicinal and Other Uses:Celandine is used for gallbladder disorders (it's a cholagogue useful for insufficient bile), hepatitis, jaundice, uterine stimulant, some cancers, it helps prevent gall stone formation, and it is used externally for warts. Celandine has a marked anti-viral activity against retrovirus. It's used in the production of some yellow dyes for wool. ** When bruised this plant has an very unpleasant odor, and can be potentially toxic (It's stem juice can be highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, it may cause paralysis, and it is a central nervous system depressant)
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Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 5:04 pm
Burnet SpiritLady Yve Burnet (Sanguisorba Officinalis, also called Italian Pimpernel, Salad Burnet, and Greater Burnet) It's Latin name, Sanguisorba, translates as "drink up blood" referring to it's astringent qualities. Soldiers of old would drink tea made from the herb before going into battle in hopes that any wounds they received would be less severe. Magikal Uses:Burnet is a countermagik herb. It is used for protection and consecration. It is known for it's ability to banish negative energy. Use it in the consecration of ritual tools. Burnet can be used to treat depression and despondency. Medicinal and Other Uses:Burnet tea is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery because it's high tannin content makes it a strong astringent. Some people use the greens in their salads (it has a cucumber like taste). Because it is an anticoagulant it is used to stop external bleeding. Burnet is also used as an antibacterial. ** There is a lot of confusion between Greater Burnet and Garden Burnet (S. minor). Garden Burnet is much smaller in size.
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Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 5:07 pm
Blackberry SpiritLady Yve The Blackberry (Rubus Fructicosus, also called Brameberry, Bramble) has quite a bit of lore associated with it. One tale says that the Blackberry was cursed by Lucifer (Satan) when he fell from heaven and fell onto it's brambles. In Brittany, the Blackberry was considered a "fairy fruit" and consequently was untouchable. It is said that that the Crown of Thorns was made of brambles of the Blackberry. Quite a bit of negative thinking for one poor little vine methinks! The Blackberry is a member of the rose family. Magikal Uses:Blackberry is a herb of protection. The fruit can be dried and powdered in order to make an infusion or tea for use in the ritual cup when working rituals for health and healing. Brambles can be gathered and woven into pentagrams or wreaths and hung in the home for protection. Medicinal and Other Uses:One cup (or 140 gm) of Blackberries provide: 50% of your Daily Value of Vitamin C, 10% of your Daily Value of folate (Folic Acid, from folate, has been proven to reduce birth defects), 6 grams, or 22% of your Daily Value of fiber, and a good source of Potassium, Calcium, magnesium, Phosphorus, Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, and Iron. They are also a low-fat, sodium-free, cholesterol-free fruit. Their leaves were once used for burns and scalds. For females they help menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, they can be used for a uterine tonic, and astringent. Blackberry root is a commonly used digestive tract astringent. Blackberry tea is used for dysentery, fevers, and sore throats. ** Leaves need to be thoroughly dried to destroy the toxins before use.
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Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 5:10 pm
Borage SpiritLady Yve Borage (Borago Officinalis, also known as Bee Bread, and Starflower) is an ancient herb. It is believed that Borage's name is derived from either Celtic or Roman origin, for it implies a reputation of good will, courage, and bravery. The Roman naturalist Pliny extolled Borage for it's power to make men merry and joyful, and it was used in wine as a cure for melancholy. Magikal Uses:Borage is a herb of protection. Many float the flowers in a ritual bath. It raises one's spirits beautifully. Burn it as an incense for most Magikal workings, or use it as a Magikal tonic. It provides not only physical strength, but it also boosts strength of character. Medicinal and Other Uses:The flavor of Borage leaves resembles that of the cucumber (It's used in salads, soups, and some vegetable and meat dishes) Borage contains high levels (20-24%) of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). (GLA is a naturally occurring essential fatty acid mainly marketed over the counter as a dietary supplement) Borage stimulates adrenal glands, encouraging the production of adrenaline. Because it is a tonic plant for the adrenal glands, Borage provides an invaluable support for a stressful lifestyle. (It has a calming effect when used as a tea) Also used as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory, Borage with it's high mucilage composition helps soothes bronchitis, pleurisy and other maladies. Borage is rich in minerals, especially Potassium. A tea made with Borage helps to reduce fevers and ease chest colds. An infusion of Borage acts as a galactogogue, promoting the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers. Borage makes an excellent facial steam for improving very dry, sensitive skin. Candied Borage flowers make attractive cake decorations just like Violets are candied. ** Borage needs protection from wind as it is easily blown over. (Place plants close together so they can support each other) A plant or two in an indoor pot will provide leaves all winter, but it will need lots of sun. Borage is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, squash and strawberries. (The plant actually improves the flavor of tomatoes growing nearby!) It is also a great hummingbird and bee plant and self-seeds generously.
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Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 5:13 pm
Betony, Wood SpiritLady Yve Wood Betony (Betonica Officinalis or Stachys Officinalis, also called Bishopswort) was grown in the gardens of monastaries and apothecaries where it was utilized extensively as a nerve tonic. The Romans record 47 different virtues of Wood Betony. The Spanish have a saying: "he has as many virtues as Betony." Betony has a long established reputation as being very powerful in it's ability to protect someone against dark forces and negative energy. Magikal Uses:Wood Betony is a herb of protection and purification. It is an excellant herb for Magikal healing, and it protects one against those dark fears and demons that arise out of one's own emotions and imagination. This was a very magiKal herb to the Druids. (It was burned at Midsummer Solstice for purification and protection) This herb is a good addition to any dream pillow. Medicinal and Other Uses:Betony gently tones and strengthens the nervous system while it also has a relaxing action. It's good for nervous debility associated with anxiety and tension. It will ease headaches and neuralgia when they are of nervous origin, and especially those caused by hypertension. For the treatment of nervous headache it combines well with Scullcap. It's also good for neuralgia, stomach trouble, heartburn, indigestion, stomach cramps, hepatitis, palsy, convulsions, gout, colic, colds, flu, and poisonous bites. A 1962 European study found that it did reduce high blood pressure, and it is often claimed to strengthen the heart. It stimulates the immune system and is said to protect against many diseases. One study found that it kills the tuberculosis bacteria. (Animals are said to seek it out when they are wounded)
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