Herbology
In this essay I will speak about the basics of herbology when it comes to paganism. What’s herbology? Herbology is the study of herbs. A brief insight of herbology can be classified into Growing, Uses, and magical properties.
Growing your own herbs is much better than buying them. Why? “Gardening is a remarkable and blessed thing. Many People find meditative calm and reflection through the practice of gardening, and through a connection to the cycles of the seasons” (Fallon, 2003, p.35). Growing an herb garden is the same as growing a vegetable or flower garden. You need to consider the weather, soil, space, time, and design of your region while planning an herb garden (Fallon, 2003, p.10-13). There many choices in herbs for your garden To name a few, there is Black Cohosh, Cinnamon, and Fennel (Harbar, O'Donnell, 1999, p.vi). There are many uses for herbs ranging from cooking to medicine.
The most common use for herbs is in the kitchen, usually as spice and flavoring. Most people don’t think of using herbs as a main ingredient. For example a restorative Chinese herbal soup contains only herbs except for an option of using broth instead of water (Harbar, O'Donnell, 1999, p.439). So, while at the same time being a food. The soup is also a remedy for a boost of energy during a stressing time, and helps build and support the blood, spleen, and kidneys (Harbar, O'Donnell, 1999, p.439). Herbs can also help enhance beauty. Take the rosewater and aloe rejuvenating lotion, (Fallon, 2003, p.186) “Rose is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and toning. The aloe in this lotion adds moisture and will leave your skin feeling fresh and new”. You can make lotions, creams, shampoos, and many other beauty aids with herbs. But those aren’t the only uses for herbs.
Herbs have many magical properties and uses as well, and can be used in many different ways. You can dry herbs and burn them as incense, put them in dream pillows, or you can even use them in candles. For example, you can burn specific kinds of incense before you go to sleep, depending on what you want to dream about (Illes, 2004, p.348-349). Besides dreams, herbs can be used for many purposes. You can use garlic and nettles in help with legal spells (Holland, 2000, p.102), and Ginseng, laurel, lavender, and myrtle for creativity (holland, 2000, p.78 ). Herbs are powerful components to any spell.
In conclusion, Herbology is useful in all aspects of life. There is always an herb for your need. Be it healthy eating, medicinal needs, cleansing and enhancing your beauty, or spells.
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