Elder, American

Elder, American
(Sambucus canadensis) Ripe fruit: G
All other parts X

Folk Names: Alhuren, Battree, Boure Tree, Bour Tree, Eldrum, Ellhorn, Frau Holle (German), Hildemoer (Gernam),
Hollunder (German), Hylder, Lady Elder, Sureau (French), Sweet Elder, Tree of Doom, Yakori Bengeskro (Romany-Devil's Eye)

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Deities: Holda, Venus
Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Prosperity, Sleep
Ritual Uses: The elder was used in burial rites in ancient British long barrows. It is sacred to many Mother Goddess figures, due to its white flowers. Witches and spirits were thought to live within the elder; this was why it 'bled' red sap when cut. Before felling an elder the following fomula was recited:

"Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood,

And I will give thee of mine, ]

When I become a tree."

This is a recited kneeling before the tree, prior to making the first cut, and allows the Witch or spirit within the tree time to vacate.

Magical Uses: If worn, elder wards off attackers of every kind. Hung over doorways and windows it keeps evil from the house. It also has the power to force an evil magician to release any enchantments or spells they may have cast against you. The berries, when carried, protect against evil and negativity. Grown in the garden, elder protects the househo9ld against the ravages of sorcery, and shields it from lightning.

   To bless a person, place, or thing, scatter the leaves and berries of the elder to the four winds in the name of the person or object to be blessed. Then scatter some more elder over the person or object itself, and it is done.

   To lose a fever, poke an elder twig into the ground while keeping completely silent. Toothaches may be alleviated by chewing on an elder twig, and then placing it into the wall while saying:

"Depart thou evil spirit!"

Toothaches were once thought to be caused by evil spirits.

   To prevent rheumatism, tie the twig of eder into three or four knots and carry in the pocket.

  Warts can be cured by rubbing them with a green elder twig and then burying it to rot in the mud.

  Grown near the home, the elder give prosperity to the household, and then sticks placed about the house protect against robbers and snakes.

  Elder is used at weddings to bring good luck to the couple, and pregnant women kiss the tree for good fortune for the coming baby.

  Place elderberries beneath your pillow if you have difficulty sleeping. They'll allow you to slumber peacefully.

   Carry elder to preserve you against the temptation to commit adultery. Make flutes from the branches and call forth the spirits with thier music. Best done at midnight in a deserted place far from the haunts of humans.

  Many think it dangerous to burn elder wood, and some Gypsies strictly forbade its use as a firewood. However, magicians have used its wood in fashioning magic wands for centuries.

[From: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs]

Elderberry Bush/Tree

LATIN NAME:

Sambucus nigra

The Elderberry tree is also known as Elder, Black elder, European elder, German elder, Common elder, Elder flower, Bore tree, and Pipe tree.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Elderberry tree is a deciduous small tree that can grow to thirty feet in height. It bears large oval shaped leaves and large, creamy white heads of small, sweet-smelling flowers. The flowers are followed by purplish-blue berries in autumn.

For centuries people have found that the benefits of Elderberry are found in each and every part of the plant. It is used for making tea, cordials, wines, jams, jellies, chutneys, fruit tarts, ice cream, and fritters. Elderberry juice is a wonderful tonic and cleanser for the glandular and reproductive system.

The Elderberry tree is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa and the eastern United States.

Compounds in Elderberry (use extract) have shown Elderberry benefits include protection against eight strains of human influenza virus, while the flue shot only protects against one or two, at the most three. Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infection and stimulates the immune system to work against viruses such as herpes simplex and HIV.

Here are some more benefits of Elderberry trees.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* asthma
* bronchitis
* colds
* influenza
* upper respiratory tract infections
* feverish conditions
* sinusitis
* an immune system stimulate
* allergies
* congestion
* ear infection
* throat infection
* constipation

Apply externally for:

* bruises
* sprains
* wounds
* inflamed skin
* arthritis
* rheumatism

PREPARATION:

The Elderberry tree is available in tincture, lotion, capsule, homeopathic tablet, extract, and bulk herb.
It can be used as an infusion, juice, ointment, compress, and poultice.

Parts used: Flowers, berries, bark, leaves

Collection: Flowers are collected in spring and early summer, the bark and berries are best collected in late summer and early Fall.

Constituents: Flowers - flavonoids, hydro cyanic glycoside sambunigrine, tannins, essential oil Berries - invert sugar, fruit acids, vitamin C and P, tannin, anthrocyanic pigments, traces of essential oil

Actions: Bark - purgative, emetic, diuretic Leaves - (externally) emollient, vulnerary; (internally) purgative, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic Flowers - diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, pectoral, anti-inflammatory, antiviral Berries - diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, tonic

Combinations: Elderberry can be combined with Peppermint, Yarrow or Hyssop for colds and fever. Elderberry can be combined with Boneset for influenza. Elderberry can be combined with Golden Rod for catarrhal states.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Elderberry (Elder) should not be used during pregnancy.

* Uncooked Elderberries can cause nausea and vomiting.

* Elderberry juice in large dosages can cause uncontrollable diarrhea.

* The stems of the Elderberry plant should be avoided. They are toxic because of their cyanide content.

Elderberry Herbal Bath:

The essence of the Elderberry plant is not extracted, but it exhibit’s a musky-foxy scent that will help to ease congestion from the head, ears, and chest.

For a relaxing evening bath: Infuse 5 fresh Elder flower heads or 3 Elderflower teabags in 11/4-2 cups of whole milk for a few hours, then add the milk to a drawn bath. The flower heads will look beautiful flowing in the water. Elderflower teabags are also good for refreshing tired eyes.
[From:
http://www.natural-herbal-remedies.net/elderberry-tree.html ]


And from
http://www.paghat.com/elderberrymyths.html

Myths & Legends of Black Elderberry

Pacific Coast Red Elderberry











Black Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Täyttä kukintaa, kasvitieteellinen puutarha, Kaisaniemi, Helsinki 2 - Full blooming, the botanical garden, Kaisaniemi, Helsinki (Finland) 2.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Betony, Wood

Betony, Wood
(Stachys betonica, Stachys officinalis,
Betonica officinali) G.

Folk Names: Bishopwort, Lousewort, Purple Betony
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Purification, Love
Magical Uses: Betony has long been celebrated as a protective and purification herb. The pseudo-Apuleius said that the plant protected the wearer's soul as well as the body, and that when placed beneath the pillow it shielded the sleeper from visions and dreams. Betony is added to purification and protection mixtures and incenses, and it is traditional on Midsummer to burn it on a bonfire and then jump through the smoke to purify the body of ills and evil.
   Betony is also grown in gardens to protect the home, and is scattered near doors and windows. This forms a kind of protective wall around the property through which no evil can pass.
   Betony is a also a good plant to carry when making love advances, and it is said to reunite quarelling couples if the plant is added to food.
   Additionally, betony prevents intoxication if carred, strengthening the body when worn, and is a cure for the mysterious disease known as 'elf-sickness.'
[From Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs]

  Now I had to look up this 'elf-sickness' and here is what I found:
"Anglo-Saxon medical textbooks and collections of healing charms refer to ‘elf sickness’, ‘water-elf sickness’, and ‘elf shot’; the latter could afflict horses, cattle, or humans, and was thought to be caused when elves shot them with small darts. Prehistoric flint arrow heads were long known as ‘elf arrows’ or ‘elf bolts’. Elves were also blamed for tangling human hair and horses' manes during the night (‘elf locks’), and for ‘riding’ humans and horses by night, causing nightmares, sweating, and restless sleep."
    I have heard of elf bolts before and some of what is mentioned here so I feel satisfied what this 'elf-sickenss' means.

   

WOOD BETONY, also known as Lousewort, is said to be protective against evil spirits and diseases of the body. It may be burned on charcoal with Agrimony and Uncrossing Incense to reverse jinxes back to those who put them on you. A nine-herb blend of equal parts Wood Betony, Verbena, Yarrow, Elecampane, Rue, Mugwort, Celandine, Nettle, and White Clover is an old European-style protective “tea” that is used as a shielding and reversing bath against witches and the work that they do. Brew the nine herbs together while praying over them and bathe downward to rid yourself of the evil influences. We do not make any spiritual representations for WOOD BETONY, and sell it as a genuine botanical Curio only.


-- The Lucky Mojo Curio Co. catalogue

http://www.herb-magic.com/wood-betony.html




Wood Betony Herb Profile from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/wood_betony.php

Also known as
Stachys officinalis, Betony, Lousewort, Bishopwort, Common Hedge-Nettle, and Spiked Betony.

Introduction

"Sell your coat and buy betony, admonished an Italian proverb of the Middle Ages. Wood betony was once considered an herbal "magic bullet" for dispelling a wide variety of diseases. Antonius Musa, chief physician to the Roman emperor Caesar August, catalogued 47 conditions he treated with the herb. Wood betony is an herb native to Europe bearing a spike of purple flowers on a long, central stem reaching 1-2 feet (60 to 90 cm) high. All the leaves are rough to the touch and are also fringed with short, fine hairs; their whole surface is dotted with glands containing a bitter, aromatic oil.

Constituents

Betaine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, harpagide, rosmarinic acid, stachydrine, tannins.

Parts Used

The whole herb, collected in dry weather.

Typical Preparations

Gargles, extracts and teas. Seldom found encapsulated.

Summary

Centuries of European herbalists used wood betony as a calming remedy and to treat eczema, hives, and shingles. Wood betony teas also treat sore throats caused by allergies or colds, heartburn, and inflammation due to infections of the urinary tract. The herb is used in combination with other treatments to remove intestinal parasites.

Precautions
Russian research indicates that the traditional warning for nursing mothers not to use wood betony is not warranted. Drink the tea at a meal for maximum benefit.

Wood Betony and Its Herbal Properties


Biological Description

Wood Betony is a healing herb for many ailments that is also known under the names Bishop’s wort, Purple Betony and its biological names Betonica officinalis or Stachys Betonica.

This perennial herb belongs to the family Labiatae. It is rather tall, grows up to 70cm; you can easily find it because of its numerous bright purple flowers ( nearly 15 in one cluster) on the very end of its upright thick green stem.

Flowers can be yellow to red in color; are in bloom during mid and ends of the summer. Betony’s leaves are narrowly oval and hairy, dark green in color, upper leaves are smaller than lower ones; grow from several rosettes on its stem.

Growing

Wood Betony is native to Europe, but nowadays can be found in many other countries of Asia, some northern states of America, Mexico and even Africa. Many herbalists find Betony to be difficult to cultivate, as it requires rather moist soil which is well-drained, and sunny (or partially shaded) location.

You can see Wood Betony in open woods, roadsides and meadows, as well as it is also cultivated in lots of regions of temporary climates.

Parts Used

It herbal purposes the entire herb is used: its upper aerial part and its root. As for its aerial part - it should be collected just before it’s blooming, approximately in the beginning of July (in case of hot summer – at the end of June) necessarily in dry weather. This part is then dried and used for various ailments and states. The best way for that is to let it dry in open sunlight throughout summer.

Market

Wood Betony is available on the market in various forms, but mainly in extracts, tinctures and teas. Betony Teas are very good in taste (similar with oriental black), infusions are often drunk as tea as well (from leaves or root). Leaves (fresh or dried) are used for poultice preparation. Betony can be found in form of gargles, wash, capsules and in mixture with other herbs (such as skullcap, yarrow, lavender, etc.) and even wines (for tonic drinks). Fresh roots are very sweet and often used in culinary properties as well.

Action

The herb contains lots of useful active compounds that give it its astringent, tonic, sedative, and relaxing properties. Wood Betony contains various alkaloids, saponins and tannins as active constituents that make the herb rather effective herbal remedy in case of diarrhea, premenstrual pains, palpitations, bronchitis, asthma, and even kidney stones.

For the same reason it is recommended as gargles, as Betony poultices and mouthwash soothe throat‘s mucous membranes. Wood Betony is an effective remedy for headaches and nervousness, due to glycoside constituent, that is believed to lower blood pressure.

It relaxes the whole body (especially the head area) and gives calm and peace, stimulates different body systems (such as digestive). It has been also long believed that Betony gives peaceful sleep and good dreams, purifies the body (especially the blood system), and even gives protection both for good health and good fortune.

Health Benefits
Wood Betony usage is now limited and used for several ailments (it has earlier been used as a cure-all), mainly for:
Treating headaches and facial pain,
Neuralgia
Its sedative properties are used for calming down emotional tension and treating anxiety and stress (it also strengthens the nervous system of the body), promotes good sleep
Nervous disorders
Treating diarrhea (very small doses are used, as in large it gives laxative effect)
Memory problems and lack of concentration
Depression
Nasal congestion and pain in facial region due to sinusitis
Nosebleeds
Chronic rheumatism
Wounds and bruises (poultice from fresh leaves is used), ulcers (when infusion is added to a bath)
Mouth ulcers, gum inflammations and sore throat (mouthwash is used)
Stomach cramps (as it stimulates and cleanse digestive system) and gastritis
For improving of the function of the liver
Premenstrual (menstrual )pain
May be helpful in case of hard and painful labor (though some sources do not recommend Betony for pregnant women usage)
In case of different ailment with lung (bronchitis, asthma)
It is even used in case of insect bites, worm and some other ailment

The herb is generally used as a general tonic with ability to cause muscles to relax. The effectiveness is doubled when the herb is used in combination with other herbs, but this is the prerogative of the professional herbalist. The taste of Betony is rather sweet and slightly bitter, so it usually used together with honey or hot milk.

Here are averages doses for using Wood Betony:

Infusions, Tea: l-2 teaspoon of a dried herb (or leaves) with 1 cup of boiled water, drink after 10 minutes
Capsules: take two capsules twice a day with full glass of water after your meal
Tinctures: take 2-6 ml of the tincture 3 times a day

Note, that the herb should be used for a long time (about a month) for the result to be seen. And it is very important to follow the recommended dose and not to exceed it (it is considered to be nontoxic, but still may lead to mild stomach upset).

Here is a picture of a really beautiful red wood betony bloom.  This plant seems to come in a variety of flower
bloom colors.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort
(Hypericum perforatum): Poison (depression)  DI* (Drug Interactions are possible)
May potentiate MOA-I medications

Folk Names: Amber, Fuga daemonum (Latin: Scare-Devil), Goat Weed, Herba Johnl, John's Wort, Klamath Weed, Sol Terrestis, Tipton Weed
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deity: Baldur
Powers: Health, Protection, Strength, Love Divination, Happiness
Magical Uses: Worn, St. John's Wort wards off fevers and colds, makes soldiers invencible, and attracts love. If it is gathered on Midsummer or on a Friday and worn it will keep mental illness at bay and will also cure melancholy. When placed in a jar and hung by a window, St. John's Wort protects against thunderbolts, fire, and evil spirits. Both flowers and leaves are used for this purpose. It is also dried over the Midsummer fires and hung near the window to keep ghosts, necromancers, and other evildoers from the house, and is burned to banish spirits and demons.
   Any part of the herb placed beneath the pillow allows unmarried women to dream of their future husbands. Use in rituals or carry to detect other magicians; at one time it was held to the mouth of accused Witches to attempt to force them to confess.
[From Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs]

St. John's Wort is a herbaceous perennial growing freely wild to a height of 1 to 3 feet in uncultivated ground, woods, hedges, roadsides, and meadows; short, decumbent, barren shoots and erect stems branching in upper part, glabrous; leaves pale green, sessile, oblong, with pellucid dots or oil glands which may be seen on holding leaf to light. Flowers bright cheery yellow in terminal corymb. Calyx and corolla marked with black dots and lines; sepals and petals five in number; ovary pear-shaped with three long styles. Stamens in three bundles joined by their bases only. Blooms June to August, followed by numerous small round blackish seeds which have a resinous smell and are contained in a three-celled capsule; odour peculiar, terebenthic; taste bitter, astringent and balsamic.

St. John’s wort is one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States. It's a shrubby perennial plant with bright yellow flowers. St. John's wort got it's name because the flowers were said to bloom for the first time around June 24, the birthday of St. John the Baptist. The word "wort" means "plant" in Old English.


St. John’s wort has long been used as a folk remedy for emotional disorders. It was once thought to rid the body of evil spirits. St. John’s wort has also been used for wound healing and for a variety of other conditions.

St. John's wort is best known as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression, but it's also being studied for other conditions such as: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Skin Conditions  (Oil of St. John's wort, applied to the skin, was a folk remedy for skin injuries, nerve pain, burns and hemorrhoids.), Ear Pain (Some alternative practitioners recommend St. John's wort for ear pain due to an ear infection -otitis media), Smoking Cessation (St. John's wort is being explored for smoking cessation. Although promising, well-designed studies are needed.).
 
Side Effects and Safety Concerns


In published studies, the most common side effects associated with short-term use of St. John’s wort supplements have included mild stomach upset; allergic skin reactions; tiredness; restlessness; anxiety; sexual/erectile dysfunction; dizziness; dry mouth and headache. If applied to the skin, St. John’s wort may cause a skin rash. St. John’s wort (both oral or topical) increases the sensitivity of skin and eyes to sunlight.

Rarely, St. John’s wort has been associated with serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition resulting from an excess of serotonin in the central nervous system. Symptoms include confusion, fever, hallucinations, nausea, loss of muscle coordination, sweating, and shakiness. Use with antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, has been associated with this. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking St. John’s wort and seek immediate medical attention.

Important Notes About St. John's Wort

•St. John’s wort may worsen symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other mental conditions; it may also lead to psychosis or mania.
•People with diagnosed or suspected depression should consult a doctor to ensure that their condition is properly assessed and treated.
•Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those trying to conceive, should avoid St. John's wort.
•St. John’s wort should not be taken by organ transplant recipients, as it may cause organ rejection.
•In one small study, St. John’s wort was associated with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
•Do not stop taking prescription drugs without consulting your doctor.

The translucent dots on the St John's wort leaves

The Process of cold Maceration

The Process of Cold Maceration

  This entry is a continuation of the previous blog entry here and comes from the same source: article by Sara Greer in the 2002 Herbal Almanac by Llewellyn......

   The process of cold maceration is as simple as the description given in previous blog entry. To start, take a clean glass jar, preferably with a lined or nonmeta lid.  Select your herbs, making sure they won't fill the jar more than two-thirds of the way. If you are using fresh herbs, pack them gently down. Fresh or dried leaves and flowers may be left whole, but seeds should be bruised and rioots sliced or borken up. Pour your oil over the herbs, making sure to cover them by a depth of an inch or more. If the herbs tend to float, or if you see a lot of air bubbles among them, stir the herbs into the oil with a clean nonmetal spoon or chopstick. A few tiny air bubbles are nothing to worry about, since the oil will usually percolate throughout the mass of herb.

  Cover your maceration tightly. If your jar has a metal lid, put a layer of plastic wrap over the mouth of the jar to keep the maceration fromk contacting the metal. Label your jar with the contents and date it, putting it on shelf in a cool dark place. In my experience closets are great, as long as they don't contain a hot water heater. You might want to check the maceration after a day or two. Some dried herbs tend to absorbe a lot of oil, so depending on which herbs you have used you may need to pour more oil into the jar. On the other hand some fresh herbs may cause a very full jar to overflow, and any signs of leakage can be countered by putting a plate under the jar to catch the drips.

  Aftr four to eight weeks, you can go peek at your work. Fresh herb macerations will be ready by now, but if used dried herbs or really tough fresh roots you may want to leave it at least a month longer. I normally leave dry herb and seed or root macerations for up to nine months, leaves or fkowers for around four months. If the oil has changed color and taken on a strong scent of the herbs, you're probably looking at a finished maceration. Many herbalists also develop a sixth sense that tells them very clearly whether something is ready or not, so if you get that familiar tug at your awareness listen to it.

The Advantages of Cold Maceration

The difference between cold maceration and other methods of extracting the properties of herbs is that cold maceraton uses no added heat in the extraction process. Hot maceration uses moderate amounts of heat on the stove top to extract the herb's constituents in a few hours time. Warm maceraton, which normally involoves a Crock-pot or simmer-pot, uses low heat to hold maceraton at 110 to 120 degrees continuously for several days. Cold maceration extracts the plant constituents at room temperature, taking approximately one to six months depending on the herb and plant part used. It is similar to the tincturing process, but with oil as the solvent.

   The unassisted process of extractioin sums up the essential qualities of cold maceration. As the maceration rests on its col dark shelf, the constituents of the plant matterpercolate gradually into the oil. The oil's color, scent and sometimes even texture change. Bit by bit as the weeks pass. The results are dramatically visible if you put a jar of maceration away in June and look at it next in October. That dried plantain leaf has turned the oil an intense green so dark it looks black, and the caendula macertion is an incredible orange-gold. Then there's the arnica/cayenne blend, which practically glows in the dark.

  Cold maceration by its very nature has certain advantages. The primary advantage is that cold maceration maximizes the usefulness of dried herbgs. Dried plant material gives up its medicine more slowly than fresh material. Over the time periods normally used in cold maceration, the oil throroughly penetrates the dried plant matter and extracts the constituents. As long as the dried herb is still potent, you can get excellent results with cold maceration. This makes it a good technique for people who want to make their own herbal remedies but need to rely on dried herbs purchased from a shop or catalog. Plenty of urban herbalists have little no garden and are unable to purchase fresh herbs. They can make a lot effective medicines using cold maceration.

  Another advantage is shelf life. Extraction by gradual percolation instead of by added heat doesn't 'cook' the oil or plant matter. Since this reduces the risk of rancitity, it can prolong the shelf life of the product. If spoilage is one of your concerns, cold maceration can help - a properly made and properly stored cold-macerated salve can keep for as long as six to eight years. If you are using cold maceration for this reason, though, I would advise making your maceration with dried or partially dried herbs. The extra moisture content from a fresh herb would offset the keeping advantages of an uncooked product. ]

  Cold maceration has another good point: It doesn't require much tending. This can make your life as a herbalist much easier particularly if you travel a lot, work unpredictable hours, or have kids. Even if you're busy and stressed, you can get a cold maceration going in less than ten minutes and stash it on the closet shelf. A few months later, having ignored your maceration all the while, you can strain and bottle the oil in approximatey half an hour. If something complicates your schedule at the time you intended to filter out your oil, just leave the maceration on the shelf until you are able to finish it. Due to a series of unexpected events, I once left a jar of maceration sitting for almost two years. Not only was it still good when I filtered it, it yielded one of the best salves I've ever produced.

  Cold maceration also has a couple of natural disadvantages, however. One is its mixed performance with fresh herbs. The high moisture content of some fresh herbs can result in mold or other spoilage while your maceration soaks. It does well with oily or woody herbs, such as rosemary, or St. John's wort, but cold maceration is a poor method for making infused oils with soft succulent herbs ike comfrey or fresh flowers. You can partially offset this by letting fresh herbs dry for a day or two before putting them into your maceratin, or by floating a layer of vodka on top of the oil to soak up moisture. But frankly, your best bet is to infuse most juicy fresh herbs with warm or hot maceration instead of the cold technique. The heat drives off any extra moisture, or leaves it in a separate layer on the bottom of the pot.

  Another disadvantage is that some oils don't work well as a medium for cold maceration. Any oil with a fairly short shelf life should not be used for cold maceration since the oil itself may spoil before the maceration is finished. I always use extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil, which keeps well for a long time under the approximately 60-degree temperature in my herb closet.

  Oveall, cold maceration is a wonderfully flexible oil infusion technique. During my hectic summers, I need only one quiet weekend to get my whole winter's stock of oils going. I can filter them out during the year on an as-needed basis, and can easily control the strength of each maceration. Since the oils have a long shelf life, I can filter an oil in a few spare minutes and make salve out of it weeks and months later. My cold macerations fit into the changing rhythm of my life, as these oil develop at the same gntle steady pace as the year itself - the same pact that creates the rhythms of birth, growth, and death in the plant realm.

The Art of Cold Maceration

The Art of Cold Maceration


This is an article by Sara Greer in the 2002 Herbal Almananc by Llewellyn .

    Your best friend calls you to announce she is pregrant.  After you hang up the phone, you go to your herb cupboard and get out dried calendula flowers. You place some of the flowers into a clean canning jar, and perhaps you mash them up with a pestle or the back of a spoon. Then you reach for your bottle of extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil and pour enough over the flowers to cover them completely, plus another inch for ligniappe. You put the lid on the jar, label it with the date and contents, and tuck it away on a closet shelf where it will stand in cool darkness until needed.

Eight months later, a few days before the baby is due,  you get down the jar of now golden oil. You lay cotton muslin over a strainer, set it over a fresh jar, and pour the maceration into it. The oil passes freely through the cloth, leaving behind any particulars. You press the flowers gently but firmly, squeezing out as much oil as you can. Eventually, when the drip of oil into the new jar has slowed and no more oil can be squeezede out, you take your harvest into the kitchen. There you divide the oil, bottling a part of it, placing the rest into a glass saucepan. You grate beeswax into the pan as it warms gently on the stove. Perhaps you add a few drops of essential oil of lavender, or a tincture of balsam poplar buds, or some angelica flower essence.  When the wax has melted, you add several drops of tincture of benzoin as a preservative and pour the fresh salve into small jars. It will cool into a soft soothing substance to smooth on mother and baby's skin. The oil, too, will mosturize skin and heal minor ailments for both recipients. You add decorative labels to the jars and bottles, pack them into a pretty basket and present it to your friend after the birth. She is delighted with your gift.

  Many natural processes take place gradually, over a more or less long period of time. The gestation of a child is one; cold maceration of herbs in oil is another. Crusaders in medieval times would fill a flask with olive oil and St. John's wort flowers when they took to the road, knowing that they would have a potent red oil by the time they arrived in the Holy Land.... 

Modern herbalists, following a slightly different road, can use cold maceration to prepare weeks or months in advance for the ailments and injuries of daily life - anticipate the colds and flues of winter with warming oil rubs beun in May, prepare for June's sunburns with violet vinegar you've been steeping since February.

  Or say you decide to make a healing oil with some fresh St. John's Wort from your garden. You put it to macerate in olive oil and go about your summer business. After four weeks your maceration has taken on the ruby hue of a successful fresh St. John's wort oil. As this oil is for your dog, who has developed a tendency to get infected ulcerations on her back, you want this batch to be really strong. Just filter out the herbs from oil, put a fresh batch of herbs into a clean jar, add the oil, label it, and tuck it back onto its shelf for another monthy or two. In time you'll have a jar of oil that you could use as a stop light, and your dog will be feeling just from sniffing it.

(To be continued)

Angelica

Angelica
(Angelica archangelica)

Folk Names: Archangel, Masterwort, Garden Angelica
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deity: Venus
Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing
Magical Uses: Grown, the plant is protective. Use in all protection and exorcism incenses. Sprinkle the four corners of the house with angelica to ward off evil, or do this around the perimeter of the house. Added to the bath, angelica removes curses, hexes, and any spells that may have been cast against you. The root was carried in the pocket as a gambling talisman among some American Indian tribes. Angelica is also used in healing incenses and mixtures, and smoking the leaves is said to cause visions.
[From Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs"]

Description---The roots of the Common Angelica are long and spindle-shaped, thick and fleshy - large specimens weighing sometimes as much as three pounds - and are beset with many long, descending rootlets. The stems are stout fluted, 4 to 6 feet high and hollow. The foliage is bold and pleasing, the leaves are on long stout, hollow footstalks, often 3 feet in length, reddish purple at the much dilated, clasping bases; the blades, of a bright green colour, are much cut into, being composed of numerous small leaflets, divided into three principal groups, each of which is again subdivided into three lesser groups. The edges of the leaflets are finely toothed or serrated. The flowers, small and numerous, yellowish or greenish in colour, are grouped into large, globular umbels. They blossom in July and are succeeded by pale yellow, oblong fruits, 1/6 to a 1/4 inch in length when ripe, with membraneous edges, flattened on one side and convex on the other, which bears three prominent ribs. Both the odour and taste of the fruits are pleasantly aromatic.

Our native form, A. sylvestris (Linn.), is hairy in stalk and stem to a degree which makes a well-marked difference. Its flowers differ, also, in being white, tinged with purple. The stem is purple and furrowed. This species is said to yield a good, yellow dye.

Angelica is unique amongst the Umbelliferae for its pervading aromatic odour, a pleasant perfume, entirely differing from Fennel, Parsley, Anise, Caraway or Chervil. One old writer compares it to Musk, others liken it to Juniper. Even the roots are fragrant, and form one of the principal aromatics of European growth- the other parts of the plant have the same flavour, but their active principles are considered more perishable.

History---Its virtues are praised by old writers, and the name itself, as well as the folk-lore of all North European countries and nations, testify to the great antiquity of a belief in its merits as a protection against contagion, for purifying the blood, and for curing every conceivable malady: it was held a sovereign remedy for poisons agues and all infectious maladies. In Couriand, Livonia and the low lakelands of Pomerania and East Prussia, wild-growing Angelica abounds; there, in early summer-time, it has been the custom among the peasants to march into the towns carrying the Angelica flower-stems and to offer them for sale, chanting some ancient ditty in Lettish words, so antiquated as to be unintelligible even to the singers themselves. The chanted words and the tune are learnt in childhood, and may be attributed to a survival of some Pagan festival with which the plant was originally associated. After the introduction of Christianity, the plant became linked in the popular mind with some archangelic patronage, and associated with the spring-time festival of the Annunciation. According to one legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague. Another explanation of the name of this plant is that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8, old style), and is on that account a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft: all parts of the plant were believed efficacious against spells and enchantment. It was held in such esteem that it was called 'The Root of the Holy Ghost.'

Angelica may be termed a perennial herbaceous plant. It is biennial only in the botanical sense of that term, that is to say, it is neither annual, nor naturally perennial: the seedlings make but little advance towards maturity within twelve months, whilst old plants die off after seeding once, which event may be at a much more remote period than in the second year of growth. Only very advanced seedlings flower in their second year, and the third year of growth commonly completes the full period of life. There is another species, Angelica heterocarpa, a native of Spain, which is credited as truly perennial; it flowers a few weeks later than the biennial species, and is not so ornamental in its foliage.

Cultivation---Cultivate in ordinary deep, moist loam, in a shady position, as the plant thrives best in a damp soil and loves to grow near running water. Although the natural habitat is in damp soil and in open quarters, yet it can withstand adverse environment wonderfully well, and even endure severe winter frost without harm. Seedlings will even successfully develop and flower under trees, whose shelter creates an area of summer dryness in the surface soil, but, of course, though such conditions may be allowable when Angelica is grown merely as an ornamental plant, it must be given the best treatment as regards suitable soil and situation when grown for its use commercially. Insects and garden pests do not attack the plant with much avidity: its worst enemy is a small twowinged fly, of which the maggots are leafminers, resembling those of the celery plant and of the spinach leaf.


---Propagation---should not be attempted otherwise than by the sowing of ripe, fresh seed, though division of old roots is sometimes recommended, and also propagation by offshoots, which are thrown out by a two-yearold plant when cut down in June for the sake of the stems, and which transplanted to 2 feet or more apart, will provide a quick method of propagation, considered inferior, however, to that of raising by seed. Since the germinating capacity of the seeds rapidly deteriorates, they should be sown as soon as ripe in August or early September. If kept till March, especially if stored in paper packets, their vitality is likely to be seriously impaired. In the autumn, the seeds may be sown where the plants are to remain, or preferably in a nursery bed, which as a rule will not need protection during the winter. A very slight covering of earth is best. Young seedlings, but not the old plants, are amenable to transplantation. The seedlings should be transplanted when still small, for their first summer's growth, to a distance of about 18 inches apart. In the autumn they can be removed to permanent quarters, the plants being then set 3 feet apart.

---Parts Used---The roots and leaves for medicinal purposes, also the seeds.

The stems and seeds for use in confectionery and flavouring and the preparation of liqueurs.

The dried leaves, on account of their aromatic qualities, are used in the preparation of hop bitters.

The whole plant is aromatic, but the root only is official in the Swiss, Austrian and German Pharmacopoeias.

Angelica roots should be dried rapidly and placed in air-tight receptacles. They will then retain their medicinal virtues for many years.

The root should be dug up in the autumn of the first year, as it is then least liable to become mouldy and worm-eaten: it is very apt to be attacked by insects. Where very thick, the roots should be sliced longitudinally to quicken the drying process.

The fresh root has a yellowish-grey epidermis, and yields when bruised a honeycoloured juice, having all the aromatic properties of the plant. If an incision is made in the bark of the stems and the crown of the root at the commencement of spring, this resinous gum will exude. It has a special aromatic flavour of musk benzoin, for either of which it can be substituted.

The dried root, as it appears in commerce, is greyish brown and much wrinkled externally, whitish and spongy within and breaks with a starchy fracture, exhibiting shining, resinous spots. The odour is strong and fragrant, and the taste at first sweetish, afterwards warm, aromatic, bitterish and somewhat musky. These properties are extracted by alcohol and less perfectly by water.

If the plants are well grown, the leaves may be cut for use the summer after transplanting. Ordinarily, it is the third or fourth year that the plant develops its tall flowering stem, of which the gathering for culinary or confectionery use prolongs the lifetime of the plant for many seasons. Unless it is desired to collect seed, the tops should be cut at or before flowering time. After producing seed, the plants generally die, but by cutting down the tops when the flower-heads first appear and thus preventing the formation of seed, the plants may continue for several years longer, by cutting down the stems right at their base, the plants practically become perennial, by the development of side shoots around the stool head.

The whole herb, if for medicinal use, should be collected in June and cut shortly above the root.

If the stems are already too thick, the leaves may be stripped off separately and dried on wire or netting trays.

The stem, which is in great demand when trimmed and candied, should be cut about June or early July.

If the seeds are required, they should be gathered when ripe and dried. The seedheads should be harvested on a fine day, after the sun has dried off the dew, and spread thinly on sailcloth in a warm spot or open shed, where the air circulates freely. In a few days the tops will have become dry enough to be beaten out with a light flail or rod, care being taken not to injure the seed. After threshing, the seeds (or fruits) should be sieved to remove portions of the stalks and allowed to remain for several days longer spread out in a very thin layer in the sun, or in a warm and sunny room, being turned every day to remove the last vestige of moisture. In a week to ten days they will be dry. Small quantities of the fruits can be shaken out of the heads when they have been cut a few days and finished ripening, so that the fruits divide naturally into the half-fruits or mericarps which shake off readily when quite ripe, especially if rubbed out of the heads between the palms of the hands. It is imperative that the seeds be dry before being put into storage packages or tins.


Cautions


Because the root contains chemicals called psoralens, it can cause serious photosensitivities.

It can cause contact dermatitis if used externally.

It is poisonous in large quantities.

Because angelica and osha are of the same family as the hemlocks, they bear some similarities to them and can be mistaken for a deadly poisonous hemlock plant (Cicuta maculata).

Do not use during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.

It is contraindicated in diabetes because of its sugar content.

Overuse can cause diarrhea.

It should never be taken if breast-feeding.

It is contraindicated in those with breast cancer.
 
 
 

CANDIED ANGELICA


Wash: 2 cups angelica roots and young stalks



Place them in a crock. Pour over to cover:

1/2 cup salt

2 cups boiling water



Cover crock and let the angelica soak for 24 hours. Drain, peel and wash in cold water.



Cook to 238°: 2 cups sugar

2 cups water



Add the cleaned angelica roots and stems. Cook for 20 minutes. Drain the angelica, but reserve sirup. Put the angelica on a wire rack in a cool, dark place for 4 days. Then bring the sirup and roots to 238° and cook 20 minutes or until the sirup candies the roots. Drain on a rack until thoroughly dry. Store tightly covered.

Moonwort

Moonwort
(Botrychium spp.)

Folk Name: Unshoe-Horse
Gender:  Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Money, Love
Magical Uses:  Moonwort placed in boxes and bags supposedly produces silver. It has long been used in money spells of all types. This fern is also used in opening locks (by placing it in the keyhole) and breaking chains (by simply touching them).
  Horses as well as humans who accidently step on it lose their shoes, according to ancient tradition.
  Moonwort is also utilized in love spells.
[From "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs"]

I was browsing through my Cunningham book this morning and this plant's name caught my eye - Moonwort - kind of has a nice ring to it.  So I am have been on the search for more about it.  It seems to be a bit elusive in information department.... but I did find a nice article about it at http://www.alchemy-works.com/lunaria.html  ..
Ah, love this website - Alchemy-Works. 

And here is what is said there:

"

Lunaria annua


Moonwort

Two plants are known as moonwort. The other one is an endangered wild fern (Botrychium species) that is extremely difficult to grow. This magick herb in contrast is domesticated and fairly easy to grow, and it's very decorative. It's great for Moon magic, the dried silvery oval pods being especially evocative of the Moon. This plant is protective in that it is said to keep away monsters. It is used to gather midnight, Moon-charged dew for magickal or alchemical work. In the language of flowers, it represents money, sincerity, and honesty. Consider it for prosperity spells. The flower essence helps in self evaluation and to recall what has been forgotten or repressed. It also encourages honesty. Top

Moonwort has been grown since the Middle Ages. Gerard mentions that it was used to treat wounds, but it was a favorite in Colonial gardens on account of its root, which is peeled and eaten; its young leaves harvested before flowering are also edible. It is found at both Mount Vernon and Monticello. Victorian middle-class housewives would paint little scenes on the silvery pods. The oil of the seeds contains unusual fatty acids that have been used against multiple sclerosis.Top

The leaves have a slightly sweet scent, and the purple, phlox-like flowers are fragrant and attract butterlies and bees, but some people are allergic to the pollen. This native of southeastern Europe begins blooming in early spring, when not much else is flowering yet, and continues to flower until mid summer.This member of the broccoli family is also known as money plant, silverbloom, bolbonac, silver dollar, lunary, white satin, satinflower, penny flower, silverplate, judas pence, shilling, two pennies in a purse, money in both pockets, Peter's pence, and monnaie-du-pape. The name "honesty" comes from the fact that the seedpods are transparent. Top

How to Grow Moonwort

Sow 1/4" deep to germinate at room temperature in 20 days. Transplant to full sun/partial shade and rich, moist soil (not acidic, so not around pine trees). If you want to try to give this cold stratification, it needs to be at least 10 weeks long at 41F/5C (like in a refrigerator). Or start outside on July 1. The first year they won't do much or look very good. The second year they will get flowers in spring and then pods. The plant gets 24-36"/60-90cm tall. Space them 15-18"/38-45cm apart. They are hardy down to -30F/-34.4C. Harvest long stems and hang to dry for 6 days. Rub pods or peel off the outer covering to reveal the silvery Moon shape beneath. Or just let them dry on the plants (they will scatter seeds this way). This plant can be weedy in the Northwest."
 
Uses in Witchcraft & Magic:

Protection Spells
Prosperity Spells
Alchemy
Moon Herb

Several other names are given for this plant in the
Alchemy Works article... but I notice that the one
specified in Cunningham's book is the called a
endangered wild fern... and that the Moonwort
talked about in the Alchemy Works article has
the name lunaria annua...  so I guess there are two
different plants involved here. 
 
Anyway I found the search interesting even tho it didn't
produce all the information I would have liked to have
found. 
 

Frankincense

Frankincense
(Boswellia carterii)

Folk Names: Incense, Olibans, Olibantum, Olibanus
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Ra, Baal
Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Spirituality
Ritual Uses: The ancient Egyptains burned frankincense at sunrise to honor Ra. To this day it is included in the composition of some of the incenses used in the Catholic churches.
Magical Uses: When burned, frankincense releases powerful vibrations which not only uplift those of the area, but also drive out all evil and negativity. Frankincense is therefore used in incenses of exorcism, protection, purification, and consecration. It is also burned to induce visions and to aid meditation, and is added to sachets for luck, protection, and spiritual growth. Rosemary may be used as a substitute for frankincense.
[From: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs]

  OK, while this is really a herb I felt it noteworthy to include in my studies.  It is something we hear of often but yet really don't that much about its source and how it is made for use - or at least I didn't until I begin reading up on it. 

Frankincense is the resin produced by various trees in the genus Boswellia. The trees grow in the dry areas of north-eastern Africa and southern Arabia. The resin is harvested by nomadic tribes, who visit the trees periodically. They make small cuts in the bark and return to collect the ‘tears’ of solidified whitish resin a few weeks later. Trees can yield several kilogrammes of resin each year.

Frankincense has long been valued for the sweet-smelling fumes it produces when burnt. Ancient Egyptians used the resin in religious rites, in anointing the mummified bodies of their kings, and to treat wounds and sores. Incense containing frankincense was found in Tutankhamun's tomb. In the Christian faith, frankincense was one of the three gifts given to the infant Jesus by the Wise Men. It is still used in religious ceremonies by the Parsees, cultural descendants of the Wise Men.

And here is what the 'tears' look like that are
collected:

From this website: http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/frankincense_fs2.htm

Frankincense

Scientific Name: Boswellia sacra
Part used: Sap

In a word: Anti-inflammation and anti-infection plant
Uses: Antiseptic in wound healing and application for swollen joints

Frankincense is a plant that most people know. It gets mentioned over thirty times in the Bible. It was very popular with the Israelites. Frankincense was and still is a special substance, a costly item, and a revered plant product.

It may be helpful to start with what frankincense is, as few seem to know. Frankincense is the gum resin obtained by cutting the trunk of a tree. After the tree is cut into with a sharp knife, sap runs out of the tree and hardens on the stem. Collectors wait until the sap has hardened and then collect the reddish glass like masses. The hardened sap of a tree is the famous frankincense.

To become a little more specific, after the frankincense tree is sliced into with a knife, it responds by producing a sap or substance intended by the plant to seal up the incision. The tree responds to a wound the same way our bodies respond to a cut. In this case the scab is a precious spice. The scabs that are formed are removed and the tree keeps on trying to cover the wound. The tree oozes sap for a period of time. The first flow from the tree is considered the best and has a yellow colour. As the tree continues to attempt to seal its wound, the resin-gum becomes darker and darker.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Egyptians, Israelites, Greeks, Romans and Arabian physicians all kept frankincense in stock to heal wounds and to treat the mind.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frankincense is produced on the incised bases of one of three Boswellia trees, B. carterii, B. papyrifera, or B. thurifera. These three plants are native to Arabia, Ethiopia, Somalia, India and the East Indian Islands. The Boswellia species are related to other fragrant gum resin producing trees, some you may know, others may be unfamiliar. The relations include the turpentine tree, the myrrh tree, and the balsam tree. The frankincense and myrrh trees are two of the most famous relations as a result of the three wise men story.

These trees are not native to Israel; frankincense was always an import item. It arrived in the Holy Land via the Phoenicians, having been produced in Arabia and Africa. The traders made their way across southern Arabia and onto Israel where eager merchants bought all the frankincense they could get their hands on. Frankincense was in demand as incense to be used in religious practice. Many of its references in the Bible tell us it was the preferred incense in Israelite temples. In Leviticus 6:8 we read that the priests burnt frankincense to send a pleasant odour up to God.

Frankincense gets mentioned in the Bible as a result of being used in temple worship. Law governed what could or could not be burned in the temple. Not just any incense would do, but frankincense was deemed worthy. Scholars estimate that the temple in Jerusalem would have used in excess of 700 pounds of frankincense per year. Boswellia trees do not pour out the resin-gum freely and as a result frankincense was a rare commodity. To have used 700 pounds indicates the Israelites had money and were fond of frankincense. Records indicate that most of their frankincense came from the region of Sheba in Arabia, though the best came all the way from the Indian Islands.

It was burned at the funeral proceedings of kings, as you will read in Jeremiah 36:5 and II Chronicles 16:14 and 21:19. The substance was seen as special and only wealthy people or institutions could afford it. On a grizzly note, the Talmud tells us that it was used to intoxicate criminals before they were put to death. The Talmud also tells us that it was one of the eleven ingredients used in making the most sacred incense and that it was forbidden for the Israelite spice merchants to sell frankincense to pagans.

Incense making, like perfume making, was an art and a science. The knowledge of how to make incense was passed down from one generation to the next. There was a lot of mystery around incense manufacturing and for this reason the exact ingredients in the sacred incenses of the Israelites is unknown. What could go into the incense was laid out in law, the formulae and proportions used were left to the artisans.

This subject of incense deserves some further discussion as modern people do not relate to or understand the concept of incense. This lack of appreciation can make it hard to understand why the Israelites were so fond of substances like frankincense. The first thing the student of biblical plants needs to do is to go out and buy some frankincense, light a piece on fire with a match, and sit back and experience the resulting fumes. Trying to describe the incense experience is a bit like trying to describe biting into a sweet piece of watermelon on a hot summer’s day. You must experience the biblical plants if you are to have the richest understanding of them.

In the biblical days people had a better understanding of the three-fold nature of life, mental, physical, and spiritual. Spiritual life was much more important than it is today, and spiritual healers and spiritual medicine were a part of everyday life. In a way, incenses like frankincense were seen as spiritual medicine. When we have a headache, we take an aspirin. In the biblical days, when you wanted to or needed to connect with God, incense was burned as a form of spiritual medicine. Today, we barely acknowledge the necessity of a spiritual life let alone the need for spiritual medicines. Not so in the biblical day and plant substances like frankincense were seen as spiritual medicine. Get some frankincense and give it a try. You will then understand why the Israelites were so fond of it.

Getting back to history, the Egyptians were no strangers to frankincense and they used it in medicine, temple practice, and cosmetology. It was another important ingredient in the embalming mixtures used to turn a Pharaoh into a mummy, a beauty treatment for the dead. The living used it to make themselves more attractive in two different ways. The idea of putting black powder, or eyeliner, on the eyelids was an Egyptian concept. The Egyptian ladies would take the ash produced by burning frankincense, mix it with other fragrant substances, and use the mix to dress up their eyes. The Egyptian women always had some burnt frankincense (kohl) around as people had mini-altars in their homes and frankincense was the incense of choice. Black eyeliner was made of frankincense and you can still buy kohl at certain health food shops today.

Now, on the medical side of the equation, frankincense was as important in the world of medicine as it was in the world of the spirit. The ancient physicians used it as much as they could. The Egyptians, Israelites, Greeks, Romans and Arabian physicians all kept it in stock to heal wounds and to treat the mind.

Frankincense was used in infection and inflammation. Today, when we have an infection, we run to the doctor and get an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In the past, this was not an option; people had to do what they could. The old strategy was to stimulate the body into action, to get the immune system all fired up to heal whatever part of the body was being attacked by bacteria. The ancients described frankincense as a hot herb, one that would heat up the area to which it was applied. When skin was not healing, they said that cold had moved into the area and was preventing healing. The solution was to place something hot on the site and get the body to fire up and do what it was meant to do.

The use of incense in mental and spiritual healing has been completely dropped by modern medicine in exchange for sedative tablets. In the Israelites day, the doctor arrived with a variety of incenses in his bag to be burned around a patient. If the patient was suffering from anxiety, depression, melancholy, or confusion in general, they were likely to be treated with an incense pan loaded with frankincense.

Clearly, mental and spiritual confusion reigns supreme in the United States today. If it were not so, we would not be consuming millions of tons of drugs like Prozac. In the biblical days, frankincense was used to help people develop clarity of mind and a strong spiritual connection. The fact that so many need Prozac to function says something, and I think it says people need to know about medicinal plant substances like frankincense.

It’s worth getting some and burning it just to experience the scent. At a minimum, you will better understand why the Israelites were so keen to mention it in the Bible. At a maximum, you might find a tool that can help you keep your head together in a crazy world. The fumes that come off the substance have a calming effect and if you find yourself with a chaotic mind, sitting in a room filled with frankincense will relax your mind and body and get those thoughts settled down.

Practitioners Advice:

For arthritic conditions

On the physical front frankincense is best used as an application to stimulate healing and to remove inflammation. It is appropriate in arthritic conditions where there is inflammation and pain. The best way to use it is to dissolve it in alcohol. Once the frankincense is dissolved in the alcohol, the liquid can be put into a spray bottle or mixed with a crème. Either should be applied three times a day to painful joints.

For Wounds

When using Frankincense for wounds, you want to use an alcoholic extract of the material. With the high alcohol content you are certain the preparation is sterile. When you are applying things to broken skin you want to make certain you are not introducing any bacteria! Frankincense tincture should be applied three times a day to the affected part until perfect healing has occurred.

As a mind relaxant

As was stated previously, Frankincense was used to allay a troubled mind. The incense was burned and the vapors allowed to fill the room. Just spending time in the room with the fumes was said to relax a person and bring on clarity! To burn the frankincense crystals you can place them on a charcoal incense burning coal and the healing essences will be released into the air. Alternatively, the essential oil of frankincense can be used in the bath or in massage oil to have a similar relaxing and mind clearing effect.

Vervain

Vervain
(Verbena officinalis)

Folk Names: Brittanica, Enchanter's Plant, Herba Sacra, Herb of
Enchantment, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Holy Herb, Juno's Tears, Pigeon's Grass, Pigeonwood, Simpler's Joy, Van-Van, Verbena, Vervan
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Deities: Ceridwen, Mars. Venus, Aradia,k Isis, Jupiter, Thor, Juno
Powers: Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chasity, Sleep, Healing
Ritual Uses: Priests in ancient Rome used vervain to cleanse the altars of Jupiter. Small bundles of vervain were fashioned and the altars were swept with these. According to tradition, daughtersd of Druids who were initiated were crowned with vervain; this was a sign of the attained rank (As with anything 'Druidic,' this has to be looked upon as poetic, rather than historic fact - Cunningham's words.) 
Magical Uses: Vervain is traditionally gathered at Midsummer or at the rising of the Dog Star when neither Sun nor Moon is out, but this is not necessary.
  Vervain is a common ingredient in love mixtures and protective spells. A crown of vervain on the head protects the magician while invoking spirits. Any part of the plant may be carried as a personal amulet. Vervain placed in the home portects it from lightning and storms.
   The infusion sprinkled around the premises chases off evil spirits and maligant forces. Vervain is also added to exorcism incenses and sprinkling mixtures. It is also a common ingredient in purification bath sachets.
   The dried herb is scattered around the home as a peace-bringer and is also worn to clam the emotions.
   Vervain is used in money and prosperity spells. If the herb is buried in the garden or placed in the house, wealth will flow and plants will thrive.
   To remain chaste for long periods of time, rise before the Sun on the first day of the New Moon. Gather vervain (still before sunrise), press out its juice and drink it down. According to ancient instructions, it will cause you to lose all desire for sex for seven years.
   Vervain carried may offer everlasting youth, and when placed in the bed, hung around the nexk, or made into an infursion and drunk prior to sleep, no dreams will haunt you.
   Vervain is also a fine healing herb. The undiluted juice of the vervain smeared on the body cures diseases and guards against future health problems. To aid in recuperation the root tied with a yard of white yarn is placed around the patient's neck. It should remain there until recovery.
   To discover if someone lying sick will live or die, place vervain in your hand and press it against the patient, so that the herb is undetected. Ask them how they feel; if they are hopefuyl they shall live; if not they might not.
   If someone you know has taken something from you, wear vervain and confront the person. You shall surely regain possession of the stolen article(s).
   If vervain is placed in a baby's cradle the child will grow up with a happy disposition and a love of learning.
   The juice of vervain, smeared on the body, will allow the person to see the future, have every wish fulfilled, turn enemies into friends, attract lovers and be protected against allo enchantments. Burnt, it dispels unrequited love.
[From "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs"]

The Wizard's Plant

Vervain was considered so sacred and important in ancient times that it was known by a host of names that reflect the awe in which it was held, including Enchanter's Plant, the Herb of Grace, Holy Wort, and Wizard
's Plant. On the isle of Man it was considered so important it was called simply The Herb (Yn Lus) or The Chief Herb (Yn Ard Lus). When picked in Lancashire, you would say "Hallowed by Thou, Vervain, If Thou growest on the ground."

  Pliny's "Natural History" included Vervain as one of the four herbs used by the Ancient Druids, the other three being Mistletoe, Sdago (probably Fir Club Moss) and a plant he termed Samalus, which is thought to be either Brookweed, Pasque-flower, Water Pimpernel or Marshwort. According to Pliny, the Druids harvested Vervain just before it flowered, at the dusk of the moon with Sirius rising. It had to be cut with a sickle and raised aloft by the left hand, after which an offering of honey or honeycomb was given to the earth. It was considered a cure-all and in Gaul was used for divination and prophesying.

 Contemporary Druids believe Vervain can stimulate the flow of inspiration (Awen) since, according to the poem "The Chair of Taliesin", it was one of ingredients of Ceridwen's cauldron. The poem was found in a thirteenth-century manuscript, but was undoubtfully inspired by earlier material. The other ingredients listed are sea foam, Rowan berries, Lesser Celandine and Wort - probably Flixweed.

  An infusion of the leaves can be sprinkled in your bath or taken as a tea to encourage creative inspiriation, and bunches of Vervain can be used to decorate your altar or to ritually sweep your sacred space.
[From: "The Druid Plant Oracle" by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm]
*****************************************

In England the Common Vervain is found growing by roadsides and in sunny pastures. It is a perennial bearing many small, pale-lilac flowers. The leaves are opposite, and cut into toothed lobes. The plant has no perfume, and is slightly bitter and astringent in taste. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), as the plant was much used for affections of the bladder, especially calculus.

Another derivation is given by some authors from Herba veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the Ancients. Priests used it for sacrifices, and hence the name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena was the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular. The druids included it in their lustral water, and magicians and sorcerers employed it largely. It was used in various rites and incantations, and by ambassadors in making leagues. Bruised, it was worn round the neck as a charm against headaches, and also against snake and other venomous bites as well as for general good luck.

It was thought to be good for the sight. Its virtues in all these directions may be due to the legend of its discovery on the Mount of Calvary, where it staunched the wounds of the crucified Saviour. Hence, it is crossed and blessed with a commemorative verse when it is gathered. It must be picked before flowering, and dried promptly.

MEDICINAL USES

It is recommended in upwards of thirty complaints, being astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, etc. It is said to be useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, pleurisy, etc., and to be a good galactogogue. It is still used as a febrifuge in autumn fevers.

As a poultice it is good in headache, earneuralgia, rheumatism, etc. In this form it colours the skin a fine red, giving rise to the idea that it had the power of drawing the blood outside. A decoction of 50 ml to 1 litre of water, taken in the course of one day, is said to be a good medicine in purgings, easing pain in the bowels. It is often applied externally for piles. It is used in homoeopathy.

[From luminescents.co.uk website]

About Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) - also known as American Vervain, False Vervain, Indian Hyssop, Purvain, Simpler's Joy, Traveler's Joy, Vervain, and Wild Hyssop- this perennial herb is native to the northern U.S., England, and Canada. It can be found along roadsides and in open sunny fields.

The plant reaches a height of 2-5 feet and has serrated leaves, 3- 6 inches long. The Blue Vervain's blooms June - September, and is in the form of small, deep blue or purplish-blue flowers clustered in dense spikes, 2 to 3 inches long. The fruit consists of four nutlets which ripen soon after the plant flowers.

The seed, or fruit can be roasted and dried, then pulverized into a pinole flour.

The leaves and roots can be boiled in a tea or infusion. Blue Vervain is a natural tranquilizer and is used as an antiperiodic for nervous problems.
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As a tea it is used to treat fevers and colds, especially as a natural expectorant for getting rid of congestion in throat and chest. It can also be used for insomnia, eliminating intestinal worms, treating kidney stones, and as an anti-diarrheal. Taken cold, the infusion acts as a tonic. Externally, Blue Vervain tea heals sores and wounds.

Medicinal tea: To 1 tbsp. dry herb add 1 pint boiling water, steep 10 min. take 1 tbsp. up to six times a day and take ½ teacup (2 oz.) warm before bedtime.

This is provided on an informational basis. It is not recommended for individuals to attempt to identify and use herbs found in the woods. For any persistent ailment, consult your physician.