Herbs of Yule

Herbs of Yule
Bayberry, blessed thistle, laurel, pine, sage, yellow cedar.

Evergreens

• symbolizing: Continuity of Life, Protection, Prosperity
• types: Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, other evergreens
• forms: boughs, wreaths, garlands, trees
• divinities: Green Goddesses & Gods; Hertha; Cybele, Attis, Dionysius (Pine); Woodland Spirits

Holly

• symbolizing: Protection; Good Luck
• forms: boughs over portals, wreaths
• divinities: Holly King; Bacchus; Wood Spirits
  

Mistletoe

• {Birdlime, Golden Bough, Holy Wood} - Viscum Album
• Parts Used - Twig & Leaf
• Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tea, Tincture
• CAUTION - Berries should not be used for internal consumption - Large doses of this herb have been known to induce convulsions in children
• Homeopathic Uses - Epileptic aura, petit mal seizures, heart conditions, asthma connected with gout or rheumatism, rheumatic deafness, chorea, metrorrhagia, left-sided ovarian pain, left-side body complaints
• Magical Uses - Use to combat despair, herb of protection, child theft by fairies, healing, hunting, conception, to bring beautiful dreams, unlock the secrets of immortality through dreams - used for wands and ritual items or placed around a 'Hand of Glory' to ward off thieves - to protect the bearer from werewolves. {Herb of the Sun & Jupiter}
• CAUTION - You should take note that this herb is considered by many in the study of herbs, to be extremely toxic. It should not be used for medical complaint, without full and total knowledge of it's usage and dosages.

Oak

• {Duir} - Quercus Spp.
• Parts Used - Bark, Leaf, Acorn
• Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tea, Salves
• Homeopathic Uses - Edema, splenetic dropsy, liver problems, gout, alcoholic cravings
• Magical Uses - Abundance, fertility, longevity, protection, spiritual awareness while remaining fully rooted in the earth plane, it's wood is used for staves and wands, use any parts for protective charms which bring healing. Acorns bring fertility and abundance. Plant in the dark of the moon to bring financial prosperity. {Tree of Jupiter}
• CAUTION - Parts of this tree contain the compound known as tannic acid. Tannic acid in this form is toxic to humans. Oak bark tea can be bought OTC, if you would prefer. Otherwise, if you intend to use this particular herb, make sure that you do a complete study on how to use it.

Herbs of Protection and Purification

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Blessings!!

Love Spells: Plants and Herbs

 

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A Witch's Most Useful Herbs

by Amber S.

There are many useful herbs to be found in the world today. Unfortunately, not everyone has enough room in their kitchen (or their wallets) for hundreds of bottles of dried herbs. There are many herbs that are considered the best in their field and often do more than just one job. Here, I have listed some of the most useful herbs and most can be found in almost any witch's cabinet.

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Sage:	Sage has many uses aside from the traditional medicinal uses. It is used by witches and Native Americans as smudging sticks for purifying their surroundings or objects. When used medicinally, it can relieve all kinds of symptoms. The dried leaves of the plant are used. It is a relaxant and is good for headaches and releases tension. Bathing in the tea is very soothing when you are sick from a cold or flue and when used as a rinse prevents dandruff and graying of hair. It can be taken as a tea or in pill form to relieve problems of the lungs and bronchial system.
Valerian:	Valerian is one of the most beneficial herbs known to man. It has incredible sedative properties and is very close to valium without chemical dependency or side effects. Although it smells a little like dirty feet, it has a pleasant taste with just a little sugar. It also cures insomnia without causing a drugging effect. Valerian is useful for tension, hysteria, nerves, headaches, insomnia and as a relaxant.
Mullein:	Here is an herb that I only recently came across when a friend recommended some for David's bronchitis. Mullein is good for all chest ailments, but, unlike other herbs, has the added punch of also being an antibacterial. Mullein is wonderful for pneumonia, colds, flu, cough, congestion, fluid in the lungs and all other chest ailments including asthma. Along with black pepper, it is the best thing to take during any illness and is found in most health food stores.
Peppermint:	Aside from being a pleasant tasting tea, peppermint also helps with the lungs and throat. It is a decongestant and keeps lungs healthy and in good working order. It is a nice tea to give to children and we substitute it for soda pop and juices that are too sugary for little ones. Children will ask for it by name!

Herb Brews

by Valerie Worth
(extracted from "Crone's Book of Charms and Spells")

"It is better than the herbs from our gardens or the wild woods and fields be taken in this way - drunk fresh in all their strenght - than wasted and weakened in flavorings for victuals, thus to comfort only the vain palate. These brews are true powers, whereas the same herbs cooked in food are poor wraiths of themselves. Honor them as they deserve, and they sall not fail.

"The fair leaves or other necessary parts should be gathered as young and fair as possible, and a handful placed in a plain brown teapot of good size. Fill the pot then with fresh-boiling water, and allow this tea to steep for twelve minutes by the hourglass or clock. Pour it out then straightaway into a cup; sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey, and drink the infusion while it is hot.

"A few of the well-known herbs that may be used fir such purposes follow here:

"Anise, the Amorous: The seeds, to strengthen passions.

Basil, the Courageous: Against faintness of heart.

Borage, the Inspiring: Against aches in the limbs.

Caraway, the Sweet: The seeds, for mental vigor.

Catnip, the Subtle: Against fever and chills.

Mint, the Comforting: Against afflictions of the stomach.

Nasturtium, the Pungent: Against the headache.

Parsley, the Stout: Against pallor and frailty.

Red Clover, the Succulent: The flowers, for good temper.

Rosemary, the Fair: To soothe the nerves.

Rue, the Mysterious: To assuage guilt and sorrow.

Sage, the Powerful: Against melancholy and distress of the mind.

Thyme, the Sovereign: Against coughs.

White Pine, the Healthful: Against colds and catarrh.

Wild Ginger, the Profound: The root, against lassitude."


Source:
 Worth, Valerie. "Crone's Book of Charms & Spells". Llewellyn Publications, 2007.