Thursday, July 18, 2013

Natures Magickal and Medicinal HERBS

The Magickal and Medicinal benefit of HERBS 







 California poppy 
(Eschscholzia californica)Today's the day to do a little harvesting with my California Poppy plants. In the process of making a fabulous tincture, resin and ointment that will hopefully last me until next year. This stuff works like a charm. Here's a little info I wrote on it if you're interested. OH yes and did I mention is NON NARCOTIC and NON ADDICTIVE?????? yup!
Health benefits include, but are not limited, to : insomnia, anxiety, depression, joint pain, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity, memory enhancement, and improved concentration, tooth pain, cleaning wounds and cuts of the skin, fever and cough, acute pain, addictions, to quit smoking, Cuts/scrapes (external)
California Poppy contains Protopine, which has been described to have some kind of similar effect with morphine. However, the California poppy does not contain any narcotic morphine, only the structure of California poppy and morphine is the same. Since California poppy does not contain the narcotic morphine, it does not have any addictive properties.
California Poppy, can be taken internally in three different ways, as a tea form, as a tincture or as a resin. For California poppy tea, just drink 1 cup of tea, 2-3 times per day. When preparing the tea, you can use the plant’s leaves, flowers, stem, or all of them, and you can have them dried or you can directly use it fresh. Just pour boiling water to the California poppy, and let it steep for 10 minutes and drink.
For California poppy tincture, crush the fresh flowers and leaves with a mortar and pestle, (you may also use poppy seeds) place in a glass jar and fill to the top with unflavored Vodka or Burbon. Put the lid on, label with the date and name of the plant and set a side in a dark place, for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Drain thru cheese cloth to remove all plant parts and have a clear liquid, and place in a dark amber color bottle with a dropper. Label and date the bottle and it’s ready. It is advised to take 30 to 40 drops, 2 to 3 times per day. When a stronger effect is desired, taking this tincture instead of the tea is advisable.

Another way to achieve the benefits of California poppy, is making a resin. A resin will be more concentrated, and thus have stronger effects, than the dried herb or tincture, which in turn means less to take, or you can add a minute amount to a tea, herbal cigarette or tincture to heighten their effects. Please note that this can heighten its sedative and euphoric effects, but may also cause a noticeable lack of coordination, so plan your evenings accordingly! To make the Poppy resin, take the flowers and foliage of the plant and repeatedly boiling them down in a little water. Repeat this several times by adding a little more water. The water will evaporate, leaving a brownish black semi-solid resin, scoop this out of the pot gently and placing it in an open mouth small jar. It’s better to use an old pot for this.

Some users like the dry herb or add a little resin to their tobacco as a means of moving away from tobacco usage, it is very helpful when someone is trying to move away from the use of harmful nicotine. Other herbs that C. Poppy resin can be mixed with is, herbs such as passionflower, lily, blue lotus, catnip, or valerian root, especially just before bed. Finally, you can also eat the resin of the California poppy, or simply let a small bit dissolve under your tongue. A medium dose of California poppy resin (about 5 grams of prepared resin) can produce effects that onset soon after consumption (about 5-10 minutes) and slowly decline over up to six hours.

California Poppy shows highlighted promises in the natural medicine cabinet, as a natural treatment for pain, anxiety and stress, insomnia, and even concentration problems. It’s one of the gentler and yet most effective calming and sedative herbs that we’ve run across, and satisfied users are still discovering all the possibilities of California poppy resin to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, boost mood, and generally help their lives run at a gentler pace.
SAFETY: Consider the plant child-safe, Do not use during pregnancy, may overly potentate analgesic-sedative pharmaceuticals, long-term use is acceptable, California Poppy plant is not considered habit forming.
Note, if you are using the seed to make the tincture, instead of throwing them away after the tincture is done, I like to re-dry them, put them in a jar and label them as (example) Burbon Poppys, and I use them in my baking.

BENEFITS OF SKULLCAP
(Scutellaria laterifolia) American Skullcap- aka Mad-Dog Weed

Medicinally is used for Insomnia, muscle relaxer, anxiety, stress, anti-inflammatory, Parkinson’s, Prostate Cancer. Relieves pain, muscle spasms and tension. Supports the cardiovascular system, good for rheumatism, gout, fibromyalgia, arthritis,Neuropathy, IBS, Sinus inflammation.  Take as Tea, capsules or tincture. Tincture not recommended for liver patients. Some people like to smoke Skullcap as an aid to quit smoking, or as a recreational drug with no narcotic residue, but to my understanding,...it's very harsh on the lungs.

Is there a difference between Scutellaria laterifolia and Scutellaria nana (aka as Dwarft Skullcap)?, well it depends who you ask. There is over 200 species of Skullcap, some of them can make you extremely ill and I've hear  even give you organ failure.  As far as I know, the strengths are as follow... on the 3 safest ones I know here in the US:

1. Scutellaria lateriflora (weaker but safer and relaxing)
2. Scutellaria galericulata (supposed to be ok, I’m not familiar with it)
3. Scutellaria nana (the stronger version) 


And yes, Scutellaria nana (or Dwarf Skullcap) is said to be as potent as cannabis, and very difficult to find.

WARNINGS: Avoid if pregnant or suffer from seizures. Use only Organic if for human consumption.
Note: American Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) has different properties from Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis).

Magickal/Spiritual Uses:
Skullcap herb is used for everlasting fidelity and commitment.  It can be worn by women to keep their husbands faithful.  It is also used in sleep pillows for relaxation & peace.  Skullcap is also commonly used to bind oaths and consecrate vows & commitments (handfastings, initiations, etc.).



Benefits of SAGE
Sage aka for it’s botanical name Salvia officinalis. Known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties, Sage is anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial; plus it helps cleanse your blood and may even prevent Alzheimer's disease. Research has also found benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Oil of sage contains a compound called thujone, an effective agent against both salmonella and Candida. Sage also contains the phenolic acid, rosmarinic acid, which is both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory.
A rich sources of minerals like potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium.
Add it to your salads, marinate your foods with it... anyway you can get it into your system, it will boost your memory, improve your concentration and help with Alzheimer's.
As an oil infusion it may be used topically for pain, Fibromyalgia, Stiffness and Rheumatic disorders with the addition of other therapeutic Essential Oils. It also helps to relieve nervousness, anxiety, headaches, stress, and fatigue. Rub it on a bug bite.
A magickal Herb used for self purification and dealing with grief and loss. Carried to improve mental ability and bring wisdom. Used in healing sachets & incense. Promotes spiritual, mental, emotional & physical health and longevity. Removes negative energy. Place near a personal object of a person who is ailing when performing healing spells or rituals. Write a wish on a sage leaf and place it under your pillow for 3 nights -- if you dream of your wish, it will come true; if not, bury the leaf in the ground so that no bad will come to you. Also Called: Garden Sage, White Sage, Red Sage



Benefits of Peppermint 
Also known as Mentha Piperita. A carminative and antispasmodic, helps with the digestive system aiding with abdominal cramps, spasms, Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) and pain. Used as a breath freshener and teeth whitener. Rubbing a few leaves (avoiding the eyes) or the oil around your temples, back of the neck and occipital region, can have a tremendous alleviating effect in your headaches. Good for sore, irritated throats and opens the sinuses.
Rub a few leaves on an insect bite, poison ivy and oak. If using the Essential Oil, please, always make sure it has been diluted.
Magickal uses to increase the vibrations of a space or in spells and incense for healing & purification. Place in sleep pillow to ensure peaceful sleep and bring about prophetic dreams. Use to anoint furnishings and household objects. Burn in a new home to clear out sickness and negative energy. Use in magickal workings to provide the push needed to bring change to one's life. Carry with other herbs to boost love & abundance wishes.


Cat’s Claw Botanical  (Uncaria tomentosa)

Magickal/Spiritual Uses
All healing spells, Vision quests, shamanic journeys, and money drawing. Use in mojo bags, Burn as incense when someone is ill.

Medicinal uses: Highly regarded medicinal herb to aid with Cancer, Aids, strong Immune booster, Lupus, Pain, Herpes, Viral infections, hemorrhoids, gastritis, Kidneys, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gastric Ulcers. Better taken as a tincture with a full glass of water so the stomach acids go to work immediately.. You don’t want the alkaloids to be absorbed by the tongue. As a tea add a tsp. of lemon to increase the acidity. Best way to take is as a tincture in 6 oz of water and lemon juice to increase acidity. Use the bark to make tincture.
Topically, can be made into a salve to treat herpes and or pain.

WARNINGS: People who are pregnant, breast-feeding and have auto-immune diseases (MS, Lupus, HIV, Tuberculosis) should not take cat's claw. Do not take if you have Leukemia.



Benefits of Oregano
A must have in your witches Natures medicine spice cabinet. 
Internally the benefits are fantastic, aiding in parasites, infections, Cystitis, constipation, IBS, accumulation of yeast and mercury in your body (sushi lovers), upset stomach, cold/flu, and yes, pain and inflammation. Need I say more?? Take as a tincture, pill or Essential Oil. Note the Essential Oil is the most concentrated form you can get, so, one drop in a teaspoon of honey (or your morning juice) is more that enough per day.
Ok, externally,.. excellent in treating arthritis, back pain and any sports injury without broken skin. If you make an oil, rub directly in the affected area. 
Using the Essential Oil (all organic please), is another option if you can’t make your own, but please make sure it has been diluted accordingly, with a carrier oil like sweet almond, Jojoba or even Olive from your pantry. For an ear infection, (adult) mix 2 drops of Essential Oil of Oregano with 2 drops of olive oil and apply to the affected ear, (child) 1 drop of Essential Oil of Oregano with 2 drops of olive oil and apply to the affected ear (I like to soak a Q-tip and use it this way).
It is important that you know,.... that if you will start taking oil of Oregano for health benefits, please make sure the percent of Carvacrol is at least 75% and the thymol is 2%. Why?..... because there’s a lot of synthetic products out there, that make false promises on their product which will affect the results you’re looking for. Pregnant women should avoid oil of Oregano.  I can go on and on about this herb.
Magickal uses grieving, healing, vitality & energy, harmony, love, peace, protection, Joy, psychic development, weddings. 


The benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb, with very small green leaves and purple/blue flowers, used in many culinary dishes for centuries and with a strong revitalizing aroma. It is also another one of those miracle herbs that mother hearth provides us with. It contains carnosol, which research shows as a promising fight for Cancer. A fantastic Detoxifier for the Liver and helps tremendously with Cirrhosis.
It also enhances memory, improves mood swings, helps with headaches/Migraines and it’s excellent for pain. It is also a powerful immune booster thanks to its antioxidants, anti-carcinogen and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps prevent food born bacteria and illnesses ingested from animal products. As a massage oil, it greatly improves circulation, inflammation and pain. Making an infusion with Apple Cider Vinegar helps your hair revitalize itself and massaging into the scalp daily can help those who are loosing hair.
It is consider safe, like most other herbs, but pregnant women should use caution and avoided in large amount if possible, same as people with high blood pressure.
Magickaly used in healing poppets for good health, used in love and lust spells, worn to improve memory, used in dream pillows to prevent nightmares, and burned as incense for purification and removing negativity. 




Damiana Leaf Organic (Turnera diffusa) 1oz $3.00 NOT ON ETSY
Spiritual/ Magickal uses:
Use for lust, sex magick and love attraction. Used to open the chakras and increase psychic abilities. Should be store in a jar with a quartz crystal. Burn as incense for Astral travel, deep meditation and spirit seeking. Burning Damiana can give you a slight high, please use appropriate ventilation.
Medically Damiana is thought to have wonderful hormonal balancing properties, which help with menopause and has been shown to increase sperm count in males and the strength of eggs in females, help with erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia. Used as an aphrodisiac for men and women and to promote mental clarity and focus by increasing blood flow and stimulation to the brain and sexual organs. Also used as an anti depressant and for anxiety, which boosts the overall mood and bring about a general feeling of well-being. One of the ingredients of Damiana is “arbutin” which is converted to hydroquinone and has powerful antiseptic properties and is excellent to treat bladder and ureteral inflammation and infection. Use as a tea 2 to 3 times per day, a tincture or capsules. Mix 1 part Damiana, 1 part Mate 1/2 part White Willow Bark, 1/2 part Lemongrass, 1/2 part Hibiscus, pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for a weight loss tea 3 x’s a day before meals.

WARNINGS: Damiana is mostly safe in regular doses, but due to it’s abortive background, pregnant, women or nursing should completely avoid this herb, including those trying to get pregnant. Those suffering from hypoglycemia or diabetes should use caution using Damiana. Must monitor iron levels while on this herb, and take with moderation. Large amount Internally can be toxic for the liver.

Disclaimer for Natures Medicinal Herbs and tinctures: This herb, plant, flower, nut, fruit, spice or weed is posted on this blog strictly for information purposes. Recipes made from this flower are only made for personal use,  friends and family and we do not sell them. We have repeatedly tested all of our products for many years on ourselves, clients, friends, family and never on animals. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and it is not a replacement for medical care. If you have a serious health problem, we recommend that you consult your Physician before deciding on any course of self treatment. We pride ourselves in making small batches of homemade quality products, passed on to us from our ancestors, with a focus on Organic Clinical Aromatherapy and Organic ingredients, which help restore balance to our earth, body, and mind. Our products are free of Petrochemicals, Parabens, Phthalates, and they are Vegan & Cruelty Free. 
As an added bonus, they have been empowered under the moon, with the good intent of cleansing , purifying and bringing positive energy.  By you making or trying  this product, you agree that you are 18 years or older, you have read all ingredients involved in the recipe  being made by you,  and take full responsibility by  releasing us from any liability . 
May you always be Blessed with good health. 
The Magic Wizard and The Wacky Broomstick. 
This product  has been Made in the USA and only used by us friends and family. Tinctures are "NOT" for sale at this time.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you I love your blog will share cuz its very true and helpful
    Cat

    ReplyDelete