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Healing Herbs,Herb craft

Geranium (Healing herb)

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Geranium

Over centuries Geranium has been used in many different ways.

In folklore, white geraniums were said to keep snakes away. Aswell as having near an open window to keep flies away.

Known in medieval Germany as Gottesgnade, which derived from this plants oldest name Odin’s grace or Odin’s flower.

Geranium roots were used as cures for sore throats and to stop internal bleeding for some American Indians.

Geranium essential oil, and rose geranium essential oil come from different varieties of the Pelargonium graveolens plant species.

Many alternative practitioners use Geranium oil to treat a variety of condition some include anxiety, depression, infection and pain.

It has also been known to treat skin conditions such as acne, aswell as other skin irritations and skin infections. In these cases the oil is usually diluted with a base oil then applied to the skin.

Geranium oil has antioxidant, antibacterial, anteseptic, antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties.

Geranium is beneficial to Edema due to its anti inflammatory properties reducing leg and foot swelling by adding a few drops to bath water. Although as with most alternative medicines research is little and lacking in much evidence.

The geranium oil comes from the stem of the plant.

Geranium oil can also be used in aromatherapy for its soothing effects leaving an air of tranquility.

Nasal vestibulitis is an uncomfortable condition associated with cancer treatment causing bleeding, scabbing, pain, dryness, and sores.

In a study, geranium essential oil was mixed with sesame oil and used as a nasal spray in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, proving effective.

Another study proved Geranium oil to be as effective as amoxicillin (penicillin) in treating bacterial infections such as staphylococcus aureus and a different bacterial strain listeria monocytogenes.

A componant in geranium inhibited nitric oxide production, reducing inflammation and cell death in the brain. This can help conditions such as alzheimer’s desease, multiple sclerosis, parkinsons disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Geranium also stimulates secretion of salivary estrogen. This can help in respect of symptoms of menopause.

Shingles can commonly result in postherpetic neuralgia. This can be very painful effecting nerve fibres and skin around the nerve.

Geranium has been proven to significantly reduce pain but had to be reapplied as effects were temporary.

Geranium has been shown to be good at helping heal wounds with its antiseptic properties aswell as being antibacterial. It speeds up coagulation by causing blood vessels to contract.

To say a few things on the Geraniums magical properties.

  • Geraniums can be planted as a bringer of good health.
  • They are known to bring aspects of love and acceptance into your heart and life.
  • Also known to bring you into balance.
  • Associated with encouraging fertility, safe pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Cranesbill Geraniums can also be carried to attract happiness, positivity and prosperity.
  • They can also be used to aid in dream work and astral travel.
  • Gerainium can also be used as an aid in chakra work.

I have added rose geranium and two cransbill geranium images.

Healing Herbs,Herb craft

Sage (Healing herbs)

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Sage can be used for many things from culinary uses, medicinal purposes to spiritual practices and spell work.

There are many different types of sage most common sage grown in the uk is Salvia officinalis or garden sage.

The Latin word “salvere”, means “to be saved” or in another translation “to feel healthy”.

Sage was used by the Ancient Egyptian to boost fertility.

Although it was traditionally used as a remedy for inflammation of the mouth and throat, as a tooth polish and gargle and an elixir of overall good health.

In around 800 AD, Charlemagne King of the Franks decreed that every farm on crown lands must grow Sage “for the benefit of the nation”.

Sage is also considered a sacred herb by Native American people, White Sage is used for purification and protection.

Native Americans also used White Sage in ceremonies of birth and death.

Sacred objects such as pipes and eagle feathers were passed through the smoke of the white sage in order to purify them.

Sage was one of the most important medicinal herbs of Medieval Europe, it was thought that Sage had the power to cure all imaginable diseases. A belief held so strongly that no self respecting Apothecary’s Garden could be without it!

Packed full of vitamins and minerals :

  • Vitamin K Manganese
  • Vitamin A Zinc
  • Vitamin C Iron
  • Vitamin E Calcium
  • Vitamin B6 Copper
  • Sage is also full of antioxidants.

Antioxidants remove free radicals from the body that could potentially cause chronic diseases.

Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in your body.

Caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid and rutin are all found in sage and are directly linked to impressive health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved brain function and memory.

A powerful anti inflammatory this works by inhibiting enzymes linked to inflammatory responses.

Anti microbial properities in sage for example can kill Streptococcus mutansbacteria, the bacteria that causes dental cavities.

Sage may treat throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers too.

Sage can also be used to help lower cholesterol.

Sage is used during the menopause to lessen symptoms some include hot flushes, excessive sweating, virginal dryness and irritability.

As sage is believed to have estrogen like properties.

This alows sage to bind to certain receptors in the brain to treat the above symptoms.

Sage also has been used over time as a fresh herb to alleviate diorreah symptoms, support bone health and in beauty products to combat skin aging.

Sage can be used as an oil but please be aware that it does need to be diluted with a base oil before use.

Sage is also used in aromatherapy which can purify and cleanse the space. It can also help to calm emotions and help with grief or depression whilst aiding mental focus.

Love & Bright Blessings always.

Healing Herbs,Herb craft

Elderberry (Healing Herbs)

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Eldeberry comes from the Elder tree (Sambucus nigra).

The first time I heard about Elderberry was from my grandmother. She told me how they would pick and boil the berries into a syrup to be drunk through the winter.

It can be made as a jam as I did this winter. Although I must warn you not to add pectin, as its got more than enough of its own.

It is commonly added in the the making of mead, aswell as can be found in many infusions you can buy.

It has a high vitamin C content, contains fibre, antioxidants and has potent antiviral properties.

A study conducted by Professor Fariba Deghani, Dr Golnoosh Torabian and Dr Peter Valtchev as part of the ARC Training Centre for the Australian Food Processing Industry showed that compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the influenza virus’s entry and replication in human cells, and can help strengthen a person’s immune response to the virus.

This works by blocking key viral proteins responsible for both the viral attachment and entry into the host cells.

Basically speaking can shorten the life of the illness as much as by half and reduce symptoms of upper respiratory infections.

I quote “we identified that the elderberry solution also stimulated the cells to release certain cytokines, which are chemical messengers that the immune system uses for communication between different cell types to coordinate a more efficient response against the invading pathogen,” said Centre Director, Professor Fariba Deghani.

Elderberries also prevent or shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks, decrease pain and inflammation.

The Elder can also be used in healing spell work.

Working on both a physical and emotional level.

Bathing in Elderberry (small amount of juice to bath water) can also aid emotional and spiritual healing.

The stem of the Elder was said to have brought fire to man by the God Prometheus.

It has long been known as the tree of medicine but also a tree of witches and feared by many, it was said witches could turn themselves into Elder trees, this however I have yet to attempt.

A tree of death, rebirth and reincarnation.

This tree is very special and a whole ritual was preformed before berries were picked in some traditions.

This tree is known to me as “the tree of our lady” and holds “magical properties” in my opinion.

Drinking Elderberry is said to increase your intuition.

Also known for healing, protection and prosperity.

Long known as the tree of the fae.

It is said that on midsummer if you sit close to mother earth by an Elder you might see the fairy king.

It is said that “to burn an Elder tree would leave you cursed”.

Never cut an Elder without first asking permission from mother earth as this is also said to have negative repercussions.

If an Elder self seeds outside your dwelling it was said to bring you great protection.

The word Elder comes from the anglo-saxon “aeld” meaning fire. This is because the soft pith was pushed out easily to make a pipe to blow up the fire. Later bellows were made from Elder for the same use.

In the summer we find the Elder standing with gorgeously fragrant white flowers, by winter the deep purple berries appear.

When picking leave some for deer, birds and other animals to feast.

Needless to say we need to keep a balance between our needs and that of the world around us trying to lessen our impact or even better improve that of our surroundings, but thats another post for another day.

Also please be aware that before washing then boiling you first have removed every single stalk as these contain poisonous compounds also be sure to use only the deep purple berries not the green ones.

Lots of love and Brightest Blessings

Healing Herbs,Herb craft

Marigold (Healing herb)

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Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Also known as Marigold, Holigold, Mary Bud, Pot Marigold, Calendula, Maidens of the Sun.

In folklore the Ancient Greeks, who used the petals for decoration, also used Marigolds for colouring food, make-up, dying fabrics and medicinal uses.

Marigolds have been grown in the gardens of Europe since the 12th century.

By the 14th century it had become increasingly popular due to its “magical powers.”

One medieval author named Macer described Marigold in his volume on herbs; he thought that to look upon the flowers would improve eyesight and draw evil from the head.

This flower has been revered as a magical medicinal for centuries.

Ancient Egyptians used it to rejuvenate their skin, whilst the Greeks and Romans used it as a culinary garnish.

In ancient as well as modern India, it is often strung into garlands for weddings and religious rituals.

Powers of protection and prophecy have been attributed to this herb. Hanging under your bed was said to offer you protection from robbers and thieves and to induce prophetic dreams if you had been robbed, helping you to identify the culprit!

Ancient Greece, Rome and Arabia. It was most commonly used as a skin treatment, with preparations used for treating minor wounds, callouses, insect bites and stings, eczema, itches, burns and haemorrhoids.

Marigolds are amazing for many reasons below are some of the health benefits used today.

Today we use Marigolds for a variety of treatments some include:

Skin healing:

Marigold has the ability to promote the growth of healthy new tissue, increase blood flow to the affected area, boost collagen production (which firms and strengthens skin), hydrate dry skin and speed up the process of skin repair following surgery or damage.

It is also believed that due to stimulation of epithelial cell production (the cells that make up the outer surface of the body), mostly as a result of the presence of glycoproteins and nucleoproteins.

It’s also linked to increased cell turnover and improved collagen metabolism stimulation.

Antioxidant:

This beautiful orange and yellow oil is rich in carotenes and carotenoids. These are the compounds responsible for the plant’s radiant colour. Phytochemicals lead to the production of antioxidant Vitamin A.

Sore throat and mouth ulsers:

Due to the Marigolds antiseptic and anti-microbial qualities, Marigold is an effective remedy for sore throats, tonsillitis, gingivitis and mouth ulcers. Gargling with Marigold tea will help to both soothe the mucus membranes of the throat and ease the pain.

Antiseptic and anti inflammatory:

During World War 1 and the American Civil War Marigolds were used as an antiseptic for wounds, knowing that the main compounds are the triterpenoids, which are claimed to be the most important anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous (preventing swelling) components within the plant.

Marigold extract is applied in drop form (oil) to the inside of the ear canal to help treat bacterial ear infections and decrease pain.

It has been found that these drops can lower inner-ear swelling and inflammation within just a couple of days of use.

Also can treat nappy rash in children over 6 months I recomend mixing a few drops of Marigold oil with a base oil.

For children over 6 months you can try adding aloe vera (blitz together with a few drops to make a gel).

I also recomend doing a skin test on a small area before use and remove immediately if any reaction occurs.

Conjunctivitis/ eye inflammation:

Research has found that Marigold extract is effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis and other ocular inflammatory conditions.

The extract has antibacterial, anti-viral, antifungal and immuno-stimulating properties that were shown to reduce eye infections.

Vision is also protected by these extracts and the delicate tissues of the eye from UV and oxidative damage.

Against cancer tumors both as a prevention and treatment.

In a study in 2012 compared the cancer-fighting powers of marigold and chamomile teas. Both were able to target cancer tumors selectively, but the effects of marigold tea were more potent.

Marigold infusions can be enjoyed to nourish the skin, as an internal anti-fungal agent and to soothe the intestinal tract. It’s absolutely delicious and mildly detoxifying.

Marigold oil can be used in skin care and as a body massage, it can also be applied directly to a damaged skin area.

Do NOT use if you are allergic to any plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family.

No known side effects but not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Lots of love and Brightest Blessings always

Healing Herbs

Passion flower (Healing Herb)

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A study of 60 people who were given passion flower before undergoing surgery has shown that it is able to calm anxiety with no side effects of sedation or effect muscle activity.



In a similar study it was compared to typically used benzodiazepine (oxazepam) which is generally used for anxiety disorders. It was found that both treatments were equally effective. With oxazepam working faster but the passion flower having fewer harmful side effects.

Passion flower not only helps anxiety it improves your sleep. Allowing sleep to occur quicker due to its ability to release gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

Passion flower can also calm the intestines during upset stomachs.

This amazing flower has the ability to enhance ones overall mood.

Passion flower is usually dried and sipped in an infusion steeped and ready in minutes.

Healing Herbs

Valarian Root (Healing Herb)

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Valarian Root (Valeriana officinalis).

Valarian can help releive headaches, it can help anxiety, reduces stress and help insomnia.

The use of valerian root dates back to the Greek and Roman Empires and was noted by Hippocrates to treat headaches, nervousness, trembling, and heart palpitations.

There are also some alternative practitioners today who use valarian to treat many conditions to name a few insomnia, anxiety, headaches, digestive problems, menopause symptoms, and post-exercise muscle pain and fatigue.

How valarian relaxes the brain isnt yet known, but one theory is that “valerenic acid” stimulates a chemical messanger in the brain called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), this calms the nervous system.

Valarian is a seditive.

Doses

Sleep:

  • 400-600mg tablet
  • 30 mins to an hour before bedtime
  • This can also be sipped in an infusion

Mild stress or anxiety:

  • 400-600mg up to 3 yimes a day.

Please speak to your doctor before introducing any new medication.

NOT recommended for:

  • under 18 year olds,
  • pregnant or breast feeding women,
  • anyone with allergies to valarian,
  • anyone drinking alcohol or taking seditives,
  • anyone already taking medication for sleep or anxiety.
  • Please do NOT use valarian bath products if you have an open wound, fever, skin problems or serious heart or circulatory issues.

Although side effects are usually mild, if any and may include headache, dizziness, itchiness, upset stomach, dry mouth, vivid dreams, and daytime drowsiness.

Personally I find sleep aids such as Valarian “too strong” causing severe drowsiness the next day I will be writing about Chamomile and Passion flowers in my next few posts. These I use on a regular basis without the drowsy effects and will be writting about their amazing health benefits.

Healing Herbs

Stinging Nettle (Healing Herb)

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Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica (perennials) – Urtica urens (annuals)

Nettles are very nutritious.

  • Containing vitamins and minerals.
  • Vitamin A, C and K also several B vitamins.
  • Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.

Nettle also includes all of the essential amino acids and absolutely full of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body by fighting the damage caused by free radicals linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases.

Used to treat inflammation such as arthritis by drinking or applying in a paste or cream.

It acts by interfering with the production of multiple inflammatory hormones.

In cases of arthritic pain this was also significantly reduced. In human study painkillers were able to be reduced in patients using nettle.

Nettle is used to treat respiratory problems like asthma.

Nettle is also known to be affective in treating benign prostate enlargement in men.

This occurs in 50% of men over the age of 51 causing significant pain during urination.

Nettle is used to reduce this pain from urination and treat short and long term urinary problems.

Nettle may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (a stronger form of testosterone).

Stopping these conversions can prevent an enlarged prostate size.

Stinging nettles also treats high blood pressure.

It may stimulate nitric oxide production.

Acting as a vasodilators which relax the muscles of your blood vessels allowing them to widen.

This plant also helps your body excrete excess salt and water.

Which in turn could temporarily reduce blood pressure.

Lower blood sugar leavels.

As it mimics insulin in the body.

There are promising findings in recent research however significantly more evidence is needed in this respect.

Reduce Bleeding.

Medication including nettle have been found affective in reducing bleeding after surgery.

Nettle is also known to protect the liver against damage from free radicals, heavy metals and inflammation.

Stinging nettle creams can also be used to treat burns and heal wounds.

It is important when taking any new medication to speak to your doctor. Especially if taking one or more of the following:

  • Blood thinners
  • Blood pressure medication
  • Diuretics (water pills)
  • Lithium

Also use special gloves if picking your own stinging nettles as they can burn your skin which can be quite painful.

(Also be aware that it is actually stinging nettles you are harvesting and not false nettles for example).

  • Never consume raw leaves
  • Pick from the new growth (top of this plant)
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Boil in a pot

(Dock leaves can be used to treat nettle stings. They are large leaves usually found close to where nettles grow).

I personally absolutely love nettle and always have some to hand.

Lots of love and brightest blessings always.

Herb craft

Smudging!

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Here is a basic introduction to smudging.

Smudging is a way of clearing a space usually preformed before spell craft.
In recent years this practice has become much more popular within many communities.

You can smudge with a number of herbs amongst some are sweet grass and lavender.
More popular and my two favourites are Sage and Palo Santa.

Sage has been used since ancient times,
Used in ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian medicine.
Very different to White sage. Romans offered a great ceremony when gathered, as Sage was sacred to the God Jupiter. The name Salvia is related to the Latin word salvere, meaning to heal, preserve or redeem.
European traditions denote Sage with wisdom, long life and even immortality.

In magical practice sage is known to be lucky and used often in spell craft for protection, cleansing and prosperity.

White sage dates back to the ancient practices of the native Americans.
Used to send prayers and when working with spirit. White sage grows in California. This is the one commonly used in smudging and the one I will be using today.

Palo Santa
This is not a leaf or flower but wooden sticks.
This tree is closely related to frankincense.
The smell is there very noticeably even before burning.
Different to white Sage which clears the space. Palo Santa adds to the space as well as cleanse away negative energies.
Filling your space with positive energies.
Palo Santa is also known to boast your immune system as well as relieve emotional stress, and works as a repellant to an array of insects.

You can read about basic herbs and their magical use in spells on my Herb-Craft page

Courses

Cleansing & Boosting Immune system – Talk & Meditation (online event)

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Freya Witch has been working with Herbs & Oils, and practicing personal magical health techniques for many years – long before she had the calling to become a Wiccan Priestess of The Craft. Freya has been participating in our live Woodland witches ceremonies, taking key ritual roles, for over 2 years. When the national lockdown first began in March 2020, Freya took to facebook & social media to write every day about Healing Goddesses, Gods, Herbs & Plants – as a way of sharing knowledge and her own spell-craft experiences to help people.
At our online Autumn Equinox ritual, she wrote a special pathworking (working with breath, reaching a tribal village and working with astral flames to make wishes).

She is now sharing her practical knowledge and experiences in a series of magical workings for our community.

In this special dedicated online magical event, Freya will initially give a talk on healing Herbs & Oils that are immune-system boosting; Then lead us all in a meditation work that tunes inwardly for Cleansing & boosting our own immune systems.

Date:
Tuesday 24th November 2020.

Duration:
9.00pm to 10.00.

This Event will be `live’ online via zoom video call. Once participants book here by paying the fee and rsvp here, you’ll have access to the zoom link (we’ll also send you the zoom link on the day by private message on meetup. Please check that you have enabled `announcements by organiser/ admin’ . On the day of the course we get very busy. so kindly avoid last minute messaging/ communications etc.

Fee : £13.

Visit Meetup event page link here to rsvp and book online.

Cleansing & Boosting Immune system – Talk & Meditation (online event)

Tuesday, Nov 24, 2020, 9:00 PM

Online event
,

4 Woodland Witches Attending

Freya Witch has been working with Herbs & Oils, and practicing personal magical health techniques for many years – long before she had the calling to become a Wiccan Priestess of The Craft. Freya has been participating in our live Woodland witches ceremonies, taking key ritual roles, for over 2 years. When the national lockdown first began in March…

Check out this Meetup →

**** Once booked via meetup, please look out for any updates via meetup comments/ meetup direct e-mail to attendees. You may contact the Tutors via private message for additional communications. ***

Bright Blessings
Freya Witch

Courses

Spellcraft course for Beginners (online)

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Spellcraft for Beginners – online (zoom video) course facilitated by Mani Morningstar & Freya Witch – initiated Wiccans of the Gardnerian Tradition of the Craft. We have been running Spellcraft courses outdoors (in woods) and indoors (Atlantis Bookshop) for many years. Now with circumstances making us stay indoors, we’re designing this Beginners course to be held online. And for the first time, we are adding the Craft of doing Herbs & Oils in spells, to our existing line up of teaching you the basics of magic with Candles, sigils, cords & knots! (Rune magic is now one of our special extended course in its own right).

You’ll learn about 3 different techniques of doing ritual magic for your self. Using candles for magic, using Cords & knots for magic and using a selection of Herbs & Oils. Mani will give an introduction to different types of spellcraft , and take you through the basics of candle-magic, colour correspondences, preparations, what sigils/ symbols to use.

Freya Witch will introduce you to working with herbs & oils, give explanations, and then talk you through 2 actual spells that combine easy to obtain herbs & oils – and show you how to do a protection spell, and Banishing spell.

Date:
Friday 13th November 2020.

Duration:
9.00pm to 10.30pm. (with 30min extra in case we need it).

Online course :
This course will be `live’ online via zoom video call.

Please go to our meetup community `London Woodland Witches Wiccans & Pagans’ at to book your place. Spaces limited to only 13 spaces (including 2 tutors) .

Spellcraft for Beginners -online course

Friday, Nov 13, 2020, 9:00 PM

Online event
,

8 Woodland Witches Attending

Spellcraft for Beginners – online (zoom video) course facilitated by Mani Morningstar & Freya Witch – initiated Wiccans of the Gardnerian Tradition of the Craft. We have been running Spellcraft courses outdoors (in woods) and indoors (Atlantis Bookshop) for many years. Now with circumstances making us stay indoors, we’re designing this Beginners co…

Check out this Meetup →

Blessings. Freya Witch