Herbs have been used since ancient times for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Still remaining sacred to many, including myself. Please join us on Hampstead Heath for an experiential sacred herbs tea ceremony.
We will create sacred space, followed by a light meditation. We then pour the tea and as it brews using crystals and singing bowls will cleanse and energise your chakras. We will then slowly sip this infusion allowing a soul enlightening blend of Elder Flowers, Rowan Berries, Mugwort and Vervain to do its work.
All of the ingredients are sacred in one way or another to the Goddess, which will be explored more at this event.
Date: Friday 16th July 2021.
Fee £7
Venue: Hampstead Heath.
Meeting Point: We meet at Bistro Laz (1-2 Highgate West Hill · London) by Parliament Hill Fields entrance to Hampstead Heath at 11am sharp, walk to our ritual spot and finish by 2pm.
Arnica is a beautiful yellow flower that has a likeness to a daisy. Arnica is masculine in nature and associated with Midsummer, the harvest and harvest spirits. It is sacred to Freya, Ra and Apollo. Symbolic of the Sun and represents the element of fire. To drive away thunderstorms it is said to burn Arnica and a few words are chanted. Arnica can be used in general protective rituals as well as rituals for the fertility of crops. Arnica can be planted around an area to keep a spirit from entering or leaving. However this will only work until the plant dies in the autumn. Ancient medicine used Anica topically to can treat osteoarthritis, sore throat, bleeding, bruising, reduce swelling and to treat muscular pain. Known to be used as an antibiotic and has anti- inflammatory properties. Arnica grows mainly in Siberia, but also grows in Central Europe and North America. From the plant family Asteraceae. Arnica is an aromatic and perennial herb and is in the same family as the Sunflower. Arnica is taken only following homeopathic dilution, it is used as an internal herbal remedy for the treatment of shock and trauma. The circulation in the body is also stimulated by Arnica when it is used in a tincture. This herb has been used to treat angina and for a physically weak or failing heart in people with cardiac problems. Regardless of this, the internal use of Arnica is not considered safe as highly toxic and poisonous. In the treatment of leg ulcers in diabetics, topical remedies are recommended. Arnica can increase the resistance of the body to the onset of infection, it is particularly helpful against infections such as those caused by listeria and salmonella bacteria, the herbal remedies made from the arnica also increases the rate of healing in the body following a surgical procedure. It is also normally diluted on the basis of one to ten in essence. Thus used to treat inflammatory skin problems for example. The harvest of Arnica flowers is usually carried out when the plant is in full bloom during the summer. Yet, the rhizomes of the Arnica are harvested during autumn. Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and a volatile oil that includes thymol, mucilage, In a tincher you can use 3 table spoons of crushed flowers to 2 cups of pure alcohol, the flowers essence permeates in the alcohol during this infusion period. Leave to stand for 2 weeks shaking the bottle twice a day. Then allowing the pure flower essence. I recommend the shaking period to commence on and around a full moon for potency. After this transfer the infusion to a sterile bottle or container which you can store long term. Advisable to use 1 teaspoon of this per cup of warm water Once diluted, you can use a small piece of cloth to soak up the diluted tincture and squeeze out any excess liquid, fold, then place directly on the external area for 15 minutes letting the herbal essence seep into the affected area of skin. This process must be repeated daily until wound has healed. To make an ointment simply prepare a powder by grinding two tablespoons of dried Arnica flowers with a peston and morter. Mix this powder with 8 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. This won’t last as long as the tincher and will start to degrade. You can apply this in large amounts to any old wounds, this can be used to topically treat all kinds of ulcers in the legs or to treat the sores of herpes particularly those which are persistent. As with all plants some people do suffer from allergic reactions and again this plant is highly toxic and poisonous. Lots of love Freya Witch
Tulips come in many different colours adorning gardens at this time of year. They’ve been use to relieve bee stings and insect bites, as well as scratches and skin irritations. Although some, like with most medicines, have reported allergic reactions.
Tulip sap has also been used to treat coughs and colds, as they have antiseptic properties. In Afghanistan the tulip was eated to gain strength. Tulip essential oil can be used topically as a moisturiser.
Red tulip petals can be crushed and rubbed on the cheeks to give a natural blush and to conceal blemishes. During World War II and the famine of 1944-45 in Holland, the Dutch people ate tulip bulbs because there was nothing else to eat.
Tulip bulbs are now known to be toxic. Today however, we use only the petals of the tulip in culinary preparations. The colorful and tasty sweet petals can be used in salads.
In Turkish legend, there were once two star crossed lovers, a princess named Shirin and a stonemason named Farhad. Shirin’s father opposed the love match, as a princess cannot marry a lowly tradesman. He ordered Farhad to complete a complex task.
While the stonemason was off doing as he was told, Shirin’s father sent the young man a message saying that the princess was dead. Overcome by grief, Farhad took his own life. As soon as Shirin heard this news, she ran off to find him. When she discovered his body, she too killed herself and their blood pooled together to form the tulip.
In Turkey, the word for tulip is the same as the word for turban, and it is considered a charm against evil. Eventually, through trade routes, the tulip made its way to Holland, where it became the national flower and is now associated with good luck and fortune as well as love.
Tulips have a number of different magical associations and are available in so many colors. Planting the bulbs around your home in the fall will give you a goodly collection of tulips to use in the spring, so it’s not a bad idea to put in a bunch of different varieties. This will give you a lot of different magical options once they begin to bloom. (Consider the colours you are using in your spell and your intention.) Lots of love always xxx
How to help with flu and help keep your immune system working well during.
This remedy is made using dōTERRA essential oils
10 drops of Lemon
10 drops of On Guard
10 drops of Melaleuca
5 drops of Frankencense
5 drops of Oregano
Mix in a 10ml bottle or vial with Fractionated coconut oil.
Rub every 2-3 hrs under the soles of your feet, behind your neck and rub on your back and chest.
This is an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti fungal anti-inflamatory blend of ingredients
This blend known as F.L.O.O.M can also be used in a diffuser
Preferably use distilled water.
I am a dōTERRA essential oils advocate and practitioner if anyone wishes to purchase any of the above oils please message me. For a full flu bomb remedy you can also use 3 drops of Tea tree in place of 10 of Melaleuca.
Clary Sage ( Salvia Sclarea) – Known for its relaxing, soothing and balancing properties.
Clary Sage can be used to promote restful sleep as well as soothing benefits to the skin. Clary Sage can be used for healthy looking hair and scalp. During a menstrual cycle Clary Sage can be applied to the abdomen for soothing relief. While trying to balance hormones either for PSOS or menopause, Clary Sage can be used in a massage to support a healthy mood. Combine with Lavender and add to the bath for a stress relieving experience. Combine with Fractionated coconut oil to massage and rejuvenate skin.
Yule Tides everyone, I write this as I am aware many of us are “cat parents” and as magical people revel in different herbs and oils especially at the turning of the wheel.
Certain oils are highly toxic when in direct skin contact, eaten/swallowed or inhaled. This can cause lathargy, depression, dullness, runny eyes, skaking, tremors, excessive dribbling, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing or breathing with their mouth open, collapse and seizures and in some cases organ failure and even death.
Here is a list of herbs and oils you must avoid around your beloved feline.
Tea tree
Peppermint
Citrus oils
Lavender
Wintergreen
Sweet birch
Pine
Ylang Ylang
Eucalyptus
Cinnamon
Clove
Plants and herbs can also be toxic to cats some are listed below:
Amaryllis
Aphelandra
Azalea
Buttercup
Buck thorn
Clamantis
Cherry laurel
Christmas cherry
Chrysanthemum
Corn flower
Daffodils
Dendranthema
Codiaeum
Croton
Devils Ivy
Dumb cane
Alocasia Caladium (Elephants Ear)
Ferns
Flax
Fox gloves
Galanthus
Giant Hog Weed
Iris
Lilly
Lilly of the Valley
Horse chestnut
Holly and Ilex
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Hyacinthus
Ivy and Hedera
Kalanchoe
Mistletoe also Viscum
Madagascar Periwrinkle
Marigolds
Nightshade, woody and deadly varieties
Nerium oleander
Ornithogalum
Oak
Onion
Peach
Peony
Privet
Rhododendron
Robinia
Rubber Plant
Sambucus
Senecio
Snow drops
Sweet pea
Star of Bethlehem
Tobacco
Tomato
Umbellatum
umbrella plant
Wisteria
Yew
These are but a few and I have by no means included everything. I merely wish to open our eyes to the dangers. If unsure about an oil or plant please do research before bringing it into your home.
Lots of love and Brightest Blessings everyone. Freya Witch xxx
Roses have been used since ancient times, revered for their medicinal properties and loved for their romantic associations.
To zinc with my previous post about the Goddess Aphrodite I hope you enjoy my findings.
The rose associated with the Goddess Aphrodite, love, beauty, purity and passion.
According to Anacreon the poet, dripping seafoam from the body of Aphrodite as she is born, turns into white roses, representing her purity and innocence. Later, she tries to help Adonis, her wounded lover. A few drops of blood trickle from Aphrodite onto a white rose changing it to red. This possibly represents desire and passion.
Roses also appear as the mischievous symbol of love and earthly desires and are often associated with Eros.
In some Greek folklore, the magic of roses illistrated when a hero prince leans over a sleeping princess to kiss her, thereafter receives a pair of roses.
He then uses their magical powers to escape his evil pursuers. This was a story named “The Monk”.
It is believed the love he holds for the princess saves him.
Roses are also attributed to Flora Goddess of flowers and spring time.
As far as medicinal purposes, roses are a mild seditive, aswell as an antiseptic, anti parasitic and an anti inflammatory.
Rose petals can be used topically to treat wounds and rashes.
Tonics and teas can be drunk as a means of lowering cholesterol and attaining better heart health aswell as treating sore throats and ulsers.
Roses are known to stimulate the liver and increase circulation and known to relieve headaches.
Helps with respiratory problems such as asthma.
Being a mild laxative this can help with constipation and cramps.
Amazingly rose can help regulate menstrual circles and enhance mood.
Their anti inflammatory properties can also bring down a fever.
Roses are an anti viral which can be used to aid the recovery from colds and flus.
Rose hip is especially useful for joint care helping conditions such as arthritis.
High in vitamins C, D, A, E and B3 Roses have strong antioxidant properties due to flavonoids too.
Rose hip also is high in iron.
Rose has long been used in beauty products for its hydrating and anti aging properties.
In magical practices and spell craft.
Roses are often use in love and beauty spells,
Rose petals sprinkled into a bath to enhance self love and bring you into a better sense of being.
When using rose in spells, red roses can ignite passion in a relationship, lust and increase your sex appeal.
Pink roses are more self love and bringing love into your life or current relationship.
Yellow for friendship and so on.
Rose can also be used in an elixer although I’m not writing any spells in this post.
Rose can be drunk in infusions some of my favorite are paired with other flowers, roots or herbs like camomile for example.
There are several types of lavender from English lavender, Lavandula officinalis to the Portuguese variety, Lavandula latifolia also french which refer to atleast two species Lavandula dentata and Lavandula stoechas which is also refered to as spanish lavender to name a few.
With fragrant purple flowers used since ancient times, today uses include helping against anxiety, insomnia, depression and a range of mental health issues.
Lavender is also used to treat headaches, toothaches, acne, skin irritation, insect bites, hair loss, high blood pressure and nausea.
Most commonly used in aromatherapy to relax and relieve stress also used as a sleep aid.
Lavender is known to have antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties.
Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine found that when applied topically lavender, sage and rose, could reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. They also mention that lavender oil may help in combating antifungal resistant infections.
According to the National Cancer Institute, aromatherapy helps patients manage the side effects of cancer treatment and may also help adults who suffer from dementia.
Alopecia aerate is a scalp condition responsible for hair loss. According to Archives of Dermatology, lavender oil aswell as thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood can help hair regrow over the period of several months when applied directly to the scalp.
When using oils on the skin I suggest mixing with a base oil as essential oils are concerned and may cause skin irritation.
Lavender has also shown positive results in helping with eczema, acne and sunburns.
I recommend mixing lavender with camomile into a gel with aloe vera (inner leaf) for nappy rash.
I promise to write some of my home recipies for creams and gels in another post.
In magic and spell craft lavender is an important plant. The purple flowers enhance psychic ability and can help you to remember your dreams.
Lavender perfume has been used in love spells (to invite your next love into your life) also by adding lavender to your beauty routine or beauty spell.
Burning lavender to purify a space as a smudge stick or just dipped in water in a room can remove negative energies.
Carrying a lavender flower with you in folklore was said to bring you long life.
Lavender can bring happiness by baking into cakes and cookies.
Lavender tea can be steeped for a matter of minutes then enjoyed bringing benefits of increased brain power and boost intelligence aswell as helping relax you before bed.
Lavender oil is also brilliant used as an aromatherapy while in meditation enhancing spiritual connections.
As a grower of orchids, they bring me much joy, so I’ve decided to do this piece hope you enjoy it.
Orchid
Orchids are beautiful plants their flowers come in amazing varieties of different colours.
The name orchid comes from the Greek orchis, meaning testicle.
English variety of early Orchis is the “long Purples,” mentioned by Shakespeare in Hamlet and is sometimes named “Dead men’s fingers,” from the pale colour, and the hand-like shape of its tubers.
Quoted “That liberal shepherds give a grosser name,
But our cold maids do ‘dead men’s fingers’ call them.”
There are many types and species of orchids to name a few of the cool growing varieties are:
Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Odontoglossum and Miltoniopsis.
They enjoy temperatures between16°C- 21°C no temperatures below 10°C in winter
A few warm varieties are:
Phalaenopsis and Vanda. They like temperatures of between 21-29°C in summer and no less than 18°C in winter.
These make a good choice for centrally heated homes.
Orchids grown at an intermediate temperature include Cattleya, Cambria, Paphiopedalum and Oncidium. They like temperatures of between18°C-24°C.
The vitamin A and antioxidants present in orchid can make your skin healthy and young, keeping wrinkles and skin problem at bay.
They contain vitamin C and fibre assisting your immune system.
Some health benefits include releiving stress, improving air quality and improving recovery after surgery.
A study of 90 people recovering from a hemorrhoidectomy were randomly assigned to either control or plant rooms. With half the patients, live plants were placed in their rooms during postoperative recovery periods. Data collected for each patient included length of hospitalization, analgesics used for postoperative pain control, vital signs, ratings of pain intensity, pain distress, anxiety and fatigue.
Findings of this study confirmed the therapeutic value of plants in the hospital environment as a noninvasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.
Orchids are known to do a lot more.
Dating back to hundreds of thousands of years, orchids have been used to alleviate symptoms as well as cure sickness. Across the world in a multitude of different cultures, from Asia to Australia.
Medical professionals and horticulturalists have experimented with the use of this tropical species and have found some amazing possibilities.
According to ancient Chinese history the orchid flowers, stems and bulbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, some practitioners continue to use these remedies today.
Juice extracted from the orchid flower can help in relieve stomach ulsers which occur due to stomach acid. The mild compounds found in orchid can help you in relaxing and removing an ulcer condition.
Orchids tubers, roots and petals have been utilized in elixirs that are then added to teas and powders.
In most cases, orchids can be quite harmful and in some cases deadly so its best to either ask your doctor or visit a reputable health food store outlet.
I found the common house orchid to be edible since my daughter attempted to eat one as a toddler. Petrified I called 111 who assured me the only thing I needed to worry about was with any new food an allergic reaction which thankfully didn’t occur.
Obviously poisons in edible plants can be present if specific fertilisers are used instead of soil for growing fruit and veg for example.
NOT all orchid species are edible.
Dendrobium Orchids can be used to increase the immune system, has anti inflammatory properties, can increase eyesight and eliviate some symptoms of cancer.
Cymbidium Orchids can assist fertility in both men and women.
Vanda Orchids is also an anti inflammatory, can reduce fever, treat arthritis and is used by alternative practitioners as a remedy for bronchitis.
Orchids for magical purposes and spell craft:
Ochids revered for love, lust and potency.
Both the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the Orchid could stimulate male virility and was widely used in love matters.
The famous New Orleans “jezebel root,” seemed to have been well sort after to be used by women to attract men.
I won’t write any love spells on this post but I’ll just say
that the use of Orchids (root) in love magic is not only effective, it can also be exceptionally potent.
Orchids are also associated with Beauty, Wealth, Love, Spirituality, Harmony, Concentration, Will Power, Memory.
Orchid flower can be cooked like other vegetables in a pan or grilled. It can be blitzed into juice.
Added to cakes and cocktails or just enjoy them added to salads and sauces.
Today I want to write about an oil I absolutely love.
Patchouli (pogostem cablin)
Patchouli has been used over centuries.
A bush exhibiting beautiful white and purple flowers.
The leaves can be dried, oil is also extracted from the stem.
Associated with the celtic Goddess of healing Airmid.
Also a member of the mint family.
Patchouli has long been used in magical and spiritual practices.
Originating in Asia, its uses date back centuries as an important medicine used to treat diorreah, snake and insect bites.
Also used in ancient times to prevent the spread of fevers and epidemics. This oil was also believed to strengthen the immune system.
Patchouli can be used in a variety of spell work most commonly associated with love and prosperity.
Some ritual uses are to the aspects of attraction and fertility.
Patchouli oil is known to have anti inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
It is known to relieve symptoms of depression easing anxiety and stress.
Used topically can treat a range of skin conditions.
Some include dermatitis, acne and dry or cracked skin.
Patchouli oil has also been proven very effective as an insecticide, without being as damaging to the environment than man made pesticides.
Patchouli can be diffused as aromatherapy to better your overall mood by increasing dopamine and seritonine levels in the body these are “feel good hormones” also known to boost libido.
A less known fact about Pachouli oil is that it can help fade scars by generating new skin growth.
Patchouli oil must be diluted with a base oil when applying directly to skin or hair. Lots of love and brightest blessings
