A Pagan on the path of Discovery.. learning every day... At the same time a Wife, a Mother, staying at home working & teaching. All in a peaceful rural area... outside of a small village in Wisconsin...
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
American Tree Sparrow
This little beauty, the American Tree Sparrow .. has visited me up close & personal the past few days.. Yesterday in the garden he made himself a little more noticed by singing a very loud song for me & sitting on an old sunflower stalk right next to me...
So I knew I had to find the message he was trying to tell me...
Sparrow
Self-Worth
The sparrow is one of the most common birds around,
yet it has flourished when other species have failed.
It reflects self-worth.
If a Sparrow totem has entered your life, ask yourself if you know your own self-worth.
The sparrow will show you that even a common little bird can triumph.
The song sparrow reflects the chakra energy awakening from the heart and throat.
It reminds us to sing out our own song of dignity and self-worth.
During the Middle Ages, the Sparrow was the symbol
of peasants and the lower classes.
In Ancient Britain, the Sparrow was the symbol of friendly household spirits.
To the Greeks, it was the pet of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.
From http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/sparrow.htm
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
White clover
I have been spending a lot of time working on my gardens... also a little time harvesting... Yesterday's harvest was White Clover...
~Citrine~
White clover can be good for you. It is high in protein, has beta carotene, vitamin C, most of the B vitamins, biotin, calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, tryptophan, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, choline, inositol, bioflavonoids and isoflavones.
White clover has been used as medicine and food by the Cherokee, Iroquois, Mohegan, Delaware Algonquians and other Native American tribes for centuries.
They used whole clover plants in salads, and made a white clover leaf tea.
Sacred to the Celts
Symbolic for Earth, Sea, Sky (Trefoils in Druid Lore)
White clover blossoms were used in folk medicine against....
Gout,
Rheumatism,
Leucorrhea.
It was also believed that the texture of fingernails and toenails would improve after drinking clover blossom tea.
coughs and colds.
White clover is thought to clean the system,
decrease irritation and muscular activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is also used to decrease the activity of the central nervous system
Treat fevers
Ways to use for medicinal purposes...
Colds – Drink flower or leaf infusion
•Cough (Dry) – Drink flower or infusion
• Fever - Drink flower or leaf infusion and apply a cool compress to forehead • Rheumatism – Flesh flower poultice and/or apply warm flower infusion compress
•Sores – Flesh flower poultice, flower or leaf infusion as wash and/or apply infusion compress
• Ulcers (Skin) – Flesh flower poultice, flower or leaf infusion as wash and/or apply infusion compress
• Wounds – flower or leaf infusion as wash and/or apply infusion compress.
Magickal properties:
Ancient protective herb
Protection from Evil.
Carry white clover flowers in a flannel bag to break a Hex
Used to cleanse a house of evil spirits
It was thought to give anyone who carried its leaves the ability to detect witches, sorcerers and good fairies
The petals of white clover were once dried and made into "fairy-bread".
Has an affinity with the rune Fehu/Feoh,
White Clover is used for breaking curses and is worn as a sachet or put in the four corners or a house or someone’s property to achieve this.
White Clover flower and white clover seed were used for :
Helping overcome fears when living through change
Overcoming a sense of inadequacy
Lifting your spirit when you feel weaker, fragile, powerless and the feel of being incompetent
Reduces fear of abandonment
Overcome feelings of not being good enough
Helps the fear failure and/or responsibility
Guides dreamers and procrastinators to begin doing what needs to be done
Breaking cycles of negativity
Strengthens inner knowing and intuition
Helps you to trust your instinct
~Citrine~
Resources
http://www.survivalplantsmemorycourse.com/2013/07/trifolium-repens-white-clover/
http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum/white-red-clover-t11989.html
~Citrine~
White clover can be good for you. It is high in protein, has beta carotene, vitamin C, most of the B vitamins, biotin, calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, tryptophan, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, choline, inositol, bioflavonoids and isoflavones.
White clover has been used as medicine and food by the Cherokee, Iroquois, Mohegan, Delaware Algonquians and other Native American tribes for centuries.
They used whole clover plants in salads, and made a white clover leaf tea.
Sacred to the Celts
Symbolic for Earth, Sea, Sky (Trefoils in Druid Lore)
White clover blossoms were used in folk medicine against....
Gout,
Rheumatism,
Leucorrhea.
It was also believed that the texture of fingernails and toenails would improve after drinking clover blossom tea.
coughs and colds.
White clover is thought to clean the system,
decrease irritation and muscular activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is also used to decrease the activity of the central nervous system
Treat fevers
Ways to use for medicinal purposes...
Colds – Drink flower or leaf infusion
•Cough (Dry) – Drink flower or infusion
• Fever - Drink flower or leaf infusion and apply a cool compress to forehead • Rheumatism – Flesh flower poultice and/or apply warm flower infusion compress
•Sores – Flesh flower poultice, flower or leaf infusion as wash and/or apply infusion compress
• Ulcers (Skin) – Flesh flower poultice, flower or leaf infusion as wash and/or apply infusion compress
• Wounds – flower or leaf infusion as wash and/or apply infusion compress.
Magickal properties:
Ancient protective herb
Protection from Evil.
Carry white clover flowers in a flannel bag to break a Hex
Used to cleanse a house of evil spirits
It was thought to give anyone who carried its leaves the ability to detect witches, sorcerers and good fairies
The petals of white clover were once dried and made into "fairy-bread".
Has an affinity with the rune Fehu/Feoh,
White Clover is used for breaking curses and is worn as a sachet or put in the four corners or a house or someone’s property to achieve this.
White Clover flower and white clover seed were used for :
Helping overcome fears when living through change
Overcoming a sense of inadequacy
Lifting your spirit when you feel weaker, fragile, powerless and the feel of being incompetent
Reduces fear of abandonment
Overcome feelings of not being good enough
Helps the fear failure and/or responsibility
Guides dreamers and procrastinators to begin doing what needs to be done
Breaking cycles of negativity
Strengthens inner knowing and intuition
Helps you to trust your instinct
~Citrine~
Resources
http://www.survivalplantsmemorycourse.com/2013/07/trifolium-repens-white-clover/
http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum/white-red-clover-t11989.html
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Recipes & Healing...
Recipes & Healing...
All from http://www.angelfire.com/wizard/healingspells/
BASIC HEALING SPELL
THE MATERIALS
1 White or 100% beeswax candle
1 Black Candle (optional but I find it effective for banishing the illness and turning back negative energies)A representation of the ill person (picture, lock of hair, fingernail, blood, sweat or even flesh)
An Altar Pentacle
Healing Oil to annoint the candles(Base oil 1oz. Cedarwood 1drp. Rose 1drp. Sandalwood 1drp.)
THE SPELL
Annoint the candle(s) with the the Healing Oil(a few drops will do), by saying while annointing:
Ego imbuere cum curare pax!
Now place the representation of the ill person on the Pentacle and on top of that, place the newly annointed candle(s) and light them. Then sit or kneel down before the Pentacle, ground and center yourself, and meditate. Focus on the Ill person. Allow your mind to envision a soft, soothing, healing mist slowly enveloping them. Then gradually let it build to a radiant, white light while attempting to force or extract the illness out and away from them with your mind (psychically or astrally). The meditation should last for as long as it takes to drive the illness from the body or mind...this should not be rushed! Do this on a full or waxing moon.
A CELTIC DRUIDIC HEALING SPELL
Have whomever is sick lay out before you comfortably. Light 6 beeswax candles, 3 at the base of their feet equally spaced, about 6-8 inches apart from one another, 2 of the candles placed just outside and below the feet and one where the legs seperate (Note! actually place the candles below their feet as not to burn anyone). The remaining 3 candles place by their head and shoulders. 1 at the top of the head and the other 2 in line at each shoulder length forming an upside down "V" or intverted "triangle" shape around the body. Forming what is known to Druids as a most powerful symbol indeed, the "Awen". You can view the three rays of the Awen on my main page to get a clear representaion of how the candles should be set up. Once the candles have been arranged around the ailing person, use the heartbeat meditation from my meditations page and then attempt to sense the energies within and surrounding the sick person. One might wish to ground first due to the fact that you will most likely be unaware of what is causing the illness. It may be a normal physical or mental illness or some thing caused by dark magicks or otherworldly source(s), in which case you will most likely have to perform some sort of counter spell (see my Banishings, Bindings, Curses and Other Dark Magicks page). If you are able determine the exact the nature of the illness it would be advantagous to the healing. However, if the cause of the illness is not clear you then may still proceded to the incantation. Say this repeatedly with a vibratory tone inflection in your voice until you feel a sense of release:
Trean beannachdan agus slainte bi ar tú
Aiseirigh Dian'cecht agus bris seo mallacht
Muscail agus dibir buairt
An solas de Awen cuidigh mo!
Dibir seo tinne mé! Déan as! Déan as! Déan as!
Now, ground out any negative and/or excess energies from the ailing person somewhere safe and away from yourself and them (details on Ground and Sensing Energies are found on my Druidic Lesson on Magick page.
Ash leaves, put them under your pillow at night to fight insomnia and promote lucid psychic dreams! Also Valerian root works as well.
Furthermore, for sore muscles or headaches, rub the affected part of your body with an Ash wand.
Put a cup of Catnip in your bath to revitalize yourself after a long day.
Burn Silver Fir needles to cure a sick infant.
Carry Chrysanthemums with you when you travel to prevent an illness while you're away from home!
Carry a bag of Solomons Seal (a.k.a Dropberry or Sealroot) to not only heal all wounds, but prevent them, too.
Burn or make a tea from wild Sage to recover from an illness.
A salve made from dried Comfrey and Mint oil can be used to remove warts.
Parsley, when eaten, will protect you from being poisoned. (It'll also keep you from having poisonous breath!...lol)
HEALING RECIPES, TEAS, SALVES, POULTICES AND VARIOUS MIXTURES
FOR COMMON HEADACHES
Willow Bark Tea
Soak 1/2 teasponns of dried White Willow bark in 2 cups of cold water overnight. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for at least 20 minutes. Strain, cool and put in a container. One may wish to sweeten this with honey lemon juice or sugar, it can be added to juices or teas. Dosage should not exceed 1/4 cup of the willow bark miture and not to exceed 1 dosage every 4 hours.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has relaxing properties it;s great to relieve stress headaches and promote a great nights sleep. Chamomile tea can be readily bought at any supermarket usually but if one feels they rather take the hands on approach...Use 1 heaping teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers for each cup you wish to produce. Boil water, mix in the dried flowers and steep for 10 minutes, then strain, sweeten with lemon sugar or honey. Tastes VERY good and is very soothing as well. NOTE!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU SUFFER FROM RAGWEED ALLERGIES DO NOT CONSUME CHAMOMILE AS IT IS IN THE SAME HERBAL FAMILY!!!!!!
A Tea For Headaches caused by mental strain or fatigue
In a bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon of each: Sage, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Hops. Then pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. You can add a pinch of ginger and/or sugar to sweeten to taste. Drink warm
FOR MIGRAINES AND TENSION RELIEF
Skullcap Tea
For some reason blue flowers of numerous sorts are great for calming the nerves and are typically used in many herbal remedies for nervous tension, like, Skullcap. Chop 1/2 cup of Skullcap leaves and flowers and 1 tablespoon and add to 2 cups of boiling water. Steep for 15-20 minutes then strain. Add Honey and/or Sugar to sweeten. Drink several cups a day. This tea can also be used to treat epilepsy, convulsions and trembling of the limbs.
Stinking Iris Tea
An all natural pain killer, Stinking Iris is used and is great for Migrianes. Chop up 1 tablespoon of Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) and add to 1 cup of water. With the added herb, boil the water gently for 15-20 minutes, strain and drink. dosage is 3 tablespoons per day. This is also a slight laxative as well, so one may wish to weaken the dosage, or use when your having problems going to the bathroom.
COMMON COLD, FLU AND BRONCHIAL AILMENTS
A Traditional Peppermint Curative tea
Mix together 1 tablespoon of Elder flowers, 1 tablespoon of Peppermint, 1 tablespoon White Yarrow and 1 tablespoon of feverfew in 2 cups of boiling water. Once mixed, cover and allow to steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain, sweeten and re-heat. Drink hot. The tea will cause one to perspire helping "bleed" the illness out aiding in the dispelling of mucus as well and the White Yarrow is a pain killer. This is VERY effective.
Ginger Cinnamon Elixer for Colds
At the first signs of getting a cold, mix 1/2 teaspoon of crushed/powdered Ginger root and Cinnamon in 1 cup of scalded milk. Then add 1 tablespoon of Honey and drink hot. This one tastes great and is very soothing and stimulating.
Comfrey Elderberry Tea for Colds accompanied with Sore Throat/Fever
Chop up several comfrey leaves and add to 1/2 cup of Elderberries. Add that mixture to 1 cup of Honey and 1 cup of water. Simmer the entire mixture for 30 minutes. Strain and take as needed to produce perspiration to reduce fever. Comfrey is great for colds as it is almost like asprin easing the discomfort of colds and soothing the mucus membranes of the throat, it also acts as a demulcent and expectorant.
Mixture for Severe colds
Mix together 1 cup each of dried White Yarrow, Spearmint, Sage, Catnip, Horehound, Verbena and Pennyroyal. Pour 1 pint of boiling water over 2 1/2 tablespoons of the herbal mix. Then cover and let stand for 10-15 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Reheat and drink 1 cup every 1-2 hours. This recipie was used extensively by royalty in Europe for a very long time.
Cold Remedy (Very fast and effective relief of symptoms)
Fill a large pot or pan with 1 gallon of water. Add 3 onuces of softened ginger root, 3 cups of honey and 1/4 pound of seedless raisins. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for roughly 1 hour, while skimming the top every so often. Cool, strain and place in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate over night. The following day, squeeze 6 lemons and 4 oranges, then mix well. Dosage is 2-3 glasses a day, very tastey.
FLU AND BRONCHIAL REMEDIES
Sage and Citrus Tea Recipe
Boil 2 quarts of water and when the water comes to a solid boil immediately pour over 1 ounce of dried Sage. Add the juice of 1 whole Lemon, 1 Orange and 1 ounce of honey. Nix very well and allow to steep for 1 hour, strain and drink as often as desired, reheat as needed.
Elder Peppermint Tea
Boil 2 pints of water and pour it over 1 ounce of Elder Flowers and 1 ounce of Peppermint leaves. Cover and steep for about 20 minutes. Strain and sweeten with sugar and/or honey. Dosage is 1 cup per hour to induce sweating.
VERY Old World tea recipe for Flu, Aches and Headache
Mix 1 tablespoon each of White Yarrow, Boneset and Skullcap into 1 pint of water. Simmer the mixture in the water for 30 minutes. Strain and add 1 tablespoon of this mixture and 1 teaspoon of Psyllium seed to 1 cup of boiling water. Strain and sweeten with Corn Syrup. Drink a cup of this every 30 minutes until relief.
Chest Congestion and Bronchial Problems
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice is excellent for flus colds and any kind of broncial ailment. It is rich in Vitamin C and aids in cutting through and breaking up of congestion and mucus. It is also a great astringent. I advise using it to sweeten any tea for any of these ailments.
Comfrey Recipe
Comfrey is used to reduce the inflammation in the Bronchial and Alimentary system. It also acts as an emollient, demulcent and expectorant as well as possesing pain-relieving properties so that one can rest more easily. Cut 1 ounce of Comfrey root into very fine pieces and add to 1 pint of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain, sweeten and drink 1 cup 3-4 times a day.
Almond/Peppermint oil rub Mix together 1 cup of Almond oil and 1/2 teaspoon of Peppermint oil. Heat to luke warm and massage chest and back. This works very well for me.
Broncial Cough Remedy
Mix together 1 tablespoon of Irish Moss, 1 tablespoon of Comfrey root, 1 tablespoon of Lobelia, 1 tablespoon of wild cherry bark, 1 teablespoon of Verbana and 1 tablespoon of Aniseed in 1 pint of water. Boil the mixture in the water until the liquid has evaporated to about half of the original pint of water. Then strain the mixture and add 1 pint of honey and bring the mixture to a boil again. Once boiled reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Remove mixture from the heat and add 3 tablespoons of rasberry vinegar. mix VERY well and store in the refrigerator. Dosage is 1 tablespoon as needed for cough.
Agrimony/Parsley tea for stubborn persistant coughs
BASIC HEALING SPELL
THE MATERIALS
1 White or 100% beeswax candle
1 Black Candle (optional but I find it effective for banishing the illness and turning back negative energies)A representation of the ill person (picture, lock of hair, fingernail, blood, sweat or even flesh)
An Altar Pentacle
Healing Oil to annoint the candles(Base oil 1oz. Cedarwood 1drp. Rose 1drp. Sandalwood 1drp.)
THE SPELL
Annoint the candle(s) with the the Healing Oil(a few drops will do), by saying while annointing:
Ego imbuere cum curare pax!
Now place the representation of the ill person on the Pentacle and on top of that, place the newly annointed candle(s) and light them. Then sit or kneel down before the Pentacle, ground and center yourself, and meditate. Focus on the Ill person. Allow your mind to envision a soft, soothing, healing mist slowly enveloping them. Then gradually let it build to a radiant, white light while attempting to force or extract the illness out and away from them with your mind (psychically or astrally). The meditation should last for as long as it takes to drive the illness from the body or mind...this should not be rushed! Do this on a full or waxing moon.
A CELTIC DRUIDIC HEALING SPELL
Have whomever is sick lay out before you comfortably. Light 6 beeswax candles, 3 at the base of their feet equally spaced, about 6-8 inches apart from one another, 2 of the candles placed just outside and below the feet and one where the legs seperate (Note! actually place the candles below their feet as not to burn anyone). The remaining 3 candles place by their head and shoulders. 1 at the top of the head and the other 2 in line at each shoulder length forming an upside down "V" or intverted "triangle" shape around the body. Forming what is known to Druids as a most powerful symbol indeed, the "Awen". You can view the three rays of the Awen on my main page to get a clear representaion of how the candles should be set up. Once the candles have been arranged around the ailing person, use the heartbeat meditation from my meditations page and then attempt to sense the energies within and surrounding the sick person. One might wish to ground first due to the fact that you will most likely be unaware of what is causing the illness. It may be a normal physical or mental illness or some thing caused by dark magicks or otherworldly source(s), in which case you will most likely have to perform some sort of counter spell (see my Banishings, Bindings, Curses and Other Dark Magicks page). If you are able determine the exact the nature of the illness it would be advantagous to the healing. However, if the cause of the illness is not clear you then may still proceded to the incantation. Say this repeatedly with a vibratory tone inflection in your voice until you feel a sense of release:
Trean beannachdan agus slainte bi ar tú
Aiseirigh Dian'cecht agus bris seo mallacht
Muscail agus dibir buairt
An solas de Awen cuidigh mo!
Dibir seo tinne mé! Déan as! Déan as! Déan as!
Now, ground out any negative and/or excess energies from the ailing person somewhere safe and away from yourself and them (details on Ground and Sensing Energies are found on my Druidic Lesson on Magick page.
Ash leaves, put them under your pillow at night to fight insomnia and promote lucid psychic dreams! Also Valerian root works as well.
Furthermore, for sore muscles or headaches, rub the affected part of your body with an Ash wand.
Put a cup of Catnip in your bath to revitalize yourself after a long day.
Burn Silver Fir needles to cure a sick infant.
Carry Chrysanthemums with you when you travel to prevent an illness while you're away from home!
Carry a bag of Solomons Seal (a.k.a Dropberry or Sealroot) to not only heal all wounds, but prevent them, too.
Burn or make a tea from wild Sage to recover from an illness.
A salve made from dried Comfrey and Mint oil can be used to remove warts.
Parsley, when eaten, will protect you from being poisoned. (It'll also keep you from having poisonous breath!...lol)
HEALING RECIPES, TEAS, SALVES, POULTICES AND VARIOUS MIXTURES
FOR COMMON HEADACHES
Willow Bark Tea
Soak 1/2 teasponns of dried White Willow bark in 2 cups of cold water overnight. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for at least 20 minutes. Strain, cool and put in a container. One may wish to sweeten this with honey lemon juice or sugar, it can be added to juices or teas. Dosage should not exceed 1/4 cup of the willow bark miture and not to exceed 1 dosage every 4 hours.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has relaxing properties it;s great to relieve stress headaches and promote a great nights sleep. Chamomile tea can be readily bought at any supermarket usually but if one feels they rather take the hands on approach...Use 1 heaping teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers for each cup you wish to produce. Boil water, mix in the dried flowers and steep for 10 minutes, then strain, sweeten with lemon sugar or honey. Tastes VERY good and is very soothing as well. NOTE!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU SUFFER FROM RAGWEED ALLERGIES DO NOT CONSUME CHAMOMILE AS IT IS IN THE SAME HERBAL FAMILY!!!!!!
A Tea For Headaches caused by mental strain or fatigue
In a bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon of each: Sage, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Hops. Then pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. You can add a pinch of ginger and/or sugar to sweeten to taste. Drink warm
FOR MIGRAINES AND TENSION RELIEF
Skullcap Tea
For some reason blue flowers of numerous sorts are great for calming the nerves and are typically used in many herbal remedies for nervous tension, like, Skullcap. Chop 1/2 cup of Skullcap leaves and flowers and 1 tablespoon and add to 2 cups of boiling water. Steep for 15-20 minutes then strain. Add Honey and/or Sugar to sweeten. Drink several cups a day. This tea can also be used to treat epilepsy, convulsions and trembling of the limbs.
Stinking Iris Tea
An all natural pain killer, Stinking Iris is used and is great for Migrianes. Chop up 1 tablespoon of Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) and add to 1 cup of water. With the added herb, boil the water gently for 15-20 minutes, strain and drink. dosage is 3 tablespoons per day. This is also a slight laxative as well, so one may wish to weaken the dosage, or use when your having problems going to the bathroom.
COMMON COLD, FLU AND BRONCHIAL AILMENTS
A Traditional Peppermint Curative tea
Mix together 1 tablespoon of Elder flowers, 1 tablespoon of Peppermint, 1 tablespoon White Yarrow and 1 tablespoon of feverfew in 2 cups of boiling water. Once mixed, cover and allow to steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain, sweeten and re-heat. Drink hot. The tea will cause one to perspire helping "bleed" the illness out aiding in the dispelling of mucus as well and the White Yarrow is a pain killer. This is VERY effective.
Ginger Cinnamon Elixer for Colds
At the first signs of getting a cold, mix 1/2 teaspoon of crushed/powdered Ginger root and Cinnamon in 1 cup of scalded milk. Then add 1 tablespoon of Honey and drink hot. This one tastes great and is very soothing and stimulating.
Comfrey Elderberry Tea for Colds accompanied with Sore Throat/Fever
Chop up several comfrey leaves and add to 1/2 cup of Elderberries. Add that mixture to 1 cup of Honey and 1 cup of water. Simmer the entire mixture for 30 minutes. Strain and take as needed to produce perspiration to reduce fever. Comfrey is great for colds as it is almost like asprin easing the discomfort of colds and soothing the mucus membranes of the throat, it also acts as a demulcent and expectorant.
Mixture for Severe colds
Mix together 1 cup each of dried White Yarrow, Spearmint, Sage, Catnip, Horehound, Verbena and Pennyroyal. Pour 1 pint of boiling water over 2 1/2 tablespoons of the herbal mix. Then cover and let stand for 10-15 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Reheat and drink 1 cup every 1-2 hours. This recipie was used extensively by royalty in Europe for a very long time.
Cold Remedy (Very fast and effective relief of symptoms)
Fill a large pot or pan with 1 gallon of water. Add 3 onuces of softened ginger root, 3 cups of honey and 1/4 pound of seedless raisins. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for roughly 1 hour, while skimming the top every so often. Cool, strain and place in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate over night. The following day, squeeze 6 lemons and 4 oranges, then mix well. Dosage is 2-3 glasses a day, very tastey.
FLU AND BRONCHIAL REMEDIES
Sage and Citrus Tea Recipe
Boil 2 quarts of water and when the water comes to a solid boil immediately pour over 1 ounce of dried Sage. Add the juice of 1 whole Lemon, 1 Orange and 1 ounce of honey. Nix very well and allow to steep for 1 hour, strain and drink as often as desired, reheat as needed.
Elder Peppermint Tea
Boil 2 pints of water and pour it over 1 ounce of Elder Flowers and 1 ounce of Peppermint leaves. Cover and steep for about 20 minutes. Strain and sweeten with sugar and/or honey. Dosage is 1 cup per hour to induce sweating.
VERY Old World tea recipe for Flu, Aches and Headache
Mix 1 tablespoon each of White Yarrow, Boneset and Skullcap into 1 pint of water. Simmer the mixture in the water for 30 minutes. Strain and add 1 tablespoon of this mixture and 1 teaspoon of Psyllium seed to 1 cup of boiling water. Strain and sweeten with Corn Syrup. Drink a cup of this every 30 minutes until relief.
Chest Congestion and Bronchial Problems
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice is excellent for flus colds and any kind of broncial ailment. It is rich in Vitamin C and aids in cutting through and breaking up of congestion and mucus. It is also a great astringent. I advise using it to sweeten any tea for any of these ailments.
Comfrey Recipe
Comfrey is used to reduce the inflammation in the Bronchial and Alimentary system. It also acts as an emollient, demulcent and expectorant as well as possesing pain-relieving properties so that one can rest more easily. Cut 1 ounce of Comfrey root into very fine pieces and add to 1 pint of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain, sweeten and drink 1 cup 3-4 times a day.
Almond/Peppermint oil rub Mix together 1 cup of Almond oil and 1/2 teaspoon of Peppermint oil. Heat to luke warm and massage chest and back. This works very well for me.
Broncial Cough Remedy
Mix together 1 tablespoon of Irish Moss, 1 tablespoon of Comfrey root, 1 tablespoon of Lobelia, 1 tablespoon of wild cherry bark, 1 teablespoon of Verbana and 1 tablespoon of Aniseed in 1 pint of water. Boil the mixture in the water until the liquid has evaporated to about half of the original pint of water. Then strain the mixture and add 1 pint of honey and bring the mixture to a boil again. Once boiled reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Remove mixture from the heat and add 3 tablespoons of rasberry vinegar. mix VERY well and store in the refrigerator. Dosage is 1 tablespoon as needed for cough.
Agrimony/Parsley tea for stubborn persistant coughs
All from http://www.angelfire.com/wizard/healingspells/
Yarrow Magical, Medical..Tea & More
Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium)
PLANET: Venus
ELEMENT: Water
Gender: Feminine
USE IN MAGIC: Healing, Divination, Courage, Love, Psychic powers, Exorcism
PART USED: leaves and flowering tops, gathered June to September
Other names:
Folk Names: Achillea, Arrowroot, Bad Man's Plaything, Carpenter's Weed, Death Flower, Devil's Nettle, Eerie, Field Hops, Gearwe, Hundred Leaved Grass, Knight's Milfoil, Knyghten, Lady's Mantle, Milfoil, Militaris, Military Herb, Millefolium, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man's Mustard, Old Man's Pepper, Sanguinary, Seven Year's Love, Snake's Grass, Soldier's Woundwort, Stanch Griss, Stanch Weed, Tansy, Thousand Seal, Wound Wort, Yarroway, Yerw.
Features/description: The stem is angular and rough, the leaves alternate, 3-4 inches long and 1 inch broad, clasping the stem at the base, bipinnate, the segments very finely cut, giving the leaves a feathery appearance. It flowers from June to September. The flower, white or pale lilac, being like small daisies, in flattened, terminal loose heads, or chymes. The whole plant is more or less hairy, with white, silky hairs.
Cultivation
Yarrow is an undemanding plant that thrives even in poor soil but does best in a sunny position with good drainage and light soil. Yarrow grows well in zones 3-8 with some cultivars extending to zone 10. Plants are susceptible to disease in humid areas. Tolerates light shade. Soil-moderately rich and moist. Propagating-sow or divide invasive roots in spring or autumn. Growing-thin or transplant to 12 inches apart. Plant will bloom a second time if they are deadheaded. Not suitable for indoor growing. Harvesting-gather leaves and flowers in late summer. Preserving-dry both leaves and flowers.
Propagate from seeds, by root division or from woody cuttings taken in autumn or spring. They can take a year or two to establish themselves from seed. Place the plants 1-2 feet apart and divide the clumps when they become crowded. Taller cultivars may need to be staked, especially if grown in very fertile soil.
Culinary-
LEAF, finely chopped slightly bitter, peppery young leaves into salads and cheese dips. Used like flour (the root) to thicken sauces
Yarrow ale was a traditional drink at country weddings for centuries be fore the introduction of Hops to brewing. The ale has all of the healing qualities of the herb.
Yarrow Ale
(makes about 8 16-oz. bottles)
1 gallon water (use bottled spring water)
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup organic unsulphured molasses
1 oz. dried Yarrow flowers (enough to pack two muslin tea bags)
1 quart strong Sage infusion
1 packet brewer's yeast
Bring the water to a boil. Add the brown sugar, molasses, and one of the muslin bags of Yarrow. Boil for a half hour. Remove the herb from the "wort," and allow the liquid to cool to 70 degrees (about room temperature -- this will take a couple of hours). While the wort cools, prepare your fermenter. This can be any glass container larger than one gallon, with a wide mouth. Wash with soap and water, and rinse first with boiling water and then with a strong infusion of Sage to discourage unwanted bacteria.
Pour the cooled wort into the fermenting jar. Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Add the yeast/water to the jar, and suspend the second muslin bag of Yarrow in the wort. Cover the jar loosely with plastic wrap or a loose top so the developing gas can escape. Let it foam up for a week or ten days. When the foam is gone, wash and sterilize bottles as above (recycled Grolsch beer bottles work well). Add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to each bottle. Pour ale into primed bottles and cap or cork, label and date. Set bottles in a cool spot for a couple of weeks to carbonate, then refrigerate and enjoy.
Medicinal-
LEAF, The Yarrow plant has been used throughout the ages for its healing properties. Yarrow is known to help with high blood pressure, digestive problems, and as an antiseptic. Yarrow can help with varicose veins, and other circulatory disorders. It has a balancing effect on urine flow, and help to cure bedwetting. It is used to alleviate muscle pain and headaches infuse as a tea for digestive problems.Aids progesterone production. Shrinks fibroids and hemorrhoids,Dries secretions & reduces menstrual flooding ,Regulates blood sugar levels & mood swings Yarrow tea is a good remedy for severe colds and is useful in the commencement of fevers. It opens the pores freely and is recommended for colds and measles.
NOTE: extended use may make skin light-sensitive Do not use Yarrow during pregnancy, for undiagnosed bleeding, or for more than two weeks.
Yarrow Tea
The infusion is made with 1 oz. of dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water.
It may be sweetened with sugar or honey with a small amount of pepper.
Tea Tips:
Tea - 1 oz herb per 1 cup water.
Drink 1/2 - 1 cup every hour until cold/ fever breaks or bleeding stops
A piece of the plant held against a wound will staunch bleeding.
An infusion can help to break a fever.
A tea made from yarrow with peppermint and elderflower can be used to fight colds and flu.
Other Uses
WHOLE PLANT, helps nearby plants to resist disease.
LEAF, speed decomposition by adding one chopped fresh leaf to each wheel barrel-load of compost.Adds color to a border. The flat heads add contrast to mounding or spiky plants.Use in fresh arrangements.Makes attractive dried flowers if cut before the sun bleaches them. To dry the flowers, cut them at their peak before they start to fade and hang them head-down in clusters of six to 12 in a dry, airy place out of the sun.Fragrant addition to potpourri.
Cosmetic-
FLOWER, infuse flowers for a facial steam and tonic lotion. Yarrow has wonderful effects on the skin and hair; it can be used as a tonic for hair and scalp. It promotes hair growth, and aids the natural healing process for wounds, cuts, dry skin, and rashes. The smell of Yarrow is also helpful in reducing stress felt, and aids in restful sleep.
Yarrow and Chamomile Lotion
**Excellent for oily skin**
Place 1 tbs. dried yarrow flowers and 1 tbs. dried chamomile flowers in a bowl. Add 2 cups boiling water. Leave in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Stir again then strain off the liquid. Pour into glass bottles.
AROMATHERAPY USES
acne, burns, cuts, eczema, hair rinse to promote hair growth, inflammatory rashes, scars, tonic for skin, varicose veins, wounds, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombosis, constipation, cramp, flatulence, hemorrhoids, indigestion, amenorrhea.
Magical Uses
When worn, it protects the wearer, and when held in the hand, it stops all fear and grants courage.A bunch of dried yarrow hung over the bed or used in wedding decorations ensures a love lasting at least seven years. It is also used in love spells.Carrying it not only brings love but it also attracts friends and distant relations you wish to contact. It draws the attention of those you most want to see.The flowers are made into an infusion and the tea is drunk to improve psychic powers.Washing the head with a yarrow infusion will prevent baldness but won't cure it if it has already begun.It is also used to exorcise evil and negativity from a person, place or thing.It is sacred to the Horned God The stalks are used for divining in the I CHING. Yarrow lulls the conscious mind and allows psychic communication. Large patches of yarrow growing in a field indicate a very grounded energy spot. Sit there to center and relax.
USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH
-opens the mind and seventh chakra to inspiration from spirit.
-cleanses body and aura
-protects from invasive thought forms
On finding yarrow in bloom under a waxing moon for the first time in
Spring, bow to the plant and ask her permission to gather a sprig.
As you do so, chant:
"Yarrow, sweet yarrow, the first I have found!
"In the name of my Lady, I pluck from the ground.
"As father loved mother, taking her for his dear,
"In my own dreams tonight, may my true love appear."
If you sleep with the sprig under your pillow, you will see the face
of your true love in your dreams.
PSYCHIC TEA
3 parts Rose Petals
2 parts Thyme
2 parts Yarrow
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Clove
Brew in boiling water for about ten minutes.
Strain and add honey for taste if needed, do
not add cream or milk. Use before divination
psychic work, and astral travel to enhance the
awareness.
Yarrow, in the eastern counties, is termed Yarroway, and there is a curious mode of divination with its serrated leaf, with which the inside of the nose is tickled while the following lines are spoken. If the operation causes the nose to bleed, it is a certain omen of success:
'Yarroway, Yarroway, bear a white blow,
If my love love me, my nose will bleed now.'
An ounce of Yarrow sewed up in flannel and placed under the pillow before going to bed, having repeated the following words, brought a vision of the future husband or wife:
'Thou pretty herb of Venus' tree,
Thy true name it is Yarrow;
Now who my bosom friend must be,
Pray tell thou me to-morrow.'
(Halliwell's Popular Rhymes, etc.)
Remember all things are good in moderation. This is no exception for Yarrow. Excessive use can cause headaches and irritate skin. During pregnancy it is advised to use with caution.
All from http://cottageherb.tripod.com/herbalgrimoire/id9.html
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