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| Home > Article Library > Herbs > Mother Earth Herbal | Search |
| Mother Earth Herbal Author Unknown |
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Here are some traditional uses of herbs and trees, including some magical uses. Please consult with an expert before using herbs you are not extremely familiar with internally.
Apple - Choice of Beauty, pour libations of cider on roots before tree rituals, use apple cider in place of blood where it is called for in old recipes, wands of apple for emotional magic, as well as love rites. Wiccans pile apples on altars at Samhain, as apples are one of the foods of the dead. Apple is the symbol of immortality. A branch of apples which bore buds, flowers, and fully ripe fruit (also known as silver bough) was a magical charm which enables it possessor to enter into the land of the Gods, the Underworld, in Celtic Mythology. Crab apple special to the other worlders, use for special attention or protection of other worlders.
Ash -(Fraxious excelsior) inner and outer worlds linked, macrocosm and microsom. Protection, prosperity, sea rituals, health, staff of Ash hung over the doorposts wards off malign influences, garter made of the green bark was worn as protection against the powers of sorcerers and conjurers, leaves scattered to the four quarters protect a house or area. Healing wands are made of ash. A few leaves placed in a bowl of water next to the bed left over night will prevent illnesses. The water should be discarded each morning and the rite repeated each night. Burn ash at Yule for prosperity. Druid wands were often made of ash and carved with decorations. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic, fresh ash leaves under your pillow stimulate psychic dreams. Use leaves to make circle, call Aires - throw leaves to Aires as called: Blessings to all who come to my aid Between friends is this bargain made Dismiss and disperse circle
Anise Hyssop - perennial half hardy, propagate by cutting only not good pot plant Good in tea, salad, fruit, aromatic good for potpourris.
Alder - Represents the letter F (Fearn) in the Drudic alphabet, Tree is sacred to Bran, Brother of Branwen, who kept the Cauldron of Regeneration. Also associated with Romano-Celtic God Cocidlus, a form of Silvanus, prince of satyrs in the Dionysian myth, and Elder Wine God, a wildman of the woods and a disreputable orgiast. Its and Oraculars protective, helps to find spiritual protection in disputes, also an oraculars strength. This is a Druid Sacred Tree, the pith is easily pushed out of fresh shoots to make whistles, from which the old superstition of whistling up the wind comes.
Alecost - costmary, sweet mary, mint geranium, this is the camphor plant family, hardy perennial, not good for containers, use leaf sparingly, has sharp tang tends to be overpowering, flowers do not have scent, don't bother harvesting for drying, scent is in leaves, picked just before flowering, use in potpourri, hair rinse, and baths.
Agrimony - dog burr perennial, mix with witch hazel for a refreshing astringent, harvest after flowering and dry, fade from bright green to olive green, but the burr like blooms are fragile
Angelica - biennial, short lived perennial (4 years) not a good indoor plant, can be confused with hemlock (poison). has licorice flavor, Young leaves used to season salads, seeds used by confectioners in pastry. Stems are candied. Externally use in bath for exhaustion. Crushed leaves freshen car, prevent travel sickness.
Birch - Represents beginnings and births, stands for the Runic letter B (Beth or Beorc), and is the first letter of the Druidic Alphabet. is also known as the Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch and White Birch. Its witness suggests the White Goddess, also used to expel evil spirits Strip bark at new moon and write in Dragons Blood (red ink) "Bring true love" burn and say: Goddess of Love, God of Desire Bring to me sweet passions fire Or cast bark into stream or other flowing water: Message of Love, I set you free To capture a Love and return to me
Basil -(ocimum basilicum) annual good for pots, best known for its culinary uses, I like it best in tomato dishes, both dried and fresh. Scent of oil can allay mental fatigue, good in a bath vinegar which is refreshing and antiseptic. Kept in kitchen in pot it repels flies or rub crushed leaf on skin to repel mosquitoes. Exorcises negativity from the home, sprinkle in corners of home to protect and cleanse
Bay - tender perennial evergreen tree, makes good potted plant , slow grower and lasts years till it needs to be outdoors. Fresh leaves stronger than dried ones, good for soups, stews and stock, Bouquet garnie. Place in flour to deter weevil. Add an infusion to a bath to relieve aching limbs.
Betony -(stachys officinalis, Betonica officinalis, Stahys betonica) Also called bishopwort, wood betony, purple betony, hardy perennial, good in great large container, Leaves used in tea usually mixed with other Herb's such as mint and lemon verbena. Flowers taste very sweet and can be added to sherbets, ice creams and fruit salad, powder used as herbal smoking mixture. Fresh plant provides a yellow dye, as a hair rinse good for highlighting graying hair, DO NOT TAKE ROOT INTERNALLY. Power to expel evil spirits - Druids sacred herb use to dispel nightmares and despair. Burn at Midsummer Solstice for purification and protection - also sprinkle at doors and windows for same.
Briar Rose - (rosa rubiginosa) also known as WildRose, Briar, sweet briar, hip fruit, regular scented roses may be substituted, Steep in water (petals) drink at bedtime for clairvoyant dreams. Burn petals with love incense to strengthen love spells.
Broom - (cytisus scoparius) Scotch broom Irish Broom, physicians power, sweep ritual area with this to cleanse and protect BURDOCK - (arctium lappa) cocklebur, beggars buttons, steep handful in bucket of water to wash floors, wards off negativity, purifies and protects.
Bistort - polygonum bistorta, snakeweed, dragonwort, carry a piece of dried root to conceive
Borage - hardy annual - not good for containers, attractive to bees, plant near tomato to control tomato worm, cut up in salad, float blooms in drinks or punches, garnish fruit salad, dried flowers to decorate candles, picture frames, bookmarks, etc, steam for towel tent for facial, potpourris flowers add color, in tea has gamma linolenic acid (GLA) rich in potassium and calcium. Not for prolonged use, fresh leaves can cause dermatitis.
Box - boxwood, tender evergreen, slow grower, good for container, long lived, 600 years is common. Wood is non-fibrous, twice as hard as oak, heavy, does not float, does not warp, wood gives of musky smell when wet. Choice for woodworkers. POISON
Blackthorn - (Prunus spinosa) also called Sloe, is a wintry tree, the fruits ripen and sweeten only after the first frosts, a cold spring was known traditionally as a "Blackthorn Winter". Wood from the Blackthorn was traditionally used for the Irish cudgel or shillelagh, thorns were used in Witchcraft to pierce wax images. Ogham represents strong action of fate or outside influences in your life or journey. Also unexpected change, issues to be faced and decisions to be made which are inescapable. Counquers resistance, draws on spiritual strength, new direction with opportunities.
Bryony/White (bryonia alba, bryonia dioica) poisonous, also known as English mandrake, briony, ladies heal, root can be substituted for the rare true mandrake root, set a piece of root on your money to increase prosperity.
Balm of Gilead (canary balm) half hard perennial, good for containers, good for spicy or woody potpourri. Infusion of leaves in bath water for invigorating bath, crush leaves in hand to clear head, rub leaves on skin to repel mosquitoes. Said to be an aphrodisiac when applied to certain areas of the body.
Beech - letter Ph (Phagos) old knowledge, old writing, wishes, carry beech wood to increase creative powers, tree represents the need to turn to past and its works in order to find/rediscover lost wisdom. Creates firm basis on which to make further ideas, interpretations.
Bee Balm - bergamont, hardy perennial, good for large pot, small flower petals on green salad, fresh leaf in china tea for earl grey flavor, use in wine and lemonade. Chopped leaves can be added sparingly to salads, stuffing's and in jams and jellies. Flower heads keep their fragrance when dried use in potpourris, oil used in fragrance. Attractive to bees, valuable to beekeeper.
Cedar - (cedrus libani) Also known as a Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae, Yellow Cedar. To draw energy and ground, place the palms of your hands against the ends of the leaves.
Chives - besides culinary, plant next to apple to prevent scab, next to roses for black spot. Prevents scab infections on animals. Leaves are mildly antiseptic and on food they stimulate appetite.
Calendula - Pot marigold, marigold, great potted plants. Use as lotion (infuse flowers) to clear skin, reduce pores, antiseptic and anti bacterial.Flowers give clairvoyant dreams.
Caraway - hardy biennial, not good in pots seeds have breath sweetening properties, when chewed. Pigeon fanciers claim pigeons don't stray if baked caraway dough is in coot.
Chicory - blue endive - hardy perennial, not good for containers, flowers in salad, leaves in salad (young ones) roasted root substitutes for or used to cut coffee, boil leaves to produce blue dye, good for animal fodder.
Cardamon - perennial, seed pod is a spice, used in Indian cooking, stimulates digestion, calamity for gas, prevents griping effects of laxatives
Coriander - tender annual, plant can be container grown but can give off unpleasant smell till seeds ripen. Leaves & ripe seeds have 2 distinct flavors, seeds aromatic, leaves earthy pungent.
Catnip - (nepeta catania) hardy perennial, good for pots, used freshly picked young shoots in salads or rub on meat, was used as tea before china tea was introduced. Infusion for scalp irritations mashed for poultice for external bruises, plant near vegetables to deter flea beetle. good for cat toys, scent repels rats. Chewed by warriors for fierceness in battle, large leaves are powerful markers in magic books, give to cats for psychic bond.
Celandine - (cheidonum majus) also known as tettenwort, swallow herb, figwort, piewort. perennial To prevent unlawful imprisonment, wear a red flannel bag filled with the herb next to the skin, replace ever three days. Source of an orange dye, but sap may be irritating to the skin
Chamomile - (anthemis noblis) hardy evergreen, not a good potted plant. Wild chamomile, roman chamomile, ground apple, Roman chamomile smells like fresh apples and its the most enjoyable to use. plant near ailing plants to revive them, next to onions to repel mosquitoes, rinse with infusion on fair hair, antiseptic. Oil: pack flowers in olive oil leave in sun for 3 weeks, add 5 or 6 drops to bath for relaxing. Burn or add to spell bag to increase money.
Calamint - Hardy perennial, not good for containers, add to salads, flowers attract butterflies and bees.
Cowslip - hardy perennial, primula, not good inside in container, but good outside, leaves in salad, cowslip wine.
Chervil - hardy annual, not good for containers, leaves rich in c, carotene, iron and magnesium. Fresh leaves in warm poultice for aching joints, Infusion of leaves to clean skin, maintain suppleness and discourage wrinkles.
Curry Plant - hearty evergreen perennial, good for containers, leaves smell stronger than they are, and good for chicken, rice, yellow flowers in potpourris.
Club Moss - (lycopodium clavatum) also knows as Wolf Claw, staghorn. Among the Celts, only a priest or priestess could gather club moss, it had to be cut with a silver dagger. The plants and the spores (collected in July and August) were used for blessings and protection.
Comfrey -(symphytum officinale) hardy perennial, not suitable for pots indoors but good patio plant. Also known as slippery root, knit bone, blackwort. comfrey is high source for potassium for garden, choice source, boil fresh leaves for golden fabric dye, good feed for racehorses, cure for septic sores on animals in poultice. Place a piece of the root into each bag of your luggage to ensure the safety of your bags durning traveling. Not for human consumption.
Dandelion - perennial, good in containers, but grow wild in fields, not necessary, leaves and roots use in salads. flowers make excellent country wine, roots when dried, chopped and roasted are coffee substitute, this is a diuretic causes urination, (nick name piss a beds) and is best because does not cause leach of potassium from body. Good as a fertilizer. Is a good source of copper yellow brown dye from root, and makes excellent food for rabbits, guinea pigs and gerbils.
Dyers Greenweed - dwarf deciduous shrub, used as a decorative ground cover, flowers yield a yellow dye, rich green dye when mixed with wood.
Dragons Blood - Calamus Draco, Dracolna draco, pterocarpus draco, is a red dye, gum resin used to write spells on parchment or bark.
Dill - Annual, good for containers, seed sharper in flavor than leaf, use Dill seed to replace salt in no salt diet, chew seeds for halitosis and infuse crushed seeds to make nail strengthening bath.
Elm - regeneration's, qualities of boldness and fidelity given as good luck token to departing friends
Eyebright - (euphrasia officinalis) promotes clairvoyance, handful in pint of water, tightly cover pot and brew overnight. Strain, squeezing herb dry, store in tight covered container, away from sun and heat but not in fridge. Drink half teaspoon in half cup spring water to promote clairvoyance.
English Mace , sweet nancy, hardy perennial, good for containers, chicken, stews, rice and pork, dry flowers for arrangements.
Elecampane - Hardy perennial, too big for containers, has sharp bitter flavor, use dried or cook as root vegetable.
Elder - hardy shrub, good in large containers in shade, also known as Witch Tree, llnorn, elderberry, Lady Elder, represented by the letter R (Ruis) sacred to the elder Goddess, or Crone, the Callech, spirits of the Pagan dead, once called Helleder (after Hel, queen of the Underworld) are said to be imprisoned in Elder Wood. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. Exorcism, protection, healing, prosperity and sleep. Elder is worn to ward off attackers of every kind, over doorways it keeps evil from the house, berries, if carried, protect against evil and negativity, grown in the garden, it protects the household against the ravages of sorcery and brings prosperity. Flutes made from its branches call forth spirits, DO NOT BURN, and is good for wands. Before cutting, this was recited: Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood, And I will give thee of mine, when I become a tree. Flowers pollen produces yeast for cordial, elderflower water whitens and softens skin, fruits make lavender or violet dye when combined with alum, but color fades when exposed to light, stand under tree at Midsummer to help you see fey. Elder wands drive out evil spirits or thought forms.
Evening Primrose - hardy biennial, is a pot herb as all parts of the plant can be eaten, leaves in salads, roots boiled (like sweet parsnips). Leaf and stem infused make an astringent facial steam, add to hand cream as softening agent.
Ferns - male ferns (lucky hand, dryopteris filixmas), maidenhair (adiantum pedatum, native to North America and Asia), bracken (pteridum acquilinum), Lady fern and polypody (oak fern, both native to the US and both polypodium vulgare), uncurled fronds gather at midsummer and carry for good luck. All ferns are good luck and protect. Dried uncurled fronds attract fey. Burn ferns indoors for strong wall of protection, outdoors burn for rain.
Fir - (abeis alba) see also pine - Silver Fir, also known as Birth Tree, the letter A (Ailm) in the Druidic alphabet. Fir is the tree of the Three Brighids. Used as the Yuletree and so represented the Rebirth of the Sun. Evergreens in general were symbols of immortality, as they remained green year round, didn't die during the winter. Healing fertility, protection, exorcism, money, scattered on the floor they drive away evil, good for cleansing baths. . Pine cone gathered on Lugnasad still retaining its seeds, is an awesome magical object. Eating one pine nut everyday they will be immune to physical wounding with metal. Pine needles are burned to reverse and send back spells. Tree confers the strength and healing learned from past and present lives hich can or should be a well of insight and knowledge for the future. Strong sight and clear vision.
Fennel - perennial - one of the sacred herbs, roots boiled as a vegetable, tips used to flavor and garnish fish, soups, and made into tea. Popular flavoring for liqueurs and a scent for soap. Foliage attracts butterflies in warmer climates. Avoid large doses.
Flax - annual, stems are soaked in water to release fibers for making linen cloth, linseed oil for commercial drying in oil paints, varnish and putty.
Feverfew - (chrysanthemum parthenium) also known as featherfoil, flirtwort, hardy perennial, containers indoors not good but good patio pot, leaves are very bitter, use sparingly in salads. Infusion of leaves is mild disinfectant, leaves in sachets make good moth repellent. Travelers carried it as a ward against sickness or accident during their journeys.
Furze - (ulex europaeus) also known as gorse, whin. Its golden flowers are associated with the spring equinox. Wood and blooms are burned for protection and preparation for conflict of any sort.
Foxglove - also known as fairy gloves, fairy fingers, fairy caps, dead men's bells. Hardy evergreen perennial, not good in pots, in garden, grown for the flowers to attract fey. Druid sacred herb associated with the fairies and the little people.
Ginger - root, container plant, used In Chinese cooking mostly, chew for travel sickness.
Garlic - besides culinary uses, insect repellent, neutralizes poisons of bites and stings, also excellent glue and enables wholes to be made cleanly in glass, crush clove, rub onto glass, dry, then cut or drill.
Goldenrod - perennial, not too good for containers, but can be done, sweet goldenrod is used as astringent, tea made from dried flowers and leaves is aromatic beverage, lotions made from flower good for bee stings.
Geraniums, Scented - tender evergreen perennial, good for pots, Victorians used scented leaves in the bottom of cake tins to flavor desserts, but are not eaten, used in aromatherapy, oil is relaxing and is used sparingly, good in soy oil for massage, to relieve premenstrual tension, dermatitis, dry skin, DO NOT USE crispums in cooking, can cause upset stomach.
Good King Henry - all good, perennial, good for pots. Cough remedy for sheep, Plants fed to fatten poultry, also leather dye (green)
Holly - (llex aquiolium, US variety is llex opaca) hardy evergreen, male and female plants, the letter T (Tinne) with the form of the Tau Cross, dedicated to CuCulainn. The berries are seen as drops of the Underworlds Goddesses life giving blood, in which lay the secret of the trees immortality, or year round greenness. Associated with the Holly King, or Holly Knight, also known as the Green Knight or Wild Man. Holly guards against poison and evil spirits, thrown at wild animals it makes them lie down quietly and leave you alone, even if you don't hit them with it, potent life symbol along with Ivy and Mistletoe, Aids balance, unity and directness. For protection, plant near house to repel negative spells, bag of berries and leaves carried by men increases their ability to attract women.
Hawthorn - (crataegus Oxyacantha) Also called May Tree, White Thorn, sacred to the Goddess Olwen, represents fertility in the Druidic Alphabet, where it formed the letter H (Uath), the Goddess as the death-bringing Crone was connected with the Hawthorn, in the legend of Cu Culainn. Cleansing and chastity, protection, happiness, protects against lightning, in the house where it resides no ghost may enter, sacred to the Fay (faeries) and where Oak, Ash and (haw)thorn are grown, one may see the Fay. Used to decorate maypoles, wands of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are said to be highly erotic to men.
Heather - (cailuna vulgaris) use at Midsummer to promote love and protection, red for passion, white for cooling passion of unwanted suitors.
Hops - (humulus lupulus) May tree, hardy perennial, climbing plant, good for pots, leaves to make brown dye, good mulch from leaves, and good for compost. Blossoms are highly erotic to men
Hazel - (corylus spp) Sacred to Witches and to the Celtic Sea God, Manannan. Symbolic of female wisdom, Bards claimed that their knowledge of rhymes, epic tales, secrets of magic and poetic inspiration came from eating "Sacred Hazelnuts", with the Goddess as instructress. The trees alphabetical letter is C (coll) known as witchhazel as it was the wood of choice for witches divining rods. intuition, straight to the source, luck wishes, fertility, protection, string of hazelnuts on a cord hung in house or ritual room attracts fey, use for healing wands and divining rods, if outside and in need of magical protection quickly draw a circle around yourself with a hazel branch.
Honeysuckle - Semi-evergreen woody vine, not a good container plant. Add flowers to salads, infusion of the flowers can be used for tea. Dried flowers for potpourris, herb pillows and perfumery. Wisdom and foundation
Horehound/Black - stinking horehound, with good reason, bees love it, flowers attractive by stink, not good choice for containers. Has to be collected before flowering and carefully dried. Not recommended for the amateur.
Horehound/White - hardy perennial, good for container, Infuse leaf as a spray for cankerworm in trees, mix infusion with milk in dish for fly killer DO NOT SPRAY.
Horsetail - bottle brush Ideal for containers, but cut back in summer to prevent spores. Yields a yellow ochre dye. Stems have high silica content and dry used to scour metal and polish pewter. Summer 2oz of dry or fresh herb in 1 1/2 pts water for 20 min., and soak nails to strengthen. Makes good conditioner and rinse for hair. Storehouse of vitamins USE CAUTIOUSLY
Heartsease - hardy perennial, wild pansy, and many other romantic names, viola family, good in container, flowers to salads and decorate sweet dishes, added to bath water for cleansing the skin and shampooing thinning hair....
Horseradish - hardy perennial, root, not good in containers, in cooking the volatile oil evaporates leaving nothing. Used in sauces and vinegar's oil is released when grated raw. Flavor strongest in autumn, mild in spring. Root has calcium, sodium, magnesium and C has antibiotic quality useful in preserving food. Young leaves can be added to salad for zip.
Hyssop - hardy semi-evergreen, grow near cabbages to lure away whiteflies, plant near vines to increase yield. lovely for containers. good for tossed salad. Slightly bitter, add to soups etc
Herb Bennet - perennial, root is aromatic, can be substitute for cloves, made into infusion and used to sweeten breath. Young leaves can be eaten in salads
Ivy English - (hedera helix) symbol of resurrection, healing and calming. Plants produce a resin sometimes included in varnishes, flowers attract bees, and birds depend on berries in winter. Caution, plant is poisonous. Ivy is connected with the Winter Solstice and used for decorating, provides protection when growing on or near house.
Juniper - (juniperus communis) Hardy evergreen perennial, good for pots, Crushed berries are good in marinades, sauerkraut and stuffing for Cornish hens and other game birds. Harvest berries in late summer. Planted by the door discourages thieves, berries strung and hung in house attract love.
Jacobs Ladder - hardy perennial, good for container, dried flowers looklovely in potpourris
Laurel Bay Leaves - (Laurus nobilis) also known as sweet bay, burned to induce psychic visions, leaves under pillow give inspiration and visions, counters negativity and restriction
Lilly of the Valley - (convallaria majalis) POISON all parts of the plant, good for pots, Hardy perennial,. Soak flowers in water sprinkle around ritual area to draw peace and knowledge.
Lady's Mantel - hardy perennial, good container plant leaves can be boiled for pale green dye.
Lemon Balm - (bee balm) half hardy perennial, can be container grown, add fresh leaves to vinegar, add leaves to wine, teas and beers or use chopped with fish. Use fresh or frozen leaves, drying the oil dissipates. Is great for bee keeping
Lemon Grass - perennial, container friendly, known in Asian shops as sereh, use chopped fresh or dried, bunch and remove as you would bay leafs, powder form is very strong. Great for tea and in Chinese cooking.
Lemon Verbena - tender deciduous shrub, good for container, flavor oils and vinegar, drinks, fruits. Potpourris.
Lavender - hardy evergreen perennial, good container plant, use flowers to flavor herb jelly or vinegar, flowers can be crystallized. Blend for massage oil in aromatherapy. Best oil is from distillation and is bought. Rub fresh flowers into skin or pin sprig on clothes to discourage flies, use flowers in potpourri, herb pillows, linen sachets for moth repellent.
Loosestrife/Purple - (lythrum salicaria) placed in the corners of each room, this herb restores harmony and brings peace.
Lovage - hardy perennial. fine in outside large container but gets really big. Essential culinary herb, reminiscent of celery used in soups stews and stocks. Treat as spinach. Deodorizes and antiseptic, can be added to bath water.
Meadowsweet - (filipendula ulmaria, spirea ulmaria) also known as queen of the meadow, gravel root, meadowwort. Hardy perennial, nice for containers. Black dye from roots crushed using copper mordant. Leaves and flowers in potpourri, flowers in wine, decorate altar for love spells, is one of the three sacred herbs. One of the three most sacred Druid herbs (the other two are mint and vervain or verbena)
Marigold - (calendula officinalis).perennial herb, good in pots, also known as calendula, holigold, pot marigold, Bride of the Sun. Marigold water is made from the blossoms, rubbed on the eyelids (NOT IN EYES) this liquid helps you see fairies. Flowers added to pillows give clairvoyant dreams, petals can be used as a hair rinse, a coloring agent for butter and cheese, and a substitute for the color of saffron.
Mint - hardy perennial good for containers, spearmint or peppermint near roses to deter aphids, buddleia mint will attract hover flies. Good with lamb, vinegar's, jellies, tea, and chocolate. Peppermint oil can be used in massage to relieve muscular pain,. OIL can cause allergic reaction, avoid prolonged intake of inhalants from the oil, which must never be used on babies. Stuff poppets for healing and love, add to incense to clean house or ritual area.
Marsh Mallow - hardy perennial, boil roots to soften, peel and quickly fry w/butter.
Mugwort - (artemisia vulgaris) also known as sailors tobacco, witch herb, old man. rub on crystal balls and mirrors, increases strength, soak mugwort in wine for 7 days at new moon, strain, drink small amount to aid clairvoyance and divination and crystal reading, rub on tools to increase power, also protects, gather at midsummer Solstice for good luck.
Marjoram - (origanum majorana) WILD MARJORAM (origanum vulgare) see oregano.
Myrtle - half hardy evergreen shrub, when young is good in containers. leaves sweetest when in flower, are astringent and antiseptic. Every part of plant is aromatic and used dried in potpourris, use as juniper for roasting game.
Mistletoe - (viscum album) also known as birdlime, all heal, golden bough. The most sacred "tree" of the druids and ruled the winter solstice. The berries are poisonous. bunches of mistletoe can be hung as an all-purpose protective herb. the berries are used in love incenses.
Moonwort - (botrychium lunaria) the crescent shaped leaflets and fronds are used in love bags, put a piece of moonwort inside a locket with your lovers picture to promote lasting love.
Moss/Irish - (chondrus crispus) also known as pearl moss. herb is for gaining and keeping a steady income of money, make poppets for luck or money, stuff moss inside , burn it with incense during spell workings for luck or money, sprinkle inside your purse or billfold.
Melilot - biennial, used for fodder, often added to relaxing baths, seeds and flowers used to flavor foods
Nasturtium - half hardy annual, good for pots, flowers have pepper flavor good for salads, pickled flower buds good for capers substitute, leaves added to cream cheese with flowers makes good dip, but use with caution, do not eat more than half oz per day, leaves contain vitamin c and iron and are antiseptic, which is strongest before flowering.
Nettle - hardy perennial, not good in pots, used in fabric going way back, marked dwelling place of elves and protection against sorcery, and a dozen other old wives tales, fresh leaves to be cooked and eaten as spinach, makes good tea, whole plants yields weak greenish yellow woolen dye, good spray against aphids, make hair soft and shiny when used in rinse, do not eat old plants uncooked, plant must be cooked, and they do sting.
Oregano & Marjoram - (origanum majorana, origanum vulgare) also known as wintersweet, sweet marjoram, pot marjoram hardy perennial, good for containers, spicily aromatic, good antiseptics and added to baths and foods and distilled into oil for perfumes. An infusion of marjoram, mint and rosemary can be sprinkled around the house for protection or for protecting specific objects.
Olive - evergreen tree, not grown easily in this country, source of the olive and its oil, rich history, biblical symbol of peace.
Oak -(quercus robur)Also known as tanners bark, white oak. The letter D (Duir) in the Druidic and represents power, Irish churches used to be called dair-thech "oak house" an old druidic name for the Sacred Grove. solid protection, doorways to the mysteries, health, money healing, potency, fertility, luck. offers great magical protection, for strength , endurance, to ask special protection or attention from the God. Planting an acorn in the dark of the moon ensures you'll receive money in the near future, carrying any piece of it draws good luck, carry an acorn against illnesses and pains and for longevity and to preserve youthfulness. The Celtic Shamans would not meet for rituals unless an Oak was present. Its ogham represents primeval strength and the ability to overcome and survive. Wands are made of its wood. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere.
Pinks - dianthus evergreen hardy perennial, good pot plants. From flowers, remove petals, cut off white heel, add to salads, fruit pies, flavor jams, sugar, crystallize, mix with white wine, add to potpourris and sachets.
Poplar - some traditions identify the Poplar with the Tree of Life. Letter E (Eadha) rebirth, money, flying (added to ointments to facilitate astral projection) Shield Makers Tree, as it has the power to protect from death and magical uses. Associated with power of speech and language, liked with the wind (as in whispering or talking tree) Crann Critheac, Gaelic quivering rree. Overcomes the urge to give way under the burden of worldly pressures, aids determination.
Pennyroyal - semi evergreen hardy perennial, good in containers, mint has very strong flavor, use sparingly, good substitute for peppermint in water ice, oil is also toxic. DO NOT USE on pregnant persons or with kidney problems. Plant outside kitchen door to keep ants from entering the house.
Primrose - hardy perennial, good for pots, flowers are lovely in salads, crystallized to decorate, young leaves are interesting vegetable steamed, CAN CAUSE contact dermatitis
Privet - deciduous shrub, valuable hardwood timber for tools and charcoal, leaves once used by Shakers to make mouthwash, yellow dye from leaves ALL PARTS ARE POISONOUS IF INGESTED
Parsley - hardy biennial, has look alike in wild that are poison, use caution when hunting in wild, good in pot\s, used in culinary, high in vitamin C iron and other minerals, antiseptic chlorophyll, tea from crushed seeds to rinse hair. DO NOT USE oil during pregnancy.
Pine - (See also Fir) mix needles with juniper and cedar to burn and purify home and ritual area, cones and nuts are fertility charms. Cones and nuts are fertility charms. pine nuts and cones also sacred to druids highly stepped in magic, small cones or acorns are often used to tip the wands used by Celtic priests, all nuts can be used in fertility magic.
Rosemary - tender shrub, container is preferred, used with meat, especially lamb, with tomato sauce dishes, baked fish, summer wines, vinegar 's. Put sprigs on wood burning stove makes house smell lovely. use on dark hair in final rinse gives it shine (use chamomile for fair hair) long touted as a hair tonic. Oil has anti bacterial properties, use oil externally as insect repellent. Rosemary tea makes a good mouthwash, good antiseptic gargle. Antiseptic solution added to bath promotes healthy skin. WARNING do not use oil internally, large doses of leaf are toxic also.
Rowan - also called Quickbeam or Mountain Ash, Witchwood, Sorb Apple, represents the second letter of the Drudic tree alphabet L (Luis). Tree is sacred to the Goddess Brigit. In Ireland, "the Rowan tree of the North" bore the berries of Immortality. The tree was guarded by a Formorian Giant. Rowans grown near stone circles are the most potent. To protect, heighten perception, to attune with the other worlds, or other worlds, to the eventual attunement with the Goddess. Use for wands, rods, amulets and spells, berries also for spells (do not eat, seeds are poisonous), wands for knowledge and general divination. Fire with rowan wood summons spirits especially when facing conflicts.
Rue - (ruta graveoiens) also known as herb of grace, hardy evergreen - can be grown in container, is bitter, very bitter, but tea is made from it. WARNING: handling the plant can cause allergic reaction, called rue burns, do not take cuttings of plant when wet, or in full sun, use gloves. Ancient Celts considered rue an antimagical herb, defense against spells and chaos magic, fresh sprig for water to consecrate, bless or heal, burn for exorcism or purification, routs negativity and gets things moving.
Sorrel - hardy perennial, good in pots, use sparingly as is strong, good in soups eggs fish sauces with poultry and pork. Useful for tenderizing meat, wrap it around steaks or add pounded leaf to marinade, raw leaves in salads, but reduce the vinegar or lemon to compensate for increased acidity. Good dye plant, with mordant alum makes yellow or green dye, use juice of leaf to remove rust mold and ink stains from linen wicker and silver. Large doses are poisonous.
Saint Johns Wort - (hypericum perforatum) hardy perennial, can be grown in container but is tall and needs staking. Flowers release yellow dye with alum and red dye with alcohol. Said whoever treads on this plant after sunset will be swept up on the back of a magic horse that will charge around the heavens until sunrise before depositing its exhausted rider on the ground. The Celts passed it through the smoke of the Summer Solstice fire, then wore it in battle for invincibility, it can be burned to banish and exorcise spirits.
Sage, Jerusalem - tender evergreen perennial, good in container, good for culinary, aromatic leaves good in potpourri.
Sage - half hardy perennial, good for pots, plant with cabbages to repel cabbage white butterflies, next to vines if also beneficial, dried leaves of the pineapple sage are good for potpourris, great in food, kills off any bugs in meat as it cooks, usually used in sausages for this reason and a good preservative, use in oil or vinegar flavoring. used in fragrances, perfumes soap and to flavor wine, vermouth and liqueurs. Make smudge sticks, bunches of stems with leaves gathered together and burned to cleans and purify.
Sweet Cicely - hardy perennial, not good in pots, aka anise, myrrh sweet fern and switch - root can be cooked as a vegetable (similar to parsnip) with butter or white sauce, unripe seeds into fruit salads, leaf is sweet aniseed, also first nectar plant of the spring, valuable to beekeepers, many wild plants resemble this, but are poisonous, hunt wild with caution.
Sweet Woodruff - (asperula odorata) also known as master of the woods, wuderove. hardy perennial, takes aroma when dried, good for containers, potpourris, not good for tea and can poison. In MayWine, bottle of hock, glass of sherry, sugar, strawberry, sprig of woodruff thrown in 1 hour before serving. Carry a sprig to change the course of life and bring victory, add to Beltain wine as a symbol of clearing away barriers.
Sweet Rocket - hardy biennial, good for containers in group, young leaves good addition to salad, flowers too. Best for smell, use flowers in potpourris.
Southernwood - deciduous hardy perennial, strong flavor leaves used in salad, makes good aromatic vinegar. Hung in kitchen to deter flys, mosquitoes and in closets against moths.
Salad Burnet - evergreen hardy perennial, good for containers, leaves have nutty flavor and slight taste of cucumber, used in salads, or used as garnish to flavor casseroles, leaves also make herbal vinegar, high tannin content, root of great burnett can be used in tanning of leather.
Santolina - cotton lavender, French lavender, half hardy evergreen shrub, cannot be grown indoors, good as patio plant, not used in cooking, line drawers, under carpets and in closets to deter moths and other insects, or make herbal moth bags; handful wormwood; handful of spearmint; handful of santolina handful of rosemary; 1 tablespoon of crushed coriander dry and crumble the ingredients, mix together and put in muslin or cotton bag.
Soapwort - soaproot, hardy perennial, good for containers, gentle power the saponins make this ideal for upholstery and delicate fibers, mixture of leaves, roots and water was once used on sheep in Europe before shearing them. crush root, chop fresh stems, if dried, soften in water overnight, put in pan with water and stir till sudsy, do not boil, as it decomposes the active product, strain and use immediately as it can not be stored, DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY
Solomon's Seal - (polygonatum multiflorum, p. odoratum) also known as dropberry and sealroot, can be burned as a thank-you offering to the Elementals for their help.
Savory - half hardy annual, good for containers, winter and summer savory the best varieties, flavor is hot and peppery.
Tarragon - half hardy perennial, container friendly, promotes appetite, culinary uses are many.
Tumeric - perennial, from the rhizome, used as food coloring in curries, rice and grain dishes, Used to give the distinct orange color to Buddhist robes.
Thyme - Garden thyme (thymus vulgaris) wild thyme (thymus serpylium) diverse, evergreen half hardy to hardy, good for containers, also known as common thyme, mother of thyme, used in so many different foods, also antiseptic properties. Oil is used to kill mosquito larva, drops added to bath water and massage oil, OIL IS TOXIC, Repels negativity, pour tea of thyme and marjoram into bath for a cleansing magic bath, pillow of thyme cures nightmares, at funeral wear sprig of thyme to repel negativity of the mourners.
Thistle/Holy - for protection and strength, grow around house to turn away thieves.
Trefoil - (trifolium spp) also known as purple clover, shamrock, three-leaved grass. Symbolizes the Triple Deities. Always leave something in payment when you take trefoil because its the favorite herb of the Fay, a pinch of ginger or little milk poured onto the ground are acceptable gifts. Decorations of trefoil on the altar honor all triple deities. Carry a three-leaf clover for protection and luck, a four-leaf one to avoid military service.
Thrift - evergreen perennial. Flowers have a strong scent of honey, planted in gardens to attract butterflies.
Thistle/Holy - (cnicus benedictus, carduus benedictus) also known as blessed thistle and St Benedict thistle. for protection and strength, grow around house to turn away thieves.
Toadflax - perennial, used in Middle Ages as laundry starch, used as a fly poison when boiled in milk, flowers yield yellow, orange, green or brown dye depending on the mordant used
Valerian - (valeriana officinalis) also known as garden heliotrope, vandal root, St. Georges herb. hardy perennial, not good in pots, plant near other vegetables to stimulate phosphorus and earthworm activity, infuse root and spray on ground for earthworms, leaves to compost for minerals, root in rat traps. Used in love spells, to reconcile troubled couples, put in pillows to promote rest, also, cats like the smell better than catnip.
Violet - hardy perennial, good for containers, flowers crystallized for decoration, and homemade sweet, add to almond oil for an interesting variety. Flowers also used in potpourris, floral waters and perfumes.
Vervain - (verbena officinalis) also known as holy herb verbena, blue vervain, hardy perennial - does not like containers, not good for food, Enchanters Herb, holy herb, A Druid sacred herb, common in their many rites and incantations. It was so highly held that offerings of this herb were placed on altars. to heal and promote sleep, when burned, wards off psychic attack, used in spells of love, purification and attracting wealth, attractant for opposite sex
Wall Germander - ground oak, evergreen hardy perennial, good for containers, used occasionally in the flavoring of liqueurs.
Wood Sage - hardy perennial, curly kind can be container grown, leaves have mild garlic flavor, can be added to salad, but can be bitter, once used for making ale before hops.
Wild Cherry - (Prunus serotina) also know as black cherry, chokecherry, chips of the wood or bark were burned at Celtic festivals.
Wild Strawberry - hardy perennial good for containers, mash fruit and extract juice for a face pack to whiten skin and lighten freckles, and ease light sunburn.
Willow - (Salix Alba) White willow, Tree of Enchantment, witches aspirin, moon tree, sacred to the Goddess, the letter S in the Tree Alphabet, night vision, lunar rhythms, female aspects, wands are used for moon magic, all parts of the tree ward against evil and may be carried or placed in the home for this purpose. Knock on willow tree (knock on wood) to avert evil. Leaves, bark and wood are used in healing spells, magical brooms, especially Witches brooms, are traditionally bounds with willow branches. Groves of willows were considered so magical that priests, priestesses and all types of artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies. Include leaves to ask special protection or special attention of the Goddess, DO NOT BURN. To have wish granted, ask permission of the willow, explain, tie a knot on a bendable shoot, while asking, when wish is granted, untie knot, thank the tree and leave a gift.
Wormwood - (artemisa absinthium) also known as absinthe, evergreen, hardy perennial, can produce a yellow dye, used in vinegar leave for two weeks, strain, refreshing tonic in bath, insect repellent, antiseptic, sacred to moon deities and aids divination when burned, stronger when used with mugwort, burn on Samhain to aid evocation scrying and prophecy, strengthens incenses for exorcism and protection. POISON, do not take internally....
Woad - isatis tinctoria, or genista tincturia, or dyers greenwood dye, seeds used to make blue tint used skin by Celts, seeds were chewed to activate color. (not suggested these days, crush with mortar)
Wintergreen - evergreen perennial, use leaves to make an aromatic infusion, which can sweeten breath, leaves can be dried for use in tea.
Woodruff - (asperula odorata) see sweet woodruff
Witch Hazel - perennial shrub, sacred to North American Indians. infusions and tinctures made from young flowering twigs used as an astringent, to sooth bug bites and cleans skin. Careful for allergic reactions.
Watercress - perennial, almost evergreen, leaves rich in minerals and vitamin C and A, used in soups and salads raw or cooked. Use only cultivated plants, wild plants can host dangerous liver fluke.
Yarrow - (achillea milefolium) also known as milfoil, woundwort, seven years love, hardy perennial, not container friendly, good in salads, 1 small leaf can speed decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of compost, also infuse to make copper fertilizer, add to incense for divination and love spells, has power to keep couples happily married
Yew - (taxus baccata) Also knows as English yew, European yew, represented by letter I (idho) in the tree alphabet. Traditional cemetery tree, because Celtic Priests and Priestesses regarded it as a symbol of immortality and planted it in their Sacred Groves, druids also used wands of Yew to foretell the Future. Also symbol of the hunt as yew made superior bows. Herb was sacred to the the Winter Solstice and deities of death and rebirth. Irish used to make dagger handles and wine barrels. Berries are poisonous, leaves on grave remind us that the death of a dear one is only a pause in live before rebirth, healing for mental and emotional problems, contains the secrets of the Goddess, makes fine bows.