The first novel in the series Daughter of the Gods: Dark Illusions
The second novel in the series
On a previous site of mine this was one of my favorite sections. I am now attempting to rebuild it from scratch. The previous page was called the "Herb of the Month Archives" and I hope to restore that here one day. The goal is that each month one or two herbs will be added to this page with picture, identification information, medicinal, magickal, ritual and folklore information will also be provided where I can do so. This page is in alphabetical order by Common Name.
The majority of the information found on this page is compiled from:
Earl Mindell's Herb Bible
The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
The Healing Power of Herbs by Michael T. Murray N.D.
Reader's Digest: Magic and Medicine of Plants
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D.
Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria L. (Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Philanthropos, Stickwort)Member of The Rose Family-Rosaceae
It openeth and cleanseth the liver, helpeth the jaundice, and is very beneficial to the bowels, healing all inward wounds, bruises, hurts and other distempers.
Culpepper
The decoction of leaves of Egrimony is good for them that have naughty livers
Gerard
Medicinal Uses: Properties: Astringent, Anti-inflamatory, Anti-biotic.
Internal; useful for coughs, sore throats in a moderate infusion which may be taken as a tonic 3 times daily.
It is useful for
heptatitis and jaundice. For this purpose a strong infusion is made. It may also be applied to slow healing wounds.
External: useful for eyes and skin in a moderate wash. Apply no more than twice daily to eyes.
Alfalfa Medicago sativa L. (Buffalo Herb, Luceren, Purple Medic) Member of the Pea Family-Leguminosae
Aloe Aloe Vera (l), Burm f ( Aloes, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe) Member of the Lily Family-Liliaceae
Hearbe Alloe hath leaves like thos Sea Onion, very long, broad, smooth, thick, bending backwards, notched in the edges, set with certaine little blunt
prickles, full of tough and clammie juice like the leaves of the Houseleeke.
Gerard
Natural Habitat: Dry, sunny places, sandy soil. Native to Africa and the Mediterranean area, introduced to North America and is cultivated in California, Texas, Florida and Arizona. It also grown successfully as a houseplant though possibly not to bloom.
Identification: Succulent Perennial herb growing 2-3 feet tall. Thick fleshy leaves are prickled at the edges and filled with bitter juice. June-September orange red flowers. Medicinal Uses: External;The juice of this plant is widely used to treat common skin alignments including dryness, minor injuries and minor burns. For this purpose squeeze fresh juice onto effected area. It is also widely used in skin care lotions and creams and shampoos.Internal;A resinous extract from the dried leaves is administered internally as a VERY STRONG laxative. This herb should NOT be taken internally by pregnant women, the elderly or children under 12. Magickal Folklore: This herb is said to have been used to embalm the body of Jesus Christ. This herb is sacred to Mars and Venus (Ares and Aphrodite). It is known an herb of Protection and Funeral. It is used in magickal rituals and charm to bolster the success of the same.
Angelica Angelica archangelica L. ( Garden Angelica, Root of the Holy Ghost) Member of the Carrot Family-Umbelliferae
...others more moderate called it Angelia, because of its
angelical virtues, and that name it retains still, and all
nations follow it so near as their dialect will permit.
Culpepper
Natural Habitat: requires rich moist garden soil and partial shade. Great Angelica prefers wet bottomlands and swamps. Can be found growing wild from Labrador to Minnesota, south to Maryland, Indiana and Iowa.
Identification: WARNING: Positive identification in the wild is a MUST. This plant is easily confused with hemlock and other poisonous members of the Carrot Family. A robust perennial herb with thick, hollow stems growing up to 6 feet tall. Flowers June-October in large globular flower head that are green before opening to a greenish-white flower. Medicinal Uses: External; A strong wash may be made to aid skin and head lice.Internal; This herb contains high amounts of sugar and should not be taken internally by those with diabetes. It also should not be taken by pregnant women. Those with history of blood pressure and heart problems should exercise caution and ahere strictly to recommended dosage.
Internal; This herb contains high amounts of sugar and should not be taken internally by those with diabetes. This herb is valuable for cleansing the lungs and is used in the treatment of colds, persistent coughs and conditions which cause build up of phlegm in the lungs. It may also be used to treat indigestion and upset stomachs. For these purposes a mild to moderate (depending on taste) is made and may be taken in amounts up to one pint daily for no more than three days. Magickal Folklore: This herb has enjoyed a long history as an herb of Protection and is used to repell negative magick. Is also used for Prosperity, to bring good energy and good forutne into ones life. Bathing in the herb is said to bring a healthy aura and a radiance of joyful positive energy. It may be worn as an ambulet, burnt as an offering, added to incense or taken as a tear or elixer. This herb is helpful to commune with the Archangel Michael. This herb is sacred to the Sun and Leo.
Anise Pimpinella anisum L. ( Aniseed, Sweet Cumin) Member of the Carrot Family-Umbelliferae
It is a native of Egypt, Greece, Crete and Asia Minor and was cultivated by
the ancient Egyptians. It was well known to the Greeks, being mentioned by Dioscorides and Pliny and was cultivated in Tuscany
in Roman times. In the Middle Age its cultivation spread to Central Europe
Grieve
Natural Habitat: Sunny warm places with well drained moderately rich sandy soil. Cultivated throughout North America as a garden plant it has escaped into the wild.
Identification: WARNING: Positive identification in the wild is a MUST. This plant is easily confused with hemlock and other poisonous members of the Carrot Family. An annual herb growing 1-2 feet tall with anerect smooth stem. Base leaves are thick and pinnately divided; the leaflets are oval with toothed edges. Bright green upper leaves are small and feathery. July-August blooms in umbrellalike clusters. See fruits (August-September) are brown and produce the licorice smelled essential oil for which this herb is most noted. Medicinal Uses:Internal; Excellent for hard dry raspy coughs. Used in cough drops and syrups to soothe a dry irritated throat. Also useful for calming the stomach, to expell gas and ease nausea. For these purposes a moderate infusion is used.External; Applied to the skin in facial mixtures to help improve skin condition. As an antiseptic purchase commerical oil and dilute in three parts fixative oil use as neeed. Use pure oil to clean fresh wounds. Magickal Folklore: The word 'enchantment' is often associated with Anise as it is used in mild to moderate spells to help a person find happiness. Used in Amulets of Protection to guard against disturbing dreams and protect the Astral Traveler during the dreamstate. Often included in the Handfasting or Wedding ceremony by being added to the cake as an aphrodisiac. When storing this herb for magickal use it is best to include a piece of amber.
