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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:37:52 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:37:52 GMT -5
Lavender Is the most versatile herb. Lavender has so many uses. It is safe and gentle to use even with children and the elderly. Well known for its calming attributes, Lavender is often used for insomnia, restlessness, stress and anxiety. Simply inhaling the fragrance will affect the central nervous system. When the body is wound up or over stimulated, it will actually act as a sedative and calm the body down. A Lavender bath is also good at the end of a day for relaxing aching and overworked muscles including tired feet. Its wonderful qualities actually uplift a sluggish body by acting as a stimulant to the nervous system. Great when feeling emotionally down or depressed and during midday slumps
Lavender also has many beneficial medicinal qualities. Including anti-bacterial and antiseptic actions. When you spray it in a room it kills airborne germs. Spray it on doorknobs, phones and take it with you when you travel. Lavender is a natural insecticide. Sachets will keep spiders and moths from making homes in closets or closed off places. The scent last for years and every time it gets moved it reactivate for longer yet.
Lavender Tips
Scent children's drawers containing nighttime clothing with Lavender. Sheets scented with essential oil of Lavender help to induce sleep. Toss a little bag of dried Lavender in the dryer. Store sheets in linen closet with Lavender sachets (or Lavender Bags.) Spray sheets with Lavender floral water. A few drops of Lavender in a watering can will encourage healthy growth in house plants. A simple sachet tucked inside a pillowcase spreads the fragrance throughout a room.
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:39:06 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:39:06 GMT -5
Solstice Dream Pillow Copyright © Catherine Osborne
Materials needed: 1-4 oz (30-120 gms) each of the following five herbs: dried chamomile, mugwort, catnip, hops, lavender, whole oranges & lemons, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, (optional) myrrh or frankincense resin lumps. Scraps of lightweight cloth (4-7 inches/100-175 mm, two for each bag) optional bits of ribbon, embroidery floss, scraps of lace or a few small beads.
For those who are sitting up all night on the Solstice, this is a special dream pillow you can make for prophetic dreams when you go to sleep the next night or throughout the year. (If you are not sitting up a vigil, go ahead and make them anyway - I get some interesting quirks to the dreams when I use the spices in the dream pillows.)
Take the first five dried herbs and mix them in whatever proportions you desire/have on hand. More Mugwort will lead some folks to more psychic dreaming, more hops will lead to a sounder sleep for some others, more catnip may encourage feline pillow sharing.
As the night passes, eat the oranges, and use the lemons (minus their peels) in teas/punches/hot drinks. As you use them try to remove the peels in large chunks or in easy to work with sections. Using a spoon, carefully scrape out as much of the white inner rind as you can without damaging the zesty outer peel. Scatter the remaining outer peels on a cookie sheet and dry them on low heat in the oven (200F or less). Watch them to make sure they are drying but not scorching. Remove them from the oven, and let them cool.
If you have a fire or incense burner, burn some of the incense resins, saving most to use in the pillows.
Crumble the dried peels up into smaller bits, break up the cinnamon sticks up into smaller pieces, and add the spices, resins and peels to the herb mixture. Mix well. Gather up the scraps of material, and sew up small bags: 3-6 inches/75-150mm should be fine. Leave one side open: small openings will make it more difficult to fill the bags later. If you want to use the ribbons and floss to embroider protective or other magical symbols or representative designs, it will be easier to do before you stitch the sides together. Work on this to keep you awake, thinking of the season and what it means to you as you do it. If these are intended as gifts, think kindly and lovingly of the folks you will be giving these to.
Fill each of the bags with the herb/spice mixture, but not so full that it is hard: people will want to smell them, but they need to be soft enough to sleep on. Fold the last side inward, and stitch closed. If you want, a small loop of ribbon may be added at this point at the top.
After the sun rises, and you have finished your celebrations, set these aside, and finish them when you have/make time during the day if they aren't done. When you go to bed, slip one or more of these into you pillow case, and inhale deeply as you relax before sleeping. Watch for special dreams as you sleep.
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:40:31 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:40:31 GMT -5
Blessing for Hearth-Keepers by Caitlin Matthews
Brighid of the Mantle, encompass us, Lady of the Lambs, protect us, Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us. Beneath your mantle, gather us, And restore us to memory.
Mother of our mothers, Foremothers strong, Guide our hands in yours, Remind us how To kindle the hearth, To keep it bright, To preserve the flame. Your hands upon ours, Our hands within yours, To kindle the light, Both day and night.
The Mantle of Brighid about us, The Memory of Brighid within us, The Protection of Brighid keeping us From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness, This day and night, From dawn till dark, From dark till dawn.
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:41:43 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:41:43 GMT -5
ECHINACEA: a highly regarded blood purifier used in the treatment of diseases caused by impurities. Said to increase bodily resistance to infection by strengthening the immune system. The best reason to include Echinacea in your garden is for its singularly beautiful flower, with delicate pastel-purple petals radiating from the prominent red-orange corona, which continues to bloom from July to September.
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:42:26 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:42:26 GMT -5
MILK THISTLE: its glossy leaves are painted with veins of creamy white which, according to tradition, originated from the milk of the Virgin which once fell upon a plant. It is said to be a tonic herb for the liver. It was once cultivated in Europe as a stock vegetable. After trimming the leaves of their prickly edges, they can be steamed or sautéed.
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:43:24 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:43:24 GMT -5
YARROW : Yarrow is considered an all around natural remedy without equal. As one of the bitter herbs, it has the reputation as a general fortifier, which helps to build the body’s natural resistance. It improves digestion, circulation, and the functions of the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys. It is valuable for cuts and makes excellent lotions for cleansing and beautifying the skin. Yarrow tea is thought to regulate menstrual periods. It also lessens the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, since it is mildly sedative and an anti-inflammatory. It will grow just about anywhere. Its pink or white flowers make an attractive addition to an herb garden.
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:47:09 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:47:09 GMT -5
GERMAN CHAMOMILE: perfect for making the relaxing Chamomile tea. The most prolific producer of flowers. Its volatile oils are an anti-spasmodic, which can be used for treating indigestion and menstrual cramps. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-infectant useful for treating skin disorders. It soothes colic and calms a hyperactive or distressed child. The daisy like flowers of Chamomile look lovely in any garden.
ST. JOHNSWORT: an old remedy for insomnia, depression and bedwetting, now touted as a natural alternative to anti-depressant drugs. Recent clinical evidence suggests that the flowering tops are effective in controlling mood and mild depression. Liniment made with tops in vegetable oil is soothing and healing when rubbed on painful joints and muscles. Yellow flowers. St. Johnswort tea is useful for easing menstrual cramps. Cautions: St. Johnswort is rated unsafe by USFDA. Prolonged use may cause photosensitivity.
BURDOCK: roots of this common wild plant are said to have "blood purifying" properties. Useful for skin diseases, including eczema. Recent medical evidence supports folkloric use for tumors. One of four herbs in the Essiac anti-cancer formula. This plant also has culinary value. In many regions of Europe and America, it is used as a vegetable stock as it adds its own mild flavor to soups and salads. The leaves can be sauteed like spinach.
FEVERFEW: a medical survey in England indicates that one to four leaves of feverfew infused in a tea or eaten in a sandwich daily reduces the number and severity of migraine attacks in some sufferers. Leaves should be eaten fresh and raw, not more than three per day. It even has pleasant side effects including a sense of well being, lack of tension and relief from arthritis. In July, a single plant will bear as many as 25 delicate yellow and white flowers
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 22:54:39 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 22:54:39 GMT -5
LEMON BALM: fresh leaves burst with lemon when squeezed. A truly delightful tea made from the dried leaves is said to stimulate the heart and calm the nerves. Fresh chopped leaves are interesting in salads, soups and stews. Proven effective against herpes.
VALERIAN: excellent sedative action. Widely used to allay pain, nervous unrest, migraine, and insomnia. Valerian should only be used as needed, and in the recommended dosage. Continued use can result in depression, and an overdose can lead to vomiting and dizziness.
CAYENNE PEPPER: red hot chilies two to 4 inches long and ½ inch in diameter. Used in Mexican, Indonesian and Italian dishes. Dried powder adds zest to your foods. Contains capsaicin, which acts as a restorative digestive tonic. Valuable home remedy with stimulant, blood pressure-regulating, digestive and anti-flatulent properties. Ground pods and a little soap in water is a useful insect repellent for the garden.
ASTRALAGUS: an important Chinese medicinal herb, used especially for its immune enhancing properties. Tonifies the spleen, especially in cases of fatigue. Boosts and tonifies chi. Cardio tonic; lowers blood pressure and blood sugar; improves circulation. It is said to have a beneficial effect on kidneys, liver, and endocrine system.
PARSLEY: This slightly peppery herb is commonly used as a flavoring or a garnish. It is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. It is a wonderful addition to salads, soups and stews. Parsley goes in almost in any dish. It is said that infusions of parsley are good for bladder infections
THYME: Aromatic low growing bush or creeping herbs, ideal for rockeries, borders, or along pathways. Pretty pink or purple blossoms are a favorite of honeybees. Culinary and medicinal value. Fresh Thyme has a pungent minty, light-lemon aroma and is widely used to flavor vegetables, soups, sauces and many other dishes. Thyme has been used to treat sore throats, coughs, and colds. It is an expectorant, diaphoretic, and antibiotic
CILANTRO: Cilantro or Coriander leaves are used widely in the cuisine of India, Mexico, the Orient and the Caribbean. For thousands of years it has been appreciated for its culinary and medicinal properties in South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Add cilantro to your salsa to get an authentic flavor.
BASIL: Basil has a pungent flavor that some people say is a cross between licorice and cloves. It is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, essential to such dishes as pesto, spaghetti sauce, pizza, etc. Basil’s Greek name, basileus, means king. Basil is used as a digestive aid and has a slight sedative action
OREGANO: Oregano is related to marjoram and thyme but it is not as sweet as marjoram and has a stronger, more pungent flavor and aroma. Since it is pungent, be cautious with its use. Use in Mediterranean tomato based dishes and Mexican dishes. Use infusions of Oregano leaves to treat indigestion, coughs, headaches, and delayed periods. Oregano flowers in July with inch long shoots of tiny pink flowers
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 23:03:02 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 23:03:02 GMT -5
CHIVES: Chives taste like sweet mild onions and suit just about any flavor. Mince and use as a garnish, or tie whole leaves around steamed carrots or asparagus. Use the flowers as a garnish or in salad and herb vinegar. Insects dislike it and so stay away from not only the chives but also other neighboring plants.
SAVORY: Savory has an aroma and flavor and is somewhat like a cross between thyme and mint. Savory adds a piquant flavor to many dishes—often called the bean herb because of the excellent addition it adds to peas, beans, or lentils. Also excellent in chilled vegetable juices. Summer Savory is said to be effective in treating diarrhea, upset stomach, and sore throat.
GARLIC CHIVES: This herb is similar to chives but tastes more like garlic. Put them in dishes where one might traditionally use garlic either fresh or cooked.
MUSTARD: sharp flavored leaves are excellent in salads and sandwiches or cooked. Harvest when young and tender. Repeat sowings for a continuous crop. Taken internally mustard stimulates the appetite and aids digestion. Young mustard greens are delicious stir-fried or steamed..
DILL: Fresh dill has a tendency to lose its fragrance during cooking so should be added to the dish towards the end of the cooking process. It is used to flavor many dishes. Dill dispels flatulence, settles the stomach, stimulates the appetite, and relieves colic. It is useful to nursing mothers as it encourages milk flow and relieves breast congestion.
SAGE: This herb is used for cooking but has also been considered as a medicinal herb.. Made into a tea it has excellent medicinal benefits. The tea is an effective mouthwash for combating mouth ulcers and gum infections. Sage helps dry up the milk flow and is useful in treating Ammenorrhea, and painful periods. Sage is wonderful in the kitchen or aromatic garden. It is a natural insect repellent but will attract bees.
SWEET MARJORAM: This herb can be used to flavor a variety of vegetables. It is best added toward the end of the cooking time. Try Marjoram tea for headaches. Use it as it a gargle to treat mouth ulcers. It is a diaphoretic, which can be used in the treatment of colds and flu.
ONION: Onion can be used just about any way imaginable, and in just about every cuisine. Onions contain smaller doses of the same compounds that make garlic an effective healing agent. Onions help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure and increase the production of HDL cholesterol, which helps the arteries.
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Herbs
Jul 31, 2007 23:31:33 GMT -5
Post by Allan on Jul 31, 2007 23:31:33 GMT -5
A Kitchen Spell for Harmony
A kitchen is a very special place in the home. Food sustains a family, and when prepared with love food satisfies more than mere hunger. A kitchen should be filled with caring thoughts and with harmony. What begins here spreads throughout the rest of the home. Use this charm to bless your kitchen. At twilight, create a personal sacred space by mixing a pinch of allspice, one sprig of dried and crumbled basil, nine coriander seeds, five juniper berries, half a teaspoon of dried lavender, and one teaspoon salt. Pour the mixture into a small dish or jar. Place a stone (a geode, moonstone, or quartz) in the center of the mixture, and set the dish in the kitchen someplace where it won’t be disturbed.
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