Herbs I Have Known and Loved

Long List of Herbs and Their Many Names

2008-03-08T15:46:09Z

ACACIA (Acacia senegal) Also called Gum Arabic Tree, Cape Gum, or Egyptian Thorn
ADAM AND EVE ROOTS (Orchis spp.) POISONOUS ROOTS. for love and happiness.
ADDER'S TONGUE (Erythronium Americanum) Also called American adder's Tongue, Serpent's Tongue, Adder's Mouth, Yellow Snowdrop, Dog's Tooth Violet.
AFRICAN VIOLET (Saintpaulia Ionantha) Used For Spiriuality and Protection
AGARIC (Amanita Muscaria) Also called Death Angel, Death Cap, Magic Mushroom, Fly Fungus. VERY POISONOUS
AGRIMONY (Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Garclive, Philanthropos, Sticklewort, Stickwort
AGUE ROOT (Aletris Farinosa) Also called Ague Grass, Bitter Grass, Black Unicorn Root, Unicorn Root, Aletris, Blazing Star.
ALFALFA (Medicago Saliva) Also called Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic, Jat, Qadb.
ALKANET (Alkanna Tinctoria, Anchusa Spp.) Also called Dyer's Bugloss, Orcanet, Dyer's Alkanet.
ALLSPICE (Pimemta dioica or officinalis) Also known as Pimento, Jamaica Pepper
ALMOND (Prunus dulcis) Also called Sweet Almond
ALOE Aloe vera or Aloe ssp.) Also called Burn Plant, Medicine Plant
ALOES,WOOD (Cardia Dichotoma, Aquilaria Agallocha) Also called Lignum Aloes, Lolu, Mapou.
ALTHEA (Althaea Officinalis) Also called Marshmallow, Mortification Root, Sweet Weed, Wymote, Heemst, Slaz.
ALYSSUM (Alyssum Spp) Also called Gum Alison, Madwort
AMARANTH (Amaranthus Hypochondriaus) Also called Flower of Immortality, Huauhtli (Aztec), Love-Lies Bleeding, Red Cockscomb, Velvet Flower, Princess Feather, Floramon.
ANEMONE (Anemone Pulsatilla) Also called Meadow Anemone, Pasque Flower, Passe Flower, Wind Flower.
ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica) Also called Wild Parsnip, Herb of Angels, Archange, Masterwort, Angel Food
ANISE (Pimpinella anisum) Also called Aniseed, Anneys
APPLE (Pyrus Spp, Malus spp.) Also called Fruit of the Gods, Fruit of the nderworld, Silver Branch, The Silver Bough, Tree of Love. SEEDS IN LARGE AMOUNTS ARE POISONOUS.
APRICOT (Prunus Armeniaca) Also called Umublinkosi, Xing Ren.
ARABIC, GUM (Acacia Senegal, A. Vera) Also called Arabic, Egyptian Gum, Indian Gum.
ARBUTUS (Arbutus Unede) Used to chase away evil.
ASAFETIDA (Ferula asafoetida) Also called Assyfetida, Devils Dung, Food of the Gods
ASH TREE (Fraxinus americana or excelsior) Also called Nion, Asktroed, Jasen Beli, Freixo, Common Ash, Weeping Ash
ASPEN (Populus Tremuloides) Also called European Apen, Poplar, Quaking Aspen.
ASTER (Callistephus Chinensis) Also called China Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Starwort.
AVENS (Geum urbanum ) Also known as Assaranaccara, Colewort, Herb Bennet, City Avens, Wild Rye, Way Bennet, Goldy Star, Clove Root
AVOCADO (Persea Americans) Also called Ahuacotl, Alligator Pear, Persea, Zaboca.
BACHELOR'S BUTTONS (Centaurea Cyanus) Also called Devil's Flower, Red Campion, Bluet, Hurtlesickle, Blue Bottle.
BALM, LEMON (Melissa Officinalis) Also called Bee Balm, Lemon Balsam, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Sweet Melissa, Tourengane, Oghoul.
BALM OF GILEAD (Commiphora Opobalsamum, Abies Basamea, Populus Basamifera Var. Balsamifera, P. Jackii.) Also called Arabic, Egyptian Gum, Indian Gum.
BAMBOO (Bambusa Vulgaris) Also called Common Bamboo, Ohe, Kauayan-Kiling.
BANANA (Musa Sapientum) Also called Maia, Bacove, Sanging.
BANYAN (Ficus Benghalensis) Also called Arched Fig, Indian Fig Tree, Indian God Tree, Vada Tree.
BARBERRY (Berberis vulgaris ) Also known as Berbery, Pipperidge Bush, Berberis Dumetorum
BARLEY (Hordeum Spp. Vulgare, MALT.) Used For Love, Healing, Protection.
BASIL (Oncimum basilicum) Also called Sweet Basil, Common Basil, Albahaca, American Dittenay, "Our Herb", St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb
BAYBERRY (Myrica cerifera) Also called Wax Myrtle, Myrica, Candle Berry, Arbre à suif, Myricæ cortex, Tallow Shrub, Wachsgagle
BAY LAUREL (Laurus nobilis) Also called Sweet Bay, Bay tree, Baie, Daphnne, Greecian Laurel, Laurel, Laurier d'Apollon, Laurier Sauce, Lorbeer, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel.
BEAN (Phaseolus Spp.) Also called Poor Man's Meat
BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylow Urva-Ursi) Also called Arbutus Uva-Ursi, Uva Ursi
BEDSTRAW, FRAGRANT (Galium Verum, G. Triforum) Also calledCleavers, Madder's Cousin.
BEE BALM (Monarda didyma) Also called Bergamot, Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea
BEECH (Fagus Sylvatica) Also called Bok, Boke, Buche, Buk, Buke, Faggio, Fagos, Faya, Haya, Hetre.
BEET (Beta Vulgaris) Also called Mangel, Mangold.
BELLADONNA (Atropa Belladonna) VERY POISONOUS Also Called Banewort, Black Cerry, Deadly Nightshade, Death's Herb, Devil's Cherries, Divale, Dwale, Dwaleberry, Dwayberry, Fair Lady, Great Morel, Naughty Man's Cherries, Sorcerer's Berry, Witch's Berry.
BENZOIN (Styrax benzoin) Also called Ben, Benjamen, Gum Benjamin, Gum Benzoin, Siam Benzoin, Siamese Benzoin, Sumatra Benzoin
BERGAMOT (Citrus bergamia) Also called Orange Mint, Orange Bergamot
BERGAMOT MINT (Mentha x piperita 'citrata')
BE-STILL (Thevetia Peruviana, T. Nereifolia) POISONOUS Also called Trumpet Flower, Yellow Oleander, Flor Del Peru, Lucky Nut.
BETONY (Stachys officonalis or Stachys betonica or Betonica officionalis) Also called Wood Betony, Bishopwort, Lousewort, Purple Betony
BIRCH (Betula alba) Also called Common Birch, White Birch, Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods, Monoecia triandria, B. pubescens, B. verrucosa
BISTORT (Polygonum Bistorta) Also called Dragonwort, Easter Giant, English Serpentary, Osterick, Passions, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock.
BITTERSWEET (Celastrus Scandens_American Bittersweet; Solanum Dulcamara-European Bittersweet) American Bittlesweet: POISONOUS
BLACKBERRY (Rubus fructicosus); ((Rubus villosus)American Blackberry) Also called Bly, Bramble, Brombeere, Fingerberry, Bramble-Kite, Bumble-Kite, Cloudberry, Dewberry, Thimbleberry, Brummel, Brameberry, Scaldhead, Brambleberry, R. cuneifolius
BLACKTHORN (Prunus spinosa) Also called Sloe, Mother of the Wood, Wishing Thorn
BLADDERWRACK (Fucus Vesiculosus; Various Other Plants) Also called Bladder Fucus, Cutweed, Kelp, Sea Spirit, Seawrack, Seetang, Meeriche, Sea Oak, Black Tang.
BLEEDING HEART (Dicentra Spectabilis or D. Formosa) For Love
BLOODROOT (Sanguinaria Canadensis) Also called King Root, Red Root, Tetterwort. POISONOUS
BLUEBELL (Campanula Rotundifolia) Also called Harebell.
BLUEBERRY (Vaccinum Frondosum, V. Angustifolium, V. Corymbosum, V. Pallidum) Also called Bilberry.
BLUR FLAG (Iris Versicolor) POISONOUS Also called Flag Lily, Fleur-de-Lys, Iris, Liver Lily, Poison Lily, Poison Flag, Snake Lily, Water Flag, Water Iris.
BODHI (Ficus Religiosa) Also called Bo-Tree, Peepul Tree, Pipul, Sacred Tree.
BONESET (Eupatorium Perfoliatum) Also called Agueweed, Crosswort, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Teasel, Thoroughwort, Wood Boneset.
BORAGE (Borago officionalis) Also called Bugloss, Burrage, Herb of Gladness
BRACKEN (Pteridium Aquilinum) Used For: Healing, Rain Magic, Prophetic Dreams.
BRAZIL NUT (Bertholletia Excellsa) EAT ONLY THE PROCESSED NUT.
BRIAR ROSE (Rosa rubiginosa) Also called Wild Rose, Hip, Old Garden Rose
BRIONY (Bryony Spp. Dioica) POISONESS Also called Gout Root, Ladies' Seal, Mad Root, Snake Grape, Tamus, Tetterberry, Wild Hops, Wild Vine, Wood Vine, English Mandrake.
BROMELIAD (Crypanthus Spp.) Also called Chameleon Star, Earth Star.
BROOM (Genista scoparius syn. Cytisus scoparius and Sarothamnus scoparious) Also known as Scotch Broom, Banal, Basam, Besom, Bisom, Bizzon, Breeam, Broom Tops, Brum, Genista Green Broom, Irish Tops, Link, Irish broom.
BUCHU (Barosma Betulina, Agathosma Betulina) Also called Bookoo, Bucoo, Buku, Oval Buchu, Short Buchu, Sab, Pinkaou.
BUCKTHORN (Rhamnus Catharticus, R. Frangula, R.Spp) Also called Hart's Thorn.
BUCKWHEAT (Fagopyrum Spp.) Also called Beechwhwat, Brank, French Wheat, Saracen Corn.
BURDOCK (Arctium Lappa) Also called Bardana, Beggar's Buttons, Burrseed, Clotbur, Cockleburr, Great Burdock, Happy Major, Hardock, Hurrburr, Personata.
CABBAGE (Brassica Oleracea) USED FOR lUCK.
CACTUS (Few Are Poisonous, Ingest Only Those Used For Food.) Also called Sloe, Mother of the Wood, Wishing Thorn
CALAMUS (Acorus Calamus) VERY POISONOUS Also called Gladdon, Myrtle Flag, Myrtle Grass, Myrtle Sedge, Sweet Cane, Sweet Flag, Sweet Grass Sweet Root, Sweet Rush, Sweet Sedge, Lubigan.
CAMELLIA (Camellia Japonica) Used To Bring Riches.
CAMPHOR (Cinnamomum camphora) Also called Laurel Camphor, Gum Camphor
CAPER (Capparis Spinosa) Also called Fakouha, Lasafa, Shafallah.
CARAWAY (Carum carvi) Also called Caraway Seed
CARDAMOM (Elettario cardamomum) Also known as Amomum Cardamonum, Alpinia Cardamomum, Matonia cardamomu, Cardamomum minus, Amomum repens, Cardamomi Semina, Cardamom Seeds, Malabar, Cardamums, Ebil, Kakelah seghar, Capalaga, Gujattati elachi, Ilachi, Ailum
CARNATION (Dianthus caryophyllus) Also called Pink , Clove Pink, Gillies, Gillieflower, Jove's Flower, Nelka, Scaffold Flower, Sops-In-Wine, Gilly Flower.
CAROB (Jacaranda Procera, Prosopis Dulcis, Ceratonia Siliqua) Also called Caaroba, Caroba, Carobinha, Chocolate.
CARROT (Daucus Carota) Also called Bird's Nest, Philtron, Gizri, Queen Ann's Lace.
CASCARA SAGRADA (Rhamnus Purshiana) Also called Sacred Bark, Bitter Bark, Ecorce Sacree, Yellow Bark, Cittim Bark.
CASHEW (Anacadium Occidentale) Also called Mbiba, Kasui, Mkanju.
CASSIA (Cinnamomum aromaticum var. cassia) Bastard Cinnamon, Chinese Cinnamon, Cassia lignea, Cassia Bark, Cassia aromaticum, Canton Cassia
CASTOR (Ricinus Communes) POISON Also called Palma Christi, Palms Christi Root, Mamona, Makula Kula, Mbono, Mbogo, Racznick.
CATNIP (Nepeta Catoria) Also called Cat, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Wort, Field Balm, Nepeta, Nip
CAT TAIL (Typha Capensis, T. Spp.) Also called Tabua, Ibhuma, Balangot.
CEDARWOOD (Cedrus libani or Cedrus spp. or Thuja occidentalis or T. spp) Also known as Cedar, Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae (Thuja occidentalis) or Yellow Cedar (T. occidentalis)
CELANDINE, GREATER (Chelidonium majus) POISON Common Celandine, Garden Celandine
CELANDINE, LESSER (Ranunculus ficaria) POISON Small Celandine, Figwort, Smallwort, Pilewort
CELERY (Apium Graveolens) Also called Aipo, Karafs, Elma.
CENTAURY (Erythraea Centaurium, Centaurium Spp. Erythraea.) Also called Christ's Ladder, Feverwort.
CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis) Also called Roman chamomile, English chamomile, Perennial Chamomile, Wild Chamomile, Camomyle, Chamaimelon, Maythen (Saxon), Whig plant, Heermannchen (German), Manzanilla (Spanish), Ground Apple.
CHERRY (Prunus serotina) Also known as Black Cherry, Wild Cherry, Sweet Cherry (P. avium), Virginian Prune, Chokecherry (P. virginiana).
CHESTNUT (Castanea Sativa, C. Dentata, C. Spp.) Used For Love.
CHICKWEED (Stellaria Media) Also called Adder's Mouth, Indian Chickweed, Passerina, Satin Flower, Star Chickweed, Starweed, Starwort, Stellaire, Stitchwort, Tongue Grass, Winterweed, Qoqobala.
CHICORY (Cichorium Intybus) Also called Succory, Wild Cherry, Wild Succory.
CHILI PEPPER (Capsicum Spp.) Also called Red Pepper.
CHINA BERRY (Melia Azederach) POISON Also called Chinatree, Ku Lian Pi.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum Sinense, C. Spp.) POISON Also called Mum
CINCHONA (Cinchona Ledgeriana or Succirubra.) For Luck And Protection.
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum verum or zeylanicum) Also called Sweet Wood, Laurus cinnamomum
CINQUEFOIL (Pontentilla reptans) Also called Five Fingered Grass, Creeping cinquefoil, Crampweed, Five Fingered Blossom, Goosegrass, Goose Tansy, Moor Grass, Pentaphylon, Silver Cinquefoil, Silverweed, Sunkfield, Synkefoyle, Five Finger Grass, Five Leaved Grass.
CITRON (Citnus Medica) Also called Sukake, Forbidden Fruit, Rough Lemon.
CLARY SAGE Salvia sclarea) Clarry, Orvale, Toute-bonne, Clear Eye, See Bright, Eyebright
CLEAVERS (Galium Aparine) Used For Relationships, Commitment, Protection, Tenacity
CLOTH-OF-GOLD (Crocus Angustifolia) Used In Animal Magic
CLOVE (Syzgium aromaticum) Also known as Eugenia aromatica
CLOVER (Trifolium Spp.) Also called Honey, Honeystalks,Shamrock, Three-Leaved Grass, Trefoil, Trifoil.
CLUB MOSS (Lycopodium selago or clavatum) Also called Selago, Foxtail, Lycopod, Vegetable Sulpher, Wolf Claw or Stag's Horn Moss. Also known as Muscus terrestris repens
** (Cinnamomum camphora) Also called Laurel Camphor, Gum Camphor
CAMPHOR (Cinnamomum camphora) Also called Laurel Camphor, Gum Camphor
COLTSFOOT (Tussilago farfara) Also called Horsehoof, Horsefoot, Foal's Foot, Coughwort, Hallfoot, Ass's Foot, Foalswort, Fieldhove, Bullsfoot, Donnhove, Pas d'âne (French)
COMFREY (Symphytum officonale) Also called Slippery Root, Knitbone, Blackwort, Assear, Black Wort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Consolida, Consound, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Knit Back, Yalluc (Saxon), Ass Ear, Miracle Herb, Wallwort
COPAL (Bursera odorata)
CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) Also called Chinese Parsley, Cilantro, Cilentro, Culantro
CUMIN (Cuminum cyminum) Also called Cumino aigro (Malta)
CYPRESS (Cupressus sempervirens) Also called Tree of Death
DANDELION (taraxacum officinale) Also called Blowball, Cankerwort, Lion's Tooth, Piss-a-Bed, Priest's Crown, Puffball, Swine Snout, White Endive, Wild Endive
DILL (Anethum graveolens) Also called Aneton, Dill Weed, Dilly, Garden Dill.
DRAGONS BLOOD (Draceana draco spp.) Also called Blood, Blume, Calumus draco, Draconis resina, Sanguis draconis, Dragon's Blood Palm.
ECHINACEA (Echinacea angustifolia) Also called Black Sampson, Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Niggerhead, Rudbeckia, Brauneria pallida
ELDER (Sambucus canadensis or nigra) Also known as Ellhorn (Low Saxon), Hollunder (German), Elderberry, Lady Elder, Black Berried Elder, Old Gal, Old Lady, Pipe Tree, Rob Elder, Tree of Doom, Bour Tree (14th Century), Bore Tree, Elrum, Alhuren, Battree, Hylder, Hylantree, Eldrum (Anglo-Saxon), Sureau (French), Sweet Elder.
ELECAMPANE (Inula Helenium ) Also called Scabwort, Elf Dock, Wild Sunflower, Horesheal, Velvet Dock
ELM (Ulmus campestris ) Also called, Ulmi cortex, Broad-Leaved Elm, Ulmus suberosa, Common Elm
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus spp.) Also called Blue Gum Tree, Stringy Bark Tree
LEMON EUCALYPTUS (E. citriodora) Also called Citron Scented Gum, Lemon Gum
EYEBRIGHT (Euphrasia officionalis) Also called Euphrosyne, Red Eyebright, Euphrasia
FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare) Also called Fenkel, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel
FERNS
Male Fern (Dryopteris filixmas) Also Called Male Shield Fern
Lady Fern (Aspenium Felix-foemina ) Also known as Athrythium Filix-foemina
Maidenhair Fern, True (Adiantum Capillus-veneris ) Also known as Capillaire commun, de Montpellier, Hair of Venus
Maidenhair Fern, Common (Asplenium trichomanes )
Sheild Fern (Aspidium spinulosum) Also calledPrickly-Toothed Shield Fern
Spleenwort, Common (Asplenium ceterach) Also called Scaly Fern, Finger Fern, Miltwaste, Ceterach (Arabian)
Spleenwort, Black (Aspenium Adiantum nigrum) Also called Black Maidenhair
Wall Rue (Asplenium Ruta-muraria ) Also called White Maidenhair, Tenwort
Hart's Tongue (Scolopendrium vulgare; Asplenium scolopendrium) Also called Hind's Tongue, Buttonhole, Horse Tongue, God's-hair, Lingua cervina
Bracken (Pteris aquilina) Also called Brake Fern, Female Fern
Polypody, Common (Polypodium vulgare) Polypody of the Oak, Wall Fern, Brake Root, Rock Brake, Rock of Polypody, Oak Fern (Old)
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) Osmund the Waterman, Heart of Osmund, Water Fern, Bog Onion
Adder's Tongue, English (Ophioglossum vulgatum) Christ's Spear
Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria)
FEVERFEW (Tanacetum parthenum)also (Chrysanthemum parthenium) Also known as Featherfoil, Fevrifuge Plant, Flirtwort, Featherfew, Pyrethrum Parthenium, Bachelor's Buttons
FIR, SILVER (Abies alba) Also known as Birth Tree.
FLAX (Linum usitatissimum) Also called Linseed.
FOXGLOVE (Digitalis purpurea) Also known as Fairy Gloves, Fairy Fingers, Dead Men's Bells, Cow-Flop, Digitalis, Dog;s Finger, Fairy Weed, Fairy Petticoats, Fairy Ghimbles, Floppy-Dock, Floptop Folk's Gloves, Fox Bells, The Great Herb, Mouth, Lusmore, Lus na mbau side ( Irish Gaelic), Our Lady's Glove, Witches Bells, Witches Thimbles.
FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia carterii) Also called Incense, Olibans, Olibanum, Olibanus
FUMITORY (Fumaria officinalis ) Also called Earth Smoke, Beggary, Fumus, Vapor, Nidor, Fumus Terræ, Fumiterry, Scheiterigi, Taubenkropp, Kaphnos, Wax Dolls
GALANGAL (Alpinia officionalis or A. galanga) Also known as Low John the Conquerer, Chewing John, China Root, Colic Root, East India Catarrh Root, Galingal, Gargaut, India Root, Kaempferia Gaanga, Rhizoma galangae, Galanga, Kæmpferia Galange, Siamese Ginger.
GARDENIA (Gardenia jasmenoides)
GARLIC (Allium sativum) Also known by Ajo (Spanish), Poor Man's Treacle, Stinkweed
GERANIUM (Pelargonium spp.) Also known as Scented Geranium
GINGER (Zingiber officionale) Also called African Ginger
GINSENG Oriental(Panax ginseng)or North American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) Also called Sang, Wonder of the World Root, Tartar Root, Five Fingers, Red Berry, Man's Health, Aralia quinquefolia
HAWTHORN (Cratageus spp.) Also known as May Tree, May Blossom, White Thorn, Bread and Cheese Tree, Gaxels, Hagthorn, Halves, Haw, Hazels, Huath, Ladies Meat, May, May Bush, Mayflower, Quick, Thorn, Tree of Chastity.
HAZEL (Corylus avellana) Also called European Filbert, Coll.
HEATHER (Calluna vulgaris, or spp. or Erica spp.) There are more than a thousand cultivars of heather. Also known as Heath, Scottish Heather, Common Heather, Ling.
HOLLY (Ilex aquifolium) The American variety is Ilex opaca Also called Aquifolius, Bat's Wings, Christ's Thorn, Holy Tre, Holm Chaste, Hulm, Hulver Bush, Tinne
HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera japonica or caprifolium) Also known as Dutch Honeysuckle, Goat's Leaf, Woodbine
HOPS (Humulus lupulus) Also known as Beer Flavor, Beer Flower, (I)Flores de Cerveza.
HOREHOUND (Marrubium vulgare) Also called Bull's Blood, Eye of the Star, Haran, Hoarhound, Huran, Llwyd y cwn (Welsh), Marrubium, baruil, Seed of Horus, Soldier's Tea, White Horehound
HORSETAIL (Equisetum spp.) Also called Bottle Brush, Durch Rushes, Paddock Pipes, Pewterwort, Shavegrass
HYSSOP Hysopus officinalis Also called Hyssop Herb, Isopo, Ysopo, Yssop
IVY (Hedera helix) Also known as Common Ivy, Gort, Hedera
JASMINE (Jasminum officionale) Also called Jessamine, Yasmin, Moonligtht on the Grove
JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) Also called Enegro, Gemeiner Wachholder (German), Geneva, Gin Berry, Ginepro, Gin Plant, Genévrier,
LADY'S MANTLE (Alchemilla vulgaris) Also called Lion's Foot, Bear's Foot, Nine Hooks, Leontopodium, Sellaria, Pied-de-Lion (French, Frauenmantle (German)
LAVENDER (Lavandula species) Also called Elf Leaf; Nard; Nardus; Spike, Spikenard,
There are at least 28 species of Lavender. Some of the more common are: English Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia or vera or officinalis); French Lavender (L. dentata sp.); Spike Lavender (L. spica, or latifolia); White Lavender (L. angustifolia var. alba); Pink Lavender (L. angustifolia var. nana rosea); Wooly Lavender (L. lanata); Spanish or Italian Lavender (L. stoechas).
LEMON Citrus limon Citrus medica, Citrus Limoum, Citronnier, Neemoo Lemoo, Limoun, Limone
LEMON BALM Melissa officionalis Also called Melissa, Balm, Bee Balm, Sweet Balm, Sweet Melissa
LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus) Also called Melissa Grass, Sereh
LEMON VERBENA (Aloysia triphylla syn. Lippia citriodora) Also called Yerba Louisa, Cedron, Herb Louisa, Verveine citronelle or odorante, Lemon-scented Verbena, Aloysia Citriodora, Verbena triphylla, Lippia triphylla
LICORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Also called Liquorice, Lacris (Welsh), Licourice, Lycorys (13th Century), Reglisse (French), Sweet Root, Liquiritia officinalis, Regolizia (Italian), Lacrisse (German)
LILAC (Syringia vulgaris) Also called Common Lilac
LIME (Citrus limata) Citrus acris, Limettæ Fructus
LINDEN (Tilia spp.) Also called Lime Tree, Linden Flowers, Linn Flowers, Common Lime, Flores Tiliæ, Tilleul
LOOSESTRIFE, PURPLE (Lythrum salicaria) Also called Blooming Sally, Lythrum, Partyke, Purple Willow Herb, Rainbow Weed, Sage Willow, Salicaire
LOTUS (Nelumbo nucifera or Nymphaea lotus) Also called Sacred Lotus
MACE (Myristica fragrans) Also called Arillus Myristicæ, Myristica officinalis, Myristica moschata, Macis, Muscadier
MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis) Also known as Calendula, Holigold, Pot Marigold, Bride of the Sun, Drunkard, Goldes, Husbandman's Dial, Marybud, Marygold, Mary Gowles, Ruddes, Oculis chrisi, Ruddles, Spousa solis, Summer's Bride.
MARJORAM (Origanum majorana) Also known as Majorana hortensis, Knotted Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Wintersweet, Pot Marjoram, Joy of the Mountain, Knotted Marjorane, Marjorlaine, Mountain Mint, (O. onites).
MARSH MALLOW (Althaea officinalis ) Mallards, Mauls, Schloss Tea, Cheeses, Mortification Root, Guimauve (French)
MASTIC (Pistachia lentiscus) Also known as Gum Mastic, Masticke, Lentisk.
MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula ulnaria) Also known as Queen of the Meadow, Gravel Root, Meadowwort, Bride of the Meadow, Bridewort, Dollof, Meadwort, Gravel Root, Little Queen, Steeplebush, Trumpet Weed.
MINTS
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) Also known as Mentha viridis, Garden Mint, Mackerel Mint, Our Lady's Mint, Green Mint, Spire Mint, Sage of Bethlehem, fish Mint, Menthe de Norte Dame, Erba Santa Maria, Grauen Munze, Lamb Mint
Peppermint (Mentha piperata) Also called Brandy Mint
Wild Mint (Mentha sativa) Also called Water or Marsh Mint, Whorled Mint, Hairy Mint. Considered to be a variaton of Mentha aquatica.
Corn Mint (Mentha arvensis)
Wild Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) Water Mint, Wild Mint, Marsh Mint
Round-Leaved Mint (Mentha rotundifolia) Also known as Egyptian Mint
Horse Mint (Mentha sylvestris) Also known as English Horse Mint
MISTLETOE (Viscum album)-European Mistletoe (Phoradendron flavenscens) American Mistletoe Also known as Birdlime, All-Heal, Druid's Herb, Golden Bough, Holy Wood, Misseltoe, Thunderbesem, Witches Broom, Wood of the Cross, Devil's Fuge, Donnerbesen, Herbe de la Croi, Mystyldyne, Lignum Crucis, Korean mistletoe (Viscum coloratum)
MUGWORT (Artemisia vulgaris) Also known as Sailor's Tobacco, Witch Herb, Old Man, Artemis Herb, Hartemisia, Felon Herb, Muggons, Naughty Man, Old Uncle Henry, St. John't Plant, Cingulum Sancti Johannis.
MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus) Also known as Hag's Taper, Candlewick Plant, Aaron's Rod, Velvet Plant, Shepherd's Club, Blanket Leaf, Flannel Pland, Graveyard Dust, Hedge taper, Jupiter's Staff, Lady's Foxglove, Olm Man's Fennel, Peter's Staff, Shepherd's Herb, Torches, Velvetback, Velvet Plant.
MYRRH (Commiphora myrrha) Also called Gum Myrrh Tree, Daran, Mirra Balsom Odendron, Commiphora Myrrha, Mirra, Morr-Didin, Didthin, Bowl
MYRTLE (Myrtus communis)
NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans) Nux Moschata, Myristica offinalis, Myristica, Myristica aromata(
OAK, COMMON (Quercus robur or spp.) Also known as Tanner's Bark, Common Oak, Duir, Jove's Nuts, English Oak
White Oak (Q. alba)
Black Oak (Q. tinctoria)
Red Oak (Q. rubra)
English Oak (Q. robur)
OAKMOSS (Pseudevernia prunastri)
ORANGE, SWEET (Citrus sinensis) Also called Citrus vulgaris, Citrus Bigaradia, Citrus Aurantium amara, Bigaradier, Gigarade Orange, Bitter Orange, Seville Orange, (Sweet) Portugal Orange, China Orange, Citrus dulcis, Love Fruit
ORRIS ROOT (Iris germanica var.florentina Also Called Florentine Iris, Queen Elizabeth Root
PARSLEY (Petroselinum sativum also crispum) Also called Devil's Oatmeal, Percely, Persil, Petersilie, Petroselinum, Roc Parsley
PATCHOULI (Pogostemon patchouli or heyeanus) Also called Pucha-pot or pucha-pat
PINE (Pinus spp.) White Pine (Pinus strobus, Pinus alba) Also called Oil of Turpentine Tree
ROSE (Rosa spp.)
Provins Rose (Rosa gallica) Also referred to as Red Rose especially in The British Pharmacopoeia and the United States Pharmacopoeia
Damask Rose (Rosa damascus)
Musk Rose (Rosa muscatta)
Cabbage Rose (Rosa centifolia) Also known as Hundred-leaved Rose
Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
Wild Rose (Rosa arvensis) Also called Field Rose
Sweet Briar Rose (Rosa rubiginosa) Also known as Eglantine
Burnet Rose (Rosa spinossissima) Also called Scotch Rose or Pimpernel Rose
Downy Rose (Rosa villos )
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) Also called Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Libanotis (Grek), Polar Plant, Sea Dew
ROWAN (Sorbus aucuparia) Also known as Mountain Ash, Witchwood, Witchbane, Sorb Apple, Delight of the Eye, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden-Quicken-Royan, Ronetree, Thor's Helper, Whitty, Wicken-tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchen.
RUE (Ruta graveolens) Also known as Herb of Grace, Garden Rue, Herbygrass, Hreow, Mother of the Herbs, Rewe, Ruta.
SAFFRON (Crocus sativus) Also known as Autumn Crocus, Crocus, Karcom, Krokos, Kunkuma (Sanskrit), Saffer (Arabic), Spanish Saffron
SAGE (Salvia officinalis) Also called Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge (Old English), Salvia salvatrix, Narrow-leaved White Sage, Broad-leaved White Sage
ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) Also called Amber, Fuga daemonum (Latin for Scare-devil), Goat Weed, Herba John, John's Wort, Kamath Weed, Sol Terrestis, Tipton Weed
SANDALWOOD (Santalum album) Also known as Sandal, Santal, White Sandalwood, White Saunders, Yellow Sandalwood, Sanders Wood
SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata) Also called Garden Mint, Our Lady's Mint, Sage of Bethlehem, Erba Santa Maria, Brown Mint, Lamb Mint, Green Mint, Yerba Buena, Green Spine, Mackeral Mint, Mismin (Irish Gaelic).
STAR ANISE (Illicium verum) Also called Chinese Anise
SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus) Also called Corona Solis, Marigold of Peru, Solo Indianus, Chrysanthemum Peruvianum
TARRAGON (Artemisia Dracunculus ) Also called Little Dragon, Herbe au Dragon (French)
TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia) Also called Melaleuca
THYME (Thymus vulgaris) Also known as Common Thyme, Mother of Thyme, and Garden Thyme.
TOBACCO (Nicotiana tabacum) Also called Tabacca, Tabaci Folia
VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis) Also known as Garden Heliotrope, Vandal Root, St. George's Herb, All-Heal, Amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon's Tail, Capon's Trailer, Cat's Valerian, English Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Phu, Red Valerian, Sete Wale, Set Well
VERVAIN (Verbena officinalis) Also known as Enchanters Herb, Holy Herb, Verbena, Blue Vervain (V. hastata), Holy Wort, Brittanica , Enchanter's Plant, Herba Sacra, Herb of Enchantment, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross Herbe de Sacrée, Juno's Tears, Pigeon's Grass, Pigeonwood, Simpler's Joy, Van-Van, Verbena, Vervan
VETIVERT (Vetivera zizanioides) Also called Khus-khus or Vetiver.
VIOLET (Viola odorata) Also called Heartsease, Little Faces, Sweet Violet, Blue Violet and Viola.
WILLOW (Salix alba) Also known as White Willow, European Willow, Tree of Enchantment, Witches Aspirin, Osier, Pussy Willow, Saille, Salicyn Willow, Saugh Tree, Withe, Withy.
WITCH HAZEL (Hammamelis virginiana) Also called Spotted Alder, Winter Bloom, Snapping Hazelnut
WOAD (Ivatis tinctoria) Also called Wad (Anglo-Saxon, Guéde (French), Guado (Italian), Pastel (Spanish), Weat (Dutch)
WOOD ALOE (Aquilaria agallocha) Also called Lignum Aloes
WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium) Also known as Absinthe, Old Woman, Crown for a King, Green Ginger
YARROW (Achillea millefolium) Also known as Seven Year's Love, Milfoil, Achillea, Arrowroot, Bad Man's Plaything, Carpenter's Weed, Death Flower, Devil's Nettle, Devil's Plaything, Evil's Nettle, Eerie, Field Hops, Gwarwe, Hundred Leaved Gradd, Knight's Milfoil, Knyghten, Lady's Mantle, Militaris, Military Herb, Millefolium, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man's Mustard, Old Man's Pepper, Sanguinary, Snake's Grass, Soldier's Woundwort, Stanch Griss, Stanch Weed, Thousand Seal, WoundWort, Yarroway, Yerw.
YLANG-YLANG (Cananga odorata) Also called Flower of Flowers

myLot

2007-06-21T22:15:35Z

You may have seen this in my main journal. If so, I apologize. But, we are trying to do things to get extra money for a down payment on a house. One of the ways I'm doing this is writing on the internet. This is my referral url for myLot. If you sign up on myLot and participate in the discussions, not only do you get paid, but I get a bonus which is 25% of what you are getting.So, the thing to do is to get other people to sign up using your referral link and then the money adds up faster. So, here is my link. And thanks to the person who signed up.

http://www.mylot.com/?ref=myfanwy65

Thanks. :D

FDA Trying to Control the Growing and Usage of Herbal Supplements

2007-04-14T20:52:51Z

FDA Regulators Using Legal Trickery to Kill Alternative Procedures and Products
The FDA is using legal maneuvering to end your access to natural health products (like vitamins, minerals and herbs) and natural health therapies of all sorts. Again. This time, their ploy is to declare the therapies are "Medicine" so any non-physician who uses them will be practicing medicine without a license. Since these practices are "Medicine", any products used would be untested drugs and therefore forbidden.

Go here to find out more.
http://tinyurl.com/2u7ghc

I'm not sure if this site is legit, but, I thought it wouldn't hurt to spread the word if it turns out to be.

Spring Herb Tips

2007-03-31T16:01:36Z

Divide any larger clumps of your perennial herbs such as
lovage, catnip, mint, chives, thyme, sage, lemon balm,
winter savory or oregano. Give them away if you don't
have room for another plant or leave one in the ground
and try one in a pot that you can bring in later.

Remember that some herbs like the mints and horseradish
can be invasive, so grow them in very large containers that
are buried in the ground if you need them to be contained.
I've grown many of the mints without a problem, but one year
I planted pineapple mint and didn't pay attention to it. It took
over the herb bed! Chocolate mint starts out fairly tame and
then wanders every which way, so don't be fooled by mints
that start out slowly. You can bury other "dividers" such as
pieces of tin or other metal around the mint to contain it too.

Horseradish roots are hard to dig up because they are so
long, so use the buried pot method to contain it. By the way,
if you want the horseradish a little milder, try digging the root
in the spring instead of waiting til later in the summer or fall.

Once the frost has passed there are many herbs you can
direct sow. Herbs that are fairly easy to grow from seed are:
dill, chives, calendula, basil, fennel (grow away from dill),
salad burnet, sweet cicely, nasturtium, borage, cilantro,
and cress are a few. Always pick the rocks and large clumps
out of the soil where you direct seeds.

If you are just beginning with herb gardening, remember that
Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme
and lavender prefer a dry, very well drained soil in a hot, sunny
location. Other herbs like mint, basil, parsley, lemon balm like
the soil fertile and are not as drought tolerant. Group together
herbs that like the same type of environment when planning out
your garden.

MORE: Tips on including herbs within your flower beds!
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/herbgarden3.html

Garden Wisdom

2007-03-27T23:25:28Z

y Bernard Schofield

To raise strawberries with the finest flavor, plant them in topsoil
taken from around pine or spruce trees. Once established, mulch the
strawberry plants with needles from these trees.

Plant crocus bulbs near lavender, the birds won't touch them.

Garlic will grow bigger and with a stronger flavor if you bruise the
cloves a little before you plant them.

The golden rule for setting out plants was always after 4 pm. From
this time of day the sun's beat is decreasing in intensity and plants
will have the benefit of settling in during the coolest part of the
day.

Bananas are a rich source of magnesium, sulphur, calcium, phosphates,
silica, and sodium-trace elements which plants need in order to grow
healthier and which are often missing from soils.

Try lard or meat fats as another additive to the soil. Roses love it!

Cabbages respond particularly well to a dose of beer. Try it on your
other vegetables to see how well they grow.

Make a habit of emptying the residue from your teapot (cold tea,
leaves and bags) onto the soil around the roses to increase the
strength and quality of their fragrance.

Make your own liquid houseplant food by rinsing empty milk containers
with water. Use the slightly milky water like a proprietary liquid
manure.

Adding a pinch of salt to water in a vase will increase the life of
cut flowers.

Never arrange daffodils together with other cut flowers. Their sap is
detrimental to anything standing with them in a vase of water.

Stand tulips in boiling water for one minute before placing them in a
vase.

Ordinary baking yeast is quite lethal to ants.

A scare crow is more effective when dressed in red clothing.

Plant one or two garlic cloves among rose bushes and they will remain
aphid free. Likewise, an infusion of garlic crushed into water and
sprayed over affected plants will dispel these pests.

A thin layer of newly mown grass cuttings spread over cabbages,
broccoli and similar plants will keep them caterpillar free.

To keep cats and other animals from damaging seed beds, bury several
bottles up to their necks in soil. Fill bottles with a few spoonfuls
of ammonia or other noxious liquids. Cats will stay away

My Herb Garden

2007-03-27T15:48:29Z

This year, I will probably not try to use seeds for my herb garden. I tried that last year, and had limited success. So, I plan to buy plants and hopefully I will have better luck. I might use seeds if there is a type of herb that I want to grow and can't find a plant anywhere.

So far, I have rosemary and sweet marjoram in containers. They seem to be doing very well.

I also plan to get oregano, parsley, cilantro, chives. Maybe some more that I can't remember right now. LOL

I got parsley, feverfew, garlic chives, sweet basil and lemon basil to grow from seeds last year. But, I had probably more than twice that attempted.

Herbs and Old Wives Tales

2007-01-16T01:08:14Z

~author unknown

Bluebells have both a good and bad magical reputation. Long
associated as harbingers of death, it is said that if you hear
bluebells ringing someone close to you will die. Nevertheless,
bluebells are commonly thought to be lucky. Carrying bluebells
compels you to tell the truth.

Cedar branches hung around your house protects it against lightning
strikes. Cedar, in your wallet, attracts money. This spell really
works. For years, I've had cedar in my wallet. No matter what the
situation or circumstance, somehow or other, money comes my way.

If you've been cursed, scatter chili pepper {or seeds} around your
house to break the spell. This also is a great spell for kids who
are afraid of the boogey man. Put the chili peppers in a child's
room, tell the child about the spell, and watch the nightmares
and "afraid ness" start to disappear.

Growing elder trees near your house will bring you prosperity in
addition to delightful elder flower champagne, elderberry jam, and a
plethora of hungry birds. Elder branches and twigs make perfect
wands.

Garlic is nature's antibiotic and an excellent pest control in the
garden. It's also a protection against shipwrecks for sailors,
against foul weather and monsters for mountaineers, and against
assaults by bullies. Garlic rubbed into your pots and pans gets rid
of negative vibrations that might ruin your food, and if you eat
garlic, you'll become lusty.

If you're a witch, plant geraniums around your house to foretell
coming visitors.

Grapes have long been considered symbols of fertility and money.
Wine, which is made from grapes, was often treated as sacred in
ancient cultures. In Tarot, the Ace of Cups can mean possible
wealth - both money-wise and for new friends.

Gather holly leaves on a Friday night - but beware, make absolutely
no sound when you pick the holly leaves or this spell will not work.
Wrap the leaves in a white cloth, knot the cloth nine times, and
place it under your pillow. Your dreams will come true!

Honesty or money plants {and chili peppers} when scattered about
your house will repel all monsters.

Finding the first white lily of the season will give you strength.
Wearing a fresh lily will break any love spells cast against you,
particularly when the love is unwanted.

Marigold and/or orange flowers added to your bath will make you
respected, admired, and attractive. Hang marigolds on your doorpost
to stop evil from entering your house (and stop those evil pests
from entering your garden)!

Mint is not just any ordinary garden herb used for mint juleps in
summer and relaxing teas in winter. Mint kept in the house protects
you and your loved ones. Putting a few leaves of mint in your wallet
will attract money. And mint leaves rubbed against your temples will
relieve headaches {same as smelling peppermint essential oil}.

If you catch a falling oak leaf, you won't have a cold in the
winter.

Onions protect against venomous beasts and grown in your garden
protects your plants (against those venomous pests!). Quarter an
onion and place the quarters in the four corners of your house,
you'll get rid of any disease. Replace the onion quarters when they
turn black.

Pick pansies or johnny-jump-ups, when the dew is still on them and
it will soon rain.

Eating parsley makes you lusty but wearing parsley on your head
stops you from getting drunk.

Roses and myrtle stand for love. Red roses mean passion, pink
roses - friendship, and white roses - pure love.

Rowan planted on a grave stops Hauntings and planted around your
house protects you and planted in stone circle makes the protection
stronger. (Too, rowanberries make wicked jam and wine.) {Ditto for
flint {a crystal} - both rowan and flint were used in ancient
rituals.}

Rue grows best when stolen and then makes your garden grow better.
Toads don't like rue. Romans used to drink rue juice to guard
against werewolves.

Thyme placed beneath a pillow ensures a pleasant night's sleep.
Thyme worn in a woman's hair will make her irresistible, and if you
both carry and smell thyme, you'll gain courage, but if you wear
thyme, then you'll see faeries.

On New Year's Eve, cast one of the shoes you're wearing up into a
willow tree {you have 9 tries}. If your shoe stays up in the tree,
then you'll be married within the year. To complete the spell, you
need to climb up into the willow tree and retrieve your shoe.

That horrid witch grass of garden wrecking fame, scattered under
your bed, attracts new lovers. An infusion of witch grass
sprinkled around your house repels depression (probably because
you'll have lots of new lovers!).

Washing your head with a yarrow infusion will prevent baldness, and
carrying it, will attract love and friendship.

Yew (poison) will help you raise the dead.

White Sage

2007-01-10T23:52:15Z

Scientific and medicinal info
</td></tr><tr><td></td><td class="snv" width="100%">Sage is a very variable family of plants, with white sage being only one form. The waxy green leaves have a white coating on them, making it very easily identified. The smell is also distinctive, and quite spicy. The flowers of the white sage are very attractive to bees, and the plant is often called Bee Sage. White sage is a perennial that grows between 2 and 5 feet tall, and is common along the west coast of the USA.

Also Known As ....

	Other names
	Latin: Salvia apiana Common names: Bee sage

Magickal Properties

	Using white sage in rituals
	White sage is a common ingredient in Native American smudge sticks, where it is bundled up whole and dried. To use, you just light one end of a smudge stick and blow it out (much like lighting regular stick incense). The end continues to smolder and the smoke is used for purification and cleansing. Though white sage is the prominent ingredient in smudge sticks, sweet grass, lavender or cedar are also used. Regular green (or garden) sage is also used in rituals, for purposes like protection, prosperity and business.

More Correspondences

	Other properties
	Planet: Jupiter Element: Air

</td></tr>

Thyme

2007-01-07T15:50:39Z

(Thymus species)

Thyme comes from the Latin word, thymum, meaning to make a burnt offering. According to myth, thyme grew where Helen of Troy's tears hit the ground. Ancient Romans burned thyme to keep away poisonous snakes and insects. Ancient Greeks used it as a perfume to give them energy. Ancient Egyptians placed it around mummies.

During the time of knights, ladies-in-waiting would embroider scarves with thyme as a symbol of courage. The scarves were then given to knights to wear into battle. During the Renaissance period, people believed that fairies made their homes in beds of thyme.

In the past, thyme was used in wash water and between linens for its sweet smell. It was also used to cure the flu, gas, hair loss, and bad moods. And it was planted on paths so when people walked on the thyme, they could smell its sweet scent. Today, oil from thyme (called thymol) is used in some cough medicines.

How to Grow Thyme

Thyme is a perennial plant that grows well in ordinary, well-drained soil in a sunny location. You can start thyme seeds outside or in a container in a sunny window. In three to four weeks, you should have red-colored seedlings that you can take leaves from for cooking and other uses. Thyme plants can grow 9 to 12 inches tall. The color of thyme leaves can be green or yellow or red.

There are over 300 species of thyme! And there are many different flavors of thyme that can be spicy or fruity -- like caraway or lemon.

Using Thyme

Thyme is used for flavoring food and for fragrance. The oil is used in deodorants, anesthetics, and perfumes. Thyme leaves are used in sachets and potpourri. Leaves are used to flavor sauces for meats and fish, in soups, with vegetables, and in vinegars and oils. Fruit-flavored and spice-flavored thymes can even be used in desserts.

Thyme Recipes

Citrus Thyme Dressing - is a good salad dressing. Mix together 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tsp. fresh ginger (minced), 1 tsp. fresh lemon thyme leaves (minced), 1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon leaves (minced), 1 Tbsp. vinegar, 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, and 1/4 C. olive oil. Pour over your favorite green salad.

Thyme-Onion Relish - You may need an adult to help with this recipe. In a skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and 3 C. yellow or red onions that have been thinly sliced. Cook until the onions are translucent or clear looking (15 to 20 minutes). Stir in 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon thyme leaves (minced), 3 Tbsp. vinegar, 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce, and 1/2 tsp. honey. Cook for 5 minutes more. Serve warm or at room temperature on your favorite fish or seafood.

Sage

2007-01-07T15:45:54Z

(Salvia species)

Sage comes from the Latin word, salvare, meaning "to save." It has historically been used in medicine. Ancient Romans collected their sacred sage in a special ceremony. The person gathering the sage wore all white and no shoes. The gatherer had to offer wine and bread to the ground where the sage grew before gathering in the sage. In Europe, some people thought eating sage would stop poisonous snakes from biting them. People in the Middle East thought they would be smarter if they ate sage. After the Boston Tea Party, colonial Americans made sage tea as a substitute for the imported tea. American Indians chewed on sage to clean their teeth.

How to Grow Sage

Sage is a perennial plant that grows well in ordinary garden soil. There are 700 different types of sage, even one that has a pineapple smell! Sage grows from 6 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the kind you have.

You can plant sage seeds outside after the last frost date for your area (May 15 in Virginia). Or you can plant seeds in a container and place it in a sunny windowsill. Plant the sage seed 1/4 inch deep in the soil, and add water. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not too wet, while you wait for the seeds to germinate. You should see seedlings in about 14 to 21 days. After several weeks, you should have large enough leaves to pick and use some in cooking. Be sure to pinch off any flowers that develop since you are only interested in using the leaves.

Using Sage

Sage leaves are chopped up and used in cottage cheese or pickles. The leaves can also be ground or powdered and used in stuffing, stewed tomatoes, sausages, and green beans. Sage is used to flavor chicken and pork, plus oils and vinegars. And, it can be used to make tea! You can also use sage for its fragrance, as a dye, even as a hair tonic.

Sage Recipes

Sage Stuffing - Mix together 3 C. of slightly dry bread crumbs, 1 Tbsp. parsley (chopped into tiny pieces), 1 Tbsp. onion (finely chopped), 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. sage (ground), 1/4 tsp. rosemary (dried, crushed), 1/4 tsp. thyme (dried, crushed), and 1 1/2 Tbsp. melted butter. Mix in 1/4 C. chicken broth. Put the stuffing in a casserole or baking dish. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes. Sage stuffing goes great with turkey and chicken!

Herb Bread - Mix together 1 1/2 C. flour, 1 pkg. active dry yeast, 2 tsp. celery seed, 1 tsp. sage (ground), and 1/2 tsp. nutmeg (ground). Heat 1 C. milk, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 2 Tbsp. shortening, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, stirring constantly until just warm (the shortening should just be starting to melt; 115 to 120F). Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture. Add 1 egg, then beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1/2 minute. Beat at high speed for 3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or other large spoon to stir in another 1 1/2 C. of flour to make a soft dough. Knead the dough for 5 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turn dough once to cover both sides with shortening. Cover with a clean cloth, and put in a warm place to rise until double (about 1 1/2 hours). Punch down the dough, cover, and let it "rest" for 10 minutes. Shape the dough into a round loaf, and place in a 9-inch, greased pie pan. Cover and put in a warm place until the dough doubles in size (about 1 hour). Bake at 400F for 35 minutes. Serve warm with butter.

Oregano

2007-01-07T15:41:38Z

(Origanum species)

Oregano comes from the Greek words, orus (mountain) and ganos (joy), and can be translated into "joy of the mountain." The early Greeks used leaves to make a poultice for sore muscles. Ancient Romans used oregano poultices for scorpion and spider bites. In Colonial times, oregano tea was used to treat coughs and asthma. Oregano was not really used in cooking in America until after World War II when many American soldiers had become accustomed to it as they traveled overseas.

How to Grow Oregano

Oregano is a perennial plant that grows in average, well-drained soil in full sun. It is best to start your own plant with a cutting of an oregano plant you know has a flavor you like since plants grown from seeds have many different flavors.

Depending on the kind of oregano you have, plants can grow from 1 to 2 feet tall. The stems of an oregano plant are square and hairy so we mainly use the leaves for flavoring foods. You can start picking leaves to use in cooking when plants get 6 inches tall. Oregano vulgare does not have a lot of flavor so it is not the kind we use in cooking. It does have pink flowers that can be dried and used in flower arrangements. The kind of oregano we use in cooking is Oregano hirtum. The leaves of this type of oregano have a hot, peppery flavor.

Using Oregano

Oregano is used in tomato, egg, and cheese dishes. It is used to flavor beef, pork, poultry, fish, and shellfish. Oregano is added to vegetable juice drinks and is used to marinate vegetables. It is used to flavor oils along with garlic, parsley, and thyme.

Oregano Recipes

Summer Vegetable Salad - is a vegetable salad with oregano and other herbs in the salad dressing. Mix together 1/2 C. fresh lemon juice, 1/2 C. olive oil, and 2 cloves of garlic (minced). Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together 3 medium tomatoes (cut into cubes), 1 medium cucumber (peeled and cut into cubes), 1 medium pepper (cut into thin strips), 1/2 C. scallions (thinly sliced), 6 lettuce leaves (finely sliced), 1/3 C. fresh parsley (chopped), 1/3 C. cilantro leaves (chopped), 2 Tbsp. fresh oregano leaves (chopped), 2 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves (chopped), 1/3 C. olives (chopped), and 8 oz. of feta or mozzarella cheese (cut into cubes). Pour the lemon juice mixture on top of the vegetables, mix well, and let stand for 30 minutes. Add 2 C. of Italian-flavored bread cubes, then your salad is ready to serve.

Pizza Sauce - is a fun and tasty was to use oregano! Mix together 1 can (8 oz.) of tomato sauce, 2 tsp. dried oregano leaves, 1 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. instant minced garlic, 1/8 tsp. pepper, and 1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese. Spread over your pizza dough, and add your favorite toppings and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 425F until cheese is light brown and bubbly (about 20 to 25 minutes).

Lavender

2007-01-07T15:39:36Z

(Lavandula species)

Lavender comes from the Latin word, lavare, meaning to wash or bathe. It is mainly used for its fragrance. Lavender was the favorite scented herb during the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. In 1815 England, bundles of lavender, mint, marjoram, and pennyroyal were used as air fresheners. Lavender leaves were said to repel insects, and the oil from the leaves supposedly killed yellow fever "germs." Lavender actually does contain a powerful antiseptic called eucalyptol. In France and Spain, lavender leaf compresses were used to treat bruises. In the old days, it was used to treat loss of speech and headaches.

Lavender Uses: Use resource books, such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or herb book, to discover more uses for lavender. Write the use and where you found it below. Share your information with the class.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender is a perennial plant that grows best in well-drained, loamy soil in a protected sunny location. It is best to start your own lavender with a cutting of another plant because lavender seeds take a long time to germinate.

Lavender plants can grow 1 to 3 feet tall. The flowers are blue to dark-purple and stay fragrant for months when dried.

Using Lavender

Lavender is mainly used for its fragrance. It is very popular in perfumes and lotions. But, is can also be used in cooking. In fact, in England, candied lavender fruit was once popular. Lavender flowers can be used as a decoration on desserts or actually added into some foods.

Lavender Recipes

Lavender Baked Apples - are baked apples topped with a lavender-flavored cream. Arrange 4 medium cooking apples (sliced) in a buttered baking dish. Lay 3 Tbsp. of margarine (thinly sliced) over the apples. Sprinkle 1/4 C. (packed) of brown sugar over the apples and margarine. Bake for 20 minutes at 375F.

While the apples are baking, in a blender or food processor, mix 1/4 C. skim milk, 3/4 C. ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp. fresh lavender flowers, and 3 Tbsp. honey until smooth. After the apples are baked, pour the milk mixture over the apples. Bake for 10 more minutes at 500F. Serve warm.

Lavender Honey - is basic honey flavored with lavender flowers. Pick and rinse off lavender flowers. Place them in a clean glass jar. Add enough plain honey to cover the lavender and fill the jar. Place a piece of waxed paper over the top of the jar, and screw on the lid. Put a "Lavender Honey" label on the jar. Check your jar every day to see when the honey has enough lavender flavor for you. When you think it is enough, remove the lavender from the jar. Use your Lavender Honey on toast, cereals, and other foods that you like honey with.

Basil

2007-01-07T15:38:32Z

(Ocimum species)

Basil was named after Basilik, the mythical king of dragonsnakes, whose breath was so strong it could kill plants. For many, manyyears, basil was used in religious ceremonies and in cooking. It waseven grown in the windowsills of houses to keep out flies. Basil wasalso a symbol or it meant a particular thing when given to someone orused for something. For example, in Greece it stood for dislike; inItaly, for love; and in India, for holiness.

How to Grow Basil

Basil is an annual plant that grows best in rich, loose soil. The seedshave a jellylike substance (gelatin) around them, so they need to bepressed into the soil when planted. Otherwise, they might float awaywhen you add water. This is why in early history, people planting basilseeds would stomp them into the ground.

Basil can have green leaves or red/purple leaves, depending onthe kind of basil you have. It grows from 6 inches to 1 foot tall,usually. Some kinds of basil can grow to 6 feet tall!

If you plant basil seeds in a pot, add water, and put the poton a sunny windowsill, you will have seedlings in about ten days. Afterseveral weeks, you should have large enough leaves to pick and use somein cooking. Extra leaves can be picked and frozen in a small bag.

Using Basil

Basil smells and tastes like sweet pepper.It is used in salads, soups, and stews. It is used to flavor tomato,egg, or cheese dishes. Basil is used in chopped meat, sausages, saucesfor fish, vegetable juice drinks, and is added to peas or boiledpotatoes. It is used to flavor oils and vinegar, too.
You can use basil for its fragrance or smell. Basil, other herbs,and flower petals are mixed together and dried. The dried mix is placedinto small cloth sacks. The sacks or "sachets" are placed in drawers,closets, -- anywhere you want their fragrance.

Basil Recipes

Basil Vinegar - is a purple vinegar you can use on salads. Pick and rinse off purple basil leaves and stems. Place them in a clean glass jar. Add enough regular or "white" vinegar to cover the basil and fill the jar. Place a piece of waxed paper over the top of the jar, and screw on the lid. Put a "Basil Vinegar" label on the jar, and place the jar in a cabinet out of the sunlight. Check your jar every day to see the basil make the vinegar turn purple. When you think it is purple enough, remove the jar from the cabinet and take out the basil. Use your Basil Vinegar on salads, vegetables, and other foods.

Basil Toast - Pick and rinse off some basil leaves. Chop them into tiny pieces. Spread margarine or butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread. Sprinkle the chopped basil on the bread. Put the bread under the broiler in the oven until it turns a light brown. Watch carefully, so your toast doesn't burn! Be sure to have an adult help you with the chopping and the oven.

About Herbs - A Small Bit of History

2007-01-07T15:36:28Z

Herb is from the Latin word, herba,meaning grass. The smell or fragrance of herbs comes from tiny hairswith glands all over the stem and leaves of the plant. The fragrant oilis released by pressure (like crushing a leave) or by sunlight. Amagnifying glass is needed to see the hair glands.
Herb History

The first written records about herbs were back in 3,000 B.C. They evenfound some marjoram pollen in caves dating back 60,000 years! Herbgardens have been grown from ancient and medieval times throughVictorian and Colonial days up to modern times.

The ancient Romans and Greeks thought herbs were gifts fromtheir gods to help cure illnesses. So people burned herbs to make apleasing smell to keep their gods happy.
People used herbs in everyday life because they had:
- No refrigerator - so herbs helped old food taste better
- Noeasy access to water - so people used herbs as perfumes and deodorants.They even put herbs on floors so when they walked on them, they had anherb air freshener!
After the Roman Empire, it was mostly monkswho kept studying herbs. The monasteries where the monks lived had manyherb gardens. The monks studied herbs to find how they could be used.They found herbs were useful for medicines, in religious ceremonies,and as food flavoring and fragrance.
Even knights in their castles grew herbs for medicineand fragrance. They planted small gardens right inside the castlewalls. During the Elizabethan Age, there were many gardens with specialherb hedges and arbors.
Eventually, apothecaries (like our druggists today)gathered and dried herbs for other people to use. They also plantedherbs in their gardens just for decoration. Other people liked the ideaand started their own home herb gardens. These gardens often includedviolet flowers.
In the 1600s, herb gardens included other flowers,like marigolds or poppies. And people started making "grass walks" orherb pathways using plants like chamomile and creeping thyme, so whenpeople walked on the path, they would crush the herbs and could smelltheir fragrance.
During Victorian times, a tussie-mussie or littlebouquet of flowers and herbs was given as a message to someone.Sometimes, it was a message of love, but it could also be a messagethat they were unhappy with the person.
The colonists that came to America carried herb seedswith them so they could start their own herb gardens. They found thatthe American Indians used herbs, too, to flavor and preserve their foodand as medicine.
In 1776, the Shakers (a community of people whobelieved in the same religion) started the first herb farms in America.Today, you can find lots of fresh herbs in stores. You can even growthem yourself. We use herbs to flavor foods, as air fresheners, as partof our gardens, and as decorations.

Medicine Uses for Herbs

Herbal remedies wereused in olden days because people had no choice of medicines like we dotoday. Remember, even ordinary herbs can cause some people to have anallergic reaction.

From very early times, herbs have been used forhealing. Primitive people learned by trial and error how plants couldbe used to help them. By the fifth century, people in England had 500herbs they used as medicines.
Around the 1600s, people started thinking about herbsin a different way. They looked at an herb and by its color and shapedecided how to use the herb. This was called the Doctrine ofSignatures.
- For example, an herb with leaves that looked like snakeskin would be used to try to help someone who had been bitten by asnake.
- A plant growing near a wet place would be used to treat colds.
- A plant with heart-shaped leaves would be used to treat heart problems.
Even our great, great grandmothers used herb teas and ointments sincethere were no drug stores or malls where they could buy medicines inthose days.

Herb or Spice?

What is the difference between a spice and an herb? Spicesand herbs are both from plants and are used in very small amounts toflavor food.
"Spice" refers to seasonings made from dried seeds or bark.Spices generally originate in the Far East and tropical countries. Forexample, India is the source of cloves, Indonesia is the origin of mostcinnamon and nutmeg, and China is a source of ginger.
"Herb" refers to any low-growing plant with fleshy parts that areused in brewing tea and seasoning foods, for perfuming the air, fordying yarn and material, or as medicines

Lime Project

2006-11-06T02:08:37Z

Got the info from my sweetie and thought I would pass it along.

Please, for all the details, go here: http://www.limeproject.org This is the official site of Lime Project, the sole purpose of which isto raise funds for the cancer-related medical expenses of </a></b></a>yourhermione. They are accepting direct donations, or if you are interested, theyhave prepared an adult calendar, 100% of the proceeds from the sale ofwhich go to defray medication costs. Thanks for your time andattention. I'm certain </a></b></a>yourhermione will appreciate it! :)

Rosemary

2006-10-08T15:02:12Z

Put 2-4 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil on a washcloth in the
shower near the stream. ( Not on your body).
Rosemary is a refreshing way to start the day.

Halloween Herbal Magick

2006-10-06T00:50:30Z

by Jennifer Bahney

Halloween is the perfect time of year to revisit how herbs were used
to
cast spells during the Middle Ages. Since practicing Witchcraft was a
burnable offense, herbs were usually brewed, burned, infused in oil,
worn as charms, stuffed into dolls, or sprinkled about in secret or in
the presence of other like-minded magicians.
Spells were usually cast in accordance with the zodiac and the lunar
cycles while meditating and chanting. Some of the most important herbs
in Medieval magic were Henbane, Belladonna, Cowbane, Mandrake, Hemlock
and Monkshood - strong poisons that caused hallucinations and death.
Other popular spell-casting herbs included:

Angelica: Commonly grown in monestery gardens, Angelica offered
protection from Witchcraft when worn or carried.

Basil: Used as an aphrodisiac and to summon scorpions.

Belladonna: Also called deadly nightshade, devil's herb, and
enchanter's
nightshade. Used to cause hallucinations, madness, and death.

Caraway: Caraway was used in love potions, to protect from the evil
eye,
and to prevent robbers or evil spirits from entering the house.

Chicory: When infused in oil, Chicory was believed to make a person
more
popular with his peers.

Cloves: Believed to be an aphrodisiac, Cloves were a main ingredient
in
love potions.

Common Rue: When carried, Common Rue was believed to protect the
wearer
from snake bites, poisons, and plague.

Coriander: Used to strengthen the memory and in love potions to
increase
potentcy.

Dill: Offered powerful protection against Witchcraft.

Fennel: When hung over a door, Fennel was believed to repel Witches.

Garlic: Used to increase courage, as an aphrodisiac, and as protection
against evil spirits.

Ginger: Used in potions to promote youth and love.

Henbane: Used to induce hallucinations such as a feeling of flying.

Horseradish: When carried in a purse on New Year's Eve, Horseradish
was
believed to ensure prosperity.

Laurel: Offered protection from lightning, plague, hallucinations,
demons, and painful labour.

Mallow: An important ingredient in love potions.

Mugwort: When wrapped around a traveller, Mugwort was believed to
protect him from attacks and fatigue.

Mustard: Believed to be a powerful love potion when mixed with mint
and
wine.

Oregano: Believed to protect the carrier from evil spirits.

Pepper: Soldiers carried pepper in their pockets to spare them from
dying in battle.

Rosemary: Believed to preserve a woman's youth when sniffed
regularly.
Also placed over a baby's cradle for protection.

Thyme: Offered protection against Witches.

Valerian: An aphrodisiac when mixed with wine; also offered protection
against evil spirits.

If you'd like to whip up your own potion for Halloween, try one of
these
from Enchantments: 200 Spells for Bath & Beauty Enhancement by Edain
McCoy
( Llewellyn Publications, 2001 ):

Love potion to attract romance
Mix the following and use as a body splash:
3 ounces rose infusion
1 ounce dill infusion
1 ounce columbine or orris root infusion
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ounce spring water
Anti-love potion to wash an old love out of your life.

Shampoo your hair with a mixture of:
4 ounces spring water
2 drops clove oil
1/4 cup pureed pumpkin
1/4 cup lime juice
1 Tbs sulfonated castor oil
1 Tbs liquid castile soap

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All Rights Reserved

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Lemon

2006-09-27T14:48:49Z

What is Lemon?

Scientific and medicinal info
Lemon isn't technically an herb, but a tree-growing citrus fruit. The tree grows around 11 feet in height and is native to India. It also grows well in North America, needing very warm weather. You can also grow lemon trees indoors, in large containers, provided there is enough sunlight.

Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Citrus limon
Common names: none

Magickal Properties

Using lemon in rituals
Placing a slice of lemon under the chair of a friend will help keep your friendship strong. Lemon can be used in other friendship and love magick as well. Lemon oil is commonly used, but pieces of rind (either dried or fresh) work well in charm bags.

More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Moon
Element: Water

Frankincense

2006-09-27T00:41:12Z

What is Frankincense?

Scientific and medicinal info
Just like copal, frankincense isn't an herb but a hardened plant resin. The Boswellia trees that the sap is harvested from are native to Somalia and Ethiopia. There are various species of trees that are used, giving a range of qualities to frankincense.

Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Boswellia species
Common names: Olibanum, frankincense tears

Magickal Properties

Using frankincense in rituals
As will all resins or gums, you will need charcoal blocks if you want to burn this as an incense. Frankincense produces a light, sweet smell that is my personal favourite among the resins. It's practically a must-have for any Wiccan supply cabinet.
Frankincense is used to promote spirituality, to purify tools or sacred space, and for protection. It's also used for meditation and in divination. Though the hard pieces of resin can easily be used in charm bags, frankincense is more commonly burned.

Frankincense has spiritual associations throughout the world, particularly within Christianity, Catholicism and Judaism. It's used in various church incense blends, mainly on account of the nativity story. Frankincense was one of the gifts brought to the infant Jesus (along with myrrh and gold).

It also used to be considered an excellent remedy for hemlock poisoning, but is no longer used internally for medicinal purposes.

More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Apollo, Demeter

Mint

2006-09-27T00:38:46Z

What is Mint?

Scientific and medicinal info
There are a number of mint varieties, such as: peppermint, spearmint, lemon mint, apple mint and even chocolate mint. Each one is named for its distinctive smell. Mints like moist, rich soils and are cultivated indoors and out all over the world. The plants are perennial, and have pink cone-shaped flowers. The active component in all mints is menthol, which is often used in aromatherapy to combat headaches and fatigue. Spearmint is a little milder than peppermint when used this way. As an herbal tea, mint is well known to ease an upset or nauseous stomach.

Also Known As ....

Other names
Spearmint: Mentha spicata
Peppermint: Mentha piperita

Magickal Properties

Using mint in rituals
As mentioned above, there are many different varieties of mint, and they also have unique magickal properties. I think the two most common ones are spearmint and peppermint. Because they are so similar, much of the information available is mixed between the two and can be difficult to get a solid idea of which correspondences go with which variety.
Magickally, mint is used for healing and protection. Travel spells often include mint as well. Its association with Venus makes mint a traditional aphrodesiac, and I have always had success using mint in prosperity magick.

The name Mentha comes from the Greek nymph of the same name. Mentha was pursued by the God of the Underworld, Pluto. But his wife, Persephone was jealous of her. She turned Mentha into a plant so that she could stomp on her. Pluto could not undo the magick, but instead gave Mentha a lovely scent.

More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Venus
Element: Water (spearmint) and Air (peppermint)
Deities: Hecate

Feverfew

2006-09-08T23:44:07Z

Scientific name: Chrysanthemum parthenium
Other names: Featherfew, Febrifuge
Element: Water
Gender: Male
Planet: Venus
Practical Uses: A remedy for headaches (especially migraines) and arthritis as well as colds, influenza, fevers, and digestive problems. Avoid during pregnancy.
Magickal Uses: A purification herb that wards off disease. Used in charms involving accident prevention and protection against illness.

myfanwys_herbs @ 2006-09-08T18:56:00

2006-09-08T23:41:34Z

What is Damiana?

Scientific and medicinal info
Damiana is a low-growing plant that loves dry soil and plenty of rocks. It's native to Mexico, Central and South America. The flowers are yellow and small, and damiana bears a small sweet-smelling fruit as well. It's used as an herbal remedy to enhance sexual performance, as well as a very long list of other physical ailments.

Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Turnera diffusa or Turnera aphrodisiaca
Common names: damiana

Magickal Properties

Using damiana in rituals
Damiana was used as an aphrodesiac tea by the Aztecs and the Mayans, and is still used today predominantly in love and sexuality spells. It's also used for fertility, but that is strictly a magickal association (not a medical one).
The leaves are used in magick, and can be worked in charm bags, incense or even in tea. If you make damiana tea, be prepared to add honey or sugar. I've heard it's quite bitter. One warning though, you should not consume damiana tea if you are pregnant or diabetic.

Damiana is also sometimes used as an incense to promote psychic dreams.

More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Mercury, Venus
Element: Fire
Associated Deities: Venus

Alfalfa

2006-08-27T23:37:14Z

~Medicago sativa L.~

Common Uses: High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)
Menstruation and Menopause Discomfort

Active Constituents: Saponins, Triterpenoidal Glycosides

Adverse Effects: Diarrhea and Stomach Upset (rare), Photosensitivity (teroretical), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Reactivation,

Cautions/Contraindication: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Pregnancy and Lactation (Seeds only)

Drug Interactions: Anti-Coagulants (possible), Hormone Replacement Therapy and Birth Control Pills

Doses: Dried Herb: 5- 10 g three times daily, Liquid Extract: (1:1 to 25% alcohol), 5-10 mL three times daily.

Description:
Alfalfa is native to Eastern Mediterranean Europe and the Middle East and was first mentioned in literature by Pliny (AD 23-79) as being introduced to Greece by Darius, King of Persia (550-486 BC). Alfalfa can now be found throughout the world. Originally cultivated by the Greeks and Romans, alfalfa is currently produced primarily as a fodder crop in North America. This perennial herb, with clover like, three lobe leaves and spiraling seed pods, grows to approximately 36 inches or 1 meter. Its flowers range in color from purplish blue to yellow.

Parts Used:
While sprouted seeds are commonly eaten, the aerial parts are used medicinally.

Traditional Use:
Although alfalfa has been used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine (to treat digestive disorder) and Ayurvedic Medicine (for digestive conditions, as a diuretic and in the treatment of arthritis), it is not often mentioned in North American textbooks of herbal medicine.

Current Medicinal Use:
Modern day herbalists consider alfalfa to be a good general tonic, due largely to its reputation as an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and protein. While more research is needed, alfalfa may be effective in reducing high cholesterol levels. Evidence from traditional use suggests that alfalfa may also be helpful in managing menopause and menstrual discomfort.

~Source Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs by Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND~

Aster

2006-08-27T23:33:44Z

Asters are ancient wildflowers in the daisy family. Aster means star in Latin. The early English name for the aster was starwort. It was later changed to Michaelmas Daisy as it blooms around St. Michaelmas Day (September). The color for September is purple and stands for valor, love, afterthought and daintiness. Cherokee legend describes a terrible war between two tribes. As the war raged, all the villagers in one tribe were killed — all but two young sisters who ran to hide in the woods. Both girls wore doeskin dresses, one fringed and dyed lavender-blue, the other a bright yellow. The sisters sought out the 'Herb Woman' who lived nearby. As the sisters slept under the stars, the 'Herb Woman' looked to their future and saw the enemy tracking them down. To save them she sprinkled them with a magic potion and covered them with leaves. In the morning there were two flowers where the sisters had slept, one a lavender-blue aster the other a yellow goldenrod.

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

2006-08-27T23:32:36Z

These bright yellow and orange flowers are a familiar sight in cottage and country gardens. The plant is a native of southern Europe but flourishes in cool, temperate climates. The petals have a pungent, spicy flavor and the leaves have a bitter aftertaste. It is used more for medicinal than culinary purposes. This hardy annual grows to a height of about 9-20 inches and has a long flowering period.
Cultivation
Seeds may be sown directly in the bed, border, or flower box throughout spring and summer. The plant prefers a rich, light soil and a sunny location. Add compost to the soil if necessary, then sidedress with additional compost when the plants are well extablished. Water deeply during dry spells. It will seed itself readily.
Culinary Uses
The petals, with their slight aromatic bitterness are used in fish and meat soups, rice dishes, salads, and as a coloring for cheese and butter. The whole flower was used as a garnish in medieval times.

Marigold Wine
2 quarts marigolds (use Calendula officinalis only)
1 gallon boiling water
1 campden tablet, crushed (sterilizer)
thinly pared peel and juice of 3 tangerines or other soft citrus fruit
thinly pared peel and juice of 1 lemon
5½ cups sugar
1¼ cups white raisins, finely chopped
wine yeast
yeast nutrient
Wash the flowers and put into a large container. Add the boiling water and stir in the Campden tablet. Leave for 24 hours.
Draw off 1 cup of the liquid, add citrus peel and heat to just on the point of boiling. Add the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Cool to body temperature, then pour back into the original container. Add raisins, citrus juice, yeast, and nutrient. Cover and leave 5 days to ferment, stirring twice each day.
Strain through a double thickness of muslin. Pour into a fermenting jar fitted with a fermentation lock and leave to continue fermenting. Rack the wine as it begins to clear.
When completely clear, store in a cool, dark, dry place for six months to mature.

Medicinal Use
Calendula heals wounds as well as internal and external ulcers. It is an antiseptic, and improves blood flow to the affected area. As an antifungal agent, it can be used to treat athlete's foot, ringworm, and candida. The tincture applied neat to cold sores encourages healing . Calendula cream is good for acne and diaper rash. An infusion is good for digestion and relieves colitis and symptoms of menopause.
Other Uses
An infusion of the petals can be used as a rinse to lighten and brighten hair. The petals also make a nourishing cream for the skin. Pot marigold makes an attractive cut flower and can be grown in the vegetable garden to help with insect control.
Creamy Marigold Cleanser
4 tablespoons olive or almond oil
2 tablespoons dried pot marigold flowers
few drops of violet, orange blossom or rose water
Warm the oil in a bowl placed over a saucepan of hot water. Stir in the dried flowers and continue to heat gently for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and stir in the flower water.