complete witchcraft wiccan herbology and herbs list for the witch

Acacia, gum

(Acacia senegal): also called gum arabic. Dissolved in water to make a mucilage which is edible and soothes irritated mucous membranes, so is used in cases of coughs, sore throats and catarrh.

Alfalfa

(Medicago sativa): can be drunk as a tea to improve the appetite. Is supposed to aid in cure of peptic ulcers. Considered a diuretic - will rid the body of retained water.

Allspice

(Pimenta officinalis): the dried berry is supposed to have anaesthetic effects when used in baths. Allspice water is helpful in cases of flatulence.

Aloe vera

(Aloe vera): the juice from the fresh leaves is an ideal soother for sunburn and other minor burns, insect bites, and minor irritations. Also said to draw impurities from a wound and hence speed its healing. A tea made from the dried juice can be used as a wound wash.

Angelica

(Angelica archangelica): Drink the tea to stimulate the appetite, relieve flatulence, and as a diuretic to stimulate kidney action. Also a general tonic for weakness and nervous headache. The tea is supposed to bring on menstruation and dispel afterbirth. The powder of the root is useful to prevent infection when fasting (3/8 tsp at a time) and a tea or decoction of the root can be useful for stomach and intestinal problems, including ulcers and nervous vomiting. In large doses can have adverse effects on heart, blood pressure and respiration, so use with caution. Externally, a decoction of the root can be used for scabies or itching skin.
Elements of Sun and Fire. The root carried in a blue cloth bag is a protective talisman. Was considered to be under the guard of angels and therefore a good preventative charm against the plague. Put the whole root in a blue or white cloth bag and hang in the window as a protection against evil.

Anise

(Pimpinella anisum): Internally, relieves colic, stomach cramps, nausea and flatulence. Promotes digestion and improves the appetite. Is said to aid milk production in nursing mothers. Externally, makes a soothing eye compress. Can also be used for coughs. A few seeds in a glass of hot milk before bed is said to be beneficial for insomniacs and to promote sleep.
Elements of Jupiter and Air. Used for protection. A pillow stuffed with anise seeds is reputed to keep away nightmares.

Apple

(Pyrus malus): Elements of Venus and Water. Used in love spells for hundreds of years. Cider can be used in place of blood or wine where called for in ancient spells and rites. The wood is made into wands used for love spells and rituals. In Cornwall, a large apple was given to each member of the household to be eaten at Samhain (Halloween) for good luck.

Arnica

(Arnica montana): For external use only as it can be an internal irritant. A salve or very dilute tincture of arnica helps to promote healing of bruises and bumps. Tincture must be very dilute (1 or 2 tablespoons to a cup of water) as neat it can cause inflammation. Lotion can be made by heating equal quantities of arnica flowers and olive oil over a low heat for several hours, then straining through several layers fine cheesecloth.

Ash

(Fraxinus excelsior): Elements of Sun and Water. A protective tree used to make brooms and healing wands. Ash leaves beneath the pillow are reputed to induce psychic dreams. In England, is believed to be a dangerous tree to shelter under during storms, as it draws lightning. The winged seeds of the ash, ash-keys, can be carried to prevent overlooking or ill-wishing. Ash leaves are considered lucky, but an even ash leaf (one with an equal number of divisions on either side) is especially lucky. An even ash leaf should be gathered with the following rhyme: 'Even ash, I do thee pluck/ Hoping thus to meet good luck/ If no good luck I get from thee/ I shall wish thee on the tree'. Carried in a buttonhole or in the pocket, the leaf is supposed to bring good fortune.

Balm

(Melissa officinalis): Should be used fresh rather than dried. The tea is useful for all kinds of nervous complaints, hysteria and being over-emotional. Also induces mild perspiration and therefore relief to the feverish. Also helps relieve sleepiness of colds and flu. Will attract bees to the garden where it's grown. In earlier times was drunk to ease melancholy, comfort the heart and make the drinker merry. The crushed leaves or the juice thereof can be applied to wounds, sores and insect bites.

Balm of Gilead

(Populus candicans): Element of Saturn. The buds can be carried to mend a broken heart. Can be added to love and protection charms.

Basil

(Ocimum minimum or O. basilium): Internally can be used for headache, stomach cramps and general pain, and nausea. Externally, can be used as an antiseptic.
Element of Mars and Fire. Used in wealth and prosperity rituals. Carrying basil in your pockets is supposed to attract money into them. A wife can supposedly stop her husband being unfaithful by dusting her upper body with powdered basil.

Bay Laurel

(Lauris noblis): Elements of Sun and Fire. The leaves can be burned or chewed to induce visions. Worn as an amulet to ward off negativity and evil. Leaves under the pillow are supposed to induce prophetic dreams. Can be used in protection and purification rituals. Growing near a house, it was supposed to protect those within from infection and storms. Z. Budapest gives a spell using bay laurel for use in games of chance: take three laurel leaves and three pieces of parchment. Write on each paper the names of the Triple Goddess: Diana, Isis, Hecate. Keep the leaves and parchment in a red flannel bag in your pocket, and before starting your game of chance say: 'Isis of the Thousand Breasts, make my chance the best one yet'.

Benzoin

(Styrax benzoin): Elements of Sun and Air. Used in purification incenses. A few drops of tincture of benzoin helps to preserve oils and preparations.

Betony

(Stachys officinalis): Elements on Jupiter and Fire. Add to incenses of protection and purification. Sleep on a pillow stuffed with betony to prevent nightmares.

Blackberry

(Rubus villosus): A tea or decoction of the leaves and roots has been used for centuries as a home remedy for diarrhoea. Also drunk for colds, flu, sore throat, and anaemia. Leaves can be chewed for bleeding gums.

Borage

(Borago officinalis): Good for reducing fever and for convalescing from illness. The tea is drunk for feverish colds, to increase milk for nursing mothers, and to treat minor lung problems.

Burdock

(Arctium lappa): A decoction of the leaves can be used to cool and heal sores, acne, swellings and irritated skin. A decoction of the root and seeds is used as a blood purifier.

Calendula

(Calendula officinalis): Also known as pot marigold. A tea of the flowers can be used for gastro-intestinal problems such as ulcers, cramps and diarrhoea. Also taken internally for fevers and to reduce vomiting. A salve or dilute tincture made from the flowers is also useful for bruises, bumps, sprains, sore muscles and boils. The fresh juice can be applied directly to get rid of boils, warts and pimples. Press a fresh bruised leaf on a pimple several times a day to make it go down.

Camomile

(German - Matricaria chamomilla, Roman - Anthemis noblis): If drunk before bed, the tea will aid sleep. Used to soothe nightmares and nervousness, for hysterical conditions, and to quiet fever and restlessness in children. Also drunk for colic, stomach ache, diarrhoea, heartburn. Aids digestion. Can be used as a gentle healing wash for sores and wounds. The oil, diluted in a carrier oil, or a salve made from simmering the flowers in oil, can also be used as a rub for rheumatism, painful joints and strained muscles. Externally camomile makes a soothing bath additive and can be used in a footbath to relieve sweaty feet.
Elements of Sun and Water. Use in prosperity charms and rituals. Induces sleep. The tea brings peace and tranquility for those times when you need to do a ritual but are seething with anger or hurt. If you wash your face and hair with camomile, it will attract a lover.

Caraway

(Carum carvi): The oil can be used as an anaesthetic for toothache - soak a tiny bit of cotton in the oil and place in the cavity. Can also be used for flatulent colic and to settle the stomach after taking medication.
Elements of Mercury and Air. Used in love charms to attract a lover.

Carnation

(Dianthus caryophyllus): Elements of Sun and Fire. Once worn by witches to prevent capture and hanging. Produces added energy in ritual when used in incense.

Carrot

(Daucus carota): Carrot juice can be drunk to ease heartburn and stomach acidity. A soup made of carrots is supposed to be an effective and easily digested remedy for diarrhoea.

Catnip

(Nepeta cataria): The tea is used to treat colds, chills and fever, as it produces mild perspiration and induces sleep without increasing the fever. Also soothes nervous headaches, and will promote sleep. Can be taken for stomach pain and flatulence. Believed to bring on menstrual flow. Good to treat nervousness and restlessness, especially in children, and can also be used for colic.
Elements of Venus and Water. Creates a psychic bond between cat and 'owner'. Used in love charms and incenses.

Cayenne

(Capsicum minimum): Can be used to relieve colds and coughs, and is a local stimulant. Mrs Grieve recommends it in cases of alcohol addiction, as it reduces the dilated blood vessels.

Celandine

(Chelidonium majus): Elements of Sun and Fire. Helps the wearer escape unfair imprisonment and entrapment. If worn, cures depression.

Celery

(Apum graeolens): Helpful in the prevention and treatment of arthritis, especially when cooked in milk. Also useful for alcoholism, as celery sodium is a neutraliser in the body. Can be eaten as a nervine and a diuretic. Eaten as a salad vegetable or drunk as a tea, is supposed to help clear up acne and other skin conditions.

Cinnamon

(Cinnamomum zeylanicum): In tea form, makes an excellent digestive aid. Will check nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Is a mild stimulant. Externally, can be used as a skin astringent and antiseptic.
Elements of Sun and Fire. Use in incenses for healing, clairvoyance, high spiritual vibrations. Reputed to be a male aphrodisiac. Use in prosperity charms.

Cinquefoil

(Potentilla canadensis): Elements of Jupiter and Earth. Hang on house entrances as protection. Use in spells and charms for prosperity, purification and protection.

Clary Sage

(Salvia sclarea): Carminative, can be used to improve appetite and for cases of digestive disorder. Also used in cases of hysteria.

Clove

(Eugenia caryophyllus or Caryophyllus aromaticus): The oil can be inserted in a tooth cavity as a local anaesthetic and is purported to stop vomiting if a few drops are taken in water. The oil is also antiseptic. In tea form, aids digestion and relieves nausea and flatulence, is stimulating and carminative, and makes a good expectorant for colds.
Elements of Sun and Fire. Worn to drive away negativity and stop gossip. Cloves strung on a red thread can be worn as a protective charm.

Clover

(Trifolium spp.): Element of Mercury. Associated with the Triple Goddess. Used in rituals for beauty and youth. Four-leaved clovers are carried to see fairies, heal illness, avoid military service, avoid madness, and as a general good-luck charm. To dream of clover is considered very fortunate, especially for young people.

Coltsfoot

(Tussilago farfara): Long used for diseases and infections of the lungs. Used in many herbal cough mixtures, as it can both soothe a dry, irritated cough and encourage the expulsion of phlegm trapped in the lungs. Also reputed to help expel dust, tar and other pollutants from the lungs, and a weekly dose of coltsfoot tea can be beneficial to smokers, people with dust allergies or anyone who works in a polluted environment. the leaves and flowers have been used in herbal tobacco.

Comfrey

(Symphytum officinale): A demulcent and astringent with great healing qualities. Contains allantoin, a cell proliferant which helps wounds heal and bones knit back together. As a poultice it may be applied to wounds, sores, cuts, bites and burns to allay infection and aid healing. May also be eaten, steamed, as a vegetable.
Elements of Saturn and Earth. A herb of Hecate, used in rituals to honour the Goddess in her Crone aspect.

Coriander

(Coriandrum sativum): Elements of Mars and Fire. Used in love spells and charms. An old coriander spell is to take seven grains of coriander and grind them in a mortar, saying 'Warm seed, warm heart, let them never be apart' three times. Drop the seeds into wine and share with your lover.

Cowslip

(Primula veris): Element of Venus. Cattle were once hung with cowslips to encourage healthy milk production. Cowslip flowers were believed to bring luck in love to the wearer. In Suffolk, milkmaids would wash their faces in milk in which cowslip petals had been infused on Beltane, believing that it would make their faces glow and attract their beloved during the Beltane celebraations. Were traditionally woven into funeral wreaths to be laid on the deceased one's grave at the full moon, for thirteen moons after his or her death. Posies of cowslips, placed under the pillow, were said to allow contact with the dead in dreams.

Cypress

(Cupressus spp.): Elements of Saturn and Earth. Connected with death in all its aspects. Cypress smoke can be used to consecrate ritual objects.

Daisy

(Bellis perennis): Daisy leaf tea is drunk as a spring tonic, an expectorant, and to aid circulation. The leaves may be moistened, crushed and used as a poultice for bruises. Daisy flower infusion with a little honey added is reputed to whiten and clear the skin.
Decorate the house with daisies on Midsummer's Eve to bring happiness to the home and to win the favour of the faeries. Daisies should also be worn on the person at Midsummer for luck and blessings.

Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale): A diuretic which can aid kidney infections, constipation and jaundice. Also drunk to increase the appetite. The leaves are good in a green salad. The juice of the stem, applied several times a day and let dry, will remove warts and corns.
Element of Jupiter. A herb of Hecate, used in Samhain rituals. It is said that if you rub yourself all over with dandelion you will be welcome everywhere and all your wishes will be granted.

Dill

(Anethum gravolens): The seeds are used to make dill water, a soporific and carminative syrup used to treat colic in babies.
Element of Mercury and Fire. Used in love charms. Hang in childrens' rooms to protect them.

To make dill water: Crush 25 grams dill seed, and soak in 500 ml hot water for 3 - 4 hours. Strain, sweeten with 1 tablespoon honey. Give a small amount to be sipped.

Dragon's Blood

(Daemonorops draco or Dracaena draco): Element of Mars and Fire. Used in love and protection spells. A piece under the bed is reputed to cure impotency. Place in drawers and cupboards you don't want people looking in, with the incantation: 'Dragon's blood, watch and ward, as the dragon guards its horde'. Carry a piece with you for good luck. Dissolve a little in the bath for a strong purification bath.

Echinacea

(Echinacea angustifolia): The root is used as a blood purifier. Aids to build up immune system and increase body's resistance to infection. Useful for all diseases such as boils which are due to impurities in the system. Also good for fevers in tea form.

Elecampane

(Inula helenium): Elements of Mercury and Earth. Was said to have sprung from the tears of Helen which fell to the ground when Paris abducted her. Called elf dock in Denmark. Once used to raise and sustain the spirits. As an incense, can be burned as an aid to meditation.

Elder

(Sambucus canadensis): Elements of Venus and Air. Branches can be used for wands and staves. Stand beneath the elder to be protected from lightning; sleeping under the elder tree will bring drugged and dangerous dreams of faeryland, from which one might awaken either mad, or not at all. In the Middle Ages it was considered unlucky to burn elder, or to bring it into the house. It was only considered safe to cut an elder tree if one had first asked permission; the tree dryad would grant consent by keeping silence. Elder leaves gathered at Beltane Eve and attached to the door are said to keep away evil.

Eucalyptus

(Eucalyptus spp.): Leaves and oil are a powerful antiseptic and stimulant for fevers and colds. Used in a poultice, or as diluted oil, on wounds as an antiseptic. A useful expectorant for bronchitis. The oil can be used in a vapouriser to inhale for chest colds and bronchitis.
Elements of the Moon and Air. Used in healing rituals and charms of all kinds. Surround blue candles with the leaves and burn for healing vibrations. Hang green pods around the neck to cure colds and sore throats.

Eyebright

(Euphrasia officinalis): elements of Sun and Air. Anoint eyelids with the infusion daily to induce clarivoyant visions.

Fennel

(Foeniculum vulgare): A digestive aid, relieves flatulence. The tea is a safe, effective diuretic. Sometimes employed as an appetite suppressant.
Elements of Mercury and Earth. Connected with mother's milk and breastfeeding; traditionally brought for new mothers and hung near the cradle to keep away flies.

Fern

: ELements of Saturn and Earth. Extremely powerful protectants; grow in the house and include in vases of cut flowers. Are supposed to protect any house that contains them from damage by storms.

Feverfew

(Pyrethrum parthenium): A tea of the flowers is useful to relieve nervous headaches, migraine and hysterical conditions.

Frankincense

(Boswellia carterii): Sun, Fire. A very powerful scent which aids meditation and induces a spiritual fram of mind. Burn as a general protective incense.

Garlic

(Allium sativum): Used for thousands of years to increase immunity, ease colds, lower tension, improve circulation, prevent intestinal worms and increase the healthy bacteria in the system. If nothing else is available the juice of garlic, heavily diluted, will disinfect wounds (but it stings!) A stimulant and carminative, and natural antibiotic.
Elements of Mars and Fire. Extremely protective herb. Carry the bulb with you on trips over water to prevent drowning. Hang in the home to protect. Also used in exorcisms.

Ginger

(Zingiber officinale): Hot ginger tea can be sipped for the relief of colds and flu, and can also be used for upset stomach, menstrual cramps, and diarrhoea.

Golden seal

(Hydrastis canadensis): Non-toxic, non-irritating antiseptic, both internal and external. Used to treat alcoholism, esp. in conjunction with cayenne. Can be used as a wash for sore mouths and skin irritations such as eczema. Used as a tonic for disorders of the digestive system.

Hawthorn

(Crataegus oxyacantha): Elements of Mars and Fire. Used in protection sachets. In ancient Greece and Rome, was associated with happiness in marriage and carried by brides; the Romans put hawthorn leaves into babies' cradles to proteect them against evil. Sitting under a hawthorn tree on Beltane, Midsummer's Day or Samhain supposedly puts one in danger of being abducted by fairies. It is considered ill-omened to fell a hawthorn. Burn hawthorn berries as an incense when you feel the need for energy and dynamism in your life, and meditate on the areas of life that need changing.

Hazel

(Corylus spp.): Elements of Sun and Air. Good wood for all-purpose wands. Forked branches can be used as divining wands. Tie two hazel twigs together with red or gold thread to make a solar cross as a good-luck charm.

Henbane

(Hyoscyamus niger): Elements of Saturn and Water. Poisonous! Carried to attract the love of a woman.

High John the Conqueror root

(Impomoea purga): Elements of Saturn and Earth. Add to candle anointing oils, charms and sachets to increase their potency.

Holly

(Ilex aquifolium): Elements of Mars and Fire. If planted around the house acts as good protection. Leaves and berries can be carried to heighten masculinity.

Honeysuckle

(Lonicera caprifolium): Elements of Jupiter and Earth. Use in prosperity spells and charms.

Hops

(Humulus lupulus): Elements of Mars and Water. Used in healing incenses and charms. Hops in a pillow will induce sleep. It is unwise to use hops if depressed, since they are believed to engender melancholy.

Hyssop

(Hyssopus officinalis): In tea form, used as an expectorant for colds and catarrh. Said to expel intestinal worms. The fresh leaves, or a decoction of them, can be applied to wounds to cure infection and promote healing.
Elements of Jupiter and Fire. Use in purification baths and protection spells. Was a common strewing herb during the Middle Ages, and used in the consecration of Westminster Abbey. Associated with serpents and dragons, and can be burnt as incense or thrown on the fire to tap into dragon energy.

Ivy

(Hedera spp.): Elements of Saturn and Water. Guards and protects the houses it grows over. Often given to newlyweds, in conjunction with holly, as good-luck charm.

Jasmine

(Jasminum officinaleor Jasminum odoratissimum): Elements of Jupiter and Earth. Used in love spells and charms.

Juniper

(Juniperus communis): Elements of Sun and Fire. If a sprig of juniper is worn it will protect the wearer from accidents. The berries can be dried and strung as a charm to attract lovers. Can be used in anti-theft spells, and grown at the doorstep as protection from thieves.

Lavender

(Lavendula vera or Lavendula officinale): Elements of Mercury and Air. Used in purification baths and incenses. Thrown onto fires and Midsummer as tribute to the Gods and to bring visions and inspiration. Add to healing baths and sachets, carry to attract men. The scent will induce sleep. Excellent for bringing clarity and coherence to magickal workings and for focusing visualisation.

Lemon Balm

(Melissa officinalis): Drink as an infusion to soothe away the emotional pains after a relationship break-up; considered useful in recovery from trauma and sexual assault. Has long been considered to drive away melancholy and low spirits. Is said to increase fertility, and has been used in love potions and aphrodisiacs.

Lemon Verbena

(Lippia citriodora): Elements of Venus and Air. Wear as a love charm, and to increase one's attractiveness. Add to charms to increase their power. Hang a sprig around your neck to stop you from dreaming.

Linden

(Tilia europaea): Element of Jupiter. Associated with conjugal love and longevity.

Lovage

(Levisticum officinale): Elements of Sun and Water. Add the root to cleansing baths. Carry to attract love.

Mandrake

(Mandragora officinarum): Elements of Mercury and Earth. A powerful protective charm for the home. The root can be carried by women who want to concieve, and men who want to cure impotency. In the Middle Ages it was thought to give off a shriek when it was pulled up that was so unearthly all who heard it went mad or died. To charge a mandrake root with your personal power, sleep with it in the bed for three nights during the full moon. Carry it for courage.

Marigold

(Calendula officinalis): Elements of Sun and Fire. In a vase, renews energy of everyone in the room where the vase is placed. Symbolises constancy and endurance in love. To dream of marigold flowers is supposed to presage coming wealth. It was said that if you wore marigold flowers, you would be able to tell who had stolen from you.

Marjoram

(Origanum majorana): Elements of Mercury and Air. Add to love charms. Place a bit of the herb in every room in the house for protection.

Meadowsweet

(Filipendula ulmaria): Elements of Jupiter and Water. A sacred herb of the Druids. Arrange fresh meadowsweet on the altar when mixing love charms or performing love spells. Strew around the house for love and peace; a garland of meadowsweet will protect the house from evil influences. Wear garlands of meadowsweet at Lammas to join with the essence of the Goddess.

Mistletoe

(Viscum album): Worn as a protective amulet, or to help conceive. An anti-lightning charm.

Mugwort

(Artemisia vulgaris): Elements of Venus and Air. Put into the shoe for protection and to prevent fatigue on long journeys. Mugwort tea will induce clairvoyance. Rub fresh leaves on magick mirrors and crystal balls to strengthen divinitory powers. Add to scrying, clairvoyance and divination incenses. In the Middle Ages it was considered one of the strongest protective plants. Hanging it in the house is reputed to protect against lightning, while putting it under the doorstep is supposed to ensure that no unwelcome person will enter. A pillow filled with mugwort will induce vivid dreams. The name, Artemisia, refers to the goddess Artemis, who was a protector of herbal practitioners.

Mullein

(Verbascum thapsus): Elements of Saturn and Fire. Has been called hag's tapers, Jupiter's staff, our lady's candle. Wear to develop courage and as protection from wild animals. Was believed to have power to drive away evil spirits. Mullein can be used to clear a psychic space after work, by washing tools, floor and altar with mullein infusion. Used on crystal balls for scrying.

Myrrh

(Commiphoria myrrha): Elements of Sun and Water. Purifying and protective incense. Can be used to consecrate tools.

Myrtle

(Myrica cerifera): Elements of Venus and Water. Sacred to Venus and used in love charms and spells of all kinds. If grown indoors it brings good luck. Carry myrtle leaves to attract love, or the wood to preserve youth. Make magic charms from the wood. Wear fresh leaves whilst making love charms.

Nettle

(Urtica dioica): Elements of Mars and Fire. Stuff a poppet with nettles to send bad vibrations and curses back to the sender. Sprinkle around the room as protection, or add to protection charms. Considered to instill courage if carried. Was once considered an antidote to many poisons. Builds up the fire element in an individual, used to thaw frozen emotions and connect with the fiery warrior aspect.

Nutmeg

(Myristica fragrans): Elements of Jupiter and Air. Carry a nutmeg to strengthen clairvoyant powers and to prevent rheumatism. To dream of nutmegs foretells changes in the dreamer's life.

Oak

(Quercus alba): Elements of Sun and Fire. Sacred tree in many, many cultures, long associated with royalty; rites were often performed in groves of oak trees, and mistletoe that grew on oak was considered the most powerful. It has long been considered unlucky to fell an oak. Burn oak leaves as purification. The wood is used for all-purpose wands. Acorns are carried as fertility charms, to preserve youthfulness, and to ward off illness. Hang in windows to protect the house. Men can carry acorns to increase their sexual attractiveness and prowess.

Olive

(Olea europaea): Sacred to Athena. Regarded as a symbol of peace and wealth, and a sign of safe travel.

Onion

(Allium cepa): Elements of Mars and Fire. Used in protection and healing. Place cut onions in a room to absorb illness, leave overnight and throw away in the morning.

Orange

(Citrus sinesis): Elements of Sun and Water. The dried peel is added to love and fertility charms and used in Solar incenses. A traditional Chinese symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Orris root

(Iris florentina or Iris germanica): Elements of Venus and Water. Add to love charms, baths and incenses.

Parsley

: In ancient Greek and Roman times, parsley was considered symbolic of death.
Patchouli

(Pogostemon cablin or Pogostemon patchouli): Elements of Sun and Earth. Both sexes can carry as an aphrodisiac and to attract lovers.

Pennyroyal

(Mentha pulegium): Elements of Venus and Earth. Put in shoe to prevent weariness; once it was carried by seafarers to prevent sea-sickness. Used in protection rituals. Under no circumstances use Pennyroyal while pregnant.

Pepper

(Capsicum spp.): Elements of Mars and Fire. Use in protective charms.

Peppermint

(Mentha piperata): Elements of Venus and Air. Use in healing incenses and charms; good in a healing bath. Burn as a winter incense. Any mint infusion can be sprinkled around the house as a cooling-off influence after arguments.

Periwinkle

(Vinca major): Elements of Venus and Water. Hang on house entrances as protection.

Pimpernel

(Pimpinella magna): Elements of Mercury and Air. Wear to detect falsehood and prevent others lying to you.

Pine

(Pinus spp.): Elements of Mars and Earth. Burn as a purifying winter incense. Pine nuts are eaten and carried as fertility charms. Pine needles can be added to healing or cleansing baths.

Poppy

(Papaver spp.): Elements of Moon and Water. Eat poppy seeds as a fertility charm. Carry the seeds or dried seed-pod as a prosperity charm.

Rose

(Rosa spp.): Elements of Venus and Water. Carry roses to attract true love. Drink a tea of rose petals for divinatory dreams. Add to charms and incenses for sleep, love and healing. To dream of roses is fortunate, foretelling success in love, unless the roses are white. Drink the tea to promote beauty without and within, and mix the petals with regular tea to attract love.

Rosemary

(Rosmarinus officinalis): Elements of Sun and Fire. Use in protection charms, incenses and baths. Used to be thought of as preventative against the plague. Wear to aid memory and learning. Is used in sea rituals and sea magick. Wash hands with rosemary infusion before performing magick, as a substitute for a ritual bath. Drink the tea before exams or interviews to make the mind alert. Can be made into a protection wreath. In mediaeval times was worn at weddings, as it was linked with fidelity, love and happy memories. Brides often wore a chaplet of rosemary. sometimes gilded. Placed under the pillow, was supposed to ward off bad dreams. Smelling rosemary is supposed to keep a person merry, young and in good spirits.

Rowan

(Sorbus aucuparia): Elements of Sun and Fire. Tie two twigs together with red thread as a general protection and luck charm. Use as divining stick. The berries are used as a good luck amulet. A necklace of the berries can be used as a healing charm.

Rue

(Ruta graveolens): Elements of Sun and Fire. Was once worn to guard against plague. Added to charms designed to keep illness away. The smell of the fresh herb clears the mind of emotional clutter. In mediaeval times rue was considered an antidote against all kinds of poisons; judges carried it as a precaution against jail fever. A sprig of rue can be dipped into water and used to sprinkle an area for magickal purification.

Saffron

(Crocus sativus): Elements of Sun and Fire. Used in prosperity and healing rituals, charms and incenses.

Sage

(Salvia officinalis): Elements of Jupiter and Earth. Used in healing and prosperity charms. Regarded as a great safeguard of health, and has a reputation for promoting longevity. Is supposed to grow best in the gardens of the wise.

St John's Wort

(Hypericum perforatum): Elements of Sun and Fire. Used in protective charms of all kinds. Wear to ward off fever and illness. Burn as a banishing or exorcism incense. Gather on Midsummer's Eve, pass through the smoke of bonfires to purify, and hang in the house as protection. Wear to instill courage and strengthen the will, and drink a tea of the herb to cure melancholy. Hang bunches of the herb over the bed or by the bedroom door to drive away nightmares.

Sandalwood

(Santalum album): Elements of Moon and Air. Used in purifying, protective and healing incenses.

Sunflower

(Helianthus annus): Elements of Sun and Fire. Brings the blessings of the Sun into any garden in which it is grown. The seeds can be eaten by women who wish to conceive.

Thyme

(Thymus vulgaris): Elements of Venus and Air. Burn as a purifying incense. Use in magickal cleansing baths. Inhale the scent for refreshment and renewed energy. Wear to protect oneself from negativity and grief at funerals. Is thought to inspire courage when worn.

Valerian

(Valeriana officinalis): Elements of Mercury and Water. Use the herb in love charms and spells, and in purification baths.

Vanilla

(Vanilla aromatica or Vanilla planifolia): Elements of Jupiter and Fire. The bean can be carried in a love charm, and the oil worn as an aphrodisiac.

Vervain

(Verbena officinalis): Elements of Venus and Water. A herb sacred to the Druids and used by the Romans as a ritual cleansing plant. Used in magical cleansing baths, purification incenses, safety amulets. Hang above the bed to keep away nightmares. Used in love and protection charms. Burn for a good purification incense. Use in prosperity charms. In incenses it brings good luck and inspiration.

Violet

(Viola tricolour): Elements of Venus and Water. Mix with lavender for a powerful love charm. A violet compress can aid headaches. Carry the flowers as a good-luck charm. To dream of violets foretells a change for the better in the dreamer's circumstances. Violets are supposed to absorb ill-will and evil spells. The scent is said to soothe and clear the mind.

Walnut

(Juglans regia): Elements of Sun and Fire. Carry the nut as a charm to promote fertility and strengthen the heart.

Willow

(Salis alba): Elements of Moon and Water. Willow wands can be used for healing. The Willow will bring the blessings of the Moon upon those who plant it or have it on their property. Willows can be used to bind together witch's brooms.

Wormwood

(Artemisia absinthum): Elements of Mars and Air. Was once burned to raise spirits. Used in divinatory and clairvoyance incenses. Burn on fires at Samhain to gain protection from roaiming spirits. Used in initiation rites and for tests of courage and endurance. Should not be used by those suffering from grief or shock, as it has affinity with the world of the dead; give to the dying to enable them to let go and find peace.

Yarrow

(Achillea millefolium): Elements of Venus and Water. Used in love and marriage charms, and reputed to keep a couple together for seven years. Was once given to newlyweds as a charm. Wards off negativity when worn. Drink yarrow tea prior to divination to enhance the powers of perception. In ancient China yarrow had a reputation as a very spiritual plant, hence its use in casting the I Ching.


GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Infusion: This is made like a tea. Cover 30 g of dried herb, or 60 g fresh, with 500 ml of boiling water. Cover and leave to steep.

Decoction: Instead of leaving the herb to steep, simmer it gently in the water.

Poultice: Bruise the plant matter and pour just enough boiling water over to wet it. Apply the botanical to the affected part and cover with a cloth or piece of gauze which has been wrung out in hot water. When the cloth cools, replace it with a hot one.

Please see your health care practitioner before making any changes to your method of health care.