Common Name

Lavender

Latin Name

Lavendula angustifolia

Folk Names

Spike, Elf Leaf

Zone

Varies.  Many are 5-8,

Annual, Perennial?

Perennial

Medicinal Properties, historical information, and parts used

The leaves, flowers and flower stalks are used.  Essential oil can be produced from flowers and flower stalks.

Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, stimulant, tonic.

Most commonly used via essential oil, and is used for a whole host of concerns, including pain management, nervous disorders, bites, sunburn, cramps, fighting fatigue and infections.  Also used for skin sores, cooled burns, and calming children (used in bath)

Dosages:

Infusion:  Steep 1 teaspoon lavender leaves in 1/2 cup water. Take 1/2 to 1 cup a day. (Note: Gather the leaves before flowering.) 

Oil:  Take 5 drops on a sugar cube, two times a day.

Lavender Water:         
2 cups distilled water
2 oz. vodka
10 to 20 drops essential oil of lavender In a glass jar with a screw-top lid, mix the distilled water and vodka. Add the lavender oil, close, and shake.  (Aging will mellow results.) Makes 2-1/2 cups.

Experiment Results, methods used…

(if any)

I read where it can grow well in containers, and I am going to try some container lavender this year.

Impressions, Feelings

Lavender has an enchanting aroma, and a multitude of uses, both mundane and magical.

Misc. Information

(i.e. planetary correspondences, folk lore, etc.)

Mercury, air.  Magical uses for inner peace, joy and reducing stress. Ritual uses can include hand fastings, love rituals, anointing, balance, clairvoyance, consecration, divination, healing, inspiration, meditation, peace, prosperity, protection, purification.  At Midsummer can be thrown into a fire as a sacrifice to the Goddess.

Sources

http://indianspringherbs.com/Lavender.htm

http://www.askyewolfe.com/HealingTeas.html

http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lavend13.html

http://www.gardenlistings.com/Lavender.htm

The complete book of herbs: A practical guide to growing and using herbs by Lesley Bremness.

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham.

Common Name

Yarrow

Latin Name

Achillea millefolium

Other/Folk Names

arrowroot, bad man's plaything, carpenter's weed, death flower, devil's nettle, eerie, field hops, gearwe, hundred leaved grass, knight's milefoil, knyghten, milefolium, milfoil, millefoil, noble yarrow, nosebleed, old man's mustard, old man's pepper, sanguinary, seven year's love, snake's grass, soldier, soldier's woundwort, stanch weed, thousand seal, woundwort, yarroway, yerw.

Zone

3-8

Annual, Perennial?

Perennial

Medicinal Properties, historical information, parts used, recipes, etc.

Can be used to help with common cold and fevers, hypertension, amenorrhoea, depression, muscle spasms, GI disorders and nausea.  Helps regulate menstrual cycle and eases menstrual pain.  Yarrow has an effect on the circulatory, digestive and urinary systems.

Decoctions can be used to treat inflammation and headaches. Infusions (internal and external) can be used to treat severe bruising. The flowers have a mild stimulant effect.   Essential oil is derived from the flowers.   The leaves can cause clotting, and fresh leaves can be used to help stop nosebleeds.

Overall, Yarrow will intensify the effects of other herbs taken.

Yarrow has also been used as a food, and was very popular as a vegetable in the 17th century. The younger leaves are said to be a pleasant leaf vegetable as spinach, or in a soup. Yarrow is sweet with a slight bitter taste.

Experiment Results, methods used…

(if any)

Impressions, Feelings

At first glance, Yarrow really looks a lot like a weed, and is considered a weed by many.  But it is a very powerful herb, both medically and spiritually.  It is also a frequent component in butterfly gardens.  Just goes to show that looks can be deceiving.

Misc. Information

(i.e. planetary correspondences, folk lore, etc.)

Venus, Water. Basic powers are for love, clairvoyance and exorcism and can be used as a tea, amulet, sachet or by simply holding the flowers.

Sources

http://www.friedli.com/herbs/yarrow.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarrow

http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/herbs/yarrow.asp

The complete book of herbs: A practical guide to growing and using herbs by Lesley Bremness.

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham.

Common Name

Common or Garden Sage

Latin Name

Salvia officinalis

Other/Folk Names

Zone

5-9

Annual, Perennial?

Perennial

Medicinal Properties, historical information, parts used, recipes, etc.

Evidence supports successful use as antibiotic, antifungal, astringent, estrogenic, hypoglycemic, and antispasmodic.  The strongest element is the essential oil.

It can be used for indigestion, gas, excessive lactation (so don’t take in large amounts if nursing!), anxiety, depression, excessive perspiration, and menopausal problems.  Sage is a general drying agent for the body.

Warnings: Do not take in large amounts if pregnant or nursing.  Can be toxic in excess or over long periods of time.

The following is a translation of an old French saying:

'Sage helps the nerves and by its powerful might

Palsy is cured and fever put to flight,'

Experiment Results, methods used…

(if any)

Impressions, Feelings

Sage is a wonderful Herb.  It is great for medicinal, cooking and spiritual elements.  However, I generally need to stay away from too much now because it can easily dry me up, and isn’t safe for nursing or pregnancy.  I shall continue to enjoy it in my meals, but not for any other purpose.

Misc. Information

(i.e. planetary correspondences, folk lore, etc.)

Jupiter, Earth.  Used for healing and prosperity.  Tradition holds that those who eat sage become immortal in both wisdom and years.  It can be carried for protection and wisdom. It absorbs negativity and misfortune.

Sources

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_sage

http://gardening.about.com/od/herbs/p/Sage.htm

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/sages-05.html#com

http://magicspells.in/magical_herbal_enclyclopedia_s.htm

The complete book of herbs: A practical guide to growing and using herbs by Lesley Bremness.

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham.