Spices / Culinary Herbs

Allspice berries derive from a tropical member of the myrtle family. It seems as though this tree couldn't quite make up its mind as to how it wanted to smell and so combined a bit of Clove with a bit of Cinnamon and a touch of Pepper. The combination works very well and Allspice smells beautifully spicy, yet less overpowering than either Clove or Cinnamon.

In its native Caribbean and South American homelands, Allspice leaves and berries have long been used as a kitchen spice and herbal remedy. It was the first spice that was ever brought back to Europe from the New World. It soon gained popularity in the Old World too, and not just as a spice. Up until the last century it was official in the European pharmacopoeias. Herbal medicine rarely uses it now, but aromatherapy is bringing it back to public awareness.

Allspice is used for indigestion, intestinal gas, abdominal pain, heavy menstrual periods, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, colds, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. It is also used for emptying the bowels.

Magical:
Allspice can be used to break spells and protect against evil influences. It can help break bad habits or inertia and generally boosts willpower, courage and energy. It may help clear energy blockages and can be used to potentate any work of magic. It stimulates the base chakra and can be used in sex magic. It can also be used in healing rituals and for money spells.

Aniseed is a familiar kitchen herb of the carrot family. Native to the Mediterranean region it has long been used as a spice and medicine in ancient Egypt, Crete and Greece. It was first mentioned in the Ebers papyrus, which dates back to 1500BC. In Egypt it was valued so highly that it was used as a payment of tithe, a tradition King Edward I picked up on in a later era, levying taxes on its import to raise funds for restoring the London Bridge. The Scythians used it in their funeral rites to prepare the corpse of the king. The Romans on the other hand, baked it into their wedding cakes, known as 'mustacae', probably because of Aniseeds reputed aphrodisiac properties.

Pillows stuffed with Aniseed have been used to induce restful sleep and ward off nightmares. It is used as the basis of several strong spirits: Ouzo, Raki and Pernod.

Animals seem to be attracted to by its scent - it is used as bait for mice, and dogs also love the smell- the fake rabbit used in greyhound racing is treated with anise oil.

Traditional:
In the past, Aniseeds were much valued as a muscle relaxant, especially for nervous indigestion, cramps and flatulence, but also, when cooked in milk, as an excellent agent to soothe coughing fits and tight chests. It is mildly galactagogue and old herbals often mention its aphrodisiac properties.

NOTE: Use with caution

Magical:
Used in love magic to open the heart chakra and clear emotional blockages that may prevent one from finding love. It safeguards the soul on spirit journeys and astral travel and offers protection against nightmares. It may be used to open the inner eye to prepare for divination rituals and psychic channeling. Use it as a special offering if your spirit or totem animals are dogs, or to invoke Anubis.

NOTE: 1/2 Oz Increment!

Medicinally, the leaves of the Laurus Nobilis tree, also known as Sweet Laurel, have been used since the ancient times to treat problems associated with the liver, stomach, and kidneys. They were also used for treating bee and wasp stings. Nowadays, herbalists use bay leaves for treating various health complaints.

Here are some ways in which bay leaves are used today: Coughs & Colds: Placing a cloth soaked in water in which bay leaves have been boiled provides relief from cough, cold, bronchitis and chest infections.

Magical:
Sacred to Apollo, god of healing, poetry, music, light, prophecy, and surprisingly, plague. It is sometimes called Daphne because of the ancient Greek story featuring Apollo. The nymph Daphne was the daughter of the earth, Gaia, and the river, Peneus. She admired the goddess Diana and, like her, enjoyed the woods and hunting. She refused all suitors and wished to remain unmarried, as Diana did. Her father supported her in this. Apollo fell in love with her, but she did not want him. The more he pursued her, the more she ran from him. When he was about to catch her, she asked her father the river for help, and he turned her into a bay tree. Apollo said that if he could not have her for his love, he would have at least the leaves of the tree to decorate his harp and wear as a crown. That's why in ancient times, crowns for military victors were made of bay leaves.

It was used to roof the Temple at Delphi, which was the location of the famous oracle. In modern times, people will inhale the scent of these burning leaves is said to help increase psychic ability. Witches often stuff dream pillows with bay to help encourage divinatory dreams.

This herb makes a nice incense when mixed either with sandalwood (Mercury) or with other Sun substances like frankincense or cedar.

Because of bay leaves' association with love, they are also combined with various other herbs to make a handfasting incense, and it is said to attract lovers, especially men, probably because of the myth about Daphne.

You can make a good oil for dressing candles or blessing musical instruments (which are ruled by Apollo) by crumpling or grinding the herb and infusing them in Sun-warmed oil (sunflower would be a nice Sun oil to use--add a couple drops of vitamin E to help preserve it). Bay leaves are protective of the home and person (when worn as an amulet).

During the waxing moon, wishes can be written on the leaves, which are then burned on the Full Moon to empower the wish.

Harvested from a low-pesticide use area, hand-cleaned and bagged for shipment. There is no heat applied and no mechanical processing done to this product, thus it can be considered a raw food. Bee pollen is pure and natural plant pollen collected by honeybees. It is nutritious and has a sweet flavor. Our bee pollen is kosher certified and non-irradiated.

Medicinal:
Enhances energy levels, Boosts athletic performance & stamina, Seasonal sensitivity support

Magical uses of Bee Pollen include friendship, attraction, love, strength, happiness, and overcoming depression.

**NOTE: These have been roasted but they are unsweetened (closer to a bakers chocolate) . If you desire more sweetness we suggest adding Stevia or Sugar as well.

Middle Eastern flair in stews, rice pilaf and other savory entrees, and in Indian dishes like daal and palak paneer. Whole pods can also be chewed after spicy meals to cleanse the breath. Our organic, cardamom pods are kosher certified and non-irradiated.

Great for flavoring mulled cider or wine!

The green pods of the Cardamom plant, a relative of ginger, are packed with tiny black seeds that exude an intense and very distinctive aroma. Indian cookery has long incorporated these seeds in numerous dishes. It is an ingredient of the famous spiced Indian tea known as chai, which is rumoured to have aphrodisiac properties. In Turkey and Greece the seeds are sometimes baked into bread or added to coffee (allegedly in order to counteract the anaphrodisiac effects of coffee). Along with Fennel seeds they are often chewed to sweeten the breath. In India and Arab countries, Cardamom is most valued for its aphrodisiac properties - it is the most frequently mentioned spice in the stories of the Arabian Nights and in Greek mythology Medea and her daughters are said to have used it in their love charms and potions. Its aroma is stimulating, warming and invigorating.

Medicinal:
Medical herbalism does not make much use of Cardamom these days, but it can be helpful to remember that this common spice has excellent carminative properties, which will quickly soothe griping pains of flatulent colic and dyspepsia. Ayurveda also recommends them in cases of painful urination.

Magical:
Cardamom is used in love and sex magic. It may be used in love philtres and amulets to attract a lover. The scent is complex and sensual. It stimulates and arouses the base chakra. As an ingredient of incense it may bring clarity to a situation where selfishness destroys love, or the mind is confused and the heart torn between two lovers.

The inner seeds are dark, crunchy and a little sticky. If you like to grind your own spices, purchasing the inner seeds will save you the painstaking step of deseeding the pods

Used in a similar manner as the pods!.

These seeds have a strong, pungent aroma and a flowery, eucalyptic flavor and pair well with cloves, ginger, anise, and fennel.
Grind before adding to curries, hamburgers, and meatloaf. Sprinkle ground seeds on baked apples and rice pudding.

Our carob powder is dark roasted for a rich chocolate flavor.
Carob is naturally sweet, low in fat, and caffeine-free, which makes it the perfect replacement for cacao in your recipes.

How To Enjoy Carob
Carob is used whenever a recipe calls for chocolate or cocoa. To replace cocoa for carob, simply use the same amount of carob. To replace chocolate with carob, use approximately three tablespoons of carob powder for each square of chocolate that the recipe calls for.

Carob can also be used as a sugar replacement. Carob powder is almost 50% natural sugar and can be used instead of sugar in virtually all bread and pastry products. This includes bread, waffles, cakes, pies, pancakes, cereals (hot or cold), crepes, muffins, etc. Of course, using carob will result in chocolate-brown colored foods and will impart a vaguely chocolate-like flavor. If this is undesirable, you can try mixing various amounts of carob and honey to find the mixture that suits you best.

Carob Vs. Cacao
Carob comes from the pods of a Mediterranean evergreen tree, while cacao beans are used to make chocolate. Since cacao is very bitter in its original state, sugar is usually added to processed cacao beans in order to make chocolate. On the contrary, carob is naturally sweet and does not require any additional sweeteners. Carob is a great low-fat alternative to chocolate, which may contain milk to enhance the taste. Carob is also ideal for those sensitive to caffeine because unlike chocolate, carob doesn’t contain stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine.

Chia is currently experiencing a renaissance, but where does it come from and why exactly are we hearing so much about it now? It may be a new thing to many of us, but chia seeds have actually been enjoyed for thousands of years! Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a flowering member of the mint family that is native to North, Central and South America. We can trace its consumption and use all the way back to 3,000 B.C. where it was a staple of both Maya and Aztec diets. These ancient cultures revered the power of chia for its amazing energy and natural healing powers. One tablespoon of chia was considered capable of sustaining a warrior for 24 hours!

Chia is also known for its association with the iconic long distance-running Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyon, subject of the New York Time’s Bestselling Book Born to Run, who credit chia seeds as the force behind their extraordinary stamina.

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Chia is the legendary super grain with all the modern health benefits. It provides calcium for strong bones; fiber for colon & blood sugar health; beneficial fats for energy, plus appetite-curbing protein.

Magically speaking it is good for Protection and stopping gossip when mixed with Slippery Elm Bark and burned as an incense !

In Asia Cloves are known as 'Flowers of the Gods'. Although native to the Spice Islands and the Philippines, Cloves have long been known and traded in the West. Until the 16th century the Arabs were the chief importers and traders of spices from the East. But once Portuguese explorers discovered the true origin of precious, exotic spices, wars were waged over the dominion of the spice islands - the tropical climate produced an abundance of wonderful exotic spices and Europeans were crazy for them: Cloves, Nutmeg and Cinnamon were among the most precious substances of commerce in those days, and a man's fortune could be made or lost depending on the outcome of their adventures in the East.

The name 'Cloves' actually derives from the Latin 'clavus', meaning 'little nail', which survives in the Dutch name 'Kruidnagel' - Herbnail. In Asia, garlands of Clove flowers are placed around children's necks for protection. It keeps evil spirits away and protects against nasty gossip. In Indonesia, one of the traditional growing areas, Cloves feature predominantly as a flavoring agent for cigarettes, rather than a spice. They are also commonly used as an incense ingredient. The Chinese not only use it as an ingredient in their famous 5 spice mixture, but also as medicine. In western cuisines it is mostly associated with Christmas baking, mulled wine and apple spice.

When the plague raged through Europe, Cloves were in great demand as they were believed to offer protection against the deadly disease. Their anti-septic properties probably indeed saved quite a few souls. Today, Cloves are mostly known for their insect repellent properties and their usefulness as a local anesthetic, particularly in the treatment of toothache.

Traditional:
The highly aromatic clove is best known as an analgesic for minor dental trouble. Toothache and gum infections can be soothed by chewing on a clove, though the taste is quite overpowering. Added to food it aids digestion and acts as a warming, stimulating carminative, that allies nausea and flatulence. It is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal agent, though the oil is more powerful in this regard. Cloves make a good addition for teas for colds, especially if there is a respiratory component, such as bronchitis or phthisis. The oil is used in rubefacients for rheumatic aches and pains.

Magical:
The scent is invigorating and punchy and can be used to boost energy levels or to add extra potency to incense blends or ritual cups. Beware though, of its aphrodisiac powers! It is commonly used in love philtres and potions or carried in the pocket to attract a lover. Cloves offer protection and ward off evil spirits and jealousy. They also make a very potent ritual cleanse. Sometimes they are used for prosperity magic.

A member of the carrot family, Cumin is mostly associated with the exotic cuisines of Asia and Asia Minor. In ancient Greece it was a common culinary herb mentioned by all the old herbalists. In India it is not only one of the most important ingredients of curry powder, but also finds use in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Placed in a little bag among the linen it keeps moths and insects out of cupboards. In ancient Greece, Cumin symbolized stinginess and those who kept their fists too tight were said 'to have eaten Cumin'. This was probably an allusion to not paying one's dues, since at that time Cumin was used as common form of payment for taxes. Well-known for his stinginess, Marcus Aurelius even bore the nickname 'Cumin'. Pliny relates another, rather unusual use of Cumin - apparently, if applied to the skin Cumin paste bleaches it, a property students knew to exploit in a whimsical effort to convince their teachers that they had been spending long hours indoors, studying.

Cumin has an earthy, slightly sweaty aroma - what some would describe as a 'male' scent. It is indeed often added to cosmetics for men, such as aftershaves. Some women find just a hint of Cumin 'sexy' and it is said to stimulate desire. Perhaps this is why Cumin is so immensely popular in Latin American countries.

Medicinal:
Cumin is rarely used medicinally these days, though it is useful to be aware of its properties as a stimulating, carminative digestive aid. It can dispel flatulence and a bloating sensation. It can also be useful to ally digestion 'headaches' and to stimulate sluggish digestion.
As a gargle it can soothe blisters of the mouth. Mixed with salt it can be rubbed into the gums to reduce soreness and swelling.
Unani medicine also uses Cumin to treat chronic fever, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, boils, chronic fever, scorpion stings and insomnia.
In Ayurveda it is used to reduce nausea during pregnancy and increase the flow of milk in lactating mothers. It also reduces swollen breasts or testicles.

Magical:
Cumin can be used to attract a lover (especially by men). It stimulates the base chakra and rouses desire. It protects against evil spirits and venomous beasts. Cumin can be used to contemplate the laws of manifestation (especially with regards to money) and to meditate on the balance of give and take.

Sage is a well familiar species, but there are many different species of Sage that are dispersed over large portions of the globe. Most prefer a dry, hot climate and are home in the Mediterranean region or California.
Like its more exotic cousins, Garden Sage is strongly aromatic and very attractive to bees. The genus name (Salvia) comes from the Latin 'salvare' - to heal, and alludes to the fact that many species of Sage are great healers.
We tend to regard it more as a kitchen herb, though - and not a very commonly used one at that. Perhaps the astringent, slightly bitter and somewhat overpowering flavor is more than what our modern taste buds are willing to tolerate. Yet, Sage provides excellent contrast, e.g. in cheese dishes, and compliments heavy, greasy meats, which it will help to digest.
As always, it is the dose that makes the difference - in the case of Sage, a little goes a long way, but just a pinch of this herb makes for a very interesting flavor dimension. However, it is a bit of an acquired, somewhat 'grown-up' taste, so it is probably not a good idea to try it on your kids.

The ancients held Sage in great respect, considering it an herb of Jupiter. It was thought to have protective and purifying powers that could preserve good health as well as a happy, strong spirit. In North America, Californian Indians made similar claims about White Sage. Prairie Sage, also known as Mountain or Desert Sage, only shares the name, but is actually not a Sage at all. Instead, Mountain Sage is a species of Artemisia and related to Mugwort.

Medicinal:
While Red Sage is considered medicinally more powerful than regular Garden Sage essentially the two can be used in the same way.
Sage is a drying and astringent herb that stops excessive secretions, be it sweat, blood or milk. It is sometimes used during menopause to control hot flashes or night sweats. However, the dose is important as weak Sage tea increases perspiration, while a strong infusion will reduce sweating. Sage dries the mucous membranes and is an excellent herb in catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory system. It is one of the best remedies to use as a gargle for sore throat and laryngitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis. It is also excellent for inflammatory conditions of the mouth, such as mouth ulcers, inflamed or bleeding gums or stomatitis. It is also a mild bitter that can stimulate the digestive system, liver and gall bladder.
Sage stimulates the uterus and should be avoided during pregnancy. Oddly though, one old herbal claims that if a woman who has had difficulties conceiving, drinks Sage tea for 4 days before she cohabits with her husband she will not only be likely to conceive, but also be able to retain the fruit of love and resist any threat of miscarriage. This practice has not been tried and tested by modern science as yet and there is no certainty that it will work.

Magical:
Sage is a powerfully protective and cleansing herb that can be used to purify a sacred space or ritual tools. It is also used for aura and crystal cleansing and helps to dispel negative energies. It may be employed in rites of passage and ceremonies held in remembrance of the dead. Sage protects the astral body and can be burnt as incense for protection during spirit journeys or for divination practices. It may be helpful as an aide for spiritual studies and may help deepen one's insight and understanding into the mysteries.

Dill is a well established herb in our kitchens, though over the years it has lost some ground in the medicine chest.
The ancients knew it well and used it extensively, not just to pickle cucumbers (which is a very ancient custom), but for a whole range of conditions and complaints. Dioscorides describes how to make Dill oil and Dill wine. Distilled Dill water was also commonly available at any apothecary - particularly recommended to calm wailing babies. It is thought that Dill is native to Southern Europe and the near East. A closely related species found in India may be native or may be a subspecies that developed from seeds left behind by early traders along the spice route.
Both Dill seed and herb are utilized, although the seed is medicinally more active. The whole herb also played a significant role in various folk-magical customs.

Medicinal:
Like almost all our culinary spices Dill is an excellent digestive herb. It is a warming, stimulating carminative that incites the appetite, soothes cramping and nausea and dispels flatulence. Old herbals also recommend it for hiccup. Chewing Dill seeds is recommended for bad breath. Dill also stimulates the menstrual flow and eases menstrual cramps. Wailing babies are quickly soothed with Dill water or tea - it calms the tummy and procures sleep. However, probably Dill's most useful action is as an excellent galactagogue, stimulating the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

Magical:
Dill has long been used as a magical herb - not only by the witches themselves, but also to protect against their evil doings. Dill is hung above doorways for protection, or strewn about the stables for the same purpose. Cows are given a drink of Dill and Caraway immediately after giving birth to their calves - to protect them against the jealous witches that might steal their milk. Dill protects against the evil eye, and it is thought to work magic in court hearings. It was also used weather magic: burning the seeds was thought to dispel the thunder clouds. Dill is an herb of protection especially against the negative energies of jealousy and envy.

Dill is a well established herb in our kitchens, though over the years it has lost some ground in the medicine chest. The ancients knew it well and used it extensively, not just to pickle cucumbers (which is a very ancient custom), but for a whole range of conditions and complaints. Dioscorides describes how to make Dill oil and Dill wine. Distilled Dill water was also commonly available at any apothecary - particularly recommended to calm wailing babies. It is thought that Dill is native to Southern Europe and the near East. A closely related species found in India may be native or may be a subspecies that developed from seeds left behind by early traders along the spice route. Both Dill seed and herb are utilized, although the seed is medicinally more active. The whole herb also played a significant role in various folk-magical customs.

Traditional
Like most culinary spices Dill is an excellent digestive herb. It is a warming, stimulating carminative that incites the appetite, soothes cramping and nausea and dispels flatulence. Old herbals also recommend it for hiccup. Wailing babies are quickly soothed with Dill water or tea - it calms the tummy and procures sleep. However, probably Dill's most useful action is as an excellent galactagogue, stimulating the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

Magical
Dill has long been used as a magical herb - not only by the witches themselves, but also to protect against their evil doings. Dill is hung above doorways for protection, or strewn about the stables for the same purpose. Cows are given a drink of Dill and Caraway immediately after giving birth to their calves - to protect them against the jealous witches that might steal their milk. Dill protects against the evil eye, and it is thought to work magic in court hearings. It was also used weather magic. Dill is an herb of protection especially against the negative energies of jealousy and envy.

The health benefits of fennel include relief from anemia, indigestion, flatulence, constipation, colic, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, menstrual disorders, and benefits regarding eye care.

Magical:
Put Fennel in sachets for longevity, fertility, love, healing, strength, and to prevent negativity. When this herb is used for incense, its energies of purification, healing, longevity, vitality, strength, courage, and protection are released.