Spices / Culinary Herbs

According to some paleo ethnobotanists Juniper has been our closest magical plant ally since Neolithic times. Juniper was mentioned in the ancient Egyptian papyri; its fragrant wood, needles and berries were used as incense and medicine.

Juniper is said to have the power to ward off evil. No demons or devils could withstand its power, not even the demons of disease: fumigating a space with Juniper will kill off germs and purify the air in a sick room. When the Black Death ravaged Europe, Juniper was one of the most promising and effective protectors. Yet, it was also considered a guardian of the threshold between this world and the next.

Like Yew, it was thought to nurture the souls of the dead until they were ready to reincarnate. For this reason they were often planted on graves. In Egypt they also played a role in the mysteries of the dead. Juniper berries were found in the sarcophagi and even in the hand of one of the pharaohs, as if he had intended to pay the ferry man with these seeds.

Country folk respected Juniper so highly that they would tip their hats in passing. All sorts of magical powers were ascribed to it: It was said to retrieve lost objects, protect against venomous beasts and guard against spells of faintness and weakness, to name but a few.
Some of these old folk uses certainly are based on empirical evidence. Juniper indeed repels biting bugs and its stimulating properties can "preserve the spirit" and prevent dizziness and weakness. But today, it is another kind of "spirit preservation" Juniper is best known for: it contributes its unique flavor to Gin.
Juniper is not frequently encountered in the kitchen these days, though previously it was a common spice, particularly favored for greasy meats.

Medicinal:
Just as Juniper smoke is purifying and cleansing, the berries cleanse the body and protect against infection. The berries act diuretic and diaphoretic. They are specifically indicated for urinary problems and edema, though it should be avoided in cases of acute kidney inflammation.

Juniper is particularly useful for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, neuralgia and muscle aches and pains. They strengthen and cleanse the stomach and digestive tract.

Juniper may be used to stimulate menstrual flow, to relieve menstrual cramping and other PMS related symptoms. Juniper is very energizing and restoring and can help coping with nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue, angst and other stressful conditions.

Magical:
Juniper is a purification plant par excellence. It can be used to cleanse ritual spaces or magical tools. It is strongly protective and dispels negative energies and entities. It is often used as incense in healing rites and to purify the sick room.

During meditation it helps focusing and concentration. It has also been associated with prophecy and divination. Juniper can be used in rites of passage and as a protector on shamanic journeys to the Otherworld. It is an excellent herb for getting in touch with the deities and spirits of nature.

Thyroid support And so much more! This is an herbal iodine source, supports thyroid function, and boosts metabolism.
Let Kelp unlock the secrets to a healthier, more beautiful you! The nutrient-packed sea vegetable supports thyroid and glandular health, raises energy levels, and promotes healthy hair, strong nails, and a beautiful complexion.

Kelp is a gift from the ocean that provides valuable iodine and important minerals and sea nutrients. Try this amazing seaweed in vegetable juice, soups, and salads; add to your own custom super green food blend.

Nutritionist Hint: Dr. Susan Smith Jones suggests Kelp Granules as a seasoning instead of salt. Sprinkle on food or mix with Cayenne and Garlic for a spicy seasoning blend! You can also add Kelp Granules to tomato juice, vegetable juice, soups and salads.

Traditional:
Kelp can be regarded as a nutritive agent. It is very rich in minerals and iodine and thus has the ability to restore and re-mineralize the body. The high iodine content has a stimulating effect on the thyroid gland which affects the metabolism. It has been used to tackle obesity caused by sluggish thyroid function. Its demulcent properties help to keep arteries supple and may ease digestive disorders, heartburn, bronchitis, and emphysema. It has been used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, for both internal and external applications.

Magical uses:
Includes healing, protection, travel protection, psychic powers, business success, attracting customers, and any type of water/sea/wind magic. Also Called: Sea Grass, Seaweed, Bladderwrack, and Seawrack

Until the advent of Asian cuisines expanded our epicurean horizons Lemongrass used to be wholly unknown in the West. Now we are used to finding it in our Thai curries and appreciate its delicate lemony flavor. In Asia it has long been appreciated, not just as a spice, but also as medicine, to treat feverish conditions and to keep bugs at bay. Lemongrass lends its scent to scores of washing up liquids and other household cleaning agents, though we are usually led to believe that their citrus scent derives from actual lemons. Our noses are fooled by the citrols, the lemony fragrance component common to both. Other parts of the world find more romantic uses for Lemongrass: in the Caribbean an aphrodisiac elixir is prepared with Lemongrass as its main component that is supposed to stimulate a dormant sexual drive in both men and women. In Central Africa it is likewise used as an aphrodisiac and has also been used it in divinatory practice.

Medicinal:
Lemongrass is best known for its efficiency to repel insects such as mosquitoes and fleas. However there is more to this herb than 'bugs-be-gone'. It is very refreshing as a footbath for tired feet and checks excessive perspiration. It is wonderfully cooling in feverish conditions. It awakens the senses and clears headaches and mental congestion. In Aromatherapy skin care it can be used to tone and tighten the skin, especially where open pores call for an astringent.

Magical:
Lemongrass can be used for purification of ritual tools. It can be added to cleansing water to purify a magical or ceremonial space. It is a good herb for meditation as it clears the mind, opens psychic channels and aids concentration. It can be used in divination and scrying practices. Lemongrass is a cheerful, light hearted herb that serves as a reminder to keep things in perspective and not take them too seriously. It energizes any ritual with a gentle lift rather than a punch. It can be used to get in touch with the inner child. As a stimulating aphrodisiac it can be included in love potions.

Hard to imagine that at one point in time this rarely used spice should have been one of the most prized treasures of the East. Fierce trade wars raged over the control of the Spice Islands, the natural home of the mysterious Nutmeg. After years of fighting and bloody wars the Dutch took reign over these Islands and monopolized the lucrative Nutmeg trade, until one brave man risked his life to 'liberate' the Nutmeg trade from the Dutch tyranny. Committing an act of biopiracy, he secreted some Nutmegs away and took them far outside the domain of Dutch control. From his seeds a plantation was established in Mauritius, a small island off the coast of Africa, and later in Granada, in the West Indies, where Nutmeg trade became so well established that it became emblematic of Granada and even decorates the national flag.

Nutmegs are the seeds of a tropical fruit which superficially looks a bit like a peach. When the fruit ripens the cortex splits open and two seeds are released, each surrounded by a lacy, bright red aril that covers their outer shell. This aril is known as Mace and is similarly used as the Nutmeg itself. The seed (nutmeg) is very hard and requires a special Nutmeg grater to grate off a pinch just before use.

In their home land Nutmegs are used for culinary and magical purposes. In India it is mostly used to flavor sweet dishes such as milk puddings and sweet rice dishes, while in the West it has become popular as a spice for eggnog. It is also used in Christmas baking as well as for potato and cauliflower dishes.

Nutmegs contain a psychoactive constituent called myristicin, which is toxic to the liver. However, in the absence of more pleasant diversions and recreational drugs, Nutmegs have at times provided entertainment as a legal drug, especially among inmates, who could not get their hands on anything else. Unfortunately such experiments are usually accompanied by very unpleasant side effects including severe vomiting and convulsions. Nutmeg intoxication also powerfully affects the heart rate and can be dangerous to anybody with cardiac problems. In short - large doses of Nutmeg are not recommended.

Medicinal:
In small doses Nutmeg is warming to the stomach. It can soothe cramps and indigestion and has a calming, relaxing effect. It can be used to treat insomnia and has even been given to children as a sedative. Small doses sharpen the mind and enhance concentration. It may be useful in cases of attention deficit syndrome. The essential oil is used for rheumatism and headaches.

Magical:
Nutmegs have been used to spice aphrodisiac dishes and are employed in various love charms. They can also be used for dream work and visualization. Traditionally they are used to ward off evil spirits and disease. Nutmegs can be included in incense blends and amulets.

It is hard to imagine how something as ordinary as Pepper could have been such a highly prized commodity just a few hundred years ago. European's voracious taste for exotic spices inspired the search for a sea route to the East, which, as far as the participants were concerned, was not just an opportunity for adventure, but often a matter of life and death, driven by the alluring promise of fantastic fortunes to be made. Not just companies, but empires were built on this insatiable appetite, wars were fought and world history made for the sake of Pepper & Co.! Yet, Pepper has been a major trade item since before the time of Christ. The Visigoths once ransacked Rome and demanded 3000 pounds of Pepper as a ransom. They must have liked the taste, for they returned two years later and from then on levied and annual Pepper tithe of 3000 pounds, which roughly amounted to the city's annual supply. Pepper was not just tasty, but alluringly exotic and like most exotic things, it was advertised as a powerful aphrodisiac. No wonder appetite for it was so insatiable.

Medicinal: In India Black Pepper is used as a stimulant for treating cholera and for convalescence after debilitating illness such as fevers, vertigo and coma. It is also used as a digestive aid for dyspepsia and flatulence. It is used for the treatment of malaria and as an alterative for arthritic diseases. Pepper invigorates warms and stimulates the whole body; however, excessive doses may be irritating to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.

Magical: Pepper energizes any magical work. It is an herb of Mars and acts as protective in a fighting sort of way. It promotes strength and courage and may break inertia. It can be used for extra power in aphrodisiac blends for heated passion and desire. Pepper is also used in money magic.

Rosemary projects the energy of a stern, yet compassionate teacher. Although it is an herb of the sun, it is not bright and sunny. Rather, it serves as a constant reminder of our highest consciousness and conscience. Rosemary is an herb of memory and so it has become associated with all the things and people we want to keep near and dear in our hearts. It is an herb of love, though it is anything but erotic or sensuous. Instead, it is a reminder of the bond between two souls, the special spiritual tie that is so easily forgotten amidst the ups and downs of day to day life. It is also a funerary herb, thrown on the grave as a last assurance that the soul of the departed will never be forgotten. More mundanely, Rosemary helps students with their studies, or old people with their fading memories. In medieval times it was one of the most important herbs of the still room and it was extensively used in dozens of cosmetic or remedial preparations.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that 'likes to be kissed by the Sea' - although it does not have to 'see' the sea, it never grows far from it in the wild. The leathery, scented leaves look more like evergreen needles than leaves. Early in spring the shrubby bushes are covered with dainty little lilac flowers, which are very popular with bees.
As a culinary herb it is one of the herbs in the 'herbes de provence' blend. It is particularly well suited for greasy meat dishes such as lamb, as the bitter, astringent flavor helps the body to digest heavy fare. It is also rich in antioxidants, which prevent such fats from turning into the cell damaging free radicals. Rosemary yields an essential oil that is commonly used in cosmetic preparations and aromatherapy.

Medicinal: Rosemary stimulates the circulation, especially to the head. It is a good aid for concentration and counteracts forgetfulness, mental fatigue, headaches and stress related conditions. It may come to the rescue in cases of fainting or general debility, but should be avoided by those who suffer high blood pressure. Rosemary is particularly useful in cases where mental stress impacts the digestive system, as its nervine properties help to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. It stimulates the appetite and cleanses catarrhal conditions of the stomach. It also stimulates the liver and gallbladder. It is considered an excellent herb to lift the spirit, especially during times of grieving or when one feels trapped in permanent stress situations. It has been used in mild cases of depression and can be useful as an uplifting stimulant during convalescence. Rosemary macerated in wine used to be a favorite remedy of the old herbalists, not only to fortify the spirits, but also as a cleansing diuretic that could help to reduce edema. Externally, Rosemary has long been used as a hair rinse which is said to stimulate hair growth. Do not use during pregnancy.

Magical Rosemary has a long and intricate history as a magical herb. It is strongly protective and purifying, helping to ward off evil influences and witches and cleansing the atmosphere of bad energies. It has been used as incense to cleanse the atmosphere in sick-rooms too and can be used in healing rituals to help dispel the demons of disease. It can protect against bad dreams and all manner of evil influences. Rosemary aids the student to memorize the teachings and to concentrate on the work. It is used at funerals to keep the memory of the departed. At weddings it serves as a reminder of the timeless bond between the souls and the love that has brought the couple together. Rosemary gives vigor, strength, courage and mental clarity.

Sassafras leaf is traditionally used as a thickening and flavoring agent in Gumbo, as well as other Cajun sauces and soups. The leaves have a lightly spicy and a pleasant aromatic scent and flavor. The fresh young leaves are used in salads.

Magical
Sassafras is considered strongly protective and cleansing. It can be used as incense to ward off evil influences. As a tea it makes a good ritual tonic. It is frequently added to love charms and potions. Its warming, stimulating and aphrodisiac qualities make it very suitable for sex magic and tantric rituals. Native Americans also used to smoke the root bark.

Few herbs produce as many variants as the Mint family and each tastes, smells and acts a little bit different. Spearmint is delightful - much less harsh and pungent than the more commonly used Peppermint. This is due to the fact that it contains very little menthol. Spearmint is thus the preferred species for culinary purposes, while Peppermint is favored for medicinal uses. However, that does not mean to suggest that Spearmint does not have any therapeutic use!
. The ancients valued it highly as an herb for students and scholars. They thought a wreath of Spearmint a fitting crown for academics and poets, which was thought to aid concentration and keep the mind clear.
The Romans liked it as a strewing herb and sprinkled their quarters to scent the air with its nice, fresh aroma. >br />Spearmint also lends itself better for cosmetic use than the more pungent Peppermint.>br /> It is very refreshing, relaxing and uplifting, for example when added to the bathwater, where Peppermint would make one feel cold, even if the water was hot. Spearmint is not as stimulating as Peppermint, which makes it also suitable for use at night and it is said to bring happy dreams and restful sleep.

Traditional
Spearmint can be used much like Peppermint. It is relaxing and antispasmodic. It aids digestion and alleviates nausea. It may be a useful calming and soothing remedy for PMT. In general its medicinal action is not as strong as that of Peppermint and its taste is milder, which is why it is usually preferred for culinary uses. Due to its milder action it is also generally thought more suitable for children's troubles, such as 'rumble-tum', nausea, insomnia, colic or feverish conditions. Added to the bathwater it is relaxing and restorative, soothing and clearing for the mind.

Magical
Spearmint can be used when studying and at times of intense mental concentration. It can be used for cleansing and protection rituals, for healing and aura cleansing. It protects the practitioner on his astral journeys and during dream work. It enhances mental clarity, concentration and focus.

The highly aromatic star anise is not related to common aniseed, although the two species have a similar smell. Star Anise, a member of the magnolia family, has a sweeter and richer aroma than the common Aniseed. Its Chinese name, Ba Jiao Hui Xian, translates as 8 horned Fennel. The essential oil of Star Anise frequently dons its flavor to soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, soaps and toothpaste. The woody shell surrounding the seeds yields more essential oil than the fruit itself. Chinese Star Anise has sometimes been confused with its close relative, the Japanese Star Anise, whose fruits look similar, but are highly toxic. Unlike Japanese Star Anise, true Star Anise never tastes bitter. In Japan, the local variety of Star Anise, Illicium anisatum (syn. Illicium religiosa) is highly revered as a Shikimi or Buddha tree and is often planted in temple gardens and on burial grounds. The bark and fruit are often ground into powder and used as incense. In western herbalism star anise is not used medicinally, but plays a role in cooking, usually as a spice for Chinese or Asian dishes.

Medicinal:
In China it is not only an important spice and used in the composition of the Chinese 5 spice mixture, but is also used medicinally for rheumatism, lower back pain and hernia. It is warming, stimulating and diuretic and is also used as a digestive aid for flatulence and indigestion.

Magical:
The oil can be used in cleansing waters for ritual purification and cleansing ceremonies. As a magical perfume or anointing oil it is used to protect against negative energies and to attract good spirits. Star Anise can be burnt as incense or used as an offering to lend wings to prayers, open the doors to the heavens and to please the Gods. Used in rites of passage it gives direction to the soul and helps it connect with its highest purpose

Stevia Leaf has been in the news in the last few years because it offers a naturally sweet taste with no calories, making it very useful for those trying to watch their weight as well as their sugar intake. Stevia Leaf, also known by the botanical Latin name of Stevia rebaudiana, goes by the common names of sweetleaf, honey leaf, sweet herb of Paraguay, Kaa he-he and sugarleaf. It is commonly used as a sugar substitute. The Stevia plant is an annual that enjoys sunny weather and moist soil in order for it to grow well.

A 2016 study reported that dried stevia leaf powder significantly lowered blood sugar levels in people with diabetes (Type 2), both while fasting and after eating. The study participants also experienced a reduction in their triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

NOTE: Sweet Basil is NOT the same as Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum).

Probably originating in the East, Basil (Tulasi) is considered sacred in India, where it is grown around the temples and placed on the altars. Although it arrived in the West in the days of antiquity, the ancients seemed to have felt ambivalent towards its use. Invariably it is associated with demons, dragons and scorpions. Some say it protects against the effects of bites from such venomous beasts, whilst others claim that there is no hope for him who had eaten Basil and was unlucky enough to subsequently be stung by a scorpion. Others deem that scorpions could grow from chopped up basil, while Culpeper even claims that a scorpion would develop in the heads of those who merely smelled the herb too frequently. Basil certainly had an ambivalent reputation.
In Egypt it was associated with the cult of the dead and used in embalming rituals as well as laid on the chest of the deceased. Basil was also placed or grown on the grave. On the other hand Basil symbolized tragic love - 'love washed in tears', while in Italy girls decorated their hair with a sprig of the herb to signal their willingness to a potential suitor.
It is said that Basil would only grow well if sown under a barrage of swearwords, which is why recent writers concluded that Basil is associated with hate. However, in the old days swearing was a kind of protection spell, in the same vein as we might say 'break a leg' to wish someone luck. Swearing, or saying the opposite to what was intended was a 'deception maneuver', thought to avert unseemly attention from the eyes of jealous demons by making a plant, animal or child seem worthless, so they could grow in peace, without becoming the target of envy. Basil is also associated with courage and with money magic, and in Central America it is used as magical wash/ cleansing lotion to attract benevolent spirits.

Traditional
Most of us are unaware of this rich folklore and magical history when we enjoy our tomato salad decorated with fragrant basil leaves. It is as spice that we are most familiar with it. As such, it adds not just flavor, but also its carminative benefits to a dish, dispelling nausea, flatulence and intestinal parasites. Therapeutically it is said to calm nervous excitement and depression and may be useful in states of anxiety and insomnia. Mothers appreciate it for its galactagogue properties. Externally it helps to soothe insect bites and acts as an insect repellent. Basil has proven antibacterial properties.

Magical
Sprinkled around the temple or house, or used in cleansing rites prior to ritual it will attract good spirits and give courage to the practitioner. Basil can be used in the last rite of passage to easy the journey of the soul to the Otherworld. It can also be used to confer courage to the novice during initiation rites. Basil is associated with money magic. Sprinkle the place of business or the till with basil oil or carry some leaves in your pocket to attract money. It can also be included in love philters and potions to attract lovers, though the unions that ensue may be fiery and short-lived.

The least conspicuous plants are often the most precious. Thyme creeps low across the ground, closely hugging the body of Mother Earth and clothing her in fragrant robes. Yet, its tiny leaves are barely noticeable lest it is in flower. When Thyme springs into blossom, the countryside is transformed, at least in those dry and inhospitable places where it prefers to make itself at home. Each year in early spring, the arid Mediterranean hillsides burst into a pinkish purple, sweet scented wonderland, abuzz with delirious bees that are lapping up the copious nectar.

In ancient times it was customary for Ladies to embroider scarves depicting a sprig of Thyme with a bee hovering above. These they would present to their knights - presumably as an alluring symbol of natural attraction. Thyme was thought a fitting scent even for the Gods. Its very name derives from the Greek word 'thyein', which means 'to burn as a sacrifice', implying its ancient use as incense.

Thyme may seem humble and lowly, but it is packed with power and was once thought to convey courage, strength and bravery. It was used as a strewing herb and as fragrant bedstraw, especially for women in childbed. Yet, it also had associations with the Otherworld and the realm of fairies. The 'hillside where the wild thyme blows', was thought to conceal the entrance to their lovely realm. Thyme was also often planted on graves and used in embalming lotions. Sprigs of Thyme are worn for remembrance and to alleviate grief and sorrow. Although Thyme is no longer revered as it once was, it is still considered very important as a culinary herb and as a source of Thymol, one of the best and most effective antiseptics known. Even now it is widely used as a wound dressing and cleansing agent.

Traditional
Thyme is one of the best agents for respiratory infections such as sore throat, laryngitis or tonsillitis and is one of the best herbs for a tickly, dry cough. It is even said to be effective for whooping cough. Thyme is a powerful antiseptic for both lungs and stomach. It also disinfects the urinary system and can be used for cystitis and urethritis. Thyme may be used as part of a worming regime - worms hate thyme and drinking thyme tea for several days before using a worming agent will so weaken the parasites that they will be easy to dispel.

Thyme also is an excellent stomachic herb, disinfecting the stomach and clearing stomach catarrh. Thyme's well known antiseptic properties make it very effective as a wound dressing and for treating inflamed skin conditions, acne, abscesses, boils and the like. It also soothes insect bites and dispels lice, fleas and other creatures. As a compress it can be used as a circulatory stimulant for arthritis, rheumatism, muscle aches and gout. It detoxifies and can be helpful for water retention and cellulites. It stimulates the uterus and promotes menstrual flow.
Do not use during pregnancy.

Magical
Thyme can be used for protection and cleansing and as an incense offering to the Gods. It imparts strength, courage and bravery and can aide with difficult tasks. Thyme strengthens memory and concentration and may be helpful for those engaged in studies. It can be used as a sign of remembrance and love, especially at funerary rites. Thyme has an affinity with the fairy realm and may attract these elusive beings or help finding access to their world.