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*****Caution: Agnus Castus should not be used during pregnancy.***

More bush than tree, this graceful bush looks a bit like a cross between a buddleia and a hemp plant, with its purple flower cones, and soft, five-fingered leaves.

Nomen est Omen, as the saying goes, and this is certainly true of this misconceived member of the Vervain family. Its common names, 'chasteberry', 'monkspepper' and 'chaste lamb tree', all suggest its virtuous nature and possible use to quench the desires of the flesh. Indeed, historical records are full with such recommendations, albeit, some make claims to the contrary. Monks used it to suppress all wicked urges and nuns would line their bedding with the leaves in the hopes that the herb would help them maintain their innocence and withstand their own sexual desires. Funny though, that in Morocco the very same herb was used to the opposite effect.

In order to penetrate the mystery it is necessary to examine the historical context: In the days of antiquity Agnus Castus played an important role in the female mysteries of Demeter and Persephone/ Kore celebrated during the festival of Thesmophoria, which honored the cycles of renewal and fertility. During the 3 day 'women's only' festival it was customary to use Agnus Castus leaves as bedding since they were thought to increase fertility and enhance a woman's receptivity to the life-giving powers of the Goddess. Due to the fact that men were absent from these festivities Agnus Castus later became wrongly associated with chastity, rather than fertility. Dioscorides even goes so far as to suggest the plant's ability to induce chastity was due to its scent, which he surmised, would keep any potential suitors at bay.

Furthermore, the classical Greek name 'agnos' had a similar ring as the word 'hagnoacute;s', which translates as 'chaste', and so the conclusion that 'agnos makes hagnos' followed quite naturally. When translated into Latin this word spins a further association - 'agnos' to Roman ears sounded very close to their 'agnus', which translates as 'lamb' and in turn conjured up the image of an innocent, chaste little lamb, which enjoys continued popularity as one of the best loved popular icons of Christianity, and from which Agnus Castus derived its other, curious common name 'Chase Lamb Tree' - a convoluted path of mistaken identity for herb that was originally associated with fertility magic.

Traditional Despite this 'chastity' connotation, Agnus Castus always enjoyed the reputation as a well respected woman's herb that was known to regulate the ups and downs of the monthly cycle. It appears that it does so by influencing the pituitary gland, which in turn regulates the reproductive hormones. The German Commission E confirmed this historical use and classifies Agnus Castus as a safe herb to use in any conditions that are caused by hormonal imbalances, such as PMS, bloating, tender or painful breasts, moodiness, depression, headaches, acne etc as well as menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Studies have also shown that women who have difficulties conceiving because of hormonal disturbances may benefit from the use of Agnus Castus.

Magical Agnus Castus can be used in the celebrations of the female mysteries and to honor the Goddess Demeter and Persephone. It can be used in fertility magic and initiation rituals or to reaffirm one's vows of commitment to the Goddess. It increases psychic receptivity and is supportive magical herb during times of spiritual transformation and renewal, where it will help the practitioner to get in touch with his/her core self.

Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Some legends report that goji berries were eaten by monks in the Himalayan Mountains thousands of years ago and steeped in hot water to help aid meditation and obtain greater health, vitality, longevity, energy and stamina, among other goji berry benefits.

Low in calories, fat-free, a good source of fiber and a high-antioxidant food, goji berry benefits include the ability to help you fight disease, effectively manage your weight and experience better digestion. Usually eaten raw, dried, or in liquid or powder form, versatile goji berries contain a wide range of phytonutrients, vitamins and trace minerals, giving them the name “superfood berries” by many health experts.

In fact, according a study published by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, goji berry benefits include experiencing …

" increased ratings for energy levels, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ease of awakening, ability to focus on activities, mental acuity, calmness, feelings of health, contentment, and happiness and significantly reduced fatigue and stress."

Hawthorn trees are one of those 'in between' species, that can't quite decide whether to be a bush or a tree.
Old trees can grow quite tall, up to 12 m, but Hawthorn is most commonly found in hedges, where it rarely grows above 5m.
Thanks to its thorny branches they make an effective natural barrier, warding off intruders while simultaneously providing a protective wildlife habitat.
Some trees are said to have reached the ripe old age of 500 years, but even relatively young ones often give the impression of being ancient grandmother trees.
A heady, almost narcotic and somewhat musky scent exudes from the flowers, as anyone who has ever held a siesta underneath a Hawthorn tree will recall.
By autumn the flowers have turned into bunches of red glowing, oval fruit that superficially resemble rosehips. These berries are smaller though, and their taste and texture is rather dry and floury.

Hawthorn has long been regarded a sacred tree in Britain and Ireland, where it was considered a terrible offence to cut a thorn tree down.

In Britain it figures prominently in the Glastonbury Holythorn legend of Joseph of Arimathea, an uncle of Jesus Christ. When he came to Glastonbury he struck his Hawthorn staff into the ground at Wearyall Hill, whereupon it immediately started to set roots and began to flower.
Joseph of Arimathea proceeded to found the first Christian Church in Glastonbury and planted a sprig of this Holy Thorn in the church grounds, where descendants of this very tree can still be seen today.
His Hawthorn had the unusual habit of flowering twice a year, once in May, as all Hawthorns do, and once at Christmas, Christ's birthday. Christian lore also has it that the crown of thorns was made of Hawthorn (this is doubtful however as Hawthorn is not known to grow in the Middle East).
The Druids also held the Hawthorn sacred and associated it with the White Goddess and the month of May.

Medicinal:
Hawthorn berries are an excellent strengthening tonic for the heart and circulatory system.
It can regulate the blood pressure, whether it is too high or too low, and helps in conditions such as mild palpitations, angina pectoris, tight chest and angst resulting from it, as well as for arteriosclerosis.
It improves the circulation, especially the peripheral circulation and thus is an excellent tonic that can help to bring extra oxygen to the head, improving mental and nervous functions.
It may be helpful in cases of tinnitus, dizziness, blurred vision and forgetfulness. However, while Hawthorn is a safe tonic and can be used long term, especially as a strengthening remedy for the elderly, it must be stressed that serious heart problems should always be treated by a qualified medical practitioner.
Hawthorn is also indicated for nervous indigestion and insufficient bowel activity and for kidneys and bladder stones.

Magical:
Magically Hawthorn symbolizes protection and hope. It wards off evil spirits and protects against witches. However, it is also sometimes regarded as a tree of witches, who sometimes may take its shape or rest in thorn trees to prepare themselves for the flight to the Sabbath. Hawthorn establishes a firm boundary between inner world and outer world and may be used by those who have difficulties 'drawing a line' and those who are psychically vulnerable.

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.

Avoid use during pregnancy.

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.

Saw Palmetto is a creeping palm that is native to Florida, parts of Mexico and the Caribbean. Native Americans used it as food and medicine and made medicine collection baskets from the leaf stalk fibres. The leaves were also used to thatch houses and for weaving mats and hats. The olive like berries provided deliciously sweet treats that were appreciated by wo/man and animals alike. For medicinal purposes, Native Americans mostly used the root bark and leaves, unlike modern phytotherapy, which utilises the berries. The uses of the berries have mostly been studied in Europe rather than the US. Saw Palmetto has recently caught the attention of the press as some questionable US studies claim that Saw Palmetto does not live up to its reputation to alleviate the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement (which is in stark contrast to dozens of European studies).

Traditional: Native Americans used the roots of Saw Palmetto as a lotion for sore eyes, or made a decoction for kidney trouble. The dried root was used for high blood pressure. Boiled with bramble briar it was a remedy for stomach ache. They also considered it aphrodisiac. Modern phytotherapy has discovered a whole different range of applications for the berries, which have long been used as an effective remedy for stage I and stage II benign hyperplasia of the prostate gland, a condition which affects 50% of men over 50 and 80% of men over 80. It is marked by frequent urge to urinate, yet inability to completely empty the bladder. Saw Palmetto fruit eases these symptoms, though the effects are not immediate. Rather, they become noticeable after about 45 days of continued use. The effectiveness is said to be the same as that of standard medication. Side effects are rare, but some individuals have reported minor digestive troubles. Saw Palmetto can also help women: Due to hormonal substances present in the fruit it is said to reduce uterine cysts, increase breast size and reduce female facial hair growth (hirsutism). Men may also benefit from the aphrodisiac effect. It has been used for bronchitis and cough and is also given as a tonic for general malaise or as an aid for convalescence.

Magical: Saw Palmetto berries can be enjoyed as an aphrodisiac. In the Caribbean an aphrodisiac liqueur is made by macerating the berries in Gin. Various spices may be added and sweetened with honey. Liqueurs like this can be enjoyed as a ritual cup for sex magic or tantric rituals. The berries may also be used in charms for love and lust.