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The true identity of the tree called Balm of Gilead is quite mysterious and often confused. Given its biblical name it is natural to assume that it must be a tree of Middle Eastern origin. Indeed there is such a tree, which as legend tells us, Queen Sheba brought as a gift for King Solomon and which then grew abundantly on Mount Gilead. However, the identity of that species is believed to be Commiphora Opobalsamum a member of the Burseraceae.
While this plant indeed has a sweet smelling balsam, what is nowadays commonly referred to as Balm of Gilead are the resinous winter buds of a type of North American poplar tree, also known as Cottonwood.
There are various species of Cottonwoods with similar properties and, given the liberal sexual behaviour of Cottonwoods, which freely interbreed with members of related species, it is sometimes very difficult to determine exactly which type of Poplar a given bud derived from. Moreover, different Latin names are often applied to the same species, which confuses the matter even further.
Traditional
The sticky buds of Balm of Gilead are extremely useful. Native Americans have long utilised their healing properties as an effective treatment for protracted coughs, whooping cough and, used like Friars Balsam, to clear the upper respiratory tract. But their real secret value lies in their excellent ability to soothe aches and pains, whether they stem from tissue damage such as sore muscles, bruises or burns, or from rheumatism.
The balsam is not water soluble, so it is necessary to extract it either with fat, by macerating it in oil or cocoa butter in a warm place (do not boil, otherwise the buds might get burnt), or to prepare an alcoholic extract (tincture). It should be noted however, that some people develop an allergic reaction, which is more common with the tincture than with the ointment. This is probably due to the salicylic acid that is extracted in alcohol, but not in fat. So, if you are allergic to aspirin, you will probably react to Balm of Gilead tincture as well.
For those that are not allergic it offers great healing powers to fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections such as athlete's foot or herpes simplex. Bees use the sticky resin of poplars as 'bee glue' to seal and protect their hives against intruders. Mixing the resins they collect with waxy substances they excrete they form a substance known as 'Propolis', which is hailed as a marvelous healing substance with antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. However, one can extract the same benefits from Balm of Gilead in its natural form, which may help those who are allergic to bee products, but not to salicylic acid.
Magical
Balsam Poplar or Cottonwood is one of the most sacred trees in Native American plant lore.
Many tribes regard them as a kind of spirit conductor, which conveys messages of the spirit world through their rustling leaves.
Sacred objects, like the Hopi Kachinas, were fashioned from Cottonwood.
Cottonwoods were associated with fertility. Cottonwood is not a European tree, but indigenous species of Poplar also played role in folk magic, albeit a minor one. In European plant lore poplars are considered protective, especially against lightning and against snakes.
***Sold as Curio / Incense Only***
Blue Lotus (Nymphaea Caerulea) is also known as Blue Water Lily and the Sacred Lily of the Nile. In the ancient temples of Egypt, there is hardly a monument to be found that doesn’t prominently display the Blue Lotus flower. It’s seen everywhere on pillars, thrones, stone alters, papyrus scrolls, and on the ceremonial headdresses of pharaohs. When they opened Tutankhamun’s tomb, even King Tut’s mummy was covered in what has become known as the Sacred Lily of the Nile.
Known as Nymphaea Caerulea or the Blue Water Lily, it symbolized creation and rebirth as it emerged from its primordial waters to bloom once a year for only 3 days. The plant was associated with the sun-god Ra as the bringer of light and the embodiment of the “perfection of wisdom.”
The plant, a natural sedative, originate from along the Nile River, in Egypt. For thousands of years it was used by the native people as part of religious ceremonies in which they would use these sacred blue flowers to reach higher levels of consciousness. During third century, it was introduced to the conquering Greeks who in turn exported it to far regions of the world.
In addition to it’s use in perfumes, it is still used today as a mild sedative. According to Egyptian legend, it was such a good sedative that it was given to sun god Ra in an effort to sooth him as he grew old. The medicinal benefits of Blue Lotus stem largely from the sedative properties of the plant. It can use as a sleep aid, as a natural anti-anxiety remedy, and as a stress reliever. Blue Lotus contains nuciferan (a natural anti-spasmodic) along with aporphine, which will give you feelings of calming euphoria.
There are also reports of its use as a treatment for gastrointestinal problems. Diarrhea and dyspepsia, among other things, have reportedly been helped by ingesting Blue Lotus, although research is scarce in this particular area.
The effects of Blue Lotus seem to differ between different people, but it’s principal effects is what made this plant popular among the Egyptians. A calm sense of euphoria overtakes many users of the plant, more calming than stimulating.
Depression can be alleviated in this way and, while not permanently, can give the user an opportunity to look at what causes their depression and really take something away from the experience.
In many people there is actually a mild, stimulant-like effect that is felt after taking Blue Lotus. The sedation is present, but the tingling, body energy sensation of stimulants fills them as well. This calm is a psychoactive property appreciated by it’s users. is found to be great for socializing and spending time with friends and family.
In addition, many people may help their erectile dysfunction after ingesting Blue lotus. Rather than turn to pharmaceutical drugs many people are turning to this plant as an aphrodisiac. This is especially true if the sexual dysfunction stems from depression.
In the days of antiquity all mallows were highly revered, though most authors reserved their greatest admiration for the healing virtues of Marsh Mallow. Nevertheless, other species of Mallow such as Malva sylvestris, or the closely related Malva neglecta, were also commonly used, especially among country folk, who, depending on local availability, may not have had easy access to true Marsh Mallow. Mallows are humble and gentle herbs, soothing and cooling in nature. The whole herb including roots, leaves, flowers and seeds are useful and edible and in previous times were commonly eaten as vegetables. Not everybody likes their mucilaginous texture though, when they are served as food, except when it comes in the form of Marshmallow candy. Mallow is also said to stimulate a different sort of appetite: Mallow seeds sprinkled on the private parts are supposed to enhance the sexual appetite in men, while eating the seeds is said to act as an aphrodisiac for women.
In Italy and Spain it was said that a daily draft of Mallow tea would preserve one against any illness at all. While this sounds a little bit too good to be true, Mallows do soothe a great variety of conditions and are worth keeping in mind. The flowers contain a blue pigment, which was used as a natural 'blue rinse' for greying hair in the days before chemicals were commonly used in cosmetics and hair care. Mallow flowers make a lovely and colorful addition to bathwater, adding their soothing and softening qualities for the benefit of the skin.
Traditional:
Mallows soothing and softening quality is due to the great quantities of mucilage contained in all parts of the plant. The flowers are particularly useful as a soothing gargle or tea for afflictions of the throat, such as hoarseness or a tickling cough. It is best to make a cold water extract though, as this preserves the soothing qualities of the mucilage compounds much better. A steam inhalation of Mallow, Elderflowers and Chamomile flowers is useful for coughs and pulmonary infections. A steam bath of Mallow flowers is also said to be useful for ear infections. A hair rinse can be prepared that not only serves as a mild dye, but also softens the hair and gives it elasticity, which is especially useful as a tonic conditioner for fragile and easily breaking hair. The rinse can also be used for skin sores, dry or hardened skin, although true Marshmallow may be even more effective in such cases. Mallow softens and moistens anything that is hard and dry.
Magical:
Mallow is cooling and soothing, yet due to its mucilage properties it is also useful for stimulating the heat of passion. It can be used as an aphrodisiac and for fertility rites. It can be added to incense mixtures for protection against disease, to enhance fertility and facilitate easy delivery of healthy babies.
Echinacea is widely used to fight infections, especially the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.
The people who use echinacea to treat symptoms have the right idea. Research to date shows that echinacea probably modestly reduces cold symptoms, but it’s not clear whether it helps prevent colds from developing.
It is also used against many other infections including the flu, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, genital herpes, bloodstream infections (septicemia), gum disease, tonsillitis, streptococcus infections, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, and diphtheria
Carrying Echinacea will provide inner strength during trying times. It can also be grown around the house or brought into a house and placed in a vase to draw prosperity into the home and protect the family from suffering from poverty. Echinacea is an appropriate flower for offerings, especially to place spirits and river Goddesses.
Including Echinacea in any spell or charm will increase its effectiveness.Great Gnome accessory or for a dollhouse!
Wood Flower Pot Painted with a Metallic Blue/Silver Finish!Hawthorn has been used since the Middle ages, with some accounts going back as far as the first century to Greek herbalist Dioscorides. It was later used by Swiss physician Paracelsus (1493–1541 CE). Considered to be a particularly symbolic tree with many folktales and magical myths surrounding it, hawthorn was "sacred tree medicine" to the ancient Druids, and was said to house fairies, specifically when growing with oak and ash trees. However, it was unlucky to bring the flowers into the house, quite possibly because they would bring the fairy folk with them. Hawthorn twigs and flowers were incorporated in the marriage wreath symbolizing chastity and insuring prosperity at Greek weddings and were also used to decorate alters worshipping the goddess of marriage, Hymen. In Ireland, couples desiring hawthorn's blessing would dance around it at marriage ceremonies. The sprigs were attached to newborn's cradles to protect them from evil, and also used to decorate the maypole for the May Day or Beltane ceremony, which celebrated fertility and renewal. The blooming of this tree coincided with the first day of summer which occurred in May. In the traditional medicine of Europe all parts of the tree were appreciated and utilized: leaves, berries, flowers, and the wood. The blossoms were used as a heart tonic and a diuretic, and the berries and leaves were made into an astringent tea to soothe throats. The bright red sumptuous berries were also made into a tasty brandy cordial. Additionally, the wood was carved into smaller objects such as boxes and combs and burnt as fuel producing wood fires that were extremely hot.
Hawthorn or 'shanzha' has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) since ancient times, however most historical uses were related to digestion until recently. It is considered energetically slightly warm, associated with the spleen, stomach, and liver meridians, and reflects both sweet and sour tastes. Presently, it is used to support the cardiovascular system as well, and in fact, in China, the berries are so popular that they are made into hawthorn candies that are similar to the 'fruit roll-ups' in the West. Hawthorn is considered a superior heart tonic by many herbalists. However, its effects on the heart are manifold. Many consider hawthorn to be transformational for the emotional or spiritual heart as well. Herbalist Matthew Becker suggests that hawthorn is specifically helpful for women with "broken hearts" i.e. for those " feeling wounded and hurt." Often the flowers and leaves are made into floral essences to address these types of emotional issues.
Linden is a mother of a tree - everything about her is feminine, nurturing, loving and caring as only mothers can be. She spreads her branches protectively like and arboreal embrace.
In Norse and Germanic mythology she is sacred to Freya or Frigga, Goddesses of Love and in the hearts and minds of the people she was perhaps the most beloved of all trees. Linden trees were especially honoured in Slavic countries, but also in France and Germany, where just about every village had a central Linden tree that served as the social and cultural focal point of village life. It was here that dances and festivals were celebrated, where couples promised each other their undying love, and justice was spoken in open-air courts called 'tings'.
No other tree features as prominently in popular poetry, songs and literature as the Linden. The outpouring of nectar from her flowers provides a feast for gazillions of bees and epitomizes her generous, providing nature. Bees, of course, are sacred to the Great Mother Goddess and the honey they produce is nectar for the Gods. Linden honey is indeed among the finest tasting and most valuable of all honeys - though unfortunately almost entirely used for pharmaceutical preparations.
Linden trees are very healing indeed - not just her honey and flowers, but also the inner bark, charcoal and leaves are used in folk medicine for a wide variety of conditions.
Naturally, this motherly tree is also protective against witches, devils and other evil spirits. Twigs were hung above doors and leaves were pinned to hats or collars to avert all evil.
According to folklore, Mary, mother of Jesus, blessed the Linden tree with all these virtues. One day Jesus was wandering the earth feeling tired and ill. He lay down to rest under a Linden tree and fell asleep. Protectively the Linden tree spread her branches over the sick man. Some time later Mary, who had followed him, came by and found her son under the tree. Alas, when he woke up he was cured and restored. Mary, grateful to the tree for having so lovingly cared for her son, blessed it with healing and protective virtues, of which it has given generously ever since.
Medicinal: Linden Blossom is calming and relaxing. It also acts as a hypotensive by dilating the blood vessels. Thus it can be useful in cases of high blood pressure and angina pectoris. It is antispasmodic and useful for relaxing cramps. It is also one of the best diaphoretics that can be used to induce a sweat to break a fever. It opens the heart and relaxes those that feel they have too much on their chest. It can be used for migraine, stress related conditions and nervous tension. It is also beneficial for insomnia, hysterics and stomach conditions that are due to stress. It is also helpful in cases of lung catarrh and kidney troubles.
Magical: Linden represents the essence of love and compassion, the Green Tara of trees. It can be used to meditate on the Mother energy and to celebrate the mother aspect of the Great Goddess. It represents love in action, compassion and caring. It can be used to meditate on spiritual and transcendental love and to open the heart chakra. Its protective and healing energy is well suited to any healing ritual. Linden protects against demons that torture the mind with anguish and fear.
Passion Flower does not, as the name might suggest, rouse passion - quiet to the contrary. Instead, Passionflower received its name from the zealous missionaries who overran South America. They perceived the beautiful flower as a symbolic representation of the Passion of Christ. The styles are seen as the nails with which Christ was nailed to the cross and the 3 anthers may represent the hammers used to drive them in - or the holy trinity. The corona, the colorful filaments are interpreted as the crown of thorns - or as Christ's halo, while the corolla is said to represent the 10 apostles without Judas and Peter. Interpretations may vary, but they all follow along these lines. Passiflora is a highly divers genus of mostly tropical species. However, some few varieties also thrive in temperate climates, including the strikingly beautiful Passiflora incarnata.
Traditional
Passionflower is a wonderful, safe sedative and relaxing herb. It is not narcotic and non-habit forming, rather, it is a nervine, that acts to relax and soothe an overactive, stressed or worried nervous system. It is excellent in cases where persistent anxieties disturb sleep patterns. It also has a spasmolytic action and can be used to treat conditions such as Parkinson's, hysteria, cramps and spasms. It can be combined with other herbs to add such a relaxant component to a compound remedy, e.g. to treat menstrual discomfort or pain.
Magical:
Passionflower plays a role in Christian plant symbolism as a representation of the Passion of Christ. Natives of the Amazon however, saw a helpful plant ally that is at times mixed into Ayahuasca brews to intensify the visions. Passionflower can be used for meditation, to help calm an overactive mind and finding inner peace. It may also be used for dream work.
Dead Nettle are often one of the first wild flowers of Spring!
It is known in the herbal world as being astringent, diuretic, diaphoretic and purgative. It’s also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal.
The leaves can be used on external wounds or cuts, or as a poultice, similar to how you would use yarrow or plantain.
It can be made into an infusion or tea, with either fresh plant material or dried. This may be the simplest way to enjoy its benefits, although it may also have a laxative effect if used in large amounts.
It’s good for the kidneys and may even help with seasonal allergies!