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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."

Grapefruit is a relatively modern fruit, the hybridized offspring that resulted from an illicit affair between a pumelo and an orange tree.

It was first described by Griffith Hughes in 1750, who called it 'the forbidden fruit of Barbados'. Thus, it is a true New World crop. Its cultivation quickly spread north to the warm areas of the United States. The trees are semi-hardy, though they die back in severe frost, they later miraculously recovering and spring back to life without apparent damage. Such 'reborn' trees are even capable of bearing fruit again. Claim to fame as the northernmost fruit bearing grapefruit tree goes to 'Aunt Queeny', which was grown from seed and survives - year round - outside, in a sheltered spot of the Chelsea Physicke's Garden in London.

Grapefruit are primarily valued as a fruit that is very rich in vitamin C content and is said to have cancer protective properties. It also lowers the blood sugar and it is often promoted as a diet aid. The seed extract is strongly anti-biotic and anti-fungal and has become the number one natural preservative. Grapefruits can have interactions with synthetic medicines. The essential oil is extracted by cold pressing of the peel. Grapefruit oil has photosensitizing properties.

Grapefruit Peel is derived from Citrus paradisi - the same common grapefruit that you have eaten at breakfast for years. It is not a true herb, but rather the dried peelings that are commonly discarded as a waste product, used for commercial cattle feed, or converted into ethanol. Despite the fact that Grapefruit Peel is not particularly exotic nor glamorous like some herbs, it is nonetheless a very useful herbal supplement.

Like its relatives, the orange, lemon, lime and kumquat, Grapefruit Peel is a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidant nutrients. Using a lemon zester, Grapefruit Peel can be made into thin strips, cooked in a sugar syrup and made into a unique and actually nutritious form of candy that is not overly sweet and is fine for an after-dinner treat with strong black coffee.

Grapefruit Peel is also a rich source of pectin, which is used in the making of jams and other fruit preserves. Grapefruit Peel derived from the pink and red varieties are particularly rich in the antioxidant known as lycopene. Grapefruit is primarily used for its effect on cellulites and water retention. It is also valued in aromatherapy skin care products for its skin toning and cleansing properties, which are especially useful for oily or congested skin and acne. It is also great to lift the spirit and provide support in stress related conditions, fatigue, depression and nervous exhaustion.

Magical As a 'newcomer', Grapefruit does not have a long established history in magical aromatherapy, which does not mean to say that it is not potent. On the contrary, Grapefruit can be used like other citrus fruit, but will provide even more 'punch'. It is energizing and purifying and can be used for ritual cleansing and healing rites. It awakens the senses and promotes mental clarity. It signifies inner strength and resilience in adversity and is an appropriate for initiation rituals to aid the renewal of the soul.

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.

If sunshine could be captured in a fruit it would be a lemon. The zesty aroma just bursts with vibrancy, tickling the soul like a beam of sunlight. The scent of Lemon instantly reminds us of sunny climes and spreads a little bit of Mediterranean ambiance. It is difficult to determine the exact origin of Lemon, so widespread has been his wanderings. It is believed to have originated in India or Southeast Asia, spreading at first to China, where it was cultivated for about 4000 years. From there it found its way to the Arab world, and eventually, to the Roman Empire. Northern Europeans probably first encountered them by the returning Crusaders. By the Middle Ages, Lemons were well known even in England. Yet, their true value as a life-saving antiscorbutic remedy was not realized until the age of the great sea voyages, when it was discovered that sailors who had access to lemons did not fall prey to scurvy. Thus, it became a standard provision to carry Lemons on every long-term sea journey, which is why British sailors became known as 'limeys'.

During the renaissance, the attractive citrus trees with their sweet-scented flowers became very popular with the aristocracy and it became fashionable to grow them far beyond their natural range. Special conservatories had to be built just to shelter the sensitive trees from the harsh northern European winters.

Columbus introduced Lemons to the New World; he took some seeds and planted them in Hispaniola - which may well have been his best deed. Some scholars believe that Lemons might have been the 'Golden Apples of the Hesperides'. Others favor peaches - the final verdict on this question is still to be decided.

Lemons, along with Myrtle, Willow and Palm, play a role in the Jewish festivities of the Tabernacle. In Jewish tradition Lemons symbolize the heart.

Traditional Lemon peel contains high amounts of Vitamin C and calcium and thus helps in improving and maintaining bone health. It also helps in preventing bone related diseases like inflammatory polyarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Lemon Peel is antibacterial when diffused and due to its fresh scent, lends itself particularly well to diffusion in sick rooms, killing germs and simultaneously brightening the patient's spirit.

Lemon is not only an antidepressant, but also helps concentration. Its stimulant action on the circulation is excellent for those, who perform detail oriented tasks or who work creatively.

Magical Lemon is associated with the solar plexus chakra, the center of the will and self-image, from which confidence and power radiates. It is a great pick-me-up, especially for those lacking confidence, or easily get down on themselves. Lemon can be used to meditate on the sun as a source of creative energy. It is purifying and refreshing, helping to clear an overburdened mind. It is also stimulating and can be used to initiate new projects. It radiates a sparkling kind of compassion that makes it impossible to hang on to the dark clouds of doom and gloom.

Citrus sinensis is a major natural source of vitamin C, along with antioxidants and pectin.

Orange Peel is harvested from the ripened fruit of the Orange tree. Orange is among the most popular of fruits. First grown in Asia, they are now grown in many warm locations around the world, such as Florida, California and Brazil. Oranges, once considered a great delicacy, are now quite plentiful throughout the world. Orange Peel is believed to be one of the healthiest natural products due its large amount of vitamin C.

Orange Peel is where most of the vitamin C in an orange is located, so if you're eating just the fruit, you're missing out on a lot of it.

Magical: The high-energy scent of oranges is said to communicate the joy of angels to human beings. Orange peel is great for embodying the Sun in a mixture, whether potpourri, tea, sachet, charm, etc. Like the Sun, orange peel lifts those who are down, helps the confused find direction, and gives new life to spiritual yearnings. Its scent is good for dealing with obsessive thinking and Sun-like, for turning us back to what is important.

Orange peel is nice in Yule celebrations, reminding us of the promise of Sun even in the middle of winter. You can also mix it with cinnamon, frankincense, nutmeg, and juniper berries to make a nice potpourri in honor of Leo or put into a centering, uplifting ritual bath combined with other Sun herbs.

I have seen this magic herb recommended as an incense ingredient, but it doesn't smell good when burning. If you want to use it in an incense recipe, mix it together as usual, but instead of burning the incense on charcoal, put it into an oil burner with a bit of water or neutral oil and let the warmth release the scents.

The scent of orange peels mixes nicely with bay leaves, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, coriander, frankincense, juniper, lemon, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, jasmine, and rose. Cunningham considered equal parts of lemon and orange peel to be a viable substitution for citron, also a member of the citrus family.

Oranges, because of their color, also make a handy symbol for gold in spell work

Whether you are living the vegan, paleo, keto, or Mediterranean lifestyle, this whole food powerhouse has got you covered.
Pumpkin powder is comprised of mostly protein and fats with high-quality nutrient-rich fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants.

Beyond its delicious taste, pumpkin is nutritious and linked to many benefits. Pumpkin is packed with nutrients and yet has under 50 calories per cup!

Pumpkin is high in vitamins, fiber, and minerals while being low in calories. It’s also a great source of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body converts into vitamin A.

Rosehips are the hard, bright red little gourd-shaped fruits of the dog-rose, which is commonly encountered as a hedgerow plant. Compared to the more beautiful and exuberantly fragrant cultivated varieties, Dog-rose is a bit of a doormat plant. Yet, its fruit are jam-packed with vitamin C and provide an excellent source of this nutrient, especially during the winter months. Rosehips are rarely considered medicinal these days, but are a common ingredient in fruit teas to which they add a refreshing zest. Other traditional Rosehip preparations such as Rosehip spreads and syrups have recently found new fans among an increasingly health conscious public. Generations of schoolchildren have long appreciated Rosehips for the fine hairs and tiny seeds concealed within their 'belly', which they employ as itching powder. Scientists, however, have recently discovered a better use of the seeds: rosehip seeds contain nutrient rich oil, which has become a highly sought after cosmetic ingredient.

Medicinal: Though rarely considered medicinal today, Rosehips once played a role as a freely available herb tea for various conditions, especially among country people. The fruits (including the seeds) are diuretic and have been recommended as a remedy for kidney and bladder conditions such as gravel and stones. The seeds, boiled for at least an hour, are helpful in rheumatic, gouty and arthritic conditions. The fruits are refreshing and rich in vitamin C and make an excellent tea for feverish conditions. Rosehips are soothing and gently cleansing for the digestive system. Rosehip tea makes a tasty, safe and refreshing children's beverage.

Magical: Rosehips belong to Jupiter and may be used as a charm to attract health and wealth. The belly-shaped fruit, packed with seeds, is a symbol of prosperity and fertility. The fruits placed beneath the pillow protect the sleeper against nightmares and nasty spirits that seek to disturb the nightly peace.