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The black walnut is a native tree of North America. The genus name, juglans, is derived from two Latin words; lupiter, meaning Jupiter, and glans, meaning acorn. The literal translation is therefore "Jupiter's nuts".

According to a Chaldean clay tablet, walnut groves were known to be in the hanging gardens of Babylon. Pliny the Elder (ca.23-79 C.E.) reported cultivation in Italy from trees that had been transported from countries farther east. In ancient Persia, only royalty were supposed to eat them, and they were even referred to as the "royal walnut". In America, there is archeological evidence that they were consumed and used by the Native Americans as far back as 2000 B.C.E. Black walnuts are smaller, harder, and more pungent than the English walnuts sold in grocery stores. The hulls without the meaty kernels inside are used in traditional herbalism. Black walnut trees exude a sap that discourages growth of competing plants over their roots.

The leaves of black walnut being an astringent are most often used to treat hemorrhoids, they are also used as well to treat liver and gallbladder problems. In folk medicine, black walnut leaf was also given to relieve headache, hepatitis, and skin conditions.

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.

Violets are lovely harbingers of spring. Early in the season, when the sun barely warms the ground, they put out their lovely violet flowers, a promise of the coming spring. In mythology, Violets are linked to Jupiter and Io, one of his beloved. Fearing the revenge of his jealous wife, Jupiter changed Io into a Heifer and created Violets so she could feast on this fragrant food. Although these days Violets are not so much used for food or medicine, in the past they were highly respected. Violet syrup and candied Violet flowers were eagerly anticipated seasonal delicacies. Their healing and cosmetic virtues have been equally esteemed since at least the 10th century. Violets yield an extremely rare and precious essential oil which is used in high class perfumery and recently has also found its way into aromatherapy practice.

Traditional
Violet leaves are soothing and cooling and can be used to treat swellings and bruises. They also act expectorant and demulcent and may be used for cough, whooping cough, laryngitis and tonsillitis.

Externally they are indicated for acne, eczema and dermatitis.

Violet can also be used to stimulate circulation and can relieve fibrosis and rheumatism. Grieves reports anticancer and antitumor activity of the leaves. This may prove a very interesting and promising area of research.

Blue Violet promotes the body’s own cleansing action and offers targeted support for a healthy lymphatic function. (The lymphatic system includes the liver, spleen, tonsils and thymus glands. It is involved in white blood cell production and immune health). Blue Violet’s legendary effects are maximized in combination with Red Clover and Vervain (Verbena)

Magical
Violets bring peace. They may be used to dispel anger and to cool heated tempers. They ward off evil spirits and protect against nightmares. Violets are sacred to Dionysus and symbolize abundance and fertility, yet they are also associated with death - particularly the untimely death of children. Thus, they can be used to meditate on the mysteries of life, death and rebirth and on the abundance of the earth womb, where all life is created and to which it will return.

The therapeutic Blueberry leaves are well-known for supporting healthy blood sugar levels. They also contain antioxidant compounds, which provide potent free radical protection.

Blueberry leaves gently promote fluid balance, help maintain urinary tract health, and is a source of tannins, natural compounds which soothe gastrointestinal distress

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Metaphysical: Protective and associated w/ treachery and deception. It does not return the treachery - just keeps it from reaching you.

Common Names: Bilberry, Blueberry, Huckleberry, Whortleberry

Native Americans taught the first settlers the benefits of this herb. The name of this herb is rather misleading. Boneset is not used to mend bones. Rather, the name derives from its use to treat a form of flu that was so severe that it was given the name 'break-bone' - it is for this break-bone influenza that boneset was deemed effective.

Traditional
Native American used Boneset to combat feverish infections, such as the flu, measles etc. In the old days it was highly valued in cases of intermittent fevers, malaria and even syphilis and yellow fever.
Its diaphoretic properties help the body to sweat out the infection while gently stimulating and cleansing the other channels of elimination.
Boneset offers a truly holistic approach to dealing with feverish infections. It is excellent in soothing all the symptoms associated with the flu - congestion of the respiratory tract, pulmonary catarrh, aches and pains, constipation etc. Boneset is also indicated in pulmonary conditions of the elderly where there may be plenty of phlegm, but not enough power of expectoration. It is a gentle aid in cases of muscular rheumatism.

Magical
Not much is known about the magical uses of this herb. It wards of demons of disease and can be used for inner cleansing and protection.

A fragrant bush, native to South Africa and a member of the Rue (Ruta) family, Buchu leaves belong to the traditional material medica of the San and Khoi-Khoi people.

Medicinal:
Buchu leaves have traditionally been used as a digestive tonic and urinary remedy. Externally an infusion was used as a wash for wounds and as an insect repellent. The Dutch settlers adapted the use of this herb and steeped it in alcohol to soothe stomach troubles. It was introduced to Britain in 1821. Today it is mostly used in combination with other herbs to treat inflammation of the bladder, urethritis, and prostatitis.

Magical
In Africa the herb is considered protective and the leaves are sometimes sprinkled around the house to ward off evil influences. Sometimes also worn as an amulet or used as a protection bath.

With its common name, Mexican Dream Herb it is no surprise that this plant has been used traditionally to intensify dreams during sleep states. For centuries, the herb has been used by native Mexicans for divination and the inducement of lucid dreaming. The Chontal Indians are known to use Calea zacatechichi to obtain divinatory messages during dreaming. It is considered a healing plant in general and is known by many tribes as ‘Leaf of God’ for its ability to clear the senses as well as induce visions in dreams.

DREAMING
The leaf has been known to produce a drowsy and relaxed state, that some refer to as dream-like, along with a sense of clarity. A study revealed that C. zacatechichi increased the number of overall dreams experienced, the ability to recall the dreams experienced, and the intensity of hypnagogic imagery experienced while falling asleep. Some reports also state other effects include spontaneous lucid dreams and increased dream clarity and realism

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It has been used for thousands of years in traditional folk medicine as an appetite stimulant, cleansing agent, calming agent, laxative, and for treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, fever, skin rashes, swollen scalps, ‘cold stomach’ and headache.
If you want to explore your own consciousness, experience more vivid dreams, lucid dream or deepen your relationship with yourself, then Calea Zacatechichi is a must!

This beautiful wildflower is at home on the west coast of America. Its vibrantly glowing orange and yellow flowers are very attractive and thus have easily found their way into our gardens. Native Americans have used this gentle cousin of the opium poppy since pre-historic times. It was traditionally gathered while flowering, when the alkaloid content is highest and used as a mild pain killer for children and to help them go to sleep. Californian Poppy has a calming and soothing effect on the central nervous system, rather than a hypnotic one. It has been used to relieve pain, especially toothaches, and as a relaxant in cases of anxiety, nervousness and stress. According to some recent studies it has shown very good results in the treatment of children who are suffering from ADHS/ADS, anxiety and bedwetting. California poppy is used for depression, long-term mental and physical tiredness (neurasthenia), nerve pain, various psychiatric conditions, blood vessel problems, sensitivity to weather changes, and sedation. An herb combination including California poppy is also used for sleep and mood disturbance associated with strong, warm wind in the Alps (foehn illness). Magical: Californian Poppy is sometimes used in smoking mixes. It can be used as a ritual cup to calm and focus the mind for meditation or ritual practices.

The use of catnip leaves and flowers in herbal teas was documented at least as early as 1735 in the General Irish Herbal.
Medicinally, the plant has been used to treat intestinal cramps, for indigestion, to cause sweating, to induce menstruation, as a sedative, and to increase appetite.

It is gentle and is very useful for children and infants with digestive or emotional disturbances.

Magical Uses:
Cat Magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness. Give it to your cat to create a psychic bond between the two of you.
Use in love sachets with rose petals.
Attracts good spirits and great luck.
Used in beauty and happiness spells.
Large pressed leaves are used for bookmarks in magical texts.
Mix with dragon’s blood in an incense to rid oneself of bad habits or behavioral problems.

This pretty little herb is named after Chiron, the Centaur of Greek mythology, who was known throughout the ancient world for his exceptional healing skills. Even though he was an immortal God, he had a unique gift of empathy for human suffering, as he himself suffered an incurable wound, which accidentally had been inflicted on him by means of an arrowhead that bore the deadly poison of the Hydra. Centaury herb came to Chiron's aid and so the ancients praised it as a miraculous wound herb and for its efficacy in treating snake bites. In German, Centaury, is known as 'Tausendguldenkraut', which literally translates to '1000 guilder herb', a reference to its preciousness

Traditional
Connoisseurs of Vermouth recognize Centaury as one of the key botanical ingredients. Herbal enthusiasts know the bitter tonic as a primary herb for invigorating digestive and stomach functions.
Centaury has an outstanding record for supporting digestive health. Research shows it increases the stomach secretions, which promotes better breakdown and assimilation of nutrients. For an effective bitter tonic, try sipping the tea approximately ten minutes before meals. Centaury can be combined with Chamomile, Peppermint or Ginger to improve the taste and effectiveness. The commission E approves Centaury as a stomachic, to ease digestive discomfort and to stimulate the appetite. Accordingly, in modern herbal practice it is mostly used as a digestive system tonic. Culpeper praises it as a deobstruent, and says that it possesses the power to clear obstructions from the entire digestive tract, stomach, liver, gallbladder and spleen. He also says that '˜it expels the dead fetus, brings on women's courses and eases the pain of the womb'. The ancients' uses of Centaury as wound herb and first aid remedy for snake bites have today become all but forgotten.

Native to the Southwestern US, chaparral is one of the oldest plants on earth, with a stand in the Mojave desert estimated to be over 11,000 years old.
The stems and leaves of the bush are covered with a sticky resin that screens leaves against ultraviolet radiation, reduces water loss, and poisons or repels most herbivores. This resin is used in herbalism and to protect wood from insects.
It received its name "creosote bush" due to the smell that comes from it when it rains. Its extremely bitter taste keeps it safe from animals that would otherwise graze upon it. It is also regarded as one of the most adaptable desert plants in the world; it was one of the first to grow back in Yucca Flats after the 1962 nuclear bomb tests done there.

Native Americans in the Southwest held beliefs that it treated many maladies, including sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, chicken pox, dysmenorrhea, and snakebite.
The Coahuilla Indians used the plant for intestinal complaints and tuberculosis.
The Pima drank a decoction of the leaves as an emetic, and applied the boiled leaves as poultices to wounds or sores. Papago Indians prepared it medicinally for stiff limbs, snake bites, and menstrual cramps. The shrub is still widely used as an herbal medicine in Mexico

Due to concerns over potential Kidney and Liver issues it is recommended that it only be used externally.

Magical:
Chaparral is sacred to Native American peoples of the southwest. It is burned alone or as part of a greater smudge ritual to cleanse the home or working area. Because the resin of the Chaparral bush prevents other species from growing near it, it can be used for protective magic especially for protecting a home.

Those who have a garden will rarely need to buy this herb as it is a ready and often underappreciated volunteer; some consider it a troublesome weed. However, it is a protector in the garden ecology, a groundcover that protects the soil from drying out or from loosing the nutrients to the rain - especially through the winter months.
Chickweed derived its English name from the notion that birds are supposed to like it, although some birds apparently have not heard of this rumor yet, however, the seeds are more attractive to birds than the herb.
The Latin name is an allusion to the little starry, white flowers that cover fallow ground like a fall-out from the Milky Way.
Chickweed is edible in its raw state and very good - especially the tender tops. They can be used like Alfalfa sprouts as garnish in salads.

Traditional
Chickweed is an excellent cooling herb. It is most frequently prepared as a wash or poultice to soothe burns, dry and itchy skin, eczema and even boils. Old fashioned herbals even give recipes for chickweed cooling ointments. Chickweed is recommended in all manner of inflammations from which it will quickly draw the heat. It can be applied to sore eyes or ears or used internally as well.
Internally it is most recommended as a soothing cough remedy, especially for dry coughs. It can be added to the bathwater as a healing herb extract, e.g. for rheumatism or skin afflictions. As a tea it supports the digestion and has a reputation as a helpful herb to combat obesity.

Magical
Based on the fact that this herb is ruled by the moon most sources associate it with love and fertility and the ability to attract and maintain a relationship. It certainly soothes irritation and cools anger, which can definitely help in maintaining a relationship! Chickweed teaches humility and flexibility and may assist in healing emotionally sore spots. It protects the parts of the soul that are most sensitive.

Clary Sage is an herbaceous biennial or short lived perennial, growing to about 1 meter, although the range varies with different cultivars. The green-grey leaves are, quite simply, huge! They are 30cm long at the base and may be up to 50cm long as they move up the stems, and as wide as a hand span in some cases. The leaves are arranged in pairs around the hair covered, square brownish stems. They are oblong and heart shaped with a wrinkled, velvet like texture and toothed margins. The summer blooming flowers are held in bracts that range in color from pale mauve to lilac and extend up long, loose terminal spikes. The 2.5cm corolla is a lilac or pale blue and sits wide open, with the most colour on the margins. There are several modern cultivars, including ‘Turkestanica’ with pink stems and white flecked flowers on long 75cm spikes. They are strong bee and butterfly attractants and apiarists often plant them for their bees.

The whole plant has a strong aroma, which some say is very like lavender and others say it is like pineapple. Still further descriptions suggest that it is a musky aroma that is either loved, or hated and likened to an ‘old socks’ smell. The aroma is courtesy of the active constituents in the plant. Salvia sclarea has a long history of medicinal use and is currently grown commercially mostly for its essential oils.

Clary Sage is an ancient plant and centuries ago there were many garden varieties that went by names such as Horminum and Gallitricum. The plant may also go by the name Clear Eye and Eye Bright (different then the herb known as Eyebright - Euphrasia officinalis) in reference to early medicinal uses.

The English name Clary is derived from the Latin ‘sclarea’, which is from the word ‘clarus’ meaning ‘clear’. This was due to the use of the plant to clear eyes, and the name clary eventually became ‘clear eye’ in many areas.

Clary Sage is native to the northern Mediterranean, specifically Syria, Italy, Southern France and Switzerland. It also grows naturally in some areas of northern Africa and central Asia. It has been naturalized to many areas of Europe and throughout the world. The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants.

Ornamental salvias have become collectors’ items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate.

Medicinal Uses
Clary Sage has a strong tradition of medicinal use and is used by herbalists today, mostly in it's essential oil form. Traditionally it was used for numerous complaints, in particular stomach and digestive problems, kidney complaints and for insomnia. In the 1st Century, the medicinal use of clary sage was mentioned in writing by Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder, while Theophrastus wrote about the herb in the 4th Century. In 1653, clary sage was recorded as being called ‘clear eye’ due to its value in removing foreign objects from eyes.

Today herbalists use it for a variety of purposes including treating depression, anxiety and fear, as an antispasmodic, and to treat menstrual concerns. Clary sage may be used fresh or dry. However, it should not be used by pregnant women.

An old herbal remedy was to use ‘the juice of the herb, drunk in ale or beer, as a treatment for women’s disorders.’
In Jamaica, where the plant grew naturally, local people used clary sage to help heal ulcers, inflammation of the eye, and in combination with coconut to cure scorpion stings.

Culinary Uses
Today, Clary sage is used as flavoring in vermouths, wines and liqueurs. In 1822, a writer detailed the use of Clary Sage in wines and as hops for beers. In Germany, the plant is called Muscatel Sage, due to the early use of the plant, combined with Elderflower, to flavor Rhenish wines giving them a taste similar to Muscatel.

Magical
Magically, Clary Sage is associated with vision. It is used to clear not only the physical eye, but also the third eye of the clairvoyant prior to channeling or divination. It lifts the spirit and helps detachment from emotionally difficult or painful situations. With emotional distance one gains a better perspective. It can be an aid to enter trance and or to induce euphoria, which is why it is also sometimes used as an aphrodisiac