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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.

Use with caution; people with sensitive skin may experience skin reactions.

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.

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.

The Lobelia inflata, or Lobelia Herb, is named after the botanist Matthias de Lobel, and is an erect annual or biennial herb, growing one to two feet high. The stalks of the lower leaves and flower are pale violet-blue in color and tinted pale yellow within. Several species of the Lobelia inflata, or Lobelia Herb, are grown throughout English gardens for the splendor of its flowers, coming in every shade of scarlet, purple, and blue.

Lobelia Herb is a yellowish green, with an irritating odor. The taste of the herb is very similar to that of tobacco, sharing almost identical burning and acrid qualities

Lobelia Herb is sometimes referred to as Indian tobacco, and was commonly prescribed by early North American doctors for a variety of complaints.

Medicinal:
Lobelia is used for breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and shortness of breath (apnea) in newborn infants. Some people take lobelia as a sedative to help them relax. Other people use it to increase sweating.

Lobelia is applied to the skin for muscle pain, joint lumps associated with rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatic nodules), bruises, sprains, insect bites, poison ivy, and ringworm.

Lobelia has been used in cough preparations and counterirritant products. Some stop-smoking products around the world include lobelia as an ingredient (although it is not effective as a stop smoking aid)

Magical:
Associated with the Element of Water and Neptune on account of its ability to facilitate a dreamy, relaxed state and because it is an expectorant. Its Neptune aspect is also shown in its involvement in storm magic. Its prominent ovaries (the "inflata") make it a very female plant, and it is often used in love magic. Curiously enough, in the language of flowers, this magic herb represents ill will.

Warning: Not to be used during pregnancy. May cause nausea and vomiting if ingested; not to be taken in large doses.

A specialty collection of herbs to honor the the Trickster!

Contains:

• Mistletoe
• Cinnamon
• Mullein Leaf
• Dandelion Leaf
• Birch Bark

Lotus leaves, also known as folium nelumbinis and He Ye herb, has long been characterized as a good herb for weight loss in TCM. For modern people who want to lose weight and stay slim, lotus leaf tea is a very good choice as it can simultaneously burn excess fat, eliminate constipation, and induce diuresis. What’s more, its health benefits don’t end here. Besides being used for dieting , it could provide even more to women plagued by obesity and middle-aged adults who are seeking to prevent adult diseases. This is simply because it contains a wide range of alkaloids. These active substances are known for their significant physiological activity, which can significantly reduce blood fat and fight against viruses. Last but not least, it is also the secret ingredient in some Asian cuisines!

The rhizomes and leaves of the lotus are combined with other herbs in China, India, and other Asian traditional medicines to treat sunstroke, fever, diarrhea, and the whole plant is used to treat mushroom poisoning. Lotus is also considered to improve virility and treat premature ejaculations

Magical: Love, Psychic, Spiritual Growth, Protection

A bundle of the most popular herbs used in Love magic!

1/2 ounce each:

• Red Rose Petals

• Pink Rose Buds

• Wild Cherry Bark

• Blue Violet Leaf

• Lotus Leaf

• French Lavender

Bundle featuring herbs associated with luck magic!

Contains:

Allspice

Sweet Basil

Cinquefoil

Irish Moss

Patchouli

Celebrating the Summer Solstice !

Contains:

Calendula

Meadowsweet

Peppermint

Elderflower

Fennel Seed

Mistletoe is surrounded by more myths and legends than any other herb. Airborne between heaven and earth, the enigma of a skyborne plant has always been a mystery. The Druids, above all others, revered Mistletoe as the holiest of holies. It was deemed especially sacred when it appeared on an Oak tree, the most sacred tree of Druid lore. Mistletoe was their 'Golden Bough', the key to the heavens and to the underworld. Indeed, it was regarded as the creative essence of Thor himself. Thor is the god of thunder, who presided over the sacred Oak tree, over fertility and abundance. In the Druid tree calendar, the 23rd December is given to the Mistletoe, the day when it was ceremoniously cut.

After offering prayers the chief druid would ascend into the tree to cut the Mistletoe with a golden sickle. Utmost care was taken to prevent the herb from touching the ground. Instead, it had to be caught in a white cloth. Two white bulls, sacred to the Moon-Goddess, all dressed up in garlands were also sacrificed on the holy occasion. The sacrifice of the regenerative power of the solar deity was to bestow blessings of abundance and protection from all evil for the New Year. It was a symbolic marriage of the solar and lunar forces, a harmonization of all opposites in perfect balance at the turning point of the year. To celebrate the return of the life-force an orgiastic celebration ensued.

To this day Mistletoe twigs are hung in doorways at Christmas time giving permission to kiss, even a stranger, and receive the blessing of the Mistletoe.In some of the rural, more traditional areas of France young children can occasionally be seen distributing Mistletoe blessings on New Year's Day. Running through the village, shouting 'Au gui l'an neuf' (gui de chêne - Mistletoe) they dedicate the New Year to the Mistletoe and invoke its protective blessings. Mistletoe was believed to ward off all evil, bad spirits and witchcraft, and was sometimes worn as a protective amulet. It was also believed to bestow fertility and abundance.

In Norse Mythology Mistletoe inadvertently becomes the agent of death for the *almost* immortal sun-god Baldur. Mistletoe also found its way into Christian mythology as the wood from which Christ's cross was said to have been fashioned. According to Christian morality teaching, it is due to this disgrace that the Mistletoe has been reduced to its parasitic existence.

In Greek mythology Mistletoe was also associated with the Underworld. Here, the sacred bough presented the key with which a living mortal could enter the Underworld and return to the world of the living unharmed, as is told in the story of Aeneas.
Aeneas, a young hero, enters the underworld by the power of the golden bough and the aid of the age-old Sybil as his guide. He enters this frightful place in search of his father to seek his guidance and advice. He finds him and receives his teachings concerning the cycles of life and death, which he had come for. Eventually he returns safely to the world of the living. But it is the Mistletoe that provides him with the key to his destiny and opens the gates to the transformational powers of the underworld from which he returns spiritually reborn.

Medicinal
Mistletoe not only has an interesting mythology, but also a host of medicinal uses. Indeed, the Druids regarded it as a panacea, capable of curing practically any disease. Though their claims may have been exaggerated herbalists still value it highly. Most notably Mistletoe is recommended for conditions of the cardiovascular system. Mistletoe herb improves the pulse, regulates the heart rate and simultaneously dilates the blood vessels, which lowers the blood pressure, thus reducing symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. It is an effective aid in arteriosclerosis and improves the overall function of the circulatory system, which results in a sense of well-being.

Recently another interesting property of Mistletoe has become a matter of scientific interest: its ancient reputation to cure tumors. Modern research has confirmed this ancient claim. Mistletoe preparations show cytotoxic properties in vitro and to some degree in vivo. It has also shown to stimulate the immune system response through an increased number of white blood cells. Both of these properties have made Mistletoe a candidate for cancer and Aids research and these days Mistletoe is even used in chemotherapy.

Mistletoe also has a reputation to regulate digestive functions and curing chronic constipation, probably by stimulating the gall bladder. It also stimulates general metabolic activity and is thus recommended as a blood cleanser. Older sources recommend Mistletoe for sterility and menstrual difficulties. Considering its nervine properties this would make sense where these conditions are due to an underlying nervous condition (stress, tension, hysteria, fear).

Mistletoe is variously mentioned as an effective remedy for epilepsy, especially childhood epilepsy. This treatment reflects a homeopathic approach: large doses of the herb, and in particular of the berries, actually cause fits and convulsions. Mistletoe was considered a specific for this ailment and was also used as a nervine to treat hysteria, delirium, convulsions and neuralgia as well as urinary disorders and heart complaints where these are due to an underlying nervous condition (e.g. stress).

Mistletoe use is no longer used externally, but according to old sources it can be prepared as a plaster (mix with wax to make an ointment) and applied to hardened swellings and tumors. It can be employed in crèmes to soothe sensitive, sore skin. Such crèmes are disinfecting and soothing and reduce abnormal cell production, which could be useful in psoriasis lotions and anti-dandruff shampoos.

Magical
Mistletoe is a prime protective herb that bestows good fortune, health, wealth and fertility. It wards off all evil spirits and works of wicked witches. In folk-magic amulets made from mistletoe wood were thought effective in warding off epileptic attacks. Mistletoe is the sacred herb of the winter solstice that signifies transformation, regeneration and rebirth. It is the shamanic key to both, the heavens above as well as the underworld.

Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.

Moringa has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.

Moringa contains properties that might help prevent cancer developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.

Moringa might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis.

The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion.

Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.

Moringa also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones. Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.

Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.

Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.

All through the ages herbalists have treasured Motherwort. It is considered ‘a women’s herb’.

According to Culpeper, Venus owns it and it is under the dominion of Leo. It is sometimes called lion’s tail, which is reflected in the scientific name ‘Leonurus’ while ‘Cardiaca’ makes a reference to the heart, one of the main organs the herb benefits.

The ‘mother’ in motherwort, however, does not so much refer to motherhood as such (although the herb is a ‘goddess-sent’ in many stress situations associated with motherhood). Instead, ‘mother’ is an old word for the womb. Despite all this, anyone, male or female, who suffers from stress related conditions, can greatly benefit from this herb.

Medicinal:
The old herbalists thought of Motherwort mostly as a nervine,- an excellent remedy for treating hysteria, free floating, cardiac anxiety and to brighten the spirits - which were all considered ‘heart problems’ in the old days.
Today it is used for many more stress related conditions, including palpitations, arrhythmia and high blood pressure.
It can also act as a supportive remedy for an overactive thyroid gland.
It is also used for all kinds of menstrual problems, such as irregular, painful or scanty periods and PMS.

Motherwort is said to ‘open the womb’ during childbirth and to help expel the placenta. It is also indicated for painful spasms and contractions during intercourse (known as ‘vaginismus’), and can be of great help for menopausal problems such as hot flashes.

Motherwort can take ‘the edge off’ and help a person relax enough to get a grip, so they are better equipped to deal with whatever pressures they are facing.

Magical:
This herb has been used to dispel bad spirits. It has been placed into babies cots to protect them and to ward off bad spells and hexes as well as nightmares.

Sometimes overlooked for more "flashy" herbs in this current day, mugwort is still a favorite of Herbalists. Mugwort has an affinity for the female reproductive system and is used as a uterine stimulant that can bring on delayed menstruation and help restore a woman's natural monthly cycle.

As all the bitter herbs, mugwort is an excellent digestive stimulant and is quite effective taken before or after heavy meals to alleviate gas and bloating. It is mildly sedative and useful in calming frayed nerves and easing stress. A combination of agrimony, mugwort and vinegar is an excellent treatment for sciatica or muscular stiffness

NOTE: Do not use if pregnant

One of the more interesting traditional uses of mugwort is that of a dream herb. It is often used as one of the main ingredients in sleep pillows, and it said to bring the dreamer more lucid dreams. Mugwort is also often used as a smudging (burning) ceremonial herb

Shamanic Magical Use: This is the plant of Midgard, burned at the start of a ritual. One starts and ends with Mugwort, as one starts and ends with Midgard. Its shamanic purpose is purification. We tend to think of purification, in these days of advanced medical antisepsis, as being sterile. To us, "pure" has come to mean "without life". When we use something whose basic power is purification, we expect, on some level, for it to clean everything and leave it a blank slate. However, that's not what magical purification actually does.

Perhaps a better term for it would be "sanctification". Purifying magics create that aura of sacred space, which is so clear when you're in it but so elusive to describe. In order to create that energy, they do push out other sorts of energy, including the busy, well-worn, "messy" energy of the everyday. After the purification energy fades, the other stuff may drift back, or it might not, so it can have a cleaning effect in some cases.

Mugwort is the herb that is most often burned as recels, the Old English word for incense; pronounced ray-kels. The act of burning it is referred to as recaning, which can be pronounced various ways, but the most graceful seems to be reek-en-ing; the verb recan is cognate to our work "reek". Celtic-tradition people use the term saining. It's an alternative to the Native American-derived term "smudging", and it can be bound in lashed bundles and burned in the same way as white sagebrush. It also has a clearing effect on the mind, and a heightening of the extra senses, so it is a good thing to start any working that is going to involve an altered or trance state at some point.

The regal Mullein demands attention - tall and upright, with bold, furry leaves and an impressive flowering spike it towers above most common herbs and seems to be keeping a watchful eye. The flowering spike is densely covered with bright yellow flowers that greet the weary walker with a myriad of eyes. Dipped in tallow or wax this spike used to be much used as a simple torch. The furry leaves on the other hand, were used to line shoes for extra warmth and comfort. Mullein is an ancient magical herb that played an important role in folk-medicine. It was usually the centerpiece of the '9 herb bundle' around which the other herbs were arranged. Its obvious solar attributes made it a favorite herb for St. John's /midsummer rites. Ceremonial Mullein torches were lit after dark and paraded around the village to scare off evil creatures. Hung in the stables it protected the animals against the evil works of witches and demons and against thunder and lightening.

Medicinal: Mullein is not just soft on the outside - it is also softening by virtue of its inner nature. Applied externally, compresses of the leaves, which contain mucilage properties, are said to soften tumors, hardened swellings and inflammatory conditions of the skin. The leaves and flowers are highly recommended as a cough remedy, especially for a dry, hacking cough, asthma, bronchitis etc. It is also sometimes given for kidney complaints. The tea must be strained! (Or alternatively use a tea ball or strainer to infuse the leaves)

Magical: Mullein is an ancient sacred plant that can be used in the midsummer celebrations. Flares are made with the flowering spikes that serve as a representation of the Sun god. Mullein protects against all evil, and in particular, against lightning. However, bringing Mullein into the house for no good reason is said to cause lightning to strike.

Dried Nettles may feel a little prickly, but they do not sting and they yield their nutritional benefits without much further ado.
Nettles are very cleansing on both, the digestive tract and the kidneys, from which they remove waste materials in a thorough, yet undramatic way. Nettles have the ability to flush out uric acid crystals from arthritic joints and will eliminate them via the kidneys. Thus, they can be used as a supportive blood cleansing remedy for skin conditions such as eczema or for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. They are strongly diuretic and can be helpful in cases of edema or to support the treatment of bladder and kidney complaints.
Nettles are very rich in iron and provide good nutritional support for women
, especially during pregnancy or menstruation.
They are styptic and will help to inhibit internal and external bleeding. They also have an anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effect, which, in combination with other herbs, is used to control hay fever and other allergic reactions.
The leaves can stimulate the production of mother's milk, while the seeds are said to increase sexual potency in men.

Magical Uses:
Nettles are often mentioned in association with love potions. Especially the seeds are said to have aphrodisiac properties. Nettles are also used for protection - worn as amulets or hung above stable doors they ward off evil witches and demons. In particular, Nettles are often used to protect milk or beer from turning sour during a thunderstorm. A wide range of conditions was addressed by various sympathetic folk-medicine practices that involved Nettles. It is a classic spring cleansing herb and sacred foods such as Nettle pudding, Nettle soup and Nettle beer not only act physically restorative, but also confer protection against disease and are said to attract good fortune for the entire year.

Shamanic Magical Uses: This is the herb of Muspellheim, the burning land, and its power is aggressive defense. Nettle is an aggressive defender, in the sense that it will not only absorb any harmful magic that is thrown at you or the space, it will strike back if you let it.
Due to its difficult nature, it's nearly impossible to handle fresh in ritual, but dried or cooked nettle will lose its sting - physically, anyway. Nettle keeps its rabid-guard-dog energy when burned, or sprinkled dry around an area. You can drink it in tea in preparation for any kind of guardian duty. Sometimes Nettle's aggressive defensiveness will slip over into offensiveness, so it's not a bad herb to use before any duty where you're going to be armed and going into danger.
Because of its association with Muspellheim, Nettle likes being burned, but throwing it into a fire may make the fire burn longer and hotter, perhaps dangerously so. Take care that you have plenty of water around before infusing your little campfire with the power of the Fire World. On the other hand, it can be a symbolic substitute for fire in a place where you aren't allowed to actually light a flame.

Oat straw is the aerial part of Oat grass, which also supplies us with one of the most nutritious and popular breakfast cereals.

Oat straw used to be used for stuffing mattresses, which was of particular benefit to people who suffered from rheumatism. Oat straw is often fed to horses, which is said to make them energetic and spunky. Some say that when fed to men it will do the same thing.

Medicinal: Oat straw is highly nutritious for the nervous system and can be prepared as a tea for states of general debility and for nervous exhaustion. Oat straw is a good relaxing nervous system tonic and can be used for insomnia and anxiety when these are due to stress. It is diuretic and acts as a tonic for a weak bladder and for kidney problems. It also brings relief for liver and gallbladder problems. For external use, it can be added to the bathwater to treat skin sores and eczema and that can reduce itchiness. An Oat straw bath also soothes rheumatic and gouty pains.

Magical: Oat straw is used for making corn dollies that feature in harvest rituals. The modern practitioner can make use of its great for rejuvenating properties in the form of a ritual bath or as a ritual cup to invoke inner peace, enhance mental powers, concentration and endurance. For money magic and fertility rites the seeds are more useful than the straw.

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.

Patchouli is inextricably linked to the flower children of the 60s, for whom it was the perfume of choice. The musky, earthy, sweetish smell is one of those scents that is either loved or hated.
In its native India the herb is a first aid remedy for snake bites and the stings of various poisonous insects. It is also used in moths balls and sachets that can be placed in laundry cupboards to ward off insects and moths.
Its peculiar smell is also used in various aphrodisiac formulas for massage and bath oils and perfumes, but it only works on people who LIKE the scent. Its fixative qualities may be useful in any natural perfume blend, however, it must be used sparingly so as not to overpower other, more subtle fragrances

.

Medicinal use
In Ayurvedic medicine Patchouli is used for various skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and cracked skin. Its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties also make it useful in the treatment of athlete's foot. Traditionally it has also been used in hair-care products, to alleviate dandruff and to help maintain the natural hair color and prevent greying. Patchouli is also said to be relaxing for the nervous system and can soothe headaches and depression.

Magical use
Patchouli features prominently in various love philtres and amulets to attract love. However, as noted above, this magic only works on people who like the smell.

Most pennyroyal incidents involve the use of pennyroyal essential oil (generally used for therapeutic or homeopathic purposes or as an insect repellent), which is so potent that it should be considered a poison. In the interest of safety, never use pennyroyal essential oil for anything unless you are familiar with working with it.

Obviously, there are good reasons to leave pennyroyal oil alone. However, the pennyroyal plant itself, as the most pungent member of the mint family, may have several good uses around your house.

Pennyroyal is one of the most powerfully aromatic mints. The Latin name 'pulegium' hints at its earlier use as an insecticide, especially for fleas, (Pulex is Latin for 'flea'). Once upon a time it has also been used for culinary purposes, especially in hogs stuffing, but modern tastes have changed and it is no longer considered very palatable. Pennyroyal yields an essential oil, but this has been mostly withdrawn from sale since it was deemed too dangerous. Pennyroyal has always had symbolic sexual connotations and was once commonly used as a lewd metaphor for female pubic hair and illicit sexual affairs. It is reported to have been included in the ritual drink known as Kykeon, the sacramental brew served during the celebrations of the Elysian mysteries in ancient Greece.

Medicinal: Pennyroyal can be used as a digestive aid to relax the stomach and intestines and soothe colic pain and flatulence. It is also a powerful diaphoretic and can be used at the onset of a cold or flu. However, Pennyroyal is most famous for stimulating the uterus and for bringing on delayed menstruation. It has a reputation as an abortifacient.

NOTE: Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Magical: This herb can be used to celebrate the mysteries of Demeter and Persephone.

Pines embody the essence of resilience and determination, an arboreal image of 'mind over matter'. Growing among rocks and stones in inhospitable places where there is almost no soil, exposed to wind and weather, they inspire us to rise above difficulties and persist against the odds. Their resinous aroma elevates the spirit, clears the mind and makes the feet move lightly along the path. Their crowns waving gently in the sky above, they exude a lofty air of serenity and spread a sense of inner peace, tranquility and calm.

Those who are worn with fatigue and stress should make ample use of the refreshing and invigorating power of pines. In mythology Pines are commonly associated with the dwellings of fairies and gnomes. They symbolize humility, good fortune and prosperity, fertility and protection. Their evergreen needles are a certain indication of a potent life force. In the olden days, farmers sought to transfer this vital energy and protect their animals and kin by pinning some branches above the doors to ward off witchcraft, misfortune, disease and even lightning.

Infused into oil the needles are good for muscle aches and pains, rheumatism and arthritis, neuralgia, stiffness etc.

As a Tea they are also useful for respiratory problems like sinusitis and make a wonderful addition to a bath at the onset of a cold or flu, especially when one is feeling achy.

They stimulate the circulation and is useful for numbness, nervous exhaustion, fatigue and listlessness.

Both Broadleaved Plantain (Plantago major) and Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) are among the most common weeds and frequent found roadside companions. Originally an herb of temperate Europe, they seized the opportunity to travel with the European explorers as they set out to conquer the world. So closely did the two become associated that native people from North America to New Zealand named the new herb 'White man's Foot print', for it grew wherever the Europeans had set foot. Unlike some of the other new herbs though, the Native people appreciated this newcomer for its healing virtues, which they had soon figured out. Somewhat more respectfully they started to call it Snake Plantain for its ascribed power of healing the bites of venomous snakes (rattlesnake). A piece of the root carried as an amulet was hoped to prevent being bitten, but failing that it would be handy as a remedy in case of a mishap. In Burma a bunch of the herb was fastened to a pole, which was carried on long journeys as a magical means of protection against all evil that may be lurking by the wayside.

Medicinal:
Both Plantains are used medicinally, although modern practice tends to use Broadleaf Plantain externally for bites, stings, burns and minor cuts and wounds as well skin afflictions. The juice can be applied directly, or the herb may be prepared as a plaster to treat boils, carbuncles and tumors. Ribwort Plantain tends to be used for internal afflictions of the respiratory system, asthma, cough, catarrh congestion etc. It is also used for diarrhea or afflictions of the urinary tract. It has a soothing action and astringent action on the mucous membranes.

Magical
Plantain is the protector and companion of the journeyman. Worn as an amulet it protects against the hidden dangers of travel - such as snake bites and insect stings. In Ireland it is associated with St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland - interestingly, St. Patrick is also associated with averting snakes.

Shamanic Magical Use:
This is the plant of Helheim, the land of the Dead. Its shamanic uses are many and varied and rather subtle. First, it can create a certain amount of invisibility for a short period of time. Notice how the weedy plantain manages to make itself so inconspicuous? That's a power that you can harness, especially if you are journeying or path walking. Second, it can be used in recels to speak to the ancestors, or to find your way to the Helvegr. Its name "waybread" echoes this usage - waybread will help you find the way.
If you actually manage to get yourself astrally wounded, plantain is the plant to resort to. In some cases, it can even save you from astral death, if your body is still healthy. Its regenerative gift of bringing flesh back to life doesn't work on the physical plane, but I suspect that it works on other planes.