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Of all the Mallows, Marshmallow was the most highly respected species and the one most commonly used for medicinal purposes. The whole herb including roots, leaves, flowers and seeds are useful and edible and in previous times were regularly eaten as vegetables. Indeed, in Italy and Spain it was held 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 remembering. Not everybody likes their mucilaginous texture though, when prepared as food, except when it comes in the form of Marshmallow candy.
However, Mallow is said to stimulate a different sort of appetite: Mallow seeds sprinkled on the private parts increase the sexual appetite of men, while eating the seeds is said to act as an aphrodisiac for women, which is not surprising since Marshmallow is a herb of Venus.
The overall character of this herb is cooling and soothing, which it achieves by virtue of the high mucilage content.
For internal use Marshmallow should not be boiled or even infused with boiling water since this destroys the mucilaginous properties. Instead the tea is prepared by cold water extraction. Place a tablespoon of the herb or root in a cup and cover with cold water. Leave to infuse over night. Strain and gently heat up the liquid, but do not allow simmering.

Medicinal:
Marshmallow leaves can be used externally as a cooling, soothing, anti-inflammatory plaster, or applied as a healing wash to inflamed or irritated skin. They can be applied to any boils or sores, or other types of hardened swellings. Rubbed on insect bites and swellings they will take away the sting and heat. The ancients claimed that they are effective against the bites of any venomous beast. The softening qualities are excellent for skin care preparations, e.g. as an addition to bathwater or in home made cosmetic preparations. They can cool sore or inflamed eyelids when applied as a compress, or may be used as a gargle for sore throat or inflammatory conditions of the mouth or abscesses. The leaves are a common ingredient of cough mixtures and will greatly aid expectoration and soothe a dry, hacking cough, or one that just doesn't want to go away. Mallow leaves are equally soothing in cases of bladder /urinary inflammation and will soothe the burning sensation of passing water.

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 has also been added to incense mixtures for protection against disease, to enhance fertility and ensure the easy delivery of healthy children.

NOTE: 1/2 Oz Increment!

Medicinally, the leaves of the Laurus Nobilis tree, also known as Sweet Laurel, have been used since the ancient times to treat problems associated with the liver, stomach, and kidneys. They were also used for treating bee and wasp stings. Nowadays, herbalists use bay leaves for treating various health complaints.

Here are some ways in which bay leaves are used today: Coughs & Colds: Placing a cloth soaked in water in which bay leaves have been boiled provides relief from cough, cold, bronchitis and chest infections.

Fever: Bay leaves infusion promotes sweating, breaking a fever, and flu symptoms.

Digestion: Bay leaves are used for treatment of digestive disorders. They reduce flatulence.

Diabetes:
A study was conducted by the Department of Human Nutrition, Pakistan, to test the effect of bay leaf on type 2 diabetes. Forty people with type 2 diabetes were chosen for the study. They were divided into four groups and each group was given different quantities of bay leaf. At the end of the 30-day study, it was observed that all the subjects showed a marked increase in serum glucose. The conclusion was that using bay leaf reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes.
A similar study was conducted at the Department of Medical Technology, Zarqa Private University, Jordan. Similar to the above study, all subjects showed a remarkable decrease in levels of plasma glucose. Bad cholesterol levels also dropped. The conclusion of this study was that bay leaf not only improves insulin function, but also reduces cardiovascular disease risks.

Magical:
Sacred to Apollo, god of healing, poetry, music, light, prophecy, and surprisingly, plague. It is sometimes called Daphne because of the ancient Greek story featuring Apollo. The nymph Daphne was the daughter of the earth, Gaia, and the river, Peneus. She admired the goddess Diana and, like her, enjoyed the woods and hunting. She refused all suitors and wished to remain unmarried, as Diana did. Her father supported her in this. Apollo fell in love with her, but she did not want him. The more he pursued her, the more she ran from him. When he was about to catch her, she asked her father the river for help, and he turned her into a bay tree. Apollo said that if he could not have her for his love, he would have at least the leaves of the tree to decorate his harp and wear as a crown. That's why in ancient times, crowns for military victors were made of bay leaves.

It was used to roof the Temple at Delphi, which was the location of the famous oracle. In modern times, people will inhale the scent of these burning leaves is said to help increase psychic ability. Witches often stuff dream pillows with bay to help encourage divinatory dreams.

This herb makes a nice incense when mixed either with sandalwood (Mercury) or with other Sun substances like frankincense or cedar.

Because of bay leaves' association with love, they are also combined with various other herbs to make a handfasting incense, and it is said to attract lovers, especially men, probably because of the myth about Daphne.

You can make a good oil for dressing candles or blessing musical instruments (which are ruled by Apollo) by crumpling or grinding the herb and infusing them in Sun-warmed oil (sunflower would be a nice Sun oil to use--add a couple drops of vitamin E to help preserve it). Bay leaves are protective of the home and person (when worn as an amulet).

During the waxing moon, wishes can be written on the leaves, which are then burned on the Full Moon to empower the wish.

The graceful birch, lady of the woods, is one of the most sacred trees of northern European traditions. Especially in Scandinavian countries it is deemed as a tree of life. In Britain it is considered sacred to the Maiden Goddess Bridha /Bridget, the shining one who guards over the waters of life. Birch indeed has an affinity with water. Despite its fragile appearance it is a tough and resilient tree, a pioneer tree that fearlessly populates even quite inhospitable places, bogs and swamps where few other trees would set root.

Magically, birch is highly regarded for its life-giving properties. Birch twigs are hung over the stable doors to protect the cattle and ensure the flow of milk. A broom fashioned from birch twigs has special magical powers that can clear out negative energies and to protect against the evil doings of witches.

Folk-magical healing practices recommend birches to restore a failing manhood and to take away the aches and pains of rheumatism, gout and arthritis, usually by weaving a spell into its branches, thus transferring one's own suffering to the tree. The fact that birches were thought to protect against witchcraft did not stop witches from utilizing them for their own purposes and birches were a choice source material for their brooms. Today, the only relict of these ancient believes that has survived, is the custom of using birch as a May-tree, the ever popular symbol of fertility around which children still twine their symbolic dance of life.

Medicinal:
Birch's affinity with water is also responsible for its primary medicinal uses.

Birch leaves are an excellent diuretic that can be used in all kinds of kidney and bladder trouble, as well as oedema and swelling of the joints. However, make sure to drink plenty of fluids at the same time. Birch flushes out toxins from the body and can also be used as a spring cleansing herb to rid the body of accumulated metabolic wastes, especially uric acid crystals. It is an excellent supportive remedy for rheumatism, arthritis and gout pains.

Magical
Birch is sacred to the Maiden Goddess Bridha, the bringer of light. They convey fertility, female power and endurance in adversity, especially with regards to overcoming the growing pains of new beginnings. Birch can serve as a symbol of hope, light and energy that help us get through the dark times. Its affinity with water teaches us to let go of all that is hampering us and blocking our flow.

The mulberry has a long history of medicinal use in Chinese medicine, almost all parts of the plant are used in one way or another. The white mulberry (M. alba) is normally used, but this species has the same properties. Recent research has shown improvements in elephantiasis when treated with leaf extract injections and in tetanus following oral doses of the sap mixed with sugar.

It acts as a Analgesic, emollient and sedative.

The leaves are antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, hypoglycaemic, odontalgic, and ophthalmic. They are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, eye infections and nosebleeds. The Leaves also are used in the treatment of Diabetes.(Type 2)

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.

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

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.

Medicinal:
An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach pains and diarrhea. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds. A decoction of the powdered leaves has been used externally to treat various internal pains, including rheumatism. A weak infusion has been drunk in the treatment of painful joints caused by rheumatism or arthritis.

Magical:
Used to attracts money, healing, love, psychic powers and purification. It's also symbol of power and longevity.
As an incense, it can be used in Wiccanings & baby blessings, in addition to consecrating of magical wands and other tools. >br />To harm a Cedar is to invoke misfortune.
Use in dream pillows for protection.
Burn as an incense during meditation and Scrying.
Keep a mojo bag filled with cedar chips and leave tips in your purse or wallet to draw money.

Medicinal Uses: Comfrey leaves can be used as a poultice for all manner of bruises, sprains, or other damage to the connective tissues, including broken bones and badly healing ulcers and sores as well as for inflammatory swellings. Comfrey leaves are still considered safe for internal use and can be employed to treat stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and piles, as well as for bronchial afflictions. The leaves can also be used to treat problems of the mouth, such as sore, inflamed, or bleeding gums and sore throat or hoarseness.

CAUTION: Large doses of Comfrey over an extended period of time is not recommended.

Magical Uses (Applies to both Leaf and Root): In Medieval times, Comfrey was used in sympathetic magic for healing bones. In modern magical herbalism, it is recommended for safe travels and also to safeguard one's luggage.

Medicinal Uses:
Dandelion Leaves are a tonic for the kidneys. They are a great cleansing herb to use in spring cleansing diets, as they are strongly diuretic and help to flush out all metabolic wastes from the joints and tissues. The leaves can be used as a supportive remedy for arthritis, gout, and rheumatism, as well as to relieve water retention due to heart problems. It is unique in its property of replacing the potassium that is washed away with the urine, as the leaves themselves are very rich in potassium, so no shortage can result. The bitterness present in parts of the plant stimulates the stomach and the digestive juices, though the roots are more specific for this use.

Magical Uses:
Children divine all kinds of oracles by blowing on the seeds - depending on how often they have to blow until the last seed has been taken by the wind they determine the time of day, the number of years until one will be married, how many children one might be blessed with etc. This use of Dandelion as a flower clock certainly explains kid's odd sense of timing. In the old days, Dandelion was an important herb in spring rites, many of which were cleansing and protection rituals. It was included in the 9 herb bundle and it was considered essential to eat Dandelion on Maundy Thursday in order to prevent sickness for the rest of the year. Dandelion is a herb of prosperity, health, and protection, and anyone would do well to honor it.

Made from Rye Vodka extraction of Dandelion Leaf

Dandelion is a well known digestive herb, and a few drops can be taken before meals to prevent gas and after meals for heartburn. As a cleansing herb, that supports healthy liver and kidney function and helps treat UTI's

Echinacea is perhaps one of the best known herbal remedies - it is widely available in all sorts of preparations and combinations. Originally it was a sacred medicine plant of Native Americans, particularly among the Plains Indians, who not only used it for healing, but also as a smoking herb and to make themselves resistant to heat, e.g. in order to better endure the heat of sweat-lodges, or to be able to hold a live coal in their mouth at medicine shows. At first the white settlers largely ignored this remedy, until the Eclectics began to use it, but not to any great extent. But one day a German lay physician, by the name of H.C.F. Meyer urged the most eminent eclectics of the time to take a closer look at one of his concoctions, which contained Echinacea. Eventually, John King gave it a try and soon became convinced of its efficacy, after trying it on his wife who was suffering from cancer at the time. Echinacea seemed to be the only remedy that was effective in slowing progress of the disease and easing her pain. To cut a long story short, Echinacea reached Europe by the end of the 1800 and was most enthusiastically received in Germany, where most studies have been conducted since. Meanwhile, America all but forgot this healing treasure - its fame and glory sunk with the reputation of the Eclectics who had helped to popularize it - until quite recently.

With the recent rise of interest in herbal medicines Echinacea also has been resurrected and today is once again hailed as a panacea. Panaceas have a major disadvantage, however - they sound too good to be true. And thus, before long, some pharmacist comes along with a mission on his mind: to discredit the fabulous claims. That is the current situation - gazillion Echinacea products are flushing the market claiming relief from every conceivable disease - and an equivalent flood of studies that seek to disprove these claims.

A further problem with wonder-drug fads is the systematic decimation of wild plants which are collected in a feverish effort to cash in on the boom. This has happened in America, where a sudden rush on Echinacea has begun to seriously threaten wild stands. Much of Europe's supplies are grown in cultivation within Europe, where the herb has been in popular use for much of the last century.

Medicinal:
So what is one to believe?
Firstly, it is important to understand the mode of action of this herb. Echinacea can be described as an alterative, which explains the many different and seemingly conflicting claims about it. It is an immuno-stimulant, which means that it boosts the immune system to better deal with infections of many varied types, although it is not in itself an antiseptic. It also increases circulation to the capillaries, thus facilitating transportation of white blood cells, which are so crucial in fighting infections. Thus, it is considered an excellent remedy to boost the immune system during the cold season (better as a preventative remedy than as an agent for treating acute infection), or as a remedy to fight chronic inflammation or infection of the urinary system or lungs.

The Eclectics recommended it as a blood purifier. At the time of the Eclectics Echinacea also became a popular remedy for urinary system as well as feverish

infections such as typhoid.

It is interesting to note that Native Americans mostly used it as a remedy for snake bites, for which it appears to be quite effective.
They also used it externally for ulcers, eczema and conjunctivitis and as a gargle for sore throat and mouth ulcers.

Magical:
Although it is known that the Echinacea was an important medicine and magical plant for the Plains Indians, not much is known about the sacred uses of this plant. It played a role in sweat lodge rituals and may have been smoked in the sacred pipe for ritual purposes.

Ointment from leaves is a domestic remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, for use as an emollient, and for applying to wounds. Leaves are more nauseous purgative, also expectorant, diuretic and diaphoretic. The juice of Elder leaves is very effective for inflammation of the eyes, and 'stuffed nose'; and when between two hot tiles and applied to the forehead is very effective to treat nervous headache. Decoction of leaves is good for driving away flies and killing aphides and other insects. A tea made from the leaves and young shoots increases the production of urine and helps to eliminate excess water from the body. In proper dosages it can be used for urinary problems, kidney problems, rheumatic ailments, dropsy, edema, and constipation.

Elder is a relative new-comer in world folklore, holding her place most prominently in European history and mythos where she has been associated closely with the Celtic faerie lands and those similar otherworldly realms of various European traditions. Elder is sacred to many goddess-traditions and especially to the goddesses Venus and Holle. Most popular among pagan traditions modern and old is the myth of the Elder Mother, a spirit who inhabits the Elder tree and holds the power to work a variety of magics in this world.

Among pagan traditions, Elder has held a place of respect. The ability to protect; induce vivid dreams, particularly of the Faerie realms; to heal; and to exorcise or remove negative spells and influences are among Elder’s pagan attributes.

Ginkgo is the great-grandfather of all trees, a living bridge across time, reaching back to the dim prehistoric beginnings of life on earth. Ginkgo belongs to one of the oldest known plant families, whose fossil record goes back some 300 million years. Ginkgoes already colonized the earth before the dinosaurs evolve and many aeons before the first humanoids were born.
Back in those primordial days there were many species of Ginkgo, but they were all swept away in the successive waves of mass extinctions that repeatedly wiped the life from the surface of our planet. All, but Ginkgo biloba, which today is the only species in the only genus of the prehistoric order of ginkgo plants.

Ginkgos are neither deciduous nor coniferous, they actually form a distinct order of their own. Throughout their ancient history they have managed to survive by virtue of their adaptability. Yet, had it not been for Buddhist monks in Japan and Southeast Asia, who held these trees sacred and tended them in their temple gardens, Ginkgoes would be extinct today. Although once upon a time they were widespread throughout the temperate climate zone, today they only survive in cultivated stands. They made their comeback to Europe some 200 years ago and after it transpired that this tree is extremely resistant to environmental toxins and even to radiation the world of science is lavishing new attention on this grandfather tree. In Hiroshima 800 meters from the epicenter of the world's most devastating nuclear explosion, a Ginkgo tree which was believed to have been destroyed like everything else in its surroundings, began to sprout a fragile sprig of hope just one year after the cataclysmic event. Today that sprig has grown into a tree once more, symbolizing hope and the immortal power of nature and life.

Medicinal: In China Ginkgo is well known as a tonic that ensures longevity and vitality. It is an excellent stimulant for the circulation, particularly the peripheral circulation and the flow of blood to the brain, which has proven to be of great service to age related conditions, such as memory loss, loss of nerve function, e.g. ocular degeneration and tinnitus. Numerous pharmaceuticals for age-related conditions today are based on Ginkgo, which are among the most frequently prescribed drugs. Gingko is a powerful antioxidant which kills free radicals and can thus help prevent many conditions that are at least partly caused by these scavengers. In China Ginkgo is also considered very helpful for respiratory conditions and is often prescribed for asthma and allergies. The nuts, which are edible, are considered aphrodisiac, although the effect is more tonic than stimulant

. Magical Considering the survival skills of this ancient tree, it is not surprising that it should have come to symbolize longevity, the undying life-force and hope against all odds. The split nature of its leaves imply a symbolism of duality as opposites are united in one form. Ginkgo nuts are considered an elixir of life and are used to build potency, stamina and virility and are also associated with fertility, More than any other tree, Ginkgo has become the beloved tree of philosophers and poets.

Once upon a time, Ground Ivy as well as many other aromatic herbs were used for brewing ales. Brewing recipes varied, depending on the season. Ground Ivy was especially linked to midsummer brews. It is claimed that it enhances the inebriating effect. Ground Ivy was also regarded as a magical herb of protection. In particular it was used as counter-magic against bad spells that affect the cattle's ability to give milk.

Medicinal:
Ground Ivy is a wonderful, gentle tonic and blood cleansing herb. It stimulates the endocrine system and the metabolism, which is why it was always included in spring cleansing diets and elixirs.
It has traditionally been used to clear chronic or acute congestive conditions of the head and upper respiratory tract, including ear troubles and tinnitus that originate from unresolved ear infection or congestive head colds.
Externally it has also been used as a wash to treat slow healing, festering wounds and sore gums.

Magical:
Ground Ivy increases perceptive powers, and enhances extrasensory perception: auras may become visible, energy fields may be felt, ghosts, spirits and other inhabitants of the Otherworld may become apparent.

Hawthorn leaves, flowers, and the berries have been praised over the centuries for their heart elevating properties. Believed to uplift and strengthen both the physical and emotional heart, hawthorn, as it supports healthy cardiovascular function, was also revered for ceremonial and spiritual purposes.

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.

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

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.

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.