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American Mandrake is indigenous to North America, and was once a traditional Native American remedy. Today, the very potent root is only used in external preparations for skin health and in wart preparations.

Modern medicine has found compounds in the rhizome that are useful against cancer and it is used in the treatment of genital warts and skin cancers in Asia.

It is also under study for use against dropsy, dyspepsia, biliousness, and various liver conditions.

The whole plant, apart from the ripe fruit, is highly poisonous in large doses. American Mandrake herb produces nausea and vomiting, and even inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which has been known to prove fatal. In moderate doses, it is a drastic purgative with some cholagogue action.

Do not use while pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive.

Mandrake root is a legendary herb once believed to have magical powers because of its phosphorescent properties – the early morning dew sometimes gives the plant a glowing pale light

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The root is used in powerful protective magic. Mayapple is extremely irritating to the eyes and Mayapple root is used in spells to keep things (like diaries, books of shadows, etc.) hidden from prying eyes. The powder can be sprinkled around the storage area or on the object itself, or around the perimeter of an area where you do not wish to be disturbed. (Remember that Mayapple is a topical poison while doing this. Take care not to let the powder sit on your skin or come in contact with your eyes.)

Kept in a high place in the home, Mayapple root is said to draw prosperity to the home and protect it from bad luck.

This herb is commonly used as a substitution in spells calling for European Mandrake (mandragora)

Not an airy-fairy, dainty little flower, as the name might suggest - the archangel herb Angelica has a powerful presence that demands attention when one happens upon one in the woods. Angelica is one of the few herbs that have migrated south. It originates in the far north of Lapland and Siberia, where it enjoys a cult status that far predates the Christian era. In the North it is considered an ancient power plant that protects against all evil and was carried as an amulet to ward off any form of wicked sorcery. During the dark ages, when the Black Death ravaged Europe, Angelica was highly revered for its powers to protect against this merciless killer. According to the old legend, the Holy Ghost itself visited a sleeping monk and revealed Angelica's protective powers in a dream. Doctors, who were constantly at risk of infection, protected themselves by placing a piece of the root underneath the tongue. Considering the numerous impending threats from infectious diseases today, it might be worth remembering this half-forgotten use of Angelica root. Since the Black Death has subsided Angelica has lost some of its reputation. Today it is not much used at all, except in old fashioned candies or as an ingredient of herbal liqueurs. It should not be allowed to sink into oblivion though, for it has many useful properties as a general tonic and strengthening herb, especially for the digestive system. Medicinal : It is indicated for colds, coughs and flu like infections, and has a reputation for curing old, entrenched coughs like few other herbs can. It has also been rumored that Angelica may have, wholly un-angelic, aphrodisiac properties - (though some authors claim the opposite, that it may quench desires of the flesh, but this is probably more due to a deduction from its name rather than its actual virtues). Angelica has long been an ingredient in herbal liqueurs such as vermouth and chartreuse, though old herbals also recommend it as a remedy to cure an unseemly liking for spirits and alcohol. Magical The majestic Angelica is a prime protector against all manner of demons and diseases, in short, a shield against all evil. It also gives courage and brings calm to those pained by fear and anxiety. Like a guardian angel, angelica provides inner strength and guidance. It promotes self-confidence and radiates a glow of health and happiness.

Ashwagandha, an inconspicuous weed and member of the potato family, is one of the best kept secrets of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners value it highly as an excellent tonic that can be used safely for the same conditions as Ginseng and to strengthen the entire system. It has a long established reputation as rejuvenating tonic and aphrodisiac herb. Numerous 'herbal viagra' substitutes include ashwagandha in their formula.

Traditional: It is rich in iron and very useful for anemia. It is particularly recommended for the elderly and during convalescence when recovering from a state of debility and is even said to be useful in slowing or recovering memory loss and to slow the greying of hair. It lowers the blood pressure and promotes deep and restful sleep, which is useful in cases of nervous exhaustion, insomnia and stress related conditions. It can be employed as a supportive remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome and MS, and is indicated for muscle aches and pains, especially when accompanied by low grade fevers. It is also said to be effective for rheumatism and arthritis type pains as well as for lumbago. Furthermore, it is also used in urinary and respiratory complaints, chronic coughs, bronchitis and even emphysema as well as for painful urination. Ashwagandha is hailed as an excellent aphrodisiac, though its action is not immediate. Rather, it acts as a tonic for sexual and reproductive disorders such as lack of libido and seminal debility by increasing strength and energy levels. Best results for this use can be noticed after about one month of continued use. In controlled studies Ashwagandha has also shown some very interesting anti-cancer action, retarding the growth of cancerous cells and improving recovery rates after chemo- and radiation therapy. Considering its universally useful potential, it is amazing that this humble herb is not better known and more widely utilized.

Magical: Ashwagandha has a mythical reputation as a herb of longevity and an elixir of life. It is useful for all who wish to strengthen their Chi, the vital energy of the body. It helps to cope with excessive stress and will strengthen the power of endurance. It sharpens mental powers and enhances the memory and will be a valuable aid to those who are studying. Last, but by no means least, its aphrodisiac powers will be appreciated by those who practice tantra or sex magic.

Astragalus, a member of the pea family, started to make an appearance in Western herb shops some 15 years ago, yet, it is still not widely recognized or used, except by those studying Chinese Medicine. Astragalus, like many amazing Herbs of Asian medicine, is another well kept secret.

Traditional:
Also known as Huang qi - 'yellow leader', traditional Chinese medicine regards it as one of the most useful tonics, especially for young people.

It stimulates and strengthens the immune system and promotes the production T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is vital to the proper function of the body's defense mechanisms. Thus, Astragalus is recommended in all kinds of chronic infections and diseases that compromise the immune system, such as AIDS, Lupus, ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It can help to reduce spontaneous sweating or night sweats, which are often symptomatic of such conditions.

Astragalus is also highly recommended to aid recovery from chemo- and radiation therapy and in Chinese medicine it is used as a blood tonic and metabolic stimulant.

It acts as an antiviral, diuretic, and vasodilator, which has the effect of increasing blood flow, warming and energizing the system while reducing the blood pressure. Astragalus is a very versatile tonic that can be combined with other herbs to support a specific system or used as a general tonic by itself.

Magical:
Astragalus is an excellent protective herb, especially against the demons of disease. It can be used to boost Chi and re-establish equilibrium.

"Beautiful Lady" is the translation of this very misunderstood herb... Belladona aka "Deadly Nightshade" is a member of the Solanaceae family (Nightshades) it has garnered a bit of an interesting reputation over the years but the fact remains it is at its core an herb and one that can be used for healing as well as harming.

Culpepper has this to say: It is of a cold nature; in some it causeth sleep; in others madness, and, shortly after, death. – Culpeper’s Complete Herbal

So what exactly is the deal with it?
According to WebMD, the way belladonna works is that it has chemicals that block nervous system functions. Belladonna was in the past used in small doses as a sedative, to ease bronchial spasms and as a cold and allergy remedy. It's found in remedies for ointments used for joint pain, sciatica and nerve pain. It's been used to control excessive sweating and been found in hemorrhoid suppositories. It's currently being explored in its potential for treating Parkinson’s, nerve problems and some other conditions.

The medicinal biochemical in belladonna is known as atropine. This tropane alkaloid is extracted from belladonna and a few other plants in the Solanaceae family. According to the World Health Organization it's an important ingredient in many pharmaceuticals. It's used in anesthesia to decrease mucous secretions and keep the heart pumping normally.

Atropine is used as a poison treatment because it can block or reverse some of the more adverse effects of certain medicines and pesticides. It's ironic how nature works in letting us derive a poison antidote from a highly poisonous plant.It's also used in medicines to dilate the pupils. In fact, this particular use may be how the plant got its name belladonna, which means “beautiful woman” – young ladies of ancient Rome would use it to dilate the pupils to make their eyes alluring and bewitching

Magical:
The name “Atropa” is from “Atropos”, one of the Greek Fates. It is she who would cut the thread when it was time to end a man’s life.

Because of its toxic nature, belladonna has been used in many death potions, hexes and curses. It's closely associated with the underworld, and used to consecrate and charge tools used to commune with spirits, or in incenses to attract the dead (never burn belladonna indoors and never directly inhale-- in fact, it's best to skip it and use a safer alternative).Belladonna was also occasionally found in beauty spells and potions. There's a legend from the Middle Ages that says the plant was actually an enchanted being and on certain nights it would transform into a beautiful woman who would then lure men to their deaths.

The most well-known use by far, however, is its use as an ingredient in so-called ‘flying ointments’. Folklore tells us these ointments were used by Witches to fly on sticks (or more modernly, broomsticks); however, in reality it is suspected that these ointments were used by ancient shamans and Witches to induce a trance state and astral projection-- a whole different type of 'flying'.

Some say that it was applied vaginally by use of a broomstick handle-- though I question that claim. First because witches weren't even associated with brooms (look at all the paintings and sketches pre-18th century; they're on sticks, not brooms). Second, because it just sounds like an awkward way to apply a lotion.

A lot of these flying ointment recipes have survived until today, with other poisons such as datura and henbane. I recommend you do not use them as these plants can make you permanently mad (if they don't kill you first). There are much safer alternatives to promote astral projection.

In Christian folklore, the devil loved belladonna so much he would guard it most of the year. The only safe time to harvest or kill the plant without enduring his wrath was on May Eve, when he was called away for the 'witches sabbats'.

By some accounts, belladonna was sacred to Bellona, the Roman Goddess of war. This may be another possible root of the plant’s name. Priests of Bellona would drink a belladonna infusion before prayers and meditations-- which no doubt gave them a number of visions (mostly hallucinations, I’m guessing).

By other accounts, it was sacred to Circe, an enchantress or (in some depictions) a Goddess of magic, who was widely known for her expertise with potions and herbs. She was known for using her herbs to transform people who crossed her into animals. If you've read the Odyssey of Homer, the crew comes across Circe's island in their travels. She feeds them but it's laced with potions that turns them into swine.

NOTE: Atropa is Poisonous.... Medicinal information is included as historical use... do not ingest!

Native Americans of the Eastern United States highly valued this delightful, conspicuous member of the Buttercup family with its tall flower spike that rises brightly from the thicket of the forest floor. The first settlers soon learned the benefits of this amazing herb and used it as the Natives taught them, for muscular aches and pains, and, most importantly, as an excellent regulating herb for 'female complaints'. Black Cohosh rose to fame with the Eclectic branch of medicine, which valued it highly, but almost sunk into oblivion when the eclectic fad faded away. However, it was noted by some Europeans who took it back to England and Germany. The English planted it in their gardens, while the Germans took it to the laboratory. Thus the knowledge about this wonderful healing herb was preserved even though here in it's native land it had been all but forgotten, until recently. As baby boomers are confronted with the first signs of menopause they are looking for alternatives to the conventional hormone replacement therapy and Black Cohosh is one of the best herbs to fit the bill.

Traditional
Black Cohosh is one of the best herbs to ally menopausal discomforts, hot flashes, irregular cycle etc. Under close medical supervision it is also of great service as an aid to parturition that can regulate contractions and eases the pain of labor. Black Cohosh is also an excellent nervine and offers pain relief from general rheumatic pains, such as arise from changing weather, or those that are associated with the flu. Nervous tension, ocular muscle strain and associated headaches can benefit from the use of Black Cohosh.

Magical
Sacred to the great Goddess Black Cohosh is used in the female mysteries. Black Cohosh is an ally for women at the initiation into the 3rd phase of womanhood. It offers protection and inner guidance by connecting body and soul. It can be used to assimilate the wisdom of the wise wound and draw upon its creative power.

Made with Rye Vodka extraction of Black Cohosh Root

Black cohosh tincture may help address some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)‚ such as menstrual cramps or bloating. Additionally black cohosh is used to relieve mild menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, or trouble sleeping.

Since ancient Greek physicians prescribed blackberry for gout, the leaves, roots, and even berries have been used as herbal medicines. The most common uses were for treating diarrhea, sore throats, and wounds.

According to some English folklore, passing under the archway formed by a bramble branch will cure (or prevent) all manner of afflictions, including hernia, ruptures, pimples, and boils. This has also been used as a remedy for “downer” cows. (I have not found a description of this last healing rite, but I suspect it involves passing the archway over the cow rather than dragging a cow under it.)

Celtic lore said that blackberries were fae fruit, and thus bad luck for people to eat (but blackberry wine was somehow still okay!) Mythology relating both Christ and the Devil to blackberries also made them taboo eating.

According to some Christian lore, Christ’s crown of thorns was made of brambles; thus, the berries were turned from red to black.

Another tale says that Lucifer landed in brambles when he was cast down from heaven and thus he cursed them so that they would be ugly. It is said that he hates them so much, he stomps on them on Michealmas Day and after that, it’s unlucky to harvest them. Other folklore says this happens on Halloween.

Even so, blackberries were considered protective against earthbound spirits and vampires. If planted near a home, a vampire couldn’t enter because he would obsessively count the berries and forget what he was about.

Due to the caustic nature of Bloodroot we only recommend the use of it for Magical purposes.

Magical Uses:
Bloodroot is a popular protective hex-breaker in Voodoo and Rootwork magic. It is also a marriage protector and aids in promoting harmony with extended family members, especially in-laws and helps prevent people from interfering in your marriage.

Bloodroots vary in color with the darker red to brownish roots being considered male or King roots and the lighter orange to pinkish roots being considered female or Queen roots. Combined in a single sachet of red flannel, these are used to encourage a healthy marital sex life by placing the sachet under the couple's mattress. Likewise, a bit of one of each root steeped in liquor, sometimes in combination with other herbs, is said to ensure sexual potency. After the herbs have steeped for several weeks, strain and drink a shot of the liquor to achieve the desired affect.

Place a bloodroot over your door to encourage anyone who enters to respect your marriage.

If you fear someone is trying to break up your marriage, sew some dried bloodroot into yours and your spouse's pillows. Bloodroot can be carried or placed around the home (very high out of the reach of pets and children) as general protection from negative energy or spells or it can be burned to cleanse an area of negative energy.

Assuming you're not expected to eat it or rub it on your body, bloodroot can be used in place of blood in spells. Dried bloodroot can be pounded into powder and added to water to reach the desired consistency.

Also Known as: Borehog Root, Coon Root, Puccoon Root, Red Paint Root, Red Puccoon Root

A native of Eastern and Central North America, this herb is another women's herb whose secrets we have learnt from the Native Americans. Cohosh is an Algonquin name that is also applied to several other (unrelated) species with similar properties.

Traditional
Blue Cohosh is a specific for easing false labor pains, speeding up parturition and bringing on delayed menstruation. It is a uterine tonic and can even be used in cases of threatened miscarriage. However, Native American women also used it as a contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Blue Cohosh is also anti-spasmodic and can be used for colic, nervous cough and asthma and like Black Cohosh, it is indicated for easing rheumatic pain and fever.

Magical
Blue Cohosh is an herb of the Great Goddess. It can be used to deepen one's understanding of the female mysteries.

Although it is often despised as a weed, Burdock is one of the most useful healing plants. All parts of the plants, root, leaves and seeds are medicinally very valuable. In Japan it is cultivated as a vegetable. The sticky burrs of Burdock provided the inspiration for Velcro.

Medicinal:
The roots in particular have tremendous detoxifying power, a quality also often described as 'blood cleansing'. What that means is that Burdock supports the liver to detoxify and eliminate poisons from the body. Thus, Burdock is often given as a supportive remedy for skin diseases, such as acne, psoriasis or eczema, but its power can be utilized much more broadly wherever a system cleanse is needed!

It is one of the ingredients of the Essiac formula, which is used as an anti-tumor / cancer cleansing remedy.
The root is also very rich in inuline, regulates gallbladder function and is useful in cases of diabetes and liver disease.

Burdock and Nettle root combined make an excellent hair tonic that stimulates hair growth and combats dandruff.

Magical:
In folk magic Burdock was considered a powerful herb that could protect home and stables and played a role in transfer magic. Being so robust it was thought to be able to withstand diseases much better than a feeble human. By sympathetic magic, (being such a hairy creature), it was hailed as a magic remedy that makes the hair grow

Made from 190 Proof Grain Alcohol extraction of Burdock Root, Purified Water (1:2 Dilution) Burdock Root is a “blood purifier”, a diuretic to cleanse the system and eliminate long-term impurities from the blood very rapidly through its action on both the liver and kidneys.

The rhizome of the sweet sedge has long been rumored as a psychoactive substance with possible hallucinogenic properties. However, it seems that it is not Calamus but a similar, possibly related plant that may have such properties- for Calamus this claim has not been substantiated. This confusion stems from a possible mistranslation of a herb's name found in Dioscorides' writings.

Traditional:
Calamus does in fact have stimulating and warming properties that can have a useful therapeutic effect.
Its main application has been in the treatment of stomach complaints and as a detoxifying tonic that rids the body of waste materials
. It is strongly diuretic and can be used in cases of oedema.
Calamus is also reputed to be a powerful nervous system tonic and as a useful herb for the mind and memory. In Tibetan medicine incense containing Calamus root is used therapeutically as a nerve tonic.
Externally, a decoction of Calamus can be added to the bathwater as a stimulating, warming additive, e.g. in inflammatory or scrofulous skin conditions, chilblains and the like and is also said to strengthen feeble children.

Magical:
Although probably not as an entheogen, Calamus has long played a role in magical herbalism. It has been used for protection, especially from snakes and snake bites, as well as from evil spirits. In medieval Europe the leaves were used as a strewing herb whilst the aromatic roots were burnt as incense. It also has a long tradition as an aphrodisiac in both Europe and Asia, and in India Calamus root is considered nourishment for the Kundalini snake.

The first known writing about Chicory can be dated as far back as 4000 years before the Christian era, in Egyptian papyrus. It was a magical plant and was known for bringing success, and it could make one invulnerable, and done with a ritual make one invisible. It was claimed by Paracelsus 17th century alchemist that chicory, after 7 years, turned into a bird.

Medicinal: Chicory root has been used as liver tonic since the time of ancient Rome. Contemporary herbalists still include it in many liver & gallbladder formulas, and also praise its ability to soothe upset stomach and other digestive discomforts. If your digestive system is working overtime, let Chicory root help you get back on track. It encourages proper digestion of food and nutrients, and its bitter principles stimulate healthy digestive function.

Magical:
It has quite a few magical properties, including strength, divination, favors, frugality, invisibility, good luck, frigidity, opening of locks, removal of obstacles, and curse removal. Carried on the person in whatever fashion, Chicory is supposed to remove obstacles in your life Frigidity, curse removal, and strength are evoked by either ingesting the herb in a Tea. Can also be used as an incense to purify items of divination (tarot, etc.)

Shamanic Magical Uses: As it is a “clock” flower, meaning that its blossoms open and close with the sun’s hours, it can be used in spells to speed up or slow down time during path walking, but be careful with this sort of thing. The safest “time shifting” use for it is to sprinkle it as part of a spell as you move from one world to another, willing the time gap on the two worlds to line up together. This may help the time distortion problem when the other world is strongly different from ours time-wise.

Discover the rich flavor of roasted Chicory, a caffeine-free alternative that's perfect for those looking for a unique twist in their beverages. This versatile ingredient is used in stout beers and specialty coffees in India, Africa, and Asia, and can be enjoyed as an alternative to coffee in the U.S. Add a touch of sophistication to your drinks with roasted Chicory!

Many fantastic stories are told about this incredible herb, and its common names, bone-knit, boneset, bruisewort, knit bone and the like attest to its healing power.
Comfrey, a member of the Borage family, has long been a standard first aid remedy in any herbal medicine chest. Yet, recent research by the Henry Doubleday Foundation that studied the viability of Comfrey as a food crop, has brought Comfrey into the crossfire. It was found that Comfrey (though it is unclear which species of Comfrey was tested) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which, it appears, caused rats that had been fed on a diet of Comfrey for 6 months to develop liver cancer. Alarm bells went off everywhere cautioning people to avoid Comfrey and labeling it a dangerous herb.
While pyrrolizidine alkaloids do cause cancer of the liver, it should be mentioned that the quantities contained in a normal dose of Comfrey are extremely small. Most herbalists agree that unless vast quantities were consumed on a daily basis it is unlikely that Comfrey would cause any serious damage at all. After all, Comfrey has been used for generations, both internally and externally, without apparent ill effects and many Comfrey fans continue to swear by it, despite the bad press.
However, such matters are nowadays in the hands of regulators who don't really know anything about herbs. Still, to be on the cautious side, use the leaves for internal use and roots externally and don't overdo it - as Paracelsus said: Everything is poison; it's the dose that makes the medicine.

Medicinal Uses:
Comfrey roots can be applied 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.
The internal use of Comfrey roots is considered unsafe and the traditional application of the root for treating stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and piles, as well as for bronchial afflictions, have been transferred to Comfrey leaves.

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.

Dandelion is probably the most commonly recognized wild flower - every child knows the sunny blobs that appear in early spring and sprinkle the fields with floral sunshine. Their sight delights the heart, for they are a sure sign that spring is near. Only gardeners look upon it with dismay, for their profuse seed disposal and rampant roots that won't be defied not matter how hard one digs at them. From the tiniest bit left in the ground new Dandelions will sprout. But instead of cursing them we should be grateful for their profusion, for there are few more healthful herbs so easy to come by!

Its name Dandelion is an adaptation of Dent de Lion - Lion's tooth, in allusion to the fearsomely jagged profile of the leaf margins. Its other French derived name 'Pis-en lit - 'Piss-a-bed', is not particularly charming, but tells us something about the leaves effects. Children love playing with all parts of this little flower, weaving garlands, or running water through their hollow stems, or blowing their beautifully delicate globe of helicoptered seeds to the winds. Some country folk still remember the healthy virtues of this plant in spring and use it as a vegetable - eating the leaves as salad, roasting the roots as vegetable or as a coffee substitute, and making wine from the flower heads.

Medicinal:
If Dandelion leaves are a tonic for the kidney, the roots are a tonic for the digestive system, liver and gall bladder. Their bitterness stimulates the flow of all digestive juices and bile, but don't use if the gallbladder duct is somehow blocked. The roots dug in the autumn are particularly rich in inuline and are highly beneficial for diabetes. The liver toning properties of dandelion help to clean the blood of impurities and are thus also very helpful as a supportive remedy for skin conditions. Together, dandelion leaves and roots make the best overall spring cleansing herb.

Magical:
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 Maudy Thursday in order to prevent sickness for the rest of the year. Witches are known for their evil doings, such as stealing the milk from innocent cows, but Dandelion in their diet would is sure to restore it. Dandelion is a herb of prosperity, health and protection, and anybody would do well to honor it.

Rye Vodka Extraction of Dandelion Root

Dandelion Root is a cleansing herb that has often been referred to as both a ‘liver tonic’ and ‘blood cleanser’ Dandelion helps with the mechanics of digestion by stimulating one’s appetite and releasing bile to assist with the proper breakdown of foods – especially fats.

The root with the sinister name provides blessed comfort for joint, muscle and connective discomforts. Devil's Claw contains harpagoside and other active compounds, which fight joint stiffness & supports healthy inflammatory response.

The traditional African root also offers vital support for upset stomach, gas, and bloating. Devil's Claw stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and beneficial stomach acids that enhance digestion and help to break down protein and fat.

Magical:
: A Powerful Exorcism and Purification Herb, it is burned on charcoal to cleanse your house of negativity, or when casting a Magic Circle to clear any residual negative energy and create pure space for your magical work.
This is a great herb to burn when moving into a new home to remove the residual energies of previous tenants.
It has powerful protective qualities and as an amulet, placed near door ways, may protect against unwanted intruders.
The seed pods of Devil’s Claw, named for their threatening shape, make excellent protective charms. The shape of the pods is suggestive of protection.

An herb with a common name that has many species ! We use Tephrosia virginiana which is Goat's Rue

Devil's Shoe String was used by various Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Catawba for a wide variety of purposes. It's most notably used today to promote intestinal cleansing and as a mild stimulant tonic. Devil’s Shoestring is a very powerful herb The roots of Devil’s Shoestring is sometimes used medicinally as an antispasmodic, especially to ease menstrual cramps.

Devil’s Shoestring is said to bring luck against any sort of attack when being carried with you. Commonly used in Hoodoo conjure works, it is a multipurpose herb that can be used when bringing luck for a new job, or for “tripping up the devil” by protecting one from harmful energies. Carry Devil’s Shoestring in a white medicine pouch to protect against negative energy or in a green medicine pouch for good luck and fortune. It can also be placed in a bundle above a doorway or fireplace to protect your home. It is said that in the past, Devil’s Shoestring was sometimes worn as an anklet to prevent being “poisoned through the feet”.