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Red Clover is a lovely little meadow herb that is common throughout Britain and Europe. It made its way to North America with the first settlers and once arrived, was readily absorbed into the Materia Medica of Native Americans. Since then it has become so widespread that Vermont adopted it as its official state flower. The sweet little flower heads are particularly popular with bees, bumble bees and butterflies, but the sweetness is not well preserved on drying. Clovers belong to the pea family, which is famous for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. It is for this purpose that it is often planted as ground cover or intermediary silage crop. Foragers usually use it in combination with other herbs since by itself it does not taste of much, but bulks up a meal and adds some valuable nutrients. It can also be mixed with Coltsfoot to make a simple herbal tobacco.

Medicinal: Red clover contains isoflavones, which have a proven effect on female hormones and much has been written about Red Clover as an herb for menopausal problems. However, the research results involving the whole herb are not consistent. This may be due to differing gathering conditions since plants vary in their cycles just like humans do and produce different amounts of certain chemical compounds at different times.

More traditional uses of Red Clover include blood cleansing - especially in connection with skin problems in children, childhood eczema and psoriasis and as an anti-carrhal remedy for cough, bronchitis and whooping cough. Red Clover has a mildly tonic effect on the nerves, which in turn eases indigestion, nausea and headaches. Externally it has been applied as a salve or strong decoction for wounds, ulcers and sores and is reported as a folk remedy for certain types of cancer. It is also used as an eye wash for conjunctivitis.

Magical: Clover is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It has been used both medicinally and magically since ancient times. Although modern folklore has this three-leaved plant being associated with the Christian Holy Trinity, the association of plants with three leaves goes much further back into Pagan times. The ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with their triple Goddesses and the Celts considered it a sacred symbol of the Sun. It is the national flower of Ireland, but the association with St. Patrick is actually more modern. In folk magic Red Clover is used in a ritual bath to attract money and prosperity to the bather and is also used as a floor wash to chase out evil and unwanted ghosts.

The Red Lotus Flower is a stunning and unique flower known for its vibrant red color. It is not only a symbol of purity but also has traditional uses for inducing a state of peace and relaxation, with reported effects of lucid dreaming. Explore the beauty and potential benefits of the Red Lotus Flower today!

Originally the most commonly used species of Rose was the cultivated variety Rosa gallica officinalis, also known as Apothecary's Rose, which has been in cultivation for at least 5000 years. At home in the Middle East, this beautifully fragrant species was highly revered in the ancient world. Today many deep red species of Rose are available to commerce and sold simply as 'Rose' as it is often impossible to tell exactly which species they are derived from. Christianity adapted the Rose as a symbol of the Virgin Mary, but long before then Rose was already celebrated and revered as sacred to Venus/Aphrodite and her female mysteries. The scent of Roses permeated the ancient world: Roses were scattered as strewing herbs across the floor, the bed or dinner table, Rose oil was distilled for use as perfume or medicine and Rose water was popular for cosmetic use and food. Even now, Rose petals are among the most popular potpourri ingredients, and arguably provide the most endearing fragrance for scores of cosmetics - though their use as food and medicine seems to have lost some of its appeal. Rose rapidly conquered sentiments and noses throughout Europe - wherever she went she was met with adoration. She was loved as much by the Greeks and Romans as by the Arabs, who had introduced them to it. In fact, love and Roses seem to go hand in hand - and can frequently be considered synonymous: Rose is THE most frequently used symbol of love. No other flower has won as many hearts throughout the world, nor features as prominently in art, literature or music - how could be otherwise for a flower of Venus/Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, Art and Culture.

Medicinal Medicinally Roses do not play a great role today. In the old days they were valued for their cooling, soothing effect and for their ability to improve the flavor of other medicines. Today it is the essential oil of rose that plays the greatest role as a therapeutic agent. Roses are mildly astringent and can be used in tea blends for respiratory complaints. Externally, they make a good cleansing wash for impurities of the skin or for eye infections. Roses lift the spirit and dispel depression.

Magical Rose petals are an excellent strewing herb for any sacred space, especially when dedicating the altar to Venus/Aphrodite. They can be included in incense blends, magical potpourris, dream pillow, sachets and love charms or in the ritual cup, especially for celebrations of the Great Rite. They can be sprinkled in the bath water for purification, especially in connection with hand fasting celebrations. No ritual of love should be celebrated without Roses

CAUTION: May cause allergic reaction in individuals who are sensitive to herbs of the daisy family.

Yarrow received its Latin name from the Greek hero Achilles, son of the Sea-Goddess Thetis and the mortal king Peleus. Being well-versed in the magic arts, Thetis sought to make her baby invulnerable by dipping him into the river Styx. Thus, no arrow or sword could harm him, except on a small area around his ankle where his mother had held him. She also tried to make him invulnerable by fire, but Peleus disturbed her ritual. Thetis fled back to her father and Peleus gave Achilles to the centaur Chiron for his education. Chiron taught the young lad well, both in the use of weapons and in the use of herbs. He not only became one of the greatest warriors in the war of Troy, but he also staunched and healed many of his men's wounds with the aid of a special herb named Yarrow. In older books Yarrow is sometimes called 'Militaris' for the services it has provided to military men throughout the ages.

In Chinese philosophy, Yarrow is thought to denote perfect balance between yin and yang, the male and female energies of the universe. Thus it is considered most sacred as a divinatory tool for the famous I Ching. Yarrow is a small herb of the daisy family, which apparently pretends to belong to the Carrot family and some older writers actually seem to have been fooled by it. Yarrow has a very aromatic, bitter scent and in the past has been used for brewing ale.

Medicinal: Yarrow is a balancing herb and may be useful in numerous conditions depending on which herbs it is combined with. It is excellent for various inflammatory conditions, such as hayfever, colds and flu or to treat infections of the urinary tract such as cystitis and vaginits. Its bitter principle acts as a tonic for the digestive system and soothes cramps and colic. Yarrow can help to reduce fever and promotes sweating. It is an excellent styptic and can be used to staunch both internal and external bleeding. It can check excessive menstrual flow, help regulate the cycle and is useful during menopause. Externally it can be used to dress cuts and wounds and to soothe inflammatory skin conditions, rashes, acne and eczema. It is also used in hair care preparations as it promotes hair growth and checks dandruff. Yarrow may be used for varicose veins and to revive tired legs and feet

Magical: Yarrow can be used for protection and courage. It is ideal for chakra balancing and to cleanse the third eye. It may also be used for love divination and to attune to the changing balance between yin and yang when working with the I Ching. It may also be used to seal the bond of friendship.