Root / Bark / Wood

Hailed as a wonder-herb from deep within the Amazonian rainforest, Cat's Claw is a scrambling vine that can climb up to 30m high into the canopy. It derived its name thanks to the little claw like protrusions along its stem which indeed look like cat's claws. Also known as 'Una de Gato' (Cat's Claw in Spanish), has long been used as a traditional medicine of the Ashaninka Indians and other tribes of Peru who have employed it for a wide range of conditions. But it was an Austrian Doctor who became aware of this plant and started his own research into its healing properties. His findings were most interesting and suggested that Una de Gato could be usefully employed to treat many degenerative conditions that plague modern life. It did not take long for the fabulous tale of this wonder herb to make its way around the world. Today, Cat's Claw preparations come in every conceivable form, but few places offer the raw inner bark itself.

Medicinal:
Una de Gato can be described as an alterative, a remedy that helps the body to regulate its functions and restoring proper balance rather than affecting bodily systems with some kind of shock effect.
Native people describe it as a gate opener, referring to its properties of clearing obstructions of the gasto-intestinal system. It can therefore be used as a supportive medicine in many chronic conditions, as well as a supportive cancer remedy that helps to alleviate negative side-effects of chemotherapy while supporting the healing process with its own anti-tumor and immune system enhancing properties.
The plant seems particularly useful in the treatment of chronic problems of the digestive system and has helped where other herbs have failed to break patterns of digestive disorders, especially if these involve cramps and convulsions, as the plant has a relaxant effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract

. Cat's Claw has proved useful as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage from scavenging free radicals and showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. While it does not appear to reduce the swelling of arthritic joints, it does reduce their painfulness.

Today it is employed in a wide range of chronic conditions, including stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease and other intestinal and bowel disorders, genital herpes, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer and HIV.

Science has found 4 oxindole alkaloids that Una de Gato has enhance the immune system by extending the half-life of the lymphocytes, the white blood cells responsible for fighting infection, rather than having a direct effect on their proliferation. They also seemed to enhance their actual ability to fight disease causing organisms.

Magical:
Peruvian shamans regard Una de Gato as a balancer that can restore equilibrium to a system that has become unhinged. It clears obstructions from he various channels, physical and spiritual, that block our flow, the harmonious flow of 'Chi' as the Chinese doctors would say. It can help restore the spiritual balance and release old ties that bind.

"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

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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!

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 Magick Circle to clear any residual negative energy and create pure space for your magickal 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.

In the United States Wild Cherry is a common species. It has many close relations, all of which can be similarly used. The cherries themselves are edible and formed part of the original Native American ‘power bar’, made of dried ground meat, nuts, fat as well as dried berries and cherries. Wild Cherry has beautiful wood and a fine grain, which has earned it its marketing claim as ‘North American Mahogany’. It has been cultivated in Central Europe as a superior timber tree for fine wood working.

Medicinal: Herbalists use the inner bark as an antispasmodic to soothe the smooth muscles of the upper respiratory tract. It calms the nerves and reduces the cough reflex, making it especially helpful in cases of asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis. However, Cherry Bark should be combined with other herbs that are better able to deal with the underlying infection. The soothing and relaxant properties make it a very helpful adjunct remedy in other cases of cramping, tension and irritability, especially where these stand in the way of recovery. The inner bark also has a mild bitter quality that aids sluggish digestion and dyspepsia.
Cherokee women used it to alleviate labor pains
. In combination with other herbs it can assist recovery from many conditions, such as hepatitis, urinary irritation, inflammatory febrile diseases, pleurisy, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

If making a tea: Add Licorice root, Orange Peel or Peppermint leaf to improve the taste and to enhance Wild Cherry's effect

Magical:
The wood can be used for making storage boxes for ritual tools or for carving ornaments. Cherry is a threshold plant. It helps one face unconscious fears and deal with whatever ‘monsters’ are lurking in the inner shadow world and prevent one from moving forward on their soul journey. Keyword: Acceptance, Letting go, lust, direction, frugality, favors, invisibility, and magical potency. Burn as an incense while performing divination to enhance the results, or while performing love spells to find a partner.

Red (Female Vitality / Stamina / Energy)
Black (Male Vitality / Stamina / Energy)

Maca helps promote energy & stamina, has been used as a traditional libido tonic, and is incredible for supporting hormone balance

The 2,000 year-old Peruvian vitality secret is out! The legendary Maca root boosts energy and stamina, enhances libido and helps your body adapt to physical and mental stress.

The restorative tonic is also a powerhouse of amino acids, fiber, minerals and other phytonutrients. No wonder, Maca Root is a popular herbal food to boost athletic performance and overall vitality!

Red willow bark is a primary ingredient in most native smoking mixes. This bark is the basic ingredient of traditional Plains Indian smoking mixtures.
Known as the “canasa” to the Lakota, Red Willow Bark is a spiritually important herb within the Native American culture.

Red Willow Bark is seasonal, and is only gathered after hard freezes in the fall and only until the first Thunder sounds in the spring or when the trees sap production decreases. It comes from the inner bark of the Red Osier Dogwood tree. The bark has a sweet woodsy aroma.

Native American uses of Red Willow Bark

• Smoking Mixture: Red Willow can be smoked by itself or blended with tobacco and other herbs like bearberry, osha, and sumac. Used alone*, the bark produces a mild and pleasant smelling smoke; when mixed with tobacco**, this woodsy smelling smoke adds depth to the overall aroma.

• Sacred Pipe: When combined with tobacco and smoked in a sacred pipe, this dried bark has been used to end conflicts between individuals or seal agreements between leaders of different groups. Used with the sacred pipe, Red Willow can also be used to make offerings to the spirits during times of prayer.

*Red Willow smoke is not addictive like tobacco. It has not been found to cause mood alteration or other psychogenic activity.

Ideal season for Red Willow Bark: Winter
Red Willow Bark is an especially popular herb at this time of year, as it is usually gathered during the winter months “when thunder is not present” (or when the tree’s sap production decreases); typically between the first frost and the first thunderstorm of the spring.

Medicinal Uses of Red Willow Bark
Red willow bark is a popular medicinal plant used by Native Americans in many forms. It can be made into tea or tincture, or can be chewed raw. It can also be smoked or puffed like a tobacco or cigarette for effects in the lungs, air passage, stomach, eyes, ears and the bloodstream. Although the effectiveness and safety of red willow bark has not been proven, many Native Americans regularly make use of the plant.

• Remedy for Coughs, Colds and Fevers: The red willow bark is often made into tea as a remedy for colds. It is also used as an emetic for coughs and fevers. The bark is boiled in water, then the decoction is strained and drunk warm.
  According to Fredda Paul, a member of the Passamaquoddy who practices traditional tribal medicine, smoking red willow rolled into a cigarette is effective in cleansing the body and relieving coughs and colds as it goes directly into the lungs and into the bloodstream.

• Relieving Headaches and Migraines: As a relief for headaches and migraines, the red willow bark is usually mixed with wild sage then smoked a couple of puffs at a time every two hours. It can also be taken as a tincture or tea. Apart from relieving headaches and migraines, its relaxing effects help those suffering from insomnia to get a good night's sleep.

• Relieving Nausea: Whether ingested or smoked, red willow bark opens the liver and digestive organs, allowing the settling of a queasy stomach almost instantly. A couple of puffs can help relieve nausea. It is also used by people who just underwent chemotherapy to relieve nausea and promote a better physical state.

• Eye and Ear Medicine: Chewing on the dry bark of red willow can be an excellent medicine for the eyes. It can help heal pink eye or conjunctivitis, as well as improve eye function for those suffering from cataracts and macular degeneration. The bark can also be infused into extra-virgin olive oil. The oil mixture is strained carefully and refrigerated prior to use, then one drop is used to massage the eye or eyelid every morning and evening.