Herbalism and Magick
Did you know that you are magick!? If you honor herbs and their capabilities, this post may be of some interest to you.
My love affair with the healing properties of herbs, and roots began a long time ago. Thinking back to when I was a child with my little knees busted from running and falling outside, makes me giggle. My grandmother, in true medicine woman fashion, would pluck an arm from her huge aloe vera plant, and split it open to reveal the slimy insides, and rub it on my scraped knee to heal the ouch. I was always amazed at how quickly the pain and swelling would dissipate and the blood would stop running. This really struck a chord with me, even as a little girl. My curiosity and natural tendency to explore, learn, and heal, continues to lead me as I journey along as a Wise Woman.
I believe that on the journey of life, all of the steps and even so called mistakes, are all tied into our purpose. Whether we recognize it as such or not.
There have been several more pivotal moments in my life that have urged my healing instincts to surface. My mother jokingly nicknamed me “Dr. Quinn”, which is a reference to an American sitcom from the mid nineties. Dr Quinn, played by Jane Seymore was a healer in post civil war town where no one wanted her there. My mother would laugh aloud every time I would exclaim, “I have an herb for that!”.
Triple Moon Alchemy Herb Shop is my way of contributing to the folk medicine healing community. Magick and Herbalism go hand in hand for many herbalists. Not all though. I believe that everything is connected. We ARE the cosmos. The Universe is a reflection of us and visa versa. Herbal medicine is the medicine of the people. The plants are our elders. They have been here for much longer than humans. They don’t only carry their medicinal qualities, they carry magick! If you are unfamiliar, let me help guide you.
Below is a list of herbs used for healing and also for magick. This list is focused on the natural healing properties of the herb, the planets, zodiac signs, and energy that it carries with it.
What are your favorite “go to” herbs? How do you prepare them? I would love to know!
Many Blessing! Ase.
Chamomile, Chamomilla recutita
German Chamomile, is sometimes called the Wild Chamomile. The flowers of the German Chamomile, though aromatic, have a very bitter taste. Chamomile has been used for centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, treatment for fevers, colds, stomach ailments, and as an anti-inflammatory, and that's just a few of its uses. Chamomile may be used internally or externally. Historically it has been used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-allergenic.
Chamomile is associated with the Sun, Leo, and the element Water. Luck and money attractor. Used for love and purification workings also.
Calendula, Calendula officinalis
Calendula has been used medicinally for centuries. Traditionally, it has been used to treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eczema, gastritis, minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as sprains and wounds. It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake bites. Calendula has a high content of flavonoids, chemicals that act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxidation produces oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function. Calendula belongs to the same family of plants that also includes chrysanthemums, daisies, and ragweed. Individuals who are sensitive to any of these types of plants may also be sensitive to calendula.
Calendula is associated with the Sun. It can be used in workings that deal with positive outcomes. It can also be used in love potions as well.
Mullein, Verbascum thapsus
Used to treat respiratory ailments as well as inflammation. Its astringent and antiseptic properties help with ear infections, cold and flu care, and bursitis. Studies have found that mullein has antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis -- two types of bacteria found in the lungs and on skin. Mullein is primarily a respiratory herb, although its benefits reach much further than our lungs. The herb is a diuretic and thus can relieve urinary tract inflammation when taken through a tea. It can also be used to decrease inflammation in the bowels, helping to reduce colitis and other issues. Mullein extract infused with olive oil has been used to reduce the inflammation of earaches, sore joints, insect bites and hemorrhoids because of its soothing properties. Simple poultices made out of fresh, mashed mullein leaves and flowers mixed with water can also be used to relieve burns, boils, and sores.
Mullein is ruled by Saturn or Mercury, depending. It is associated with the element Fire. Can be used in workings for protection and guarding. Mullein can also be a substitute for graveyard dirt when none is available.
Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa
Black Cohosh has been used by the Native American peoples for more than two hundred years, after they discovered the root of the plant helped relieve menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause. These days it is still used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes/flushes, irritability, mood swings and sleep disturbances. It is also used for PMS, menstrual irregularities, uterine spasms and has been indicated for reducing inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia.
Black Cohosh is ruled by the planet Pluto and the sign Scorpio. It is associated with the element of Fire. Used in magick to rid negativity from an area or an individual. Black Cohosh is also used as a talisman for courage.
