Gathering your flowers, herbs and plants

Gathering your flowers, herbs and plants

The magickal hours to gather are, three, six, nine and twelve. Make sure your plants are healthy and free from pesticides. Gather your flowers and herbs in a basket or something else handy and open. If you place your plants in a plastic bag for instance, they will become hot and dilute their healing properties. Also if you dry plants that have been placed in a bag they will turn black.

If a plant other than a weed suddenly grows in your garden, take note of it. Things happen for a reason and it may be that you or someone you know is in need of the healing qualities of the plant. It could just be that your garden is in need of healing as well.

Also, jade is good for gardening as is anything green. I sometimes note feathers that have been dropped near a plant and I feel inclined for some reason to pick up the feather and place it in the dirt in front of the plant. I don`t know why.


http://www.geocities.com/gardenwitchry/gardenwitch.html

OILS

Rose Oil


considered an aphrodisiac. 3 main types of roses are used in aromatherapy. They are the French rose, the Provence rose which originated from Persia and the Damask rose originally from Syria or (Bulgarian Rose, Turkish Rose, Rose Otto). The French rose is reputed to have stronger aphrodisiac qualities. Never use Spike lavender, lavandula latifolia is another variety of lavender.
Unlike true lavender, it contains ketones. Ketones are potentially neurotoxic. They can attack part of the nervous system.
Uses: It is a good oil for skin care
A word of warning though. Rose oil should not be used in pregnant women in the first 5 months of pregnancy. It should not be used in pregnant women at all if they have any risk of miscarriage. Rose oil may cause miscarriage in pregnant women.
Composed of:Mainly citronellol, which is a terpene alcohol and 50% paraffin wax. It contains so many components, some of which are not yet identified. Its fragrance cannot be fully reproduced by putting the components together yet. It is a nerve tonic.







Lavender Oil


The lavender oil that is most valuable for aromatherapy is true lavender, or lavender vera, or lavender officinalis or lavandula angustifolia
Composed of: Main components are linalol, which is a monoterpene alcohol and linalyl acetate, which is an ester
Linalol is effective in inhibiting microorganisms without hurting humans. Linalyl acetate is antispasmodic. It also acts as a fungicide.
Uses: true lavender oil is antidepressant, relaxing, balancing and antiseptic. It also offers pain relief. It also boost the effectiveness of other essential oils when lavender is mixed with another essential oil.
Insomnia: 2 drops of lavender oil on your pillow. A massage with 1 teaspoon of any cold pressed vegetable oil and 1 drop of lavender oil. At a few drops of lavender oil to your bath water.
Burns or bruises: apply pure lavender oil directly on the burn or bruise.
Stress: a bath with a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water may help.
Hair loss: 1 drop rosemary oil and 2 drops of lavender oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil may be used as a massage oil for your scalp, use twice daily.
Eczema: apply pure lavender oil on the affected area daily for up to 2 weeks.
Insect bites: apply pure lavender oil directly on the affected area.
Caution: you should NEVER use rosemary oil if you are an epileptic or have high blood pressure.
Caution: If you have asthma never use lavender in a steam, it will start an attack.







Peppermint
(Mentha piperita)


Composed of: mainly menthol and menthone. It also contains limonene, menthene and phellandrene. Menthone is a ketone that in nontoxic in small doses but should be avoided in children below 6 years old.
Uses:
Indigestion: A cup of peppermint tea
Colds: For colds, a steam inhalation (same method as for acne) can help clear the stuffy nose.
Headaches: For headaches, mix 1 drop of peppermint oil and 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and rub on you forehead and temples.
Caution: Peppermint oil can cause insomnia. It is a stimulating oil. Try not to use it at night or for more than a few days at a time as the effect can be cumulative. Peppermint oil should not be used on babies or young children. It can irritate sensitive skin. Overuse of peppermint tea (the herb) is known to cause heart palpitations.







Jasmine Oil


Jasmine oils are reputed to be aphrodisiacs. The best Jasmine oils are from Grass, Egypt and India. Jasmine blends very well with rose. When used as a massage oil it gives a warm feeling to the skin.

Special women's use: used as a uterine tonic. Some people use it in a massage oil during the early stages of tabor. It should be avoided during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy because it can trigger the onset of labor. Also used as a massage oil for period cramps.






Chamomile


There are many types of chamomile in the market. Roman chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla or Chamomilla Recutita) are the true camomiles used in aromatherapy.
Caution:
Artemisia arborescens, a Mugwort, often sold as Blue Camomile can cause abortions because it contains a large amount of Thujone, a ketone making mugwort poisonous.







Roman Chamomile


composed of: esters of angelic and tiglic acids, chamazulene and other components. It is soothing and calming, relieves cramps, spasms and shock It is also used in hair products. It is a good pain killer for dull aching pains.
Uses:
Shock: massage 2 drops undiluted onto the chest region.
Cramps, spasms: apply a few drops undiluted on the affected region.
Dull aching pains: dilute 3 drops in 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and apply on the affected region.
Stress:dilute t1 drop in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and use as a massage oil.







German Chamomile


Composed Of: Contains sesquiterpenes, chamazulene, bisabolol oxide and other components. It is anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic
Uses:
Children`s colic and upset stomachs: blend 1 drop of German chamomile oil in 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Massage the mixture clockwise, never widdershin on his stomach. Nappy Rash: 1 drop of German chamomile oil in 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil and apply on a clean bottom.




Healing Teas and Salves
Flowers and herbs should never be consumed before knowing if they are edible! Some plants are poisonous.



Tisanes (herbal teas) - two teaspoonful of fresh herb per cup of water which includes flowers and leaves, roots, bark,seed, infuse for twenty minutes. Strain and store. Fresh herbs are always the best . If making a rose tea or rose hip tea, use two cups of fresh rose parts. The longer the flower is steeped , the stronger the tea will be.

Take the herbal teas, 1/4 of a cup four times a day. Some herbals Cabot be consumed as much. I know that mint an be heavy on the kidneys and therefore I won`t consume it more than once a day. Children take 1/8 of a cup and infants can receive the herbs through mother`s milk.

Salves - simmer fresh herbs in olive oil. In another pot melt 4 tablespoons of beeswax per cup of oil. Simmer herbs in oil for 20 minutes. When the oil and the wax are the same temperature, then pour together and store in jars. To prevent mold use tincture of benzoin, about 1 ounce per quart.







Oils


St John`s Wort Oil
healing properties: knights on crusades took this with them to treat their wounds. It fights bacteria and infection.
magickal properties: used for banishing and exorcism.
Fill a jar with St. John`s flowers and add olive oil. Leave in the sun until it turns blood red. This oil you leave in the sun because it is a sun flower or herb. When the color is intense, strain and store and use as needed.

Rose Oil
healing properties: for inflammations
magickal properties: associated with friendship,love, deep feeling.
2 ounces of dried rose petals to 1 pint of olive or safflower oil. Place this mixture in a warm place. Let it sit for 2-3 days. Strain and bottle the oil.







A small list of common healing flowers


Tulip- Known as the 'turban flower by the Persians (Iranians). Recognized for love, harmony and beauty.

Lavender- The herb dedicated to Hecate, the goddess of witches and sorcerers. (My favorite herb. I used to gather a bunch, tie them and hang them upside down in places all over the house. Lavender has soothing and restorative properties ( I use lavender aromatherapy when I have headaches or feel under stress). Lavender is also used for protection and purification. I use lavender incense when performing spells to release or rid for meditation.


Healing: use to rid coughs, headaches caused from stress and nerves, a gentle antidepressant, soothes nerves and stress. Also if used as a mouthwash it will improve gums and cure halitosis.

Lily- recognized for purity and fiat lux. This flower is associated with the number six, being a 6 pointed star. This flower is recognized for aiding suffering souls, those that suffered at the hands of humanity.

Lily Of The Valley- An old fashioned name for this flower is Liriconfancy. It is associated with death and the soul.
Healing: reduces high blood pressure. It is used to treat heart failure, congestive of the heart and breathing problems.

Nasturtium- This flower has properties of the sun.
Healing: the oil is used as an antibiotic nonmalignant moulds and bacteria. The leaves are eaten ( a couple ) to disinfect the mouth and throat. It is said that this flower can improve sight. If can cure emphysema if it is used in conjunction with butterbar.

Meadowsweet- Loved by Queen Elizabeth I. She always kept meadowsweet on her floors.
Healing: soothes an upset stomach, for diarrhea. Reduces fever, high blood pressure and disorders of the blood.

Cowslip-
healing: soothes nervous exhaustion, helps with sleeplessness. It is used in some night creams because it has properties to reduce wrinkles.

Oxlip- a cousin of the cowslip is a soporific plant. It gives visions.

Passion Flower- It remains open for three days and it is associated with the number five.
Healing: treats chronic insomnia, neuralgia, shingles, asthma. It is given to patients with Parkinson`s disease and people suffering from seizures and hysteria because it is an antispasmodic.

Pansy -
healing - has anti-convulsive and sedative properties. Given as a sedative for insomnia and for treatment of vomiting.
Spells - used for love potions though I have never made one myself.

Poppy - my third favorite besides the rose and the lavender. Poppy is the flower of sleep and forgetfulness. It is now a token of remembrance and is the official flower for remembrance Day.
Healing - the seeds of the poppy are narcotic and opium is made from it. A tisane is made to cure inflamed chests and throats and asthma and in general respiratory disorders.

Rose - It is said that the rose is formed from a calyx of five sepals. Five as we know is the number of humanity and the shape of the pentagram and if we were to stand with our arms raised out from our body and our legs far apart we would also form a five pointed figure. It is said that the rose is a living sigil for humanity and a living being. The rose throughout history has been depicted as a magickal symbol for royalty, the Madonna figure, associations with "good" occult phenomenon, anything associated with religion and mysticism.
Healing: the rose is a panacea and can treat stomach disorders, kidney and bladder disease, gallbladder, exhaustion,, skin problems and more. It is said that if you cannot find an herb to treat your disorder then try the rose.
Spells - use rose petals to decorate your alter when performing a love or friendship spell
Some rose species with higher concentrations of healing properties : Dog Rose, French Rose, Provence Rose,Cherokee Rose, China Rose, Japanese Rose, Damask Rose, Eglantine Rose

Rose Hip -Has the most medicinal value of the Rose. Rose hips are very high in Vitamin C. Rose hips also contain A, B, E, and K, organic acids and pectin.

Snowdrop- The fairy maid of February.
Healing: an ointment is made from this flower in a caster base to treat frostbite and rough skin.

Rosemary-
healing: heals digestive problems and menstrual cramps. It is also used in some lotions and creams for its anti wrinkle properties. It is good for the skin, hair and scalp.

Primrose -
healing - insomnia, stress, eases the pain of rheumatism and arthritis

Marigold - I always have marigold in my garden and use them in salads
healing - a cleansing plant. Tea made from marigolds are used to treat cancer. Heals ulcers of the stomach and open sores on the skin.

Heather -
spell - Used for solitary healing work. Heather, along with Misletoe, create a powerful healing medicine in both spiritual and physical aspects. It is even being used today in some forms of alternative medicines as a treatment for cancer.

Violet -
healing - has dissolving properties. It is good for eliminating gall and bladder stones.