The Herbal

Here begins my ever growing list of herbs I will have listed for you amongst these pages. I am starting out with some of my favourites, and I hope to be adding to the list on a regular basis.

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Description: A medium-sized evergreen tree. Its leaves are ovate and leathery, and its bark is papery and brown. It yields creamy white flowers and olive shaped dark blue fruits.

Growing the plant: It is native to Sri Lanka, southern India and Malaysia, and is also grown with much success in all of India, the Caribbean, brazil and many tropical zones. It likes sandy soil, lots of rain, sun and no less than a 59 degree temperature. It can be grown from harvested stump root systems.

Harvesting the plant: The bark of the tree is commercially harvested. the inner bark of the young tree stems, dried in thin rods, are the most common treatment. Essential oil is also commonly available.

Medical uses: Carminative, astringent, aromatic, stimulant. Dispels nausea and taken for colds and symptoms; a uterine stimulant to assist in women's complaints. The essential oili is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It can deaden the nerve of a toothache and is inhaled for colds and respiration complaints. It has circulatory benefits for menopausal women.

Cautions: Do not use the essential oil internally due to a danger of possible kidney damage. The undiluted oil may cause irritation to the skin, and be sure to avoid it during pregnancy.

General recipe(s): Often used with other herbs to improve the taste of medicines.

A teaspoon of powdered cinnamon in a glass of warm milk is a good remedy for stomach upsets in children; add another teaspoon of cinnamon and one of honey and a healthy dose of brady and it will help an adult with a cold to rest easy.

Spiritual applications: Used in incense for an aphrodesiac, divination, luck, harmony, psychic development, wealth and wisdom.

Correspondences: Anubis, Thoth, Mercury, air, "Yang", fire.

Aromatherapy applications: Encouraged confidence, energy, strength.

Mundane uses: It is a very popular seasoning for cooking and mulling hot drinks; used in pot-pourri and clove/orange pomanders.

Lore of the plant: The Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon for a variety of applications including perfumes and cosmetics. Medicinally, they used it for applying to and bandaging wounds, making use of its antiseptic properties. Religiously it was used in incense recipies and for aroma/fumigation in the temples. It was used in mummification along with other spices, resins and herbs. The pharaoh often gave measures of cinnamon to the temples as revenue. It was a valuable, imported commodity. Mundanely, the citizenry used it to fumigate their houses and clothing, adding a sweet scent to their homes and persons.

Myth has it that it was an ingredient in a holy ointment Moses made.

Lavender

Description: Grey to violet flowers, grey-green foliage; many species ranging from herbs to shrubs; native to Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Growing the plant: Hardy shrub; likes full sun and is undemanding of soil, other than the requirement of good drainage. Cut back in fall or spring. Propogates better from cuttings than seeds.

Harvesting the plant: Flowers gathered before they open; harvest from early summer thru early fall.

Medical uses: Alleviates depression and stress-related headaches, strengthens the nervous system and promotes sleep. External application of the oil as a liniment for rheumatism. Antiseptic, anti-bacterial, Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressent, rubefacient, antiemetic, nervine.

Cautions: Do not take oil internally. Do not use high doses during pregnancy.

General recipe(s): 1 cup of hot water over 1 teaspoon of herb, infuse for 10 minutes. Ingest up to 3 times a day.

Spiritual applications: For happiness, love, peace, protection, purification, aprodesiac, divination, consecration, gentleness, good luck, keepint secrets, magic, memory, money, psychic development.

Correspondences: Mercury, air, gemini, virgo, aquarius

Aromatherapy applications: It encourage security, clarity, comfort, acceptance and emotional balance; it is for emotional healing.

Mundane uses: An infusion may be used as a fragrant hair rinse; a "tea bag" in the bath water makes for a relaxing bath; by itself or with rosemary it may be used in dream pillows to help with restful sleep; sachets deter moths and other insects and it will gently scent clothing at the same time; it may be used in cooking to flavor sugars for baking, as well as flavoring vinegars, jams or marmalades.

Lore of the plant (some of which applications are more obviously here say than others): Romans used it in bathwater. It was believed that the Egyptian asp laired in lavender plants.

It was an ingredient in "Four Thieves' Vinegar" which provided immunity for those who robbed plague victims.

Sprinking lavender on your head was an aid for maintaining chastity. It was also considered to have aphrodisiac powers.

It was a favourite plant grown in monastery gardens for hundreds of years.

Lemon Balm

Description: Bushy perennial; rough-textured, saw-toothed leaves, pale yellow or white flowers. Strong lemon scent.

Growing the plant: From southern and central Europe and grows in northern temperate zones well. Likes sandy soil and full or partial sun. It may be grown from seed, but propagates more readily by division. Reseeds itself; the seeds need light to germinate. (So press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them when planting.)

Harvesting the plant: Use the leaves. Fresh are better and maintain more of the plant's beneficial properties. If you harvest the plant to dry it, do not crumble the leaves until you are ready to use them.

Medical uses: Anti depressant, sedative, carminative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, hypotensive, anti-emetic, aromatic, hepatic, nervine, tonic. A crushed fresh leaf will give relief to an insect bite.

Cautions: Used it in moderation; allergic reactions are known to occur. Avoid it if you have thyroid problems.

General recipe(s): 1-2 tsp in 1 cup of hot water; steep 10-15 minutes.

Spiritual applications: It is a spiritual pick me up; used in incense for gentleness, psychic development, love and release.

Correspondences: Jupiter, fire.

Aromatherapy applications: As a sedative and relaxant for the body; calms the mind.

Mundane uses: It may be used as an insect repellent and has wide culinary use with poultry, fish, salads soups, liqueurs and wines. As an ingredient in dream pillows it gives sweet dreams.

Lore of the plant: Allegedly, in its tea form it gives longevity and prevents baldness.

An infusion added to the bath is said to bring on menstruation.

"Melissa" is a Greek word that means "bee". (Bees do love the plant.)

Thomas Jefferson grew lemon balm in his gardens in Monticello.

Lemon Grass

Description: A tender grass-like plant with a distinct lemon scent.

Growing the plant: It likes well drained, fertile soil and plenty of water. It grows only in warm regions and will not tolerate the cold.

Harvesting the plant: Use the leaves, young stems and essential oils. Take the young stalks while they are still tender.

Medical uses: Externally only, the oil is antiseptic and will relieve rheumatic pain, ringworm and scabies. Many sources say not to take even a decoction internally, but others say that the tea has sedative and analgesic properties. In the Caribbean it is used to control fever.

Cautions: Once again, it is generally advised that one not take lemongrass internally in any form. The oil may case irritation to the skin.

General recipe(s):

Spiritual applications: In incense for clairvoyance, honesty, psychic development.

Correspondences: Sun, fire.

Aromatherapy applications: Eases stress, uplifts, helps in balance.

Mundane uses: Used in Thai and southeast Asian cooking -- it adds the taste of lemon without the citrus bite. The oil can be used to scent soaps; treats large pores and is a scalp conditioner. It repels insects and is used in potpourri and sachets to freshen rooms. Used as a tea in the bath it provides a stimulating wash.

Lore of the plant:

Lemon Verbena

Description: Tender, deciduous shrub. Lemon-scented with spear-shaped leaves. Native to Chile and Argentina. Grown in temperate regions of Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

Growing the plant: Propagates from cuttings in late summer. Likes full sun or partial shade; prefers fertile loam.

Harvesting the plant: The leaves. The essential oil also has uses.

Medical uses: Taken as an infusion for digestion and as a mild sedative.

Cautions: The oil may sensitize the skin to sunlight.

General recipe(s):

Spiritual applications: In incense for happiness, harmony, brightens the spirits, psychic and physical protection, spell-breaking.

Correspondences: Venus, air.

Aromatherapy applications:

Mundane uses: Used in lemon-scented sachets. It deters insects. For culinary purposes it is used in iced drinks as a garnish, as well as in jellies, custards and salads (fresh is best). Also it adds spice to meat and poultry stuffings. As an infusion in the bath it is stimulating. A strained infusion in the final rinse of laundry will freshen linens.

Lore of the plant: In the Colonial and Civil War eras, it was used in perfumes and tussie-mussies.

Rosemary

Description: Evergreen shrub with many-stalked stems, pale blue, dark blue or pink flowers, needle-like leaves. Native to the Mediterranean.

Growing the plant: Likes light, well drained soil; full sun to partial shade; propagates by cuttings taken in summer. Grows well near sage and yarrow.

Harvesting the plant: Leaves and flowering tops, gathered through summer, especially during the flowering time. The Essential oil is distilled from the leaves.

Medical uses: Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, rubefacient, parasiticide, anti-microbial, astringent, emmenagogue, nervine, stimulant, antiseptic. External use for muscular pain (as oil); sciatica and neuralgia; stimulates hair follicles.

Cautions: Avoid rosemary if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant. Not to be used in other than incidental quantities internally, especially the oil. Avoid if epileptic. Safe in culinary quantities.

General recipe(s): 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of herb; infuse 10-15 minutes and drink up to three times a day. Use for depression with skullcap, kola and oats and headaches with chamomile. Leaves cooked in wine or salve are useful for external treatment of rheumatism, eczema, bruises and wounds.

Spiritual applications: In incense it is useful for exorcism, healing, purification, consecration, meditation, memory, protection, water rights, wisdom, strength.

Correspondences: Sun, fire, Leo.

Aromatherapy applications: Encourages energy, clarity, confidence, purification, awareness.

Mundane uses: Culinary uses with lamb, stews, casseroles, vinegars, oils and dressings; an insect repellent in sachets (often with lavender); stimulating in the bath.

Lore of the plant: It is said to keep away bad dreams and has a reputation for improving memory and uplifting spirits.

One myth says that it sheltered the virgin Mary during her flight into Egypt and that the white flowers changed to the blue of her cloak.

It is a symbol of remembrance at weddings, funerals and xmas.

Rosemary won't grow in the gardens of evil people. (Imagine my relief when I got a plant to take after several tries!)

Greek students wore rosemary garlands to take exams.

Burned in sick chambers to purify air and strewn in law courts to protect against typhus.

Prospero Alpini found rosemary in the wrappings of a mummy in Cairo, Egypt.

Rue

Description: Rounded, divided green/blue-green folliage, yellow flowers June thru August, 18-36 inches tall. Native to southern Europe/northern Africa. Perennial.

Growing the plant: Likes full sun and is undemanding of soil; propagates from cuttings, division and seed.

Harvesting the plant: Collect the dried aerial parts before flowers open in spring and summer. Beware when handling Rue: it can cause severe irritation in many people.

Medical uses: Be aware that rue is considered dangerous and poisonous by some sources and should be used in low doses if at all. Regulation of menstrual cycle; abortifacient (oil), anti-spasmodic, emmenagogue, anti-tussive, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, bitter, rubefacient, stimulant. A fresh leaf chewed will relieve tension headaches, ease palpitations and anxiety-related problems.

Cautions: Again, this plant is considered poisonous by some: use with extreme caution. If you have any doubts or concerns, DO NOT use it at all. Avoid during pregnancy; do not touch the fresh plant with bare hands as it causes rashes in many people.

General recipe(s): 1-2 tsp of herb in 1 cup of hot water, steep 10-15 minutes.

Spiritual applications: In incense for consecration, love, magic, protection, psychic development, growth, psychic protection.

Correspondences: Saturn, earth

Aromatherapy applications: None.

Mundane uses: As an insect repellent; an infusion of the herb is said to eliminate worms.

Lore of the plant: As the "herb of grace", sprigs are used to sprinkle water at Sunday mass.

Supposedly provides protection versus witchcraft and spells.

The Egyptians of Prospero Alpini's time used the oil and variations for additives for massage remedies.

The name rue comes from the Greek "reuo" which means "to set free".

Thyme

Description: There are 350 species of thyme which very in color, texture, scent and taste.

Growing the plant: All thymes prefer sun and it's only requirement of a growing medium is well drained soil. It propagates from cuttings, layers and seeds.

Harvesting the plant: Collect leaves and flowering stems early to late summer when it's dry. Strip the leaves off when dried or use the herb fresh.

Medical uses: Carminative, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, astringent, anti-catarrhal, diaphoretic, tonic, vulnerary, uterine stimulant.

Cautions: Do not use medical doses while pregnant. Do not use in large quantities or for long periods of time. Do not use if you have thyroid problems.

General recipe(s): Dilute oil in sunflower (or a similar vegetable oil) and rub on chest for infections or use as a massage oil for rheumatic pain. Tea may be made with 1-2 tsp of herb to 1 cup of water, steep for 10-15 minutes.

Spiritual applications: In incense for clairvoyance, confidence, psychic growth and development, money, magic, protection

Correspondences: Venus, air

Aromatherapy applications: Encourages balance, warmth, courage and alertness.

Mundane uses: Culinary use with meats, stews, soups and casseroles. Thyme makes a good rinse in dark hair; it is a conditioner and treats dandruff. It may also be used as an insect repellent and for a linen rinse.

Lore of the plant: It symbolized courage to the Greeks and was a Roman remedy for melancholy.

Hippocrates valued thyme highly, and it was burned in Greek temples and may have been used in fummigation against disease.

The Egyptians used it in medicines (in one particular documented remedy for female genitalia complaints) and likely in cooking.

It was used as a favor by Medieval ladies, given to their chosen knights for courage.

Yarrow, Milfoil

Description: Flowers white or pink up to 24 inch stalks with feathery, finely divided leaves. Related to the daisy. Perennial.

Growing the plant: Undemanding of soil, except that it requires it to be well drained; poor to dry is all right. Propogates by cuttings, root division and seed. Takes full sun to partial shade and can be invasive. At the end of the blooming season, cut it back to the ground.

Harvesting the plant: Aerial parts from early summer to early fall when in full bloom.

Medical uses: Diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal, emmenagogue, hepatic, tonic, anti-inflammatory. External help in healing wounds.

Cautions: Avoid during pregnancy. Do not take it for extended periods: it causes vertigo and headaches from over exposure. It can also sensitize the skin to sunlight.

General recipe(s): 1 cup of boiling water to infuse 1-2 tablespoons of herb for 10-15 minutes. Drink hot up to three times a day; hourly when feverish. For high blood pressure it may be used with hawthorne, lime blossom, and mistletoe; for fevers with elder flowers, peppermint, boneset, cayenne and ginger.

Spiritual applications: In incense it is used for exorcism, love, protection, magic, spell breaking, clairvoyance, divination.

Correspondences: Saturn, earth

Aromatherapy applications: Encourages intuition, centering, dreams, visions and equilibrium.

Mundane uses: Useful as a toner for oily skin: make an infusion as above and apply when cool to skin after cleaning. (Remember to patch test it first!)

Lore of the plant: It was popular with field doctors in the Civil War to treat wounds. Hence itŐs nickname "woundwort".

Native Americans used it to stop bleeding and promote wound healing and stay baldness.

It symbolizes courage, love and psychic powers.

The Chinese used it with I Ching to make predictions.

It is maned after Achilles who used the herb to treat his wounded soldiers during the Trojan War.

It is supposed to ensure seven years of love when brought to a wedding.

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