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herbs


A Witch's Modern Herbal

Medicinal Uses of Herbs
Magical Uses of Plants
Herbs Listed by Symptom
Herbs Listed by Intention

Definitions of Medical Actions
Vitamins in Herbs
A Witch's Most Useful Herbs
Flower Essences
Preparation of Tinctures
Basic Salve Preparation
Some
Herbal Remedies

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Medicinal Uses of Herbs

Agrimony a tonic, mildly astringent. Used for coughs, relaxed bowels and looseness of the bowels
Allspice aids digestion
Aloe Vera Leaves exude a gel that is used externally to treat minor burns and cuts. Some say taking it internally may cause some irritation. Treats poison ivy and rashes, added to soaps and creams as a conditioner for healthy skin, antibacterial.
Angelica A stimulant and aromatic. Used for kidneys and to induce perspiration
Anise seeds and leaves in the tea form for treatment for colic, sedative, digestive aid
Apple whole fruit: eliminates toxins from system
Arnica  flowers are used to prepare liniments and salves for sore muscles and sprains
Ash Leaves Used in gouty conditions, arthritis, etc.
Avens Herb Tonic and styptic. Used in looseness of bowels, etc.
Balm Cooling in fevers and inducing mild perspiration.
Balmony Anti-Bilous, tonic and detergent. Used in cases of chronic constipation, indigestion, jaundice and worms in children.
Bananna Peel cures warts
Basil tea form, colds, flu, cramps, bladder. Basil oil is said to repel insects. Used in large quantities as a tonic and cold remedy.
Bay us as poultice on chest for bronchitis and chest colds. relieves gas.
Bee Balm leaves relive cough, nausea, sore throat, menstrual cramps, purifies blood. Used to stimulate liver and spleen.
Birch  leaf in the tea form: relieves headaches and rheumatism. Bark: kidney stones, fever, cramps.
Blackberry  fruit: diarrhea. Root: female problems. Gargling with extract from the leaves remedies sore or swollen throats and cures sore mouths. Tea from the leaves helps menstrual cramps.
Black Cohosh Antispasmodic, used for menstrual cramping, relieves hot flashes in menopausal women; mild sedative.
Blackcurrant Leaves A refrigerant, used in cases of sore throat, coughs, catarrh.
Black Haw For menstrual cramping, prevents miscarriage and excessive flow at menopause.
Black Pepper take at first sign of any disease
Bladderwrack used in a bath for arthritis and rheumatic conditions
Blessed Thistle Increases lactation.
Blue Cohosh  root: problems of the uterus. Do not use if you have high blood pressure as it constricts the blood vessels of the heart. For use in third trimester only! Used as a uterine tonic.
Blue Mallow Pectoral. For coughs and colds generally.
Boneset  leaves and flowers in the tea form: laxative and fever, colds, coughs, flu and pains in the bones.
Borage  leaves and flowers: Leaves: tea for treating depression. Flowers: prepare a decoction to relieve fever and bronchitis, chest complaints.
Brewer's Yeast Flower  facial mask. induces abortion when used with pennyroyal.
Broom Used in some bladder complaints, especially in gall stones.
Buchu A stimulant used in urinary affections and inflammation of the bladder.
Buckbean A good tonic; used for liver troubles and skin diseases. Also for arthritis, etc.
Bugloss Expectorant and tonic, used in cases of inflammation.
Burdock Root: blood purifier. Leaves: poultice for burns, bruises, swelling and gout. Seeds: tea for blood purifier or for added minerals.
Burr Marigold For gouty conditions
Calendula flower: antibiotic, heals wounds, induce sweating, fevers, flu, chest ailments.
Capsaicin Oil used as a topical painkiller
Caraway mild stimulant for digestion. Drinking an infusion of caraway helps increase lactation.
Cardamom relieves indigestion
Cayenne fast recovery, stops internal and external bleeding, said to prevent heart attacks and also helps with depression and headaches. Equalizes circulation; for cold hands and feet
Celery tea from the stalk or seed: sedative, calms nerves
Chamomile flower and herb: calmative, sedative, relieve headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Used in cases of nervous hysteria and all nervous complaints in women.
Chaste Tree Berry Stimulates and normalizes pituitary function of the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland in the brain and promotes ovulation. For PMS, menstrual cramps, menopause, post birth control pill rebalancing. May restore normal periods in women with amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods).
Chervil used as a digestive aid; some herbalists recommend it to lower blood pressure but there is no scientific proof to support that claim.
Chicory flowers: sedative and skin tonic
Chives chives contain sulfur oil which can cure high blood pressure if consumed in large amounts
Cinnamon ground or taken with milk, good balance after a heavy meal or dessert; also used for diarrhea, dysentery or general indigestion. Relieves bloating and gas.
Cleavers (sometimes called clivers) A tonic and refrigerant. Is cooling in fevers. Used in gravel and gallstones.
Cloves chew for toothache, also good for nausea or vomiting. The oil from cloves is a remedy for sluggish digestion. Two drops on a teaspoonful of sugar is the best dose.  The area should be painted with the oil. Take care as it can burn mucous membranes.
Coltsfoot leaves: binds to toxins in the system and removes them. Used in chest complaints and cold and clears up mucus in the system. For all asthmatic complaints. A smoking mixture made with it, mixed with other herbs, is useful for asthma.
Comfrey leaves and roots: Clears up mucus, demulcent, emollient. Leaves: poultice for cuts and wounds as it has pain relieving properties and is an antibiotic.
Coriander fresh leaves or seeds chewed to relieve indigestion. Digestive tonic, freshly chopped greens in large amounts are high in Vitamin C.
Corn silk tea: treats kidney and bladder infections.
Costmary leaves: repels silverfish and is used for bookmarks in books. Tea: for a liver tonic.
Cramp Bark Relaxes muscle tension and spasms, ovarian pain and uterine cramps. Used to prevent threatened miscarriage.
Damiana A tonic for nervous and debilitated persons; also used as a sexual stimulant.
Dandelion roots, leaves, flowers: Used as a general tonic. The white juice from the stem is wonderful for curing warts. The root is dried and the leaves can be eaten in salad. The root, baked and ground, makes a great coffee substitute.
Dill eaten to relieve intestinal gas. In Europe, a weak dill tea is given to babies to relieve colic
Elder leaves, fruit, flowers: feverish colds, flu. Leaves are used in urinary troubles and as treatment for colds. The berries are used with other herbs for colds and coughs (dried berries are often used instead of currants).
Ehpedra twigs: powdered form taken as pill for asthma and chest complaints. Weight reduction. Tea helps break up congestion during severe colds.
Eyebright Used for weak eyes and as a general tonic for the eyes. Frequently used in a compound.
Fennel all parts used in the tea form: to expel mucus, increases milk production, digestive aid, calms nervous stomachs.
Fenugreek  tea form: also to expel mucus with bad cases of bronchitis
Garlic high and low blood pressure; removing parasites and infections. putting garlic in your pets food will keep the fleas away. This also works with garlic pills and will keep fleas and mosquitoes from biting you as well. Laxative, good for physical strength. Effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Prevents cold, flu, and other infectious diseases. Lowers the risk of colon cancer.
Ginger tea form: for cramps and nausea; externally for stiffness; add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken. May prevent motion sickness, quells nausea, ginger wine helps to relieve menstrual cramps. For a comforting way to relieve the chills and congestion of a cold, try ginger tea: Simmer one or two slices of fresh ginger toot in water for 10 minutes, add a pinch of cinnamon for piquancy.
Ginko Bilboa Is said to improve memory problems related to aging; recent studies show it does improve circulation, including circulation to the brain, which may explain its benefits.
Ginseng  root: tonic for the whole system. The Chinese use ginseng to strengthen the immune system, alleviate fever and pain, promote wound healing, overcome depression and fatigue, and treat impotence.
Goldenrod root: tonic for stomach and liver
Golden Seal A wonderful catarrh remedy and tonic. The tincture should be used with care and should be taken in one-drop doses, with water only.
Greater Celandine For eye infections, also cases of jaundice.
Ground Ivy Whilst not really an Ivy (the common name of which is Alehoof), this is a good remedy for rheumatism, indigestion and kidney complaints.
Hibiscus an aphrodisiac.
Hollyhock  roots, leaves: treat colds and chest complaints.
Horehound  flowers: cough and sore throat treatment. Use for all bronchial disorders.
Irish Moss dried plant: colds, chest disorders. Used in salves for external treatment of cuts, wounds and skin disorders.
Juniper Berries Large quantities acts as a diuretic that may cause uterine contractions.
Lavender  leaves and flowers: sedative tea to treat nervous headaches and tension.
Lemon Balm top of plant in the tea form: induces sweating and helps reduce fevers. Used extensively just for pleasant tasting tea.
Lemon Verbena leaves: for flavoring other teas, used to relax and reduce fevers from colds and the flu. Use at first sign of a nervous headache. Settles upset stomachs.
Prickly Lettuce gum and leaves: strong sedative. Helps remove excretions from the bronchial system. Useful in treating colds and coughs.
Lesser Celandine for the treatment of piles. Often used with Witch Hazel.
Licorice Root is used by women as a treatment during and after menopause.
Lobelia bronchial disorders and asthma. Use with caution as only 50mg of the dried herb has caused poisoning symptoms.
Lungwort For coughs and all chest affections.
Marigold This is another remedy that should be in every home. As an ointment, it will cure many skin troubles; as a tincture it is far better than iodine to hasten the healing process. The flowers and leaves can be used in salads. Planting this flower in your garden and around your home will keep insects away.
Mint As a tea it is a digestive aid; chewing the leaves can freshen the breath.
Mouse Ear A good remedy for whooping cough.
Mullein all parts used: helps in treatment of all bronchial disorders and inhibits certain bacteria. Treatment for asthma. Also an antibiotic and used in treatment of colds.
Mustard Used in poultices and smelling salts to relieve pain and congestion. I have also heard that chewing mustard seeds will induce abortion.
Nettle upper plant used: Tea from leaves cures nettle rash. Also used to treat arthritis pains and as a diuretic. Used for purifying the blood. Good for allergies (300mgs). Also a good hair rinse.
Oregano Used in a tea it aids digestion; also alleviates the congestion of a cold. Also a stimulant.
Pansy flowers and leaves: good for treating colds and congestion. A wonderful heart tonic.
Parsley whole herb: diuretic and used to treat bladder and kidney infections. When consumed in portions of at least an ounce, this herb contains useful amounts of vitamin C (fresh parsley only), calcium, iron and potassium; it is also high in bioflavonoids, monoterpenes and other anticancer Compounds.
Pennyroyal leaves: menstrual cramps because it stimulates uterine muscles. Should never be used by pregnant women. Relieves upset stomachs and is a mild relaxant.
Peppermint  leaves and flowers: treat bronchial disorders. A mild relaxant and good for colds and chest complaints. Dispels hardened mucus from the system.
Pilewort as its name suggests, for the treatment of piles. Often used with Witch Hazel. Its common name is Lesser Celandine, though it has no relation to the Greater Celandine.
Plantain a cooling herb. Fresh leaves can be used as a relief from insect bites, if applied at once. Used a lot with other herbs for blood medicines.
Pumpkin Seed expels worms
Purslane whole above ground herb: treats scours in animals and a great treatment for kidney problems.
Raspberry whole plant: used for female complaints. Leaves and fruit used for astringent properties. Roots used as an antibiotic. The leaves are very well known for bringing about easy childbirth. Blackberry and strawberry leaves have similar properties but Raspberry leaves are considered the best.
Red Clover flowers: treatment of skin disorders caused by impurities of the blood
Rosemary leaves in the tea form: for treating headaches or body aches, astringent in nature and a muscle relaxer. Relieves tension headaches.
Sage top is used: Relaxant, nervous headaches, releases tension. Tea is used as a rinse for treatment of dandruff and prevent graying of hair. Clears up the bronchial system. The tea is used as a digestive aid and as a mouthwash or gargle to ease painful gums, mouth ulcers and a sore throat.
Saw Palmetto The berries of this plant may improve urinary flow and prevent benign prostate enlargement. Research indicates that it may alleviate symptoms related to an enlarged prostate.
Senna Leaves These act in a similar fashion to Senna Pods. The leaves are usually taken with ginger to cure constipation.
Sheep Sorrel leaves: Used to treat cancer and blood ailments. Cleans the urinary system.
Shepherd's Purse whole plant: stops hemorrhages affecting the uterus, stomach, lungs and kidneys. Increases urine flow and helps remove toxins from system.
Skullcap above ground parts are used: sedative, relaxant. Relieves headaches and all nervous disorders.
Slippery Elm  inner bark: colds, expectorant, emollient, soothes bronchial system. Used as a skin cleanser and tonic. A special invalid food is made from the bark, which can be digested by the weakest digestive organs and cannot be vomited. In soap, it is an excellent skin soother.
Solomon's Seal root: causes vigorous expectoration during treatment of chest disorders. Use with caution as an overdose can cause poisoning symptoms.
Spearmint  leaves and flowering top: treats colic in infants, upsets of the digestive tract. A mild diuretic.
Strawberry  leaves: blood treatment, minerals, treats scurvy and mineral deficiency. Treats gout.
Sweet Woodruff above ground parts: antiseptic and used for internal and external purposes.
Tansy The fresh leaves can be used in a salad. The dried herb is used for hysteria, morning sickness and for the expulsion of worms in children.
Thyme whole plant above ground, tea form: to rid of intestinal worms; can also be used as a mouthwash. Internal and external antiseptic. A tea to quiet irritable bowels, as a gargle for a sore throat, or as a syrup to treat a cough or chest congestion.
Tumeric added to warm milk, regulates menstrual cycle. A natural antibiotic used to treat infammation and digestive disorders. An alcohol based tincture of valerian clears up poison ivy and rashes when used on the skin.
Valerian root: one of the best sedatives. Treats high blood pressure. The root is used to cure insomnia without a drugging effect. Also used for curing pains in many parts of the body.
Violet flower, leaves, fruit: sedative. More vitamin A than any other plant. Sedative and a tonic. Can also be used in salads. Thought to be a cure for cancerous growths of tumor when used with red clover heads.
Wild Cherry For men, tea made from the bark is an excellent hair tonic and hair restorer. A stronger mixture worked into the scalp for a period of time is said to grow hair on a bald man.
Wild Yam root: used for post-menopausal women. Treats menopausal symptoms. Treatment for asthma and bronchial disorders.
Willow leaves, bark, twigs in the tea form: Relieves all kinds of discomfort. Source of what we know as aspirin. Pain reliever.
Witch Hazel Used for checking bleeding piles and bleeding from wounds. the prepared liquid is used for most things and can certainly be used on all cuts, sprains, bruises, etc.
Yarrow Top part used: Some ingredients that are in aspirin, pain reliever, helps blood to clot. An astringent for internal and external.

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Magical Uses of Plants

Acacia Protection and psychic powers.
Adam and Eve Roots Love and happiness
Adder's Tongue Healing
Agaric Fertility
Agrimony Protection, sleep
Ague Root Protection
Alfalfa Prosperity, Money
Allspice This herb is often used in spells for money or luck. Can be burned as an incense. Healing. Ruling Element: Fire
Almond Money, prosperity, wisdom
Aloe beauty, protection, success, peace. luck
Althea protection, psychic powers
Alyssum Protection, moderating anger.
Amaranth (cock’s comb) repair a broken heart, healing, protection, invisibility
Angelica Used in spells for protection, particularly the protection of infants and children. Also used for breaking hexes, exorcism. Ruling Element: Fire
Anise Protection, purification, awareness, joy.
Apples healing and love
Basil Primarily used in spells for love or money, but can also be used for protection. Best to carry fresh leaves in a sachet (red bag for love, green for money). Ruling Element: Fire. healing relationships, courage, fertility, exorcism.
Bay Leaf protection against evil and illness, stops interference. wisdom, protection, psychic powers
Birch cleansing
Blessed Thistle Carry on you in a sachet for protection from negative forces. Ruling Element: Fire
Buckeyes very lucky, attracts money and wealth, sooths arthritis, good for divination.
Calamus Root Small pieces of this root are carried to bring luck. Also, the powdered root is often used in spells for healing, either as an incense or in a sachet. Ruling Element: Water
Calendula aka Marigold. The dried flowers are used in spells to bring prophetic dreams. Also, aids in achieving a favorable outcome in legal matters. Ruling Element: Fire
Camphor prophecy in dreams, chastity
Caraway Protection, Passion
Carnation protection and healing
Catnip power, courage, makes fierce and vengeful in battle, captures love and happiness. cat magic, familiars, joy, friendship, love.
Cedar purification and healing
Chamomile marriage proposals, luck, gambling, prevents lightning strikes. Good as a meditation incense, for centering, peace, sprinkle in your home for protection, healing, money.
Cinnamon Use in money drawing spells. Also aids in healing, esp. digestive problems. Ruling Element: Fire. spirituality and healing, cleansing. Spiritual quests, augmenting power, love, success, psychic work, healing, cleansing.
Cinquefoil Carried by witches for protection. The five-pointed leaves symbolize love, money, health, power and wisdom. Ruling Element: Fire
Cloves banishes evil, gaining whatever is sought, clears the head, friendship.  money and protection, cleansing
Clover money, love and luck, fairies
Collander Dispel negativity, protection, money, incense against gossip, vision, cleansing.
Coltsfoot wealth and prosperity
Comfrey Leaf for money, safe traveling, healing.
Coriander Primarily used is love (& lust!) spells. Also, coriander seeds are often carried for healing. Ruling Element: Fire. Protection of home, peace , good in ritual drinks, incenses for longevity and love, security.
Cornflower psyches
Damiana  These leaves are considered an aphrodisiac and are often used in spells to awaken lustful feelings. Burned as an incense, it is said to induce visions. Ruling Element: Fire, good luck, divination, dreams.
Dandelion Leaf summons spirits, dreams, clairvoyancy, purification. Divination, welcoming, messages.
Devil's Shoestring protection, luck, bring back love, make a person stop bothering you, invisibility.
Eucalyptus healing, protection.
Eyebright Carry to see the future clearly and to increase physic powers, particularly clairvoyance. Ruling Element: Air
Fennel Seed prevents curses, demonic possessions and negative problems. Purification, protection, healing, money.
Flax Seed Used to keep peace at home (put some seeds in a bowl to soak up negative energy). Also, carry flax seeds in your wallet or purse to attract money. Ruling Element: Fire
Galangal Root  to win a jury trial, doubles money, psychic, hex breaking, sex
Garlic  warding off evil, drawing customers to business, visions, healing. protection and healing. good weather, courage, exorcism.
Ginger money, love, success and power.
Ginseng love spells and beauty, desire.
Ginger Root fast results as a love potion, money , success, power.
Heal All gamble successfully.
Heather Use in protection spells, especially protection against violent crimes. Heather flowers are also used in spells for aid in real estate transactions. Ruling Element: Water
Hibiscus Flower divination, dreams.
High John win in war and gambling, obtain success, psychic, protection, love, happiness.
Holly dream magic and balance
Iris wisdom
Ivy protection and healing, chastity, fidelity
Jasmine Flower psychic dreams, love potion, money, divination.
Juniper Berries On a diet? Carry juniper berries to help you lose weight. Juniper is also used in spells for protection from theft, and in love spells. Ruling Element: Fire, a good incense ingredient.
Kava Kava Root  protection from harm while traveling, heaven at death.
Lavender A "must" for love spells to attract men. Also, a sachet of lavender flowers will help ease headaches, induce sleep and foster peace. Ruling Element: Air, love and money spells, pain relief, attract good spirits.  long life, peace, wishes, protection, purification.
Lemon Purification, love, blessings.
Lemon Balm Use these leaves in spells for money and success. An easy herb to grow, it will attract lots of helpful bees to your garden. Ruling Element: Water
Lemon Verbena Leaf  to break up lovers, success in the arts, drive away evil.
Mandrake exorcism, fertility, love, fidelity
Marigold Prophesy,  the psychic, seeing magical creatures, love, clairvoyance, dreams, business or legal affairs.
Mistletoe get back a love who has deserted you, solve problems. protection, fertility, healing and psychic powers, fidelity
Marjoram Brings happiness and joy. Also, used for cleansing and protection. Before moving into your new home, sprinkle marjoram in each room (to absorb negative energy) and then sweep it away. Ruling Element: Air. protection, love, healing.
Mint money, luck and travel, healing, strength, augment power
Mugwort Use in spells for protection and healing. Hang mugwort over your threshold to prevent any negative forces from entering your home. Use in a dream pillow for prophetic dreams. Ruling Element: Earth, protection during travel, psychic dreams, crystal mirror gazing.
Mullein Carry mullein for courage and strength, or use in a sleep pillow to prevent nightmares. Ruling Element: Fire, keep away daemons and nightmares while asleep, invokes spirits.
Myrrh Bless objects, lift energy, spiritual growth, focus.
Nettle Use nettle leaves to ward off negativity. Also, use in spells to ease arguments (especially within a marriage) and to increase lustfulness. Ruling Element: Fire, removes spells, prevents hexes and breaks jinxes. To advert danger, protection, healing.
Nutmeg win gambling and lotteries, luck, love, prosperity, fertility, euphoria.
Orris Root Powdered orris root is used to attract a lover. Also used for binding the scent of spells and potions. Ruling Element: Water. divination
Passion Flower keeps out anger and mistrust, to be lucky in love affairs, peace.
Patchouli Use in spells to attract money and/or love, and to increase fertility. Ruling Element: Earth, breaks any spell, lose enemies.
Pennyroyal Carry in a green bag to attract money and to aid in business transactions. Also, carry pennyroyal to increase stamina during physical pursuits. Ruling Element: Fire, peace and tranquility, protect from evil in home.
Peppermint Leaf increase psychic ability, visions, haling, sleep, love and purification.
Pine Attunement to nature, centering, cleansing, healing, productivity, purification against illness.
Poppy Fertility, Prosperity
Raspberry Leaf  love, protection, pregnancy/childbirth, healing, sleep, 
Rose love, psychic power and divination
Rose Hips brings good luck, calls in good spirits.
Rosemary love, power, healing sleep. Improve memory, purification, youth, protection, intellect.
Rose Petals Another "must" for love spells. Use in sachets, potpourri, incense, teas, baths, and so on. Use red petals for sexual love-magic, and pink petals for family love-magic (to calm emotions, sooth stress). Ruling Element: Water. friendship, luck, protection, psychic power and divination.
Sage Carry for wisdom, protection, and long life. Also, burn sage to cleanse negativity from rooms, furniture, and anything received second-hand. Ruling Element: Air, wishes, increase lust. protection and wisdom. Fertility
Sandalwood Burn powdered sandalwood for purification, protection and to increase psychic visions. Ruling Element: Water, exorcism, protection, wishes, spirituality.
Shepherd's Purse healing, childbirth.
Skullcap Calms emotions and promotes peace and clear thinking. Also used in spells to ensure a lover's fidelity. Ruling Element: Water, inspires others to give you gifts and money.
Spearmint Leaves healing, love, protection from vertigo spells.
St. Johnswort happiness, heal, strength, courage, love, protection, divination.
Thyme Leaves A healing herb. Use thyme in spells to promote good health, physical energy and a good night's sleep. Ruling Element: Water. healing psychic powers, fairies, courage.
Tonka Beans For good luck! Through a tonka bean into any philtre to ensure that your wish comes true. Ruling Element: Water, love, strength, makes love endure, draws money and customers.
Valerian Root sleep, love, purification, protection, black magic, calming
Vervain An all-purpose herb. Use in spells for love, money, protection, purification and healing. Also, carry to increase psychic powers. Ruling Element: Earth, sleep, love potions, youth.
Violet Spirituality and protection
Willow love and divination
Wintergreen Promotes good health and healing. Also used in hex-breaking and purification spells. Ruling Element: Water
Witch Hazel Protection, chastity, healing the heart.
Wormwood psychic, removes hexes, black magic and voodoo.
Yarrow. Carry yarrow to attract a lover and to grant you courage. Also, use in spells to find a long-lost friend or family member. Ruling Element: Water.  psychic abilities, divination.

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 For more extensive research on herbs, visit: www.botanical.com

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