All witches will have a herb garden, or at the very least a few containers in the kitchen, or window boxes. Herbs grow quickly, almost anywhere, and in difficult conditions, when other plants may perish. Although there are some more delicate herbs which will need more shelter, drainage, sun or attention than others. Most Pagans or New Agers will use herbs everyday when cooking, in potions, dry in charm bags or other spells. Aside from this have you thought of growing your own first aid kit? Many will have but weren’t sure what plants to select. Starting from the top, you will need something for; headaches, colds, toothache, coughs, burns, stings, rashes, bites, cuts and grazes, other wounds, sprains, stomach ache, menstrual pain, stress and insomnia. This is obviously a short list of possible problems which can occur from time to time. If these problems became worsened or affected one on a daily basis one would usually see a health professional. However as long as one is on no medication which has contraindications to the herb one wished to use, or was only taking their own herbal remedy when absolutely necessary, there is no reason why one should not create their own herbal first aid kit. Apart from this, a garden full of herbs is rather beautiful, and it’s joyful to know all their qualities and properties and how to make use of them. A patch test should always be conducted and quantities should always be properly measured and prepared (too much of a good thing is a bad thing) and nothing should be taken or topically used when pregnant.
It’s relatively easy to find out how to make a preparation from the herbs selected to grow in your garden or container. All the list of ingredients, tools, and directions can be found in good books or on the internet, but be careful if you are getting the information for the internet. Many witches and Pagans will know that much information on herbs and their uses can be taken from Culpeper’s Complete Herbal; although this does not give specific directions as to their preparations. When creating your own balm, salve, ointment, tincture or infusion/tea; why not try to make a all natural moisturizer, blemish cream or toner. Don’t be put off by the effort because it’s worth it in the end and it’s simpler than you might think. It’s easy to buy an herbal tea to drink but it’s so rewarding to create your own. Any Wise Woman and Cunning Man will know how powerful herbs are. They should be treated with respect and revered for their medicinal and magical properties. The modern Pagan or New Ager will be sad that some of this knowledge was lost or overlooked with the advance of manmade medicines. The use of herbal medicine and its roots within history and in different cultures must be acknowledged, and the discoveries revered. Natural remedies are ever growing in popularity now that people are aware of the effectiveness of the medicinal values, whilst still being kind to the body; also the culture and principals of the New Age movement are actively involved within this topic. There are many large companies and smaller independent stores which sell herbal remedies, however it is often the case that one does not know if it has been organically farmed, and the plant will most certainly not of been asked before being picked. Many Pagans and New Agers will shop in these places regularly; however it is still important to find out how they have been produced and where they are produced.
Herbs which ease the pain of headaches are: Feverfew and Lemon balm. The Feverfew has beautiful daisy-like flowers; however its bitter scent drives away bees. Lemon Balm attracts bees and lifts ones spirits. Herbs which help fight a cold: Echinacea and Thyme seem to be the most widely recommended. Echinacea will help prevent a cold by boosting the immune system and Thyme is antiseptic and antimicrobial. Herbs to help burns: Comfrey and Aloe Vera. Comfrey is meant to be good when applied topically for many skin complaints and is commonly known as “knit bone”. Aloe Vera has too many uses to list! It’s an interesting looking plant to have too. Herbs to help stings and bites: Calendula. Herbs for rashes: Chickweed and Lavender (although Lavender lots of uses, some being listed above). Herbs good for stomach ache: Peppermint and Camomile. Herbs good for menstrual pain and PMS: Raspberry leaf and Evening Primrose. This list is of course not exhausted but these plants would make very useful additions to a home grown first aid kit, are well known and easily found at the nearest nursery. Another good reason to grow your own first aid kit is to help you understand that science and nature and spirituality should be as one. Modern day chemists don’t work in this way and the chemicals we put into our body are dead and the energies of the active ingredients fight with our bodies rather than work with it. When we take in a chemical from a plant we are taking in a part of that plants spirit, its qualities combine with our own and enhance our own. Besides anything else, this humble plant has been nourished by The Great Mother and its alchemical changes sparked by The Father, these its parents, who gift it to humanity so we can heal ourselves.
Always remember when harvesting to ask the plant first and then thank it. This makes the plants spirit aware of what you are about to do. Other plants to consider having in your garden for their usefulness are: The Olive Tree, Flax, Fennel, Coltsfoot, Garlic, Lemon tree, basil, Clove, Dill, Onion, Parsley, Willow, Hawthorn, Sage, Angelica, Borage, Dandelion, Coriander. All these herbs were worth a mention, although almost everything in the garden can be used for the good of something.
Disclaimer: Never should you stop taking prescribed medication unless advised to do so by a certified GP. Always seek a doctor’s professional advice before beginning to take any herbal remedies. No responsibility is taken if you should decide to use this information unwisely. These statements have not been evaluated by a governmental agency. The information is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
copyright – Magic Spirit
