Much is written about herbs, but information mainly centres on 'popular' cultivated herbs and their medicinal properties. This spot will focus on abundant, wild herbs that are available locally, their magical as well as medicinal properties. Obviously, if any herbs are in short supply in your area, don't pick them. Only take a small amount of the plant. A good book such as 'Collins complete guide to British wildlife' is essential for accurate identification.
Traditionally, herbs should be gathered without the use of ferrous metals, and not touch the ground as this 'earth's' them. During the waxing and full moon, the energy of the plant is concentrated in the leaves, stem and flowers, and during the waning and dark moon periods, in the root.
Once gathered, if the fresh herb is not to be used, the herbs can be tied with cotton and hung in a dry, well shaded, airy place. Alternatively, they may be placed in an oven on a very low heat to dry, but I wouldn't recommend this, as certain herbs need to be dried slowly at low temperatures. Store them in airtight jars or containers.
A good guide for making herbal 'teas' is one teaspoon of dried herb per cup. Pour boiling water over the herb, infuse for 10 minutes, strain and drink. Compresses can be made by soaking a cloth in the warm infusion and changing the cloth when cool. Poultices can be made by bruising the fresh herb, placing over affected area and covering with a cloth.
Gather the flower, stem and leaves whilst in flower (June - August)
Correspondences - Jupiter & cancer Medicinal uses - Used as a gastro-intestinal tonic, also sore throats, laryngitis, mouth ulcers, coughs, cystitis and skin eruptions.
Magical uses - A good cleanser and purifier, an infusion can be drunk, or be added to incenses for spiritual and psychic healing, also for cleansing the aura, magical equipment and working area.
Gather the flowers when in bloom (June - October) and the leaves at any time.
Correspondences - Mars, air, sacred to Artemis, Diana, Aesculapius, Isis, Horus.
Medicinal uses - Avoid excessive use as the oil is poisonous, do not take during pregnancy.
Used for expelling worms, promoting delayed menstruation, is anti-inflammatory and reduces fevers. Wormwood is an excellent stomach tonic, stimulating the appetite and soothing dyspepsia. It is also used to treat gout and rheumatism. Wormwood was once used to flavour absinthe, a drink that has been banned in France for many years, as over-consumption can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system.
Magical uses - Sacred to the Maiden Goddess, banishes negativity, aids scrying and divination when used in incenses.
Gather the leaves and flowers mid to late summer.
Correspondences - Venus, water, sacred to Horned Gods.
Medicinal uses - One of yarrows common names is 'nosebleed' as this herb is very good for internal and external bleeding. Achilles is said to have used yarrow for treating the wounds of his men. It encourages vaso-dilation which increases the bloodflow to the skin and lowers blood pressure, and is thought to be useful in the dispersing of blood clots. Yarrow causes a therapeutic sweat, reducing fevers and expelling toxins. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for the treatment of rheumatism for centuries.
Magical uses - Use for connecting with the Horned God. Promotes clairvoyance and divination. The Chinese made I Ching pieces from yarrow stalks. I Ching means 'book of changes', but is also known as 'the yarrow stalk oracle'.
Another member of the artemisia family. Gather the leaves at any time, the flowers mid to late summer.
Correspondences - Moon , Venus, water, female, sacred to Artemis, Diana, Hecate.
Medicinal uses - Avoid during pregnancy. Mainly used for 'women's problems', delayed, absent or painful menstruation. Helps expel the afterbirth. Similar to wormwood, it activates the digestive processes and stimulates the liver. Again, used in a poultice for rheumatism and gout. Mugwort is thought to have anti-convulsive propert-ies, and can therefore be used in the treatment of epilepsy.
Magical uses - aids clairvoyance and divination, the fresh leaves can be rubbed on the crystal ball or scrying mirror. Can also be used in a 'dream pillow' to aid prophetic dreams. A feminine herb, it is useful in women's rites and helping women through transitional periods in their lives.
Maria