                    The Power of Herbs!
          
                Herbal Powers of the Norsemen          
         (Copyright 1990, D.J. Conway - Norse Magic)
 
 
ALDER:  This tree yields three dyes: red from the bark, brown
from the twigs, and green from the flowers.  It is said that the
elves use the green dye from the Alder. 
 
APPLE OR CRAB APPLE:  Also known as the Fruit of the Gods, Fruit
of the Underworld, Silver Bough, Tree of love.  An apple cut 
crosswise will reveal a five-point star, symbol of Freyja and 
Idhunn.  Apple wood can be carved into charms for long-life and
wisdom.  Apple wood is the Norse symbol for long life.  Wands of
this wood are used in love rituals.  Cider is an excellent 
substitute for blood when called for in old rituals. 
 
ASH, MOUNTAIN:   An Ash twig hung over the door repels evil, as 
does scattering the leaves in the four directions around your 
house.  Burning Ash wood at Yule (Winter Solstice) brings 
prosperity.  Ash wands are for healing. 
 
AVENS:  Also known as Herb Bennet, Star of the Earth, Yellow
Avens, Blessed Herb, Golden Star.  It's three leaves represent
Thorr,  Odhinn and Freyr.  An exorcism plant when added to
incense, but  when carried it attracts the opposite sex. 
 
BEECH:  Ancient runic tablets were often made of this wood as it
represents wisdom and creativity.  Oracle messages can be heard
by listening through this leaf to the wind. 
 
BIRCH:  Also known as White Birch, Canoe Birch, Paper Birch, Lady
of the Woods.  Gently striking a ritual area with a birch twig
will drive off all negativity.  It was also known as the tree of 
conception and birth to the norse. 
 
BISTORT:  Also known as Patience Dock, Snakeweed, Dragonwort, Red
Legs.  An herb of psychic powers, it can be added to incenses
used during divinations.  Sprinkle a little in your purse or
wallet to draw money. 
 
BLACKTHORN:  Also known as Sloe, Mother of the Wood.  Blackthorn
wands are all purpose and can drive out ghosts and negative 
spirits.  The wood makes good walking sticks because of its 
protective qualities. 
 
BRACKEN:  A piece of this rot under your pillow can bring dreams
that help with problems. 
BRAMBLE:  Also known as Blackberry, Dewberry, Thimbleberry.  Its
five leaves, and other five leafed plants, represent the Goddess,
especially Freyja.  Its leaves can be used in spells for
protection or wealth. 
 
BRIAR:  Also known as Wild Rose, Dog Rose, Briar Rose.  Its
petals can be used in incenses for love. 
                                                            
BUTTERCUP:  Also known as Crowfoot, King's Cup, Pilewort, and 
Goldcup.  The flowers can be floated in the cauldron while doing
scrying. 
 
CELANDINE:  Also known as Tetterwort, Garden Celadine, Swallow 
Herb, Devil's Milk.  Carry it to court to help the judge and jury
decide in your favor. 
 
CENTAURY:  Also known as Century, Bitter Herb, Feverwort.  It is
said snakes will not go where it is planted.  Added to incense it
repels negative spirits. 
 
CHAMOMILE:  Also known as Roman Chamomile, Dog Fennel, Ground 
Apple.  Roman Chamomile is the best smelling like fresh apples
when picked or cut.  Added to incense it draws prosperity,
calmness.  Grown around the house or in the garden it reverses
spells cast  against you. 
 
CLUB MOSS:  Also known as Wolf Claw, Staghorn, Foxtail.  A
favorite of the gods this plant and its spores give great
blessings and  protection. 
 
DANDELION:  Also known as Cankerwort, Wild Endive, Lion's Tooth,
and Blow Ball.  If the ripe down blows off without a wind, then
it will soon rain.  To send a message to another person or to the 
gods, concentrate while holding a ripe flower.  When you have
been able to hold the message for about a minute, blow off the
flower-down. 
 
ELDER:  Also known as Devil's Eye. Lady Elder, Hollunder,
Ellhorn, Old lady, Elderberry.  Especially sacred to the German
goddess  Bertha/Holda.  The tree bleeds red sap when cut and
absolutely must be asked for permission before cutting. 
Otherwise it is apt to  bring bad luck.  Elder wands can be used
to exorcise negative  spirits from houses or places.  To remove
warts, rub them with a green twig, then bury it. 
 
ELM:  Also known as Slippery Elm, Rock Elm, English Elm, Winged 
Elm.  It's leaves can be sprinkled around a ritual area for 
protection. 
 
FERNS:  Planted near the door they give protection.  When burned
outside it causes rain. 

FEVERFEW:  Also known as Feather Foil, Flit Wort, Pyrethrum. 
Carry it to prevent sickness and accident. 
 
FIR, SILVER:  Also known as birth tree.  To bless and protect a 
mother and new baby, a flaming fir candle was carried 3 times 
around the bed, in Europe. 
                                                              
HAWTHORN:  Also known as May Bush, Tree of Chastity, White Thorn,
Haw, May Tree.  An infusion containing hawthorn blossoms purifies
wherever it is sprinkled.  Hawthorn wands have great power and
are sacred to the Mother Goddess.  Because of it's fertility
powers, it was used as decorations at weddings. 
 
ICELAND MOSS:  Can be added to prosperity bags or poppets when 
doing spellwork for increase in money. 
 
IVY:  POISONOUS if eaten.  It was carried by brides for good luck
and love.  A plant of Freyr, it is used for decoration at Yule.  
 
JUNIPER:  Also known as Gin Berry, GEMEINER WACHHOLDER (common 
Juniper).  It was a holy tree in northern Europe where it was
used with wild Thyme in divination and trance incense.   
 
LILY OF THE VALLEY:  POISONOUS if eaten.  Also known as May Lily,
May Bells.  It was believed that it sprang from Dragon Blood. 
The oil or distilled water from the flowers is said to strengthen
the memory when applied to the third eye in the center of the
forehead.
 
LOOSESTRIFE, PURPLE:  Also known as willow herb, Rainbow weed.  
Burned in incenses, or sprinkled about the house, it dissolves 
arguments. 
 
MAIDENHAIR:  A fern, this plant brings love and harmony when
grown in the house. 
 
MALE FERN:  The uncurled dried fronds are known as Lucky Hands
and bring luck, wealth and money when carried.  
 
MANDRAKE:  POISON.  Also known as Mandragora, Brain thief,
Gallows, Mannikin, Raccoon berry, Herb of Circe.  Very rare and
usually  replaced by the American May Apple or the English White
Byrony,  both of which are POISONOUS.  The whole root is placed
on the altar for protection if under spell-attack by another. 
The root can be carved into tiny human figures, and used in image
magick. 
 
MARIGOLD:  Also known as Calendula, Holy Gold, Marybud, Bride of
the Sun, Ruddes.  Picked on a full moon and used in incenses or 
washes, it helps one to see elves and dwarves.  A flower carried
in the pocket helps one to win favor in court. 
 
MARJORAM:  Also known as Joy of the Mountain, Wintersweet, Sweet
Marjoram, Pot Marjoram, Mountain Mint.  Used in spell bags it 
relieves depression, brings money and happiness.  Use in an 
infusion with peppermint to cleanse magickal tools if undesirable
people have handled them. 
 
MISTLETOE:  POISONOUS if eaten.  Also known as Golden Bough, 
Donnerbesen, Thunderbesom, Birdlime.  Sacred to Thorr and Balder,
and also known in old Norse as mistillteinn.  It is an all
purpose herb, capable of protection, granting love and health,
bringing  money and happiness wherever it is hung. 
 
MUGWORT:  Also known as naughty man, Artemisia, Witch Herb, 
Sailor's Tobacco.  A moon herb, its odor in incenses helps with 
scrying, divination, and clairvoyance. 
 
MULLEIN:  Also known as Hag's Taper, Felt Wort, Candlewick Plant,
Velvet plant, velvet back, Shepherd's Club.  Oil from it's
flowers is excellent for children's earaches.  Powdered mullein
leaves a good substitute for graveyard dust in old spells.  Carry
it for  courage and to keep away wild animals. 
 
NUTS & CONES:  All nuts and cones are sacred to the fertility 
deities.  Double nuts, such as walnuts, are very lucky. 
 
OAK:  Also known as Tanner's Bark, White Oak, Duir.  Especially 
sacred to Thorr because oaks are frequently struck by lightning. 
Acorns are carried for youthfulness, long life and freedom from 
illnesses and pain.  Plant an acorn on the new moon to acquire 
money quickly.  Oak wood makes excellent all purpose wands of
great power.   
 
OAKMOSS:  This grows as a lichen on the oak trees and is a
wonderful fixative for scents in incenses.  It is also a good
additive to gain money and protection. 
 
PEPPERMINT:  Also known as Brandy Mint, Lammint.  Drink
peppermint tea to clear head colds, warm the body, and increase
energy.  An infusion sprinkled around the ritual area expels all
negativity.   

ST. JOHNSWORT:  Also known as Goat Weed, Herba John.  When picked
on Summer Solstice and hung near a window, it drives off
lightning and ghosts.  Burned, it banishes unwanted spirits. 
 
SALT:  Although not an herb, salt is a sacred substance used by 
nearly every religious culture in the world.  A few grains 
sprinkled all throughout the house will cleanse all vibrations
that are negative.  This must be repeated every full moon. 
 
TANSY:  Also known as Buttons.  This plant repels ants and flies. 
Its lemony fragrance makes a good vibration purifier. 
 
THISTLE, BLESSED:  Also known as Holy thistle.  It can be used in
incense or bouquets to break hexes. 

THYME:  Also known as common thyme, Mother of Thyme.  One of the
Norse sacred herbs burned to purify temples and objects.  It is a
favorite plant of elves.  Crush a leaf against your third eye in
the middle of your forehead to enhance psychic powers. 
 
VALERIAN:  Also known as garden heliotrope, vandal root, cat's 
valerian, amatilla.  This plant has a strong pungent odor which
is repelling to some people.  But cats are said to love pillows
made with this herb.  The powdered root is sometimes used instead
of  graveyard dust in old spells.  Hung in the home, or carried
in bags it protects. 
 
VERVAIN/VERBENA:  Also known as Juno's Tears, Enchanter's Plant,
Holy Herb, Van-Van, Herb of Enchantment.  A Norse sacred herb
used in spells of love, cleansing, purification, protection. 
Thriving plants grown in the house or garden provide a steady
inflow of  money. 
 
WHITE WILLOW:  Also known as European willow, tree of
enchantment, witches' aspirin, withy.  It is a moon tree sacred
to all Moon  Goddesses and all Mother Goddesses.  Wands made from
willow branches are specifically for moon magick.  But willows
have been known to cause troubles for anyone cutting their
branches without asking first and leaving a gift.  Tap on willow
with your knuckles to avert evil and accident.  (Hence, "Knock
on wood!")
 
WOODRUFF:  Also known as master of the woods, wood rove,
wuderove.  It acquires its fragrant scent only as it dries.  When
you wish to change the outlook of your life, carry a few leaves
with you.  A quarter ounce steeped for nine days in a bottle of
wine makes a  fine magickal and spellworking drink. 
 
WORMWOOD:  It is not advisable to eat or drink anything made of 
this herb for it is addictive and highly DANGEROUS.  Also known
as crown for the king, and absinthe.  A very magickal herb sacred
to the moon, this herb can be used in incenses for scrying,
prophecy, divinations, and astral projection.   
 
YARROW:  Also known as seven years' love, sanguinary, military 
herb, soldier's woundwort.  Its stalks can be used in divination
spells and to consult the I Ching.  Yarrow tea is drunk to
improve your psychic powers. 
 
YELLOW DOCK:  Also known as curled dock, sour dock.  The seeds
and powers are used in money spells and incenses. 
 
YEW:  Also known as China Wood, English Yew, European Yew.  
POISONOUS.  It can be used as decorations at Winter Solstice to 
symbolize death and endings.  It is safer to use the oil then the
poisonous plant. 
 
 
 
                      Herbal Cures               
        The following has been compiled by Jeanne Rose.
               
                 
                       -Bruises- 
 
Witch Hazel Extract: 
   Soak 1 oz. witch hazel leaves and twigs combined in 2 cups of  
   alcohol.  Shake daily.  Strain.  Use full strength on bruises. 
   (You can dilute with water and use as a mouthwash also.)   
 
Yerba Santa Poultice: 
   Good for severe bruises and swelling too.  Mash the leaves of  
   a Yerba Santa, then soak them in water, and apply while still  
   hot to the bruise.  Cover the leaves with a CLEAN cloth.   
                        -Burns- 
 
Mari-Gilly Water for Burns and Sunburns: 
   (Author):  One day while lighting the oven the book of        
   matches took fire in my hand and stuck there.  After shaking
   it off, I dug into my herbal closet.  I was looking for a
   remedy I had made a month before.  Amateurishly I had
   preserved it beneath a layer of oil, and it was colorful with
   mold.  I filtered it out  and plunged the badly burned hand in
   the liquid.  Within two minutes the pain was gone.  In 20
   minutes the hand was wrapped in cloth and no longer painful.
   There were no blisters of any kind, but within three days a
   black, horny layer appeared where the blisters might have been.
   Very ugly.  In another week, this peeled off, and once again the
   hand was smooth, pink, soft, and completely unscarred.  The
   recipe for the miracle is:
 
         Simmer one handful of balm of gilead buds and one        
         handful of marigold flowers in an enamel or glass pot   
         with water to cover.  Do not boil.  After 15 minutes     
         remove from heat, strain and pour liquid into a clean    
         and sterile jar.  Add a layer of olive oil to cover.  Do 
         not let the oil and liquid mix.  It will keep for a few  
         months.  To use: Hold breath (as liquid does NOT smell   
         good) and pour through filter paper or paper towel.  Use 
         directly on burns, sunburns, and other similar           
         problems. 
 
 
Marshmallow-Comfrey Oil: 
   Simmer 1 handful of crushed marshmallow root and 1 handful of  
   comfrey root in 1 cup of white wine in an enamel pot.  Cover.
   Simmer for 20 minutes.  Strain.  When cool apply to burns and
   sunburns.

                              -Warts-                             
 
Note:  All these cures will work for pimples, zits, and corns
too.   
 
Stolen Apple Cure: 
   Get an apple.  Cut this apple into as many pieces as you have  
   warts.  Rub one peace onto 1 wart, and repeat with all warts.
   Wrap up the apple bits in a piece of cloth, then bury the whole
   thing.  When the apple bits have rotted, the warts will be     
   gone.
 
Dandelion Juice:   
   Gather together, many dandelions, this includes stems, heads
   and leaves.  Squeeze them.  Apply their milky fluid to the wart
   or corn.
 
Oil of Thuja:  
   Apply this oil to a wart.  An infusion used as a wash on the   
   warts will work too.   (Note:  Thuja is also called White
   Cedar)
 
Marigold Juice for Warts: 
   Take a fresh marigold, squeeze out the juice and apply it      
   directly to a wart.  Let the juice dry.  Make applications     
   until the warts fall off. 
 
Milkweed Juice: 
   Take some fresh milkweed, squeeze it, and apply this milk to   
   the warts.  The indians say that it will entirely cure warts   
   with just a very few applications. 
 
                             -Bronchitis- 
 
   Give up smoking (Try chewing a combination of gentian root and 
   camomile flowers every time you feel the need to smoke.)  Then 
   try these teas. 
 
Manzanita Cider: 
   Crush a handful of manzanita berries and bruise a handful of
   the leaves, and pour over 2 cups of boiling water.  When settled,
   strain off the liquid and use throughout the day as a drink.

Horehound Tea: 
   Take 1 oz. of the green herb, 1 oz. of honey, and 1 pint of    
   boiling water.  Cover, and set aside until cold.  Drink 4 oz.  
   at a time for a cough. 
 
Other Herbal Teas: 
   Try a combination of coltsfoot, mugwort, and culeb, with lemon 
   and honey.  Try a snuff of golden seal; small pinch of the     
   golden yellow powder snuffed into each nostril is sometimes
   very efficacious in the treatment of bronchitis.  If your
   respiratory passages are particularly painful, slippery elm
   tea is an excellent demucelent.
                 
 
                         -Sinus Infections- 
 
Golden Seal Snuff: 
   Take powdered golden seal and snuff a bit into each nostril    
   whenever needed. 
 
Herbal Inhaler: 
   In a small bottle add 10 drops of each of the following oils.  
   Carry it around with you and sniff the scent of these fine     
   aromatics whenever you wish to clear your nasal passages.
          eucalyptus                  lavender 
          rosemary                    eucalyptus 
          cloves          -or-        peppermint 
          peppermint                  cloves 
          bay leaf                    rosemary 
 
 
                      
                        -Sore Throats-      
 
 
Dirty Sock Cure: 
   During the winter, when you get a sore throat, wrap your dirty 
   wool sock around your throat every night and the soreness will 
   soon disappear. 
            
Sage Tea: 
   Take equal parts of sage, rosemary, honeysuckle, and plantain. 
   Boil these herbs in sufficient water to cover.  Add a small    
   tablespoonful of honey to each pint of liquid and use as       
   required. 
   
Yerba Mansa Root: 
   This root, chewed slowly, will ease the pain of sore throats. 
 
 
                        -Colds & Coughs- 
 
Teas for Colds and Coughs: 
   To help eliminate mucus in the respiratory passage, mix
   together equal parts of the following ingredients:
 
      comfrey root                      comfrey root     
      hyssop                            hyssop 
      balm of gilead                    balm of gilead    
      camomile                          coltsfoot  
      elecampane                        wintergreen leaf* 
 
    For either tea steep 1 heaping teaspoon of the herbs in 1 cup 
    of boiling water.  Cover the pot and steep for 10-20 minutes. 
    Strain.  Drink this tea as often as you like.  You can add    
    lemon and honey. 
            (*: Potentially dangerous.  Can cause irritation,     
            allergic reaction, gastric distress or other          
            discomfort.) 
             
Tea for Coughs: 
   Mix together equal parts of pennyroyal, licorice, and
   horehound and make a tea by steeping 1 heaping teaspoon per
   cup of boiling water for 10-20 minutes.  Strain.  Drink with
   lemon and honey as often as you like.
 
 
Tea for Colds in the Chest: 
   Mix together equal quantities of birch leaf, horehound, and    
   licorice.  Steep 1 heaping teaspoon of herbs per cup of
   boiling water for 10-20 minutes.  Strain.  Drink with lemon
   and honey as often as you like.
 
Sleep Tea for Colds: 
   Mix together equal quantities of dandelion root, camomile, and 
   valerian.  Steep 1 heaping teaspoon of herbs per cup of
   boiling water for 10-20 minutes.  Strain.  Drink with lemon
   and honey to relax you an help you sleep when you have a bad
   cold.

                       -Tooth Aches- 
Garlic: 
   Put a piece of a garlic clove inside the cavity.  It kills the 
   pain and seems to slow up the infective process.  At night
   place a peeled garlic between your teeth and your cheek.
   This is also good to keep a cold from becoming severe.  (Make
   sure you wash out your mouth in the morning though!)
 
Marshmallow Root Poultice: 
   If you have an abscessed tooth and a swollen jaw, place pieces 
   of dried marshmallow root between the tooth and cheek.  Renew  
   the poultices in the morning and night.  This greatly reduces
   the inflammation and keeps the pain in check.
 
 
                         -Bad Backs- 
                         
Bad Back Tea: 
   1/4 cups of sage
   1/4 cups of pennyroyal
   2   cups of comfrey root and leaf
   1/4 cups of camomile

   Bring to a boil 20 oz. of water in a nonmetal pot.  Drop 1/4 cup
   of the mixed herbs into the pot.  Turn off the heat, cover the
   pot and steep the herbs for 10 minutes.  Strain.  Drink a
   teacupful four times a day.  You can add lemon and honey to it,
   you can drink it hot or cold, iced, but do make it fresh
   daily.  For a new taste substitute or add licorice root to the
   recipe.  If you use this tea, give it a long trial period.  It
   took a long time to develop a bad back, don't expect one pill,
   one exercise, or 1 cup of tea to do away with the problem!
    
Camomile Oil: 
   This is an old Egyptian formula.  Take flowers of camomile and 
   beat them up with pure olive oil.  Leave to stand until the    
   virtues of the flowers have been extracted.  Then with the oil 
   rub over the whole body, especially the back.  Go to bed,
   cover up.  Good for over-strained muscles, cramps, strains
   and stitches.
 
Super Massage Cream: 
   1 1/2 oz. of coconut oil 
   1/2 oz. of turtle oil 
   1 dropper sweet clover oil 
 
 Mix all the ingredients together.  This is an excellent cream,   
useful for all sore and aching muscles.  According to the      
therapist the author consulted, this cream is superior to
anything   supplied by the hospital. 
 
Lavender Oil: 
   Mix 1 part oil of lavender with 3 parts olive oil, or 1 part   
   oil of lavender with 1 part coconut oil, and use to massage the
   muscles of the lower back.  Use sparingly.
                   
                       -Aching Joints- 
 
 Parsley Tea to Stimulate the Kidneys: 
   Take a handful of fresh parsley and pour over it 2 cups of     
   boiling water.  Steep until cold then strain.  Drink 1/2 cup of
   this tea before every meal and before going to bed.  
 
 
 
Indian Tea: 
  The indians drink a tea of rose petals, peppermint, lemon peel, 
  and liden leaves for arthritis. 
 
 
Rheumatism Tea: 
   An excellent tea to take daily for the treatment of rheumatism 
   and arthritis is a mixture of cascara sagrada, poke root,      
   cimicfuga, uva ursi leaves, camomile and sassafras.  Take 1 T. 
   of this mixture and pour it over 2 cups of boiling water.  Let 
   it steep for about 10 minutes and strain.  Make it fresh in
   the evening and drink 1 cup, with lemon and honey if you
   like.  Drink the other cup, cold, in the morning.
 
                            -Bites- 
 
Insect Bite Ointment:  
   Beat some frankincense to a powder and mix it with oil of bay. 
   Use it to anoint the body to ease the itch of insect bites.    
   For the sting, a little oil of cajeput offers relief. 
 
Dog Bites: 
   Four oz. rue, 4 oz. treacle, 4 oz. garlic, 4 large spoonfuls   
   of scraped pewter.  Boil all of the ingredients with a bottle  
   of strong ale.  (Beer will do.)  Strain.  Apply the sediment 
   to the wound and drink the clear liquid 9 spoonfuls every day  
   for 9 days.  
                         - a seventeenth-century recipe. 
 
 
 
           TABLE OF HERBS THAT REPEL AND ATTRACT ANIMALS 
 
                     ----  Repellent ----    
          
         
                        FLIES: 
                    Clover flower 
                    oil of sassafras 
                    mixture of clove, bay, eucalyptus 
                 
                       INSECTS: 
                     Oil of mint 
                     feverfew 
                     oil of citronella 
                     pennyroyal and oil of pennyroyal 
   
 
                         MICE: 
                      peppermint 
                      pennyroyal 
 
                 
                         
                       BODY LICE: 
                    oil of bergamot 
                   oil of pennyroyal 
 
 
                         FLEAS: 
                          rue  
                        camomile  
                         savory 
                       pennyroyal 
 
 
                         CATS:      
                          rue 
                        lavender  
                         ginger 
 
  
                         DOGS: 
                        Ginger   
 
 
                   ---- ATTRACTANTS ---- 
 
       INSECTS:           BEETLES:            BEES: 
     oil of thyme     rose geranium oil     bee balm 
                     
 
        CATS:              RODENTS:           BEARS: 
       catnip           oil of rhodium    oil of rhodium 
      cannabis 
      valerian 
   
 
 
                        WILD ANIMALS: 
                       oil of rhodium 
 
 
                        -Athlete's Foot- 
                        
Soap & Powder: 
   Mix together 1 oz. powdered gum, benzoin with 4 oz. starch.    
   When washing your feet, use soap bark, a useful detergent,     
   especially good for athlete's foot.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar Bath: 
   Steep 1 oz. sage and agrimony in 2 cups of hot apple cider     
   vinegar for 15 minutes.  Keep it covered.  When cool enough put
   your feet in and soak for as long as you can.  Repeat two or   
   three times a day. 
 
                            -Hair- 
Olive Hair Oil: 
   To 4 oz. olive oil, add 1 t. oil of rosemary, and 5 drops oil  
   of lemon grass.  Rub a tiny bit into the hair each night.  This
   is version of an old time recipe that helps hair grow. 
 
Yucca Root Shampoo: 
   Boil 4 oz. yucca root or soap bark in 2 cups of fresh water    
   until it is reduced to 1 cup.  Strain and cool.  If not sudsy  
   enough for you, add castille shampoo.  Brunettes can
   substitute rosemary water, and blondes camomile water, for
   the 2 cups of liquid-both cleanses and deodorized the scalp.
 
 
 
To thicken the hair, and to keep it from falling out: 
   Put 4 lbs. pure organic honey into a still with 4-6 oz
   grapevine tendrils and 2-4 oz. tender rosemary tops.  Distill
   as cool and as slowly as possible.  Allow the liquid to drop
   until it begins to taste sour.  Rub this into the hair roots
   daily.
 
Sage Tea: 
   Drink sage tea daily and rub the infusion onto the roots of
   your hair to retain its rich, dark color.

        The following is compiled by Scott Cunningham 
                            
 
                           AMULETS   
 
To see Ghosts:  Carry lavender and inhale its scent. 
To allay Fear:  Carry a mixture of yarrow and nettle. 
To be Courageous:  Wear a fresh borage flower, or carry mullein. 
To avoid military service:  Wear the four-leafed clover. 
To assure protection on a trip:  Wear comfrey. 
To guard against rape: Where the heather. 
To conceive:  Wear mistletoe, cyclamen, or bistort. 
To prevent weariness while walking:  Put mugwort in your shoes. 
To keep disease away:  Wear a sprig of rue around the neck.  To
ensure victory:  Wear woodruff. 
To ensure that friendly words are spoken to you:  Wear
heliotrope. To see Fairies: Gather wild thyme and carry it with
you, or put it on the eyelids (with your eyes closed) and sleep
on a fairy hill. 
 
                The Power of Herbs, Part Two!
         
        Herbal Powers of the Ancient Celts and Druids.
         (Copy Right 1990: D.J. Conway, Celtic Magic)
 
ALDER:  A Druid sacred tree.  The pith is easily pushed out of
fresh green alder roots to make whistles.  Several shoots bound
together side by side, one end stopped with plugs of wood, clay
or sealing compound can be used to entice Air Elementals to your
area.  Trim the end of each shoot to produce the notes you want. 
The old superstitions of whistling up the wind come from this.
 
APPLE, DOMESTIC: A Druid sacred tree.  Cut an apple into three
pieces.  Rub the cut side on warts, saying: "Out warts, into
apple."  Bury the pieces; as the apple decays the warts will
disappear.  (See above for a similar cure.)  Use apple cider in
any old spells calling for blood or wine.
 
ASH:  A Druid sacred tree.  Druid wands are often made of ash and
carved with decorations.  Ash wands are good for general, solar,
and healing magick.  Put fresh ash leaves under your pillow to
stimulate psychic dreams.
                                                 
BASIL:  Burn basil to exorcise negativity from the home.  To do a
really thorough cleansing and protection of yourself and your
home, also sprinkle a little basil in each corner of each room
and add to your bathwater.
 
BETONY:  Also known as Bishopwort, Wood Betony, Purple Betony.  A
Druid sacred herb.  This was a very magickal herb to the druids
as it has the power to expel evil spirits, nightmares, and
despair.  It was burned at Midsummer Solstice for purification
and protection.  Sprinkle near all doors and windows to form a
protective barrier.  If troubled by nightmares, fill a small
cloth pillow and place it under your regular pillow.
 
BIRCH:  Also known as Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch, White
Birch.  A Druid sacred tree.  Carefully gather strips of the bark
at the new moon.  With red ink, write on a birch strip: bring me
true love.  Burn this along with a love incense, saying: "Goddess
of love, God of Desire, Bring to me sweet passions fire."  The
specific name of the God/dess may be added.  Or cast the bark
into a stream or other flowing water, saying: "Message of love, I
set you free, to capture love and return to me."
 
BISTORT:  Also called Snakeweed, Dragonwort, Sweet Dock.  Carry a
piece of the dried root to conceive.
 
BLACKTHORN: Also called Sloe.  The thorns are used for sticking
into black figure candles, or poppets of enemies who won't leave
you alone!  A Druid sacred tree.
 
BRIAR:  Also known as Wild Rose, Sweet Briar, Hip Fruit.  Regular
scented roses may be substituted.  For clairvoyant dreams, steep
two teaspoons fresh or dried rose petals in one cup of boiling
water.  Cover and let stand five minutes.  Drink at bedtime. 
Burn the petals with love incense to strengthen love spells.  
BROOM:  Also known as Scotch Broom, Irish Broom.  A Druid sacred
tree; it can substitute for furze (gorse) at the Spring Equinox. 
The Irish called it the "physician's power" because of it's
diuretic shoots.  Sweep your outside ritual area with it to
purify and protect.  Burning the blooms and shoots calms the
wind.
 
WHITE BYRONY:  POISONOUS!  Also known as English Mandrake,
Briony, Ladies Heal.  The roots can substitute for the rare true
mandrake root.  Set a piece of the root on your money to increase
prosperity.
 
BURDOCK:  Also known as Cocklebur, Beggar's Buttons.  Steep a
handful of the herb in a bucket of water for Washing floors. 
This wards off negativity, purifies and protects.  
 
CATNIP:  Also known as Catnep, Catmint.  A Druid sacred herb,
chewed by warriors for fierceness in battle.  Large dried leaves
are powerful markers in magickal books.  Give to your cat to
create a psychic bond with it.
 
CEDAR:  Also known as Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae, Yellow Cedar.  A
Druid sacred tree.  Ancient Celts on the mainland used Cedar oil
to preserve the heads of enemies taken in battle.  To draw Earth
energy and ground yourself, place the palms of your hands against
the ends of the leaves.  
 
CELADINE:  Also known as Tetterwort, Swallow Herb, Figwort,
Pilewort.  To prevent unlawful imprisonment, wear a red flannel
bag filled with the herb next to the skin.  Replace the herb
every three days.
 
CHAMOMILE:  Also known as Wild Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Ground
Apple.  Roman Chamomile smells like fresh apples and is the most
enjoyable to use.  A tea made of two teaspoons of the herb
steeped for five minutes in a cup of boiling water is a gentle
sleep inducer.  It can be burned or added to prosperity bags to
increase money.
 
WILD CHERRY:  Also known as Black Cherry, Chokeberry.  A Druid
Sacred Tree.  Chips of the wood or bark were burned at Celtic
festivals.
 
CLUB MOSS:  Also known as Wolf Claw, Staghorn.  A Druid sacred
herb.  Among the Celts, only a priest or priestess could gather
club moss; it had to be cut with a silver dagger.  The plants and
the spores (collected in July and August) were used for blessings
and protection.
 
COMFREY:  Also known as Slippery Root, Knitbone, Blackwort. 
Teas,  tinctures and compresses of comfrey leaves or roots speed
the healing of cuts, rashes and broken bones.  To ensure the
safety of your luggage while traveling, tuck a piece of root in
each bag.
 
ELDER:  Also known as Ellhorn, Elderberry, Lady Elder.  A Druid
sacred tree.  Sacred to the White Lady and Midsummer Solstice. 
The Druids used it to both bless and curse.  Standing under an
Elder tree as Midsummer, like standing in a Fairy Ring of
mushrooms, will help you see the "little people".
 
EYEBRIGHT:  A Druid sacred tree.  In a tightly covered pot,
gently brew a handful of the herb in a pint of boiling water. 
Allow to stand overnight.  Strain out herb, squeezing as dry as
possible.  Store the liquid in a tightly sealed container away
from sunlight and heat, but not in the refrigerator.  Drink half-
teaspoon in half-cup of spring water or psychic herb tea to
promote clairvoyance.
 
FERNS, especially MALE FERN, MAIDENHAIR, BRACKEN, LADY FERN and
POLYPODY:  The Druids classed ferns as sacred trees.  Uncurled
fronds of a male fern were gathered at Mid Summer, dried and
carried for good luck.  All ferns are powerful protective plants. 
Burned indoors, they produce a very strong wall of protection. 
Burned outdoors, they produce rain.
 
FEVERFEW:  Also known as Featherfoil, Flirtwort.  Travelers
carried it as ward against sickness or accident during their
journeys.
 
SILVER FIR:  Also known as Birth Tree.  The needles are born at
childbirth to bless and protect the mother and the baby.
 
FOXGLOVE:  POISONOUS!  Also known as Fairy Gloves, Fairy Fingers,
Dead Men's Bells.  A Druid sacred herb associated with fairies
and the "little people".
 
FURZE:  Also known as Gorse, Whin.  A Druid sacred tree.  Its
golden flowers are associated with the Spring Equinox.  Wood and
blooms are burned for protection and preparation for conflict of
any sort.
 
HAWTHORN:  Also known as May Tree, Whit Thorn.  A Druid sacred
tree.  Wands of this wood are of great power.
 
HAZEL:  A Druid sacred tree.  Wands of this wood symbolize white
magick and healing.  Forked sticks are used to find water or
buried treasure.  If outside and in need of magickal protection
quickly, draw a circle around you with a hazel branch.  To enlist
the aide of plant fairies, string hazel nuts up on a cord and
hang in your house or ritual room.  
 
HEATHER:  A Druid sacred herb.  Used at Midsummer to promote love
and protection.  Red heather is for passion, white heather is for
cooling the passion of unwanted suitors.
 
HOLLY:  A Druid sacred tree.  Sacred to the Winter Solstice, when
it was used for decorating.  Planted near your house holly repels
negative spells sent towards you.  A bag of leaves and berries
carried by a man increases his ability to attract women.
 
HOPS:  Also known as Beer Flavor.  A Druid sacred herb.  A pillow
stuffed with dried hops aids sleep and healing.
 
IVY, ENGLISH:  POISONOUS!  A Druid sacred herb.  Connected with
the Winter Solstice when it was used for decorating.  Ivy
provides protection When growing on or near a house.
 
JUNIPER:  A Druid sacred tree.  Its berries were used with thyme
in Druid and Grove incenses for visions.  Juniper grown by the
door discourages thieves.  The mature berries can be strung and
hung in the house to attract love.

LAUREL:  Also known as Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay.  Its leaves were
burned by the priestesses of the Triple Goddesses to induce
psychic visions.  Placing the leaves under your pillow will also
give inspirations and visions.  Laurel counteracts negativity and
restrictions.
 
LILY OF THE VALLEY:  POISONOUS!  Also known as May Bells.  A
liquid made by soaking the flowers in spring water can be
sprinkled around the ritual area to draw peace and knowledge.
 
PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE:  Placed in the corners of each room, this
herb restores harmony and brings peace.
 
MARIGOLD:  Also known as Calendula, Holigold, Pot Marigold, Bride
of the Sun.  A Druid sacred herb.  Marigold water is made from
the blossoms.  Rubbed on the eyelids this liquid helps you see
the fairies.  Flowers added to the pillows give clairvoyant
dreams.
 
MARJORAM, WILD MARJORAM:  Also known as Wintersweet, Sweet
Marjoram, Pot Marjoram.  And infusion of Marjoram, Mint and
Rosemary can be sprinkled around the house for protection.  This
also works for protecting specific objects.
 
MEADOWSWEET:  Also known as Queen of the Meadow, Gravel Root,
Meadowwort.  One of the three most sacred Druid herbs; the other
two are mint and vervain.  Meadowsweet can be used to decorate
the altar while performing love spells.
 
WILD MINT:  A Druid sacred herb.  Poppets for healing and love
can be filled with dried mint leaves.  Added to incenses, it
cleans the house or ritual area.
 
MISTLETOE:  Also known as Birdlime, All Heal, and Golden Bough. 
It was the most sacred "tree" of the Druids, and ruled the Winter
Solstice.  The berries are POISONOUS!  Bunches of Mistletoe can
be hung as an all purpose protective herb.  The berries are used
in love incenses.
 
MOONWORT:  The crescent shaped leaflets and fronds are used in
love bags.  Put a piece of moonwort inside a locket with a
picture of your lover to promote lasting love.
 
IRISH MOSS:  Also known as Pearl Moss.  This herb is for getting
and keeping a steady income of money.  If you make poppets for
love or money stuff this herb inside the doll.  Burn it with
incense during spellworkings for luck or money.  Sprinkle a
little inside your purse or billfold.  
 
MUGWORT:  Also known as Sailor's Tobacco, Witch Herb, Old Man.  A
Druid sacred herb.  Rub the fresh herb on crystal balls an magick
mirrors to increase their strength.  The herbs power is strongest
when picked on the Full Moon.  Soak one-quarter ounce mugwort in
a bottle of wine for seven days, beginning on a New Moon.  Strain
and drink a small amount to aid clairvoyance, divination, and
crystal reading.  Gather at Summer Solstice for good luck.
 
MULLEIN:  Also known as Hag's Taper, Candlewick plant, Aaron's
Rod, Velvet Plant, Shepherd's Club.  The powdered leaves are
sometimes called "graveyard dust" and can be substituted for
such.
 
NUTS & CONES:  Sacred to the Druids; highly steeped in magick. 
Small cones or acorns are often used to tip the wands used by
Celtic Priests.  All nuts can be used in Fertility Magick.
 
OAK:  Also known as Tanner's Bark, White Oak.  A Druid holy tree,
the oak was the king of trees in a grove.  Magick wands were made
of its wood.  Oak galls, known as Serpent Eggs, were used in
magickal charms.  Acorns gathered at night held the greatest
fertility powers.  The Druids and Priestesses listened to the
rustling leaves of the oak and the wrens in the branches for
divinatory messages.  Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere.
 
PINE:  Sacred to the Druids, the pine was known as one of the
seven chieftain trees of the Irish.  Mix the dried needles with
equal parts of Juniper and Cedar; burn to purify the home and
ritual areas.  The cones and nuts can be carried as a fertility
charm.  A good magickal cleansing and stimulating bath is made by
placing needles in a looses woven bag and running bathwater over
this.  To purify and sanctify and outdoor ritual are, brush the
ground with a pine branch.
 
ROWAN:  Also known as Mountain Ash, Witchwood, Sorb Apple.  A
Druid sacred tree, and sacred to the goddess Brigit.  It is a
very magickal tree used for wands, rods, amulets and spells.  It
berries are especially magickal but its seeds are POISONOUS!  A
forked Rowan branch can help find water.  Wands are for
knowledge, locating metal and general divination.  Fires made of
Rowan wood serve to summon spirits, especially when facing
conflicts.  
 
RUE:  Also known as Herb of Grace.  Ancient Celts considered Rue
and anti-magickal herb, that is a defense against spells and
black magick.  A fresh sprig can be used to sprinkle water for
consecration, blessing and healing.  Burned in exorcism or
purification incenses, it routs negativity and gets things
moving.
 
ST. JOHNSWORT:  A Druid sacred herb,  the celts passed it through
the smoke of Summer Solstice fires and wore it in battle for
invincibility.  It can be burned to banish and exorcise spirits.
 
SOLOMON'S SEAL:  Also known as Blessed Thistle and St. Benedict
Thistle.  A Druid sacred herb, it is primarily for protection and
strength.  Grown in the garden it turns away thieves.
 
THYME:  Also known as Common Thyme, Mother of Thyme.  A Druid
sacred herb.  A magickal cleansing bath can be made by pouring a
tea of thyme and marjoram into the water.  A pillow stuffed with
thyme kills nightmares.  When attending a funeral, wear a sprig
of thyme to repel the negativity of mourners.
 
TREFOIL:  Also known as Purple Clover, Shamrock, Three-Leaved
Grass.  Always leave something in payment when you take Trefoil
for it is a favorite herb of the fairies and "little people".  A
pinch of ginger or a little milk poured on the ground are
acceptable gifts.  A Druid sacred herb symbolizing the Triple
Deities.  Carry a three-leaf clover for protection and luck, a
four-leaf on to avoid military service.  
 
VALERIAN:  Also known as Garden Heliotrope, Vandal Root, St.
George's Herb.  Use this herb in love spells, especially to
reconcile troubled couples.  Put in pillows to promote deep rest.
 
Although the root of the herb has a strong pungent scent, some
cats love the odor more then catnip.
 
VERVAIN:  Also known as Holy Herb, Enchanter's Herb, Blue
Vervain, Verbena.  A Druid sacred herb commonly in their many
rites and incantations.  It was so highly held that offerings of
it were placed on the altars.  When burned it is powerful for
warding off psychic attack, but is also used in spells for
attracting love, wealth, and purification.  It is a powerful
attractant to the opposite sex.
 
WILLOW:  Also known as White Willow, Tree of Enchantment, and
Witch's Aspirin.  One of the seven sacred trees of the Irish; A
Druid sacred tree.  The willow is a moon tree sacred to The White
Lady.  Its groves were considered so magickal that priests,
priestesses, and all types of artisans sat among these trees to
gain eloquence, inspirations, skills and prophecies.  For a wish
to be granted, ask permission of the willow, explaining your
desire.  Select a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it while
expressing what you want.  When the wish is fulfilled, return and
untie the knot.  Remember to thank the willow and leave a gift.  
 
YEW:  Also known as English Yew, European Yew.  A Druid sacred
Tree.  This herb was sacred to Winter Solstice and deities of
death and rebirth.  The Irish used it to make dagger handles,
bows and wine barrels.  The berries are POISONOUS!  Yew wood or
leaves was laid on graves to remind the departed spirit that
death was only a pause in life before rebirth.
 
 
            Herbal Redes (A collection of herbal sayings.)
                    (Compiled by Scott Cunningham)
 
  
"What can kill, can cure."
       
"More in the garden grows, then the witch knows."  
 
"Sell your coat and buy Betony."
 
"No ear hath heard, no tongue can tell, the virtues of the        
 pimpernel."
 
"Treoil, vervain, St. Johnswort, Dill, Hinder witches of all
their will."  
 
"Where rosemary grows the missus is master."
 
"Faerie-Folks are in old oaks."
 
"Sow fennel, sow sorrow."
 
"Only the wicked grows parsley."
 
"Plant your sage and rue together, the sage will grow in any      
 weather."
 
"Snakes will no go, where geraniums grow."
 
"Where the yarrow grows, there is one who knows."
 
"If ye would herbal magic make, make sure in rhyme the spell be   
 spake."
 
"Woe to the lad without a rowan-tree god. (amulet)"
 
"Rowan trees and red thread put the Witches to their speed."
 
"Eat an apple going to bed, make the doctor beg his bread!"
 
"The fair maid who, the First of May goes to the field at break
of day, and washes in dew from the hawthorn tree will ever after  
handsome be."
 
"Plant not a cypress vine, unless it brings death to thine."
"Beware the oak it draws the stroke.  Avoid the ash it courts the 
 flash.  Creep under the thorn it will save you from harm."   
 
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."
 
"Flowers out of season, sorrows without reason."
 
"He would for aye, must eat sage in May."
 
"One to rot, one to grow, one for the pigeon, one for the crow."
 
"St. Johnswort and cyclamen in your bed chambers keep, from evil  
 spells and witcheries, to guard you in your sleep."       
 
"I borage give courage."
 
"No mistletoe, no luck."
 
"Be silent as the ancient oak!"

You should, whenever possible, get your herbs from the wild. 
Unfortunately this is not normally possible if you live in the
city.  So, down below is a list of some various mail-order herb
companies.
 
 
APHRODISIA                            BURGESS PLANT & SEED CO. 28
Carmine Street                        2200 E. Oakland Ave.
New York, NY 10014                    Bloomington, IL 61701      
"Dried herbs plus a large             "Herb seeds and plants." 
selection of natural and          
and compounded oils, self-            GREENE HERB GARDEN
lighting charcoal, books,             Greene, RI 02872
exotic cooking special-               "Herb seeds and bulbs."
ities.  Send a SASE for              
current catalogue price."             GUERNEY SEED & NURSERY CO.
                                      Yankton, SD 57079
NATURE'S HERB CO.                     "Herb Seeds and Plants."
281 Ellis Street                                        
San Francisco, CA 94102              HENRY FIELD SEED & NURS.CO.
"Dried Herbs. Send SASE              107 Sycamore St.
for catalogue info."                 Shenandoah, IA 51602
                                     "Herb seed and plants."
NICHOLS GARDEN NURSERY
1190 No. Pacific Highway              INDIANA BOTANIC GARDENS
Albany, OR 97321                      Hammond, IN 46325
                                      "Exotic herbs and oils."    
GEO. W. PARK SEED CO.
Greenwood, SC 29647                    R.H. SHUMWAY SEEDSMAN      
"Herb seeds, along with a              628 Cedar St.
 wide variety of unusual               Rockford, IL 61101
 seeds for many kinds of               "Herb seeds and plants." 
 plants.  Also a wonderful
 color catalogue."                     TAYLOR'S HERB GARDENS, INC.                                        1335 Lone Oak Road
                                       Vista, CA 92083
                                       "Live herbs only, shipped  
                                       anywhere in the union.     
                                       Send SASE for catalogue info."
                                      
 
 
                              WANDS 
                  
An important tool in Witchcraft and herbalism is the wand.  Many
types of wood are used.  Given below is a short list of different
type of woods and there best uses as wands.
 
        LOVE MAGICK - Apple
        HEALING MAGICK - Ash
        EXORCISMS - Elder
        PROSPERITY - Fir
        PROTECTION - Rowan
        PURIFICATIONS and BLESSINGS - Birch
        MOON MAGICK AND WISHING MAGICK - Willow
        GENERAL ALL-PURPOSE - Elder and Hazel
        FERTILITY MAGICK - Oak topped with an acorn
 
As the wood must be obtained from a living tree, you may not be
able to obtain the type of wood you desire.  But fortunately,
most trees, especially fruit trees, will work adequately in
magic.        
                           
 
                         GOOD BOOKS
               
There are many good books on the market for herbalism.  Many
about the medicinal value of the plants, others on the magickal
properties.  Included below is a small selection of very good
books.  (The ones marked with a star were used on this file.)  
 
* Cunningham, Scott, "Magical Herbalism, The Secret Craft of the
Wise" Llewellyn Publications, (c) 1982, 1983
 
* Rose, Jeanne, "Herbs & Things", Grosset & Dunlap, (c) 1972
 
* Conway, D.J., "Norse Magic"  (One section in the back),
Llewellyn Publications, (c) 1990
 
* Conway, D.J., "Celtic Magic"  (One section in the back),
Llewellyn Publications, (c) 1990
 
Cunningham, Scott, "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs",
Llewellyn Publications, (c) 1985-89
 
 
Well, that is it.  Enjoy the file, just remember that herbs
cannot do everything by themselves.  If you break your arm, SEE A
DOCTOR!  Don't just make a poultice and slap it on!  There is no
substitute for common sense.
                           Blessed Be!
                               The Wizard (a.k.a Muad'Dib)
                                     August 27th, 1991
 
 There ya go.  Remember, this is copyrighted so don't try to sell it or
nothing.

