Witches Dance
In honor of the Halloween SAL that I found online. I thought I would share this old design.
Here is the PDF file of the pattern.
Witches Dance
Exploring Options
With the house and car being paid off in a few months we are facing a time of possibilities. It’s funny how one gets so used to living a certain way that the idea of freedom becomes frightening. At 65, I find myself facing the reality that I can go out and do something just because I want to do it. Go someplace just because I want to see it. That doesn’t mean I can do anything. I have some physical limitations. But there are lots of things that I can do and an extra $900.00 a month income makes that even more true. So it’s time to seriously explore our options instead of just talking about them.
We have tossed around several possibilities over the years. But only a few come back time and again. Buying a motor home and driving the behemoth around doesn’t excite us. People we’ve known who have done it have told us that basically you just go from RV supplier to RV supplier to keep the things going. We’ll pass on that I think. But there are some intriguing possibilities.
The simplest would be to do nothing. Do some remodeling to make the house more senior friendly. We could put in a bathroom downstairs and move down there where it is easier to heat and cool. Or we could put in central air/heat and remodel the bathroom upstairs. Put up solar panels. It’s all doable. And we have been so happy here that this is a really good option.
We’ve also talked about building a granny house in the backyard and moving the Peel family into the house. I really do like the idea of multi-generational living. It seems so much more natural to me. The young ones supplying the brawn and the oldies helping with the youngsters. We have even kicked around the idea of converting the garage into a granny house. This is probably the most expensive option and would tie us right back to a mortgage.
But there are some down sides to staying here in Ogden. We live at 4300′ above sea level. Fred is on oxygen 24/7. The Wasatch Front is developing a serious air quality problem. There were several days last winter where we had the worst air quality in the nation. These are not just words to us anymore. Fred really feels it. We’ve had some bad ozone days this summer too. We’re also feeling the extremes of temperature. It gets too hot and too cold to go out walking. My knees stop bending at about 23 degrees. That is Jan. and Feb. Then it’s too hot to do much walking in July and Aug. That’s a third of the year. I’m not thrilled with being housebound a third of the year.
Or we could do the snow bird thing. I always wondered how people could afford to do that. Now I know. Pay off all of your debt and you can go spend the winter in AZ.
Or we could really look at relocating to a place with a less extreme climate and a lower elevation. I’ve often looked at the Eugene, OR. area as a possibility. Mountain Rose Herbs is located there!! The temperatures are more moderate so we would gain back that third of a year. I might be able to do some gardening all year! The elevation is 430′. How much difference will an almost 4k elevation difference make to Fred? Could he get completely off of oxygen? Or only use it a night? I’d really like to know. Mountain Rose Herbs is located there!! Medical marijuana is legal there. That is a big deal for me. I’m allergic to all prescription pain meds. And let me tell you that Tylenol is not strong enough to alleviate the pain of knee replacement surgery. Just knowing that it would be available should I need it is comforting. And did I mention that Mountain Rose Herbs is located there!! 🙂
So today we are starting to really explore our options. We are tentatively looking at spending at least a month in the Eugene area in Nov. We really want to explore that whole corridor from Ashland to Corvallis. The Peel family has agreed to keep an eye on the old homestead while we go exploring. We’ll take the dogs with us.
Today I spent some time looking at zoning and building requirements. I’m very discouraged by what I found. Building a little granny house is just as big a hassle as building a full sized home. Contractors, architects, permits and no where to just ask a general question about if either option is even possible. I worked for the State of Utah for 30 years. I’ve had enough bureaucracy to last a lifetime. We’ve both decided that we’d rather live in a mobile home then deal with this shit. I guess it’s progress of a sort. At least we’ve got one thing crossed off the list.
I also spent some time setting up things to follow online in the Eugene area. I was a little surprised by the first headline that came up on on my FB page. “Hash oil Explosion Injures One and Destroys House”. Now there is a headline you don’t see in Utah!! I also discovered that they do a big drum circle at the farmer’s market in Eugene every Sat. And all of those old white-haired hippie folk look like my kind of tribe. Also a FB medical marijuana shop on with pictures that blew us both away. This could be a lot of fun.
The photo is from our little drum circle on Sunday. That’s me with the djembe and Fred looking at the photographer.
DIY Smudge Sticks!
Do you know what smudging is?
Smudge sticks are tightly bound bundles of herbs (often sage), that are slowly burned as a way to purify and cleanse your house or yourself. Originally, the roots of or smudging come from North American Native purification ceremonies, but can be used by anyone to clear negative energy and as an added bonus – makes your rooms smell nice.
- Step 1. Get some herbs! If you have a garden, chances are good that you have enough ingredients to make at least one smudge stick. Typically sage is used but there’s also Cedar, Sweetgrass, Mugwort, Lavender and so much more out there to try! You can experiment by mixing different combinations and seeing which smells the best to you.
- Step 2. Clip herbs into similarly sized lengths so they can burn at the same rate. The bigger the better, make ‘em nice and fat if you can. They burn slower and last longer. Wrap a string around the base of the herbs, make sure the string is thick enough and won’t break easily.
- Step 3. Begin to wrap the string tightly around the herbs, going on an upwards angle. Make sure it’s as tight as possible and progresses upwards. Wrap it around twice in the same spot if need be. Once you get to the top, wrap it towards the bottom in a criss cross pattern. Wrap it as much as you see fit, then tie it at the bottom. Cut the string, and there you go!
- Step 4. Set the bundles aside somewhere dry and dark where there is good air circulation. You can hang them using string or thin wires; you can even attach it to a fan for quick drying
Or you can just lay them out flat to dry, but make sure the air circulation gets underneath the bundle as well – it if doesn’t completely dry out, it will be hard to light.
And just like that, you have a magical wand of purity!
You can walk around your home, waving it around to gets lots of smoke.
Traditionally feathers were used to garner more smoke in sacred ceremonies.
The more you move it, the more smoke is released. Happy smudging!
Mullein
Mullein
http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/herb-to-know-mullein-verbascum-thapsus.aspx
Also Known As
The name mullein probably comes from the Latin word mollis, meaning soft, referring to the plant’s woolly stem and leaves. The name also might relate to the Latin malandrium, meaning malanders, a cattle disease for which mullein was used as a remedy.
A couple of folk names for mullein have more intriguing associations. “Candlewick plant” refers to the old practice of using the dried down of mullein leaves and stems to make lamp wicks. Some say mullein stems once were dipped in tallow to make torches either used by witches or used to repel them, hence the name “hag taper.” The custom of using mullein for torches dates back at least to Roman times.
“Jacob’s staff,” “Jupiter’s staff” and “Aaron’s rod” all have been used as names for the tall flower stalks. The plant’s soft leaves also are known commonly as “bunny’s ears” and “flannel leaf.
Traditional and Modern Uses
Mullein tea is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest colds, bronchitis and asthma. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. Research has shown that the herb has strong anti-inflammatory activity, and lab studies suggest that mullein flower infusions have antiviral properties, as well.
Many of mullein’s traditional medicinal uses were similar throughout the Old and New World, but whether European settlers learned to use the herb from Native Americans or vice versa is open to debate. Besides using mullein leaf and flower teas to treat respiratory problems, some Native Americans also used the plant’s roots. The Creek Indians drank a decoction of the roots for coughs; other tribes smoked the roots or dried leaves to treat asthma.
Topical applications were equally varied. The Cherokee rubbed mullein leaves in their armpits to treat “prickly rash.” Leaf poultices were used to treat bruises, tumors, rheumatic pains and hemorrhoids. Mullein flower oil (made by steeping the flowers in warm olive oil) also has been used for treating hemorrhoids, as well as earaches.
Mullein leaves have been used in cosmetic preparations to soften skin. “Quaker rouge” refers to the practice of reddening cheeks by rubbing them with a mullein leaf. And a yellow dye extracted from the flowers has been used since Roman times as a hair rinse as well as to dye cloth.
Like many other herbs, mullein is not entirely benign. Some people find the plant’s hairs irritating to skin and mucous membranes. It’s a good idea to see how you react to a small amount of mullein before consuming it or smearing it on your body. And always strain the tea through fine-weave cloth or a coffee filter to remove any stray hairs.
From Mountain Rose Herbs
Botanical Name
Verbascum densiflorum Bertol.
Plant Family: Scrophulariaceae
Introduction
Mullein is towering biennial plant with a single stalk up to 6-1/2 feet (2 meters) bearing whorls of leaves and topped with a spike of 5-part yellow flowers. The flowers coat the mouth with a honey-like scent and a sweet taste. The name mullein itself is derived from the Latin word “mollis” which means soft. It has its origins in the Mediterranean, but has been naturalized in North America. The flowering stem was dried by the Greeks and Romans and dipped in tallow to be used as a lamp wick or torch. These torches were said to ward off evil spirits and witches, though mullein was certainly not uncommon in a witch’s herbal garden. Frazier writes in the Golden Bough that mullein was added to the bonfire on Midsummer’s eve to ward away evil from the celebration. Some ancient magical grimoires have listed powdered mullein leaf as a substitute for graveyard dust when that is unavailable.
Constituents
Mucilage, flavonoids, Iridoids, sterols, and sugars.
Parts Used
Dried flower as an oil, and dried leaf as a tea.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea, and is frequently combined with other herbs. May be taken as an extract if fresh material is used, and is very rarely found in capsule form. The fresh or dried flowers have traditionally been used to make an oil infusion for external use.
Precautions
None known.
From Susun Weed
Looking to protect your lungs from the smoke in the air from all of the wildfires burning? Or maybe you or someone you know is experiencing COPD or emphysema? Do you have a child or are you an adult with a chronic cough? Listen to Susun explain the healing and strengthening qualities of mullein to support lung health and learn how to make restorative mullein milk.
From “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs”
Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
Folk Names: Aaron’s Rod, Blanket Leaf, Candlewick Plant, Clot, Doffle, Feltwort, Flannel Plant, Graveyard Dust, Hag’s Tapers, Hedge Taper, Jupiter’s Staff, Lady’s Foxglove, Old Man’s Fennel, Peter’s Staff, Shepherd’s Club, Shepherd’s Herb, Torches, Velvetback, Velvet Plant
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Fire
Deity: Jupiter
Powers: Courage, Protection, Health, Love Divination, Exorcism
Magical Uses:
Mullein is worn to keep wild animals from you while hiking in untamed areas. It also instills courage in the bearer, and a few leaves placed in the shoe keeps one from catching a cold. Mullein is also carried to obtain love from the opposite sex.
Stuffed into a small pillow or placed beneath your pillow mullein guard against nightmares.
In India, mullein is regarded as the most potent safeguard against evil spirits and magic, and is hung over doors, in windows, and carried in sachets. It is also used to banish demons and negativity.
In the Ozarks, men performed a simple love divination. The men went to a clearing where a mullein grew and bent it down so that it pointed toward his love’s house. If she loved him the mullein would grow straight again; if she loved another it would die.
Graveyard dust-an infrequent ingredient in spells-can be substituted with powdered mullein leaves.
At one time Witches and magicians used oil lamps to illuminate their spells and rites, and the downy leaves and stems of the mullein often provided the wicks.
Linden
LINDEN is one of my favorite trees. It goes by many names: basswood, lime blossom, and tille. To the botanist it is Tillia; and this is the name most of the world knows it by. It thrives in many places and is harvested from China to France for commercial sale.
When linden blooms, its fragrance is so sweet that the bees flock to it. Their buzzing is the sound one must tune in to if identifying linden by sound. (I usually find them by smell!) When I harvest linden blossoms, I am careful to wait until after the bee has left the flower, so I don’t get stung.
“I smell fairies at my feet, I’m sitting under a linden tree;
Bees abuzz and birds atweet, linden blossoms sure smell sweet.
Linden, linden heal my heart,
You can bring me a brand new start.”
Linden blossoms hang from a green strap-like structure that looks a little like a leaf, but isn’t. The green structure is part of the remedy and needs to be harvested along with the cluster of flowers dangling under it.
I reach for linden when I want to quell inflammation. A student lowered her C-reactive protein (C-rP) levels, and her risk of suffering a heart attack, by drinking linden infusion for three weeks. C-reactive protein is a measure of the amount of inflammation in the blood vessels specifically and the overall body in general. With the licensing of a drug (Crestor, rosuvastatin calcium) to lower C-rP levels, we are going to be hearing lots more about this substance in the near future. (Find out why you don’t want to take this drug at www.worstpill.org)
Lowering inflammation is key to achieving a happy, healthy old age. Toward that end, I drink at least two quarts of linden infusion a week. I believe that most chronic diseases are the end result of inflammation. Joint pain is inflammation. Dementia is inflammation. Blood vessel disease is inflammation. And adult-onset diabetes is inflammation. It seems to me that many cancers are a response to inflammation too. A recent study found women who taken NSAIDs regularly are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Linden is the world’s leading anti-cold and anti-flu herb. It prevents and heals all respiratory distresses (but is not an anti-infective). It is a cooling and strengthening herb. Linden is considered safe for children and elders.
Linden is primarily used as a tea, though I prefer the curative powers of a strong infusion. I use one-half ounce of linden blossoms to a quart of water and steep for four hours. I strain off the first brew and refrigerate it, then rebrew the wet linden flowers by adding two cups of cold water to them in a saucepan. I bring this rebrew to a boil, cover, and let sit for four hours to extract the healing mucilage that is triggered by the cold water.
Linden flowers are the usual medicine, but the leaves are medicinal as well. They are heart-shaped and even more mucilaginous and anti-inflammatory than the blossoms.. A student who had been kicked by a horse found relief from a nasty wound (already more than a week old) by applying chewed up linden leaf. If I didn’t have so much plantain at hand, I am sure I would use more linden leaf poultices.
Linden grows well in cities; I have rarely been in a city in North America or Europe that does not a Linden Avenue. A highlight of my love affair with linden come with a visit to Linderhof in Bavaria. The day I got there, the three-hundred-year-old linden tree was blooming and buzzing and throwing off a scent that made me swoon with delight. My local lindens are tall at fifty feet. This giant was over a hundred feet.
From “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs”
Linden (Tilia Europaea)
Folk Names: Lime, Lime Tree
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Deities: Venus, Lada
Powers: Protection, Immortality, Luck, Love, Sleep
Ritual Uses:
Lithuanian women used to make sacrifices to linden trees as part of religious rites.
Magical Uses:
Linden is extensively used in Europe as a protective tree. The branches are hung over the door for this purpose, or the tree itself is grown in the garden.
The bark of the linden carried prevents intoxication, while the leaves and flowers are used in love spells. Since it is a tree of immortality its leaves are used in spells of this nature.
Linden and lavender mixed equally make excellent pillows which hasten sleep in the insomniac, and good luck charms are carved from the wood and carried.
From Mountain Rose Herbs
The Linden tree is found in both Europe and North America. There are many folktales concerning linden across Europe. One of the most radical is of Celtic origin that states that if you sit under the linden tree you will be cured of epilepsy. In Roman and German folklore, the linden tree is seen as the “tree of lovers”, and Polish folklore tells that the wood is good protection against both the evil eye and lightning. Linden blossom have been used to make a variety of items including herbal teas and a base for perfumes, as well as being known for producing tiny aromatic flowers that attract many bees that in turn produce a wonderful honey.
Constituents
About 1% antioxidant flavonoids including hyperoside, quercitrin, myricetin galactoside, kaempferol, kaempferol glycosides including astragalin and its 6-p-coumaric acid ester tiliroside), myricetin and quercetin glycosides. Linden flowers also contain approximately 10% mucilage largely comprised of arabino-galactans; proanthocyanidins; caffeic, chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids, eugenol, and geraniol.
Parts Used
Leaf and Flowers.
Typical Preparations
Mostly used as a Tea. Can be taken in both extract and capsule form.
Precautions
Don’t drink linden flower teas within 2 hours of taking any vitamin and mineral supplement, since the mucilages in the tea can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from the supplement.
From Vitality Magazine
The Linden Tree
French Folk Remedy Gains Respect Here as a Digestive Tonic, Liver Cleanser, and Relaxing Heart Herb
Imagine yourself sitting under a beautiful tall green tree. The soft summer breeze gently ripples through its shiny heart-shaped leaves.
High overhead, you can hear honey bees lazily buzzing in and out of its perfumed flowers. The shade is cooling and the scent has a calming effect. You feel relaxed and alive and aware of its healing energy.
This is the linden tree. Sometimes if grows 130 feet high, and produces some of the most powerful herbal medicine known to humans. You may even have one of these trees on your street because they are planted widely in cities, and are fairly common in the countryside throughout Ontario where they are usually known as basswood.
In fact there are several names for this important tree. Sometimes the flowers are called lime blossoms. The French know it as tilleul and its scientific name is Tilia europoea or americana. The blossoms are creamy white in clusters of five, on long stalks with a long greenish keel or bract (like the “wing” of a maple seed) beside each cluster. It is these flowers that are so widely used in Europe to make a herbal tea or infusion — one that is actually so pleasant to taste that you can order it after a gourmet meal in a five-star French restaurant. And no wonder, since linden tea is a very effective digestive remedy. Even the honey made from linden blossoms is said to be health-restoring; it is much sought after and considered to be the best flavoured and most valuable in the world. The honey is also made into medicine as well as delicious liqueurs.
A RELAXING ANTI-STRESS REMEDY
Linden flowers have always been used in herbal medicine as a calming, relaxing remedy for the nervous system. This is one of those safe herbal teas that can be taken by almost anyone and consumed over a long period of time. When you substitute linden tea for your coffee, you will soon feel a great reduction in stress levels. It is a gentle relaxant especially effective for anyone suffering from nervous irritability. This is because the flowers contain an essential oil composed partly of an alcohol sesquiterpene called farnesol which is antispasmodic and sedative. The tea has been used without harm even for small children, and in Europe a calming bath is made for overwrought infants by adding a strong linden infusion to their bath water.
Children also benefit from the diaphoretic activity when it is given to them during influenza or severe colds. (A diaphoretic promotes sweating, using the skin as an organ of elimination.) There also seems to be an anti-catarrhal effect; one American study has demonstrated that the use of linden flowers for children in the early stages of a respiratory illness will prevent the inner ear infections that often follow.
PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
The relaxing effect of linden is particularly felt on the cardiovascular system, especially when there is arteriosclerosis or hypertension (high blood pressure) present. (Linden is hypotensive; it lowers blood pressure.) The British herbalist, Simon Mills, author of Out of the Earth, the Essential Book of Herbal Medicine, points out that linden blossoms have a healing and restorative effect upon the blood vessel walls — one that extends even to the improvement of varicose veins.
A leading French authority on phytotherapy, Henri Leclerc described the effect on the blood as rendering it more fluid, less viscous (thick) and less likely to coagulate. Linden also prevents adherence of plaque to the blood vessel walls, along with the whole list of complications that result from that process. Other French authorities on phytotherapy, Drs. Duraffourd and Lapraz, assert that the flowers act as a plaque anti-aggregant, and Bezanger-Beauquesne gives clinical evidence of mild coronary vasodilation. This means that the arteries inside the heart which provide the heart muscle’s vital supply of blood are less likely to become blocked. In this way, linden prevents constriction of the blood, making strokes less likely.
Hundreds of tonnes of linden flowers are consumed in France each year. Along with the widespread consumption of garlic, olives and red wine in the Mediterranean countries, Linden is a likely contributor to the lower occurrence of heart disease in this region.
Of course, caution is needed by anyone taking blood thinners, conventional medicine for high blood pressure, or other heart medications, because linden can potentiate (amplify) the effects of those pharmaceuticals. Careful monitoring would be needed by your cardiologist if you wanted to drink linden tea regularly. But as a preventive, there is probably no better herb for maintaining the smooth inner lining of the blood vessel walls and assuring that stress does not affect the even flow of circulation of the blood.
Like so many herbs, linden has several additional medicinal benefits. Many women use linden during menopause to offset nervousness and sleep disorders. Rina Nissim, the Swiss phytotherapist and specialist on women’s health, recommends linden to alleviate unpleasant symptoms before periods and at ovulation.
There is a lot of mucilage in linden flowers. This gives them a soothing, healing quality when the infusion comes into contact with the membranes of the digestive system. This demulcent action combined with the relaxing factor has led to the use of the tea for diarrhoea and indigestion.
RESTORING THE LIVER
One of the most remarkable therapeutic effects of linden is on the liver. In this case, it is the inner bark or sapwood of the tree that is used. The French have a phyto-pharmaceutical specialty called “aubier de Tilleul de Roussillon,” Roussillon being a region in the south of France where it is thought that the very best linden trees grow. The sapwood is sometimes used in England to treat kidney stones and gout. But in France it is considered an important liver remedy because it has a mild choleretic action (stimulating the flow of bile through the liver) which assures non-aggressive drainage of the liver. This is the key to natural self-restoration of the liver.
In France it is also known to be effective in treating viral hepatitis, and patients with hepatitis C have shown very positive results after using it for some time. Over the course of treatment, raised liver enzyme levels were carefully monitored and showed considerable diminishment — almost to normal. Other plants with anti-viral activity were used as well, but the importance of linden bark is its non-aggressive action. When there is liver disease, many conventional pharmaceuticals are simply too toxic for the liver to process. Herbal medicine excels in treatments for the liver — all of them bitter remedies which work to decongest and restore this essential organ that protects us from the effects of pollution and chemicals in our food and the environment.
HOW TO USE LINDEN
It is easy to make linden tea. You can obtain the dried flowers from a health food store or herb shop and they are even available in tea bags. Use a heaping teaspoonful (2-4 g) of the crushed flowers (with the bract) per cup of boiling water. As with all herbal teas, it is important not to allow the steam to escape. This is crucial when using linden flowers because the relaxing properties depend on volatile oils which can easily evaporate and be lost in the steam. That’s why you should carefully cover the tea pot or make linden tea in a jar with a screw top lid. If you are in a restaurant, you can place your saucer over the cup containing the tea bag while the flowers are steeping. They should be steeped for about 10 minutes. Drink three cups each day for an indefinite period. A typical course of treatment would last three months.
The tincture is also available as a 1:5 preparation in 25% alcohol. Dose should be 2-4 mils taken three times a day. You can also use a fluid extract (1:1) in 25% alcohol and the dose is 2-4 mils three times a day.
Preparing the sapwood is a little different. There are no volatile oils to worry about here because the active constituents are beta-sterol, stigmasterol, fatty acids and linolenic-acids. These require considerable boiling to release them from the finely chopped wood. Normally a decoction is prepared by simmering in an open pot 30 to 40 grams of the wood in 1 litre of water for enough time that the liquid is reduced to 1/2 its original volume. This makes enough to drink in one or two days. Duraffourd and Lapraz recommend drinking great quantities the first few days — up to 3 litres a day — and then continuing at a more moderate dosage of 1-2 glasses a day until recovery has taken place.
The sap wood can be purchased or ordered from some health food stores in Ontario but it is more readily available in Montreal if you have difficulty finding it here.
COLLECTING YOUR OWN LINDEN FLOWERS
Collecting linden is a pleasant summer day’s occupation. It should be done between 10 a.m. and noon before the hot sun has caused the evaporation of the essential oils. Try to avoid blossoms that are covered with dust. You can time your collection to a day or two after rain. The flowers themselves must be fully opened and dry. Remember that if you are gathering them, you may be allergic to the abundant pollen they contain and so wearing sunglasses and even a dust mask might be helpful. Once collected, the flowers with keel attached should be spread out on a clean sheet or paper towels out of the sun until dry. You will have to turn them over every day. Once brittle, you can store them in jars with tight fitting lids or sealed paper bags.
– See more at: http://vitalitymagazine.com/article/the-linden-tree/#sthash.fDKl5guy.dpuf
Huckleberry
Health Benefits:
- Huckleberries are associated with lowering cholesterol; protecting against heart diseases, muscular degeneration, glaucoma, varicose veins, and peptic ulcers.
- High in vitamin C, Huckleberries protect the body against immune deficiencies, cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, and eye diseases.
- Clinical studies show that huckleberries promote eye health, especially with diabetics.
Reference : Northwest Wildfoods
Preparing Huckleberries
To freeze huckleberries, begin by washing and drying them. Next, place on a cookie sheet, cover with a paper towel, and place berries in the freezer. Once frozen, put huckleberries in a sealed container and put back in the freezer for later use. Huckleberries may replace blueberries in most recipes.
From “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs”
Huckleberry (Gaylussacia spp.)
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Luck, Protection, Dream Magic, Hex-Breaking
Magical Uses:
Placed in sachets and carried, the leaves are luck-inducing. They also keep away evil and break hexes and curses.
To make your dreams come true, burn the leaves in your bedroom directly before going to sleep. In seven days you should see results.
From Health-Care-Clic.org
Huckleberry
The huckleberry resembles the blueberry, but does not belong to the blueberry family. Although all huckleberries are edible, some species are not very tasty.
The garden huckleberry, which was developed by Luther Bur bank, is closely related to the tomato. It is best in pie, with lemon juice added.
When eating huckleberries, add a little honey. They can also be mixed in fruit salads.
Benefits of Huckleberry
Huckleberries are especially helpful in aiding the pancreas in digesting sugars and starches. This fruit is alkaline in reaction.
The huckleberry is high in vitamins B and C and potassium. They can be used in an elimination diet, and because they are high in iron, are good for building the blood.
Huckleberries have been used as packs on running sores, eczema, and skin disorders. The leaves of the huckleberry may be dried and used to make a tea that is good for poor starch digestion.
Huckleberry Syrup
http://userealbutter.com/2014/09/14/huckleberry-syrup-recipe/
based on this recipe from Fine Cooking
3 cups huckleberries (or any fresh berries)
1/4 cup water (increase to 1/2 cup water if using strawberries)
1-2 cups sugar
Place the berries in a medium saucepan. Crush the berries with a potato masher or other flat-bottomed object good for crushing things. Add 1/4 cup of water (or 1/2 cup ifusing strawberries) to the berries. Bring the berries to a boil over medium heat. Reducethe heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Pour the mixture into a sieve,catching the liquid in a bowl or large measuring cup. You can gently press on the solids with the back of a spoon taking care not to press any of the solids through. Clean thesaucepan you just used or get a clean one out. Measure the juice volume. For every 1/4 cup of liquid juice add 1/4 cup of sugar – a 1:1 ratio. Place the juice and sugar in theclean saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce to low heat and simmer for about a minute until the syrup thickens. Refrigeratefor up to 2 weeks. Makes 24 ounces of syrup.
How to Dry
Select firm, dry huckleberries. Cover a flat tray with cheesecloth or light muslin. Spread the berries on the cloth; place the tray in the sun. Dry in sun for two days, turning once or twice, then set tray in a warm, dry place and let huckleberries stand until leathery to the touch. To dry berries in a dehydrator, spread on an open screen and dry as for other berries, following directions for the dehydrator. Oven drying is possible, but very low heat (140°F) must be used and the oven door must be left slightly open so moisture can escape. Store dried berries in a cool, dry place. Use as you would raisins. Dried huckleberries can be soaked in water for use in baking
How to Extract Juice
Combine 11 cups of huckleberries and 1 cup water. Crush berries. Bring just to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Strain through a jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth in a colander. Let the juice drip into a bowl. For clear juice, do not twist or press jelly bag or cheesecloth. For long-term storage, the juice should be frozen or canned. Yield : 5½ cups
Huckleberry Jam
4 cups crushed huckleberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 package powdered pectin (1¾ ounces)
4 cups sugar
Sterilize pint or half-pint canning jars and preparelids. Measure sugar and set aside. Measure crushed huckleberries and lemon juice into a large saucepan. Add pectin and stir until dissolved. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. At once, stir in sugar. Stir and bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and quickly skim off foam. Immediately pour hot jam into hot jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe jars rims and add prepared two-piece lids. Process 5 minutes in a boiling water bath. Yield : 5 cups
Cucumbers
16 Superb Health Benefits of Cucumber
Pick a handful of firm, dark green cucumbers and pop them into your shopping basket. Congratulations! You have just bought yourself a fruit (yes, the cool cuke is fruit, not a vegetable) full of good health!
Here is a short list of the impressive health benefits that a cucumber carries:
- Keeps you hydrated. If you are too busy to drink enough water, munch on the cool cucumber, which is 96 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate!
- Fights heat, both inside and out. Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn.
- Flushes out toxins. All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.
- Lavishes you with vitamins. A B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy, and keep you radiant. Give it more power by juicing cucumber with carrot and spinach.
- Supplies skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. That’s why cucumber-based treatments abound in spas.
- Aids in weight loss. Enjoy cucumbers in your salads and soups. My favorite snack? Crunchy cucumber sticks with creamy low-fat yogurt dip.
- Revives the eyes. Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.
- Cuts cancer. Cut down your risk of several cancers by including cucumber in your diet. Several studies show its cancer-fighting potential.
- Stabilizes blood pressure. Patients of blood pressure, both high and low, often find that eating cucumber brings relief.
- Refreshes the mouth. Cucumber juice refreshes and heals diseased gums, leaving your mouth smelling good.
- Helps digestion. Chewing cucumber gives the jaws a good workout, and the fiber in it is great for digestion.
- Smooths hair and nails. Silica, the wonder mineral in cucumber makes your hair and nails stronger and shinier.
- Soothes muscle and joint pain. All those vitamins and minerals in cucumber make it a powerful enemy of muscle and joint pain.
- Keeps kidneys in shape. Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your system, keeping the kidneys happy.
- Good for diabetics. Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits: cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.
- Reduces cholesterol. A compound called sterols in cucumber helps reduce bad cholesterol.
Health benefits of cucumbers
1. Rehydrates body
Cucumbers are generally 95 % water, maintaining the entire body moisturized whilst assisting the body removes harmful toxins. Cucumbers have got the majority of the vitamins your body requires within a single day. Make sure you leave the skin on because the skin includes a fair amount of vitamin C, about 10 % of the daily-recommended allocation. You may drink or eat cucumber or even its juice throughout hot summer. It can also help in eliminating the toxins through the entire body.
2. Skin care
Cucumber is the perfect method of obtaining silica, a trace mineral which supports our ligament with each other as well as plays a role in the toughness to them. Silica has several advantages to our overall health as well as skin. Edith M. Carlisle, Ph.D carried out research on chicks in 1970s and 1980s. Her research proven that silica found in cucumber created 100 times much more bone collagen more than those not getting nutritional silica. Furthermore, their bones exposed a sluggish, but remarkable, increase in calcium content. Silica’s contribution towards the power of our ligament is important to a younger physical appearance of your skin. Silica is additionally verified as being an inhibitor of the process of getting older in tissues. An insufficiency of silica as well as acid hyaluronic increases aging of the skin simply because connective tissues are not able to maintain water effectively. Research has shown that silica definitely seems to be part of the synthesis of proline (an important component of collagen), that is necessary in the creation of deoxycollagen. In addition, research by Carlisle demonstrates that the best functioning of “prolyl hydroxylase,” a chemical important to collagen synthesis, is dependent upon silica.
Whenever positioned on affected regions of your skin, it lowers inflammation as well as relieves signs and symptoms related to moderate sunburns. Additionally, it has got the possibility to tighten up the skin pores, lighten up dark circles beneath the eyes, decrease the physical appearance of freckles and also enhance various other skin tone problems. Its capability to cure as well as recover the skin is caused by its water content and higher amounts of anti-oxidant. Additionally it is useful in decreasing acne breakouts. Furthermore, it cures your inflamed as well as burned up red eye. These types of all-natural eye pads help in lowering the swelling as well as the fatigue within your eyes. Because of its cooling impact, it is extremely useful for all of your skin difficulties. The cleansing as well as cleaning property assists the skin significantly turning it into supple and soft. Frequent consuming of cucumber or even consuming its juice your skin will get shine also it assists you to look more youthful.
3. Cancers
Cucumbers are recognized to consist of lariciresinol, pinoresinol, as well as secoisolariciresinol. These 3 lignans have a very powerful history of investigation in association with decreased chance of numerous cancer types, which includes cancer of the breast, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer as well as cancer of the prostate. Provides some safety against colon cancers through the elimination of harmful toxins through the stomach.
4. Bad breaths
The phytochemcials within cucumber will certainly kill the bacteria within your mouth liable for creating foul breath. So you’re able to consume cucumber right after your meal or even any moment if you think you have to replenish the mouth.
5. Hangover cure
Wish to stay away from a hangover or even horrible head ache? Then consume cucumber. Cucumbers consist of sufficient sugar, B vitamins as well as electrolytes to rejuvenate necessary nutrient elements your body dropped, maintaining all things in balance, preventing both a hangover as well as head ache!!
6. Aids in weight loss
Cucumbers are extremely lower in calories. It consists of simply no fats and incredibly few calories only water, vitamins as well as minerals therefore, cucumbers are definitely the ideal accessory for any kind of green healthy salad, in addition to a excellent vegetable to eat in between foods. You can include cucumber in your meal, lunch, supper or even dinner. Cucumber includes a higher sulphur as well as silicon content. These types of minerals try to activate the kidneys to clean out uric acid, that is a throw away product. With this particular uric acid being beaten up, it energizes the elimination of fat, as well as releases fat through the cells. You may consume cucumber entire day.
7. Digestion
Digestive problems just like ulcers, acidity, gastritis, ulcers and even can usually be treated by consuming fresh new cucumber juice every single day. The higher water content as well as soluble fiber within cucumber work well in driving away the harmful toxins through the digestive tract and therefore help digestion of food. Cucumber likewise helps to absorb food items effortlessly. Cucumber allows you to absorb the protein which contain within your foods. Every day intake of cucumbers can be considered a treatment for long-term bowel problems.
8. Diabetes
Beta cells contained in the pancreas create the hormone insulin. Cucumber is available to get a hormone needed by the beta cells within the insulin creation. Furthermore, the Glycemic Index of cucumber can be obtained to be zero. Each food consists of important nourishment in different amounts. The existence of the nutritious carbohydrate as well as its impact on the body is calculated through the quantity Glycemic Index. The carbohydrates are mainly liable for increase in the glucose level. However the carbohydrates contained in the cucumber is definitely digestible within a diabetes patient’s stomach. That’s the reason; the Glycemic Index of this vegetable is Zero. This prevents the glucose level as soon as the consumption of this vegetable under control. A Supplement referred to as Spiny Sea Cucumber Extract Powder can be found to function in fighting Diabetes.
9. Cholesterol
Cucumbers have got higher amounts of sterol that really help to lessen levels of cholesterol, particularly unhealthy cholesterol also referred to as LDL.
10. Blood pressure (Reduce Hypertension)
Potassium, magnesium as well as dietary fiber contained in the cucumber might help maintain your blood pressure levels continued to be standard. This will make cucumbers great for dealing with both low blood pressure level as well as high blood pressure level. The ideal Ph. level of blood is in between 7.35 and 7.45. This will likely make our blood simply somewhat alkaline. In case the blood goes below 7.35 is becomes too acidic, which could trigger difficulties. Cucumbers juice consists of minerals which boost alkalinity or even reduce acid levels within the blood, and therefore the body. Therefore cucumber juice is an excellent blood balancer, specifically for people along with acid-related problems.
11. Gout and arthritis
Cucumber is a wonderful method of obtaining silica, which is recognized to help, encourages joint health simply by conditioning the connective tissue. Also, they are abundant with vitamin A, B1, B6, C & D, Foliate, Calcium supplement, Magnesium, as well as Potassium. Whenever combined with carrot juice, they are able to reduce gout symptoms as well as arthritis pain simply by decreasing the uric acid amounts.
12. Beneficial for teeth and gums
The teeth as well as gum disease, periodontal disease, particularly, may be treatable successfully together with cucumber juice. The intake of uncooked cucumber may also greatly increase the saliva and enables reduce the effects of acids as well as bases within the oral cavity. Therefore cucumber is helpful for all those struggling with illnesses of the gums and teeth, particularly in situations of pyorrhea.
13. Treat tapeworms
Cucumber seeds are believed an all-natural treatment to remove tapeworms within the digestive tract. Powder of cucumber seeds could be consumed if someone obtained tapeworm difficulties. If you don’t have tapeworm difficulties you may consume cucumber’s seeds as well it don’t cause harm to your body but can assist to avoid worms’ troubles within your intestinal tract.
14. Nail care
Being abundant with minerals, cucumber aids in preventing breaking of nails of the fingertips as well as toes.
15. Stimulate hair growth
Cucumber juice encourages new hair growth because of its silicon as well as sulfur content. Hair especially requires these types of nutrition, as well as suggests consuming half a glass of 100 % pure cucumber juice or even including it within a vegetable cocktail every day for optimum healthier hair advantages. For the best outcomes, combine cucumber juice together with the juices of carrot, lettuce or even green spinach.
16. Diuretic
Cucumbers have got gentle diuretic property most likely because of their higher water as well as potassium content, which assist in examining putting on weight and higher blood pressure. The cucumber is the greatest all-natural diuretic noted for secreting and also promoting the circulations of urine. Diuretics encourage the removal of excessive fluid through the entire body. This decreases inflammation of the hands or legs as well as helps prevent high blood pressure levels brought on by elevated blood quantity.
17. Bone health
Cucumber consists of large amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A has numerous essential characteristics just like helping in regular bone development. Cucumber is abundant with silica, this is actually the important ingredient that helps with maintaining healthy and strong connective tissues which includes muscle tissue, ligaments, tendon, cartilage material, as well as bone fragments. The truth that cucumber is actually a extremely alkalizing veggie additionally rewards our bone health simply because, while we are within an acid state (generally from overeating meat, dairy, grains as well as consuming coffee as well as soft drinks) then our bodies discharge minerals from the bones to create up the pH of the blood, regrettably over time, this may deteriorate the bone bulk. Vitamin K in cucumber additionally assists your bone to become healthy and balanced.
18. Development of muscle tissue
A 100g offering, about 3.5 oz, of cucumber consists of about 150mg of potassium. This particular mineral assists in metabolic features and in addition plays a part in the creation of muscle tissues. In addition, it encourages muscle mass overall flexibility.
19. Constipation
Cucumber peel is a great method of obtaining soluble fiber which enables decrease bowel problems. Regular usage of cucumbers can be considered a treatment for long-term bowel problems. In case you are handling the situation of bowel problems consume cucumber 2 or 3 times each day right after your food.
20. Eye health
It really is thought that cucumber works well for decreasing inflammation about the eyes or even the large under eye circles beneath your eyes. This can be world-wide treatment method that is being utilized to the optimum extent. Cucumbers would be the most fantastic as well as all-natural eye patches you will discover for yourself. The swelling as well as the fatigue within your eyes might just make you, if you undertake this within a calm style. These types of all-natural eye pads perform miracles after the lengthy days function. Due to plenty of vitamins and minerals cucumber help make your vision great. Instead of utilizing weighty beauty makeup as well as eye care product, you’re able to do a number of sensitive efforts by making use of the cucumber paste upon eye lids. You can get great effect as soon as the use of this stunning yummy fruit. Your eyesight power will increase. To be brief, the eyelids, brows as well as eyeballs could be properly protected from an infection because of the regular utilization of cucumber juice. The soreness of the eye bags (cyst) will probably be reduced after the use of cucumber for couple of days.
21. Weight control
An increased consumption of cucumber water may additionally enable you to shed weight by reducing the quantity of calories you eat throughout every meal as well as decreasing water retention all over your body. A survey released within the July 2008 issue of the “Journal of the American Dietetic Association” implies that seniors who ingested 16 oz. water a half-hour just before every meal ingested much less calories compared to those who didn’t. Even when consuming cucumber water before you eat doesn’t assist you to consume less, it may lower your weight by reduction of water retention. Katherine Zeratsky, a clinical nutritional expert at Mayo Clinic, suggests consuming a minimum of eight glasses of water every day to avoid water retention. Reduced water retention usually equals lower bodyweight.
The cucumber works just like a diuretic, that not just allows you to lose weight cells, yet water weight too. It basically helps you to eliminate excessive fluids as well as fat cells simply by wearing down the fat cells so they can be removed through the body.
Cucumbers consist of silicon as well as sulphur that really help to promote the kidneys to clean the body from the gathered uric acid, which are often the consequence of being obese. The kidneys additionally assist in breaking down fat cells to be stripped away from the body. Along with the diuretic impact, the cucumber consists of effective anti-oxidant vitamins just like vitamins A, C as well as E to aid clear away harmful toxins as well as fat cells. They assist to wash your systems in a cellular level, to eliminate pockets of fat as well as harmful toxins which have developed within your body as well as beneath your skin. Cucumbers can assist you to accomplish your weight loss goals progressively with time.
Cucumbers are loaded with dietary fiber that is important with regards to weight reduction, because it helps you to get the bowels operating again so that waste products could be removed. Fiber not just helps you to thoroughly clean your digestive system, however the remainder of the body too. This can help to improve your metabolism so that you can acquire more energy to assist your body to lose off fat cells by participating in physical exercise.
22. Neural tube defects
Peeled cucumbers are usually abundant with foliate. Foliate, also referred to as folic acid, is a B-vitamin which helps avoid anemia as well as assists in the creation of DNA as well as RNA. Simply because foliate helps with cell production, the nutrient is especially essential for expecting mothers as well as babies. The advantages of folic acid are mainly recognized for assisting ladies who are attempting to have a baby as well as for pregnancy wellness. A lot of people don’t understand that the vitamin is additionally required for male reproductive health. In case a woman really wants to get pregnant she must be sure to improve the quantity of foliate she takes in a minimum of 3 months just before she first attempts to get pregnant. And also cucumber will be your great option.
23. Useful for detoxification
Cucumber is the better fruit for detoxification mainly because it allows for removal of waste products throughout the kidneys and also prevents to purge out the waste from the skin.
Cucumber is extremely abundant in water as well as lower in a calorie that makes it an ideal fruit for detoxification. The body builds up lots of harmful toxins as well as undesirable chemicals through the food, air and also water. It is very important remove these types of toxins for appropriate working of the body. Cucumber cleanse diet is a highly effective way for getting rid of these types of toxins. The flesh of cucumber is actually made up of water, but additionally consists of caffeic acid as well as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). These types of ingredients of cucumber assist calm the problems in skin and lower inflammation.
24. Balanced Diet
A cucumber’s high-water content as well as low-calorie count turns it into a rejuvenating, guilt-free treat. Consuming cucumbers, together with a well-balanced diet, offers numerous vitamins and minerals which nurture your body as well as give rise to a healthy body. Cucumbers consist of sufficient sugar, vitamin B as well as electrolytes to rejuvenate necessary nutrient elements that the body dropped, maintaining all things in balance. Cucumber belongs to the foods, which are described as a power minimum as well as the optimum natural value. Their usage considered essential within a well-balanced diet.
25. Mouth Freshener
Have a piece of cucumber as well as press it on the roof of the mouth together with your tongue for 15-30 seconds to remove foul breath. You won’t ever think about peppermint just as before. The bacteria within your mouth are usually killed from the chemical substances within the cucumber and also you don’t need to be worried about foul breath left!
26. Jaundice
Cucumbers additionally assist in treating jaundice. Cucumber consists of 95% water and this will assist to get rid of the poisons from the body by way of urine.
27. Heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis
Fresh cucumber juice can offer rest from heartburn symptoms, acid stomach, gastritis and also ulcer.
28. Lung, stomach and chest benefits
Cucumber is advantageous in curing a variety of health problems which includes lung, stomach as well as chest difficulties, gout, arthritis as well as tapeworm.
29. Uric acid
The water content inside of cucumber is incredibly higher (up to 90%) in order that the cucumber possesses an impact to help urination, offering to remove as well as reduce the effects of harmful toxins, serving to use away bacteria over the intestinal tract as well as bladder. Water as well as mineral content of potassium in cucumber may take away excessive uric acid as well as metabolic waste products from the kidneys. Along with persistent habit in consuming cucumber may help to remove the crystal / kidney stones, and prevent a growth of toxins. Cucumber has superb cleansing qualities, therefore eliminating gathered bad toxins from the entire body. On many occasions cucumber is been viewed as efficient remedy for arthritis because it eliminates uric acid. Assisting in urine release, cucumber has been proven as an all-natural diuretic. Cucumber is excellent for urinary bladder, kidney, liver and also pancreatic features. Cucumber juice together with carrot juice is quite powerful for rheumatic problems brought on by extreme uric acid within the body.
30. Treats acidity
Consuming cucumber each 2 hour may handle your acidity difficulty. Cucumber juice it’s essentially alkaline by nature because of the minerals it includes. Therefore it is extremely efficient at treating acidity in individuals simply by eliminating the pH content of the body. Aside from level of acidity it also behaves as a calming agent for gastric ulcers.
31. Prevents water retention
Cucumber consists of caffeic as well as ascorbic acids that avoid water retention. Cucumbers will often be utilized topically to boost skin performance. Natural ascorbic acid as well as caffeic acid inside the cucumber behaves to avoid water retention within the skin. This decreases puffiness beneath the eyes and enables the skin recover through burning from the sun, swelling, as well as dermatitis.
Cucumbers may also be extremely effective whenever consumed and also utilized topically for eliminating undesirable dimply skin. Cucumbers work to attract out excessive body fluids as well as tighten up collagen that has the result of natural cellulite lowering. Just consume a few cucumbers, juice it, and/or put the cucumber around the areas of water retention.
32. Renal Disorder
Regular consumption of cucumber may push off kidney problem. Additionally, it reduces down the degree of uric acid too. Cucumbers demonstrated an advantage to assist relieve the trouble of the bladder as well as kidneys. Water found in cucumber assists kidney function with the start of a process of urination. In reality, cucumber is the better natural diuretics.
How to store cucumber
Place cucumber in the middle of a paper towel, cover it within a paper towel after that place covered cucumbers within a veggie plastic bag right now place it within your refrigerator.
http://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-cucumbers/
From “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs“
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Folk Names: Cowcucumber
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Chastity, Healing, Fertility
Magical Uses:
The fruit of the cucumber, when eaten, inhibits lust.
The peel bound unto the forehead relieves headache pain, while the seeds are eaten to promote fertility.
Crones
One, draped in crimson gypsy shawl,
a skirt that billowed ‘round her knees;
the other one was frail and tall,
her cardigan clutched ‘gainst the breeze
that blew across the ocean’s face
and kissed this day with salty grace.
I watched them walking, hand in hand,
along the beach. The errant wave
that ran across the rippled sand
to gently brush their feet, they gave
no notice, but just laughed and went
along their way, with grey heads bent
together ‘neath the noon-day sun —
a pose that spoke of how time blends
two separate lives and makes them one.
Lovers, sisters, or just old friends?
The answer is, “It matters not”
For love is love, no matter what.
And old love is the very best,
that love that’s lasted through the years
and, ‘gainst all odds, has stood the test
of time, through laughter and through tears
and all the living in between
then walks us through old age, serene.
© Mel DarkDeer 11/05
Rue
This is an herb that I’ve grown but never used. The fact that it is poisonous if too much is ingested made me avoid it. However, one of my friends recently told me that she grows and uses hers all of the time so I did some research on it. Rue (Ruta graveolens) Folk Names: Bashoush (Coptic), Garden Rue, German Rue, Herb of Grace, Herbygrass, Hreow, Mother of the Herbs, Rewe, Ruta Gender: Masculine Planet: Mars Element: Fire Deities: Diana, Aradia Powers: Healing, Health, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Love Magical Uses: Rue leaves placed on the forehead relieve headaches. Worn around the neck rue aids in recuperation from illnesses and also wards off future health problems. Rue is added to healing incenses and poppets. Fresh rue, sniffed, clears the head in love matters and also improves mental processes. Rue added to baths breaks all hexes and curses that may have been cast against you, and it is also added to exorcism incenses and mixtures. It is protective when hung up at the door or placed in sachets, and the fresh leaves rubbed on the floorboards sends back any ill spells sent against you. The Romans ate rue as a preservative against the evil eye, and the plant was also carried to guard the bearer from poisons, werewolves, and all manner of ills. A sprig of fresh rue is used as a sprinkler to distribute salt water throughout the house. This clears it of negativity. Mix fresh rue juice with morning dew and sprinkle in a circle around you while performing magical acts for protection, if desired or needed. Rue is another plant said t grow best when stolen, and indeed its presence in the garden beautifies and protects it. For some reason toads have an aversion to rue, however. From “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs” Rue Botanical: Ruta graveolens (LINN.) Family: N.O. Rutaceae –Synonyms—Herb-of-Grace. Herbygrass. Garden Rue. —Part Used—Herb. —Habitat—Southern Europe. Rue, a hardy, evergreen, somewhat shrubby plant, is a native of Southern Europe. The stem is woody in the lower part, the leaves are alternate, bluish-green, bi- or tripinnate, emit a powerful, disagreeable odour and have an exceedingly bitter, acrid and nauseous taste. The greenish-yellow flowers are in terminal panicles, blossoming from June to September. In England Rue is one of our oldest garden plants, cultivated for its use medicinally, having, together with other herbs, been introduced by the Romans, but it is not found in a wild state except rarely on the hills of Lancashire and Yorkshire. This wild form is even more vehement in smell than the garden Rue. The whole plant has a disagreeable and powerful odour. The first flower that opens has usually ten stamens, the others eight only. —Cultivation—The plant grows almost anywhere, but thrives best in a partially sheltered and dry situation. Propagation may be effected: (1) by seeds, sown outside, broadcast, in spring, raked in and the beds kept free from weeds, the seedlings, when about 2 inches high, being transplanted into fresh beds, allowing about 18 inches each way, as the plants become busy; (2) by cuttings, taken in spring and inserted for a time, until well rooted, in a shady border; (3) by rooted slips, also taken in spring. Every slip or cutting of the young wood will readily grow, and this is the most expeditious way of raising a stock. Rue will live much longer and is less liable to be injured by frost in winter when grown in a poor, dry, rubbishy soil than in good ground. Rue is first mentioned by Turner, 1562, in his Herbal, and has since become one of the best known and most widely grown simples for medicinal and homely uses. The name Ruta is from the Greek reuo (to set free), because this herb is so efficacious in various diseases. It was much used by the Ancients; Hippocrates specially commended it, and it constituted a chief ingredient of the famous antidote to poison used by Mithridates. The Greeks regarded it as an antimagical herb, because it served to remedy the nervous indigestion they suffered when eating before strangers, which they attributed to witchcraft. In the Middle Ages and later, it was considered – in many parts of Europe – a powerful defence against witches, and was used in many spells. It was also thought to bestow second sight. Piperno, a Neapolitan physician, in 1625, commended Rue as a specific against epilepsy and vertigo, and for the former malady, at one time, some of this herb used to be suspended round the neck of the sufferer. Pliny, John Evelyn tells us, reported Rue to be of such effect for the preservation of sight that the painters of his time used to devour a great quantity of it, and the herb is still eaten by the Italians in their salads. It was supposed to make the sight both sharp and clear, especially when the vision had become dim through over-exertion of the eyes. It was with ‘Euphrasy and Rue’ that Adam’s sight was purged by Milton’s Angel. At one time the holy water was sprinkled from brushes made of Rue at the ceremony usually preceding the Sunday celebration of High Mass, for which reason it is supposed it was named the Herb of Repentance and the Herb of Grace. ‘There’s rue for you and here’s some for me; we may call it herb of grace o’ Sundays.’ Gerard tells us: ‘the garden Rue, which is better than the wild Rue for physic’s use, grows most profitably, as Dioscorides said, under a fig tree.’ But this is, probably, only a reference, originally, to the fact that it prefers a sheltered position. Country-people boil its leaves with treacle, thus making a conserve of them. These leaves are curative of croup in poultry. It has also been employed in the diseases of cattle. Shakespeare refers again to Rue in Richard III: ‘Here in this place I’ll set a bank of rue, sour herb of grace; Rue, even for ruth, shall shortly here be seen, In the remembrance of a weeping queen.’ The following is a quotation from Drayton: ‘Then sprinkles she the juice of rue, With nine drops of the midnight dew From lunarie distilling.’ The latter was the Moonwort (Lunaria), often called ‘honesty’ – a common garden flower, with cross-shaped purple blossoms, and round, clear silvery-looking seed-vessels. Chaucer also calls it Lunarie. Gerard says: ‘If a man be anointed with the juice of rue, the poison of wolf’s bane, mushrooms, or todestooles, the biting of serpents, stinging of scorpions, spiders, bees, hornets and wasps will not hurt him.’ Rue-water sprinkled in the house ‘kills all the fleas,’ says an old book The juice was used against earache. Rue has been regarded from the earliest times as successful in warding off contagion and preventing the attacks of fleas and other noxious insects. It was the custom for judges sitting at assizes to have sprigs of Rue placed on the bench of the dock against the pestilential infection brought into court from gaol by the prisoner, and the bouquet still presented in some districts to judges at the assizes was originally a bunch of aromatic herbs, given to him for the purpose of warding off gaol-fever. It is one of the ingredients in the ‘Vinegar of the Four Thieves.’ Culpepper recommends it for sciatica and pains in the joints, if the latter be ‘anointed’ with it, as also for ‘the shaking fits of agues, to take a draught before the fit comes.’ He also tells us that: ‘the juice thereof warmed in a pomegranate shell or rind, and dropped into the ears, helps the pains of them. The juice of it and fennel, with a little honey, and the gall of a cock put thereunto, helps the dimness of the eyesight.’ In Saxony Rue has given its name to an Order. A chaplet of Rue, borne bendwise on bars of the Coat Armour of the Dukedom of Saxony, was granted by Frederick Barbarossa to the first Duke of Saxony, in 1181. In 1902 the King of Saxony conferred the Order of the Rautenkrone (Crown of Rue) on our present King, then Prince of Wales. Since the latter half of the seventeenth century, sprigs of Rue have been interlaced in the Collar of our Order of the Thistle. —Parts Used and Constituents—The whole herb is used, the drug consisting of both the fresh and the dried herb. The tops of the young shoots contain the greatest virtues of any part of the plant. The shoots are gathered before the plant flowers. The volatile oil is contained in glands distributed over the whole plant and contains caprinic, plagonic, caprylic and oenanthylic acids – also a yellow crystalline body, called rutin. Oil of Rue is distilled from the fresh herb. Water serves to extract the virtues of the plant better than spirits of wine. Decoctions and infusions are usually made from the fresh plant, or the oil may be given in a dose of from 1 to 5 drops. The dried herb – which is a greyish green – has similar taste and odour, but is less powerful. It is used, powdered, for making tea. —Medicinal Action and Uses—Strongly stimulating and antispasmodic – often employed, in form of a warm infusion, as an emmenagogue. In excessive doses, it is an acro-narcotic poison, and on account of its emetic tendencies should not be administered immediately after eating. It forms a useful medicine in hysterical affections, in coughs, croupy affections, colic and flatulence, being a mild stomachic. The oil may be given on sugar, or in hot water. Externally, Rue is an active irritant, being employed as a rubefacient. If bruised and applied, the leaves will ease the severe pain of sciatica. The expressed juice, in small quantities, was a noted remedy for nervous nightmare, and the fresh leaves applied to the temples are said to relieve headache. Compresses saturated with a strong decoction of the plant, when applied to the chest, have been used beneficially for chronic bronchitis. If a leaf or two be chewed, a refreshing aromatic flavour will pervade the mouth and any nervous headache, giddiness, hysterical spasm, or palpitation will be quickly relieved. —Preparations and Dosages—Powdered herb, 15 to 30 grains. Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. From Botanical.com
kronekraft 