Thursday This Is Your Spell – Ritual Use of House Cleaning

* The Ritual Use Of House Cleaning *
by Monti ElfDragon – Found in my collection of ‘Stuffs”
but also located online at Pagan Speak

I am someone who hates housework, who is totally disorganized, forgetful,and a stressed out mom of 3 little witchlets (each one a wyld chyld). I have a major problem of finding time for ritual and personal spiritual growth. Well, along came the Spellcraft Tapestry Spring Cleaning Edition. And I have discovered that I am starting to enjoy cleaning. I know this sounds silly. I can hear you housework haters out there........." this witch chick has lost ALL her marbles!"

Now, let me explain what I have started doing. This amazing thing that has turned a drudgery, something to be put off. Into something to look forward to. As a Kitchen Witch, I try to make everything I do, every moment in my life magical. Because I have so little time for ritual. I decided to incorporate specific rituals in everything I do. I have turned cleaning into a magical ritual. This works for me. It may not work for others in just this way, so experiment. Make it your own. I started to make my own cleaners. When I make them, I create them magically. That is, I ritually charge them with what is needed in my life. Or what I need to be rid of. I also magically charge any store bought cleaners with specific intent.

Each day before I start to clean. I ground and center. Then meditate on what I need to do that day. I meditate on what I want in my life(good habits,love, peace, joy, prosperity, etc.) And/or the things I want to be rid of,(anger, resentment, bad habits, strife, stress, etc.) I then light the appropriate color candle and incense. I have found that when I meditate on the things to do and the things I want/don't want in my life. I can visualize the need with the appropriate chore. As an example, I have been feeling the need for clarity and organization of thought and deed. The chore that came to me was; cleaning & polishing mirrors and glass. Cleaning is pretty mindless sometimes. So visualization comes easily. I just asked the Lord and Lady for what I needed. And visualized being organized(able to accomplish everything I set out to do). And, visualized myself with clarity of mind and purpose. I may not get everything accomplished that I set out to do that day. But I find that I accomplish more than normally.

Believe it or not, but scrubbing the toilet is great for getting rid of anger and resentment. Visualize all your anger and resentment into the toilet bowl, add it to all the yuck in the bowl. As you are scrubbing the toilet see yourself scrubbing away your anger, resentment, or anything you want gone from your life. Then flush, as the yucky water is flushed away, see those things you want gone being flushed away as well.

Cleaning the woodwork and oiling/polishing it down, is great for adding good things into your life. Although for me it filled me with wonderful ideas, thoughts and feelings(ways to reach my goals).

Laundry

I also magically charge laundry detergent to cleanse all psychic yuck that collects, as well as the mundane dirt. Imbue your fabric softener with things you want in you and your family's lives. Putting clothes away for me, the disorganized person that I am. Is a treat my family looks forward to. They are very lucky if it gets done in a timely fashion. So, when I fold/hang them I visualize order in my mind, in my life. As I fold my families clothes. I fill each article of clothing with love and peace for each member of my family. If there is some really nasty things going on in your life or the lives of family members, i.e. rough time at work or school, or an illness. A few drops of an appropriately charged oil in the laundry works wonders.

Scrubbing Floors and Walls

If you make your own cleaners, or if you use commercial cleaners, as you are mixing them up. Visualize the cleaner not only cleaning away the dirt and grime, but psychically cleaning your home/room of any bad psychic energies. When you mix up your rinse water, add a couple of drops of a protection oil, or a peace and harmony herbal infusion. The direction in which you clean will be determined by whether you are wanting to bring something into your life (clockwise), or getting rid of something(counter-clockwise)

Dishwashing and Spiritual Growth

I really must give Diane (St. Lucy, Mom) credit for this one. This is her sink meditation. Put a pagan picture above your kitchen sink, or something that comforts you (I have a lovely view of my woods as well as my prayer to Brigit, a few Witch Bottles, plants and such). As you run the water, stick your hands in the water and see the stream washing away all of the schmoo that builds up in your aura......and down the drain. Then make a mental note of something you want to get rid of, and visualize it coating the dishes. As you wash the dishes see the problem being washed away. It helps keep the stress levels down a lot. I also say my prayer to Brigit out loud as I'm finishing up the dishes. I also try to say it every time I am at the sink. Even if its just to get a drink of water.

"Great Goddess Brigit
I ask for your inspiration
In all my endeavors
Help me to learn new things
Please give me the gifts
Of poetry and creativity
Help me to clean out the old and musty
In my mind and heart
Show me how to make mundane tasks
A joy and Honor to you
Make my hands, my lips, my mind
My heart and my soul, a blessing to you
Forge me into your instrument
That I may be a blessing
To you and the Old Ones
As well as a blessing to all I meet
May they see your love and power in me
Teach me to Honor you in being
A wife, a mother, and keeping a home
I dedicate my life to you
My body, soul, heart, and mind
To your service
So mote it be ! ! “

Vacuuming

Vacuuming the carpet is when I come up with some of my best ideas. Also with 3 small witchlets, 2 dogs and 1 cat. I have to vacuum at least twice a day. Every other night after the family is in bed. I mix up some baking soda, salt and powdered herbs. I infuse this mixture with peace and love, and let it sit overnight to absorb odors, then vacuum it the next morning. It keeps the house smelling fresh and the family happy. At least once a month I use this vacuum cleaner spell to get rid of unwanted energies that may have built up. A simple ritual that can be adapted for just about any need or purpose.

Supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Powdered herbs (for specific intent), mixed with equal parts
• Baking Soda and Salt
• Quarter Candles, Altar candles, Candle of intent
• Incense

Gather supplies at your altar (or the center of your house). Ground and center. If you are doing a home purification ritual put the quarter candles at the cardinal points in your home (not all in one room). Establish sacred space as you light the quarter candles. You can do a full blown circle, or this simple one; (for this one light the quarter candles before or after you establish sacred space, your choice. Or you can omit the quarter candles.)
Face north;

"Here in the center of the world I stand.
Earth is before me, Air on my right hand.
Fire is behind me,  on my left water lies,
As I stand here between
The earth and the skies."

At your altar, prepare your powdered herbs with a mortar and pestle, while visualizing your intent. Mix equal parts of herbs, salt and baking soda in a large ceramic bowl or vessel, still visualizing your intent. For increasing Magic, stir with your hands clockwise. For decreasing Magic, stir with your hands counterclockwise infusing it with your intent.

Starting at your front door move deosil for increasing; widdershins for decreasing/banishing Magic. Sprinkle the herb/salt/soda on your carpet. If you so desire you can draw (sand paint) runes, pentacles or other magical symbols of your intent, saying appropriate words for each symbol. Or words such as these for purification/house blessing:

"Begone and leave, all hate, strife, ill will, and bad luck!!
In the Names of the God and Goddess I cleanse this house!!
This home is a sacred sanctuary of peace
For Myself, My Family, and our Friends!!
Anger and misfortune have NO place here!!"

Do this in every room of your house. When done return to the altar. Visualize your intent. For purification, see the salt, soda, and herbs drawing in, absorbing the negativity, anger, strife, whatever is troubling your house. Cense your vacuum cleaner, saying these or similar words:

"I ask the Lord and Lady
And the guardians of the quarters
To bless this home,
Grant us harmony, knowledge, freedom,
Love, healing, perception, pleasure,
Friendship and happiness.
Grant us riches, treasure, prosperity,
Employment, stability,success,
Business and money.
'An it harm none, So mote it be."

Starting at your front door, vacuum in a clockwise direction. When finished, throw out the vacuum cleaner bag (outside). Visualizing all that psychic goop/bad luck/bad feelings / illness/whatever, is being thrown out with the bag.

These are just a few ideas that I have come up with that work very well for me.I also have 3x5 cards tacked up all over the place with all this information. In my laundry room, with my cleaning supplies, the inside of cabinet doors all over my house. My family thinks I'm crazy but it helps me jog my memory. Since I have started doing this, I have received many answers to my questions. Figured out ways to organize my time and life. Gotten rid of unwanted thoughts, feelings, anger and things that were keeping me down. I've welcomed the new thoughts, feelings and ideas into my life joyfully. I realized, that even though I don't have everything I want or need, that I am not where I want to be"yet", I am well on my way. Each day, I wake up to the joy that life has to offer. I am becoming more patient with myself and others. I am accomplishing more each day, and feeling good about myself. I am more at peace.

I still find I get sidetracked, but I try to get back on track quickly. And figure out why I got sidetracked in the first place, and ways to prevent it next time.

The following are some oils and herbs that I have found useful in ritual cleaning:

Oils

Prosperity: Almond, Bergamot, Honeysuckle, Mint, Peony, Bayberry, Hyssop, Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, Pine, Basil

Healing: Carnation, Mimosa, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Lotus, Clove, Pine, Lavender, Myrrh

Protection: Basil, Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cypress, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Gardenia

Purification/Cleansing: Bay, Benzoin, Chamomile, Camphor, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Myrrh, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood,

Success: Bergamot, Clove, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Apple Blossom

Happiness: Lavender, Lily of The Valley, Marjoram, Apple Blossom, Lotus, Magnolia, Basil, Orange

Peace: Lavender, Gardenia, Passionflower, Skullcap, Cumin Seed, Lilac, Magnolia, Narcissus, Rose, Tuberose

Blessings: Benzoin, Cumin Seed, Rue

Harmony: Basil, Cumin Seed, Lilac, Narcissus

Love: Rose, Jasmine, Basil, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Rosemary, Yarrow, Ylang-Ylang

Herbs

Purification/Cleansing: Anise, Bay, Calamus, Chamomile, Camphor, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Mimosa, Parsley, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain

Protection: Angelica, Anise, Balm of Gilead, Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Calmus, Carnation, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove Clover, Cumin, Cypress, Doll, Rose Geranium, Heather, Honeysuckle, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Lilac, Mugwort, Orris, Patchouli, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rue, Sage, Violet, Woodruff

Peace/Harmony: Cumin, Gardenia, Lavender, Lilac, Loosestrife, Meadowsweet, Narcissus, Pennyroyal, Tuberose, Violet

Love: Apple Blossom, Basil, Chamomile, Catnip, Chickweed, Cinnamon, Clove, Gardenia, Rose Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mimosa, Myrtle, Orchid, Orris, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme, Tuberose, Vanilla, Violet Yarrow

Healing: Allspice, Angelica, Bay, Carnation, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Citron, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Heliotrope, Honeysuckle, Juniper, Lemon Balm, Mugwort, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Spearmint, Thyme, Violet, Willow, Wintergreen, Yerba Santa

Prosperity: Allspice, Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Elder, Ginger, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, Woodruff

To make an infusion to add to your rinse water steep 1 to 2 small handfuls of herb in 1 quart boiling for 30 minutes. I hope you find something useful in this article. Like I said before experiment, make it your own.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Lavender

Lavender is one of the herbs associated with Lammas/Lughnassadh, and is a very useful herb to have around. I'm sure many are familiar with it's ability to calm and relax, but here is some more information you may not have known...

Lavender, also called Elf Leaf; Nard; Nardus; Spike, Spikenard,

There are at least 28 species of Lavender. Some of the more common are: English Lavender; French Lavender; Spike Lavender; White Lavender; Pink Lavender; Woolly Lavender; Spanish or Italian Lavender). Lavenders are native to the western half of the Mediterranean. Now cultivated in many countries, it was thought the finest Lavender grew in England and thus the common name English Lavender evolved and is still the name most folks use when referring to Lavender products. Used not only to make life smell richer and more tolerable, but also as a medicinal relief for ailments from headaches to insomnia, Lavender oil has always been a prize.

The name Lavender was thought probably to have come from either the Latin verb 'lavare' (to wash) or 'livendulo' (livid or bluish). The Greeks referred to it as Nardus after Naardus in Syria, and Indian people called it Spikenard, which referred to the shape of its flowers.

Lavender is an herb most personal. One person's favorite may be way down on someone else's list. In ancient Egypt, lavender was used for embalming and cosmetics. The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb nardus, after the Syrian city of Naarda. It was also commonly called nard. Ancient Romans used lavender for its healing and antiseptic qualities, for deterring insects and in washing. Also, lavender was strewn on the floor to sweeten the air, fumigate sick rooms and as incense for religious ceremonies. Romans lavishly perfumed themselves using aromatic oils to perfume their bodies, hair, clothes, bed, baths, military flags and the walls of their houses. Women hung lavender next to their beds to incite the passions. The plant experienced a renaissance in Tudor England, when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and lavender moved to domestic gardens. The Ladies of the Manor had several uses for it; it was placed among linens, sewn into sweet bags, used to freshen the air and mixed with beeswax to make furniture polish. It was traditionally planted near the laundry rooms and linens and clothing laid over the plants to dry whilst absorbing the lavender's fresh odor. It was also used to repel insects. Queen Elizabeth I loved lavender, and used it in tea to treat her frequent migraines and as a perfume. Lavender was regarded as an effective, reliable protection against infection in 16th Century France. Smaller bags were worn in the cleavage of young women in the hope of attracting a suitor. Lavender was used to dress war wounds in WW1, when medical antiseptics were in short supply.

Today, lavender is used to induce sleep, ease stress and relieve depression. It is also used as a tea, for compresses for dressing wounds and to apply to the forehead to relieve congestion on sinuses, headaches, hangovers, tiredness, tension and exhaustion.

Lavender smells like it should taste wonderful, but the taste of most Lavenders is a little like turpentine. The flavor is not one that can be easily defined nor is it one most people like right away. It is like a fine wine with many subtleties. Both fresh and dried flowers and leaves are used in culinary preparations. Recipes using Lavender are generally on the sweet side but Lavender can be used to replace Rosemary and other strong tasting herbs. Or, it can be blended with other herbs, as in herbs de Provence. This mix, used in many savory dishes, often finds dried Lavender leaves and flowers mixed with other members of the mint family, like Rosemary, Sage, Oregano, Thyme and Mint.

---Medicinal Action and Uses--- The first written record of lavender's healing uses appears to be that of Greek Military Physician, Dioscorides, in 77AD. A Military Physician under the Roman Emperor, Nero, Dioscordes collected medicinal plants from the Mediterranean area. He noted that when taken internally, lavender relieved indigestion, headaches and sore throats, and externally, it was useful for cleaning wounds and burns or treating skin ailments. Roman soldiers took lavender on campaigns to dress war wounds. Pliny the Elder, a Greek writer and encyclopedist noted its benefits in helping with menstrual problems, upset stomachs, kidney disorders, jaundice, dropsy and treatment of insect bites. Lavender was used in earlier days as a condiment and for flavoring dishes 'to comfort the stomach.' It has aromatic, carminative and nervine properties. Though largely used in perfumery, it is now not much employed internally, except as a flavoring agent, occurring occasionally in pharmacy to cover disagreeable odors in ointments and other compounds.

Red Lavender lozenges are employed both as a mild stimulant and for their pleasant taste. Tincture of Lavender, a popular medicinal cordial, and is composed of the oils of Lavender and Rosemary, with cinnamon bark, nutmeg and red sandalwood, macerated in spirit of wine for seven days.The essential oil, or a spirit of Lavender made from it, proves admirably restorative and tonic against faintness, palpitations of a nervous sort, weak giddiness, spasms and colic. It is agreeable to the taste and smell, provokes appetite, raises the spirits and dispels flatulence. A few drops of the essence of Lavender in a hot footbath has a marked influence in relieving fatigue. Outwardly applied, it relieves toothache, neuralgia, sprains, and rheumatism. In hysteria, palsy and similar disorders of debility and lack of nerve power, Lavender will act as a powerful stimulant. In some cases of mental depression and delusions, oil of Lavender proves of real service, and a few drops rubbed on the temple will cure nervous headache. A tea brewed from Lavender tops, made in moderate strength, is excellent to relieve headache from fatigue and exhaustion, giving the same relief as the application of Lavender water to the temples. An infusion taken too freely, will, however, cause griping and colic, and Lavender oil in too large doses is a narcotic poison and causes death by convulsions. Lavender oil is found of service when rubbed externally for stimulating paralyzed limbs. Fomentation with Lavender in bags, applied hot, will speedily relieve local pains. A distilled water made from Lavender has been used as a gargle and for hoarseness and loss of voice. The oil is successfully used in the treatment of sores, varicose ulcers, burns and scalds. In France, it is a regular thing for most households to keep a bottle of Essence of Lavender as a domestic remedy against bruises, bites and trivial aches and pains, both external and internal.

Lavender oil is also used in veterinary practice, being very efficacious in killing lice and other parasites on animals. Its germicidal properties are very pronounced. In the south-east of France it is considered a useful vermifuge. The oil is used in the embalming of corpses to a steadily increasing extent. Dried Lavender flowers are still greatly used to perfume linen, their powerful, aromatic odor acting also as a preventative to the attacks of moths and other insects. In America, they find very considerable employment for disinfecting hot rooms and keeping away flies and mosquitoes, who do not like the scent. Oil of Lavender, on cotton-wool, tied in a little bag or in a perforated ball hung in the room, is said to keep it free from all flies. Not only are insects averse to the smell of Lavender, so that oil of Lavender rubbed on the skin will prevent midge and mosquito bites, but it is said on good authority that the lions and tigers in our Zoological Gardens are powerfully affected by the scent of Lavender Water, and will become docile under its influence.

Lavender is Sacred to Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft. Use in love spells of all kinds. Use during handfastings. Also use for healing, sleep, scrying and purification incense. Use in dream pillows to promote peaceful sleep and prophetic dreams, helping to reach the depths of the subconscious mind, health and love concerns. Use to manifest money or to attract new necessary items, in spells for love, protection, to attract good spirits, happiness, peace; promotes sleep, chastity, longevity, purification, wishes, pain relief. However, if the spell is for a desire rather than a true need, the spell could work in reverse. Leave around the house for spiritual and emotional protection. Aids in contacting spiritual beings and protects against the evil eye. Lavender was thrown into Midsummer fires by witches as a sacrifice to the ancient Gods. When combined with rosemary it was believed to preserve chastity

Lavender is a masculine herb, ruled by Mercury. Air is its element. It is best known for its properties of contentment, balance, love and good health. Use it when any of these aspects is required. Because of its delightful fragrance and its light, flowery taste, it has been used for thousands of years magically for its calming, peaceful, and sedating effects. It is often included in love spells and rituals because of it's attractive scent, and is used as an ingredient in spells for attracting money. A must for love spells to attract men. Also, a sachet of lavender flowers will help ease headaches, induce sleep and foster peace. Dried lavender stalks burn like incense sticks, and can be included in spells and rituals aimed attracting money, love, protection, and success. Individual flowers can also be dried and burned similarly for the same purposes. For sleep divination, place lavender sprigs under the pillow before bed while thinking about your desire. If you dream about anything related, you will get what you desire.

Put 2 handfuls of Lavender Flowers into a square of cheese cloth and tie with a purple ribbon use this aromatic washcloth in place of your usual one. For love, peace and good health, place Lavender flowers in a sachet to be carried on the person. Carrying a sachet or amulet containing lavender is also said to attract spirits or otherworldly entities. Fresh flowers can be rubbed on clothing for attracting love. For relaxation, purification baths, or aromatherapy purposes, run bath water over fresh sprigs or place a few drops of oil in the bath. If bathing is not convenient, simply inhale the scent from a bottle of essential oil for the same effects. Make a tea from fresh or dried lavender flowers for relaxation, peace, health, longevity, protection, and love - however, do not use a tea directly before a night of passion, as due to its relaxant and sedative properties, it will decrease sex drive. For peaceful sleep, use a few drops of essential oil on the sheets or pillows before bed.

Any way you look at them, lavenders are luscious long stemmed, aromatic necessities.

Sources:

Botanical.com

Mountain Valley Growers

Full Moon Magic

Lana's Grimoire

Darkwing

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Herbal Pain Killers

Any of you who are regular readers (do I Have any of those...well, in my little world I have lots *grin) probably also visit my other blog The Life & Times... where I have mentioned the physical issues I am having in one of my posts. I was recently put on (another) new medicine called Lyrica. Since they keep switching me up, I am hesitatnt to use herbal remedies as I am unaware what kind of reaction mixing them might cause. But for those of you who don't take a handful of pills every morning, the following information may come in handy.

Disclaimer:

This herbal information is intended as an introduction to how medicinal herb plants are used as pain killers. It is intended for educational purposes only. I am not a medical professional and I cannot prescribe what herbs are right for you. I cannot answer medical questions, so please do not ask me (or any other complete stranger for that matter) to prescribe herbal remedies, cures, treatments or to guess what is wrong with you.

If you use herbs, do so responsibly. Consult your doctor about your health conditions and use of herbal remedies. Herbs may be harmful if taken for the wrong conditions, used in excessive amounts, combined with prescription drugs or alcohol, or used by persons who don't know what they are doing. Just because an herbal remedy is natural, does not mean it is safe! There are herbs that are poisonous such as Poison Hemlock, Jimson weed, and many more.

Herbal Pain Killers....

Pain killer-

Soak 1/2 tsp. of dried willow bark in 2 c.. cold water overnight. Bring
to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, and bottle.

Dosage is 1/4 c., to be sipped slowly as needed for pain.

It can be added to juices or teas if you wish.

Migrain Headaches -
This is a natural painkiller and is good for migraine headaches.

Chop 1 tbsp. of Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) and add to 1 pt of water.
Boil gently for 15 minutes. Strain.

Take up to 3 tbsp. per day.

Has a slight laxative effect so you may want to weaken it further.

Good Sedative -
1 tbsp. each of:

Bee balm,

Hops,

Peppermint,

Chamomile,
crushed fennel seed.

Add 1 tbsp. of the mixture to 1 cup boiling water.
Steep 10 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey.

Drink 1/2 hour before bed.

Nervous Tension -
Vivid blue flowers are typical of many of the best nerve herbs and skullcap
is one of them.

Chop 1/2 c. of the leaves and flowers and add to 2c.s boiling water.

Steep 15 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey.

Drink several cups a day.

Can be used to treat epilepsy, convulsions, and any involuntary trembling of the limbs.

Skullcap is also used during drug or alcohol withdrawal to lessen symptoms of withdrawal.

Skullcap blend -
This is very good for nervous headaches.

1 c. each of dried skullcap,
sage,

peppermint.

To use, pour 1 c. boiling water over 1 tsp. of herb
mixture. Cover and let steep 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Drink warm as needed.

Skullcap is especially effective in dispelling headaches. It relaxes
the whole system and is non-addictive.

Soothing bath for Tension Headaches -
1 Oz. each of:

mugwort,

valerian,

chamomile,

agrimony

Add to1 pt of boiling water. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and add to bath water.
Very good for aching muscles.

Mild Sedative -
Pour 1 pt of boiling water over 1 tsp. of dried catnip. Cover and
steep until cool. Flavor if desired. Strain and sweeten.

For children, give 1 tbsp.;

adults get 2 tbsp..

For trouble getting to sleep -
Pour 1 pt of boiling water over 1 Oz. of feverfew flowers. Cover and
steep until cool. Strain and sweeten with honey.

Drink cool.

Sleep Mixture -
1 tbsp. each of :

dried hop

Chamomile

Lavender flowers
skullcap

powdered valerian root.

Put in size #00 capsules.

Take 2 capsules every couple of hours (not to exceed 6 capsules), shortly before
you retire for the night.

This should not be taken longer then 2 days.

If the problem persists after two days, please consult your physician, to find
out the reason for your inability to sleep.

This is to be used only as a temporary measure.

To induce sleep -
2 tbsp. dried peppermint

1 tbsp. rosemary
1 tbsp. sage.

This really soothes the nerves and allows you to relax enough to go to sleep.

Valerian Tea -
Caution -- Take this only once a day (at bedtime to induce sleep)

1 pt boiling water over

1 tsp. powdered valerian root.

Cover and steep 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Add a pinch of mace as flavoring if desired.
Drink warm.
Valerian is not a very pleasant smelling (it smells like dirty feet - really!) herb, but it is very effective. The valerian may be added to other, better tasting herbs and will be just as effective. Simply add the herb of your choice to the water along with the
valerian.

To induce sleep -
2 tbsp. chamomile,

2 tbsp. skullcap,

1 tsp. goldenseal,

2 tsp. elder flower,

1/2 tsp. peppermint powder

1 tbsp. pennyroyal.

Add mixture to 2 c.s of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until liquid is reduced by half.

Bottle and label.

Dosage is 1-2 tbsp. to one cup of hot water. Sweeten to taste.
Take at bedtime to induce sleep.

Painful Menstruation -
During your menstrual cycle, drink sever glasses of red raspberry juice
daily to prevent cramps and pain.

Menstrual Cramps -
1 Oz. each of:

Cramp bark

Skullcap

Blue cohosh.

Add 1 tsp. of cinnamon.

Place in a quart of warm wine. Steep several days. Strain.

Take 1 tbsp. doses several times a day for cramps.

Cramping During Menstruation -
Pour 1 c. of boiling water over 1 tbsp. of dried raspberry leaves.
Cover and allow to steep 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Drink warm several
times during the day.

Sprains -
Apply a poultice made from comfrey to relieve sprains and swellings. The
Indians called this herb knitbone and use it extensively.

Sprain and Aching Muscles Treatment -
1/2 c. water,

1/2 c. of linseed oil

4 tbsp. witch hazel.

Mix together and use as a massage.

Menthol Cream -
6 Oz.s of witch hazel

4 tbsp. lanolin

6 tbsp. of menthol

Mix together in a double boiler until creamy.

Remove from fire and cool in the refrigerator. Use as a massage.

Pain -
Add several drops of lavender oil to your bath to relieve neuralgia (spasms
of pain).

Arthritis Treatment -
1 c. each of:

Buckthorn bark

Cayenne pepper

Alfalfa

Comfrey

white yarrow

Yucca root

Parsley

Black cohosh root.

Grind up thoroughly and fill some #00 capsules with the herbal mixture.

The first week take 1 capsule daily;

The second week take 2 capsules daily;

and during the third week take 3 capsules daily.

Pain Reliever Salve -
1 oz. of chickweed (reduces inflammation and aids in healing),
1 oz. of wormwood (a great pain reliever)

1 oz. of yarrow (an anti-bacterial agent that also helps relieve pain).
Mix together.

Add the mixture of herbs to 2 pts of olive oil and simmer 3
hours. Strain.

Add:

3 oz. of beeswax

1 tsp. of tincture of benzoin.

Test for consistency before pouring into wide mouth containers.

The yarrow plant contains achillein and achilleic acid. These substances
reduce the clotting time of blood, so they help stop any bleeding. Yarrow
also has pain-killing and anit-inflammatory properties that are similar to
aspirin.

Sedative Tincture -
1-1/2 oz. of chamomile

1-1/2 tsp. of powdered peppermint
Place into 1/2 quart of vodka. Allow to steep for 2 weeks, shaking daily.

Strain and bottle.

Use as a sedative for adults.

Dosage is 1/2 dropper under the tongue, as needed.

Liniment for Sore Muscles -
Mix together 1/4 c. each of olive oil and spirits of camphor. Use to
massage sore muscles.

Rheumatic Pain Ointment -
Place 1/2 c. of rosemary leaves and 1/2 tsp. oil of cloves in 1 c.
vegetable oil. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Strain well and bottle.

This is not a comprehensive list by any means. I plane to post Oil & Incense directions in the near future. As they somewhat relate to this, I will try to do it before next Wednesday :)

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.