Herbal Remedies

This is a list of common herbs that witches used in their every-day life. Many of these herbs were used by doctors, and numerous other ingredients are included in some of our present day medicines.

Aloe Vera ( aloe bardadensis )
when applied externally, Aloe Vera revives skin tissues and aids the healing of burns and sores. It can also be used on blemishes and dandruff, and it works to keep skin soft.

Burdock ( Arctium lappa )
It has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, indigestion, kidney trouble, dropsy, high fevers, gout, leprosy and dandruff. A poultice made with compressed burdock root is said to be a useful remedy when applied to bug bites.

Catnip ( Nepeta cataria )
Catnip is a popular ingredient in a variety of traditional remedies. Catnip tea is best identified as a sleep aid, but it is also recommended to ease menstrual pain, to help relieve the nerves, and as an insect repellent. Compresses applied to the forehead are said to relieve headaches.

Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale )
Dandelion; known commonly as a yard weed; is very tasteless and unpleasant, but is a very useful herb. It is highly recommended for kidney, liver and gallbladder problems. The leave also contain high levels of potassium.

Elder ( Sambucus nigra )
Many have used it as an insect repellent and a blood purifier. Some have at one time tasted elderberries in such foods as preserves and pies, since it is not only a medical type of berry, but a cooking ingredient as well. Elderberry tea is thought to be the most effective when the elder flowers are mixed with peppermint leaves and yarrow flowers. But you must remember only to use the ripe berries, and avoid eating the roots, stems and leaves.

Feverfew ( Tanecetum parthenium )
Feverfew is used to treat cramps and headache pain, as well as to help digestion and soothe insect bites. Some also say that feverfew is effective against rheumatoid arthritis, but nothing is clarified yet.

Ginger ( zingiber officinale )
Ginger is very popular for treating colds, nausea, seafood poisoning and other ailments. Some even use it to help those recovering from illness. Ginger tea is still prescribed for stomach aches and to aid digestion. A mild stimulant, it is also used to help promote circulation, especially on cold winter days. A common remedy recommends ginger for the treatment of burns. Fresh gingerroot is mashed to release its juices, which are then applied to the burned area. Some who have tried the remedy report that relief is instantaneous, and that a single application will suffice for easing the pain of minor burns.

Hawthorn ( Crataegus oxyacantha )
hawthorn has long been used to treat heart ailments. Hawthorn works in two ways: it dilates blood vessels, which eases blood flow and lowers blood pressure, and it strengthens the heart itself. It also acts as a mild sedative, so it may be useful when heart problems are brought on by stress or nervousness. However, hawthorn extracts are cumulative, so it must be taken over an extended period for the full effect.

Irish Moss ( Chondrus crispus )
Irish moss is high in nutrients and nourishes the glandular system, lungs, and kidneys. It purifies the body's cells and strengthens the thyroid gland.

Juniper ( Juniperus communis )
Best known as the flavouring in gin, sauerkraut and other foods and spirits, the fragrant berries are also an active ingredient in many herbal formulas. Drinking juniper berry tea relieves stomach aches, arthritis and colds.

Kelp ( n/a )
Kelp contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands (especially the thyroid and pituitary). By enhancing the action of the glandular system, it helps balance the body's metabolism and rate at which it burns calories. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels. Because of its high nutrient content, this herb is reputedly beneficial for a wide range of applications. It is known to nourish the sensory nerves, brain membranes, also spinal cord and brain tissue. Kelp contains alginic acid which can help protect the body against the effects of radiation.

Lavender ( Lavandula officinalis )
The blossoms are a familiar ingredient in many herbal sachets, and lavender-filled pillows have long been used for their purported calming effects. Lavender flowers may also be brewed in tea. The aroma is soothing, and the mild carminative action of the blossoms may be useful for settling an upset stomach that often accompanies nervousness and irritability. The flowers are also reported to stimulate bile flow, and so are sometimes included in herbal formulas recommended for liver and gallbladder problems.

Milk Thistle ( Silybum marianum )
Lactating women were sometimes given the herb to stimulate production of their milk. Milk Thistle is also effective against certain types of liver disease. Silybin, one of the compounds contained in the herb, is an antidote to the deadly deathcap mushroom, whose poisons act to destroy the liver cells.

Nettle ( Urtica dioica )
The coarse hairs covering the leaves are actually mini tubes packed with an irritating fluid. When a person or animal rubs against the leaves, the hairs instil their fluid, producing an inflamed, fiery rash that may continue for hours. But, nettles have astringent properties, and when applied to the skin it will lighten eczema and other skin problems. Dried nettles are considered safe for internal consumption, but the skin rash made by the fresh leaves may be very irritating to some.

Oatstraw ( n/a )
Oatstraw contains high amounts of bone-building materials. Also used to calm hyperactive children, and to treat panic attacks and eczema.

Parsley ( Petroselinum crispum )
Parsley tea is used to settle the stomach after a meal. The tea can also used to treat flu and cold congestion, to reduce asthma attacks, and anaemia. It is often used to treat urinary infections and fluid retention. As oil, parsley seeds key use is as the treatment of urinary tract problems, though it is recommended to use excessive care when dealing with necessary oils, because of its high absorption.

Queen of the Meadow ( Filipendula ulmari )
Queen of the Meadow is traditionally valued to help heal strains, sprains, and the associated aches. It nourishes the ligaments and tendons, and assists in restoring their normal function. It helps release inorganic deposits from the joints and tissues.

Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis )
The highly scented camphor oil in its leaves is used to energize the circulatory and nervous systems, and so rosemary is frequently given to older people and those recovering from sickness. As with most culinary herbs and spices, rosemary is considered safe when used in practical amounts.

Sage ( Salvia officinalis )
The chalky green leaves of the sage plant have, at one time or another, been offered as a cure for just about anything. The herb is popular for colds and fevers; also used to heal sores and to clean teeth.

Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris )
Thyme is a cough suppressant, and is a common ingredient in syrups prescribes for coughs and bronchitis. The herb itself may be brewed in tea, and some recommend it as a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis. In addition, thyme's properties make it a good choice for an upset stomach, although the flavour may be a bit too strong for some people.

Uva Ursi ( Artostaphylos uva-ursi )
Uva Ursi made into a poultice of the leaves is used on sprains and sore muscles. But mainly uva ursi has been regarded as a diuretic.

Valerian ( valeriana officinalis )
A well-liked and dependable sleep aid, valerian has not always been used for its tranquillizing properties. Sometimes it is prescribed for digestive struggle, queasiness and urinary tract disorders, as well as treating cuts and wounds. Active ingredients in the plant's spicy root both slow down the central nervous system and relax the muscles.

Witch Hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana )
The leaves and bark of this flowering shrub have long been used in traditional medicine, and the plant's split branches are frequently the stuff of choice for divining rods.

Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium )
A pungent, flowering plant that is popular in herbal preparations, yarrow is used to stop the bleeding of wounds. They also used yarrow for its healing properties, both as a tea to treat digestive disorders and fevers, and as a bandage to treat cuts and burns. They also chewed the leaves to relieve toothaches. Some advise steeping a combination of yarrow leaves and flower tops, which is drunk to decrease fever or to arouse hunger. A poultice made from the flowers or the whole plant may be useful to inflamed joints, as well as to cuts and wounds.

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