CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)
(Cat, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Wort, Field
Balm, Nepeta, Nip)
Cultivation - Moist, well drained soil in the sun
Propagation - Seed sown in Autumn. Division in
Spring and Autumn. Stem tip or softwood cuttings in
early Summer (before flowering starts, and if any
cuttings develop flower heads, remove them)
Flowers - are produced in Summer
Harvest - Plants are cut when in bud. Leaves are
picked when young
Dimensions - 30cm-1m high. 23-60cm wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Feverish illnesses (esp. colds and flu),
insomnia, excitability, palpitations, nervous
indigestion, diarrhoea, stomach upsets, colic and
digestion related headaches
External - haemorrhoids, rheumatism and arthritis
Culinary - The leaves can be used in herbal tea,
especially if you want to impart a light mint flavour.
The leaves can also be added to salads sauces and
stews
Magical - Cat magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Catnip was cultivated in England as far back as 1265,
but the related N. mussini (Catmint) was only bought
to England from Caucasus around 1800. This is a herb
that your cat will love, it will either send them to
sleep or send them loopy. You can hold catnip in your
hand until it warms up and the next person who's hand
you hold, will be your friend for as so long as you
keep the catnip in a safe place. Growing Catnip near
your house will attract good spirits and great luck.
Hanging it over your door will do the same.
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867)
Published by DK
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455)
Published by Millennium Books
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott
Cunningham (ISBN 0875421229) Published by Llewellyn
Publications
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but
medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Agrimony
AGRIMONY
(Church steeples, Cockeburr, Cocklebur, Garclive, Philanthropos,
Sticklewort, Stickwort)
Cultivation - Well drained. Sunny position
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring
Flowers - are produced in Spring
Harvest - When flowering
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Colitis, Food allergies, Diarrhoea, Gallstones,
Cirrhosis, Grumbling appendix, Urinary incontinence, Cystitis,
Rheumatism
External - Sore throat, Conjunctivitis, Haemorrhoids, Minor
injuries, Chronic skin conditions
**Do not give to stress related constipation
Culinary - Flowers can be used in herbal teas
Magical - Protection, Negativity
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
The herb was named after Mithridates Eupator, who was a king of
Pontus and a famous herbalist. It is said Agrimony is able to
protect against goblins, evil and poison. It was also used to break
hexes and to send the hex back to the person who sent it. By placing
Agrimony under your pillow, you could sleep as if you were dead.
But someone needs to be on hand to remove the herb from under your
pillow, as you will not wake until it is removed.
Sources:
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN 0140126821) Published
by Penguin
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only. Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
(Church steeples, Cockeburr, Cocklebur, Garclive, Philanthropos,
Sticklewort, Stickwort)
Cultivation - Well drained. Sunny position
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring
Flowers - are produced in Spring
Harvest - When flowering
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Colitis, Food allergies, Diarrhoea, Gallstones,
Cirrhosis, Grumbling appendix, Urinary incontinence, Cystitis,
Rheumatism
External - Sore throat, Conjunctivitis, Haemorrhoids, Minor
injuries, Chronic skin conditions
**Do not give to stress related constipation
Culinary - Flowers can be used in herbal teas
Magical - Protection, Negativity
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
The herb was named after Mithridates Eupator, who was a king of
Pontus and a famous herbalist. It is said Agrimony is able to
protect against goblins, evil and poison. It was also used to break
hexes and to send the hex back to the person who sent it. By placing
Agrimony under your pillow, you could sleep as if you were dead.
But someone needs to be on hand to remove the herb from under your
pillow, as you will not wake until it is removed.
Sources:
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN 0140126821) Published
by Penguin
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only. Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
Aloe Vera
ALOE VERA (Aloe vera syn. A. barbadensis)
(Burn Plant, Medicine Plant, Bardados aloe,
Curacao aloe)Cultivation - Very well drained soil in the sun
Propagation - By offsets at all times of the year.
Aloe Vera rarely sets seeds
Harvest - Leaves are cut as they are required from
plants that are 2-3 years old. Sap is drained from
cut leaves
Dimensions - 60-90cm high. Infinate width
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Chronic constipation (especially
following iron medication), poor appetite, digestive
problems, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome
External - Burns, scalds, sunburn, wounds,
eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, ulcers,
colonic irrigation and nail biting
**This plant is contraindicated during pregnancy and
when haemorrhoids are present. The leaves are a
strong purgative and requires great care over dosage,
so if you are planning to use this plant internally,
then it is advised to see a qualified practitioner.
Aloe vera may also cause miscarriage and serious
stomach upsets if used excessively. Aloe Vera comes
out via the breast milk, so it is to be avoided while
breastfeeding, if taken internally.
Magical - Protection, Prevention of household
accidents, Luck in the home
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
This plant is hung on houses in Africa to get rid of
evil and to encourage good luck. Aloe has been used
as far back as the fourth century BC. Apparently
Alexander the Great conquered Socotra in order to
secure supplies of Aloe Vera. The Aloe mentioned in
the Bible was not Aloe Vera but lignin aloes or
aloeswood (Aquilaria malaccensis).
Sources:
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott
Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted first to rule out major illnesses.
(Burn Plant, Medicine Plant, Bardados aloe,
Curacao aloe)Cultivation - Very well drained soil in the sun
Propagation - By offsets at all times of the year.
Aloe Vera rarely sets seeds
Harvest - Leaves are cut as they are required from
plants that are 2-3 years old. Sap is drained from
cut leaves
Dimensions - 60-90cm high. Infinate width
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Chronic constipation (especially
following iron medication), poor appetite, digestive
problems, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome
External - Burns, scalds, sunburn, wounds,
eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, ulcers,
colonic irrigation and nail biting
**This plant is contraindicated during pregnancy and
when haemorrhoids are present. The leaves are a
strong purgative and requires great care over dosage,
so if you are planning to use this plant internally,
then it is advised to see a qualified practitioner.
Aloe vera may also cause miscarriage and serious
stomach upsets if used excessively. Aloe Vera comes
out via the breast milk, so it is to be avoided while
breastfeeding, if taken internally.
Magical - Protection, Prevention of household
accidents, Luck in the home
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
This plant is hung on houses in Africa to get rid of
evil and to encourage good luck. Aloe has been used
as far back as the fourth century BC. Apparently
Alexander the Great conquered Socotra in order to
secure supplies of Aloe Vera. The Aloe mentioned in
the Bible was not Aloe Vera but lignin aloes or
aloeswood (Aquilaria malaccensis).
Sources:
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott
Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted first to rule out major illnesses.
Angelica
ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica)
(Archangel, Masterwort)Cultivation - Rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring or Autumn. Seed viable for only
one year and it will normally take two years before the plant will go
to seed
Harvest - Roots in Autumn. Leaves are gathered before flowering.
Seeds as they ripen. Stalks are cut in early Summer
Dimensions - 1-2.5 metres high. 1.2 metres wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Digestive problems, gastric ulcers, anorexia, morning
sickness, poor circulation, chronic fatigue, menstrual and
obsteric problems
External - Rheumatic pain, neuralgia and pleurisy
**This plant may cause skin allergens. Do not give to pregnant women
or people suffering diabetes (Angelica has a high sugar content)
Culinary - Use like celery (leaves). Stalks can be candied or used
in jams. Flower buds can be used in salads either cooked or raw
Magical - Exorcism, protection, healing, visions
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
This plant was apparently named after the monk who discovered its
medicinal properties. He claimed he received a vision from an angel
who told him Angelica could cure the plague. The root of this plant
was carried by some American Indian tribes and used as a gambling
talisman. Angelica can protect your property by sprinkling the herb
in the corners of the rooms of your house or around the perimetre.
Smoking the plant may cause visions. Angelica was once used to curb
lust in young men. The root was powered and mixed in cold water for
this remedy.
Sources:
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN 0140126821) Published
by Penguin
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in Australia) by
Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455) Published by Millennium Books
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only. Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
(Archangel, Masterwort)Cultivation - Rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring or Autumn. Seed viable for only
one year and it will normally take two years before the plant will go
to seed
Harvest - Roots in Autumn. Leaves are gathered before flowering.
Seeds as they ripen. Stalks are cut in early Summer
Dimensions - 1-2.5 metres high. 1.2 metres wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Digestive problems, gastric ulcers, anorexia, morning
sickness, poor circulation, chronic fatigue, menstrual and
obsteric problems
External - Rheumatic pain, neuralgia and pleurisy
**This plant may cause skin allergens. Do not give to pregnant women
or people suffering diabetes (Angelica has a high sugar content)
Culinary - Use like celery (leaves). Stalks can be candied or used
in jams. Flower buds can be used in salads either cooked or raw
Magical - Exorcism, protection, healing, visions
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
This plant was apparently named after the monk who discovered its
medicinal properties. He claimed he received a vision from an angel
who told him Angelica could cure the plague. The root of this plant
was carried by some American Indian tribes and used as a gambling
talisman. Angelica can protect your property by sprinkling the herb
in the corners of the rooms of your house or around the perimetre.
Smoking the plant may cause visions. Angelica was once used to curb
lust in young men. The root was powered and mixed in cold water for
this remedy.
Sources:
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN 0140126821) Published
by Penguin
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in Australia) by
Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455) Published by Millennium Books
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only. Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
Anise Hyssop
ANISE HYSSOP (Agastache foeniculum)
(Giant Hyssop, Anise Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop, Liquorice Mint)Cultivation - Well drained soil in full sun
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring. Division in Spring. Semi-ripe
cuttings in Summer
Flowers - This plant flowers in early Summer
Harvest - Leaves are collected in Spring and Summer. Flowers are
collected in Summer. Leaves are cut and collected before flowering
Dimensions - 6-cm-1.2m high. 30cm wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Coughs
Culinary - Flowers are added to salads. Leaves can be used in herbal
teas
Magical - None found
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
This plant does not look like or appears to be related to Hyssop, it
has an amazing smell though and attracts bees to the garden to aide
pollination. This plant was planted in the 1870s in N America to
produce a honey with a slight aniseed flavour.
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in Australia) by
Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455) Published by Millennium Books
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only. Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
(Giant Hyssop, Anise Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop, Liquorice Mint)Cultivation - Well drained soil in full sun
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring. Division in Spring. Semi-ripe
cuttings in Summer
Flowers - This plant flowers in early Summer
Harvest - Leaves are collected in Spring and Summer. Flowers are
collected in Summer. Leaves are cut and collected before flowering
Dimensions - 6-cm-1.2m high. 30cm wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Coughs
Culinary - Flowers are added to salads. Leaves can be used in herbal
teas
Magical - None found
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
This plant does not look like or appears to be related to Hyssop, it
has an amazing smell though and attracts bees to the garden to aide
pollination. This plant was planted in the 1870s in N America to
produce a honey with a slight aniseed flavour.
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in Australia) by
Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455) Published by Millennium Books
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only. Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
Bergamot
BERGAMOT (Monarda didyma)
(Oswego Tea, Bee Balm)Cultivation - Rich moist soil in sun or partial
shade
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring or Autumn.
Division in Spring. Softwood cuttings in early Summer
Flowers - are produced early to mid Summer
Harvest - Plants are cut when flowering. Leaves are
cut before flowering
Dimensions - 40cm-1.2m high. 45cm wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Minor digestive complaint
Culinary - Leaves and flower heads are used as a
herbal tea and as an ‘Earl Grey’ flavouring to black
tea. Flowers can be used as a garnish is salads
Magical - None found but it was used by Native
American Indians so I am assuming there is a magical
use for them
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Bergamot was given its name due to its scent which
resembles the orange of the same name. The latin name
of this plant is derived from a spanish botanist (Dr
Nicholas Monardes), who described the plant in his
herbal in 1569. The Americans took to drinking
Bergamot as a tea substitute as a protest on the tax
on tea from India after the Boston Tea Party. This
plant can be prone to spread throughout the garden
with runners similar to Mint runners. If possible,
contain this plant to a pot, or be prepared to pull
up a whole lot of the runners in Summer.
Sources:
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published by Penguin
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455)
Published by Millennium Books
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
(Oswego Tea, Bee Balm)Cultivation - Rich moist soil in sun or partial
shade
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring or Autumn.
Division in Spring. Softwood cuttings in early Summer
Flowers - are produced early to mid Summer
Harvest - Plants are cut when flowering. Leaves are
cut before flowering
Dimensions - 40cm-1.2m high. 45cm wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Minor digestive complaint
Culinary - Leaves and flower heads are used as a
herbal tea and as an ‘Earl Grey’ flavouring to black
tea. Flowers can be used as a garnish is salads
Magical - None found but it was used by Native
American Indians so I am assuming there is a magical
use for them
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Bergamot was given its name due to its scent which
resembles the orange of the same name. The latin name
of this plant is derived from a spanish botanist (Dr
Nicholas Monardes), who described the plant in his
herbal in 1569. The Americans took to drinking
Bergamot as a tea substitute as a protest on the tax
on tea from India after the Boston Tea Party. This
plant can be prone to spread throughout the garden
with runners similar to Mint runners. If possible,
contain this plant to a pot, or be prepared to pull
up a whole lot of the runners in Summer.
Sources:
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published by Penguin
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455)
Published by Millennium Books
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
Borage
BORAGE (Borago officinalis)
(Bugloss, Burrage, Herb of Gladness,
Starflower)Cultivation - Well drained, moist soil in full
sun. Will tolerate poor dry soil
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring
Flowers - appear in early Summer
Harvest - Leaves are picked in Spring and Summer
as the plant starts to flower. Flowers are picked as
they open and seperated from the calyx
Dimensions - 30cm-1m high 15-30cm wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Fevers, bronchial infections
(including pleurisy and tuberculosis), mouth and
throat infections, dry skin, cirrhosis and chronic
nephritis, ringworm, skin conditions (especially
where you would use Evening Primrose), rheumatic
complaints and premenstral syndrome
External - Eyewashes, gargles, mouthwashes and
poultices
**Skin irritant and possible allergen. May
cause liver damage in large doses
Culinary - Used to flavour alcohol. Add to salads
and soft cheeses. Cook with your vegetables. It can
be candied or made into a sweet syrup. The flowers
can frozen in ice cubes to add to homemade lemonade
Magical - Courage, Psychic Powers
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Carrying the fresh blossoms will strengthen your
courage and wearing it through your buttonhole (easier
said than done as the flowers detach from the plant
very easily) will protect you when walking outdoors.
Borago comes from the latin word ‘burra’ which
translates to “hairy garment”, which is exactly what
the plant looks like. Pliny called the plant
Euphrosinum due to the euphoric effect of the plant
(hence the name Herb of Gladness) and is perhaps why
it was once used as an antidote to poison. Borage can
be used when made into a tea as an eye wash for cats
but make sure you strain the tea through muslin or a
coffee filter to remove all the fine hairs first.
Sources:
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by
Scott Cunningham (ISBN 0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by
DK
Themes for Herb Gardens by Kim Fletcher (ISBN
0670906751) Published by Viking
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in
Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455)
Published by Millenium Books
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published by Penguin
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
(Bugloss, Burrage, Herb of Gladness,
Starflower)Cultivation - Well drained, moist soil in full
sun. Will tolerate poor dry soil
Propagation - Seed sown in Spring
Flowers - appear in early Summer
Harvest - Leaves are picked in Spring and Summer
as the plant starts to flower. Flowers are picked as
they open and seperated from the calyx
Dimensions - 30cm-1m high 15-30cm wide
USES
Medicinal
Internal - Fevers, bronchial infections
(including pleurisy and tuberculosis), mouth and
throat infections, dry skin, cirrhosis and chronic
nephritis, ringworm, skin conditions (especially
where you would use Evening Primrose), rheumatic
complaints and premenstral syndrome
External - Eyewashes, gargles, mouthwashes and
poultices
**Skin irritant and possible allergen. May
cause liver damage in large doses
Culinary - Used to flavour alcohol. Add to salads
and soft cheeses. Cook with your vegetables. It can
be candied or made into a sweet syrup. The flowers
can frozen in ice cubes to add to homemade lemonade
Magical - Courage, Psychic Powers
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Carrying the fresh blossoms will strengthen your
courage and wearing it through your buttonhole (easier
said than done as the flowers detach from the plant
very easily) will protect you when walking outdoors.
Borago comes from the latin word ‘burra’ which
translates to “hairy garment”, which is exactly what
the plant looks like. Pliny called the plant
Euphrosinum due to the euphoric effect of the plant
(hence the name Herb of Gladness) and is perhaps why
it was once used as an antidote to poison. Borage can
be used when made into a tea as an eye wash for cats
but make sure you strain the tea through muslin or a
coffee filter to remove all the fine hairs first.
Sources:
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by
Scott Cunningham (ISBN 0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by
DK
Themes for Herb Gardens by Kim Fletcher (ISBN
0670906751) Published by Viking
The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in
Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455)
Published by Millenium Books
The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published by Penguin
Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.
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