My First Experiment!

My little angel Chimi (a 10lb. Chihuahua who literally makes me so happy, I can barely stand it) has had a hotspot on her front left paw for months.  I keep treating it with foams and bandages and Animax but somehow nothing seems to work.  So while I've begun research on all these herbs and plants and their medicinal qualities I ran across Aloe.

Chimichanga

Now, I originally come from Florida so I know A LOT about sunburns and Aloe.  In fact, I can't remember going to house in Florida that didn't have an aloe plant in a pot somewhere on the property or growing in the yard.  With that said, I began to read a little deeper about this magic succulent.  Aloe does wonders for the skin- taken both internally and externally.  It soothes and heals- which is what Chimi needed.

Chimi's hotspot!

First, I looked up on the ASPCA website and they have it listed as toxic- other sites have it listed as ok... I was stressed.  In the last moment of my hesitation I noticed on the hotspot foam for dogs that it was made of Tea Tree Oil and... ding, ding, ding- ALOE!  So, I have figured if it can be added to an over the counter medicine for dogs than it must be at least externally non-toxic. I had no intention of letting her eat it to begin with- mostly because I don't want her to devour my aloe plant.

I took a breath and decided that if she acted sick at any point I would discontinue immediately.  I put some fresh squeezed aloe from the leaf right on her hotspot and to my delight she didn't seem to mind at all. (I just bought my lovely little plant from the market- I have named him Edward.)  I was so thrilled!  To boot, the next morning all the redness was GONE.  I've been treating this for months and never once did it lose it's redness- not with a tea bag, or antibiotics, or cortisone, or hotspot foam! (Though the teabag did ease the irritation and seemed to be soothing to her- she would also lick it and then have... digestive issues.)  I am so pleased with this experiment that I may have to make Aloe the herb of the week next week! Woot!

Edward... my Aloe plant

I will post a photo of Edward the Aloe Plant as soon as I take one.

Herb of the Week: Anise

Anise ~ Pimpinella anisum

DISCLAIMER: Remember, I am not a doctor, psychologist, or priestess
ALWAYS CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL!


The poor man's licorice. It is used in cough medicines and lozenges, soaps and toothpaste, incense and alcohol. It can be used both internally and externally.  As an oil, tea, spice, herb, or incense.


Uses ~ As a tea/herb/or spice it has been known to treat coughs, sore throats, flatulence, colic, aids in digestion, menstrual cramps, increase breast milk, sweeten the breath and mild insomnia. It also treats anxiety, asthma, difficult breathing, bronchial spams,  fluid retention, migraine nausea, tension vomiting, and sinus problems.
Externally it has also been rumored to treat lice and mites (I have not experimented with this.) as well as other manner of insect bites, asthma, bronchial congestion, coughs, exhaustion, headache, sinus problems, and stress.

This is a picture of Star Anise (Illicium verum)    

Anise as an ancient medicine was used to promote menstuation, milk production and childbirth. WARNING: Anise is an abortfacient (which means it can cause abortion so pregnant women should stay away from it and not handle or ingest it.) ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR FIRST! According to many sources it is fine to ingest as a culinary herb or in cosmetics while pregnant.


Anise leaves around the house banish evil spirits and the plant can avert the evil eye. It is said that a small dish or jar of anise seeds at the bedside helps rid the sleeper of nightmares, a pillow stuffed with it works as well however this is less likely to leave the bed filled with little anise seeds.  I personally use a lovely vintage dish on my nightstand and have found that it works very well, though it needs to be "recharged" about once a week so that the seeds don't get stale and stop working- I simply put out new ones and put the older ones back into the jar with the newer seeds.  It is a lovely mild aromatic in the room and a sprig on the bedpost is said to bring back lost youth.

As an incense it is used for meditation, protection and works as both a mood booster and calming agent.  Good for adding into purification baths.

Anise is also used by many fishermen and hunters to mask the smell of the human body. 




Sources:
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anise040.html
http://mysticwicks.com/archive/index.php/t-3380.html
http://birchhillhappenings.com/anise.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/145266-anise-in-aromatherapy/
http://www.thewiccanway.org/herbs.html

A New Beginning

Last month I traveled to New Orleans, and for the first time ever I had my palm read and my Tarot done.  I waited and eagerly watched for signs of trickery and for broad statements.  I received none of that.  (I had my Tarot and Palm done in a reading at Voodoo Authentica- I will put contact information below.  He was wonderful and if you are in town I highly suggest him to anyone who is serious about getting a reading.  WARNING: If you are screwing up he will tell you off about it so be prepared for the truth.) He gave me specific, in detail accounts of who I am and where I'm going and what obstacles are blocking my way.  He also suggested that I take up herbology as I am a natural healer and seem to be a little too old to start medical school (I don't think my math skills would suffice anyhow.)  So I decided I would and here I find myself.

Since November 1st was the new year (Samhain is the New Year) I decided to chronicle what I learn this year and all the years to come.   Most New Year celebrations focus on what you will change about yourself in the future but our new year seems to focus more on how far you've come, to look back and share what you've learned with those you love.  Moving forwards quite often means looking backwards.  This year I take up healing others and focusing more on my own spiritual path and I will be sharing it with all of you who join me.

Voodoo Authentica
612 Rue Dumain
New Orleans, LA 70116
(French Quarter)
Telephone: 504-522-2111       Email: voodooshop1@cox.net