Herb of Week: Thyme

Thyme ~ Thymus Vulgaris

DISCLAIMER: Remember, I am not a doctor, psychologist, licensed herbalist, or priestess

ALWAYS CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL! This is article is for information ONLY.

Thyme is a common kitchen herb that packs a punch! Used to treat several types of infections (respiratory, mouth, and bladder/urinary tract), whooping cough, gastric and intestinal problems, depression, some skin ailments, as well as an antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic.

As an antiseptic is can be used as a compress for wound dressing, sores, rheumatic pain, insect bites and stings.  As a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal for athlete's foot and as an anti-parasitic for lice, scabies, and crabs.  Tinctures (4 oz thyme to 1 pint alcohol) and essential oils can be applied to the skin for anti-fungal or anti-parasitic needs. For skin inflammations and sores, make a poultice can be made by mashing the leaves into a paste and applied to skin inflammations and or sores.  

Most commonly Thyme is used to treat bronchial problems due to its anti-tussive (cough supressing), antispasmodic and expectorant properties. For bronchial and gastric problems, make a tea to be used once per day to treat coughs, bronchitis, chronic candidiasis, whooping cough, indigestion, bronchial infections and halitosis.

Thyme essential oil can cause adverse reactions in it's pure form and should be used sparingly as a medicinal treatment.   If taken in a tea, drink only once or twice per day, and if used on the skin, be aware that it may cause irritation. 


 It is a good digestive aid, helps menstrual cramps and is a great cold remedy. Thyme is also known as a stimulant. It stimulates the circulatory system, and can help raise low blood pressure. For people with a slow digestive system, it can help to stimulate it, and has also found to be helpful for those who are fatigued, lethargic, or depressed. It is also thought to help memory by stimulating the chemical reactions in the brain. Taking a warm bath with thyme can help relieve insomnia and it is thought to help slow hair loss when used as a hair rinse after shampooing. 

USING THYME ESSENTIAL OIL: Check for any allergic reaction before using, put a few drops of diluted essential oil on the skin of your arm to test for any reaction. Should a rash or redness occur wash the area and discontinue use immediately.Inhaled reactions can occur as well, so if the scent of thyme essential oil causes headaches, dizziness, or other discomforts remove yourself from the room and get some fresh air until the feeling passes. It is always prudent to consult with your primary care physician before starting any essential oil treatment.

Warnings: do not ingest thyme oil, it can lead to headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thyroid impairment and heart and respiratory depression 

Magical Uses:
Planet: Venus 
Element: Air 
Magic Properties: clairvoyance, cleansing, consecration, courage, divination, dreams, exorcism, faeries, happiness, healing, love, money, prevents nightmares, protection, psychic development, purification 


Other magical properties: compassion, confidence, contacting other planes, grieving, magic, meditation, Midsummer, passion, release, renewal, rituals for the dead, Summer rituals, and wishing

It is widely believed to help guard against nightmares when used within pillows.   It is also thought that by Wear a sprig of fresh thyme to a funeral  to  protect yourself from the sadness of others and use in rituals for courage and compassion.

Treatments:
Cuts and Wounds: Use fresh leaves
Antiseptic- Tincture
Stomach treatment- Infusion


Sources:
http://celei.hubpages.com/hub/The-Healing-Properties-of-5-Common-Household-Herbs-and-Spices

http://www.unc.edu/~reddeer/magick/herb.html
http://windspirit57.tripod.com/id4.html
http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-thyme.htm
http://www.pharrah13.com/herbal_uses.html
http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbThymeMed.htm

Tinctures: What are they?

What is a tincture?
According to www.thefreedictionary.com a tincture (for our purposes) is:
"a plant extract made by soaking herbs in a liquid (such as water, alcohol, vinegar, or glycerine) for a specified length of time, then straining and discarding the plant material. The remaining liquid is used therapeutically. Tinctures typically are made at a concentration of 1:5 to 1:10."


How are they made?
Herbs are taken (either in fresh, dried, or powdered form) and soaked in alcohol (vodka  is preferable so it can be ingested) in a closed glass or plastic container. It is then stored for a period of time (anywhere from 8 days to a month depending on the recipe) until it is ready to be strained through a muslin cloth (depending on the herb cheesecloth may be equally suitable.) Tinctures are then stored into appropriate containers and may have shelf life of up to 5 years as the alcohol serves as a preserver of all the plant's properties.
Learn how to make one here.

Why are they used? Pros? Cons?
Pros:
Total control of the content of the tincture.
Small amount goes a long way because of the nature of tinctures.
Easy stored and lasts a long time.
Work quickly as they enter the bloodstream fast


Cons:
Takes a long time to prepare.
Can be expensive to make.
Storage concerns, must be kept in a cool dry place.

Tincture Recipes:
Sweet Dreams Tincture

For PMS:
6 Tbsp. Black Haw
4 Tbsp.Valerian
4 Tbsp. Chamomile
5 Tbsp. Dandelion
6 Tbsp. Dong Quai
Process time: 6 weeks
Shelf Life: 5 years
Application: 10-15 drops in hot tea/water 3x a day approx. a week prior to menstruating.
http://cloverleaffarm.hubpages.com/hub/Healing-PMS-Naturally

For Headaches/Migraines:
3 parts Lemon Balm
2 part Feverfew
Process Time: 2-6 weeks
Shelf Life: 5 years
Application: Take 1/4 to 1/2 Tsp. every 30 minutes until Migraine subsides.
http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/05/how-to-treat-migraines-with-an-herbal-tincture-at-home-a-recipe/

Common Ailments Healed at Home: Sore Throat

Sore throats happen to everyone. But what are some natural ways to heal one? 
First, you should identify the source of the sore throat. Is it an allergy? Is it a cold? Is it overuse of your vocal cords? Is the the air?


If it's an allergy, 2 things:


1. If your throat is tight and you are having trouble swallowing you may be experiencing anaphalaxus and you may need medical attention. Seriously.
2. If it's a common allergy that you have experienced before and it is not serious, your sore throat may be from drainage from your nose into your throat while you sleep. Gross, I know. Try rinsing your nasal cavity before bed with a saline solution of warm water and about 1/4 tsp of non iodized salt in a neti-pot. This rinses away the pollen and whatever else is trapped in your nose/nasal cavity. Also give yourself a saline gargle, this may help with that.


If it's from being ill:
1. GO TO THE DOCTOR. You don't want to discover that you have strep throat and you've been treating it with tea and now have a major infection.
2. If it's really just a common cold, create a concoction of equal parts honey and vinegar. I know, you realize now how much I love vinegar, but it's really useful. This concoction tastes horrible, but so does many cough syrups. Take it like a liquid medicine. Two to three spoonfuls at a time as needed.  (DO NOT GIVE THIS TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 DUE TO THE HONEY!) The vinegar kills bacteria and germs and the honey is a natural antiseptic and will soothe and protect your throat while it heals.


If it's from overuse:
Relax your throat. Stop talking and don't clear it all the time. If you feel like you want to clear your throat just hum. I know that sound really strange but clearing your throat is much like rubbing your vocal cords with an SOS pad. Humming gently vibrates your cords and loosens any crap on them without injuring them. Next drink some tea with lemon and honey and keep your throat warm and disinfected. Feel free to use the vinegar/honey syrup as well.


If it's from the air: 
You may have dry air and need a humidifier. In the wintertime I have this problem and in the summer I have this problem. In the winter it's because of the dry air and I simply put a pot of water on my extremely hot radiators. You can also just use a humidifier. In the summer it's because of the air conditioner, so then I just plug in the good old humidifier. Make sure you check the filters on your A/C often and keep them clean.

Raspberry Leaves (fresh)

Here are a couple of treatments:

Make a "tea" with about 2 teaspoons of raspberry leaves or blackberry leaves with 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep anywhere from 8-10 minutes, strain and allow to cool. Use it as a gargle. DO NOT DRINK IT. Feel free to add some Elder flowers if you have some. (You can buy raspberry leaf tea also)

Sage 

You can also make one from sage. Sage is great for sore throats. Take about a teaspoon's worth and steep in hot water. Add some honey and vinegar and use it as a gargle as well. Like before, DO NOT DRINK IT.

You can add tumeric to hot milk, though dairy is not good for your throat if you are experiencing some phlegm, I would suggest putting it in some tea, about 1/2 tsp. to 8 oz of tea.

You can take horseradish (1 tbsp.), ground cloves (1 tsp.), and some honey (1 tsp.) and add it to warm water and drink it. 

You can also try steaming yourself over a bowl of hot water with a tower over your head. Eucalyptus oil, Rosemary oil and Sage oil are all good additions to sooth a sore throat.


Upon some research I found a weird one from the Amish, is take a peeled garlic clove, slice it in half and suck on it like a cough drop, occasionally bruising it with your teeth.

Here is a great link to a recipe for an herbal throat lozenge that you can make at home.


or even some pastilles in this link.





Sources:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-sore-throat.htm
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/herbal-remedies-for-sore-throat.htm
http://www.learningherbs.com/sore_throat_remedies.html
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/health/sore-throat-secrets.html

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. I, the blogger  do not take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

Herb of the Week: Basil

Basil ~ Ocimum Basilicum

DISCLAIMER: Remember, I am not a doctor, psychologist, licensed herbalist, or priestess
ALWAYS CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL! This is article is for information ONLY.




Basil is an anti-inflammatory and an anti-vomitum. Chewing the leaves can treat mouth infections and ulcers in the mouth, as a stress reliever, and can also stave vomiting.  Taking basil juice internally is said to treat kidney stones, prevent bites from insects, treat vomiting and diarrhea in children, treat headaches, and certain species can also be used to treat eye disorders (though I would seriously consult a physician before putting ANYTHING into my eyes.) Because of it's anti-inflammatory properties is a common addition to cough syrups, it can also treat various respiratory ailments including, phlegm, coughing, asthma, bronchitis, and some of the symptoms of influenza.  It also can be used in a gargle as a sore throat reliever, as a poultice for skin disorders (specifically ringworm) and can reduce fevers in both children and adults. Not to mention it tastes wonderful in cooking (thought to aid in lowering cholesterol) because it also a blood cleanser. It is not known to interfere with other remedies- over the counter or natural.

Get this and many other beautiful
 hand-drawn garden markers
here Camp Pine Needle on Etsy. 

As a magical herb is used to purify and exorcise and is prevalent in love magic. Basil can be used to divine the state of a relationship by how quickly a leaf burns on a coal or to ensure/identify infidelity and is also used in love sachets and incenses. See the is article for more information on some of these rituals  Pagan/Wiccan about.com. It can used in rituals to restore harmony between lovers by causing sympathy between two people. It is also used to ensure good fortune in money and as a plant is a common housewarming gift. And it's placement in cash registers or on door sill's of businesses can attract customers as well as deter theft. 


Because of it's nature as a fire plant it can be used in ritual work to summon dragons and other fire beings. It is a "flying herb" and has clairvoyant and psychic properties that include psychic protection and developing psychic skills. It's said to bring peace and purity and that alone makes it a worthy addition to any kitchen considering that is major gathering place in most homes.


This is so easy to grow inside. Put it in a moderately sunny window and water it regularly in a well drained pot. To keep your basil from becoming bitter make sure to trim the blooms off before they flower- if it flowers before you catch it go ahead and trim anyhow and the leaves will sweeten back up in a day or so. To make it an abundant leaf producer harvest it all the time by plucking the leaf off the plant right at the stem.  For every leaf you pluck, a two more stems will pop out of that spot. Chances are that the plant will die in the winter as it is very sensitive to cold weather and you'll have to buy/grow a new one anyway so you may as well keep it as delicious as possible as long as possible. There are also several types of basil. Lemon basil (makes the BEST summer pesto in my estimation), African Blue Basil (it is actually a purple color and is also known as Holy Basil) and Thai Basil used in cooking which has longer thinner leaves and is very fragrant.




Sources:
http://www.basilgardening.com/types-of-basil/
http://www.offthegridnews.com/2011/04/21/medicinal-uses-and-health-benefits-of-basil/
http://hinduism.about.com/od/ayurveda/a/tulsibenefits.htm
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Magical-Herbs/Basil.htm

http://www.wiccantogether.com/group/cronesandelders/forum/topics/magical-properties-of-herbs
http://windspirit57.tripod.com/id4.html

Common Ailments Healed at Home: Sunburn

Please note: If you experience fever, vomiting, heart palpitations, eye pain, dehydration with poor urine output, extreme blistering, or skin that cold, clammy and  visibly pale GO TO THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! There is a vast difference between a little too much exposure to the sun resulting in a minor sunburn and sun poisoning that needs medical attention.  Also note that though temporary sunburn damage is permanent to our skin and prevention is preferable to treatment. Also note that I am not a doctor, licensed herbologist, psychologist or priestess, I simply love home remedies and the use of plants to heal the body. 

Photo Taken from my Brooklyn rooftop July 4, 2011 before the fireworks

Here is the treatment that my family uses to treat sunburns with some other advice I've come across from other friends:

Step 1: Brine Yourself
Take a luke warm bath with white vinegar* in it. Yes, it stinks. Yes, you smell like a pickle. Yes, it will help more than any other step in this treatment. **Vinegar alleviates the itching, burning, and pain associated with a minor sunburn. Initially, I've found that it stings a little and itches when it first hits your skin BUT a little fresh water rinsed over it and that sensation immediately dissipates. The other option is to douse yourself with vinegar in the shower and then rinse it with warm water. You want to use warm water because cold water can actually put you into shock- bad idea- and hot water just encourages inflammation, believe me lukewarm water will feel nice and cool on your sunburn.
* Allergic to white vinegar? Try Apple Cider Vinegar instead. 
**Literally can't stand vinegar? Try this combo instead: Same bath but add 2-3 Tablespoons of baking soda OR oatmeal and soak for about 15 minutes (too much longer is no good so watch the time!). Air dry so that the baking powder/oatmeal that is on your skin stays there. Then make a potato pack. Recipe to follow. Though honestly, man up, vinegar is way better and gets rid of the PAIN. Seriously, it's only for a few minutes and you won't regret it. 



Step 2: After you gently pat dry your newly pickled self:
(You can use a gentle vegetable soap after the vinegar so you don't stink.) Rub on the good old tried and true aloe vera. The gel is fine and the plant is fine. If you have a very bad sunburn I actually buy the blue aloe vera gel with lidocaine. Big Daddy is pale and his burns are extremely painful so I am nice and provide gel with a topical pain killer in it.



Step 3: Moisturize or be damned to lizard skin.



Once that Aloe dries, use an after sun skin lotion. I use Alba's, it smells like coffee mmmmm, pictured here to the left. These lotions tend to have more skin soothing botanicals and non-irritating non-inflammatory components. Apply this often (this will help prevent peeling.)  You can purchase Alba Hawaiian After-Sun Lotion Kona Coffee here Drugstore.com.





Step 4: If you didn't notice your skin was burning, chances are you also didn't notice that you were dehydrating as well.
Drink 1-2 glasses of water. Continue to hydrate until your urine is very pale/clear. If you aren't a water drinker try some gatorade or pedialyte (I like mine in apple juice- I also use this for hangovers.)  If you take OTC pain killers, now is a good time.



Step 5: Relax  

Chimi relaxing while having her tummy rubbed. She did not have a sunburn.

Step 6: Bring on the taters!

You can also make a potato pack. Pulvarize 2-4 potatoes (depending on the size of you and your sunburn you may need more or less). Almost liquify them, add water as needed because you want this to be cool and wet. Dab this pack all over your sunburn (you will probably need assistance- you will almost definitely need assistance) once the potatoes dry rinse them off in a cool shower. This is really good for your face since vinegar can hurt the eyes. MOISTURIZE after your shower.


Step 7: So, you've discovered that you've managed to burn your eyelids.
DO NOT PUT VINEGAR ON YOUR EYELIDS, if it gets in your eyes it hurts. You can use the potato pack, you can use cucumbers (these are great!), and you can use cold compresses soaked in cucumber, oatmeal or baking soda water. (Strain the oatmeal/cucumbers out of the water before soaking the compress- it's less messy.) Use as desired.

Step 8: Oh no! You have to go in public and you don't live in a nudist colony!
Cornstarch will be your best friend to put on a bra or panties. (I personally just wear the top I got burned in/bathing suit top I go burned in so that the "lines" are more likely to line up (also bathing suit tops are more adjustable and less restrictive than conventional bras and for the bottoms I use underpants that are smaller than my bathing suit line- which is really easy to do.) If you have blisters, or open sores from your sunburn don't put anything on it that isn't prescribed to you.



Step 9: DON'T:

Sun Blisters

Use petroleum jelly, toothpaste, oils of any kind, stringent soaps or anti-bacterial soaps (unless directed by a physician) they can dry the skin and block your pores. Not conducive to healing a sunburn. Don't "pop" any blisters- . In fact, short of just dead skin bubbling up, if you get an actual blister- GO TO THE DOCTOR because you've got a serious burn.






Okay my sun bunnies, enjoy the rest of this fleeting summer- and please be sunburn-free!

Picture taken in Sarasota, FL September 2010.

Sources:
Experience

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