A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Health Codes Used with the Herbs
Herbs listed with these codes should not be taken internally if
you have the following conditions:
A- asthma
Ab- abdominal pain
Au- acidic urine
B- if using blood-thinner medications
Bb- blocked bile ducts
Bi- blocked intestines
Bd- inflammatory diseases of bile ducts
Bp+- high blood pressure
Bp- -low blood pressure
C- cardiac dysfunction
Ca- cardiac insufficiency stages 3 and 4, hypertonia stage 4
Ch- if a child under the age of given ( in years )
Cn- constipation
CPI- chronic progressive infections ( i.e., AIDS, TB )
D- depression
Di- diabetes
Dh- diarrhea
F- febrile and infectious disorders
Ga- gastritis
Gm- gastric mucosa inflammation
Gu- gastric ulcers
H- hyperthyroidism
Hk- hypokalmia
Ho- hypotension
Hy- hypertension
I- intestinal obstruction
Ii- any in flammation of the intestines
Ig- inflamed gallbladder
K- kidney problems
Ks- kidney stones
Li- liver problems
N- if nursing
Ne- nephritis
P- if pregnant
Pa- Parkinson's disease
Pk- parenchyma of the kidney
Pl- parenchyma of the liver
Pr- portein hypersensitivity
R- renal disorders
Sg- gallstones
So- chronic inflammation of prostate/ sexual organs
U- ulcers
Vt- ventricular tachycardia
Herbs listed with these codes have the following cautions:
Br- Do not use on broken skin.
Dg- May disturb some part of the digestive system if used
internally.
D+- Do not take internally in high doses. Find several sources
that have appropriate doses of this herb.
Di*- Drug interactions are possible for these herbs ( see
specific herbs ).
+F- Avoid above normal food use levels.
G- Safe. This herb is currently reconized as safe.
Gi- This herb is known as a Gi irritant.
L- Use an adequate amount of liquid if seed is used internally.
Lt- Do not abuse, internally; not for long term use.
M- May irritate the mucous membranes.
S- May increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Sk- May cause sever skin allergies or dermatitis.
V- May cause nausea, Vomiting.
X- Not recommended for internally use.
ACAIA
(Acaia senegal) G
Folk Names: Cape Gum, Egyptian Thorn, Gum Arabic Tree, Kikwata,
Mkwatia, Mgunga, Mokala
Gender: M
Planet: Sun
Element: Air
Deities: Osiris, Astsrte, Ishtar, Diana, Ra
Powers: Protection, Psychic powers
Ritual Uses: The wood is used as fuel in sacred fires in India,
and is also used in building temples.
Magical Uses:A sprig of the tree placed over over the bed wards
off evil, as it does when tucked into the turban in Eastern
countries. when the wood is burned with sanddlewood the psychic
powers are stimulated. Acaia is also used in money and love
spells, although in the later case the out-come would be a
platonic love.
see also Arabic, Gum.
ADAM AND EVE ROOTS
( Orchis spp.) Poison
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Happiness
Magical Uses: Carry the two roots in a small bag at all times to
attract love. If you wish to be free from amatory competitors,
also carry the two roots sewn into a small bag. Given to a couple
they ensure continued happiness.
ADDER'S TONGUE
( Erythronium americanum )
Folk Names: American Adder's Tongue, Serpent's tongue, Adder's
Mouth, Yellow Snowdrop, Dog's Tooth Violet
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Healing
Magical Uses: Soak some Adder's tongue in cold water and apply it
to a wound or bruise ( warp it in a piece of cloth ) until the
herb grows warm. Next, bury the wet herb in a muddy place. The
wound will be cured.
AFRICAN VIOLET
( Saintpaulia ionantha ) G
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Spirituality, protection
Magical Uses: The purple-colored flowers and plants are grown in
the home to promote spirituality within it. The plants are also
slighty protective when grown.
AGARIC
( Amanita muscaria ) Poison
Folk Names:Death Angel, Death Cap, Magic Mushroom, Redcap
Mushroom, Sacred Mushroom, Fly Fungus
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Deities: Dionysus
Powers: Fertility
Ritual Uses: There is speculation that a least some of the
mystery religions of classical times centered their secret
rituals around the use of the amanita.
Magical Uses: Place on the altar or in the bedroom to increase
fertility. Unfortunately, the Amanita is so virulently poisonous
that it is unwise to use it.
AGRIMONY
( Agrimonia eupatoria ) G
Folk Names: Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Garclive, Philanthropos,
Sticklewort, Stickwort, Umakhuthula, Ntola
Gender: M
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Protection, Sleep
Magical Uses: Use in all protection sachets and spells, also to
banish negative energies and spiris. It protects against goblins,
evil and poison. Agrimony has also long been used to reverse
spells sent against the magician; i.e., it not only breaks hexes,
it also sends them back to the hexer. Agrimony placed under the
head will make one sleep as if dead, according to ancient lore,
but do not use this for insomnia: the sleeper won't wake until
the herb is removed. At one time Agrimony was used to detect the
presence of Witches.
AGUE ROOT
( Aletris farinosa ) DI* May antagonize some oxytocins ( pitocin
)
Folk Names: Ague Grass, Bitter Grass, Blackroot, Crow Corn,
Stargrass, Starwort, True Unicorn Root, Unicorn Root, Aletris,
Blazing Star
Powers: Protection
Magical Uses: Sprinkle around your home to keep evil at bay, or
carry in a sachet for the same purpose. Also, use in hex-breaking
and uncrossing rituals and mixtures.
ALFALFA
( Medicago saliva ) G
Folk Names: Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic, Jat, Qadb
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Powers: Prosperity, Anti-Hunger, Money
Magical Uses: Keep in the home to protect from poverty and hunger.
It is best placed in a small jar in the cupboard or pantry. Also
burn alfalfa and scatter the ashes around the property for this
purpose. Alfalfa is also used in money spells.
ALKANET
( Alkanna tinctoria, Anchusa spp. ) X
Folk Names: Dyer's Bugloss, Orcanet, Dyer's Alkanet
Gender: F
Element: Water
Powers: Purification, Prosperity
Magical Uses: Alkanet is burned as an incense to purify the area
of negativity, and is also used toattract prosperity in all it's
forms.
ALLSPICE
( Pimenta officinalis or P. dioica ) G
Folk Names: Eddo, Madere, Basheen, Kouroubaga
Gender: M
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Money, Luck, Healing
Magical Uses: Allspice is burned as an incense to attract money
or luck, and is also added to such mixtures. Allspice is also
used to promote healing.
ALMOND
( Prunus commmunis, P.dulcis ) P.dulcis, Bitter Almond: Not for
internaly ues. Contains Cyanogenic Glycosides.
Folk Names: Greek Nuts
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Deities: Attis, Mercury, Thoth, Hermes
Powers: Money, prosperity, Wisdom
Magical Uses: Almonds, as well as the leaves and wood of the
tree, are used in prosperity and money spells. Additionally,
climbing an almond tree is said to ensure success in business
ventures. Eating almonds will cure or combat fever as well as
give the partaker wisdom. Five almonds eaten before drinking
prevents intoxication. Magical wands are made of almond wood, for
it is a plant of Air, wich is the elemental ruler of the magic
wand, in some traditions. Finally, placing almonds in your pocket
will lead you to treasures.
ALOE
( Aloe vera, A.spp.) Fresh: X. Dried:P, N, Dh, X
Folk Names: Burn Plant, Medicine Plant, Saqal, Zabila
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, Luck
Magical Uses: The aloe, a popular house plant, is also protective.
It gaurds against evil influences and prevents household
accidents. In Africa the aloe is hung over houses and doorways to
drive away evil, as well as to bring good luck. In Mexico, large
wreaths made of whole garlic bulbs strung on wire are festooned
with pictures of saints, packets of magical herbs, loadstones,
rock salt, pine nuts as well as clumps of freshly cut aloe. these
are hung up in the home for protection, luck, money and so on.
ALOES, WOOD
( Cardia dichotoma, Aquilaria agallocha )
Folk Names: Lignum Aloes, Lolu, Mapou
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Spirituality
Magical Uses: Increasingly available today, after a long period
of unavailabilty, wood aloes have been used in magic for so many
centries that some are mention of it has to be made here.
Anciently, it was used to attract good fortune in Egypt, and
burned as incense in magical evocatory rites during the
Renaissance. It possesses high spiritual vibrations, and will
bring love if carried or worn. Modern magical herbalists use wood
aloes as a strengthing herb, by adding a smal amount to other
mixtures yo intensify their powers.
ALTHEA
( Althaea officinalis ) G
Folk Names: Marshmallow, Mortification Root, Sweet Weed, Wymote,
Heemst, Slaz
Gender: F
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, psychic powers
Magical Uses: Althea has long been used in protection rites, and
it is also a good psychic power-stimulator. Burn as an incense
for this purpose or carry in a sahcet. Althea is also known to be
a good " spirit-puller," i.e., it brings good spirits
in during rituals when placed on the alter. This is a popular
voodoo practice.
ALYSSUM
( Alyssum spp. ) G
Folk Names: Alison, Madwort
Powers:Protection, Moderating Anger
Magical Uses: Dioscorides recommended the alyssum as an amulet,
for it has the power to " expel charms." Hung up in the
house it protects againstfascination, that magical process wich
is also known as " glamour." Alyssum also has the power
to cool down an angry person if placed in the hand or on the
body, and was even said to cure hydrophobia ( rabies ).
AMARANTH
( Amaranthus hypochondriacus )
Folk Names: Flower of Immortality, Huauhtli ( Aztec ), Love-Lies
Bleeding, Red Cockscomb, Velvet Flower, Princess Feather,
Floramon
Gender: F
Planet: Saturn
Element: Fire
Deities: Artemis
Powers: Healing, Protection, Invisibility
Ritual Uses: The Amaranth was used in pagan burial rituals. It
was also once outlawed by Spanish colonial authority in Mexico
because it was used by Aztecs in their rituals.
Magical Uses: A crown of Amaranth flowers worn on the head speeda
healing. To make sure that you are never struck by a bullet, pull
up a whole amaranth plant ( including root ) preferably on a
friday during the Full Moon. Leave an offering to the plant and
then fold it, roots and all, in a piece of white cloth. Wear this
against your breast and you'll be " bullet-proof." The
dried amaranth flowers have been used to call forth the dead, and
are also carried to " crue the affections," i.e., to
mend a broken heart. A wreath of amaranth worn confers
invisibility.
ANEMONE
( Anemone pulsatilla ) X
Folk Names: Meadow Anemone, Pasque Flower, Passe Flower, Wind
Flower
Gender: M
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Adonis, Venus
Powers: Health, Protection, Healing
Magical Uses: Gather the blossoms when first seen in the spring,
warp them up in a red cloth and wear or carry to prevent disease.
Grow red anemone in the garden to protect both it and the home.
Use the blossoms in all healing rituals.
ANGELICA
( angelica archangelica ) P, S
Folk Names: Archangel, Masterwort, Garden Angelica
Gender:M
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Venus
Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Visions
Magical Uses: Grown, the plant is protective. Use in all
protection and exorcism incenses. Sprinkle the four corners of
the house with angelica to ward of evil, or do this around the
perimeter of the hous. Added to the bath, andelica removes
curses, hexes, and any spells that may have been cast agianst you.
The root was carried in the pocket as a gambling talisman among
some American Indian tribes. Angelica is also used in healing
incenses and mixtures, and smoking the leaves is said to cause
visions.
ANISE
( Pimpinella anisum ) P
Folk Names: Anneys, Aniseseed, Yanisin, Sweet Cumin
Gender: M
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Protection, Purification, Youth
Magical Uses: Fill a small pillowcase with Anise seeds and sleep
on it. This will ensure that you have no nightmares. Use in
protection and meditation incenses. Fresh anise leaves placed in
a room will drive off evil, and they are sometimes placed around
the magical circle to protect the magician from evil spirits. It
also averts the evil eye. Anise seed is also used in purification
baths, especially with bay leaves. It is used to call forth
spirits to aid in magical operations, and a sprig hung on the
bedpost will restore lost youth
APPLE
( Pyrus spp. ) Seeds, in large amounts: Poison
Folk Names: Fruit of the Gods, Fruit of the Underworld, Silver
Branch, The Silver Bough, Tree of Love
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Venus, Dionysus, Olwen, Apollo, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite,
Diana, Zeus, Iduna
Powers: Love, Healing, Garden Magic, Immortality
Ritual Uses: August 13 was Diana's Festival in Greece ( Venus' in
Rome ) and on this day a ritual meal was prepared, part of which
consisted of apples still hanging on their boughs. Wiccan altars
are often piled high with apples on Samhain, for the apple is
considered to be one of the foods of the dead. For this very
reason Samhain is sometimes known as " Feast of Apples."
The apple is a symbol of immortality. A branch of the apple which
bore buds, flowers and fully-ripened fruit ( sometimes known as
the Silver Bough ), was a kind of magical charm which enabled its
possessor to enter the land of the God's, the Underworld, in
Celtic mythology. In the old English ballad, Thomays the Rymour (
Thomas the Rhymer ), the Fairy Queen warns thomas against eating
any of the apple or pears which hung in her garden, for to eat
the food of the dead ensures there will be no return to the world
of the living. In some wiccan traditions, the apple is a symbol
of the soul, and so they are buried on Samhain so that those who
will be reborn in the spring will have food during the cold
winter months.
Magical Uses: The apple has long been used in spells of love. The
blossoms are added to love sachets, brews and incenses, and they
are infused in melted pink wax, then strained out, to make
candels suitable to burn for attracting love. A simple apple love
spell consists of cutting an apple in half and sharing it with
your loved one. this ensures that you will be happy together. A
simple spell directs you to hold an apple in your hands till
warm, and then give it to your intended. if he or she eats it
your love will be returned. Apples are also used in love
divinations, which were so popular amoung unmarried women in
Europe for many centuries. Simply cut anapple into and count the
seeds. If they are even, marriage will soon occur. If one of the
seeds is cut it may be a stormy relationship. If two are cut
widowhood is foretold. However, if an uneven number of seeds are
found the women will remain unmarried in the near future. One
last apple love spell. Take an apple "before it falls from
the tree" and write upon it with a sharp knife the following:
Aleo + Deleo + Delato,
As you do this, say the following words:
I conjure thee, apple, by the names which are written on thee,
that what woman ( or man ) toucheth thee, may love me and burn in
my love as fire melteth wax.
Then give the apple to whom you will, But be warned, for this (
like much love magic ) borders on manipulation. For healing cut
an apple into three pieces, rub each on the affected part of the
body, and then bury them. Do this during the waning of the Moon
to banish illnesses.
To ensure that you do not contract a fever, eat an apple. If you
are a gardener, pour cider onto freshly-turned earth to give it
life just before planting. Also pour libations on roots just
before tree rituals. And if you grow apples , bury thirteen
leaves of an apple tree after harvest to ensure a good crop of
apples next year. The Norse, as well as many other peoples, ate
applea to gain immortality through wisdom, and the wood of the
apple tree can be made into charms for longevity. Apple wood also
makes excellent magical wands, especially suited to emotional
magic, as well as love rites. Use apple cider in place of blood
where it is called for in old recipes. Apples can be fashioned
into poppetsor magical figures for use in spells or images can be
carved from the wood itself. Before eating any apple, rub it to
remove any demons or evil spirits which might be hiding inside. (
you can't be to careful! )
Finally, unicorns live beneath apple trees ( as well as those of
the ash ), and so if you know of an apple orchard, quietly go
there on a misty day. You may see a single horn upraised and a
horselike animal quietly munching sweet, magical apples.
APRICOT
( Prunus armeniaca ) Seeds: X
Folk Names: Umublinkosi, Xing Ren
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Venus
Powers: Love
Magical Uses: Eat the fruit to obtain a sweet disposition, or use
the juice in love spells and " potions." The leaves and
flowers can be added to love sachets, and the pits are carried to
attract love.
ARABIC, GUM
( Acacia senegal, A. vera ) G
Folk Names: Arabic, Egyptian Gum, Indian Gum
Gender: M
Planet: Sun
Element: Air
Powers: Spirituality, purification
Magical Uses: Add to incenses for good vibrations, or smoulder
alone on chaecoal. Purifies area of negativity and evil.
See also Acacia
ARBUTUS
( arbutus unede ) G
Gender: M
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Cardea
Powers: Exorcism, Protection
Magical Uses: The Romans used it to chase away evil, and also to
protect little children. It is also used in exorcisms, and has
been since the time of ancient Greece.
ASAFOETIDA
( Ferula assa-foetida, Ferula foetida, Ferula rurbicaulis ) P, Do
not feed to a child with colic.
Folk Names: Assyfetida, Devil's Dung, Food of the Gods, Ungoozeh
Gender: M
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Exorcism, purification, protection
Magical Uses: burn small amounts in exorcism and rpotection
incenses. Also use in protection sachets, but only if you want to
smell odd. Destroys manifestations of spirits if thrown into a
fire or into the censer during magical rites. Sometimes used as
an amulet to keep away colds and fevers, and for this purpose it
is usually worn around the neck. Unfortunately, though asafoetida
is undoubtedly powerful, it also has a particularly horrid odor.
Just the slightest suggestion of the fragrance has caused
vomiting. use with care.
ASH
( Fraxinus excelsior or F. americana ) Bark: G
Folk Names: Nion, Asktroed, Jasen Beli, Freixo
Gender: M
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Uranus, Poseidon, Thor, Woden, Neptune, Mars, Gwydion
Powers: Protection, prosperity, Sea rituals, Health
Ritual Uses: The ash, to the ancient Teutins, represented Ygdrasill, or the world tree, which was their conception of the universe, and was therefore reverenced.
Magical Uses: Carve a piece of ash wood into a solar cross ( equal-armed ) and carry as a protection against drowning while at sea. It is also used in sea rituals, for it represents the power which resides in water. The leaves of the ash, when placed beneath the pillow, induce prophetic dreams. It is, as wiht most trees considered to be protective. A staff of ash hung over the doorways wards off malign influences and at one time a garter made of the green bark was worn as a protectant against the powers of sorcerers and conjurers. he leaves are also scattered to the four directions tp protect a house or area., and are used in protective sachets and spells. Healing wands are sometimes fashioned of ash wood, and a few ash leaves placed in a bowl of water next to the bed, left overnight, will prevent illnesses. The water should be discarded each morning and the rite repeated each night. If any person or animal has been bitten by a snake, make a circle of ash twigs and tie it around the victim's neck ( whether it be human or otherwise ) and it will crue them. ( Of course, it would not hurt to get a snake bite kit and call a doctor as well.) This spell probably works because snakes have an innate fear of the ash tree, they will not crawl over it's wood.
If you burn ash wood at Yule, you will receive prosperity, and popets may be carved from the roots of the ash. The ash attracts lightning, so don't stand beneath one during an electrical storm. If you wish your newborn to be a good singer, bury it's first nail parings under an ash tree. And to gain the love of the opppsite sex, carry the leaves of an ash.
ASPEN
( Populus tremuloides ) G
Folk Names: European Aspen, Poplar, Quaking Aspen
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Eloquence, Anti-theft
Magical Uses: Use in anti-theft spells, and plant an aspen in your garden or field to be protected from thieves. Place an aspen leaf under your tongue if you wish to become eloquent. In some parts of America this tree was called aspen and used magically as listed here. In other parts of America it was called poplar and used differently.
See also Poplar.
ASTER
( Callstphus chinensis ) G
Folk Names: China Aster, Michaelmas, Daisy, Starwort
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Venus
Powers: Love
Ritual Uses: The aster was sacred to all the gods, and was placed on temple altars during festive occasions by the classical Greeks.
Magical Uses: Use in love sachets, or carrry the bloom to win love. Also grow in the garden with a wish for love.
AVENS
( Geum urbanum ) X
Folk Names: Assaranaccara, Bennet, Blessed Herb, Clove Root, Colewort, Golden Star, Goldy Star, Harefoot, Herb Bennet, Minarta, Pesleporis, Star of the Earth, Way Bennet, Yellow Avens
Gender: M
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Powers: Exorcism, Purification, Love
Magical Uses: Add to exorcism incenses and mixtures, or sprinkle around the area to be exercised. Also used in purification rites. When worn or carried as an amulet, it protect against the attacks of all venomous beasts. Employed by male American Indians to gain the love of the opposite sex.
AVOCADO
( Persea americans ) Leaves, branches, seeds: X
Folk Names: Ahuacotl ( Aztec: "Teasticle Tree"), Alligator Pear, Persea, Zaboca
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Lust, Beauty
Ritual Uses: The Egyptians revered the Persea.
Magical Uses: Eat the fruit of the avocado to become infused with lust, as the ancient Aztecs did. Grow a plant from the pit of an avocado in your home to bring love into it. Magical wands made of avocado wood are potent all-purpose instruments. Carry the pit to promote beauty.
BACHELOR'S BUTTONS
( Centaurea cyanus ) G
Folk Names: Devil's Flower, Red Campion, Bluet, Hurtlesickle, Blue Bottle
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Robin Goodfellow
Powers: Love
Magical Uses: Women wear this flower on their breast to attract the love of a man. Or, take a flower and put it in your pocket. It will lose or retain its freshness in accordance with bad or good success in amatory pursuits.
BALM, LEMON
( Melissa officinalis ) G
Folk Names: Bee Balm, Lemon Balsam, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Sweet Melissa, Tourengane, Oghoul
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Success, Healing
Magical Uses: From Arabian herb magic comes the information that lemon balm canbe used to influence love. Soak the herb in wine for several hours, strain and share with a friend. Or, carry the herb with you to find love. It is also used in magical healing, and Pliny said that its powers were so great that if it was attached to a sword that had made a wound the blood would be immediately staunched. Though swordwounds are rare today, the lemon balm is still used in healing incenses and sachets. It can also be used
in spells to ensure success, and if you keep bees, rub this herb on the hives; it will attract new bees and keep the old ones there.
BALM OF GILEAD
( Commiphora opobalsamum, Abies balsamea, Populus balsamifera var. balsamifera, P.jackii ) G
Folk Names: Balessan, Balsam Tree, Balsumodendron Gileadensis, Bechan, Mecca Balsam
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Manifestations, Protection, Healing
Magical Uses: Carry the buds of the balm of Gilead to mend a broken heart, or to attract a new love. Also steep them in red wine for a simple love drink. Burn as a material basis for spirits, and also carry for protective and healing purposes.
Many plants carry this name . Be sure you know what you are buying or picking!
BAMBOO
( Bambusa vulgaris ) G
Folk Names: Common Bamboo, Ohe ( Hawaiian ), Kauayan - Kiling
Gender: M
Deities: Hinna
Powers: Protection, Luck, Hex - Breaking, Wishes
Ritual Uses: Bamboo is used in divination in Chinese temples. Bits of the wood are thrown to the worshipper by the priest. According to the way they fall, the omen is interpreted as good or bad.
Magical Uses: Carve your wish on a piece of bamboo and bury in the ground in a secluded place. Or, carve a symbol of protection, like a five - pointed star ( pentagram ) on a length of bamboo and plant it inthe ground to protect your home.
Grown near the house, bamboo gives it and its residents good fortune. Also bamboo is placed over the door because, since its wood never changes color, it is lucky.
Bamboo is used to break hexes, either by carrying it in a sachet, growing a plant near the house, or crushing the wood to powder ( called bamba wood ) and burning.
The Chinese use the bamboo as a charm against evil spirits. To call up good spirits make a flute out of bamboo. Carve the name of the spirit ( if any ) and play an improvised melody.
BANANA
( Musa sapientum )
Folk Names: Maia ( Hawaiian ), Bacove, Sanging
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Kanaloa
Powers: Fertility, Potency, Prosperity
Ritual Uses: In sacrifices to the Gods, a banana stalk was sometimes used as a substitute for a human, both in Hawaii and Tahiti. Until the Kapu ( code of taboos ) in Hawaii was broken in 1819, certain kinds of bananas were among foods forbidden to women on pain of death. The banana plant is also used in contemporary voodoo rites, in which it represents the Gods' since both they and the banana's flowers are hermaphroditic.
Magical Uses: The banana is used to increase fertility, and also to cure impotency. Perhaps because of these magical powers, if a bride is married under a banana tree she cannot help being lucky.
The leaves, flowers and fruits of the banana are used in money and prosperity spells, due to the tree's fruitfulness. Curiously enough, an old belief tells us that a banana should never be cut, only broken.
BANYAN
( Ficus benghalensis ) G
Folk Names: Arched Fig, Indian Fig Tree, Indian God Tree, Vada Tree
Gender: M
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Deities: Maui
Powers: Luck
Ritual Uses: The banyan is reverenced by the Hindus, and the tree is planted outside around their temples. It is also connected with the worship of Maui in Hawaiian and Polynesian religions.
Magical Uses: To simply sit beneath or look at a banyan tree brings good luck, and to be married under one ensures the couple's happiness.
BARLEY
( Hordeum spp. vulgare ) Sprouted seed: P
Folk Names: Malt
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Powers: Love, Healing, Protection
Magical Uses: Use the grain or barley water in love spells.
If you have a toothache, it can be cured with barley. Wind a barley straw around a stone, visualizing your pain into the stone. Now throw it into the river or any running water, and see your pain being washed away.
Barley may be scattered on the ground to keep evil and negativity away.
BASIL
( Ocimum basilicum ) In quantities above average food quantities: P N X for infants and toddlers.
Folk Names: Albahaca, American Dittany, "Our Herb", St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb, Njilika, Balanoi, Feslien
Gender: M
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Vishnu, Erzulie
Powers: Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection
Magical Uses: The scent of fresh basil causes sympathy between two people, and this is why it is used to sooth tempers between lovers. It is added to love incenses and sachets, and the fresh leaves are rubbed against the skin as a kind of natural love perfume. In Eastern Europe it was once thought that a young man would love any woman from whose hand he accepted a sprig of basil.
Basil is also used in love divinations. Place two fresh basil leaves upon a live coal. If they lie where you put them and burn quickly to ashes, the marriage ( or relationship ) will be harmonious. If there is a certain amount of crackling the life of the pair will be disturbed by quarrels. If the leaves fly apart with fierce crackling the projected relationship is undesirable.
Do you want to know is someone is chaste or promiscuous? Simply lay a sprig of fresh basil on their hand. It will immediately wither if that person is " light of love".
Basil brings wealth to those who carry it in their pockets, and is used to attract customers to a place of business by placing some in the cash register or on the doorsill.
Basil is also used to ensure that one's mate remains true. Sprinkle basil powder over your body thoroughly while he or she is asleep, especially over the heart, and fidelity will bless your relationship.
Basil is strewn onto floors, because where it is, no evil can live. It is also used in exorcism incenses and in purification baths. Small amounts are sometimes placed in each room of the house to bring protection.
Basil is also used to diet, but only by a second party's help, and without the dieter's knowledge. According to an ancient spell, a woman ( or man, presumably ) will not be ablr to eat a bit from any dish if basil has been secretly placed beneath it. Basil given as a gift brings good luck to a new home.
BAY
( Laurus nobilis ) G
Folk Names: Baie, Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, Laurel, Laurier d' Apollon, Laurier Sauce, Lorbeer, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay
Gender: M
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus, Eros
Powers: Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength
Ritual Uses: The ancient priestesses of Apollo chewed bay leaves to induce a prophetic state, and also inhaled their fumes. Bay leaves are used as decorations a Yule.
Magical Uses: Bay is used in clairvoyance and wisdom brews, althought its taste is strong. Bay leaves are placed under the pillow to induce prophetic dreams, and are also burned to cause visions.
It is a protection and purification herb par excellence and is worn as an amulet to ward off negativity and evil, burned or scattered during exorcism rituals, placed in the windows to protect against lightning, and hung up to prevent poltergeists from working any mischief in the house. A sprig of bay is used to sprinkle water during purification ceremonies, and the tree planted near the home protests its inhabitants against sickness. Bay leaves mixed with sandalwood can be burned to remove curses and evil spells.
To ensure that a love spell will stay, the couple should break off a twig from the tree, then break this in two, each keeping a half.
Bay leaves give strength to those engaged in wrestling and athletic sports if worn at the time of competition.
Wishes are written on bay leaves which are then burned to make them come true, and a bay leaf held in the mouth wards off bad luck.
BEAN
( Phaseolus spp. ) Beans not used for food may be poisonous.
Folk Names: Poor Man's Meat
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Deities: Demeter, Cardea
Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Potency, Love
Ritual Uses: Some beans' flowers are white, and hence sacred to the Goddesses of old Europe. Beans are always sacred to harvest Goddesses. According to tradition only the highest ranking priestess in Scotland could either plant or cook the bean. Beans, along with pork, where offered to Cardea in Rome on June 1st. They are also associated with the Underworld and the dead; and in ancient Rome they where distributed and eaten during funerals.
Magical Uses: In general, beans where used in classical times (and still are) as a charm against evil sorcerers. Put a bean in your mouth and spit it out at the person. Dried beans are carried as an amulet against negativity and evil magic. They are also used in rattles to scare away spirits, especially those who have entered into bodies and made those people sick. To avert evil spirits, say very quickly three time in one breath, Three blue beans in a blue bladder. Rattle, bladder, rattle.
If a couple is quarreling, the woman should carry three lima beans strung on a silk thread for two days. the couple will quickly smooth over their difficulties. beans help cure impotency if they are carried or eaten. this is due to the fact that they resemble testicles. A bean love spell; a woman should place seven beans of any kind in a circle on the ground. Next, she must have the man of her choice step into the circle or walk over it. if this can be done, he will be attracted to her. ( but this might also be manipulatory.)
To cure warts, rub a dried bean on each wart during the waning moon. As you do this say:
as this bean decays, so warts, fall away!
BEDSTRAW, FRAGRANT
( Galium verum, G. triflorum )
Folk Names: Cleavers, Madder's, Cousin
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love
Magical Uses: Fragrant bedstraw is worn or carried to attract love.
BEECH
( Fagus sylvatic ) Large amounts of the nut: X
Folk Names: Bok, Boke, Buche, Buk, Buke, Faggio, Fagos, Faya, Haya, Hetre
Gender: F
Planet: Saturn
Powers: Wishes
Magical Uses: Take a stick of beech, scratch or carve your wishes onto it, bury it in the ground and leave it there. Your wish will come true if it is to be.
Carry the wood or leaves to increase creative powers.
BEET
( Beta vulgaris ) Large amounts of the leaf: X
Folk Names: Mangel, Mangold
Gender: F
Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Powers: Love
Magical Uses: If a man and woman eat of the same beet, they will fall in love.
Beet juice is used as an ink in love magic, and is also a blood substitute.
BELLADONNA
( Atropa belladonna ) Poison
Folk Names: Banewort, Black Cherry, Deadly Nightshade, Death's Herb, Devil's Cherries, Divale, Dwale, Dwaleberry, Dwayberry, Fair Lady, Great Morel, Naughty Man's Cherries, Sorcerer's Berry, Witch's Berry
Gender: F
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Deities: Hecate, Bellona, Circe
Ritual Uses: The priests of Bellona, according to ancient tradition, drank an infusion of belladonna prior to worshipping Her and invoking Her aid. Bellona is the Roman Goddess of war.
Magical Uses: Today belladonna is little-used in herb magic due to its high toxicity, all parts of the plant are extremely poisonous and there are still reports of death resulting from accidental ingestion of nightshade.
In the past it was used to encourage astral protection and to produce visions, but safer alternatives are available today and belladonna is best avoided.
BENZOIN
( Styrax benzoin )
Folk Names: Ben, Benjaman, Gum Benzoin, Siam Benzoin, Siamese Benzoin
Gender: M
Planet: Sun
Element: Air
Powers: Purification, Prosperity
Magical Uses: Burn benzoin to purify, and add to purification incenses. A fine "clearing" herb.
Make an incenses of benzoin, cinnamon and basil, and burn to attract customers to your place of business.
Often used as a base for incenses. There are two types of benzoin commonly available: Benzoin Siam and Benzoin Sumatra. They can both be used as described as above, but Benzoin Sumatra is better suited for cleansing, while Benzoin Siam is better suited for attraction. Benzoin Siam can be substituted for storax, to wich it is related.
BERGAMOT, ORANGE
( Mentha citrata )
Folk Names: Bergamot, Orange Mint
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Money
Magical Uses: The leaves of the orange bergamot are slipped into wallets and purses to attract money. Fresh
leaves are also rubbed onto money before spending it to ensure its return. Also used in "success" rituals and spells.
BERGAMOT, WILD
( Monarda fistulosa ) P
Folk Names: Horsemint, Bee Balm, Monarda
Gender: F
Element: Air
Powers: Clarity
Magical Uses: Wild Bergamot can be used to bring clarity and good working order to the surface of any situation.
BE-STILL
( Thevetia peruviana, T. nereifolia) Poison
Folk Names: Trumpet Flower, Yellow Oleander, Flor Del Peru, Lucky Nut
Powers: Luck
Magical Uses: In Sri Lanka, the seeds are known as "lucky beans" and are worn as talismans or charms to attract luck.
BETONY, WOOD
( Stachys betonica, Stachys officinalis, Betonica officinalis ) G
Folk Names: Bishopwort, Lousewort, Purple Betony
Gender: M
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Purification, Love
Magical Uses: Betony has long been celebrated as a protective and purificatory herb. The pseudo-Apuleius said that the plant protected the wearer's soul as well as the body, and that when placed beneath the pillow it shielded the sleeper from visions and dreams. Betony is added to purification and protection mixtures and incenses, and it is traditional on Midsummer to burn it on a bonfire and then jump through the smoke to purify the body of ills and evil.
Betony is also grown in gardens to protect the home, and is scattered near doors and windows. This forms a kind of protective wall around the property through which no evil can pass. Betony is also a good plant to carry when making love advances, and is said to reunite quarelling couples if the plant is added to the food.
Additionally, betony prevents intoxication if carried, strengthens the body when worn, and is a cure for the mysterious disease known as "elf-sickness."
BIRCH
( Betula pendula, B. pubescens, B. lenta, B.alba ) G
Folk Names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Thor
Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Purification
Magical Uses: Birch twigs have been used to exorcise spirits by gently striking possessed people or animals, since the birch is a purificatory or cleansing herb.
The tree is also used for protection, and Russians used to hang red ribbon around the stem of a birch to rid themselves of the evil eye. The birch also protects against lightning.
The traditional broom of the Witches was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once manufactured from birch wood to protect their helpless charges.
BISTORT
( Polygonum bistorta )
Folk Names: Dragonwort, Easter Giant, English Serpentary, Osterick, Passions, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock
Gender: F
Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Powers: Psychic Powers, Fertility
Magical Uses: Carry bistort if you wish to conceive. Burn with frankincense to improve psychic powers, or when using divination.
The infusion sprinkled about a place will drive out poltergeists.
Bistort is carried in money-attracting sachets and is added to wealth and money incenses.
BITTERSWEET
( Celastrus scandens-American Bittersweet; Solanum dulcamara-European Bittersweet ) American Bittersweet: Poison
Folk Names: For American Bittersweet: Wax Work, False Bittersweet, For European Bittersweet: Violet Bloom, Felonwort, Woody Nightshade, Scarlet Berry, Dulcamara, Bitter Nightshade
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Protection, Healing
Magical Uses: Some bittersweet placed beneath the pillow will help you in forgetting a past love.
The bittersweet is also used to protect against and to remove evil from both humans and animals, by tying a small piece of the herb somewhere on the body. Tied to the neck, bittersweet cures vertigo or dizziness of the head, according to Culpeper.
BLACKBERRY
( Rubus villosus ) G
Folk Names: Bly, Bramble, Bramble-Kite, Bumble-Kite, Cloudberry, Dewberry, Goutberry, High Blackberry, Thimbleberry
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Brigit
Powers: Healing, Money, Protection
Ritual Uses: Blackberry was considered to be sacred to some of the old Pagan deities of Europe, and was used in worship. To the present day, blackberry pies are baked on Lughnasadh ( August 2 ) by some of the Wiccans in commemoration of the harvest, seen poetically as the death of the God.
Magical Uses: A bramble bush that forms a natural arch is a great aid to magical healing. On a sunny day, crawl through the rach backward and then forward three times, going as nearly east to west as possible. this will cause boils, rheumatism, whooping cough and even blackheads to disappear.
The blackberry leaves are used in spells of wealth, as are the berries themselves, and the vines are protective if grown.
The blackberry plant is also used to heal scalds by dipping nine blackberry leaves in spring water and then laying them against the wound gently, while saying the following chant three times to each leafe ( 27 times in all ):
Three ladies came from the east,
One with fire and two with frost.
Out with fire, in with frost.
This is an old invocation to Brigit, the ancient Celtic Goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft.
BLADDERWRACK
( Fucus vesiculosus; various other plants ) P N H
Folk Names: Bladder Fucus, Cutweed, Kelp, sea Spirit, Seawrack, Seetang, Meeriche, Sea Oak, Black Tang
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, Sea Spells, Wind Spells, Money, Psychic Powers
Magical Uses: Saeweeds generally give protection to those at sea, or those who are flying over it. Therefore, intercontinental travellers should carry this plant. It is also used in sea spells to summon the spirits of the sea, by throwing it into the waves and calling them. This will gain their favor and they will aid your magic.
Kelp is used to summon the winds:
Stand on the shore and hold a long strand of the fresh seaweed in your hand, whip it around in the air above your head in a clockwise direction and whistle. The winds will come.
make an infusion of the plant and scrub the floors and doors of a place of business to attract customers and bring good vibrations into the store. Also use in all money spells. A particularly potent spell entails simply filling a small jar with whiskey, placing some kelp in it, capping tightly, and place this in the kitchen window. This will ensure a steady flow of money into the household.
Bladderwrack is also used in sachets to increase psychic powers and is carried to protect against mental derangment.
BLEEDING HEART
( Dicentra spectabilis or D. formosa ) X
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love
Magical Uses: Crush the flower. If the juice is red, your love has a heart full of love for you. But if it is white, he or she dosen't love you. When grown, the plant brings love. The bleeding heart, when grown indoors, has a reputation for producing negative vibrations. To forestall this, plant a coin in the soil and all will be right.
BLOODROOT
( Sanguinaria canadensis ) Poison P V
Folk Names: King Root, Red Root, Tetterwort
Gender: M
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Love, Protection, Purification
Magical Uses: The root is carried or worn to draw love. It is also carried to avert evil spells and negativity. place near doorways and windowsills so the home will be protected. The darkest red roots are considered to be the best, and are known as "king roots," or "he roots."
BLUEBELL
( Campanula rotundifolia )
Folk Names: Harebell
Powers: luck, Truth
Magical Uses: If you can turn a bluebell inside out without tearing or damaging it, you will eventually have the one you love.
The next time you see a bluebell, pick it and repeat the following words:
Bluebell, bluebell, bring me some luck before tomorrow night.
Slip it into your shoe to seal the spell. Anyone who wears a bluebell is compelled to tell the truth in all matters.
BLUEBERRY
( Vaccinum frondosum, V. angustifolium, V. corymbosum, V. pallidum ) Leaf: G
Folk Names: Bilberry
Powers: Protection
Magical Uses: Place some blueberries beneath the doormat to keep undesirables away from your property, or from entering your home. This protects against evil as well.
Make blueberry pies or tarts and eat when you are under psychic attack; this gets the protection inside you and increases the herb's effectiveness.
BLUE FLAG
( Iris versicolor ) Poison P V
Folk Names: Flag Lily, Fleur-de-Lys, Iris, Liver Lily, Poison Lily, Poison Flag, Snake Lily, Water Flag, Water Iris
Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Money
Magical Uses: Carry the root for financial gain. The root is also plased in cash registers to increase business.
BODHI
( Ficus religiosa )
Folk Names: Bo-Tree, Peepul Tree, Pipul, Sacred Tree
Gender: M
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Deities: Buddha, Vishnu
Powers: Fertility, Protection, Wisdom, Meditation
Ritual Uses: The plant is sacred to Vishnu who, like Buddha, was said to have been born beneath it. In the East, sacred fires are fed with its wood. Since Buddha also sat beneath this tree in meditation for six years, it is sacred to Him, and the heartshaped leaves still tremble remembering the divine vibrations.
Magical Uses: If you feel evil near, simply circle this tree several times and the evil shall flee in terror.
Barren women walk naked beneath a bodhi tree to become fertile.
Use the leaves in meditation incenses and all mixtures designed to give wisdom.
BONESET
( Eupatorium perfoliatum ) X
Folk Names: Agueweed, Crosswort, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Teasel, Thoroughwort, Wood Boneset
Gender: F
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, Exorcism
Magical Uses: The plant wards off evil spirits. Make an infusion and sprinkle about the house to drive away evil.
BORAGE
( Borago officinalis ) Herb: X; Seed oil: G
Folk Names: Bugloss, Burrage, Herb of Gladness, Star Flower, Borak, Lisan selvi, Lesan-El-Tour
Gender: M
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Courage, Psychic Powers
Magical Uses: Carry the fresh blossoms to strengthen your courage, or place one in your buttonhole for protection when walking outdoors.
A tea of borage induces psychic powers.
BRACKEN
( Pteridium aquilinum ) X
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Healing, Rain Magic, Prophetic Dreams
Magical Uses: If you burn bracken outside, rain will fall.
Bracken is also used for protection, healing and fretility. If the root is placed beneath the pillow it causes solutions of problems to appear in dreams.
BRAZIL NUT
( Bertholletia excellsa ) Eat only the processed nut
Gender: M
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Love
Magical Uses: Brings good luck in love affairs if carried as a talisman.
BRIONY
( Bryony spp. dioica ) Poison
Folk Names: Gout Root, Ladies' Seal, Mad Root, Snake Grape, Tamus, Tetterberry, Wild Hops, Wild Vine, Wood Vine, English Mandrake
Gender: M
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Image Magic, Money, Protection
Magical Uses: The briony root is often used as a substitute for the rare mandrake root in various image magic operations.
Money placed near a briony root will increase, as long as it is left there. The root is also hung in houses and gardens as a protection against the effects of bad weather.
BROMELIAD
( Crypanthus spp. )
Folk Names: Chameleon Star, Earth Star
Gender: M
Planet: Sun
Element: Air
Powers: Protection, Money
Magical Uses: Grow a bromeliad in the home for money and luxuries. The plants are also protective, and so are a good choice of house plants.
CABBAGE
( Brassica oleracea ) G
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Luck
Magical Uses: Cabbage should be planted in the garden the first thing after a couple has been married, if they wish to have good luck in their marriage and garden.
CACTUS
Few are poisonous, ingest only those used for food.
Powers: Protection, Chastity
Magical Uses: Cacti of all kinds are protective, owing to their spines. Grown indoors, they protect against unwanted intrusions and burglaries, and also absorb negativity. Outside, one cactus should be placed facing each direction, next to the house, to further protect it.Cactus spines are sometimes used in Witch bottles, and to mark symbols and words on candles and roots. These are then either carried or buried to release the power.
CALAMUS
(Acorus calamus) Poison: Several plants are sold under the name of Calamus and two of those are very dangerous to take internally, so we must recommend not using calamus internally.
Folk Names: Gladdon, Myrtle Flag, Myrtle Grass, Myrtle Sedge, Sweet Cane, Sweet Rush , Sweet Sedge, Lubigan
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Luck, Healing, Money, Protection
Magical Uses: The seeds are strung as beads and used for healing, or the powdered root is used in healing incenses and sachets. Small pieces of the root kept in all corners of the kitchen protect against hunger and poverty. Growing the plant brings good luck to the gardener, and calamus is also used to strengthen and bind spells.
CAMELLIA
(Camellia japonica)
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Riches
Magical Uses: The camellia brings riches and luxury, and so is used in spells of this kind. Place the fresh blossoms in vessels of water on the altar during money and prosperity rituals.
CAMPHOR
(Cinnamomum camphora) X: Do not use in the faces of small children.
Folk Names: Kafoor, Camphire, Chang Nao
Gender: F
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Chastity, Health, Divination
Magical Uses: Sniff to lessen sexual desire. Also place beside the bed for this purpose. A bag of camphor (or the bark of a camphor tree) hung around the neck, prevents the contraction of colds and flu. Camphor id sometimes used in divinatory incenses: unfortunately, true camphor is all but unavailable in the United States, so synthetics usually have to suffice.
CAPER
(Capparis spinosa)
Folk Names: Fakouha, Lasafa, Shafallah
Gender: F
Planet:Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Potency, Lust, Love
Magical Uses: A man who suffers from impotency has but to eat some capers and he will be cured. The caper is also used in love and lust formulae.
From Cunningham's
" Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs"