a guide to herbalism -- earth herbs

8/6/2019 A Guide to Herbalism -- Earth Herbs

1/28

A Walk with our Ancestors

A Guide to Herbalism

By Benjamin R. Long

Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved


2/28

IntroductionWhen it comes to practicing our spiritual beliefs there

are many things that we can do to help further our beliefs. One

of those things is to use aides to assist us in times of need when

we have to heal ourselves, or when we must explore the world.

Herbalism is one of those aides that we use to help us explore

the world around us and understand certain truths about the

world of Yggdrasil. Many of the subjects that I will be covering

in this book are subjects that are medicinal. That is, they

connect us to the healing aspect of nature. In addition, there

are many things that I will be covering in this book that will be

spiritual in nature, thus I will cover the spiritual uses of the herb

in this book.

The medicinal topics will be from the conventional

sources of medical uses for the herb, with some home recipes

on how to use the herb in a practical manner. There are many

ways of implementing the herbs for use in the real world world.

Many of the uses simulate commercial methods for extraction

and are just a little weaker than the commercial versions of the

chemicals that they are substituted for. Nonetheless, whether

they are used from commercially produced sources or they are

homemade they have roughly the same effect. Most of these

herbs are scarce in regions and have to be bought though a

gardening supply, or nutritional store. However, some people

can pick them in their backyards because they grow like weeds.

Whatever the situation is 99% of these herbs are available if a

person really needs them. About the only ones that a person

would have difficulty getting would be European Mandrake

because of the scarcity of it.

The spiritual aspects of these herbs will be covered too,

there are many folk myths associated with the herbs that have


3/28

been given to certain legends about the herbs that give them

certain properties as they pertain to the spirit. These properties

lead one to understand that there are certain powers behind

the herbs that lead them to certain types. I have devised a

classification system behind the herbs that classify them based

on the nature of their effects both medicinally and spiritually.

Each herb embodies a god behind it that takes on its properties.

Like a plant heave in tropanes like the Atropa Belladonna plant

would take on the properties of Loki because of the delirium

that it causes. As an element it is a water plant because of its

healing nature. This is a way of classifying the plant so that it is

easier to understand.

The chapters in this text are going to be outlined in

several sections. The main grouping is meant to illustrate the

nature of the deities that represent the plants. That means that

if I select the mandrake plant it would be listed under the godLoki. Not all poisonous plants would be listed under the same

god. Digitalis for example would not be listed under Loki

because it does not induce a delirium. Instead it would be listed

under Eira because it is a cardiovascular herb that effects the

body. There are many Gods and each herb is listed under a

particular Good, however one must take into consideration that

the herbs take on a particular avatar of a God. Herbs that affectmemory and thought would be listed under Odin, Herbs that

affect health and wellbeing would be listed under Eira, strength

would be Thor, Illusions would be Loki, sex and reproduction

would be Freya, and so on. There are particular elements that

an herb also takes on that would classify it as well. These

classifications denote the nature and form of the herb. As said

before Belladonna is a water herb because of its form andnature of use. It has fleshy fruits and flowers that give it the

watery nature that it desires. Earth forms would be tubers like


4/28

potatoes and such herbs that cause it to be part of the earth. A

lot can be said for the form that an herb takes. Many herbs that

are in the same family likewise take on the same element.

Belladonna and tomatoes are both water herbs because they

are of the same family. They may have drastically different

properties, but nonetheless they are the same element.


5/28

Earth ElementsEarth element herbs are listed here as the smallest of the

elemental rulers. The other elements have vastly more

amounts of herbs on them but the earth herbs are a good

introduction to the herbs.

Alfalfa (Medicago Saliva)

Alfalfa is regarded as a grazing herb. In

addition, an earth herb has power in the

earth. An Herb provides nourishment to all

living creatures, when farmers feed their

livestock. Sometimes as a treat, they give

their herd some alfalfa as a treat. It is considered much more

nutritious than regular grass although not as fulfilling to the

cattle as corn. This is a feminine herb and representative of

Freya. It is kept to ward against hunger and poverty, lending

itself to the rune Feoh. This herb is a symbol of wealth and

power bestowing those that keep it good fortune and is the

same thing as using the rune Feoh.

As a medical herb this herb can be consumed in large

quantities. There is a general soothing and tonic property

behind the herb that leads people onto good health; since it is aculinary herb as well it can lead to delicious treats on the table

and an additive spice to any meal. It can be consumed in

tincture form, infusion, decoction, oil, or cream. Just follow the

steps for creating the elixir in the appropriate chapters of the

book where they are listed. According to most sources, this is a

tonic that has soothing properties on the body as well as

restoring minerals that are leeched from other herbconsumption. Opiates and other narcotic herbs can leach


6/28

minerals from the body leaving the person short of electrolytes

and they can replace the minerals creating a dependence on the

narcotic that they are using. In short, the alfalfa solutions

restore important minerals that would otherwise be ravaged by

opiate use.

Cultivating Alfalfa is relatively easy. One would simply

take an acre field or portion of land that they want to grow the

alfalfa in and grow it as one would grow hay. Walk up and

down the field with the seed spreader and distribute the seedacross the field evenly and then in half a season the alfalfa

should be ready for the first harvest. One can grow this herb in

a smaller field they just need to stick to basic gardening

principles for the herb and know how much to grow in the field

or plot. Alfalfa likes open sunny fields to grow in and grows

rather poorly in shady soil.

As a spiritual herb, this herb can be burned in recels to

fumigate the room. This would bestow good fortune on those

that would inhale the fumes. Being an herb of Freya this would

bestow her grace onto people that are in the area. Good

fortune as illustrated by the rune Feoh, it is blessing whenever

this herb is burned and happy is it to those that feel its warmth.

Asphodel (Asphodelus Ramosus)In Scott Cunninghams book Encyclopedia of

Magical Herbs he lists Asphodel as being a folk name

for the daffodil. However, this is not the case. The

asphodel is an independent species to the daffodil.

The daffodil is of the Narcissus genus whereas the

asphodel is appropriately the Asphodelus genus

instead. The distinction is also that the daffodil is grown from a

bulb, where the asphodel is seeded. These distinctions make


7/28

the two flowers distinct from each other as Cunningham had

erroneously classed them. In addition, he had classed them in a

weird way that made the elemental masters seem confusing.

Under his rules since he considered the Daffodil and the

asphodel as one and the same. He listed the Asphodel as an

Earth plant and the daffodil as a water plant. How could this be

since he alleged them to be the same?

Anyways the Asphodel is an Earth plant that grows in

the middle of Europe. It has plenty of medicinal qualities to itthat make it an important medical plant. The root is used as a

potent diuretic that can release the bladder. It also causes the

body to lose water through urination as well as reducing

bloating. The main ingredient that is used is the root. It is dried

then ground up and extracted in an infusion or tincture form

and is ingested.

It was common in the middle ages as food for the dead.

People would place them on tombstones and around graves so

that the dead would have something to eat. This is a common

graveyard flower and is associated with the dead. The diety

that is associated with the asphodel is Hela. She rules over the

dead and the dead are the ones that receive her gifts. It is an

appropriate link a well because death and dying are in the realm

of Hel; the flower is a flower of the dead, as it

feeds the dead.

Barley (Hordeum spp. Vulgare)

Barley is a field herb that is used in both a

spiritual way and a medical way. In a spiritual way it is used to

protect, heal in create love. This would mean that this herb is

governed by the Goddess Freya. It is her blessing by which we

have barley, there is an old folk remedy for toothaches where a


8/28

person would wrap their barley straw around a stone and wish

their pain away. This is a connection with the healing aspects of

this herb to divine the pain way in a spiritual sense. This is

illustrated in Cunnighams book. There is also a way to banish

the excessive manifestations of ond with the barley by

scattering the barley on the ground where the ond settles and it

will disperse the type of ond that is present.

As a medical herb, barley has some uses. It is used in

the treatment of respiratory and urinary stressors. It is effectivein helping bladder problems and possibly even asthma. The

typical method by which one would prepare this herb is by

decoction. Again, follow the methods in the end of this book to

find out how to prepare herbs for

consumption.

Beet(Beta Vulgaris)

The beet is an herb of Freya. A love

herb causes the people that bite from the

same beet to fall in love with each other. Since this is a love

herb, it is representative of Freya. There is a sacredness in the

bond of love and people turn towards Freya when they want to

fall in love. It can also represents the Norns because there is a

chance of love forming. This is an herb of perthro where the

chance for love blossoming is prevalent.

This herb also has specific medical uses as well not to

mention that it is a popular culinary herb as well as vegetable.

The beet grows wild on the coasts of Europe and is a popular

vegetable for consumption. Almost every garden everywhere

includes a beet in its collection. This i a popular crop amongst

farmers and people everywhere enjoy pickled beets as a meal of

course.


9/28

Medically, the beet opens up obstructions of the liver

and the spleen. This can be good for people with liver problems

where they are running into cirrhosis of the liver or general liver

inflammations. The beet does not detoxify as in the nature of

golden seal root. It moreover clears obstructions and treats the

nature of the liver where there is an obstruction of proper

function. As in the case of hepatitis where the liver is interfered

with by the action of the virus. Beets also affect the spleen in

the same manner as they affect the liver. They clear the

obstructions that interfere with normal function, thus

promoting better health by restoring normal function to the

bodys organs.

Bistort(Polygonum Bistorta)

Bistort is a flower and herb that is

governed by the Goddess Frigg. She is the

mother god and the caretaker of our children.It is said that carrying some bistort on ones

person is useful if they desire to conceive. This is an herb of

motherhood. If a woman desires to have children and she is

barren then it is advantageous for her to carry some bistort on

her person if she wants to conceive because bistort is a direct

representation of the Goddess Frigg who is the great mother

that watches over our children. Sometimes an infusioncombined with bistort would be sufficient to drive ghosts away.

It can also be used to rectify the ond in a place to relieve the

balance between the dissolutive and the evolutive ond that

manifests itself in a place.

Medically bistort is used to treat diarrhea and cholera

as it is an astringent. Possibly one of the strongest astringents

in the vegetable kingdom, it grows wildly in Europe and is useful

for said dysfunctions. To prepare it one would prepare about an


10/28

ounce of the root and make an infusion or decoction out of it

with a pint of water. For another remedy one would prepare a

teaspoon full of the powdered root and mix it with water and it

may be drunk.

Buckwheat(Fagopyrum spp.)

Buckwheat is an herb that

keeps evil at bay. One can grind up the

leaves of the buckwheat plant and

sprinkle them along pathways andsuch to keep evil at bay. Buckwheat is

a herb of Freya. She has the magical power to keep dark forces

away from you and this is her herb. There is a certain level of

love and generosity in the herb that is akin to Freya. No one

loves things any deeper than Freya, she is the most

compassionate of the gods and has a great care for the things

that rove Earth. Perhaps that is why the buckwheat plantdispels evil because Freyas compassion will prevent evil from

manifesting. It is like the story of Ottar and Hyndla. Ottar was

Freyas favored warrior and Hyndla was Jealous of this. So in

spite Hyndla threatened to poison Ottar to get back at Freya.

Freya saw this and said that no poison would effect Ottar while

he was blessed by her. Hyndla pressed on with the venom and

Freya threatened Hyndla with fire if she continued on with herattack. Perhaps the thing that Freya blessed Ottar with was

Buckwheat to keep Hyndlas evil away from him. Again, this

herb is a safeguard against evil and it protects all in its presence.

As far as a medicinal action goes it is not very useful in

medicine. However, it is useful in beer making and many

wonderful beer recipes are made from buckwheat. It is an acrid

and about the only thing that it can be used to treat is

erysipelas. Other than that buckwheat is not a useful medicine.


11/28

However, its spiritual properties more than make up for its lack

of medicinal use. A sachet of buckwheat can also be used to

guard against poverty if it is carried on the

person.

Corn (Zea Mays)

Corn is a classic herb and vegetable

that is grown in the Midwest and fed to people

all across the world. It is an herb of Freya and is

used in luck and divination. Thus, indicatingthat it is an herb of magic and Seidr. One can burn corn in

recels while conducting a divination to enhance the properties

of the divination. It is an herb of magic and when consumed

will get a person in contact with the ond that flows through the

universe. Corn is also a tasty treat when it is used in cuisine. It

is a starchy food and is appetizing to say the least. All versions

of corn have the same properties and can be used the sameway, one can use it in a satchet to bring and enhanced magical

potency to their hamingja or one can plain eat it to get in touch

with the divine. One can also make a poppet of corn to make a

magical representation of the self or someone else that will

have a better magical potency.

As a medicine, it is used as a diuretic and can be used to

ease rheumatic pains. To be consumed one can make an

infusion of corn or they can consume the corn whole. It is also

an effective stimulant. Not as powerful as caffeine, yet it is still

a stimulant nonetheless and can be used to pick a person up in

the morning.

There is only one distinct species of corn. All the

variations like blue corn, wild corn, and sweet corn come from


12/28

different soils and climates. Zea Mays is where the term Maize

comes from and there are a number of uses for corn.

Cotton (Gossypium Barbadense)

Cotton is a plant that grows in the south.

We make our clothes from cotton and other

products that we use in society. Many fabrics are

cotton hybrids or pure cotton. It is an important

cash crop as well and many plantations owe their existence to

the production of cotton. The herb itself is property of Freya, asin the aspect of Seidr. It is a plant that keeps evil at bay and

drives ghosts away. It lives true to the adage in the Edda where

it says that if night hags fly aloft in the sky, I say a charm and it

drives them away heedless of their haunts. Cotton is a sacred

plant that does all manner of good in people. It is a minor pain

reliever in the fact that if one has a toothache it can be used to

relieve the ache. Also medicinally, it is used to alleviate thecontractions in expectant mothers. Cotton may be burned in

recels or it may be chewed on in its whole form to benefit from

the effect of the herb. There is oil that can be made from the

seeds which is known as cottonseed oil. This oil is just as

effective if not more effective as the cotton itself. The oil from

the cottonseed may be used topically like clove oil to relieve the

tooth aches.

To prepare an infusion of cotton, take four ounces of

the root of the plant and boil it in one quart of water. One can

also make a concentrated tincture of cotton by taking the root

and soaking it in alcohol for two weeks. The oil may be

prepared by pressing the oil out of the seeds. This may require

a seed oil press and may require a lot of seeds to get a small

quantity of oil. There should be oils prepared at stores that

specialize in herbs. Unless one grows large quantities of oil it


13/28

may not be feesable to press oil from the seed unless there is a

lot of stock available. The oil is something much more advanced

than what one can produce in a home garden or

greenhouse.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Cypress is an evergreen tree that is

legendary among the Hellenists. Cypress is a

symbol of death. Even in ancient times the

wood from the tree was used to constructcoffins by the Egyptians. It was also used as a

tool of divination by the Minoans in Greece. In heathenry the

cypress tree is ruled by the god Odin. This is because the wood

of the tree should be used in a crises revolving death. As in the

death of a loved one. If you leave a sprig of cypress in the coffin

you will remember the memory of the person that has passed

on. This is symbolic of the raven that accompanies Odin. Theravens search the earth endlessly for news of deeds. This

translates to them telling the deeds of the person that passed

on to Odin. The sprig of cypress is the memory by which we

remember those deeds. This news that they inform Odin of also

involves crises on the earth. When there is a crisis on the earth

the sprig of the cypress may heal that crisis and bring a tranquil

calm to those involved.

Cypress is also a symbol of immortality. That is people

would wear sachets of cypress to extend their lives. This

symbolism has its lore in the apples that grant immortality. The

cypress is something that can possibly make someone live a bit

longer and extend their lifespan. Not quite as powerful as the

apple, but nonetheless it is something that people can do to

have more time in this world.


14/28

As far as medicine goes, there is no real medicinal use

for this plant. It is not listed in the herbal indexes and there

have been no studies as far as the cypress being used to treat

anything. This herb is to be used in a strictly spiritual capacity

since there are no medicinal uses for this plant.

Fern (Dryopteris Felix-mas)

The fern is a popular garden plant. It is

also used for decoration as well. There are

many varieties of Fern but the one includedhere is the male fern as it has the most potent

medical quality. As far as spiritualism goes all of the ferns have

the same properties when it comes to spiritualism. It is also

worthy to note that not all forms of the fern are edible and

some are poisonous. Lady fern may be substituted for male

fern, as they are similar. However, it is important to note that

the medical actions of the lady fern are significantly weakerthan that of the male fern.

Spiritually the fern is a protective plant. It may be

placed in or about the home for protection and at the doorstep

so that bad things dont happen. It is a plant that belongs to

Heimdall, the guardian of the gods. It is something that guards

and keeps a watch over people. It is very useful when

safeguarding against ond or spirits that may not be so

benevolent. When it is worn, it has the power to guide people

to treasures or things that the person may consider treasure.

This is if you carry it in a sachet on your person.

Medically the fern can repel worms as it is a vermifuge.

It is exceptional at removing tape worms and other worms that

infest the body. It is used in various anti worm medicines that

are specifically aimed at removing worms from the body. This is


15/28

true of the male fern and the lady fern. These two ferns have

strong anti-worm properties and are an effective remedy to

parasitic worm infestations. Preparations of the medicine can

be refined by decoction, infusion or tincture. It is possible to

eat the root whole although this may cause a purging that may

render the medicine ineffective. The best way to take the

medicine is by the tincture or infusion method. As said before

the lady fern does the same thing as the male fern although

more lady fern must be consumed to achieve the

same result.

Fumitory (Fumaria Officianlis)

Fumitory is an herb that is found in the

United States and Europe. It is a useful herb in

drawing luck to a person a dispelling spirits. The

fumitory is typically burned in recels and is made into incense

when it is combined with other herbs. When made into aninfusion the herb can draw money to a person when sprinkled

on the shoe. The herb itself is an herb of Odin; it is used in

magic to drive away spirits and ond. Odin is the master of

magic and the herb has a powerful exorcismal effect when it is

burned. Where there is the smoke of the fumitory, evil spirits

cannot reside. It is used in rituals that involve exorcising people

that have spiritual intrusions and the spirit needs to beremoved.

The medicinal effect of fumitory is that it is a tonic and a

diaphoretic. It is used to treat skin conditions like leprosy and

other blemishes of the skin. There is even a doctor that noted a

condition, which caused the freckling of the face in which the

fumitory herb could reduce the freckling of the face. Typically,

the constituents of the herb were the leaves which where dried

and made into a decoction.


16/28

Honesty (Lunaria spp.)

Honesty is purely a magical herb with no

known medical properties. It is used to scatter

monsters when it is scattered about the place. It

lives true to the passage in the Eddas where it

says if night hags fly about in the sky I know a spell

to send them away heedless of their haunts. This preventative

herb can be used in casting circles to prevent monsters from

crossing into the circle and harming the vitki. This herb can also

be used to protect people while they are projecting out of their

bodies. This herb frightens monsters and is a representative of

Thor who combats monsters on their own terms. Being an herb

of Thor it is an herb that combats monsters and evil wights to

protect the person. The seedpods resemble silver coins and can

be used in money spells or to draw fortune to the vitki.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium)The honeysuckle plant is a useful fortune

plant. It draws luck to it where ever people use

it. One can take a green candle and use

honeysuckle flowers to ring it to enhance luck

and fortune to the vitki. It can also be burned in

recels to increase fortune for those that are in the area. Simply

placing them in a vase has the same effect. This plant is a

symbol of Freya and is represented by the rune Feoh. It brings

wealth and fortune to everyone around it and is advantageous

to people that want to enhance their own personal hamingja

with good fortune.

There are some medical uses for the honeysuckle plant.

It is a potent antispasmodic and diuretic. It can be prepared indecoctions to deliver these properties to the person. It works


17/28

mostly as a diuretic, relieving people when they are bloated or

water retentive.

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

Horehound is a potent exorcism herb.

It is used to be scattered around an area to

repel spirits and ond flow. It is an herb of

Balder. Being of Balder it is an herb of the sun

that shines down upon the people relieving

them from negativity and evil. It has a profound psychic effecton the body when drunk in infusion form.

The medicinal effect of horehound is that it is potent in

relieving coughs. A decoction of horehound will relieve most

coughs and put a person at ease when they are having coughing

fits. It can also be a mild purgative when used in large doses. It

is especially potent when used with kids because it has a great

taste and is easy to digest. It is more effective than the store

bought cough syrups and one can make syrup out of

horehound. To mix the remedy one would take an ounce of

herb and boil it with a pint of water and then they would drink

the infusion from there. It is said that horehound has a rather

pleasant taste.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Horestail is an herb of musicians and

bards. When a person plays a whistle made

from the stem of the horsetail it would call

snakes to the musician. This would be symbolic

of the god Bragi. The god of poets, the music played from the

stems of the horsetail is pleasing to the snakes and will attract

them no matter where they are. If a person is in the woods

looking for something to eat they can play a whistle made of


18/28

horsetail and attract a feast to them. After all the saying goes a

snake is a steak.

The medicinal effect of horsetail is that it is effective in

treating dyspepsia. It is also a mild diuretic, and highly effective

in treating bladder and kidney disorders.

Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)

This herb is typical used for

psychological ailments where a person has to

bind emotions or other thoughts that they

dont want. This is an herb of Eira and is

generally governed by the goddess of health. Being a herb of

health it is effective in all sorts of psychological disorders where

a person must bind a part of who they are. This can be taken in

infusion form or it can simply be worn as a satchet on the

persons body. Eira heals everyone that would listen to her and

her herb is highly potent in the mental aspects of healing.

The medicinal effects of this herb are rather potent too.

It is effective in treating diarrhea and related effects. It is also

an effective diuretic and is good in balancing out peoples

bowels so that they can have a normal purging.

Loose Strife (Lythrum salicaria)Loose Strife is an herb that is used to

settle arguments with people. It is an herb of

Tyr that declares justice be set upon the

conflict. It represents the sacrifice that Tyr

made to bind the Fenris Wolf and bring

justice to the cosmos. If the is a discrepancy,

a sachet of Loose strife will put an end to the argument

relatively quickly and effectively. Perhaps this is why the herb is


19/28

named Loose Strife because it puts to an end the strife that

occurs in everyday life.

This herb also has some medicinal properties as well. It

is a potent anti-diarrheal agent as well as a treatment for

dysentery. It is also used to treat eye disorders and is even

more effective than eyebright in the treatment of most eye

disorders. One can make an ointment out of this herb as well

for the treatment of ulcers and eruptions of the skin.

Mugwort(Artemisia Vulgaris)

Mugwort is an herb of astral and

psychic phenomenon. To gain its power one

must drink it in an infusion to gain access to the

psychic powers of the herb. Being an herb of

the psyche, it is an herb of Odin. It taps into the

magical blanket of the ond that permeates throughout all of

nature. It is especially useful in scrying rituals and can be

burned as incense to enhance the potency of the ond in the

area. If you stuff a pillow with mugwort one may have

prophetic dreams as well as having visions when inhaled. An

infusion of mugwort can also wash scrying tools and crystals

used to divine or scry. It is also said that when carrying

mugwort in a sachet one would be immune to beasts, poisons

and other things that would want to harm you. In some places

mugwort is placed over a door to prevent evil spirits from

entering.

The medicinal effects of mugwort are that it is a

stimulant and a tonic. It is used in cases of palsy and other fits

to calm people down. It can also be used as a substitute for

wormwood in most cases, as in absinthe where the thujone

content of the wormwood would be too high.


20/28

Oats (Avena Sativa)

Oats are a popular breakfast and culinary

item that millions of people eat daily. Spiritually it

is used in prosperity and is an herb of Thor. Thor is

the god of fertility that brings the rains to our

crops. Being that it is an herb of Thor we can reasonably see

that it logical to say that these herbs serve a unique function in

the hierarchy of things. It is prosperity to have a sachet of oats

because they are something that symbolizes Thor. Carrying the

oats on you will enhance your prosperity because you are

guarded by Thor when in possession of the herb.

As a medical plant, this herb functions as a stimulant

and a nervine agent. It is made into gruel, which is one ounce of

oats to three pats water. Then it can be flavored with a number

of spices and agents. It is very effective in the treatment of

digestive disorders and such like diverticulitis and Cronesdisease.

Oleander (Nerium Oleander)

This is a plant that has long been

associated with death. It is an ornamental plant

but it is also one of the deadliest plants on the

earth. The Italians said that this plant bringssickness and misfortune into whatever home it is

kept in. This plant has notorious history for poisoning animals

and anyone else who is careless enough to eat its leaves. This is

a plant of Hela and the only thing that the plant perpetuates is

death, one can say that it is a plant of death and represents the

final days for everything that lives.


21/28

As a medical plant, the oleander virtually serves no

purpose. It is a virulent poison and the effects of the plant are

too severe to be used in a clinical setting.

Patchouly (Pogostemon cablin)

Patchouly has been sprinkled onto

purses and wallets to increase money and

fortune on people. It is an herb of Freya and

it enhances the wealth of people when it is

sprinkled or carried as a sachet. It alsosymbolizes Feoh as in it brings in wealth to the people that hold

it. Being a herb of fertility and of the earth it is also used in love

sachets to attract love to people.

As a medical herb it is useful in curing hunger as it

causes a decrease in appetite. It is effective in eating disorders

where people have to eat too much and can be an effective

treatment for over eating since it reduces appetite. It can also

be an effective substitute for diet pills that contain ephedra

since it is not as strong as ephedra nor does it have the side

effects that ephedra has.

Pea (Pisum Sativum)

The pea is a popular culinary dish in this

country and around the world. People grow it

everywhere in the states and it is consumed by

millions of people each day. There is no specific

medical use for the pea but there is high nutritional value for

the pea. The pea is an herb of Freya and representative of the

rune Feoh. It brings wealth and money to those who carry

sachets of peas on their person. Being that it is a symbol of

wealth it can also bring good fortune to those that need it.


22/28

Freya is happy to bring wealth to those that care about her and

the pea is a fruit of Freya.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

The potato is related to the nightshade

family plants in its genus solanum. It also

shares the narcotic properties of the

nightshade plants in its leaves and vegetation.

However, the root and tuber is perfectly fit to eat, and many

people dine on the tubers all around the world. Spiritually thepotato is used as a poppet. That is a device spiritually to

represent someone. This is used in healing practices and all

sorts of practices all over the world. One would make a poppet

of a person, transfer the spirit of the person into the poppet,

and then work their magic on the poppet to fix the spirit of the

subject. Poppets can be used in many ways, however, the

traditional ways of using a poppet are to stick pins into it or sealit with wax to release or trap the ond appropriately.

Medically the leaves of the potato are used to have the

same effects of henbane and belladonna. They can be a

narcotic to relieve nervous pain such as neurapthia, or they can

be used as eye medicine to treat disorders of the eyes. They

can also be used to induce visions in the person as a mild

hallucinogen as the potatos vegetation contains mild tropane

alkaloids. Carrying a potato in the pocket may also treat

rheumatism, which has a scientific basis in proving the

treatment. In addition, this treatment may treat gout and

toothaches as well.

Primrose (Primula Vulgaris)

The primrose is a flower used to attract love to

women. Women would carry a sachet of primrose on them


23/28

to attract love and inspire love wherever they went. Burning

recels of Primrose can inspire love in the people in the area and

cause people to become more sedated, as is one of its medical

properties. The primrose is a flower that belongs to Freya. It

inspires love wherever people go and is a good herb to bring out

the passions that lie dormant in others. It is also symbolic of

Feoh and brings the wealth of love to those who need it.

As a medical plant, the primrose is an effective sedative

and an effective treatment against hysterical disorders. It has acalming effect on the body and can be made in infusion,

decoction, or tincture form.

Quince (Cydonia speciosa)

Quince is a small flowering plant that has

an apple like fruit that comes from it. The seeds

are used in ritual practice where the seeds are carried on ones

self to protect from evil spirits or dissolutive ond. This is a plant

of Freya regarding her in her shaman aspect where she protects

her people from the ravages of the natural elements. Quince

was also used to ensure fidelity between couples. This is what

makes it an herb of Freya is the fidelity aspect.

Quince was used as an addition to syrups to aid in

curing sickness. It is also used in treatments of the loosening of

the bowels. It is very effective on digestive disorders and can be

used for diarrhea and other disorders of the bowels.

Rhubarb (Rheum officinale)

The rhubarb is a popular garden herb

that people like to make rhubarb pie out of.

There are other recipes for rhubarb too but

those can be found in most cookbooks. The


24/28

rhubarb is used for protection and fedility. It is an herb of Freya

and it ensures that there is loyalty in the relationship. A person

that carries Rhubarb on them will always be faithful to their

partner as they keep in mind what rhubarb represents.

As a medicine, the powdered root is used for purgative

properties and is an effective treatment for constipation.

Rye (Secale spp)

Rye bread and grass is a popular harvest for

the baking industry. Thousands of pounds of rye

bread are processed into bread every year. Rye

bread is one of the most popular breads around. It

has no specific medical purposes other than the

fungus that grows on rye known as ergot that can be a major

hallucinogen if a person is infected with ergot. Medically the

ergot is 100 times more potent than LSD and stay with the

person permanently until they seek medical attention. Rye is an

herb of Freya as it is used in love spells and protection of sorts.

One can burn it in recels to gain its effect.

Sagebrush (Artemisa Apiana)

Sagebrush is also known as white sage.

Native Americans used it in exorcisms to purify

areas and people to drive away-unwanted spirits.

It is an herb of Odin and has magical properties in the arts of

magic especially Galdr. It is used in recels to burn away any

negativity and purify the area. It can be used prior to ritual to

purify the ond in an area so that there is a neutral balance of

ond. Burning sagebrush drives away all evil spirits and is useful

when bathed in to purify the self.


25/28

There is no practical use as a medicine for sage. This is

not the same plant as the Common sage which is a different

genus as the sagebrush.

Sorrel Wood (Oxalis Acetosella)

Sorrel wood is a delicate plant that

needs much care in order to survive. It can be

easily harmed and should be plucked fresh.

Tradition has it that if the leaves are carried in a

sachet it would prevent against heart disease.Sachets are placed around ones room to protect against

sickness and other ailments. This is an herb of Eira as she is the

goddess of health and healing.

The medical action of Sorrel wood is that it is given in

times of high fevers or any kind of fever. It is effective at

reducing fevers and bringing people down to a normal

temperature. It has a rather pleasant but acidic taste and the

best way to serve it is in a decoction.

Tulip (Tulipa spp.)

The tulip is a popular garden flower

that is used in landscaping everywhere. An

attractive flower is grown from bulbs. It has

very few medical properties, as it can be

poisonous if it is consumed. However, there

are many spiritual properties for this flower. Tulip means

turban in Arabic and the flower is often seen as a decoration on

Arab turbans as a means of protection for the wearer. The

flower belongs to Freya who governs over love, which is one of

the properties of this flower. It is said that when a tulip is

plucked then that person will fall in love.


26/28

Turnip (Brassica rapa)

The turnip is a vegetable that is seen

on the table every day. You can buy it from

the local grocery store and people include it

in their salads and soups. This herb is an herb

is an herb of Hela; it represents something that dispels

negativity and is used when telling someone to go away. If you

are dissolving a relationship and the person wont go away then

leave a plate of turnips at their door. Turnips are used for

protection and ending relationships.

There is no known medical use for the turnip other than

it is a vegetable and thus, good for you. It is good in salads,

soups and other things that involve vegetable

stock.

Vervain (Verbena Officinalis)A common ingredient in love spells

and protection charms this is an herb of Thor.

It contains the love that Thor has for mankind

and promulgates that love in the love for the

things that people pursue. Vervain when worn as a crown

protects the wearer from spirits thus promulgating the essence

of Thor in the fact that it protects. The plant may be carried asa personal amulet, as in the sachet can be tied around the neck

to be worn as an amulet. Vervain is a very powerful protective

herb. An infusion of the liquid when sprinkled around the

premises can prevent evil spirits from entering or negative ond

from gaining force. The tried herb can bring peace to people

and is an effective peace maker around the house. Also when

drank as an infusion there may be the chance that no dreamswill haunt you when you take Vervain.


27/28

The medical action of vervain has many uses it is said to

be useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, pleurisy,

etc., and to be a good galactogogue. It is still used as a febrifuge

in autumn fevers. To use vervain one can make and infusion for

internal uses of the herb and then one can take the herb as a

cream or ointment as a external use of the herb. It can also be

extracted to eye drops and a dose of can be applied to the eyes.

Vetivert(Andropogon zizanioides)

This herb is used to break curses andhexes. It is an herb of Thor and is used heavily

to remove evil spells from affecting you.

When it can reasonably be understood that

one is operating under an evil spell, one can burn the root of

this plant to dispel any negative spells that may have been

placed on you. If someone has put you under a spell then the

vertivert plant can reverse it by burning it in a recel. Thor is theone that protects us from evil and this herb is a reflection of

Thor, it breaks all the ill will that people would work against you

and gives you a chance to be free of the evils that others would

place you in. It is representative of the rune Gebo. Where the

rune breaks curses as we can see in the sigdrifusmal when the

Valkyrie Sigdrifa tells us to carve the on the root of the tree the

rune and the curse will be heaped back upon the caster.

Wheat(Triticum spp.)

Wheat is a very important ingredient for

bread. All over America there are wheat fields

for the express concern of growing grain for

bread. Wheat is an expressive herb for the

Goddess Freya. It illustrates the love and fidelitythat Freya gives to mankind and the warmth of her embrace.

Grains are carried in sachets to induce conception and fertility.


28/28

It is necessary for Freya to bless this herb and the people that

carry it with her love. This herb is the wealth of conception and

keeping this herb as a sachet will increase ones chance to

conceive as well as increase the fertility of someone who carries

wheat on them.

a guide to herbalism -- earth herbs

Documents