Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatoria
MEDICINAL: An infusion of the leaves is used to
treat jaundice and other liver ailments, and as a
diuretic. It is also used in treating ulcers,
diarrhea, and skin problems. Externally, a
fomentation is used for athlete's foot, sores,
slow-healing wounds, and insect bites.
RELIGIOUS: Agrimony is used in protection spells,
and is used to banish negative energies and spirits.
It is also used to reverse spells and send them back
to the sender. It was believed that placing Agrimony
under the head of a sleeping person will cause a
deep sleep that will remain until it is removed.
GROWING: Agrimony is grown throughout much of the
United States and southern Canada. It is a perennial
that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall, prefers full sun and
average soils. Agrimony tolerates dry spells well.
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
MEDICINAL: Eliminates retained water, relieves urinary
and bowel problems, helps in treating recuperation of
narcotic and alcohol addiction. Used in treating
anemia, fatigue, kidneys, peptic ulcers, pituitary
problems, and for building general health.
RELIGIOUS: Placed in a small jar and kept in a pantry
or cabinet, it protects the home from poverty and
hunger. Burn alfalfa and scatter the ashes around the
property to protect it.
GROWING: Alfalfa is cultivated in many regions of the
world. It is not picky as to soils, prefers full sun,
and regular waterings, although it will tolerate dry
spells. It is a perennial that grows to 1 to 3 feet
tall, depending upon growing conditions.
Allspice Pimenta dioica
MEDICINAL: Allspice is used as a paste to soothe and
relieve toothache, and as a mouthwash to freshen the
breath.
RELIGIOUS: Allspice encourages healing, and is used in
mixtures to ask for money and good fortune.
GROWING: Allspice comes from a tree that grows in
Central and South America and the Caribbean, and
prefers those climates.
Aloe Vera Aloe vera, Aloe spp.
MEDICINAL: The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf
is used to treat burns, skin rashes, and insect bites,
as well as chafed nipples from breastfeeding, when
applied to the affected area externally. Internally it
can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly,
or when there is an impaction, although it can cause
intestinal cramping when taken internally, and there
are other herbs that do this job better. It aids in
healing wounds by drawing out infection, and
preventing infection from starting. The fresh gel is
best to use, rather than "stabilized" gels
found in the stores. The fresh gel was used by
Cleopatra to keep her skin soft and young.
RELIGIOUS: Growing an aloe vera plant in the kitchen
will help prevent burns and mishaps while cooking. It
will also prevent household accidents, and guard
against evil. It is reported that aloe was used to
embalm the body of Christ.
GROWING: Best grown indoors in pots. Those living in
the deep South, as in southern Texas or southern
Florida, can grow aloe outdoors. Remember that Aloe is
a succulent, not a cactus, so it needs water to keep
the leaves fleshy and juicy.
Amaranth Amaranthus spp.
MEDICINAL: Amaranth is used to battle stomach flu,
diarrhea, and gastoenteritis. It was used by Native
Americans to stop menstruation and for contraception.
Applied externally, it can reduce tissue swelling from
sprains and tick bites. Not to be used by pregnant or
lactating women.
RELIGIOUS: Amaranth is used to repair a broken heart.
It is also associated with immortality, and is used to
decorate images of gods and goddesses. It is sacred to
the god Artemis. Woven into a wreath, it is said to
render the wearer invisible. Also used in pagan burial
ceremonies.
GROWING: Amaranth is an annual, whose varieties grow
from one to five feet tall. It does not transplant
well, so sow it where you want it to grow. It is
generally not picky about soil type, and tolerates
heat and drought well.
Angelica Angelica archangelica
MEDICINAL: Angelica is a good herbal tea to take for
colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn. It
is useful to add in remedies for afflictions of the
respiratory system, as well as liver problems and
digestive difficulties. Promotes circulation and
energy in the body. It is often used to stimulate the
circulation in the pelvic region and to stimulate
suppressed menstruation. Angelica should not be used
by pregnant women or diabetics.
RELIGIOUS: Grow it in your garden as a protection for
garden and home. The root is often used as a
protective amulet, and has been used to banish evil by
burning the leaves. It is also used to lengthen life,
and is used in protection against diseases, as well as
to ward off evil spirits. Adding it to a ritual bath
will break spells and hexes. It has often been used to
ward off evil spirits in the home.
GROWING: Angelica needs rich, moist garden soil in
partial shade. It prefers wet bottomlands and swamps,
and prefers the cooler northern regions to grow best.
It is a perennial that can reach up to 6 feet tall.
Anise Pimpinellaa anisum
MEDICINAL: Another good herb for colic, gas, and
indigestion. It can also be used in herbal remedies
for coughing, as it aids in loosening phlegm. It is
the mildest of the herbs used for these purposes.
RELIGIOUS: Anise mixed with bay leaves provides an
excellent bath additive prior to ritual. Using anise
in potpourri around the house wards off evil, and
anise in your sleeping pillow at night will chase away
the nightmares. The essential oil is used in ritual
baths prior to any divination attempts. It is believed
that hanging an anise seed head on your bedpost will
restore lost youth.
GROWING: Anise likes warm, sunny areas with
well-drained, rich sandy soils. It is suitable for all
areas of North America. It is an annual, and grows 1-2
feet high. It needs 120 days to produce fully ripened
seed heads.
Apple Pyrus spp.
MEDICINAL: Apples are used to treat constipation. The
pectin in fresh apples can help to lower cholesterol
levels, an aid in treating heart disease. Crushed
apple leaves can be rubbed on a fresh wound to prevent
infection.
RELIGIOUS: Apple blossoms are used in love and healing
incenses. An apple should be given to a lover as a
present - you should eat one half, the lover the
other. It is given as an offering on Samhain to the
dead, since it is a symbol of immortality. Apple wood
is used to make magickal wands. Pouring apple cider on
the ground in your garden before you plant gives the
earth life.
GROWING: Apple trees grow over most of North America.
They need a cool winter period, making them unsuitable
for low desert or tropical regions. Check with your
local nursery for varieties best suited to your area
and growing conditions.
Astragalus Astragalus membranaceous
MEDICINAL: Astragalus strengthens metabolism and
digestion, raises metabolism, aids in strengthening
the immune system, and is used in the healing of
wounds and injuries. It is often cooked with broths,
rice, or beans for a boost to the healing energies
during those illnesses that prevent one from eating
normally.
