Morrigan:

MERRY MEET AND WELCOME TO WICCA 101! Tonight our host is Virago Woman. Her topic is Herbal Medicines and Remedies.

Virago you have the floor my dear

VIRAGOWOMYN:

thank you

::Takes a seat & passes around tea & cookies::

tonights topic is herbal remedies... about 1/4 of all medications in the drug stores contain active herbs. for example, digitalis, use to treat heart conditions, comes from foxglove. many people, myself incuded, prefer to use herbs in their more natural form. and this is going to be a quick guide to herbal remedies. let me start by mentioning that in the USA, the FDA does not allow herb suppliers to market an herb by making medicinal claims. likewise, one should not attempt to "play doctor". any serious conditions/symptoms ought to be checked out by a doctor. and pregnant/nursing women should NEVER use herbs, unless they have consulted with their doctor.

let me define some terms now, to prevent later confusion

compress = cloth soaked in infusion & pressed against skin

decoction = water extract of bark/roots prepared at low boil for 1-20 min, stronger than infusion

elixir = alcohol based medicine

essential oil = scented plant oil used in many herbal med's

infusion = drink made by steeping plants in hot water for 10-20 min, stronger than a tea

poultice = herbal paste spread of cloth and applied to body

tincture = herb extract seeped in alcohol

and now, the herbs!

ALLSIPCE can relieve muscle painn, ease toothache, & soothe indigestion. the berries contain an oil that is the primary active healing element. make an infusion with 1-2 tsp allspice power per cup of boiling water. steep 15 min, and strain. drink up to 3 cups/day. apply a poultice to relieve muscle pains/aches. allspice oil can be applied to the gums to relieve toothaches. however, DON'T SWALLOW THE OIL!!! and get to the dentist! the oil shouldn't be swallowed, even 1 tsp can cause nausea, vomiting, & convulsions

ALOE heals sunburns, prevents spread of infections, & softens the skin. the healing element is allantoin. it is being studied to look for potential to prevent AIDs and cancer. to heal burns, wash affected area with soap & water. for minor burns, snip off a lower (older) leaf, slice in lengthwise, & scoop out the goopy gel. apply to burn. for serious burn, get thee to a doctor! aloe can also prevent the spread of infection - make an infusion of dang-qui with 1 tsp. crushed root in a cup of boiling water & steep for 10-20min. also, this can boost energy levels, and enhance the immune system, and even relieve symptoms of colds. and while angelica is useful for menstruating women, it should NOT be used by pregnant women, because it may cause miscarriage.

ASTRAGALUS is also known as milk vetch, is a member of the legume family. this herb is usually eaten, and used as a seasoning. it helps boost T-cell counts, useful for persons with cancer or AIDs. it's available in many forms at health food stores. i recommend the capsules over the tinctures. the oil can help to heal burns, but is not as effective as aloe. also, a side effect is loose stools.

BALM a lemon-scented, sweet herb. helps heal wounds, ease indigestion, relieve menstrual crapmps, & relax nerves. also, it can repel mosquitos! but it does attract bees & wasps. to brew a tea, steep 2 tsp. chopped (fresh, not dried) leaves in boiling water for 10 min. drink while hot or, drop some leaves into a hot bath. the lemon scent is wonderful & very soothing.

Morrigan:

same as "lemon balm" then?

VIRAGOWOMYN:

make a compress to soothe minor wounds.

yes, the same.

Juniper Bush:

I would guess so

VIRAGOWOMYN:

some research shows that it may help to fight herpes. at the least, it can soothe the sores. once again, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION if you have herpes!

BLACK HAW in the 1800s, women used black haw to ease menstrual cramps.

melilot:

does it repel mosquitos in it's growing state and also if applied to skin?

VIRAGOWOMYN:

make a tea using 1 ouche of herb per pint of water. boil for 10 min & strain. drink up to 3 cups a day. black haw helps to calm the muscles & prevent contractions

jenna ration:

have you ever heard of cats paw. from peru !

VIRAGOWOMYN:

and meli, rubbing some balm on your skin will keep away mosquitos, but it will attract bees!

ok, black haw. it soothes headaches & fevers. it's related to willowbark (aspirin). also, there is some speculation that it may prevent miscarriage. also, don't give black haw to children, as it may cause reye's syndrome.

BUCKTHORN relives constipation & may help fight cancer. this plant is so potent, it should only be used as a last resort laxative. it works well. too well, in fact. {g}

jenna ration:

:}

Juniper Bush:

well put

VIRAGOWOMYN:

it stimulates the colonic muscle contractions. a strong laxative tea can be made from 1/2 tsp of each: buckthorn, chamomile, & fennel. steep for 10 min. drink no more than one cup! buckthorn should NOT be used by those with chronic gastrointstinal probsles, like ulcers or hemmorrhoids.

CASCARA SAGRADA relieves constipation & treats cold sores. the reddish brown bark of this herb is

CAYENNE yes, the pepper! it eases pain, relieves headaches, & cuts cholesterol levels. add small amounts of cayenne to food, to aid digestion.

Juniper Bush:

hey zoo... don't forget that you have to take it with food tho...

VIRAGOWOMYN:

to ease arthitic pains, or muscle aches, cayenne is a wonderful counter-irritant. (like Icy-Hot). apply a poultice to the affected area. some people find it to be too irritating, though. i do! cayenne may also help those suffering from cluster headaches. cayenne can help cut the "bad" cholesterol, and reduce the risk of blood clots (which cause heart attacks). the best way to reap cayenne's benefits is to use small amounts in your food.

CELERY SEED sheds water weight, lowers blood pressure, & reduces cholesterol. make a tea with 1 tsp. freshly crushed seeds and 1 cup boiling water. steep 10 min & drink. celery seed contains a diuretic, which helps to shed water weight. be sure to make sure you ingest extra potassium, however! celery seed has been shown to reduce blood pressure by up to 12%, and may also help reduce cholesterol.

CHAMOMILE who hasn't enjoyed chamomile tea? it contains a very mild sedative, and a cup of tea is great to help you relax. compresses are great to ease sore muscles, and a few leaves tossed in a warm bath can help to ease sunburn. chamomile helps so soothe the stomach & is a great after dinner tea.

CILANTRO/CORIANDER promote digestions, prevent infection, & relieve arthritic pain. to make a tea, steep 1 tsp. of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. steep for 5 min. it helps tummy problems (diarrhea, indigestion, etc), and also can relieve colic in babies. also, there are anti-inflammatory effects, which helps to ease arthritic pain.

CINNAMON yummy. one of my favorites. it soothes indigestion, helps heal urinary tract infections, & helps control blood-sugar levels. also, helps fight tooth decay (ever notice how many mouth washes & toothpastes contain cinnamon?) the best was in ingest cinnamons is to add it to food. cinnamon soothes the tummy, and can also kill many bacterias

Juniper Bush:

externally too?

VIRAGOWOMYN:

NEVER INGEST CINNAMON OIL DIRECTLY! can cause nausea, vomiting, & even kidney damage. externally, cinnamon acts as a counter-irritant. some people are allergic to it, though. the best way to use it is as a seasoning. minimal amounts are needed to reap the benefits

CLOVE eases toothache pain. apply a drop of clove oil to the affected area & get thee to the dentist!

Morrigan:

great for teething babies, dilute with water though

VIRAGOWOMYN:

to relieve indigestion, make a tea using 1 tsp powdered clove to 1 cup water. steep for 10 min. also, clove helps to control diarhhea by fighting the bacteria that

PAniteowl:

We use a clove or two when brewing a pot of tea ... helps to soothe and relax prior to Tarot or "scrying"

Morrigan:

good for hay fever too.

VIRAGOWOMYN:

DILL 2 tsp. masheed dill seeds, in 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. this improves digestion, ease colic, & halt diarhhea.

Juniper Bush:

coffee or clove?

VIRAGOWOMYN:

great point, PAniteowl

clove, that is.

Morrigan:

coffee, caffiene

Juniper Bush:

gotcha

VIRAGOWOMYN:

Also, Dill helps to prevent flatulence. thanks the Gods!

Morrigan:

LOL

Juniper Bush:

haha

VIRAGOWOMYN:

ECHINACEA has gotten lots of attention this year as a "wonder herb". it fights infection & reduces symptoms of colds/flus

Juniper Bush:

as an infusion?

jenna ration:

i was told to use Echinacea ten days on and ten days off.. for one builds up an immunity

VIRAGOWOMYN:

is available in capsule form, but i recommdnd making a tea. pour boiling water over 2-3 tsp of the herb (dried, powdered, or fresh) & sip over a period of 30-90 min. have another cup 6-8 hour later, and it helps to boost the immune system & fight colds.

EUCALYPTUS not just for koalas! it smells wonderful & is great to hang in your home.

Juniper Bush:

haah

Juniper Bush:

Just so everyone knows... Bath and Body works have Eucalyptas pillows...

VIRAGOWOMYN:

1-2 tsp of dried leaves, steeped with 1 cup boiling water, make a great tea that relieves congestion, by opening clogges sinuses, etc. also, if you're a smoker, eucalyptus can freshen the air in your home. also, a handful of dried eucalyptus, steeped in boiling water, and inhaling the vapors, is a great way to open the lungs

FENNEL 1/3 tsp in 1 cup boiling water helps aid digestion. hundreds of years ago, fennel was used to bring on a late menstrual period, but i don't recommend this. also, fennel is great to ease colic. dilute the tea, though!

FEVERFEW i love feverfew. i get migranes & feverfew is wonderful at easing them. feverfew has nothing to do with curing fevers, BTW. the easiest way to use F-few is to chew the leaves. to help prevent migranes, chew a couple of leaves daily. and the don't taste that bad! also, it lowers blood pressure & calms menstrual cramps.

GARLIC fights infection, defends against heart problems & reues cholesterol. garlic not only is wonderful in food, but beneficial too! in order to fight off infection, you'd have to chew 6-12 cloves of garlic daily. personally, i think that a bit much. try the capsules to avoid the bad breath!

Morrigan:

Garlic oil is good for ear infections as long as the ear drum isn't punctured

VIRAGOWOMYN:

also, garlic wards off mosquitos. and supposedly wards off vampires! {g}

Leo da Ref:

lol

VIRAGOWOMYN:

GINSENG relieves stress, boosts immunity. it's available in many forms. you can buy ginseng teas at almost every store, follow the directions on the package. also, ginsing is reputed to be an aphrodisiac... who knows?

GOLDENSEAL soothes sore throats, relieves diarhhea. 1 cup boiling water & 1 tsp. dried herb make an excellent tea

JUNIPER is wonderful for easing mentrual discomfort, by acting as a diuretic. also, relieves arthritic swelling.

PAniteowl:

VW ... can I go back to Garlic for a moment?

VIRAGOWOMYN:

make a tea from 1 tsp. bruised juniper berries & a cup of boiling water. steep for 20 min, strain, & drink

sure, PA.

PAniteowl:

for children or animals, Garlic oil aids in administering other meds thru the skin, it acts as a conductor and does not cause stomach upset

VIRAGOWOMYN:

KOLA yes, this is where we get coca-cola. this natural source of caffeine relives headaches & helps soothe asthma(by opening bronchial tubes).

LICORICE relieves sore throats, arthritic pain. sprinkle a pinch of powdered licorice (the plant, not the candy!) into your tea.

MARSH MALLOW not the candy! it's a plant that actually grows in a marsh

Morrigan:

If you're pregnant or have heart problems DO NOT take licorice root

VIRAGOWOMYN:

it soothes sore throats. make a tea by boiling 1 tsp of crushed herb i 1 cup water for 15 min.

good point, chatty

as always, consult your doctor before taking anything!

Morrigan:

it promotes muscle contractions and can cause birth defects in the fetus

VIRAGOWOMYN:

MEADOWSWEET stops headaches, reduces fever. it's related to aspirin. 1-2 tsp powdered herb steeped for 10min in 1 cup water makes excellent tea

MULLEIN eases sore throats. make tea using 2 tsp dried leave in 1 cup boiling water. it's really really bitter so add lots of sugar and honey & lemon!

PEPPERMINT we all like this one. it's really good for easing indigestion, getting rid of bad breath, etc. peppermint teas are readily available. also, it can ease sore muscles.

ROSEMARY helps relieve menstrual cramps, & aids digestion. boil 1 tsp dried, crushed herbs in 1 cup water. it helps to relax muscles & soothes the stomach. pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 tsp. dried leaves. it's a mild antiseptic, and soothes sore throats. also, it cuts perspiration by 50%

ST. JOHN'S WORT heals cuts.wounds/burns, eases depression, beneficial to AIDs patients. 1-2 tsp dried herb, 1 cup boiling water. it's got a really bitter aftertaste. it has similar properties to Prozac. however, if you've got depression, seek professional help, please. St John's Wort helps AIDs patients by boosting appetite, immunity, etc.

SAW PALMETTO can relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate. 1 tsp herb, 1 cup boiling water, etc.

VALERIAN eases insomnia, relieves mensrual cramps, lowers blood pressure. it smells really nasty- like a wet dog.

Juniper Bush:

but it makes some people nauseous...

VIRAGOWOMYN:

i recommend the capsule form. it acts as a muscle relaxant, & also as a mild tranquilizer. it also can cause headaches in some people

WHITE WILLOW this is where aspirin is derived. helps headaches, fevers, etc. soak 1 tsp. powdered bark, per cup cold water, for 8 hrs. strain & drink. it's really bitter. it works like aspirin, so beware of reyes syndrome with children. and that is my quick guide to the most commonly used herbs. most can be found at most natural food or health food stores. again, be sure to consult a doctor, ok?

Morrigan:

any questions?

Xori:

If I may, I'd like to add to VW's wonderfullly thorough lesson

VIRAGOWOMYN:

and especially if you have any serious conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, make sure you consult a doctor.

cjleo:

Thank you

Ravenfall:

i have one

VIRAGOWOMYN:

please, Xori!

VIRAGOWOMYN:

And MM to all who entered while I was lecturing.

Juniper Bush:

GOOD JOB SIS!

VIRAGOWOMYN:

::blushing::

Xori:

first - thank you VW - that was wonderful, I'd just like to add some things I've learned in my experiences - first, as well as all the wonderful properties of cayenne that VW mentioned,

PAniteowl:

Nice job, VW ... sorry I was late, my apologies

VIRAGOWOMYN:

I'd like to add, that in the interests of time, I left out many uses for herbs... feel free to contact me later with more questions!

Xori:

it is also well used in fighting colds for it's vit C content - especially in tomatoe juice combined with black pepper - also, be careful of the cinnimon - if used too often it can cause mouth ulcerations in some people - and lastly, in using St. Johns Wort - it is a wonderful MAO inhibitor - but it may cause some photo sensitivity - so stay out of the sun

VIRAGOWOMYN:

any questions? i think i see a raised hand in the back of the room... {g}

Ravenfall:

what can you take to increas the intake of oxagin into the blood

VIRAGOWOMYN:

good point, Xori- i neglected to mention them, thanks for bringing those up!

PAniteowl:

A walk, Ravenfall, {g}

Xori:

thanks VW - I know you were limited by time - but you did a wonderful job - thank you so much!

VIRAGOWOMYN:

Raven- actually, the best way to increase oxygen levels in the blood, is a healthy diet & regular exercise

::blushes & curtsies::

Ravenfall:

no i want something not on the ioc banded list

VIRAGOWOMYN:

and i'd like to give thanks to my late grandmother, for teaching me her herbal lore...

Xori:

oh oh - may I also say something else that I think is

VIRAGOWOMYN:

Happy- most people get the USRDA in their daily diet. if your diet is lacking, it makes sense to take vitamine

ElvenShadow:

Good class VW!!!! MP all.

Xori:

stuff is like 99% consistent in it's potency, whereas the herbs that we harvest ourselves may not be unless we are very experienced in our plant's cycles and soil conditions

VIRAGOWOMYN:

i grow most of my own herbs... try to obtain tinctures/capsules from a good, reliable supplier... some suppliers use watered down versions.

Xori:

I just thought that interesting and informative, so I shared :)

HappyJoyous:

i heard a tape the other day that said we need 90 vitamins and minerals a day!!

VIRAGOWOMYN:

hang on a sec, & i'll give y'all some addresses of good suppliers

Nature's Herb Company. 1010 46th Street. Emeryville, CA. 94608

The Green Pharmacy 9775 S.W. Commerce Circle, Suite C-5. Portland, OR 97070

Nature's Way. 10 Mountain Springs Pkwy. Springville, UT 84663

Ravenfall:

is there a herb not on the IOC baned list that will improve the 02 intake to the blood

VIRAGOWOMYN:

Penn Herb Co., Ltd. 10601 Decatur Rd, Suite #2 Philadelphia, PA 19154-3293

Raven-as i said, I would advise a healthy diet & regular exercise as the best way to increase O2 intake to blood.

Xori:

I gotta agree with that

VIRAGOWOMYN:

if you try using herbal remedies for this purpose, you're playing with a loaded gun... there is no such thing as as free lunch or magical herb, as much as we'd like to believe!

Morrigan:

common sense always please!

VIRAGOWOMYN:

exactly.

Xori:

for sure - as much as we wish there were!!

Ravenfall:

i do i timetrial and was just intrested becouse so many are on the baned list that you cant take

Morrigan:

when in doubt, don't.

Azrael:

I always use herbs in combination with other remedies... and always make sure they don't conflict... Like when I had a toothache, I used oil of cloves in combination with the prescription pain killer because they didn't affect each other.

Morrigan:

Viraago Woman, Thank you for sharing this information with us! I know I will use it as a reference in the future

VIRAGOWOMYN:

my pleasure... hope this wasn't too boring for y'all

Xori:

VW I do have a question about harvesting the root herbs - being it is comming time - are you experienced in that?

VIRAGOWOMYN:

fairly, Xori

Xori:

I was just wondering exactly how do you go to harvest the herbs without damaging the plant? I mean roots

VIRAGOWOMYN:

Xori- well, I have a great number of plants in my garden. I try to only take a few leaves/berries/etc from each plant. for example, if i need the leaves, i pluck them off

Xori:

I'm speaking of the perinneals - such as the marshmallow and valerian

VIRAGOWOMYN:

ah, yes. i don't grow Marsh Mallow... so i can't help you there!