Light & Shadows of Chalandor

Important Announcement

The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More

Palm, Common (Acanthophoenix) is a diuretic.
1/4 ounce drunk as tea once a day.
Whole leaves are wrapped around a person for protection, but the burned leaves are used in hexing powders.

Palm, Thread (Washingtonia robusta), also called Mexican Fan Palm, is said to build bone marrow.
1 thread as tea once a day.

Palo Azul (Eysenhardtia polystachya), also called Kidneywood, was once used to treat kidney ailments.
Place a few wood chips in water, boil until water changes color, then drink; once a day.
This tree is used to uncross.

Papaw (Carica papaya) makes the skin tender, but the stems have been found to have anti-cancerous properties.
In the Ozark Mountains this tree is said to protect against witchcraft.

Paperbark Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) Clears respiratory passageways and sinus.
1 gram once a day.
The scent of the leaf is said to make one be more outgoing.

Parilla, Yellow (Menispermum Canadense), also called Moonseed, Sarsaparilla and Vine Maple, is used as a laxative and a diuretic.
Powdered root: ½ - 1 dram; fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram; whole leaf: 1 �?4 grains a day.

Paris , Herb (Paris quadrifolia) is a deadly narcotic that can induce vomiting, though the berries are sometimes used in place of opium and were once used to treat arsenic poisoning.

Parsley (Carum petroselinum) is mostly a confectionary.
The root is carried to stave off misfortunes.

Parsley Piert (Alchemilla arvensis), also called Field Lady's Mantle, is a diuretic and cools wounds.
½ ounce drunk as tea up to 3 times a day.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnate) is a safe sedative.
3 �?10 grains a day.
The scent of this flower is a mild sedative.
The flower is sometimes carried to attract love.

Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) can cause nervous conditions.
The scent of this plant is said to be an aphrodisiac, though it has some sedative qualities.
This plant is carried to excite lust in others, especially when anointed behind the knees.

Pau D'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) promotes overall health, stimulating the immune system.
500 milligrams two times a day.
Incense is made from the flowers and placed in the room of a severely sick person.

Peach (Prunus persica) bark is a mild sedative and expectorant.
1 ounce bark drunk as tea up to 3 times a day.
The leaves are carried to help students pass tests.

Pear (Pyrus communis) is a diuretic and supports spleen health.
Though sacred to Venus and once believed to induce lust, the fruit is mostly used to protect cattle.

Pellitory (Anacyclus pyrethrum), also called Roman Pellitory, is used often for toothaches and to increase the flow of saliva.
20 grains a day.

Pellitory of the Wall (Parietaria officinalis), also called Lichwort, is a diuretic, stimulant and cools wounds.
Fluid extract: 1 dram a day.

Pennyroyal (Mentha Pulegium), also called Pudding Grass, stops spasms but is most often used as an insect repellant. CAUTION: Never use this herb internally! Some herbalists claim it is an abortifacient, because of this MANY fatalities have been reported.
Fluid extract: ¼ - 1 dram a day.
The scent of this plant repels insects.
Carried on a ship it will guard against motion sickness and placed in a home it will promote family tranquility.

Pepper, African Bird (Capsicum annuum) apparently is questionably toxic.
The peppers are thrown on another person’s property to cause problems.

Periwinkle, Greater & Lesser (N.O. Apocynaceae) is a laxative and an astringent usually used on hemorrhoids.
2 �?10 drops up to 4 times a day.
This plant is carried for self-esteem.

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) ripe fruit may act as a diuretic.
The wood is used for good business and the leaves are used to soften a man.

Pikerel Weed (Pontederia lanceolata) clears liver and helps the body assimilate fats.
1 gram a day.
The scent of the flower is supposed to help one with discernment.

Pigweed (Amaranthus chlorostachys), also called Green Amaranth, is used to treat hoarseness and excessive menstrual flow.
½ ounce drunk as tea up to 2 times a day.

Pimpernel, Scarlet (Anagallis arvensis), also called Shepherd's Barometer, Poor Man's Weatherglass and Adder's Eyes, is a diuretic and expectorant.
20 grains up to 4 times a day.

Pine, Arborvitae (Pinus nigra) is questionably toxic.
The bush is used to have an unchanged friendship.

Pine, Black Larch (larix laricina), also called Tamarack. The gum is chewed for indigestion.
½ an ounce as needed.

Pine, Common Larch (Pinus larix), is a stimulant and is usually applied to skin conditions.
Boil 1 ounce of needles and apply externally.
The needles are used to unbind.

Pine, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). The oil is used to sooth and softens skin.
2 part needles to 1 part oil, apply externally.

Pine, White (Pinus strobes) is an expectorant, benefits the bladder and kidney and was once compounded to ease someone off morphine addiction.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram a day.
Pine needles are used for purification.

Pineapple Weed (Chamomilla suaveolens) is applied to cramping, soreness and itches.
2 part herb to 1 part water, boil and apply externally.
The plant is used to renew hope.

Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellate), also called Winter Green, Butter Winter, Prince's Pine, King's Cure, Ground Holly, Rat's Vein and Rheumatism Weed, is antibacterial and thins blood.
1 ounce drunk as tea up to 4 times a day.
This plant can be used when summoning spirits.

Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes sp), also called Eve's Cups, Fly Catcher and Saddle Cup is a laxative, but helps with digestion, the bowels and the pancreas.
10 �?30 grains a day.
“Captures hexes.�?BR>
Plantain, Common (Plantago major), also called Ripple Grass and Snakeweed, is used to cool wounds and is mildly astringent.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram a day.
This plant protects from jealousy, keeps away serpents and protects an automobile.

Plantain, Rattlesnake (Orchidaceae Goodyera oblongifolia) is one of the few plants used to treat rattlesnake bites.
Said to protect from rattlesnakes.

Plantain, Water (Alisma Plantago) is a good stone diuretic.
Fluid extract: 1 dram a day.

Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberose), also called Orange Milkweed, is used as an expectorant and reduces inflammation in the lungs.
1 ounce drunk as tea up to 4 times a day.
It is said that a poppet stuffed with the plant will help a person breath. In Greek mythology, any member of the Milkweed family was said to be able to raise the dead, though some members of the family are deadly.

Poke (Phytolacca decandra) is a purgative and a narcotic and can be deadly.
10 �?30 grains a day.
Take a bath with some of the leaves to break hexes. You may also wrap someone’s name around the root and throw it into a river to get rid of the person.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit cools wounds and the bark removes tapeworms.
Powdered flower: 20 �?30 grains; bark: 4 ounces or bark to 20 ounces of water, ½ ounce a day.
As in the Greek myth of Persephone, the seeds are used to bind love.

Pompas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) is helpful to the spine and pituitary glad.
1 gram a day.
The scent creates a feeling of arrogance.
The tufts are used to promote arrogance.

Poplar, Tulip (Liriodendron tulipifera). The green bark is an aphrodisiac and the crushed leaves are used for headaches.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 fluid ounce a day.

Poppy, Red & White (Papaver Rhoeas, Papaver somniferum) is a dangerous narcotic and painkiller.
1 �?2 drams a day.
The flower is used in spells to go unnoticed and has been used in necromancy.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is used to treat rheumatism and is applied to burns.
Old folk would carry a small potato in their pocket to keep off the pain of rheumatism. Also, on the night of a new moon, cut one in half, rub one half on a wart and put the two halves together again with a nail. Burry it and as it rots so will the wart.

Primrose (Primula vulgaris), also called Evening Primrose is a sedative, treats depression and treats the gastro-intestinal tract and alcoholism. CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy.
10 part flower to 100 part water.
The flower is used to control children; hung above a child's bed it will reduce bedwetting.

Princess Flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) rebuilds damaged cells.
1 gram once a day.
The scent of the flower makes one more generous.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seeds are supposed to help with impotence.
The seeds are used to excite lust. Also for protection and the protection of the unborn.

Purple Granadilla (Passiflora quandrangularis) is a feminine hormonal regulator.
1 gram once a day.

Purslane (Portulaca sativa), also called Caterpillar Stings, is applied for inflammation and sores.
2 part herb to 1 part water, boil and apply externally.
The leaves are used to assure good dreams.

Pussytoes (Antennaria parlinii) is applied to treat bruises and sprains.
2 part herb to 1 part water, boil and apply externally.

Parilla, Yellow

Source: A Modern Herbal

By: Mrs M. Greive

(Menispermum Canadense)

AKA: Canadian Moonseed, Texas Sarasparilla, Moonseed, Sarsaparilla, Vine Maple

Parts Used: The rhizome and roots

Medicinal Action & Uses: In small doses it is a tonic, diuretic, laxative and alterative. In larger doses it increases the appetite and action of hte bowels; in full doese, it purges and causes vomiting. It is a superior laxative bitter; considered very useful in scrofula, cutaneous, rheumatic, syphilitic, mercural and arthritic diseases; also for dyspepsia, chronic inflammation of the viscera and in general debility. Externally, the decoction has been applied as an embrocation in cutaneous and gouty affections.

Preparations & Dosages: Powdered root 1/2 to 1 drachm. Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Saturated tincture, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Menispermum, 1 to 4 grains. Decoction, 1 to 4 fluid ounces, three times daily. Menisperine in powder is recommended as a nervine and is considered superior to Sarsaparilla, taken in doses of 1 to 3 grains, three times daily.

Palmarosa

Type: Essential Oil
Energy: N/A
Gender: N/A
Planet: Venus
Elements: Water
Powers: Love and Healing

Inhale during love-attracting spells while you visualize the outcome you desire. Make sure you focus your intent and remember to bring no harm to none.

This oil also speeds healing when used with visualization and of course, proper medical treatment. Smell the scent at least once a day while you visualize your body in a healthy, healed and whole state.

The Power of Patchouli

White flowers, tinged with purple are characterisitic of patchouli
which grows in both axillary and terminal spikes. The crop is cut two
or three times a year. Patchouli leaves are dried and packed in bales
and exported for distillation of the oil. The best oil is freshly
distilled near the plantations. It is used in coarser perfumes and
in 'White Rose' and 'Oriental' toilet soaps. Although the odor is
objectionable to some, it is widely-used both in Asia and India.

Sachets are made of the coarsely-powdered leaves, and before its
common use in Europe, genuine Indian shawls and Indian ink were
distinguished by the odor, which has the unusual quality of improving
with age. Hence the older oil is preferred by perfumers and used to
confer more lasting properties upon other scents.

Patchouli:
Botanical name: pogostemom cablin
Use: stimulates new cell growth, tightens tissues, speeds healing of
sores, wounds, reducing body odor, cools fever, and repels insects.
Calms nerves, lifts depression, reduces inflammation, fights
infection, stimulates sexual desire.
Perfume Note: Base
Blends well with: Chamomile, Lavender, Helichrysum, Geranium, Clary
Sage
Source: leaves
Production method: steam distillation
Aromatherapy benefits: pervasive, calming, enhancing
Aroma type: sweet, spicy, musty, earthy

Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac.
Peacefulmind.com
Alternative medicine and therapies
for healing mind, body & spirit!

Pennyroyal

The herb Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium, family Lamiaceae), is a member of the mint genus; an essential oil extracted from it is used in aromatherapy. Crushed Pennyroyal leaves and foliage exhibit a very strong spearmint fragrance. Pennyroyal is a traditional folk medicine, poison and abortifacient. This oil is high in pulegone, a highly toxic volatile organic compound, which harms the liver and can stimulate uterine activity.

Pennyroyal essential oil is extremely concentrated, it should not ever be taken internally because it is highly toxic; even in small doses, the poison can lead to death.

Pennyroyal tea is the use of a tincture made from the herb, the tincture is widely reputed as safe to ingest in restricted quantities. It has been traditionally employed and reportedly successful as an emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant).

The most popular current use of the tea is to settle the stomach. Other reported medicinal uses through history include fainting, flatulence, gall ailments, gout, hepatitis (presumably Hepatitis A), a lung cleanser, a gum strengthener and, when ground with vinegar, a tumor remedy, although there is little to no medical evidence on any of these treatments.

Common Plantain: Plantango Major L.

Perennial; 6 - 18 in. Leaves broad-oval: wavy-margined or toothed, ribbed; stalk is groved. Flowers in slender, elongated heads; May - Oct.

Narrow-Leaved Plantain: Plantango Lanceolata L.

Annual; 10 - 23 in. Leaves lance-shaped; 3-ribbed. Flowers tiny, whitish, in a short cylindrical head on a grooved stalk; April - Nov.

Where found: Waste places. Throughout our area. Alien weed.

Uses: Traditionally, leaf tea used for coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, bloody urine. Science confirms bronchodilation action; used in Europe for bronchitis and bronchial spasms due to colds. Approved in Germany for treatment of catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and inflamed mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Leaves applied to blisters, sores, ulcers, swelling, insect stings; also used for earaches, eye ailments; thought to reduce heat and pain of inflammation. Science has vindicated utility in healing sores, with mild antibiotic and anti-inflammotory action. The mucilage from any plantain seed may lower cholesterol levels. Some plantains may cause rare instances of contact dermatitis.

Parts Used: Leaves or aerial parts.

Collection: Gather during flowering throughout the summer. Dry as fast as possible as the leaves will discolor if dried improperly.

Plantain, according to legend, was a maiden who spent so much time by the roadside watching and waiting for her absent lover that she eventually was transformed into this common roadside plant. Early American history recalls that the Indians called it white man's foot; the plant, with it's rosette of leaves and it's stalk of seeds looking like a miniature cattail, seemed to follow the white settlers everywhere they went.

Culinary: The tough, fibrous, mature leaves are difficult to digest, but the tender young leaves can be eaten in salads or steamed lightly as with spinach. Watch out, though-- the leaves have a mild laxative effect.

Medicinal: Stings, bug bites, also poison ivy. The root can be chewed to ease the pain of a toothache.

Spit poultice - Pluck a fresh leaf and chew it well; then spit it on the wound.

Pounded poultice - Pound a large fresh leaf between two rocks; apply to wound.

Infused oil - Fill any dry glass jar with chopped fresh plantain leaves. then fill jar with olive oil. Cover. Label. Place in a bowl or on a plate. After six weeks, decant and use.

Ointment - Warm infused oil. Add a large spoonful of beeswax to the warm (not hot) oil and stir with your finger until it melts. Then pour your liquid ointment into small jars. The more beeswax you use the harder the ointment will be.

Pleurisy Root

Botanical: Asclepias tuberose (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Asclepiadaceae

---Synonyms---Butterfly-weed. Swallow-wort. Tuber Root. Wind Root. Colic Root. Orange Milkweed.
---Part Used---Root.

The genus Asclepias contains about eighty species, mostly natives of North America, a few being indigenous to South America and Africa.

Asclepias tuberosa, common from Canada southwards, growing from Ontario to Minnesota, most abundantly southward and southwestward, is known popularly as Pleurisy Root, from its medicinal use. Its stem forms an exception to Asclepias in general, by being almost or entirely devoid of the acrid milky juice containing caoutchouc, that distinguishes the rest of the genus and has gained them the name of Milkweeds.

---Description---It is a handsome, fleshy rooted, perennial plant, growing 1 to 1 1/2foot high and bearing corymbs of deep yellow and orange flowers in September. When cultivated, it does not like being disturbed, and prefers good peat soil.

The rootstock, the part used medicinally, is spindle-shaped and has a knotty crown, slightly but distinctly annulate, the remainder longitudinally wrinkled.

The dried root as found in commerce is usually in cut or broken pieces of variable size, 1 to 6 inches long and about 3/4 inch in thickness, externally pale orange-brown, becoming greyish-brown when kept long, internally whitish. It is tough and has an uneven fracture; the broken surface is granular; that of the bark is short and brittle. The wood is yellowish, with large white medullary rays. The drug is almost inodorous, but has a bitterish and disagreeable, somewhat acrid taste.

The powdered drug is yellowish brown and when examined under the microscope shows numerous simple or 2 to 4 compound starch grains, also calcium oxalate crystals.

The Western Indians boil the tubers for food, prepare a crude sugar from the flowers and eat the young seed-pods, after boiling them, with buffalo meat. Some of the Canadian tribes use the young shoots as a potherb, after the manner of asparagus.

---Constituents---The root contains a glucosidal principle, Asclepiadin, which occurs as an amorphous body, is soluble in ether, alcohol and hot water. It also contains several resins, and odorous fatty matter, and a trace of volatile oil. It yields not more than 9 per cent of ash.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, carminative and mildly cathartic.

From early days this Asclepias has been regarded as a valuable medicinal plant. It is one of the most important of the indigenous American remedies, and until lately was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia.

It possesses a specific action on the lungs, assisting expectoration, subduing inflammation and exerting a general mild tonic effect on the system, making it valuable in all chest complaints. It is of great use in pleurisy, mitigating the pain and relieving the difficulty of breathing, and is also recommended in pulmonary catarrh. It is extensively used in the Southern States in these cases, also in consumption, in doses of from 20 grains to a drachm in a powder, or in the form of a decoction.

It has also been used with great advantage in diarrhoea, dysentery and acute and chronic rheumatism, in low typhoid states and in eczema. It is claimed that the drug may be employed with benefit in flatulent colic and indigestion, but in these conditions it is rarely used.

In large doses it acts as an emetic and purgative.

A teacupful of the warm infusion (1 in 30) taken every hour will powerfully promote free perspiration and suppressed expectoration. The infusion may be prepared by taking 1 teaspoonful of the powder in a cupful of boiling water.

The decoction is taken in doses of 2 to 3 fluid ounces.

The dose of the fluid extract is 1/2 to 1 drachm; of Asclepin, 1 to 4 grains.

A much-recommended herbal recipe is: Essence of composition powder, 1 OZ.; fluid extract of Pleurisy Root, 1 OZ. Mix and take a teaspoonful three or four times daily in warm sweetened water.

It is often combined with Angelica and Sassafras for producing perspiration in fever and pleurisy and for equalizing the circulation of the blood.

More than a dozen other species have similar properties

Pomegranate

The hundreds of ruby-colored seeds inside pomegranates were once thought to symbolize fertility, and given the fruit's proven powers as a strong antioxidant, it has given birth to a huge number of products, including designer juice and high-end skin-care creams.

The pomegranate's power comes from ellagic acid, a type of polyphenol, which is an antioxidant found in red wine and green tea. Antioxidants seek out and neutralize cell-damaging free radicals that come from the environment (pollution, UV rays) and from the body's natural aging process. Ellagic acid has been shown in some studies to neutralize free radicals more effectively than the other polyphenols found in green tea and red wine. It's also more stable in skin-care products than some other antioxidants, like vitamin C, which can lose potency when exposed to light and air.

Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae), is a potherb, an annual succulent, a
green, and to many, a weed. But it's been found to be a source of
Vitamin A, C and E, plus contains an omega-3 fatty acid. It also has
only about 15 calories per serving! We owe it to ourselves to find out
more about this herb that most of us yank out of the ground by the
handfuls!

You can eat the wild purslane that you find in the garden or flower
beds if you are absolutely sure it has not been exposed to chemicals of any kind. However, the cultivated varieties are often larger and more
tender. You'll need a sunny position that is well-drained. Purslane is
very drought tolerant, but plant it in good, fertile soil with compost
added for the juiciest stems and leaves.

Purslane is best when it's young and tender. Grow it in pots or shallow
wide containers and harvest as needed, using mostly top leaves and
stems. Once the plant blooms it won't be as tender and tasteful. Just a
note-don't confuse purslane with Moss Rose, Portulaca grandiflora, an
annual that is grown for it's rose like blooms.

Purslane can be added to soups, similar to the okra is used. You can
also add it raw to salads. The crunchy tangy taste is really a great
addition. In Mexico it is traditionally added to eggs and omelets.
Substitute purslane for the spinach in a Bacon Spinach Salad recipe.
It's also great in any type of Greek salad that includes olive oil and
feta cheese. You can substitute the succulent leaves for cucumbers in
your favorite dill pickle recipe.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
Light & Shadows of Chalandor	[email protected]

Pleurisy Root

Botanical: Asclepias tuberose (LINN.) Family: N.O. Asclepiadaceae

Botanical: Asclepias tuberose (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Asclepiadaceae