| Florence Fennel: The Essential Italian Herb
Florence Fennel (F. vulgare azoricum), also known as
finocchio, is an annual which is known mainly for the stem
that swells to a "bulb" as it grows. It is similar to celery
and can be used raw or cooked. It is very popular in Italian
cooking, but foreign to many cooks. Fennel bulbs are readily
available in the produce section of larger grocery stores
and are worthy of trying!
Florence Fennel is easy to grow, and a lovely addition to
the herb or vegetable garden with it's wispy foliage. If you
purchase seeds or plants at a garden center be sure to ask
for Florence Fennel-versus the Common Fennel. One source I
ran across called this variety F. vulgare dulce, but it
appears that is not correct; you will be looking for
F. vulgare azoricum. Fennel: Herbal Remedies
by Jennifer Brett, N.D.
Fennel looks much like a large version of its relative, dill. Also like dill, this herb has a score of herbal remedy and culinary uses.
Fennel's medicinal uses include reducing gas discomfort, cramps, bloating and more -- and it can be a useful addition to the diet of those sufferings from stomach problems.
Uses for Fennel
Fennel is a digestive aid and a
carminative, or agent capable of
diminishing gas
It is recommended for numerous complaints related to excessive gas in the stomach and intestines, including indigestion, cramps, and bloating, as well as for colic in infants. Other Apiaceae family members, such as dill and caraway, also are considered carminatives.
As an antispasmodic, fennel acts on the smooth muscle of the respiratory passages as well as the stomach and intestines; this is the reason that fennel preparations are used to relieve bronchial spasms. Since it relaxes bronchial passages, allowing them to open wider, it is sometimes included in asthma, bronchitis, and cough formulas.
Fennel long has been used to promote milk production in nursing mothers. And because of its antispasmodic activity, breastfed infants whose mothers drink fennel tea are less likely to suffer from colic than other babies.
Fennel Preparations and Dosage
Bulk fennel seeds are most commonly used as medicine and as a cooking spice. For the best results and flavor, crush the seeds a bit before using them: Use a mortar and pestle to crush them, or simply rub them between the palms of your hands.
Another simple way to get your fennel is through this delicious quinoa and orange fennel dressing salad. The recipe is below:
1 cup quinoa (a whole grain available in health food stores)
3 cups water
1 carrot, grated
2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup purple onion, chopped
2 cups arugula, shredded
1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts)
Boil quinoa in water until soft. Drain and place in a salad bowl with carrots, peas, onion, and arugula. Chill. Toss with fennel dressing (recipe below) and nuts, and serve.
Fennel Precautions and Warnings
None cited in popular references.
Side Effects of Fennel
Although a few rare individuals experience allergic reactions to fennel, it generally is considered quite safe and nontoxic. Pregnant women should not consume large amounts of fennel tea or take any other fennel preparations, as it could cause their milk to come in too early.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), also called Sweet Fennel and Wild Fennel, is used to relieve flatulence, but can be a purgative. It has been used to assist diabetics.
The scent of the seeds suppress the appetite.
If some of this herb is placed in the left shoe you won’t get any ticks; also protects from witchcraft.
Fenugreek (Foenum-graecum), also called Greek Hay Seed, is invaluable when dealing with diabetes.
1 ounce seeds to 1 pint water, 1 �?2 tablespoons a day.
This plant is used in money spells.
Fern, Bracken (Pteris aquiline) is used to ease pains in the thigh when used externally.
1 bruised root in water.
Burn this plant to bring rain and keep it under your pillow to receive solutions to your problems in dreams.
Fern, Male (Dryopteris Felix-mas, Aspidium Filix-mas) is used in small doses to expel tapeworms.
Powdered root: 1 �?4 drams a day.
Fern wards burglars from the home.
Fern, Black Spleenwort (Asplenium Adiantum nigrum) is said to promote spleen health.
1 tablespoon of herb drank as tea up to 3 times a day.
This fern is used in rainmaking.
Fern, Wall Rue (Asplenium Ruta-muraria), also called White Maidenhair and Tentwort, is used to prevent hair from falling out.
Boil plant in water and wash hair with it once a day.
Feverfew (Centaurea cyanus), also called Flirtwort and Bachelor's Buttons, is used to reduce fevers, increase circulation, lift spirits and reduce swelling to insect bites once applied.
1 ounce drunk as tea up to 3 times a day.
The scents of the flowers often soften emotional protection.
This flower is generally used to attract the love of females, but is also worn by clumsy people to protect them from harming themselves.
Figwort, Knotted (Scrophularia nodosa), also called Throatwort, Carpenter's Square and Kernelwort, is applied to reduce swelling and the sight of bruises.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram once a day.
This plant is wrapped around the neck as an amulet.
Fir, Balsam (Abies balsamea) is traditionally used on inflammation.
Boil a small branch in water and wash area.
The scent of the needles gives a feeling of well-being.
Fir, Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) is used as a wash for rheumatism.
Boil a small branch in water and wash area.
Fireweed (Erechtites hieracifolia, Cineraria Canadensis) treats skin flaking and is also good to apply to hemorrhoids.
2 part herb to 1 part alcohol.
The scent of this plant is mildly hallucinogenic.
Since this plant sometimes breaks off at the root and becomes tumbleweed, it is used to protect travelers.
Flax, Common (Linum usitatissimum), also called Linseed, is applied to boils and scalding. It counters constipation but is not commonly used so because it causes flatulence.
1 ounce seeds to 1 pint water, 1 glassful up to 3 times a day.
The flowers are a cure for sorcery.
Flax, Mountain (Linum catharticum), also called Dwarf Flax, is used as a purgative.
1 ounce drank as tea.
Fleabane, Canadian (Erigeron Canadense), also called Fleawort, Coltstail and Prideweed, is used when the tonsils and throat are inflamed.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram once a day.
Keep this plant under your bed to assure fidelity.
Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis symphytifolia) “has a strong affinity for the respiratory organs, especially the left lower lung.�?BR>Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram once a day.
The plant is used to return a lost lover.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), also called Witches' Gloves, Dead Men's Bells, Fairy's Glove, Bloody Fingers and Fairy Caps, is not commonly used as the tiniest bit speeds up the heart dramatically and is deadly.
Frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is said to relax the symptoms of herpes.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram once a day.
The flowers make others have confidence and trust in you.
Frankincense (Boswellia Thurifera) is a stimulant, but is mostly used as an oil to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
1 small branch boiled in water and applied externally.
The scent helps one release the past.
The branches are commonly used as incense when making offerings.
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginica), also called Snowdrop Berry and Poison Ash, is slightly narcotic, applied to inflammation and is used in liver complaints.
½ - 2 ounces drunk as tea up to 3 times a day; powdered herb: 1 �?3 grains a day.
Frostweed (Helianthemum Canadense) is taken to treat swelling of the lymph nodes.
2 grains of plant, 1 dram a day.
Fungus, Caterpillar (Cordyceps sinensis), also known as Cordyceps Fungus, is known for aiding in the regeneration of bone marrow and boosts immune and endocrine system.
2 �?4 grams a day.
Fungus, Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and grows back damaged nerves.
1 tablespoon up to 3 times a day. Frankincense
Boswellia Thurifera
Excerpt from: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
By
Paul Beyerl
Sun
Herb of Consecration . . . Herb of Protection . . . Herb of Purification . .
. Religious Herb
Invocatory:
Adonis, Apollo, Baal, Demeter, Ra, also called olibanum
Lore:
With strong associations with the Sun, frankincense has been used to give
honor to solar deities. It was a powerful and valued herb of the ancients.
Its use during the times of the Old Testament is well documented by ancient
Hebrew. Frankincense has also been associated with Apollo and Adonis. The
Romans expanded their use of this incense beyond that of the temple, giving
it significance at political occasions as well. In addition, it was used
within the Chaldean priesthood and burned by the Babylonians to invoke Baal,
their solar deity.
It remains an important herb throughout those countries along the eastern
end of the Mediterranean. In Egypt it is heated and blackened. The sticky
substance is used cosmetically. From A Modern Herbal we learn the following:
According to Herodotus, Frankincense to the amount of 1000 talents weight
was offered every year, during the feast of Bel, on the great altar of his
temple in Babylon. The religious use of incense was as common in ancient
Persia as in Babylon and Assyria. Herodotus states that the Arabs brought
every year to Darius as tribute 1000 talents of Frankincense, and the modern
Parsis of western India still preserve the ritual of incense.
Interestingly, frankincense has also been linked with Demeter and several
lunar goddesses, believed capable of bringing forth the soul and compassion
of the feminine nature of the Universe.
Frankincense has been highly esteemed in the western Judeo-Christian
religions, used in many of their ceremonies. It remains a primary ingredient
for ceremonial mixtures within the Roman Catholic Church, carrying on an
ages-old tradition. We can read about its history in A Modern Herbal:
The ceremonial incense of the Jews was compounded of four "sweet scents," of
which pure frankincense was one, pounded together in equal proportion. It is
frequently mentioned the Pentateuch. Pure frankincense formed part of the
meet offering and was also presented with the shew-bread every Sabbath day.
With other spices, it was stored in a great chamber of the House of God at
Jerusalem.
USAGE:
Frankincense is used for ritual primarily as an incense. It is one of the
best herbs for an offering or sacrifice due to the nature of its harvest. A
special knife is used to make a cut into the bark of the tree. When the sap
oozes out, it dries into tear-shaped beads which are gathered and processed
for the market. It has been used at may of the solar festivals, and is
particularly used at Beltane, Lammas and Yule.
This resin may be burned or infused in a light tea, making ideal fare for
studying the Sixes of the minor arcana. Frankincense shares an affinity with
topaz. Either will enhance the power of the other. This resin is suited for
the consecration of wands and of other ritual items associated with
self-will, self-control and the disciplines of one's ego. It is of
particular use for those with Leo planets, although some slip into an
illusory state of mind and perceive it enhancing the ego, rather than
placing one in humble admiration of all which is divine.
The history and the combination of feminine and masculine energies lend
frankincense singular place among Magickal Herbs. It represents the
divinity's ability to move into manifestation.
Frankincense is often associated with ritual workings to bring success.
However, this use of frankincense will only be of benefit when the
practitioner is balanced both in the spiritual and in the mundane daily
life.
Of value in ritual, it assists the conscious mind in maintaining focus and
generates a sense of reverence and respect for the larger world of spirit
and the stunning beauty of manifest Universe. Frankincense has a cleansing
quality within one's astral self, bringing purification to one's spiritual
being but also providing protection for those who walk in the world of
spirit when taking their astral journeys. FEVERFEW (Tanacetum parthenium)
Parts Used: Flowers, leaves.
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antispasmodic, Antithrombotic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nervine, Tonic.
Internal Uses: Arthritis, Colic, Fever, Flatulence, Migraine, Pain, Rheumatism, Vertigo
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture , Fresh Leaves (chew slowly for migraine)
Topical Uses: Headache, Insect Repellent, Painful Menses, Vertigo
Topical Applications: Fresh flowers are rubbed on the skin as an insect repellant. Applied as a compress to the head for headaches and vertigo. Sitz bath for painful menses.
Contraindications: In rare cases, one may experience irritation of the mouth and tongue, but taking it with food can minimize this possibility. Avoid during pregnancy or if on blood thinning medications, as it can affect the rate of blood clotting. If one is very allergic to ragweed, use under the supervision of a health professional.
Magikal uses: Honoring the Maiden aspect, cleansing and clearing, releasing fear of the unknown Flax Folk Names: Linseed Gender: Masculine Planet: Mercury Element: Fire Deity: Hulda Powers: Money, Protection, beauty, Psychic Powers, Healing Part Used: Seed Properties: Demulcent, Emollient, Laxative, Mucilage Body Parts Affected: Lungs, throat, intestines and stomach Preparation and dosage: Infusion: Steep 5 to 15 minutes. 1 Cup daily Decoction: 2oz. Three times daily Tincture: 15 to 40 drops three times daily or as needed Fluid Extract: 15 to 30 drops three times daily or as needed Powder: 10 to 20 #0 capsules (60 to 120 grains) once daily Indicated Uses: Internal Asthma: Decoction Bronchitis: Decoction Catarrh: Decoction Constipation: Decoction, Soaked seeds Coughs: Decoction, Fluid Extract, Tincture Diarrhea: Decoction Enteritis: Decoction Flatulence: Tincture, Fluid Extract, Decoction Hemorrhoids: Decoction Lung and chest disorders: Tincture, Fluid Extract, Decoction Pleurisy: Decoction Flax seed has mucilaginous qualities which makes it good for all intestinal inflammations. A teaspoon of powered seed mixed in a cup of hot water or juice and taken three times a day will ease all ulcers and inflammations. The tea is good for coughs, asthma, and pleurisy. Mixed in poultices it is one of the best remedies for sores, boils, carbuncles, inflammations and tumors. Combine with slippery elm bark for a very effective poultice for boils, pimples, oozing sores and burns. It is excellent added to diets which are low in fiber. A good morning drink: 1 tablespoon of powdered flax seed 1 tablespoon of hulled sesame seed, powdered 1 tablespoon of unroasted carob powder 1 tablespoon of raw honey Pour two cups of boiling water over ingredients and blend. Drink warm and it can take the place of hot chocolate. It is also a good drink for strengthening the teeth and bones. Drink this every day as a nutrient or to increase bowel movements. Several times people with bleeding, painful hemorrhoids have experienced easy bowel movements without pain when the tea or above drink is taken everyday. Ritual Use: Flax was used in rituals to Hulda, The Teutonic Goddess who first taught mortals to cultivate flax, and to spin it into linen thread and weave it into cloth. Magical Use: Flax seeds are used in money spells. A few can be placed in the pocket, wallet or purse, or a jar should be placed on the alter and a few coins, plus some flax seed, added. This should be repeated each day to attract money. A bit of flax in the shoe wards off poverty. The blue flax flowers are worn as a preservative against sorcery. To protect yourself while asleep, mix equal parts flax seed and mustard seed and place this mixture next to your bed. On the other side of the bed place a pan of cold water. You will be guarded during your slumber. Alternatively, a Combination of red pepper and flax seed, kept in a box somewhere in the house, prevents evil from entering. To ensure that your child grows up to be a beautiful or handsome adult, let him or her dance among growing flax at the age of seven. Sprinkle the alter with flax seed while performing healing rituals, or include it in healing mixtures. To help cure lumbago, tie a hank of flax around the loins. If you suffer from dizziness, this is a somewhat drastic cure: run naked, after sunset, three times through a field of flax. While you do this the flax will take to itself your dizziness and you’ll be cured. You may get a cold, but you won’t be dizzy! | | |
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