Wortcunning is a term that refers to the knowledge (cunning) and use of the secret or hidden properties of herbs (or plants/worts). Herbs or Worts as used for healing and medicinal purposes can be traced all the way back to Egypt's Necropolis of Theban and the Eber Papyrus (one of the world's oldest surviving medical texts). Many of the herbal ingredients and items listed therein may still be found in the dark cubbies and cobwebbed corners of many a modern Witch's cupboards and cabinets today. A majority of these plants or herbs serve a dual function, being both used to treat medicinally as well as magically.       One of many tasks a practicing Hedgewytch undertakes during their time of study and learning is discovering the lore about such herbs or worts and learning how they may be utilized in various rites and workings of their own Art or Craft making. Uses of the many varied worts available abound from creating your own powerful aromatic incense blends, stuffing and lining poppet or mommet figures, to uses in workings of a more mantic nature by brewing teas that will be ingested to inspire prophetic dreams.      No matter what the cause or reason for the use of the herb there are many elements to consider from what the purpose of the rite or working is to the day it is to be held on or done when choosing your selection to harvest from the garden. All plants fall under the subsequent 'rulership' of a particular day of the week and it's corresponding Spirit. By looking over the chart below you will see the various names of these herbs, deities, day of the week and function and by researching what it is you hope to enact with your working you will be able to choose a combination of worts/herbs for that specific purpose. The waxing and waning influence of the moon will also lend its powers and associations to such rites and workings. As an example; the Waxing Moon is good for certain growth blouts and for cup sainings, and Waning Moons are excellent times for curses or banishings - even arthame sainings. Full Moons are splendid times for various types of fertility rites and Houzles. And Dark or New Moons will always belong to Old Fate alone, for those are for workings to discover the very essence of Fate and of the Mystery.      Proper respect should always be shown for the taking of such gifts from the earth for our use. An offering is called for in situations such as these and a shortened version of the Houzle may be used here or another type of oblation such as a gift of fresh milk for the local land spirits. This milk should be given freely and poured onto the earth near the plant you wish to harvest. One should always be tender and gentle when taking herbs from the ground in this fashion and be thankful for this power that we are given to share. Failure to heed these suggestions may mean the difference between worts harvested with their full spirit intact, (this being a great boon to any working)-- to worts that have no spark or life in them and are not beneficent in any manner either magically or medicinally.

Your Herbal First Aide Kit
 
 
Below is a list of preparations you will find effective in treating and
soothing everyday ailments. Keep them on hand and use them for your First Aid Herbal Approach
 
 
Lavender Essential Oil
Sinus headaches. Rub 2 drops of lavender into the forehead. Mix together - 3 drops of lavender essential oil into 1 tsp. of olive oil. Massage temples and neck to relieve headaches.
 
 
Honey
Draws pus out of wounds. Use as cough reliever. Mix 2 Tbs. lemon juice and 2 Tbs. honey in a small container. Sip slowly. Honey is also a natural
antibiotic, and it truly does work to heal minor cuts. Is also good taken
plain for sore throats and colds.
 
 
Aloe Vera
Soothes minor burns and sunburn.
 
Garlic
Used to rid the body of infection. Rub on corns and acne. Take two cloves of garlic and slice add a 1/2 cup of honey let sit for 4 hours, take sliced garlic out and take a teaspoonful for coughs and sore throats.
 
 
Tea Tree Oil
Antiseptic and anti-fungal oil. Great for cold sores. This is great to use for yeast infections. Put a few drops into a douche of warm water and use 2-3 times a day for a couple of days. Also good in shampoos to keep lice out of your school child's hair. A drop of tea tree and a drop of lavender oil and
1 tablespoonful of olive oil works great on pimple break outs.
 
 
Ginger Tea
Ease travel sickness or an upset stomach. Make a cup of tea with ground ginger
or grated ginger root. Ginger also makes a wonderful bath for sick children and adults. Just put about a tsp. of ginger in a tepid bath and then soak. This helps congestion, as well as upset tummies.
 
 
Echinacea
Take 2 capsules daily to ward off a cold during the cold flu season. (*And don't forget Vitamin C and zinc with this to really zap a cold.)
 
 
Witch Hazel
Use to clean cuts. 1 part witch hazel 4 parts water. This is also a fabulous bruise healer. Soak a cotton pad in witch hazel and apply the pad to the area for as long as you can keep it on there. Witch hazel is also a great toner for the skin.
 
 
 
Chamomile and Lavender
Use dried herbs or tea bags. Chamomile tea: soothes nerves, insomnia and digestive problems. Lavender: relieves headaches, migraines, stress, reduces painful swelling. Both herbs can be infused and use as a skin tonic. 2 cups of chamomile tea in a bath will calm restless children, infants and adults.
 
HERBAL EXTRACTS
Herbal tinctures and extracts are the preferred form of medicine as they are assimilated quickly and administered easily. Tincturing also extracts valuable constituents not found in teas since certain active plant properties are only soluble in alcohol. If you dislike the alcohol, you can reduce its presence somewhat by placing the drops in a half cup of hot, boiled water and allowing it to sit for 15 minutes. You can also mix the extract with juice to disguise the taste. To keep things in perspective, it has been said there's more alcohol in a ripe banana than in the suggested dosage of herbal extracts.
Arnica. This external remedy makes a great massage liniment for sore and cramped muscles. It will decrease pain and prevent swelling and bruising associated with torn ligaments, sprains, crushed fingers and toes, and broken bones -- provided the skin is not broken. Arnica works best if applied immediately after an injury and continued every couple hours for the first day.
Cayenne. Five to ten drops diluted in two ounces of water can be used internally for frostbite and hypothermia. It moves the blood from the center of the body to the peripheral areas, warming hands and feet. A couple drops under the tongue will help to revive someone in shock or trauma. Used externally for heavily bleeding lacerations, it will coagulate the blood to stanch the flow (though it stings a mite).
Valerian. As an antispasmodic and painkiller, this herb relieves intestinal and menstrual cramps, headaches and general aches or pains. As a nervine, it will bring sleep to an exhausted person. The dosage range is 30 to 60 drops.
Echinacea. Besides possessing the ability to increase the supply of white blood cells to an infected area, thus boosting the immune system, echinacea is also antibiotic and antibacterial to gram positive bacteria such as strep or staph. It's helpful with fevers, poisoning, or any type of internal infection and has reportedly been used for poisonous insect and snake bites by many native Plains tribes. Echinacea is a good preventative and supportive herb for the onset of the flu or common cold. The dosage ranges from 30 to 60 drops, the higher ranges used for fevers and acute situations. For toothaches, it can be massaged into the surrounding gums and teeth. For poisonous bites, 60 drops every 15 minutes is appropriate.
Grindelia. As an external remedy, grindelia cools and soothes hot, irritated skin rashes, sunburns, itchy insect bites and poison ivy. When taken internally, it helps expel mucus obstruction in the bronchioles and may be useful for some types of asthma and respiratory congestion.
Milk thistle combination.<WBR>This can include milk thistle, burdock and kelp in equal parts. An alternative to chaparral that acts to leach heavy metals and radiation toxicity from the thyroid, blood, and liver as well as protects the liver against further damage. Good to take before and after dental x-rays and after taking Tylenol or Advil.
Quassia. As an antimicrobial, this herb is traditionally used for bacterial diarrhea, dysentery, and giardia -- a lower gastrointestinal complaint contracted by drinking contaminated water. The standard dose is three to five droppersful every six hours. To treat suspected bad water, add 30 drops to each quart of water.
Syrup of Ipecac. This standard remedy promotes vomiting and should only be used in certain types of poisoning.
Flower rescue remedy. Used for emotional trauma for all ages, flower essences work quickly and effectively on symptoms ranging from hyperventilation to neurosis. Rubbing the drops on the temples and wrists of hysterical children unable to take anything orally will have an immediate calming influence. Extracts will keep their potency for several years if stored in a dark and cool place.POWDERED HERBS
Slippery elm capsules. Used for food poisoning, this powder combines and buffers poisons in the stomach and bowels to decrease toxic absorption. It can soothe mucous membranes and settle an upset stomach.
Ginger root capsules. Use two caps for motion and morning sickness. It's also effective for nausea caused by flu or bad food.
Marshmallow-<WBR>peppermint oil capsules. This is an easy-to-make combination of four parts marshmallow powder to one part peppermint oil. The powder in this formula is basically a vehicle for the peppermint oil to reach the small intestines without dissolving in the stomach. The capsules reduce intestinal cramping that can accompany any gastrointestinal tract infection.
For children not able to swallow capsules, you can dissolve the contents in four cups of juice or sweetened water.
Poultice combination powder. This should consist of at least one antibacterial herb, one antifungal, an emollient, and an astringent. A possible combination can contain equal parts gentian, myrrh gum, goldenseal, and marshmallow. This powder can be stored in a zip-lock plastic bag and makes a nice dust for sore feet, lacerations (it will stop excess bleeding), diaper rash, infections, insect bites, or inflamed eyes (it is cooling and soothing). A tea of these herbs can be used externally as a wash. For foreign objects in the eye, make a paste by adding water to the mix and bandage it over the closed eyelid to draw the object out and soothe the eye simultaneously.<WBR>OILS
Peppermint. A little on the temples can help you stay awake and a few drops in water will settle an upset stomach.
Tea tree oil. Called a "first aid kit in a bottle," tea tree (Melaleuca leucadendron) oil has strong antifungal and antibiotic properties with antiseptic abilities. It can be used for fungal infections, pus-filled wounds or burns, cold sores, and herpes lesions. For use with earaches and on sensitive skin, dilute with equal parts olive oil. Use sparingly -- tea tree oil goes a long way.SALVES
A good all purpose salve is essential. You want one that will draw and shrink swollen tissues, fight bacteria, and soothe compromised tissues. Here is a list of common herbs that fall in each category:
Emollients -- marshmallow, slippery elm, plantain, comfrey, and mullein;
Antimicrobials -- echinacea, goldenseal, yerba mansa, Oregon grape, osha, propolis, myrrh gum, garlic, calendula, chamomile, chaparral, gentian, and usnea;
Astringents -- horsetail, bistort, geranium, rose, alum, yarrow, witch hazel, yellow dock, and St. John's wort.
A combination of one herb from each category is a good disinfectant for anaerobic bacteria and is soothing to epithelial cells. The mixture will also cut down on bleeding and slow the scarring process. It will speed up the healing time and can be used anywhere a salve is needed to coat and protect.
All of the herbal products mentioned are available at most health food stores or by mail order herb businesses (see margin). All of the hardware can be found at your local pharmacy. If you are making your own extracts, start with either fresh or whole plants and cut to near powder yourself. The herb will be more potent. If you are buying your extracts and bulk herbs, look to see that they are either organically grown or ethically wild harvested, which means they were gathered in a conservative, sustainable manner that does no harm to the full survival of the plant species. If this is not written on the label ask your retailer to provide you with documentation as this information should always be available to the customer. Be sure to include dosage information on the bottles as well as in the instruction booklet, which can be nothing more than 3x5 cards that you can cover with see-through packing tape to waterproof and keep clean. The actual kit can be
made out of many different things: a cigar box, a gutted cassette case, or something you make out of durable canvas material with a Velcro closure. Keep your first aid kit compact and organized with dividers or see-through nylon mesh so everything can be found quickly.
Using herbal remedies -- either those you prepare yourself or ones that are made by environmentally responsible companies -- is self-empowering. And it's rewarding to know you had a hand in the healing process.
 
RecipesThese are the remedies you will reach for most often. All of these items are available in health food stores and here are some recipes you can make yourself. Making herbal remedies yourself is fun, can save your family lots of money and assures you the highest quality.
Mullein Garlic Ear Oil 1/4 cup Mullein Flowers
3 cloves Garlic
Olive oil
Preparation: Chop the garlic into small pieces. Place the garlic and mullein flowers in a small glass jar with a lid. Cover the mullein flowers with olive oil and allow to set in the sun for several days, or heat over very low heat for 4 hours. If you are using fresh mullein flowers, cover your jar with cheesecloth rather than a lid to allow moisture to escape. Strain the oil through cheesecloth and store your oil in a small dropper bottle in the refrigerator.
To use warm the oil to body temperature by placing the bottle of oil in a glass of hot water for a few minutes. Insert 2-3 drops in the affected ear 2-3 times per day.
If there is fluid oozing from the ear or any chance that the ear drum is perforated do not use the ear oil
Herbal Salve 1 part St. John's Wort
1 part Calendula
1 part Comfrey leaf
1 part Plantain
Olive Oil
Beeswax
Vitamin E

Great all purpose salve. Use for insect bites, itching, wounds, burns and on fungal infections.
To begin your salve, measure the desired amount of herbs into an enamel or stainless steel pan, or into a crock pot.
Cover the herbs with oil. Use enough oil to cover the herbs plus another inch of oil above the level of herbs.
Heat the herbs and oil over a low heat for several hours ( about 3 hours). If you are using roots you should heat the oil longer( about 5 hours). I strongly encourage you to use a crock pot for heating your oil because it operates at a controlled low temperature which is less likely to be a fire hazard. If you don't use a crock pot then use a double boiler.
After heating, cool your oil for awhile. Set up a strainer lined with cheesecloth then pour the oil through to strain. When most of the oil has filtered through the cheesecloth, pick up the cheesecloth, keeping the herbs enclosed, and squeeze as much oil as possible from the herbs and cloth.
Add beeswax to the oil and heat it until all the wax is melted. To test to see if your salve is hard enough, put some on a spoon and set it in a cool place for a few minutes. If your salve is too soft, add more beeswax.
If you are using essential oils or Vitamin E you can blend them in now. Finally, pour your salve into containers and label.
Note - If 1 part equals 1/3 cup then you will need 12 - 14 ounces of oil and about 1 ounce of beeswax.
Usnea Tincture 1 ounce Usnea barbata
1 cup 100 proof vodka
To make an alcohol tincture you will need the herb, 100 proof grain alcohol and a labeled glass jar. Do not use isopropyl rubbing alcohol which is very toxic when ingested!
Place the chopped herbs in a glass jar and cover with alcohol plus another inch of alcohol above the level of the herbs. Shake the mixture well to bring the alcohol into to contact with all surfaces of the herb. Label the jar with the contents and the date. Shake your tincture everyday throughout the next six weeks. Strain and use as needed.
Usnea is best extracted in alcohol as some constituents are not soluble in glycerin. If you don't wish to consume alcohol it is possible to put the required dosage into a cup with an few ounces of boiling water. The heat will cause the alcohol to evaporate leaving the therapeutic qualities of the herb in the water.
Echinacea Glycerite 2 ounces Echinacea purpurea root
4 ounces pure vegetable glycerin
2 ounces distilled water
Follow the same basic instructions for making the alcohol tincture substituting glycerin for alcohol. To make a glycerin tincture you can cover your herbs with 3/4 part glycerin with 1/4 part water.
Glycerin is very sweet and will dissolve mucilage, vitamins and minerals. It will not dissolve the resinous or oily properties of herbs very well. Because glycerin is sweet it is an excellent choice for children's remedies. Make glycerin tinctures in small amounts because it will not last as long as an alcohol tincture, about 1 to 3 years. Be sure to use 100 % vegetable glycerin.  
Dosages for Children Dosages for children are not provided in most herbals. To determine the correct dose you need to consider the size of the child, the ailment, the power of the herb you intend to use, and the adult dosage.
Clark's Rule for determining dosages divides the weight of the child by 150 to give the approximate fraction of the adult dose. Dosage for a 40 lb. child: 40 /150 = .26 or approx. 1/4 the adult dose.
The information in this article should not replace the advice of your medical Doctor

The use of Health Supplements may help bring relief but they can not cure

If you feel ill then your first course of action must be to see a doctor

 

ALOE VERA has antioxidant properties and may benefit the immune system, those with stiff joints, digestion and circulation of the blood.

BEE PROPOLIS is rich in antioxidant bioflavonoid, essential oils, resins & waxes.

BETA CAROTENE protects body cells and may benefit smokers or those under stress.

CALCIUM is essential for healthy teeth and bones, muscle growth, rhythmic heart action and the transmission of nerve impulses. It may benefit breastfeeding women, growing children, the elderly, post menopausal women, vegans, slimmers.

CO-ENZYME Q10 helps release energy and may benefit the elderly and athletes.

COD LIVER OIL has essential Omega 3 fatty acids which help with the maintenance of healthy membranes and transporting fats around the body. It may benefit the elderly to maintain a healthy heart, circulation, healthy joints. It is rich in the Vitamins A and D for the maintenance of healthy skin, teeth and bones.

EVENING PRIMROSE  (Oenothera biennis) has Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and essential Omega 6 fatty acid to help body functions run smoothly and to help maintain healthy skin. It may benefit premenstrual and menopausal women. See Star Flower.

FOLIC ACID helps the production of red blood cells. Government recommendation is 400mcg per day for women planning to become pregnant, or in early pregnancy when it is especially important for the development of the baby.

GARLIC helps maintain a healthy heart, increase immunity to combat infections.

GINKGO BILOBA stimulates blood circulation and may benefit those with cold hands and feet, poor memory and assist with concentration.

GINSENG helps maintain the body in balance and may benefit people with a busy life, the elderly, athletes. Thought to help maintain a healthy sex drive.

GLUCOSAMINE SULPHATE allows rebuilding of connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and joint lubrication fluid and should benefit those with stiff joints.

HALIBUT LIVER OIL is stronger than Cod Liver Oil and has the same properties.  Do not use when pregnant.

IRON is essential for red blood development and may benefit vegetarians and vegans.

LECITHIN helps maintain healthy cells, heart and circulation and may benefit those wishing to manage their blood cholesterol levels.

NIACIN (Vitamin B3) releases the energy from food, and may benefit pregnant or breastfeeding, the elderly, or those facing physical or emotional stress.

ROYAL JELLY is thought to assist general well being and may benefit the very active.

SELENIUM may protect body cells and help maintain the body's defence system. This may benefit the elderly, slimmers, vegetarians and breastfeeding women.

STAR FLOWER (Borage Oil) has double the concentration of  Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)  than Evening Primrose Oil  to help body functions run smoothly and to help maintain healthy skin. It may benefit premenstrual and menopausal women.

VITAMIN A helps maintain skin, eyes, growth and may benefit children and smokers.

VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine) releases the energy from food, aids the nervous system, and may benefit pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, drinkers, or athletes.

VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin) releases the energy from food and may benefit pregnant or breastfeeding women, drinkers, or smokers.

VITAMIN B3 (Niacinomide) aids in energy  metabolism, helps maintains normal functioning of the nervous and digestive tract and may lower blood cholesterol. 

VITAMIN B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) aids in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and synthesizes hormones and cholesterol.

VITAMIN B6 (Pyroxidine) promotes healthy skin and nerves, helps produce hormones and antibodies. May benefit women prior to menstruation.

VITAMIN B12 (Cobalamin)  is essential for healthy nerve and blood cells. It may benefit pregnant or breastfeeding women, vegetarians, the elderly, growing children.

VITAMIN C for healthy tissue, fighting infections and wound healing. It helps the body to absorb iron and may benefit pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, assist with convalescence, drinkers and smokers.

VITAMIN D is essential for the utilisation of calcium for strong bones and teeth. May benefit those deprived of sunlight, homebound, office workers, vegetarians, vegans.

VITAMIN E helps maintain healthy blood, tissue and cells, and may protect against damaging pollution and sunlight. May benefit women on the contraceptive pill. One could take unrefined natural Wheatgerm Oil which is a very good source of vitamin E.

VITAMIN K is essential for blood clotting, and may help to heal wounds.

ZINC has a vital role in enzyme production and may benefit the elderly or slimmers.