Herb Lore            Basil Basil is often used for enhancing the flavour of food, but it also has many medicinal and magical properties, one of its folk names is Witches Herb. It has been used to relieve headaches, sinus congestion, for clearing the mind and cold symptons. In spells it is used for Love, Protection and Wealth, being added to sachets and incenses. It is also used for purification and protection.    Bay Bay is often used as a flavouring in dishes, but is removed before eating. The priestess of Apollo used to chew Bay to induce prophetic visions and today it is still used in brews to enhance psychic abilities. But as it is TOXIC it should be used sparingly. Bay can be worn for protection and a Bay tree in the garden will protect the whole household. Incense made with Bay is used to rid of negativity and break curses.                Blackthorn Blackthorn leaves can be boiled to make a mouthwash, to use as a remedy for mouth and throat complaints and the bark was used to make a tea to relieve fever. The fruit of the Blackthorn is called Sloe berries and can be  used to make jam, gin, ink and dye. It also helped cure diarrhoea. It is also known as the 'Wishing Thorn' and 'Mother Of The Wood' and strips of cloth were tied to its branches, when seeking the help of the Goddess. It is also used for making wands, divining rods and protection.   Blue Bell The Bluebell is also known as Harebell and Jacinth and is a member of the Hyacinth family, it is also a wild and protected plant, so should never be picked from the wild. To step on the leaves was said to bring bad luck. It has magickal properties of truth and luck. If you have bluebells growing in your garden you can make a tincture of the flowers by soaking them foe a week in a little vodka. This then can be used to bring good luck, by using the tincture to empower candles.               Catnip Apart from cats loving it, Catnip has many other uses. In Druid lore it is one of the 16 healing plants and was used for; fevers, headaches, bronchitis and stomach complaints. Tea made from Catnip has calming effects, but also stimulating for those who need courage and to promote healing. It is also used for treating troublesome menstruation and nightmares in children. In Magick it is used in spells for love, beauty, friendship and happiness and put under your pillow to secure a good nights sleep and for prophetic dreams. Chamomile Chamomile has great calming effects, drunk as a tea it can help to calm the nerves, aid in restful sleep and to aid digestion, the tea when cooled can be used as a rinse for fair hair. It can be used to help get rid off greasy skin and acne, by using the herbs in a steam bath for the face. The oil or crushed flowers can be worn to reduce impulsiveness and stress related anger.It also can be burned to break bad habits and drive away negativity and used as a purifier.           ...For Herb Lore Page 2

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