Potion Crafting

Caution: All herbal potions will have an effect on you in the mundane. A catnip potion for love will make you sleepy. A mugwort potion for astral travel will stimulate menstrual flow and calm nerves. A St. John's Wort potion for protection will also lift your mood. You should be aware of the medicinal properties of every herb you ingest. And if you have a medical condition, proceed with caution. When in doubt about the effects of an herb, ask your health practitioner. Also remember more is not necessarily better. People think that just because herbs are sold over the counter that there is no limit to what they can consume. Not so.

Herbalists kick around a lot of terms, so let's define a few of them:

Potion --  It's an herbal tea prepared during the appropriate lunar phase and made with herbal ingredients possessing the correct magickal properties. Potions concocted for love magick are called philtres.

Infusion -- a strong tea. Many recipes will call for a full oz. of herb to one pint of water. Some think that's too much. Cunningham called for one teaspoon dried herb for every cup of water. I just throw in the amount that feels right. This is simply the process of soaking the herb in water. Heat water until just boiling, pour it over the herb, cover the cup, let sit undisturbed for 15-30 minutes. Drink it. Wash with it. Pour it in your bath or anoint yourself with it.

Solar infusions -- put fresh or dried herbs in a jar with cool water. Place in the sun for 1-2 days. Solar infusions seem to have more plant spirit. It's good to work with the astrological signs here if possible -- an appropriate sun sign or other aspect.

Lunar infusions -- same as solar infusions, but placed under the moonlight. Choose the best moon signs and phases here.

Decoction -- a decoction is made like an infusion, but here it is OK to boil the herb. Usually decoctions are made from roots or other herbs with constituents that are not easily extracted. Roots, seeds, and stems make good decoctions. Begin with cold water, and add the toughest roots, etc., first. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes covered. Then let cool completely. If adding leaves or dried herbs to a decoction, you can take the decoction off the stove and steep your less hardy herbs as you would an infusion. Be sure to cover throughout the process so your volatile oils don't boil away. Strain. Some recommend one oz. of herb to one pint water. Others use one part herb to 20 parts water.

Tincture -- if long term storage is required, you will probably want to make a tincture. A tincture contains alcohol. Into a mason jar with lid, place 4 oz. of herb and 8 oz. of alcohol. (I use brandy). Seal the jar and keep it out of sunlight for two weeks. Begin this process on the new moon and finish on the full moon. Be sure to swish the herbs around in the jar daily. Strain and store in dark bottles.

Wash -- a weak tea or infusion that is used externally. A mild wash -- 1/4 oz. herb to one pint boiling water -- can be used to cleanse magickal tools, crystals, or other magickal uses.

Aspurger -- a weak tea (wash) put in a watering can or spray bottle used for spraying an area or thing. Many witches like to use the more natural tree limb with leaves still attached. Dip it in the wash and shake it through the area. Especially good for cleansing spells or exorcism when working with rooms, houses, or large areas.

Ointments/Balms -- I include balms in these definitions because the oils used in balms are heated to a liquid state during preparation. Simply melt lard/vegetable shortening/or any fatty substance to a liquid form over low heat. Pour in herbs and let them simmer for about nine minutes. Strain out the herbs and store in an airtight jar. One cup fatty substance to three tablespoons powdered herb. For external use.

Perfumes -- are made by blending essential oils together to create a fragrance. Choose oils to match your magickal intention, then add them to 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup witch hazel tincture, and 1/2 cup water. Shake well, then dab on pulse points. Aromatic herbs work best here.

Oils --many of the essential oils you find in herbal shops have been distilled with steam. You can make oils at home by crushing herbs and placing them in a jar. Cover them with warmed oil (virgin olive, safflower, and almond are all good). Steep for 48 hours in sunlight. Strain and repeat, adding fresh herbs. You might do this several times until the oil smells good and strong like the herb. Store in dark bottles.

Flower essences -- these work on energetic and psychic levels. Pick the flower and place them in fresh spring water -- just let them float on the top of the water. Place flowers and/or gems in your crystal bowl full of water in full sunlight for several hours. This process will extract the life essence and energy matrix from the materials. This is known as your Mother Essence. Add brandy as a preservative. From this essence will come your stock bottles.

The recipe:
two drops of the Mother Essence in one ounce pure water with a teaspoon of brandy. This is your stock bottle. From these stock bottles will come your dosage bottles. Simply combine 2 drops from your stock bottles into one ounce pure water and a teaspoon brandy in a dropper bottle. You can take your dose directly from the dosage bottle or drop the elixir into a glass of water. Works like homeopathic medicines.

Gem elixirs -- made like flower essences, but using crystals and gems instead of flowers.

Fluid Condensers -- you need two handfuls of herb, cold water to cover them, a cauldron or cooking pot, and gin or vodka. Place herbs and water in a pot with a tight fitting lid. Boil for 20 minutes. Cool for 13 minutes, then strain out herbs. Bring to a boil again and evaporate one-half of the liquid. Take from the heat and cover. When cool, add an equal amount of gin or vodka. Three drops of your own blood from your thumb will personalize the condenser and add energy. To use the condenser, put it in a cauldron or pot and simmer to release the herbal magick. Actually, those aromatherapy candle/ simmering potpourri holders work very well here. Place the liquid in the top bowl and light a tea light beneath it. Let it evaporate and release its magickal properties into the air. This liquid can be used as holy water -- sprinkle on parchment in petition spells, pour into the earth as a libation, sprinkle tools or working area, etc. You can also make one for each of the four elements and simmer them on your altar during workings.

Preparing Herbal Remedies

To get the maximum benefit from herbal remedies, the herbs must be properly prepared.  Women of childbearing age should always make sure the herbs they are using are safe during pregnancy. Here are some standard herbal preparations:

Infusions

A standard infusion is prepared by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb (or 2 to 4 teaspoons of fresh herb) to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes before straining. If the herb is left too long, the infusion will become bitter. It's best to use a ceramic pot with a lid.

The standard dosage is one cup three times a day. It may be taken hot or cold, but infusions prepared for colds and flu should be taken hot. Never prepare the infusion more than 24 hours in advance.

Decoctions

This is usually the method of choice for bark and seeds. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of cold water. Bring the mixture gently to a boil. Keeping covered, simmer for about 10 minutes.

The usual dosage is 1 cup three times a day. If the herb is very bitter or strong, use 4 teaspoons three times a day. Prepare no more than 24 hours in advance.

Tincture

A tincture is an alcoholic extraction of herb. Alcohol dissolves the active constituents out of the plant matter and acts as a preservative, allowing the tincture to retain its effectiveness for up to 2 years. Any part of the plant may be used.

Place 4 ounces of dried herb in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and add 2 cups vodka. Leave for two weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain through a cloth into a brown glass bottle. Keep tightly closed.

The standard dosage is 15 drops three times daily.

Herbal Wine

Use a sweet red wine with an alcohol content of at least 12%. Cover four ounces of herb with three cups of wine. Leave for a week before straining.

Take four teaspoons one or two times daily. Herbal wine is best used within a month.

Syrup

Sugar is a good preservative and is ideal for cough mixtures, especially since some herbs for cough are very bitter.

Prepare two cups of an infusion or decoction of the required herb. Strain and add 1¾ cup brown sugar or a honey and sugar mixture. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a clean glass bottle and seal. Store in the refrigerator.

The standard dosage is one teaspoon three times a day.

Capsules

Dry, powdered herb can be placed inside empty capsules. This method is preferred by some people who cannot tolerate bitter herbs.

Oil Infusion

Oil infusions are for external use only. They can be prepared by hot or cold methods. For the hot method, fill a jar with fresh herb and cover with olive, sunflower or almond oil. Place the jar up to the neck in a saucepan of water and bring to a medium temperature. Simmer for up to three hours. Strain through filter paper or cloth into a brown glass bottle. Follow the same instructions for the cold method, except that the oil should be placed on a sunny windowsill instead of heated. The process can be repeated with the strained oil infusion and a fresh supply of herbs to make a stronger oil.

Cream

A cream is a blend of oil, beeswax and water. You can make your own, or purchase an unscented, water based cream. After adding herb to purchased cream, simmer in the top of a double boiler for 30 minutes. Strain before it cools.

Melt two ounces beeswax in a double boiler. Add one cup olive or other vegetable oil and blend. Add two ounces herb. For lighter cream, add a little water, mixing well. Simmer 20 minutes, mixing well. Add a drop of tincture of benzoin as a preservative. Strain thorough a cloth in to sterilized jars.

Ointment

Ointment does not penetrate the skin like cream, but covers and protects it. Petroleum jelly is a good base, and the method is the same as for a cream.

Melt petroleum jelly in a double boiler and add plenty of herbs, making sure that the melted petroleum jelly covers the herb. Simmer until the herbs are crisp. More herb may be added to make a stronger ointment. Strain into jars while hot.

Suppositories

These are best made in advance so they will be ready when needed. Blend equal quantities of powdered herbs with cocoa butter. Place the mixture into bullet-shaped molds made of foil and refrigerate. Remove the foil before use.

Compress

Soak a cloth in a hot decoction of herb, squeeze most of the liquid out and apply the hot cloth to the affected area. Once it has cooled, repeat the process. Tinctures of other herbs and essential oils can be added to the liquid.

Poultice

Poultices are effective for boils, abscesses, chest infections and sprains. Mix chopped herb or powdered seeds with boiling water to make a pulp. Place the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area while hot. It should be replaced when cool. A thin layer of calendula cream will protect the skin and prevent the poultice from sticking.

Steam and Inhalant

Use steam for skin problems like acne and an inhalant for bronchial problems like sunusitis and laryngitis. Add a strong decoction, one or two drops of essential oils, or 2 teaspoons of tincture to boiling water.

Herbal Infusions

Herbal infusions are potent water-based preparations. They are superb for extracting the medicinal properties of dried herbs. You can drink them or use them externally as skin washes, compresses, douches, sitz baths,or poultices.

How are they different from a tea? They are made using larger amounts of herbs and are steeped in an air-tight container for at least several hours. You can drink them at room temperature, reheated, or over ice.

Quart size canning jars are ideal to use because they rarely break when you pour boiling water into them as long as they are at room temperature when water is added. They also allow for a tight seal.

Using Dried Leaves

Put 1 ounce (a large handful) of dried leaves into a quart jar and fill the jar with boiling water.

Screw the lid on tight and let steep until completely cool.

Strain out plant material.

Using Dried Roots or Barks

Put 1 ounce (a large handful) of dried roots or bark into a pint jar and fill the jar with boiling water.

Screw the lid on tight and let steep until completely cool.

Strain out plant material.

Using Dried Flowers

Put 1 ounce (a large handful) of dried flowers into a quart jar and fill the jar with boiling water.

Screw the lid on tight and let steep 2 or 3 hours.

Strain out plant material.

Using Dried Seeds

Put 1 ounce (a large handful) of dried seeds into a pint jar and fill the jar with boiling water.

Screw the lid on tight and let steep for 1/2 hour - no more or the taste will be bitter.

Strain out seeds.

Amulets

    An amulet is a magickal tool that helps bring about changes in your life. Herbalist Paul Beryl thinks they might be the oldest form of herbal magick -- as in when the Wise Ones of the village sensed the magickal power of certain plants and decided to carry them about.

     All aspects of an amulets design and creation are assembled and constructed toward the attainment of a goal. They are best made in ritual, at the altar, or at least in circle. We bless our amulets, or charge them, toward a specific purpose. By choosing ingredients that "vibrate" at the same frequency as our desire (i.e., tonka bean for prosperity, green for cloth colors, citrine for wealth), we are creating a " small energy cell or battery containing physical ingredients and focused energies providing a steady flow of energy," says Beryl. He also compares an amulet to Cerridwen's Cauldron, the core of the Universe which is the infinite womb of creativity, or a black hole which draws energy from the universe and holds it within, focused and directed only toward your goal.

     To make an amulet, begin with a piece of leather or cloth at least 6-8 inches in diameter. This flat round shape is representative of the pentacle. Holes should be punched around the perimeter of the circle through which a cord (color, length, etc to match your magickal purpose) is threaded to make a drawstring pouch.

     To this pouch is added herbs, stones, a personal piece of jewelry or lock of hair (much like a poppet, eh?) and/or sigils, images, words, or _anything_ to manifest your magickal goal. Coins, magnets, bones, beads, feathers, shells -- all are appropriate if they match your intention. Every part of an amulet has significance symbolically: colors, numbers of knots in the cord, shape, number and kinds of ingredients.

     Some people do this all at once while casting the spell. Some construct the bag, lay it on their altars, and assemble their ingredients with great fanfare over time -- collecting ingredients at propitious moon times or astro signs, lighting candles with each addition, etc. I like the idea that the magick is percolating over time. When all ingredients are gathered, cast the spell. Be sure to cast the spell on a power day -- whether it be the perfect moon sign, your birthday, a sabbat, day, hour, or whatever. Using your spell candles, drip wax on the pouch opening so it is sealed.

    When the spell is finished, breath on the bag, and say these or similar words:

I charge this spell
By three times three
To do harm to none
Nor return to me
As I do will, so mote it be.

    Once an amulet is made and sealed, it should never be opened again until the magick manifests. Then it should be returned to the earth. It has a sole magickal purpose, and once that purpose is manifested, it is finished.

     Now, let's say you have a house blessing amulet that will always hang in your house. My advice is to refresh the herbs and ingredients every 6-12 months. For instance, I make protection amulets every midsummer, burning the old ones in the midsummer fire. (This gets interesting as my midsummer fire is usually in a grill.) These I place in the house, car, or give to my children.

     Another name for an amulet is the mojo bag. You'll hear these terms used interchangeably. "Mojo bag" has become a generic term, though, used for amulets, sachets -- any sort of spell bag. But it has it's roots in voudoun.

 

MOJO BAGS

    What is a mojo bag, really? It is an amulet of African-American hoodoo practice, a flannel bag containing one or more magical items. The word is thought to be a corruption of the English word "magic." Other names for it include conjure bag, hand, lucky hand, mojo bag, mojo hand, root bag, toby, jomo, and gris-gris (pronounced gree-gree) bag. Gris-gris means spell, specifically of the voudoun variety. (As you study and cross-reference, you will find modern Wicca has borrowed and adapted much from voodoo and other magickal traditions.)

    Southern style mojo bags are usually made of red flannel, but many root doctors use color magick in choosing their flannel. Herbs, roots, powders, stones, hair and nail clippings, and many other unusual items may be used in a mojo or gris-gris bag.

 

Herbal Doses

The doses indicated in these pages are recommended for 150-lb adults. Children should receive one-half the recommended amount. Infants receive one-quarter dose and newborns should receive the dose through the mother's milk.

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Basic Herbal Infusions

When Using Leaves or Flowers:
Steep two teaspoons per cup of water for about twenty minutes. Strain and store in a refrigerated, airtight container. The dose is one-fourth cup four times a day, not with meals. Children take one-eighth cup.

When Using Roots, Bark, Seeds, and Twigs:
Simmer two teaspoons of the plant matter to one cup of water for twenty minutes, strain and store as above. The dose is one-fourth cup four times a day, not with meals.

Herbal teas will stay fresh in your refrigerator for about one week when stored in an airtight container.

 

 

DECOCTIONS

 

The decoction method is used for tough plant materials, such as barks, berries, or roots, which need a more vigorous extraction than is possible using the infusion method. Decoction involves heating the plant material in cold water, bringing it to a boil and simmering for 20-40 minutes. Combinations of herbs can be mixed together, or herbs can be used singly. The standard quantity, which can be drunk hot or cold, is enough for three doses and should be make fresh each day. As with infusions, decoctions are frequently used as the basis of other remedies, such as syrups.

Parts Used: Barks, berries, roots (dried or fresh)

Standard Quantity: Add 30g dried or 60g fresh herb to 750 ml (approx 3 cups) of cold water. This reduces to approx 500 ml after simmering. If using a combination of herbs, be sure that the total weight of the mixture does not exceed this standard amount.

Standard Dosage: Take a teacup or wineglass dose 3 times daily. Repeat doses may be reheated. Honey or unrefined sugar may be used to sweeten each dose, or they may be flavored with a little lemon juice. Reduce the dose for children.

1. Place the herb in a saucepan (do not use aluminum!) and pour in the cold water.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 to 40 minutes, until the volume has been reduced by a third.
3. Take the decoction off the heat and strain through a nylon or plastic sieve into a jug.
4. Pour the decoction into a covered jar or pitcher and store in the refrigerator.

 

 

TINCTURES

 

Tinctures are made by steeping the herb in a mixture of alcohol and water. They should be make individually, and then prepared tinctures may be combined as required. As well as extracting the plant's active ingredients, the alcohol acts as a preservative, and tinctures will keep for up to two years. The liquid is usually composed of 25% alcohol and 75% water, but for some resinous herbs the amount of alcohol is increased to 45%. Commercially prepared tinctures use ethanol, but diluted spirits are suitable for home use: vodka is ideal since it does not contain additives, but rum helps disguise the flavor of less palatable herbs.

Parts Used: All parts of the plant (dried or fresh)
Standard Quantity: Use 200g dried or 600g fresh herb to 1 liter of alcohol/water mixture (25% alcohol and 75% water - e.g. dilute a 1 liter bottle of 75 proof vodka with 500 ml water).
Standard Dosage: Take 5 ml 3 times a day diluted in a little warm water. A small amount of honey or fruit juice can often improve the flavor.

Storage: Store in dark glass bottles for up to 2 years

1. Put the herb into a large jar and cover with the alcohol/water mixture. Seal the jar and store in a cool place for 2 weeks, shake the jar occasionally.
2. Fit a muslin bag inside a winepress. Pour the mixture through.
3. Press the mixture through the winepress into a jug. The residue can be added tot he garden compost heap.
   

   Alcohol-reduced Tinctures
   There are times when giving tinctures made from alcohol in a normal way is unsuitable, for example in pregnancy, in gastric or liver inflammation, or when treating children or recovered alcoholics. Adding a small amount (25-50 ml) of almost boiling water to the tincture dose (usually 5ml) in a cup and allowing it to cool effectively evaporates most of the alcohol, making it safe.

   
   

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   TINCTURES - ALTERNATE METHOD
   
   Tinctures can be made by grinding the leaves, roots, or other plant parts with a mortar and pestle (or a blender) and just barely covering them with high-quality vodka, whiskey, or grain alcohol (Everclear). After 21 days, add a small quantity of glycerin (about two tablespoons per pint) and about 10 percent per volume of spring water. Strain and store in amber glass airtight containers. Keep the herbal tinctures in a cool, dry place for up to five years.
   
   The dose is generally twenty drops in a cup of herb tea or warm water four times a day. In acute or emergency situations the dose is given more frequently; in the case of labor pains, for example, it might be a dropperful every five minutes.

 

COMPRESSES

 

A compress is a cloth soaked in a hot or cold herbal extract. They can be applied to painful joints and muscles, and are useful for soothing skin rashes and irritations. A cold compress is sometimes used for headaches. The cloth may be soaked in an infusion, decoction, or a tincture diluted with hot or cold water. An old tea towel is ideal, or use muslin or cotton wrapped in surgical gauze. Compresses are sometimes called fomentations.

 

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POULTICES

 

A poultice of bread or mashed potato soaked in herbal extract was once a favorite household remedy for minor injuries and ailments. Today, poultices are generally made with chopped fresh herbs. They are usually applied hot.

Parts Used: Whole plant (dried or fresh) chopped

Standard Quantity: Use sufficient herb to cover the area.

Standard Application: Apply the poultice every2-4 hours or more frequently if necessary.

1. Boil the fresh herb, squeeze out any surplus liquid, and spread it on the affected area. Smooth oil on the skin first to prevent the herb from sticking.
2. Apply gauze or cotton strips to hold the poultice in place. To protect against stains, clear plastic wrap may be wrapped around the gauze after the poultice has been applied.

 

CREAMS

 

A cream is a mixture of water with fats or oils, which softens and blends with the skin. It can easily be made using emulsifying ointment (available from most pharmacies), which is a mixture of oils and waxes that blends with water or tinctures. Homemade creams will last for several months, but the shelf life is prolonged by storing the mixture in a cool pantry or refrigerator, or adding a few drops of benzoin tincture as a preservative. Creams made from organic oils and fats deteriorate more quickly. The method shown here is suitable for most herbs.

Parts Used: All parts of the plant (fresh or dried)
Standard Quantity: Use 150g emulsifying ointment, 70 ml glycerol, 80 ml water and 30g dried or 75 g fresh herb.
Standard Application: Rub a little into the affected part 2-3 times a day.
Storage: Store in sterilized, airtight, dark jars for up to 3 months in a cool place.

 

1. Melt the emulsifying ointment in a double boiler or a bowl over a pan of boiling water. Pour in the glycerol and water and stir well. The mixture will solidify slightly when the liquid is added, so keep the bowl over the boiling water and stir to remelt it.
2. Add the herb and stir well. Simmer for 3 hours, regularly adding more boiling water to the lower saucepan to prevent the pan from burning.
3. Use a winepress or a jelly bag fitted to a jug, and strain the hot mixture as quickly as possible into a bowl. Stir the melted, strained cream constantly as it cools, to avoid separation. If it does start to separate, return it to the double boiler and reheat with an additional 10-20 g of emulsifying ointment.
4. When the cream has set, use a small palette knife to fill storage jars. Put some cream around the edge of the jar first, and then fill the middle to avoid any air bubbles.

 

MASSAGE OILS

 

Massage oils are made from a few drops of essential oil diluted in a carrier oil - sweet almond or wheat germ is best, but sunflower or other vegetable oils may be used. Infused oils are also used as carriers. Once diluted, essential oils soon deteriorate, so it is best to mix small amounts frequently. Massage requires skill and patience, and is not suitable for some conditions.

Cautions for Massage
Pregnant women should seed professional advice and should not use essential oils at all during the first three months of pregnancy.
Do not massage anyone suffering from an infection, epilepsy, a contagious disease, acute back pain (especially if the pain shoots down the arms and legs), or from an inflammatory condition such as thrombosis or phlebitis.
Do not massage bruised or inflamed areas.


Parts Used: Essential oil (be sure to use good quality 100% pure essential oil, some additives can be particularly irritating to the skin.)

Standard Quantity: In general, use no more than a 10% concentration of essential oils, i.e., up to 5 ml of essential oil in 45 ml of carrier oil. Reduce this to a maximum of 5% essential oil for children, the elderly, or those with sensitive skins.

Standard Application: Pour 1/2 to 1 tsp onto the hands (not the body) and rub the body gently.

Storage: Store in a sterilized, airtight dark glass bottle in a cool place.