Baneful Herbs.

Information:

Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade, Banewort, Dwale) - Atropa belladonna

Some people believe that the name of this herb (meaning beautiful lady) was said to come from a beauty treatment used by Italian women. They used a tincture of it to dilate their pupils in order to appear more attractive. Others feel it came from the Goddess Bellona who was a favorite of Roman soldiers because it is thought that her priests used belladonna in religious ritual.

The Goddess Bellona, whose festival is on June 3, represented the frenzy of battle and was variously identified as the wife, sister, or daughter of Mars. Her festival was June 3. 

WARNING!!!  This is a deadly poisonous herb. Is known to cause the following symtoms: dilated pupils, stupor, coma, hallucinations, ringing ears, dry mouth and throat, vomiting and death.  Don't allow this herb to rest against your skin, come in contact with eyes or mouth or any other body part. Be sure to wear gloves when handling and to work in a well ventilated area-preferably outdoors.

Magickal Uses:

Feminine, Saturn, Mars, Water, The Crone, Hecate, Circe, Bellona, encourages astral projection and produces visions. A primary ingredient in flying ointments. Used in funeral rituals to aspurge the circle, helping the deceased to let go and move forward. Used to invoke Circe

Mandrake

Currently, extracts of the plant are used in topical medications for genital warts & some skin cancers. In China & Japan used to treat snakebites & tumors of the genitals. Antibilious, antimiotic (retards cancer),  cathartic, cholagogue, cytostatic, hydrogogue & purgative, it should only be used by professional Herbalists.

WARNING: NOT FOR INTERNAL USE The purgative action is very strong, & the compounds in it are much too toxic to attempt self-medication with this plant. The FDA rates the use of this plant as "unsafe."  Produces nausea & vomiting, & even inflammation of the stomach & intestines, which has been known to prove fatal.

Magickal Uses:

Hot, Mercury, Earth, Hecate, Hathor, Protection, fertility, carried to aid conception, astral projection, binding spells, courage, free from demon possession, fertility, flying ointment, health, hex, image magic, love, doubles money, gives ritual tools extra potency, power, prophecy, stops all evil, increases virility, protect home-powerful, good fortune, money. Once called the witches umbrella & thought to be used as a poison by witches.

Pennyroyal

Used for: insect repellent, nausea & nervous conditions, headaches, external wash for skin eruptions, bruises, rashes, & itching (tea) & for menstrual cramps, stimulates uterine contractions, PMS, & pain, phlegm, gall bladder & respiratory disorders, jaundice, nausea, ulcers, consumption, dropsy, toothache, leprosy, whooping cough, convulsions, sores in the mouth, colic, snakebites, expel after-birth, sore gums, fainting, fever, & gout. Purifies the blood, relieves gas & stomach pain, stimulates uterine contractions. Also used as a flavoring & was commonly used in the 19th century medicine to induce perspiration at the beginning of a cold & to promote menstruation. It was taken also with brewer's yeast to induce abortion.

WARNING: Do not be used during pregnancy-uterine stimulant, fetal damage may occur from the use of pennyroyal in any form. May cause severe kidney/liver damage used in excess of 2 ounces

Magickal uses:

Masculine, Cold, Fire, Earth, Mars, Venus protection, exorcism, preventing weariness, strength, peace, charm against evil eye, aids in making business deals, preventing seasickness

Mistletoe

Used in folk medicine as: cancer treatment, digestive aid, heart tonic, & sedative, to treat arthritis, hysteria & other mental disturbances, amenorrhea, wounds, asthma, bed wetting, infection, & to stimulate glands. Used in some cases to lower blood pressure & hearth rate, ease anxiety & promote sleep. In low doses it also relieves panic attacks, headaches, & improves the ability to concentrate. Prescribed for tinnitus & epilepsy, to treat hyperactivity in children. Contains viscotoxins that inhibit tumors & stimulate the immune system-research has been carried out on its potential use as a cancer treating plant. Also in the treatment of blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, nervousness, diarrhea, hysteria, whooping cough, amenorrhea, vertiginous attacks, & chorea, rheumatism, anxiety, migraine headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, relief of spasms, asthma, rapid heartbeat. Research continues on the use of mistletoe to treat AIDS patients.

WARNING: there is controversy about whether it is safe to use mistletoe as a remedy.  Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Hepatitis Foundation International reports that mistletoe is toxic to the liver. Other sources state that mistletoe's toxicity could cause cardiac arrest. People considering mistletoe should consult with their doctor or practitioner. Mistletoe extracts can produce chills, fever, headache, chest pain, &  orthostatic circulatory disorders. Potential reactions include a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

Magickal

Masculine,Hot, Sun, Air, Apollo. Freya, Frigga, Venus, Odin. Protection, amulet-protective, defend, exorcism, fertility, health, heal wound, hunting, invisibility, anti-lightning, love, avert black magick, peace, passion, fertility, prosperity, protect from enemies, regenerate, rest, extinguish fires, sleep.

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