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| Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) Poison P N Lt For internal use: Do not exceed 1/2 g of the dried herb in tea 2-3 times a day. Folk Names: Absinthe, Old Woman, Crown for a King, Crown for a King, Madderwort, Wormot Gender: Masculine Planet: Mars Element: Fire Deities: Iris, Diana, Artemis Powers: Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits Magical Uses: Wormwood is burned in incenses designed to aid in developing psychic powers, and is also worn for this purpose. Carried, wormwood protects not only against bewitchemnt, but also from the bit of sea serpents. Also, according to ancient traditions, it counteracts the effects of poisoning by hemlock and toadstools, but I wouldn't be my life on its effectiveness in this area. Hung from the rear-view mirror, wormwood protects the vehicle from accidents on treacherous roads. Wormwood is also sometimes used in love infusions, probably because it was once made into an lcoholic beverage called absinthe. This hightly-addictive and dangerous liqueur is now outlawed or banned in many countries, but the reputation lingers and wormwood is still used in love mixtures. One such use is to place it under the bed to draw a loved one. wormwood is also burned to summon spirits. It is sometimes mixed with sandalwood for this purpose. If burned in graveyards the spirits of the dead will rise and speak, according to old grimoires. By Scott Cunningham | |
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Wheat (Triticum spp.) Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Element: Earth Deities: Ceres, Demeter, Ishtar Powers: Fertility, Money Magical Uses: Wheat, a symbol of fruitfulness, is sometimes carried or eaten to induce fertility and conception. Sheaves of wheat are placed in the home to attract money, and grains are carried in sachets for the same reason. By Scott Cunningham Willow (Salix alba) G Folk Names: Osier, Pussy Willow, Saille, Salicyn Willow,Saugh Tree, Tree of Enchantment, White Willow, Witches' Aspirin, Withe, Withy Gender: Feminine Planet: Moon Element: Water Deities: Artemis, Ceres, Hecate, Persephone, hera, Mercury, Belili, Belinus Powers: Love, Love Divination, Protection, Healing Ritual Uses: Burial mounds in Britain which are sited near marshes and lakes were often lined with willows, probably for symbolic associations with death. Magical Uses: Willow leaves are carried or used in mixtures to attract love,and the wood is used to fashion magical wands dedicated to Moon Magic. If you wish to know if you will be married in the new year, on New Year's Eve throw your shoe or boot into a branches the first time, you have eight more tries. If you succeed in trapping your shoe in the tree you will be wed within twelve months-but you'll also have to shake or climb the tree to retrieve your shoe. All parts of the willow guard against evil and can be carried or placed in the home for this purpose. Knock on a willow tree ("knock on wood") to avert evil. The leaves, bark and wood of the will are also utilized in healing spells. If you wish to conjure spirits, mix crushed willow bark with sandalwood and burn at the waning Moon outdoors. Magical brooms, especially Witch's brooms, are traditionally bound with a willow branch. By Scott Cunningham Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) G Folk Names: Checkerberry, Mountain Tea, Teaberry Gender: Feminine Planet: Moon Element: Water Powers: Protection, Healing, Hex-Breaking Magical Uses: Wintergreen is placed in children's pillows to protect them and grant them good fortune throughout their lives. When sprinkled in the home it removes hexes and curses, especially when mixed with mint. Wintergreen is also utilized in healing spells, and when fresh sprigs are placed on the altar they call good spirits to witness and aid your magic. By Scott Cunningham |
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Wolf's Bane (Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana) Poison Folk Names: Aconite, Cupid's Car, Dumbledore's Delight, Leopard's Bane, Monkshood, Storm Hat, Thor's Hate, Wolf's Hate Gender: Feminine Planet: Saturn Element: Water Deity: Hecate Powers: Protection, Invisibility Magical Uses: Wolf's bane is added to protection sachets, especially to guard against vampires and werewolves. This is quite fitting, since wolf's bane is also used by werewolves to cure themselves. The seed, wrapped in a lizard's skin and carried, allows you to become invisible at will. Do not eat or rub any part of this plant on the skin; it is virulently poisonous. By Scott Cunningham There are two typs of wolf's bane ...wild and cultivated..this is the difference... 
Botanical Name: Arnica Montana Common Name: Arnica flowers, Arnica root, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane, Mountain Arnica, Mountain Tobacco, Wolf's Bane Arnica Other Names Arnica is the common name for Arnica montana or Arnica chamissonis. -
North American meadow arnica -
European arnica -
Leopard’s bane -
Mountain tobacco What Is It? Arnica refers to the flowers of Arnica montana or Arnica chamissonis, and preparations made from them. Found as creams, tinctures and other topical preparations, Arnica products are for external uses, including sore muscles, pain and inflammation. 1 Arnica preparations are also used for sunburns, superficial burns and diaper rash. 2 ESCOP cites additional uses for sprains, inflamed insect bites, gingivitis, and for topical relief of rheumtaic discomfort. 3 Arnica is a staple topical remedy in homeopathy, and in that system of medicine is most commonly employed in creams and gels, primarily to relieve bruising and muscle pain. Arnica also enjoys some limited use in hair tonics and dandruff preparations 4. Medicinal History Native Americans referred to arnica as mountain tobacco and leopard’s bane, and employed the plant for sprains, bruises and wounds. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Eclectic physicians and health practicioners used arnica for contusions, bruised muscles, painful breasts, chronic sores and abscesses. 1 Traditional uses internally as to promote perspiration, as a diuretic and stimulant, and externally to counteract fever and inflammation, to relieve pain, as an antiseptic, to heal wounds and bruises, and to apply to dislocations, fracture-induced edema, and insect bites. 4 Internal use of arnica extracts is no longer advised, due to toxicity concerns. This caution does not apply to homeopathic pellet preparations of arnica, which are extremely dilute. In homeopathy, arnica has a long history of topical use for injuries, blows and contusions. Though homeopathic medicines are dilute by nature, homeopathic creams and gels actually contain tinctures of materials. Thus homeopathic arnica creams and gels in fact contain non-diluted extracts of the flowers. Today arnica is found in several hundred products, making it one of the most popular and widely used of the natural topical remedies. Habitat & Cultivation Arnica is indigenous to mountain areas, and is readily identified by its large orange blossoms. Arnica montana is Native to mountainous regions of Europe. 4 Arnica is cultivated in northern India. Arnica grows wild from Europe to Southern Russia. Major suppliers are former Yugoslavia, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Germany. 5 Arnica blossoms are harvested at maturity, and once dried are used to make various tinctures, extracts, oils, creams, gels and lotions. How It Works Arnica acts as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial aid. Its anti-inflammatory activity may explain why arnica reduces swelling time in injuries, and also quickly reduces bruising. This same activity makes arnica useful for irritated insect bites. Arnica’s anti-inflammatory activity activity is probably due to a number of agents, including a compound known as helenalin. Arnica’s analgesic properties make arnica preparations valuable for relieving the pain of sprains, bruises and other injuries. The antimicrobial properties of arnica make it useful for minor skin irritations where infection is possible. 1,2,4,5 Contemporary Uses Approved by Authoritative Bodies Germany’s Commission E approves arnica preparations for · topical use in cases of injury, and hematoma, dilocations, contusions, edema due to fracture, rheumatic muscle and joint problems, inflammation due to incsect bites, and superficial phlebitis. 1,6 -
Orally Commission E approves use of arnica preparations for inflammation of the mouth and throat. 1,6 ESCOP approves the use of topically for: -
Treatment of bruises, sprains, inflammation due to insect bites -
Symptomatic treatment of rheumatic complaints -
Orally for gingivitis and ulcers of the mouth. 3 Potential Risks Safety issues and concerns -
Arnica preparations are for topical and external use only. However, the use of arnica in the oral cavity (but not swallowed) is accepted. -
Not to be used on open wounds. -
Skin irritation may occur among some users. Contraindications �?based on conditions and medication intake, etc. -
Arnica should not be used by people with arnica allergies. Potentially harmful drug interactions Allergy precautions Arnica may cause contact dermatitis among some people. 1,3,4,5,6 Usage Tips Apply arnica tinctures, lotions, oils, creams, ointments or gels to afflicted areas as directed. Discontinue in case of irritation or rash. Do not apply to open wounds. Product Choosing/Buying Tips Germany’s Commission E recommends: -
Arnica ointments containing not more than 20 �?25% arnica tincture. -
Arnica ointments containing not more than 15% arnica oil. Homeopathic arnica preparations have been used for a long time, and are good product choices. These products must conform to standards outlined in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, and therefore are consistent in quality. Science Update A double-blind, randomized comparison of Arnica administration versus placebo in patients between 1998 and 2002, found that in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome there was a significant reduction in pain experienced after 2 weeks in the Arnica-treated group. 7 Controversies In conventional medical literature, there is dispute regarding the efficacy of arnica. Its use in homeopathic preparations, especially dilute oral preparations, is largely dismissed as ineffective. This position is at apparent odds with the long history of effective use enjoyed by arnica and its various preaparations. Trivia Arnica is sometimes called mountain tobacco, due to the shape of the leaves, which somewhat resemble tobacco. References: 1. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J (eds). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 1st ed., (Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications. 2000). 7 - 9 2. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed., (Paris: Lavoisier Publishing 1993). 504-505 3. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. 1st ed., (Exeter, U.K.: ESCOP 1997). Fascicule 4. 4. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, 2nd ed., (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1996). 40 - 42 5. Wichtl M, Bisset NG (eds.). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Trans from 2nd German ed., (Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers. 1994). 83-87 6. Blumenthal M, Busse W, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. S. Klein, R.S. Rister (trans.). 1st ed., (Austin, TX: American Botanical Council. 1998). 83-84 7. Use of Arnica to relieve pain after carpal-tunnel release surgery. Jeffrey SL, Belcher HJ Altern Ther Health Med 2002 Mar-Apr 8:2 66-8 |
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****************************************************** 
'Pink Sensation'
Wolf's-bane or Monkshood
"No, no! go not to Lethe, neither twist
Wolf's-bane, tight-rooted, for its poisonous wine;
Nor suffer thy pale forehead to be kissed
By nightshade, ruby grape of Proserpine." -John Keats
(1795-1821) 'Pink Sensation' is a recent cultivar bred by Piet Oudolf of the Netherlands, author of such books as Planting the Natural Garden (2003), an advocate of the "New Wave" school of gardening which attempts to give gardens a wild & woodsy feeling even while employing landscape design techniques.
 His cultivar was bred from the bicolor monkshood (Aconitum cammarum) & Carmichael's monkshood (A. carmichaelii, aka A. fisheri). Heralded as "a color breakthrough for monkshoods," it has powder-pink or silvered-pink helmet-flowers shown here in June photographs.
Each bloom has a dark throat visible under the hood but not visible to casual observation. Upright flowering stems reach four or five feet of height & rarely need staking. The glossy basal leaves are deeply cut dark-green half-dropping feathers.
'Pink Sensation' wants persistently moist well-draining soil in a sunny location or very slightly shaded; it will not bloom well in much shade. Propagation is by division every few years, though an established clump never really likes disruption. 'Pink Sensation' does not grow true from its seeds.
Besides the best-known common names Aconite, Monkshood, or Wolf's-bane, this is a perennial that has acquired along the centuries a grand array of folk names. Monkshood flowers were said to resemble a chariot, so that it was sometime's called King's Coach, but also Venus's Chariot or Cupid's Car, an association made either because the flowers were thought to resemble the doves that pulled Aphrodite's chariot, or because witches were believed to use monkshood in their most popular product, love potions. Because these love potions could kill the object of one's affection, the plant was also known as Witch's Bane or Mourining Widow.
Many names allude to their toxicity & they were the Bane of Wolves because wolves were baited with meat laced with extract of monkshood root, or arrows were dipped in root extract before hunting wolves. So Wolfsbane was also known as Leopard's Bane, Tiger's Bane, or Dog Bane, this latter because the first monkshoods were alleged to have sprung from the drool of Hecate's hellhound Cerebus. Pliny believed monkshood, as a poltice, could negate the deadly effects of scorpion sting or snakebite, & that the very odor of the plant would kill rodents at a great distance. Hence it was amusingly called Mousebane.
The bloom was as often thought to resemble a knight's helmet, a Phrygian cap, or of course a monk's cowl. A whole array of names allude to this appearance: Friar's Cap, Friar's Cowl, Helmet Flower, Capuchon de Moine, Soldier's Cap, Storm Hat (or Stormhat), Turk's Cap, Wolf's Hat, Cuckoo's Cap, or among Germanic people, Thor's Helm. In Japan it is called Kabuto or Samurai War Helmet. In Scotland they've been known as Auld Wife's Huid (Old Wife's Hood).
And the parade of folknames goes on: Blue Rocket for the flowery spires, Dumbledore's Delight because dumbledores (bumblebees) love them, Bear's Foot for the deeply cut leaves, St. Dunstan's Herb because of a vision the saint had of a celestial monkshood large enough to overshadow all of Britain. It has been called Queen Mother because it is foremost poisons, for for its ancient association with such goddesses as Hecate, Medea, & Aphrodite.
In Elizabethan times, Monkshood & Arnica montana were used to lace snuff, a dangerous practice among dandies who thought it worth the risk for the intoxicating effect. It is even possible that "snuff" came to mean "sudden death" because of the practice of mixing the powdered root of these two dangerous plants with snuff tobacco. Monkshood thus shared some of Arnica's common names, including Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, & Leopard's Bane. If we may imagine the elderly Dumbledore of the popular Harry Potter children's books occasionally took snuff, this would lend broader meaning to the folk-name Dumbledore's Delight.
Monkshoods are deer & rabbit resistant, due to their considerable toxicity. If grown in the presence of children, the importance of never putting any leaf, root, or flower of monkshood into one's mouth should be fully explained. |
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Winter's Bark (Drimys winteri) Folk Names: True Winter's Bark, Wintera, Wintera aromatics, Winter's Cinnamon Powers: Success Magical Uses: Carry or burn winter's bark to ensure success in all your undertakings. By Scott Cunningham Witchgrass (Agropyron repens) Root: G Folk Names: Couch Grass, Dog Grass, Quick Grass, Witches Grass Gender: Masculine Planet: Jupiter Powers: Happiness, Lust, Love, Exorcism Magical Uses: Witch grass carried or sprinkled under the bed attracts new lovers. Witch grass is also used in all manner of unhexing and uncrossing rituals; the infusion is sprinkled around the premises to disperse entities, and when worn it dispels depression. By Scott Cunningham Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiea) G Folk Names: Snapping Hazelnut, Spotted Alder, Winterbloom Gender: Masculine Planet: Sun Element: Fire Powers: Fire Powers: Protection, Chastity Magical Uses: Witch haze has long been used to fashion divining rods, hence the common name. The bark and twigs are also used to protect against evil influences. If carried, witch hazel to mend a broken heart and cool the passions. By Scott Cunningham Woodrose (Ipomoea tuberose) X Folk Names: Ceylon Morning Glory, Frozen Roses, Spanishh Arbor Vine Powers: Luck Magical Uses: Carry a wood rose to attract good luck and fortune. Also place some in the home to ensure it is lucky as well. By Scott Cunningham Woodruff (Asperula odorata, Galium odoratum) G. ororatum: B Folk Names: Herb Walter, Master of the Woods, Sweet Woodruff, Wood Rove, Wuderove Gender: Masculine Element: Fire Powers: Victory, Protection, Money Magical Uses: Woodruff is carried to attract money and prosperity, to bring victory to athletes and warriors, and when placed in a sachet of leather, it guards against all harm. By Scott Cunningham |
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| What is Wormwood? | ![]() | | | Scientific and medicinal info: | | Wormwood is a close relative of mugwort, coming from the same botanical family. It grows wild in many parts of the USA, and can keep insects out of a garden. Wormwood has an extremely bitter taste, but is sometimes used in the place of hops in beer brewing. It gets its name from its reputed ability to cure intestinal worms, which was its primary medicinal use in the past. Wormwood is best known for its role in the making of absinthe, an alcoholic drink popular in the mid-1800s. Most people look at absinthe as some kind of mystical elixir, but it was simply a cocktail. It was extremely strong, addictive and could cause hallucinations. Though absinthe is not a banned substance in the USA, it is not sold in liquor stores either.
| | Also Known As.... | ![]() | | | Other names | | Latin: Artemisia absinthium
Common Names: Absinthe, Old Man, Ajenjo, Artemisia, Green Ginger, Sweet Annie
| | | | Magickal Properties | ![]() | | | Using wormwood in rituals: | | As a close cousin, wormwood shares many of the same qualities as mugwort. If wormwood can't be found, you can substitute mugwort in its place. As with mugwort, you shouldn't use any wormwood products (oils or teas) internally. Wormwood is used to enhance psychic abilities, divination, astral work and any rituals involving the spirit world. If you burn wormwood as an incense, make sure the room is well ventilated. Dried wormwood can protect your home as well. According to old folk tales, burning wormwood and sandalwood in a cemetary would enable you to speak to the dead. Also, a charm of dried wormwood will protect you from sea serpents (in case that's a problem in your life). In ancient Egyptian writings, wormwood was sometimes referred to as "Blood of Hephaistos".
| | | | More Correspondences: | ![]() | | | Other properties | | Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Associated Deities: Artemis
| | | | | ![]() | | | | | | | | | | Disclaimer: | | No information within this article should be considered medical advice. Please do further research or check with a physician before using any of these herbs in a medical fashion. | | Wheat germ is the part of the wheat berry responsible for the germination and development of the new wheat plant. It comprises only about two to three percent of the entire wheat kernel and contains 23 nutrients. The remainder of the kernel, after the germ is removed, is starch. There are more nutrients per ounce in wheat germ than in any other grain product or vegetable. Almost a complete food, one 3.5 ounce serving of wheat germ provides 27 grams of protein -- more protein per volume than whole wheats and most meats. Wheat germ contains more iron and potassium than almost any other food. A 3.5 ounce portion contains 9.5 milligrams (mg) of iron, 827 mg of potassium, 2 mg of vitamin B1 and 4.2 mg of vitamin B3. Wheat germ also contains an abundance of phosphorous, lecithin, riboflavin, calcium, and the minerals magnesium, selenium and zinc, as well as vitamin E. To add wheat germ to your own diet, check your health food store for either the fresh or toasted wheat germ. Mix it in yogurt, stuffing, tuna salad or cottage cheese. Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus, Euonymus Europoeus), also called Spindle Tree, is a laxative.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram; herb: 1 �?4 grains a day.
The bark is used to uncross.
Walking Stick (Corylus Contorta) is questionably toxic.
Some prefer the twisted branches as wands and staffs.
Walnut (Juglans nigra) is used as a laxative and an astringent.
Fluid extract from leaves: 1 �?2 drams; boil nuts and apply externally.
The leaves are used to break-up lovers; add a walnut and a petrified turtle heart to a sachet to stop lust.
Wartweed (Euphorbia helioscopia), also called Mad Woman’s Milk. The “milk�?from the stalks eats away warts.
Wattle (Acacia decurrens) balance adrenaline.
1 gram a day.
Wild Potato Vine (Ipomoea pandurata) is used as a blood purifier, for headaches and indigestion.
1 flower in 1 glassful of hot water and drink.
Willow , Black (Salyx nigra), also called Pussy Willow, is used to calm premature ejaculation.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram a day.
Willow , White (Salix alba) bark is used to relieve headaches and inflammation.
Powdered root: 1 dram; fluid extract: 1 �?2 drams.
This plant is sacred to Lucifer.
Willow-herb, RoseBay (Epilobium angustifolium), also called Flowering Willow, French Willow, Persian Willow, Blood Vine, Blooming Sally and Purple Rocket, is used as an astringent.
30 �?60 grains a day.
Wintercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a blood purifier, cough suppressant and will stimulate the appetite.
1 �?2 ounces drunk as tea up to 2 times a day.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria Procumbens), also called Teaberry, Boxberry, Mountain Tea and Partridge Berry, is used as a stimulant and opens the nasal passages.
½ ounce drunk as tea up to 2 times a day.
The leaves were placed under children’s pillows to ward off nightmares.
Wisteria (Wisteria venusta) is a laxative.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram a day.
The scent of the flower is supposed to be relaxing.
The flowers are used to gain wisdom.
Witch grass (Panicum capillare), also called Dog Grass and Quack Grass, and is used for coughs.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram a day.
Once used for protection against witches, now it is used to “uncross�?or un-hex someone.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), also called Spotted Alder, and is used as a cooling astringent for the face and to hemorrhoids.
2 part leaf to 1 part water or alcohol, boil and apply externally.
A forked branch from this tree was used as a dowsing rod to find water.
Woad (Ivatis tinctoria) is used as an astringent for bleeding and externally for spleen pain.
Fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram once a day.
Pictish witches would use the blue dye this plant produces to paint symbols on their body for shape shifting.
Woodruff, Sweet (Asperula odorata) is used to remove liver obstructions and repels insects.
2 part herb to 1 part water or lard, boil and apply externally.
Wormseed, American (Chenopodium anthelminticum), also called Mexican Tea, is used to expel round worms.
Fruit: 20 grains; fluid extract: ½ - 1 dram a day.
Wormwood, Common (Artemisia absinthium) is dangerous, but strengthens the stomach and relieves flatulence. The “seeds�?were taken in small doses to get rid of worms; traditionally it was kept in closets to ward off moths. This plant is used to make the drink absinthe.
1 ounce herb boiled in 1 liter water, 1 glassful a day.
Sprinkle on enemies to cause them grief and misfortune. A medieval love spell: On St. Luke's Day (October 18), take marigold flowers, a sprig of marjoram, thyme, and a little Wormwood; dry them before a fire, rub them to powder; then sift it through a fine piece of lawn, and simmer it over a slow fire, adding a small quantity of virgin honey, and vinegar. Anoint yourself with this when you go to bed, saying the following lines three times, and you will dream of your partner "that is to be": "St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me, in dreams let me my true-love see." |
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