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I Heart Herbs - Basil

*Please note - The information provided is collected from my various herbal books, classes, and personal research. I am not a doctor. Always, always, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Do your own research and think for yourself. Don't believe everything you read. Questions are good!

Sweet Basil

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum 

Plant Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)

Character: sweet, pungent, slightly bitter, very warm, dry

Constituents: volatile oil, tannins

Actions: antidepressant, antiseptic, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, soothes itching, stimulates the adrenal cortex, prevents vomiting, tonic

Parts Used: Fresh and dried aerial parts

Harvest before flowering.


Culinary

Fresh basil is a good source of iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Basil delivers fresh flavor to tomato-based dishes, pesto, salads, and is tasty in Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes.

Expand your culinary horizons and experiment with basil in the kitchen. I love adding the fresh leaves on my pizza. 

Medicinally

Basil has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes cardiovascular health.

The leaves can be taken as a warming and uplifting tonic for nervous exhaustion and any cold condition.

The leaves are also good for rubbing on insect bites.

Brew a tea with the leaves to alleviate symptoms of cold and flu.


Essential Oil

The essential oil of basil is used in aromatherapy in combination with geranium, bergamot, or hyssop for a stimulating massage for depression.

Inhale basil essential oil for head colds, it helps clear congestion in the head and chest.

Basil essential oil's uplifting and refreshing scent soothes nervous conditions, relieving anxiety and tension.

Applying the diluted essential oil to your skin eases muscle and joint pains.

You can also use the diluted essential oil on your skin to soothe insect bites.

Add a few drops to your bath to wash your worries away.

Contraindications: 
Do not use the essential oil in pregnancy.


Folklore

Basil is strewn on floors in Mediterranean countries to purify the home.

A gift of a potted basil plant guarantees good fortune, and brings luck to people moving into a new residence.


The Romans prized basil, considering it an aphrodisiac.

Placing dried basil under a bed can reawaken passion in a relationship.

In the book “Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs”, Scott Cunningham shares basil love divination. He says if you place two basil leaves on a live coal, this will determine the state of your relationship. If the leaves burn to ash quickly, the relationship will be harmonious. If the leaves hiss and crackle, it will be disruptive.

*************
Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.

The Muse News 5-25-15


Happy Monday!

The Muse News is changing - expect it once a month now -
every New Moon.

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*************
Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.

I Heart Herbs - Sage

*Please note - The information provided is collected from my various herbal books, classes, and personal research. I am not a doctor. Always, always, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Do your own research and think for yourself. Don't believe everything you read. Questions are good!

Sage

Latin Name: Salvia officinalis

Plant Family: Lamiaceae ~
the mint family

Character: bitter, cool, drying, pungent

Constituentsflavonoids, phenolic acids, resin, saponins, tannins, volatile oil

Actionsantibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, expectorant, sedative, stimulant, vulnerary

Parts Used: leaves, root, flowers, essential oil


The sage plant has been praised highly throughout history for its powers of longevity. Sage has one of the longest histories of use of any medicinal herb according to medicinal lore. It is native to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

The Romans treated sage as a sacred herb and had a special ceremony for gathering sage. According to Roman mythology, sage supposedly belonged to the Satyrs, a half man, half goat creature. The Greeks associated sage with wisdom and immortality. The Romans and the Greeks used this highly prized herb as a meat preservative to reduce spoilage.

In the 10th century, Arab physicians believed sage promoted immortality. 14th century Europeans protected themselves from witchcraft with sage. In the 17th century, sage became a much in demand tea. The Chinese would trade three cases of tea leaves for one case of sage leaves with the Dutch.

In the Middle Ages, sage was used as a treatment for memory loss, fevers, and intestinal problems. It was also used to treat eye problems, liver disease, epilepsy, and infections.

Smudging, artist unknown
North American Indians also saw the value of sage. They used white sage for the spiritual cleansing qualities. They created sage bundles which produce a purifying smoke that removes negative energy from the air.

Sage derives its name from, 
the Latin word salvus, meaning 
"to be saved".



Culinary
  • Sage contains dietary fiber, vitamin A (carotenoid), calcium, and iron.
  • Sage can be used fresh, dried, or ground.
  • Fresh leaves are a good bitter digestive stimulant.
  • Sage adds flavor to stuffings for pork, rabbit, poultry, and baked fish. It makes a tasty addition in meat or sausage dishes. Sage is also used in soups, breads, dressings, and pasta sauce. It also makes an excellent tea.

Essential Oil
  • Used in aromatherapy, sage essential oil is a mental stimulant.
  • It helps one cope with despair and mental fatigue.
  • Sage essential oil can regulate circulation and support metabolism.
  • Sage is an antiseptic and antifungal, making it an excellent mouthwash that can remedy sore throats and oral thrush.
  • Aromatherapists believe sage essential oil is highly regenerative for the skin and scalp.

Use with care. Sage is a very powerful oil, so keep the dilutions as low as possible.


Make your own oil to reduce acne, scars, heal old wounds, 
or speed up slow healing wounds.
  • Use a base of 20% rosehip seed oil and 80% hazelnut oil
  • Add 5 drops of sage essential oil
  • Add 5 drops of helichrysum essential oil
  • Add a bit of lavender to balance the aroma
Sage essential oil blends well with bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, lavender, and rosemary oils.
From my Magick Garden 2015

Sage Advice
  • Use sage as a natural deodorant to reduce perspiration.
  • It reduces scarring.
  • Plant sage in your garden near rosemary. It will protect the rosemary from developing a powdery mildew.
  • Sage also serves as an insect repellent for cabbages.
  • Sage is a memory-enhancing herb. It calms the mind, enabling clear thought and planning.
  • Energetically, sage clears evil and darkness from people. It allows one to gain insight into the shadow self.

*************

Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.

The Muse News 5-18-15


Happy Monday!

Another week is upon us - so that means it is time for
The Muse News.

Click here to read it!

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Get on the list.
Sign up to receive The Muse News - weekly inspirations, affirmations, tapping tips, smiles, and good times.

Enjoy!



*************
Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.

I Heart Herbs - Rosemary

*Please note - The information provided is collected from my various herbal books, classes, and personal research. I am not a doctor. Always, always, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Do your own research and think for yourself. Don't believe everything you read. Questions are good!




Rosemary

Latin Name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Plant Family: Lamiaceae-
the mint family

Character: bitter, dry, pungent, warming

Constituents: bitter principle, camphor, resin, tannin, volatile oil

Actions of the essential oil: analgesic, antidepressant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, stimulant, and a general tonic

Parts Used: aerial parts

Harvest fresh year round.

Rosemary is regarded as energizing and uplifting.

Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs. 
I love to run my hands through a rosemary bush. 
It leaves such a refreshing scent on my hands. 

I love to throw some rosemary in a skillet with olive oil 
when I make some killer grilled cheese. 
It gives the bread that extra yumminess.

Rosemary has a variety of uses. 

Most of us are used to cooking with it, 
however the essential oil of rosemary is also 
quite beneficial.

I'm not the only one that loves rosemary. Paracelsus, a renowned physician during the 16th century, valued rosemary oil because of its ability to strengthen the entire body. He believed that rosemary essential oil could heal the liver, 
the brain, and the heart.

So, what can you do with rosemary essential oil?

~Make a stimulating rub for arthritic conditions.

~Use as a hair tonic to encourage hair growth and restore color.

~Add rosemary oil to the bath for aching limbs or to help nervous exhaustion.

~Create a massage oil for aching joints and muscles by diluting 1 ml of rosemary oil in 25 ml of almond or sunflower oil.

~Headache? Dab some oil on your temples.

~Sniff it. The mesmerizing smell of rosemary stimulates mental energy. It clears the respiratory tract. It also restores life energy, for rosemary is a strong awakening herb.

~Create a homemade air freshener spray with water and rosemary essential oil to remove unpleasant odors from a room.

~Use as a mouthwash to eliminate bad breath.

Rosemary oil blends well with basil, cedarwood, chamomile, citronella, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, and peppermint.

Rosemary Folklore

~Rosemary is a sacred plant symbolizing remembrance.

~It is one of the oldest incenses used in ancient Egypt.

~In the days of old, rosemary was used for anointing and blessing.

~It was thought to bring love and peace, and to provide protection and purification.

~Placing a spring of rosemary under one's pillow on Halloween night ensures one they would dream of their future husband.

~If you wish to receive knowledge or the answer to a question, burn rosemary on charcoal and smell its smoke.

~Rosemary, when burned, emits powerful cleansing and purifying  vibrations, and is used to rid a place of negativity.

~Rosemary was burnt at shrines in Ancient Greece to drive away evil spirits and illnesses.

~A necklace made from rosemary preserves your youth.

~When placed beneath the pillow, rosemary ensures good sleep and drives away nightmares.

Rosie the Riveter 


If rosemary unexpectedly appears
in your garden,
it is a sign that the woman of the house is
intuitive, powerful, and strong.



*************
Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.

The Muse News 5-11-15


Happy Monday!

Another week is upon us - so that means it is time for
The Muse News.

Click here to read it!

Want it delivered directly to you?
Get on the list.
Sign up to receive The Muse News - weekly inspirations, affirmations, tapping tips, smiles, and good times.

Enjoy!




*************
Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.

I Heart Herbs - Astragalus

*Please note - The information provided is collected from my various herbal books, classes, and personal research. I am not a doctor. Always, always, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Do your own research and think for yourself. Don't believe everything you read. Questions are good!


Astragalus

Latin Name
: Astragalus membranaceus

Chinese Name: Huang Qi

Plant Family: Fabaceae - Pea Family

Character: sweet, slightly warm

Actions: antioxidant, anti-viral, diuretic, immunostimulant

Parts Used: root, leaves

Contraindications: acute infections, pregnancy

Astragalus is fantastic for anyone who 
has had a huge toll on their immune system.

It balances electrolytes, nourishes the energy of the heart, 
balances the nervous system, cleanses the gall bladder, and 
heals cuts & bruises.

Astragalus is a deep immune nourishing herb that works at 
the level of bone marrow.

What can you use Astragalus for?

-excellent qi tonic

-anti-viral, digestive tonic, liver protectant


-tonifies the spleen by raising the yang qi


-nourishes the blood


-good for prolapse


-clears toxins


-helps internally for wounds that won't heal


-increases energy


-helps heal tissue and viral infections


-helps T cell function in chemo and AIDS patients


-used in chemo to balance the white blood cells


-slows down blood pressure


-used as adjunct therapy in cancer patients


-to balance your hormones take a few drops of astragalus essence under the tongue


-bathe with the leaves to balance male and female energies


-it is quite tasty in broths and soups


One of my herb teachers taught us that astragalus is also good for allergies. She suggests drinking astragalus and reishi tea every day for 6 months for allergy relief.


Spiritual Properties


Image Credit
Call upon the spirit of Astragalus when you are feeling a sense of soul loss or emotionally shut down and cannot let anyone in. 

Astragalus will help you open up. 

Astragalus will always be there for you following you into the dark, deep places of your life.




Astragalus Plant Spirit Prayer

"Gracious One, we are honored by your presence. We seek the knowledge of the mysteries of our existence. We seek to know ourselves, as we are lost from our essence. Bring us home."


from "Plant Spirit Journeyby Laura Silvana



*************
Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.

The Muse News 5-4-15

Happy Monday!
Another week is upon us - so that means it is time for
The Muse News, my newsletter.

Click here to read it!

Want it delivered directly to you?
Get on the list.
Sign up to receive The Muse News - weekly inspirations, affirmations, tapping tips, smiles, and good times.

Enjoy!



*************
Are you facing a huge transition in your life?
Are you ready to release your obstacles and step forward into the life of your choosing?
Are you kind of lost as to where to even begin? 

Book your free 20 minute consultation with me today.

Click here.


Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
 Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a life coach, tapping facilitator, reverend, creatress, teacher, writer, herbalist, and all out muse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.