On a Journey Back to Her Wings: natural remedies

Showing posts with label natural remedies. Show all posts

I Heart Herbs - Tulsi:Holy 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!

Holy Basil in my garden.

Holy Basil~Tulsi

Latin Name: Ocimum sanctum

It is given the Sanskrit name "tulsi"

which means incomparable.

Plant Family: Lamiaceae-the mint family

Parts Used: the whole plant

Actions: adaptogen, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue

Take as a delicous tea, tincture, capsules,

or you can even eat the fresh herb.

In India, holy basil is worshipped as a deity.

This Ayurvedic herb is uplifting and good for the spirit.

Holy basil is one of India’s most powerful herbs.

Benefits of Holy Basil

Image Credit

It is an incredible adaptogen, an herb that helps us adapt to stress.

Holy basil enhances cerebral circulation and memory.

Holy basil helps repair cells over time and protects against environmental damage.

David Winston, herbalist, uses holy basil to treat people with allergic rhinitis and allergies to animal dander and mold. He says it can reduce the symptoms of hay fever and allergic asthma when combined with reishi and a solid extract from blueberries.

It can be used as a natural antiseptic due to the compound eugenol, found in the essential oil.

Holy basil kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and can be used as an insect repellant.

It is an effective treatment for snake bites.

It is also used to treat many skin conditions, as well as coughs, bronchitis and diabetes.

One of my herb teachers taught us that holy basil is
a long term life insurance policy.

Holy Basil on a deeper level

Holy basil represents harmony, happiness, purity, serenity, luck, and good health.

Holy basil calms and brings goodness and joy to your being.

Holy basil nourishes us to perfect health and enlightenment.

Daily use of holy basil helps maintain the balance of our chakras, the energy centers of the body.

In the Puranas, a sacred Hindu text, everything associated with the plant is holy.

Because of the spiritual significance of this plant, its roots have been used to carve Hindu sacred rosary beads.They are used in meditation to give clarity and protection.

Image Credit

It is a purifier of
body, mind, and spirit.

You can find a holy basil plant in almost any Hindu home.

Many Indian women begin the day by offering blessed water to the plant.They walk around it and pray before it, to promote well-being and encourage the grace of the goddess as a living presence in the home.

Invite holy basil into your life,

only good things can come of it.

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

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

The Magick Muse

Amy Riddle, C.C., Holistic Alchemist and Manifestor of Dreams is a holistic 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 - Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

Latin Name: Melissa officinalis

Plant Family: Lamiaceae

Character: cold, dry, slightly bitter, sour

Constituents: bitter, flavonoids, polyphenols, rosmarinic acid, tannins, volatile oil

Actions: antibacterial, anti-depressant, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive stimulant, nervine, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, sedative

Parts used for medicine: leaves, fresh leaves, dried leaves, fresh aerial parts

Harvest before flowering.

Melissa comes from the Greek word for "honey bee".

Lemon Balm has the same healing and tonic properties as

honey and royal jelly.

Lemon Balm Knowledge

Lemon Balm was a favorite in medieval times for it was considered to be an elixir of youth.

The leaves are great for depression and for anyone suffering from anxious digestive upsets.

Lemon Balm leaves are good for feverish colds.

It makes a refreshing lemon tea in the summer.

Check out this refreshing recipe.

I plan on drinking it on a warm summer day.

Make an infusion for nausea, indigestion, nervous exhaustion, depression, and the early stages of a cold.
Use fresh leaves if possible.

The tincture has similar actions to the infusion but stronger. Small doses are usually more effective, dosage 5-10 drops.

Make a compress using a pad soaked in the infusion to relieve any painful swellings, like gout.

Use the ointment for sores, insect bites and as a bug repellent.

For depression, tension, asthma, and bronchitis use hot infused oil as a gentle massage oil.

The essential oil can be used in an ointment base to treat and prevent insect bites.

Just a few drops of lemon balm essential oil creates an excellent antidote for depression.

Make a massage oil with the essential oil in a carrier oil of almond or olive oil and use for tension or chest complaints.

Lemon Balm Plant Spirit Prayer

"Fly, little fairy, as fast as you can,
and bring magic to each lemon balm with
the stroke of your hand.
Using your wand, filled with God's grace,
make nectar of its leaves for the entire human race."

from "Plant Spirit Journey"

by Laura Silvana

The spirit of lemon balm gives you
courage, plus emotional and mental strength.

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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

The Magick Muse

I Heart Herbs - Cayenne

Cayenne

Latin Name: Capsicum frutescens

Plant Family: Solanaceae

Character: drying, pungent, very hot

Constituents: Vitamins A, B1, C, alkaloids, fatty acids, flavonoids, carotene pigment, iron, sugars

Actions: anthelmintic, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, gastric stimulant, promotes digestion, promotes sweating, stimulating nerve tonic

Parts used: fruit

Culinary uses: chilis, curries, salsas, sauces

Contraindications:

~Excessive consumption of cayenne leads to gastroenteritis and liver damage, so watch dosages.

~Avoid therapeutic doses of cayenne in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

~Be cautious with the compress, if left on the skin for too long could cause blistering.

~When handling, avoid touching the eyes or any cuts.

Cayenne increases blood flow, tonifies the nervous system, relieves digestion, stimulates yang energies, cleans the blood, and increases the appetite.

As an antibacterial, it is ideal for colds and chills.

Cayenne is good for throat issues like
hoarseness and laryngitis.

To create the infusion:

Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne to a cup of boiling water.

Dilute a tablespoon of the infusion with

more hot water to make a cupful.

Sip as required.

The infusion is ideal for colds, chills,

cold hands and feet, depression and shock.

To stimulate digestive function take 2-3 drops of

the undiluted infusion.

For rheumatic pains, bruising and sprains, soak a pad in the infusion for a compress.

Dilute 5-10 drops of the tincture in half a cup of hot water to take as a circulatory stimulant and tonic.

For throat issues create a gargle by

diluting 5-10 drops of tincture in

half a glass of warm water.

Create an infused oil for a warming massage

for arthritis and rheumatism.

The infused oil and ointment are less burning

and irritating to the skin than the raw fruits.

A couple of HOT tips:

To increase circulation, mix cayenne with shea butter

and rub on the skin.

Putting a bit of cayenne between your shoes and

socks on a cold winter day helps to keep the feet warm.

Ember by Ruth Thompson

Spiritual Cayenne

On a spiritual level, cayenne's karmic lesson is
to provoke choice.

Cayenne energy stimulates all actions on a spiritual plane.

Cayenne accelerates psychic development.

Cayenne opens the heart chakra.

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

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

The Magick Muse

I Heart Herbs - Ivy

Latin Name: Hedera Helix

Plant Family: Araliaceae - Ginseng family

Character: bitter

Constituents: saponins, flavonol glycosides

Parts Used: leaves, woody stems

Blooming period: July to August

Actions: antibacterial, antispasmodic, antifungal, expectorant, pyretic, respiratory

Contraindications: Falcarinol, which is found mainly in the leaves, can cause contact dermatitis. Oral ingestion of the bitter ivy berries can be toxic.

Ivy is used by some practitioners to treat cancer, rheumatism, ammenorrhea, swelling, tumors, lymphatic tumors, chronic catarrh, and candida infections.

Ivy has an expectorant effect in dry cough, common cold, and chronic respiratory tract disorders.

Extracts have been used as antispasmodics and as topical treatments of dermal infections and itching,
as well as for weight loss.

It is used externally in cosmetics.

Ivy is a prominent plant in legend and lore.

Artist Unknown

It is associated with the god Bacchus.

Ivy was highly respected by the Ancient Greeks who wove it into crowns worn to celebrate victory.

Its tenacity and ability to survive most climates possibly led to its reputation as an herb symbolic of fidelity and valor.

Ivy is an herb of love, immortality, and consecration.

Ivy is associated with the suit of Pentacles.

Ivy is used with quite a few sabbats -
Beltane, Yule, and Candlemas.

Wreaths of Ivy may be worn for Beltane Eve.

Ivy may be woven into wreaths and included in floral arrangements when one is decorating for the union of a couple.

In Ogham, the ancient Celtic tree alphabet, Ivy is called Gort.

Gort stands for

prosperity, abundance, and new lessons to be learned.

It is the completion of one phase and
the beginning of something fresh and new.

Color ~ green

Stone ~ aventurine, malachite

Animal ~ cow

Ivy gets us moving towards our goals.

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

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

The Magick Muse

I Heart Herbs - Red Clover

Red Clover

Latin Name:

Trifolium pratense

Plant Family:
Fabaceae/Leguminosae

Character:

cool, slightly sweet

Constituents:

flavonoids, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, protein, chromium, calcium, coumarins, phenolic glycosides, salicylates

Actions:

alterative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic

Parts used:

Flowers~harvest during flowering.

It has a pleasant taste and is mildly strengthening.

Red Clover is suitable for general consumption and long term use.

What is it used for?

Red Clover is used for coughs, bronchitis, and skin complaints.

In the 1930s red clover became a popular anticancer remedy.

It still may be prescribed for breast, ovarian, and
lymphatic cancer sufferers.

The crushed flowers can be applied to insect bites and stings.

Take the tincture internally for eczema and psoriasis.

Make a compress for gout and arthritic pains.

As an ointment is is wonderful for lymphatic swellings.

Cover the fresh flowers with water and
simmer for 48 hours in a slow cooker.

Strain, dry and combine with an

equal amount of an ointment base.

For stubborn dry coughs take the syrup.

Use the infusion as a douche for vaginal itching and conjunctivitis.

Spiritual & Emotional Properties

Red Clover's spirit helps in healing a person's relationship

with their mother and father.

It helps heal pain and conflict between a wife and husband.

It provides courage when an apology is called for.

It encourages honesty within oneself and aids you in taking responsibilities for your actions.

Red Clover is about honoring.

It helps you find honor within yourself and others.

Red Clover Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker

Red Clover Plant Spirit Prayer

"From the time of birth to the ending of life,

may the cycle of Spirit never be broken.

May the fire of God bless us

and keep holy the path we walk."

from "Plant Spirit Journey" by 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

The Magick Muse

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 - Comfrey

Latin name: Symphytum Officinale

Plant Family: Boraginaceae

Character: Cool, moist, sweet

Constituents: allantoin, alkaloids, inulin, protein, mucilage, potassium, silicon, tannin, starch, calcium, phosphorus, protein, iron, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, E, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, selenium, thiamine

Parts used for medicine: aerial parts, root

Harvest during flowering in early summer.

Traditionally referred to as knitbone,

comfrey knits together tissues

and promotes cell growth.

Comfrey has amazing healing properties.

I say that comfrey has Wolverine like healing powers.

Wolverine!

Healing Properties of Comfrey

Excellent vulnerary

Speeds cell reproduction

Great for healing and soothing insect bites

Accelerates bone injury healing

Helps with ulcers

Eases arthritic joints

Can be used for a variety of skin issues, including stretch marks

Use the cream for osteoarthritis and any bone or muscle damage.

Puree the leaves to create a poultice for minor fractures,

such as broken toes and ribs.

You can also use in larger bones for hairline cracks.

You can also create a poultice from

the powdered root with a little water.

Appy to varicose ulcers and stubborn wounds.

This can also treat bleeding hemorrhoids.

My favorite way to use comfrey is as an oil. I make my own.

All you need is comfrey leaves and olive oil.

Make your own Comfrey Medicine Oil

Harvest comfrey leaves and let them dry overnight.

Remember oil and water do not mix.

If the leaves are wet, your oil will become rancid.

Stuff a mason jar full of the comfrey leaves.

Add olive oil to cover all of the plant material.

Let it set for 6 weeks.

Strain and use!

From the infused oil you can make a salve by
heating the oil in beeswax.

Contraindications:

Do not use on unclean wounds,

comfrey heals rapidly and can trap infection.

It can be damaging to the liver.

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

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

The Magick Muse

I Heart Herbs - Mugwort

The Magick Muse Garden 2015

Mugwort

Latin Name: Artemisia vulagris

Plant Family: Asteraceae

Character: bitter, cold, drying, pungent

Constituents: antibiotic polyacetylenes, bitter, flavonoids, hydroxycoumarins, inulin, silica, tannins, volatile oil

Actions: anthelmintic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bitter digestive tonic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, hemostatic, stimulating nervine, uterine stimulant

Contraindications: Pregnancy.
If taking for liver issues reduce the alcohol in the tincture first.

Parts used: Aerial parts

Harvest while flowering in late summer.

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What is mugwort used for?

Mugwort is great for the circulatory, digestive, female reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems.

It can be used for menstrual and menopausal issues.

It is a nervine and menstrual regulator.

Combine the decoction with equal amount of dry ginger to make a warming tea for menstrual pain.

Use the tincture for a variety of menstrual issues.

It also can be taken to stimulate liver stagnation and

sluggish digestion.

As a digestive remedy mugwort is good for chills and fevers.

Drink the infusion as a bitter to cool the digestive tract

in fever management.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sticks of mugwort are called moxa. Moxa is burned at the end of acupuncture needles to clear dampness and cold. This process is called moxibustion.

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Spiritual Mugwort

Mugwort is listed as one of the Nine Sacred Herbs given to the world by the god, Woden in Anglo-Saxon history.

Mugwort increases sexual desire toward your partner.

It is excellent in helping people heal from sexual trauma.

Mugwort has the ability to allow one to dream quite vividly.
You can throw a handful on your pillow, smudge your bedroom,
or smoke it prior to bed.
Be careful, people have different reactions.
Some people experience nightmares,
others have quite pleasant dreams.
It can also deepen your sleep.

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My Mugwort Story

Mugwort and I didn't always get along. We have history.

Years ago I was working on increasing my psychic abilities and I would burn mugwort oil in my oil burner while I slept.

Bad idea.

This gave me vivid dreams.

Crazy-ass dreams that seemed real.

My alarm would go off in the morning telling me to get ready for work, but I would be so out of it. I felt like I had been "up" all night somewhere else, in another dimension.

I brought mugwort back into my life a few summers ago.

I smudged a few leaves before bed.

Again, CRAZY intense dreams.

I figured mugwort just wasn't for me.

A couple months after that during an herb class we were prompted to go out into the garden and

talk to a particular plant.

"Become the plant's friend."

I decided I was going to have a chat with Ms. Mugwort.

I sat down in front of her...and explained my dreams.

After I just sat there soaking up her energy.

I wanted to make peace.

I harvested some mugwort and planted it in my garden.

I believe in facing your fears head on,
so that night I dove right into mugwort.

I completely OD'd on mugwort.

I put mugwort under my pillow, on my window sill,

I smudged the bedroom with it, and I even smoked it.

I laid down prepared for anything.

I ended up sleeping like a baby, a hard deep beautiful sleep.

Since then, mugwort and I get along just fine.

Now I smudge with mugwort when I feel I need a little boost from the Universe figuring out my life.

It's definitely not for everyone, but if you are friends with Ms. Mugwort she can help you tap in to your spiritual thoughts.

From my experience, she helps you work through deep internal issues. When you face your fears, give them a name, then you can move past them and into bliss.

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Image Credit

Mugwort Plant Spirit Prayer
from "Plant Spirit Journey" by Laura Silvana

"We call on you, ancestors of the earth and sky. Hear our prayers. We need your medicine to heal our people and Mother Earth. We thirst for wholeness. We hunger for nourishment. Carry us in your womb as we walk this earth. Protect us from harm. Feed our children. And when we are ready to come home to the Great Spirit in the sky, carry us on your wings and fly."

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

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

The Magick Muse

On a Journey Back to Her Wings

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I Heart Herbs - Tulsi:Holy Basil

I Heart Herbs - Lemon Balm

I Heart Herbs - Cayenne

I Heart Herbs - Ivy

I Heart Herbs - Red Clover

I Heart Herbs - Comfrey

I Heart Herbs - Mugwort