I Heart Herbs - Stinging Nettle

*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!

Stinging Nettle

Latin Name: Urtica dioica

Plant Family: Urticaceae

Character: astringent, slight bitter taste, cool, dry

Constituents: vitamins A, B, C, histamine, formic acid, serotonin, tannins, potassium, iron, sodium, calcium, formic acid, mucilage, mineral salts

Actions: astringent, diuretic, nutritive, lowers blood sugar levels, promotes milk flow, stops bleeding, circulatory stimulant

Parts used: aerial parts, root

Harvest while flowering. Harvest the root in the fall.

Stinging Nettle has a high vitamin C content and it helps ensure that iron is properly absorbed by the body.

Nettle stings because of histamine and formic acid in the hairs that trigger the familiar allergic response.

Stinging Nettle Knowledge

Caesar's troops introduced the Roman nettle into Britain believing they needed to flail themselves with nettles to keep warm.

A standard folk remedy for arthritis and rheumatism is urtication, beating with nettles.

Nettle root is traditionally used to treat hair loss and dandruff.

Drink the infusion as a tonic and for allergies. It's super yummy.

As far as drinking nettle, you can also make nettle lemonade and even nettle beer.

Use the tincture for arthritic conditions, heavy uterine bleeding, and skin issues.

Make a compress by soaking a pad in the tincture and apply to painful arthritic joints, sprains, tendinitis, gout, and sciatica.

Apply the nettle ointment to hemorrhoids.

The wash is good to apply to insect bites, burns, and wounds.

The powdered leaves can be used as an herbal snuff for nosebleeds.

Eating Nettle?

Yup. I like to throw stinging nettle in a stir fry of mushrooms and garlic. Once cooked down, it loses its sting, so don't worry about hurting your tongue and throat. Nettle is also very mineral rich, I love to add it in bone broths and soups. Nettle also makes a yummy addition to lasagnas and pesto.

Many herbalists tap in to the spiritual and 
emotional properties of plants. 
The spirit of the plant is just as important as 
the physical part of the plant. 
For true health is whole, and 
wholeness encompasses all, 
spirit and matter.

"Stinging Nettle" by Liselotte Eriksson

Spiritual & Emotional Properties of Nettle

• Energetically the action of Stinging Nettle is deep.
• The nettle plant helps to heal the energy around bitterness and scorn.
• Stinging Nettle is a great elixir to ease any type of emotional pain experienced in the present.
• It helps bring one out of a state of selfishness.
• Nettle helps with possessive, obsessive, and controlling people.
• Stinging Nettle can bring about a change of heart in a person.

Nettles Plant Spirit Prayer

from "Plant Spirit Journey" by Laura Silvana

"O loving kindness, drench the fires of our bitterness and scorn. Weep not, for the ills of the human heart can only be appeased by your unbounded, gracious love."

Nettle is excellent for grounding and aligns your source of power with that of Divine Right.

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

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? 

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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 - 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

*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!

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. 

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

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 - Petunia

*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!

From My Garden 

Petunia 

Latin Name: Petunia x. hybrida 

Plant Family: Solanaceae

Petunia is charming. 

*Petunia's Flower Essence* 
Petunia whispers "Your presence soothes me."

The essence of petunia works primarily on the heart chakra, activating and energizing the heart.

Image Credit

The heart meridian is rebalanced where there is insecurity 

related to new experiences that break 

or re-define old boundaries.

From My Garden 

Petunia helps release suppressed feelings smoothly, 

increasing peacefulness. 

It helps one move forward, 

releasing the past and 

bringing one into the present. 

Petunia is the flower essence for the dreamer and 

for seeing those dreams come true. 

Petunia essence brings a 

deep insight into finer levels of spiritual states. 

It brings an inner knowing of anything is possible and 

there are no limitations to what we can do.

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

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 - Cayenne

*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!

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

 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 - Ivy

*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!

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

 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 - Red Clover

*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!

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.