Chamomomile Flowers
Regular price $5.00MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA
Certified Organic
1oz - Approximately 2 cups by volume
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, bitter, carminative, nervine, sedative, vulnerary
Magic: Calm, sleep, money, combat curses and spells
Chamomile is a well-known blossom in the herbal world and is renowned for its gentle actions. German chamomile is most often prepared as an infusion of chamomile tea, and the flowers are widely used in hair and skin care recipes.
Chamomile promotes relaxation and supports digestive health*.
Chamomile is a gentle herb known throughout most of the world and has been used continually for many centuries. It is often ingested as tea for calming purposes and to soothe the digestive tract and is mild enough to be administered to babies. Chamomile is soothing to the skin and is often found in lotions and hair products. It is known in commerce as Matricaria recutita and by its synonym Matricaria chamomilla. Common names include German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, mayweed, sweet false chamomile, and true chamomile.
A member of the Asteraceae family, these aromatic herbaceous plants have white daisy-like flowers and scents reminiscent of apples or pineapple. In fact, the common name "chamomile" is derived from the Greek word kamai which translates to "on the ground" and melon which means apple. Accordingly, the Spanish name Manzanilla, means "little apple." M. chamomilla is an annual that can grow up to 24 inches whereas the similar C. nobile is a perennial low-growing groundcover growing no more than ten inches high. M. chamomilla is native to Europe and western Asia.
Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt and was given as an offering to their gods. Chamomile has been utilized extensively in Europe as somewhat of a panacea which supported digestive health. Common preparations were teas, baths and sitzbaths, gargles, inhalations, and compresses. Germans refer to this herb as alles zutraut meaning 'capable of anything.' Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile are similar and have been traditionally used interchangeably to some degree, although differences in taste and action have been noted. In the Mexican folkloric tradition, manzanilla was used to support healthy respiratory function and for soothing the stomach and easing digestion. In the highlands of southern Mexico, the Tzeltal Maya make a chamomile tea containing an orange and a lime leaf to lift the mood.
Native Americans have used this and related species since their introduction to the Americas, often utilizing the entire plant. The Aleut drank teas to alleviate gas, and also considered the plant a cure-all. Drinking the tea was a Cherokee trick for "regularity." The Kutenai and Cheyenne got creative, the former making jewelry and the later, perfume, out of the pulverized dry flowers.
Chamomile has magical implications for attracting money and, accordingly, as a hand rinse for gamblers needing good luck. Cosmetically, chamomile has also been used as a rinse for accentuating highlights and lightening blonde hair. Topically, this herb has an emollient effect and is softening and soothing to the skin. It has also been used as a perfume and flavoring agent for liqueurs such as Benedictine and vermouth.
According to an herbalist Matthew Becker, the type of person who responds best to chamomile is one "who complains often…for fretful children…and for adults who act like children." The genus name Matricaria stems from the Latin word matrix meaning 'womb' hinting at its beneficial effects for women. Chamomile possesses what Rosemary Gladstar describes as "soft power" to assuage occasional stress and tension. She suggests not only sipping chamomile tea while bathing in it, but also tucking a chamomile sachet under the pillow at night to promote restful sleep.
Precautions
Persons with allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family should exercise caution with chamomile. The infusion should not be used near the eyes. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
Wormwood
Regular price $4.00ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM
Certified Organic
1 oz - Approximately 3/4 cup by volume
Actions:
An aromatic and bitter herb, wormwood was once sought after as an ingredient for brewing beer before hops eventually replaced it. Artemisia absinthium is a member of the Asteraceae family and can be found growing wild along roadsides and disturbed places throughout Europe, Siberia, and the United States. Historically, wormwood herb was soaked in various liquors and is a notable ingredient in absinthe. The plant can be infused in herbal tea blends, used in tincturing, and incorporated into other botanical formulations.
An ancient proverb claims, “as bitter as wormwood”, and indeed, wormwood is considered one of the most bitter herbs. It can be found growing wild in disturbed soils and is often cultivated in gardens, acting as a companion plant to deter pests and weeds. Historically, dried leaf bundles were hung inside the house and strewn in pantries and drawers for both its aromatics and to keep unwanted visitors away.
Wormwood is perhaps best known as an ingredient in absinthe, the famous alcoholic spirit noted for its strong effects. The herb has also been utilized for its bitterness, flavor, and green hue in many other liqueurs and aperitifs, including vermouth. Wormwood was employed in traditional European herbalism to support the digestive system. It’s uses date back to ancient Greece where it was utilized for intestinal parasites and as a general wellness tonic.
Artemisia absinthium is one of approximately 180 species in the genus Artemisia and a member of the of extensive Asteraceae family. Native to temperate climates in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, wormwood has since naturalized around the world. This herbaceous perennial has tall, branched stems with deeply segmented silver-green leaves. Wormwood can be found growing in gardens or in the wild amongst disturbed places and arid, uncultivated soils.
Wormwood, once a main ingredient in beer brewing, has since been replaced by hops. European folklore suggests that wormwood was utilized in making love potions and even acted as a remedy for accidental poisonings from mushrooms and other plants. Its scientific name, Artemisia, is derived from Artemis, the Greek goddess of wild creatures and the hunt. Greek legend states that the plant was delivered to Chiron, the father of medicine, by the goddess herself. The common name, wormwood, is suggested to have come from its historical use in expelling intestinal worms. Although, another reported root may originate from the Anglo-Saxon word “wermode” or “wermuth”, meaning “mind preserver”.
Wormwood herb can be soaked in wine or other spirits. It can also be infused as a tea, incorporated into dream and sleep pillows, or macerated as a liquid herbal extract.
Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. Not for long-term use; do not exceed recommended dose. Not to exceed 1.5 g of dried herb in tea, two to three times daily. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
Rue
Regular price $6.00RUTA GRAVOLENS
Certified Organic.
1oz.
Actions: Antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, emetic, disinfectant, diuretic, hypotensive, uterine stimulant, vasodilator
Magic: Healing, health, mental powers, exorcism, love, protection
Rue has a long history of use in both medicine and magick, and is considered a protective herb in both disciplines. The hardy evergreen shrub is mentioned by writers from Pliny to Shakespeare and beyond, as an herb of remembrance, of warding and of healing. Early physicians considered rue an excellent protection against plagues and pestilence, and used it to ward off poisons and fleas. A Modern Herbal refers to the plant's 'disagreeable odour and flavour', but in truth, the bitterness of the leaves is only evident in large doses. In smaller amounts, it imparts a pleasant, musky flavor to cream cheeses and light meats. Rue was once believed to improve the eyesight and creativity, and no less personages than Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci regularly ate the small, trefoil leaves to increase their own. The legend of rue lives on in playing cards, where the symbol for the suit of clubs is said to be modeled on a leaf of rue.
Precautions
There are concerns that rue is poisonous and can cause violent gastric reactions when taken in large doses. In addition, some people are highly sensitive to the plant's oils and can develop a severe rash when they are exposed to it and then the sun. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
Elderberry Syrup Kit
Regular price $15.00Make your own elderberry syrup! These hand-blended, immune-boosting plants have been used for ages to make a delicious, preventative elixir for cold season. Once finished, it may be taken by the spoonful, added to hot water or tea, or even to soda water for a fun, festive drink.
Directions
Suggested use: Adults - 1 tablespoon up to 3x/day. Children - 1 teaspoon up to 3x/day. Shelfife: Lasts about 2 months in the refrigerator.
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