Herb List

From Crossroads Wiki

Note: This is a work of fiction, comprised from some facts for a roleplaying MUSH. Readers are asked to not use this document as a document of fact and take it in the context of fiction.

ALFALFA (Medicago sativa): A flowering plant in the pea family. Primary use is as a detoxification agent. Can act as a diuretic, and promotes pituitary gland function. Also contains an antifungal agent. Must be used in fresh, raw form to provide vitamins. Sprouts are especially effective.

ALOE (Aloe barbadensis Miller): The plant has stiff grey-green lance-shaped leaves containing clear gel in a central mucilaginous pulp. Although many think that this plant is from the cactus family, it belongs to the lily family.

• Growing Conditions/Harvesting: Aloe needs a sunny location and well-drained soil. It can grow to two feet in height. The best time to grow this plant is in the spring, either from seed or from shoots or leaves of a mature plant. Aloe is not harvested like other herbs, you cut the leaves only when they are needed. Otherwise you leave the plant in tact.

• Medicinal Uses: Aloe Vera can be used both internally and externally, though because of it’s bitter pulp, aloe has few culinary benefits. The gel within the leaves when ingested either straight, or diluted in a drink, is used as a laxative and digestive aid. It’s also said to help fight internal infections, arthritis and ulcers. The gel, when squeezed from a freshly picked leaf, can help aid in the healing of burns, scars and skin rashes to promote healing and relieve itching. It’s also often used, applied to the body, in the beauty regimen of many noble women.

• Magical uses: As a component in magic, it may be used to aid in spells of protection and luck and thought to guard against negative influences.

ANISE (Pimpinella anisum): A flowering plant known for its licorice-like flavour. Aids digestion and clears mucus from nasal passages - good for treating common cold and the like. Seeds are the most effective part and can be used as a fragrance or flavouring.

APPLE (many varieties): the apple tree is a small deciduous tree with a dense crown and gray bark. Its toothed, elliptical leaves grow with pink-flushed and white flowers on short side twigs. The apple tree blooms in spring and harvest would be ripe from September to April of the following year. The fruit is rounded and depressed at each end. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are devoid of toxins, promote the secretion of body fluids, quench thirst, nourish the lungs and gallbladder, eliminate worries, enhance stomach and spleen functions and have a sobering effect when one is drunk. Magically they may be used in rituals as components to aid in spells pertaining to love, healing, garden magic and immortality.

ARNICA (Arnica Montana): A perennial plant whose brown rootstock produces a slightly hairy, branched stem; the stem can reach 1-2 feet in height. Arnica grows 1-3 pairs of oblong, ovate basal leaves. The upper stem leaves are smaller and sessile; all leaves are bright green and pubescent on the upper surface. The stem terminates by branching into 1-3 peduncles, each bearing a flower which is present from June to August. The flowers are bright yellow and daisy-like, with strongly-scented foliage. Mixed with lard it can be rubbed on sprains and bruises as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

ARROWROOT (Maranta arundinacea): A large root, generally found in the swamps of Mists or in the moist lands of Green Fields, that can be sniffed out by pigs, like a truffle. When cultivated and dried out, Arrowroot forms a fine white powder that can be used in biscuits and cooking as a thickening agent. It also has found use in treating snakebites and bee stings and other poisons, as when the powder is made into a paste and applied to a wound - the Arrowroot will bond and draw out the poison.

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum ): a straggling plant with somewhat weak-looking, though erect stems, rising to a height of a foot or 18 inches, and thickly covered with soft hairs. The shortly - stalked, egg shaped leaves, 1 to 2 inches long, are placed opposite to one another on the four-angled stem, the pairs being some distance apart. They are only slightly toothed at their edges and like the stem are downy with soft hairs. The flowers, with tubular, lipid corollas of a pinkish color, are arranged on the stem in several crowded, bristly rings or whorls, at the points from which the leaf-stalks spring, and are in bloom from July to September. Basil has been thought of as an aphrodisiac for centuries and has fire in its element. It was once thought to ward off evil spirits and is still worn tucked in the hat in some countries to scare away insects in hotter climes. Used for mild nervous disorders and for the alleviation of wandering rheumatic pains- the dried leaves, in the form of snuff, are said to be a cure for nervous headaches. Good for tired, overworked muscles, as a mouthwash for mouth sores and infected gums. An infusion made with basil is good for chest infections and digestive problems. Oil of Basil is a wonderful treatment for acne. A drop of basil on your pillow can help with insomnia and depression. Making a poultice of basil seeds aids in healing wounds because of their antibacterial properties. They are also said to cure warts. An infusion of the green herb in boiling water is good for all obstructions of the internal organs, arrests vomiting and allays nausea. There are just as many magickal properties in basil as there are medicinal and culinary. Put basil leaves in all corners of the rooms in your house to aid in protection. Make a basil charm and carry on your person to aid in safe trips. Place basil leaves in your money pouch to help in the aid of monetary needs. Sage ties are used for luck. Carry basil in your pocket for luck in gambling. Sprinkle crushed basil in your storefronts for flourishing business. to foretell relationships place two basil leaves on burning charcoal. If the leaves fly apart so will the relationship. If the leaves burn quietly the lovers will be in bliss. Basil is used in many potions, for love money health and protection. Use basil incense for purification before rituals. Burn basil for visions questing. Witches flying ointment is made with the juice of basil. To promote fidelity sprinkle basil over your partners heart. Use basil oil in room diffusers to promote tranquillity. Basil leaves put on computers is said to keep them working. Bush basil is an outstanding herb for rituals of death and dying. This pungent herb may be added to the incense or infused to provide the holy water for aspurging. This variety of basil is used in correspondence with the Death card in tarot readings.

BAYBERRY (Myrica gale): An evergreen shrub that can grow in soil which is very poor in nitrogen content. The flowers are catkins. Clears congestion, aids circulation, reduces fever, acts as an astringent. Helpful for stopping bleeding. Use the root bark for medicine, the wax of the berries can be used to make fragrant candles.

BETONY (Stachys officinalis): a masculine herb with fire is its element. Betony Tea, is useful as a dream repressant. This plant grows wild in the woods, in shady places. The root is not used as it tastes horrible and induces vomiting. It is usually regarded as an aromatic herb, useful for its astringent properties. Tincture of Betony is used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and hay fever. It is a masculine herb with its element in fire and is also grown in gardens to protect the home, and is scattered near doors and windows. This forms a kind of protective wall or living ward around the property through which none with harmful intent may pass. Betony is said to be a good plant to carry when making love advances, and is said to reunite quarreling couples if the plant is added to food. Medicinally it is thought to help cure spitting blood and excessive sweating.

BILBERRY or BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium corymbosum): Flowering shrub that grows wild and can be cultivated that bears a sweet tasting fruit. Acts as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic. Useful for hypoglycemia, inflammation, stress, anxiety, night blindness, and cataracts. May help or prevent macular degeneration. Interferes with iron absorption - may lead to anemia if taken too extensively.

BLACK SNAKEROOT (Cimicifuga racemosa): Herbaceous perennial that produces large, compound leaves. Lowers blood pressure and reduces mucus production. Helps cardiovascular and circulatory disorders; induces labour and aids in childbirth. DO NOT USE EARLY/MIDDLE PREGNANCY. (Miscarriage will likely occur). Use the rhizomes and the roots.

BLACK WALNUT (Juglans nigra): Large deciduous tree with gray-black bark that is deeply furrowed. Use the husks, inner bark, leaves and nuts. Aids digestion and promotes healing of mouth or throat sores. Cleanses the body of some types of parasites (read: do not venture far from the privy). Good for bruising, fungal infection, herpes, poison ivy and warts. Hulls can be boiled to produce a dye.

BURDOCK (Artium lappa): Also called love leaves, beggar's buttons, harebur. Gardeners use it to restore minerals to topsoil. The leaves are bitter and should not be bothered with - leave them to decompose and fertilize the soil if you are digging up the plant in the wild. The root is sweet to the taste; its entirely white when it sprouts but as it grows the outer layer attains a dark brown to black coloration. The root is used medicinally for its properties as an astringent, blood purifier, and anti-rheumatic usage.

CATNIP (Nepeta cataria): It's element is water, and it is a feminine herb. Also called Catnep, Catmint, Nip. Catnip belongs to the enormous family of mints and, like its relatives, possesses the same square (in section) stems and branches. Growing up to 3 feet in height, this rugged perennial bears grayish downy heart-shaped or oval leaves, and little spikes of whitish or pink flowers. It needs only a regular soil, and hardly any watering in which to flourish but, like all mints, will take over your garden if you give it half a chance. You can break up your clumps of catnip in spring or fall and throw out the older wood, or keep slips of root for planting elsewhere. Cats, of course, are given a 'high' as a stimulant, from this plant, while rats detest it thoroughly and will avoid it. Catnip is stomachic (soothing to an upset stomache) and diaphoretic in effect, but its properties as a sedative outweigh both these uses. Catnip is used in magic for contract law, legal confrontations and signing of documents. Its robust aroma lends itself well to matters of money and winning arguments and when combined with rose petals can be used to make love sachets. It is also said to help cure the evil a man has about his throat.

CHAMOMILE (matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile is used in bath herbs and in face lotions to firm the tissues, keep the skin young looking, brighten the eyes and relieve weariness. A decoction of this plant is used as an antispasmodic, a diaphoretic, a nervine and for hysterical or nervous afflictions. If drunk before bed it will help you fall asleep. It is also excellent for dissolving kidney stones, and with sugar its good for the spleen. Chamomile grown in the garden helps keep away harmful insects, but must be weeded by hand as it is easily strangled. In magic it is used for sleep and meditation incenses, is a masculine herb and it's element is water.

COMFREY or KNITBONE (Symphytum officinale): A perennial herb with a black, turnip-like root and large, hairy broad leaves. Use the leaves and the roots. Good for cuts, sores, bites, stings, bruises, burns and rashes. May cause liver damage if ingested - external application only please! Do not use during pregnancy.

CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum): Coriander prefers moderately rich, well-drained soil. It is a tender annual and grows in full sun to part shade. Coriander combines a strong sage flavor with citrus. It can be used in love potions and spells. Add coriander seeds to wine or mead to make a love potion. Use the seeds for healing, especially of headaches. Drink an infusion of coriander seeds to settle an upset stomach or make poultices from crushed seeds to relieve the pain of rheumatism. Coriander stimulates the appetite.

Deadly Nightshade (Atropa Belladonna): Deadly Nightshade is a well-known perennial plant with leaves, berries and roots that are highly toxic and hallucinogenic.

• Growing conditions: It has a low tolerance for direct sunlight or dry conditions, and can often be found in shady, moist areas with a limestone-rich soil.

• Medicinal Uses: Belladonna is used to treat complaints of sudden onset and infections with inflammation, such as acute fever with staring eyes and there is little thirst, or just a craving for sour drinks, flu, tonsillitis, a sore throat, a dry, tickly cough that is made worse by talking, and earache (especially right-sided), which is worse from getting the head wet or cold. Symptoms include: throbbing pain; a pale mouth and lips; a bright red tongue; a red, hot face; and dry, flushed skin but with cold hands and feet. Other conditions helped by Belladonna include: pounding headaches in which the slightest eye movement intensifies the pain; boils; seizures; labor pain; and restless sleep. It is also given to children for teething pain and to reduce a high fever.

• Other Information: Nightshade can be fatal to most carnivorous animals and humans, but the same level doses have little effect upon most birds and plant eating animals. In large doses Nightshade causes such symptoms as dilatation of the pupils, presbyopia, obscurity of vision, blindness, visual illusions, suffused eyes, occasionally disturbance of hearing (as ringing in the ears, etc.), numbness of the face, confusion of head, giddiness, and delirium. If the dose is very large, the above-named symptoms will be produced, but in a more violent form, with extravagant delirium, followed by a deep, lethargic, or unnatural sleep. Convulsions are rarely present, when belladonna causes death, it is usually while in a coma. All parts of the belladonna plant are gathered for use in the homeopathic remedy. The plant is crushed and pressed, and the extracted juice is mixed with alcohol in an extremely dilute preparation.

DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale): Common weed-like plant common just about everywhere plant-life is supported. Use the leaves, roots and tips. Cleans the blood and liver and increases the production of bile. Improves the functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, spleen and stomach. The toasted root can be used as a coffee substitute.

DILL (Anethum Graveolens): Dill is an annual that should be planted after danger of frost is past. It likes full sun and moderately rich, well-drained soil. Place dill in the crib to protect babies and carry it in protective sachets. Use dill seeds in money spells. Take a dill bath to make yourself irresistable. Dill dispells flatulance, settles the stomach, stimulates the appetite and relieves colic. It is useful to nursing mothers as it encourages milk flow and relieves breast congestion.

ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea): Sometimes called a 'coneflower' because of the shape of the flowers, this is a herbaceous plant that has large, showy heads of composite flowers. Use the leaves and the roots. Stimulates white blood cells (helps to fight off infection), and has anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling) and antiviral properties. Useful for colic, colds, flu and snakebites. May cause reaction in people who are allergic to sunflowers.

FENNEL (Foeniculum Vulgare): Fennel is a tender perennial which is grown as an annual in colder areas. It prefers average, well-drained soil in full sun. It can be grown around the home for protection. Hang sprigs at the doors and windows to keep out evil spirits. Use fennel in purification sachets and healing mixtures. Fennel increases milk flow in nursing mothers and relieves infant colic. It stimulates appetite and digestion, and soothes upset stomachs. It also calms bronchitis and coughs. Use externally to treat muscular and rheumatic pains; or use as a compress to treat conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eyelids. It can be used in a broth to make people who are too fat, a little more lean.

GARLIC (Allium sativum): Plant cloves in spring or the fall for a fall harvest. Garlic likes rich, dry soil in full sun to part shade. Garlic is used in protection, exorcism, and healing. Hang a garlic braid over your door to repel jealous people. Place a clove beneath your child's pillow as a protection charm and may even in adults provide relief from nightmares. Garlic helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and inhibits blood clotting and clogging of the arteries. It even seems to have some effectiveness in treating cancer of the stomach. It can be used externally to treat ringworm and threadworm. Cautions: Garlic and garlic pastes should not be applied directly to the skin, as they may cause blistering.

GINGER (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is a tropical plant, a perennial, and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in part sun. Eat ginger before doing a spell to increase its power. Grow ginger near your home or sprinkle dried ginger in your pocket or wallet to attract money. Ginger root, because of its gnarled shape, can substitue for mandrake. Medicinally ginger is used to soothe indigestion and treat motion sickness. Ginger tea is a wonderful remedy for morning sickness! It is a diaphoretic and promotes peripheral circulation. Gargle with an infusion of ginger to treat a sore throat. Use it as a poultice to treat muscle spasms.

GINSENG (Panax quinquefolius): Also known as 'Wonder of the Disc Root' ginseng is a hardy perennial. It likes rich, well-drained loam and is quite difficult to grow as it needs to be pampered! Ginseng is carried to attract love and guard health. Ginseng tea is said to be an aphrodisiac. There are many claims made for ginseng's healing properties. Many of the claims involve Borutan ginseng, which is not closely related to the common version. It is used to treat exhaustion, depression, and debility. It increases vitality and physical and mental performance. Caution: Excessive use of ginseng may cause headaches.

HORSERADISH (Armoracia rusticana): Horseradish grows best in moist, rich, heavy soil, in full sun. Horseradish is probably best known as the spicy condiment made by mixing grated fresh horseradish root with vinegar or mayonnaise. Sprinkle dried, powdered horseradish around your house to repel evil and negate any spells against you. Horseradish is one of the more potent herbal diuretics, and as such is used to treat kidney disease. It stimulates the digestion. Use it externally as a compress for neuralgia, joint stiffness, and rheumatism.

JUNIPER (Juniperus communis): Juniper is a hardy shrub often used as a groundcover. Plant both male and female plants if you want berries. Juniper is the primary flavoring in gin, but it has other culinary uses. It is a masculine herb with fire as its element. Juniper is used to protect against thieves, evil forces, accidents, animal attacks, ghosts, and sickness Juniper is used for household protection, seeing ghosts and health. Use the dried berries to include in sachets, potpourris and as decoration for altar dressings. When used on an incense coal, juniper is said to intoxicate spirits into becoming visible as well as increasing your power to see them. Use poultices of juniper to relieve rheumatic and arthritic pains, as well as ulcers and inflammations. Juniper is a diuretic, but it acts by irritating the kidneys, and there are other, safer means available. Cautions: Repeated use of juniper can cause kidney damage, convulsions, and personality changes. It should never be used by pregnant women.

LAVENDER (Lavendula augustifolia): A masculine herb with air as its element. Lavender is usually started from cuttings, as it has a long germination time. It prefers light, well-drained soil in full sun. Lavender is used widely in love spells and sachets. Burn the flowers to induce sleep. Lavender is also used in healing and purification. Medicinally, lavender infusions can be taken to combat headaches and depressions. Lavender makes a good nerve tonic, and is an ingredient in "smelling salts". Use lavender to make a compress for chest congestion. Lavender is best known for its properties of contentment, balance, love and good health. Use it when any of these aspects is required. Because of the amazing scent to the flowers, lavender is often combined in light potpourris for keeping a home in balance.

LEMON BALM (Lamiaceae): Popular names include Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-All, and Garden Balm. Lemon Balm is a lemon scented perennial. It grows wild in fields and gardens and along roadsides. It has an upright stem that grows as high as 3 feet. Oval toothed leaves and minor yellow flowers are produced in auxiliary clusters in summer. Lemon Balm is used internally to treat nervous disorders, indigestion and/or excitability developing from nervous disorder, hyperthyroidism and depression, anxiety, palpitations and tension headaches. It is often used for sleeplessness and also for nervous stomach disorders in both children and adults. Fresh lemon balm leaves are used to give a lemon flavor to soups, salads and sauces. The dried leaves, as well as the essential oil are used.

LOVAGE (Levisticum officinale): Also known as Love Root and Sea Parsley, Lovage is a perennial hardy. It prefers moist, fertile, well-drianed soil in full sun to partial shade. An infusion of lovage seeds is said to erase freckles and chewing on the roots is said to keep a person alert. One can take a lovage bath before you go out to make yourself more attractive.

LEIGONG VINE (Tripterygium wilfordii): More often known as Ploughman's Pleasure, this vine grows in most moist soils, often climing several meters. A water-based extract is taken, often mixed with something pleasant tasting, and works as an effective contraceptive in men. One drop of extract in water taken daily is effective, although the taste is extremely bitter and heavy over-doses can cause the immune system to be suppressed. Also kills worms, works as an anti-inflammatory, and can counter certain toxins.

MINT (Mentha spp): A perennial hardy, mint likes rich, moist, well-drianed soil in full sun to partial shade, is a masculine herb with air as its element. When planted outdoors as part of a herb garden, mint should be put in the ground in a container, as it is extremely invasive. Mint is a versatile healing plant. Use it in healing spells and incenses; stuff sachets with mint leaves to ward off disease. Mint also attracts money; carry a few leaves in your money pouch for this purpose. Peppermint is an excellent digestive aid. It is specific for use in treatment of morning sickness and motion sickness. Use it as an inhalant to treat stuffy noses and congestion. It helps relieve the discomfort of painful periods. Mint tea, sipped slowly, brings the body into attunement with the elements of air and water, to ensure robust health.

MUSTARD (Brassica spp.): Mustard is a hardy annual, growing readily just about anywhere. It reseeds quite happily. Sprinkle mustard seed on your doorstep to protect your home, or carry some in a red cloth bag to keep you from getting a cold. It can also aid in fertility spells and boost mental powers. Used externally, mustard stimulates the circulation and relieves inflammation. Mustard plasters are a time-honored remedy for chest congestion. Taken internally, mustard stimulates the appetite and aids digestion. Large doses can cause vomiting. Caution: Do not apply the mustard directly to the skin as it is quite irritating and can cause blistering.

NUTMEG (Myristca fragrans): Nutmeg is a tropical evergreen tree that can be found amongst other places in Oomura. One can make a good luck charm by stringing together whole nutmeg, star anise, and tonka beans. Add ground nutmeg or nutmeg essential oil to prosperity mixtures. As a spell component it can be used to bring luck, money, health, fidelity and relief from nightmares.

ONION (Allium cepa): Onions can be grown from seed, sets, or seedlings. Plant them in the spring for a fall harvest, or the fall before if you live in warmer areas. They prefer rich, well-drained soil with plenty of sun. Magically one can purify their sword by rubbing the blade with a cut onion, or place one beneath the kitchen sink to absorb negativity and disease. Rub warts with a piece of onion and throw it over your right shoulder. Dried onion flowers can be used as protective amulets, and onions grown around the home also offer protection. To cure baldness, rub your head with onion juice and lie out in the sun.

PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum): Also known as Devil's Oatmeal and perceley, parsley is a hardy biennial. It doesn't transplant well, so sow the seeds where you wish it to grow. Cut the flowers off as they appear the second year or you will have all flower and no leaves. Magically, parsley promotes fertility and encourages lust and is one of the best purification herbs available. It is a masculine herb with air as its element. Use it in purification baths. Sprigs of parsley were once used on plates to keep food from becoming contaminated. Parsley has more vitamin C, proportionally, than an orange. Take infusions of parsley for bladder infections. Parsley increases milk production and tones uterine muscles and can even be used to repel head lice. Caution: Large quantities can cause decreased blood pressure and pulse. It can also irritate the kidneys if overused.

PENNYROYAL (Mentha Pulegium): Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and can be used as an insect repellent, antiseptic, fragrance, flavoring and for medicinal uses, as well as being a highly toxic poison.

• Growing/Harvesting: Pennyroyal is mostly sold in the dry state for making tea, the stems being cut when the plant is just about to flower and dried in the usual manner. Oil can also be extracted from the plant, and yield of 12lb. of oil to one acre of crop is considered a good harvest.

• Medicinal: Pennyroyal oil is extremely concentrated and should never be taken internally, because it is highly toxic, even in small doses the poison can lead to death. Despite the warnings, pennyroyal oil is sometimes used as an abortifacient. Though the level where a miscarriage can be expected is about the same as that of other effects, including extreme nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lethargy, liver damage, convulsions, bleeding, coma and death.
  
  Pennyroyal tea can be used to aid with indigenstion without any side effect due to the low concentration of oil in the tea, however it is never recommended that infants or young children should be allowed to drink the tea.

ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus officinalis): Rosemary is a tender perennial. It is hardy, growing in well-drained soil in full sun. The seeds have an extremely slow germination, so you may wish to purchase a plant rather than start it from seed. Rosemary is a masculine herb, with its element being fire which gives it its strength and heavy aroma. Rosemary is used in magic for its mental, healing, love abilities and is a powerful cleansing and purifying herb; burn some to cleanse your altar before doing magic. Place it under your bed or above your door to protect you from harm. Add some to love and healing mixtures. Rosemary improves circulation and strengthens blood vessels. Rosemary oil has antibiotic and antifungal properties. It reduces flatulence and stimulates the digestion. Use an infusion of rosemary and borax to treat dandruff.

SAGE (Salvia officinalis): Sage is a hardy perennial subshrub, masculine of nature and air is its element. It likes well-drained, moderately rich soil, in full sun to part shade. Use sage in healing and money spells, and especially for gaining wisdom, long life and psychic awareness. Eating sage is said to bring long life. It is considered bad luck to plant sage in your own garden; you should have a stranger do it for you. Drink hot infusions of sage for colds. Sage tea mixed with cider vinegar is an excellent gargle for sore throats, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. Sage tea is also an effective mouthwash for combating mouth ulcers and gum infections. Sage helps dry up the milk flow and is useful in treating ammenorrhea and painful periods.

SMARTWEED (Polygonum hydropiper): Smartweed grows as a weed throughout Draught, and is used in the Empire as a fertility regulator. An infusion can be prepared using 4 ounces of the fresh leaves or one ounce of the dried leaves in a quart of boiled water. Will last roughly twenty-four hours, and can be used post-coitus. Smartweed may be used to prevent implantation after fertilizing intercourse, or to bring on a missed period.

THYME (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme is a hardy perennial, growing best in light, dry, well-drained soil. It likes sun but will tolerate partial shade. It is a feminine herb with water as its element. Burn it as incense or wear to attract good health. Place a sprig beneath your pillow to ensure dream-free sleep. It is frequently burned before ritual to cleanse the area. Thyme is also often used in love spells and air magic, releasing its essence slowly. Medicinally, thyme is used to treat sore throats, coughs, and colds. It's an expectorant, diaphoretic, and antibiotic. Thyme tea is useful for indigestion and colic and even shingles. Use externally to treat shingles and rheumatism.

WILLOW (Salix spp.): Cuttings will root in moist soil. Start them where you want them to grow, as willows are difficult to transplant. Willows prefer soggy soil and full sun. The willow tree is associated with the moon three moons. Its wood is frequently used to make magic wands, and willow branches are used to bind a witch's besom. Use willow leaves in love mixtures, and carry them to guard against evil. Willow bark has been used for thousands of years to treat fevers and relieve the pain of headaches and arthritis. It is also good for heartburn and digestive upsets.

WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium): Also known as Absinthe, Old Woman, wormwood is a hardy perennial, growing in well-drained clay loam in sun to part shade. It is a masculine herb, with air as its element. Wormwood is the active ingredient in the alcoholic drink absinthe. Absinthe can lead to serious mental disturbances, seizures, paralysis, and death. It is addictive. Burn wormwood as an incense to aid in developing psychic powers, or with sandalwood to raise spirits. It can be used heavily in protection spells and when attempting to communicate with those who have passed over. Carry it to protect yourself from evil spells and the bite of sea serpents. Wormwood has been used as a vermifuge and digestive tonic. Apply a poultice of leaves or root for bruises, ulcers, and skin inflammations, especially acne. Caution: THE INTERNAL USE OF THIS HERB IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! It is an addictive, narcotic, convulsive poison which will affect your brain. Do not use it internally under any circumstances.