Magical Healing: Folk Healing Techniques from the Old World - Hexe Claire 2018

Powerful Plants
Tools of The Trade and Practice

We have the option of working with hundreds of thousands of plants to help our healing processes. I had to make some choices for this chapter and bumped into my first dilemma: what exactly is a native plant? Plants themselves cannot wander, but seem to enjoy using humans to do so. The medicine of monastic gardens exemplified many Mediterranean plants, which were considered exotic back then. Today they are a staple known to any herbal witch. As a result, I am sticking to plants that are both commonly used today and have also been established for centuries in my part of Europe.

It was important to me that many of the plants be well known; they are easy to find, and you can plant or forage them yourself. What use are fancy plants if barely anyone has the opportunity to enjoy working with them in practice? My preference in my selection for this book was to provide a solid “best of” versus a show of rarities.

Many books talk about compounds or active constituents when it comes to healing work with plants. They are right to do so, since this is an important part of their healing powers. However, plants do not only possess a body that contains specific compounds. They also have a soul, a spirit that can be addressed. This goes hand in hand with their physical properties.

We can still feel this knowledge in the old lore. People used to wear plants as holy amulets, which targets the spirit of the plant, since this was neither an internal application (like tea) nor a topical application (like a salve). It was meant to bring harmony to the entire energy field of the sick person. In today’s terminology, we’d say that the plant’s energy is absorbed into the aura of the patient.

People smoked plants, and they were also popular as infusions to baths, especially during the traditional spring spa times that were supervised by a bath woman or man. These baths were meant to drive winter and the resulting “bad juices” from the body in order to renew the body as nature renews itself in the spring.

Today we commonly believe Plant A has active constituents 1, 2, and 3, and as a result it works against ailments a, b, and c. This is not how spiritual medicine works because it relies on the personal connection to a plant. People may feel a connection to some plants, but not to others. Figuratively speaking, some plants have a similar temperature to us (instead of temperature we can also say: vibration, color, aura—depending on which channel of perception you happen to personally feel it). If one has become unbalanced due to stress or illness, the plant serves as a reminder to the body how it feels when it is in harmony with itself.

In the following descriptions of plants, I made sure to include the energetic and magical powers of plants, too. I see this as a suggestion to delve deeper into the subject. One’s relationship with healing plants should be based on love. This does not mean disregarding all the knowledge about their biochemical healing properties, just that they are simply not everything. When I describe the spiritual effects of the plant, it should only be viewed as an inspiration: it is my point of view. Yours may be entirely different. I don’t want to tell anyone how they should feel about a plant. This text should be viewed as an introduction that you can expand for yourself.

The body emits clear signals about what it wants. All we have to do is pay close attention to it. If people would forego vitamin supplements and listen to their appetites instead, their body would receive exactly what it needs. A healthy appetite is something entirely instinctual; we are rarely brave enough to listen to our instincts or animalistic nature as the old healers called it. This is similar when it comes to healing plants, which is why we should ask ourselves during their selection: “Which plant do I crave?” This also applies to healing baths or body oils.

You can always reference guidebooks and spreadsheets afterward, but initially you should go with your intuition.

We cannot strictly organize plants by assigning them to specific problems. It is only when we listen to our gut feelings that we truly free our intuition—or our access to it, since it is technically always there and knows what is good for us. In other words, you will need to learn to sense like an animal again, to know which leaf is good for you and which one is not. This is not something the head can do alone. Intuition has a lot to do with it, as well as experience.

This does not fall from the sky. It wants to be (re)learned. Without experience we simply cannot compare. No matter how long you try to describe how a plant smells, tastes, or acts, if you have not experienced it yourself you cannot understand or relate to it.

When it comes to the subject of healing we are bombarded by so many alleged truths, studies, and statistics that we have a hard time with the most natural approach. In the meantime, simply go within and feel instead of listening to the hyped-up chatter of the health market in order to find the truth within yourself. This requires a change in our way of thinking: do not simply feed the head with data, but let your instincts speak: our natural sense for that which is good for us and that which is not.

Even supposedly “good” things may not be good for us all the time. Perhaps you have experienced this yourself? When you work with a plant long enough—drinking its tea, for example—you will feel it eventually: “I don’t really enjoy this anymore. It feels stale.” Recognizing when your body tries to tell you something and taking it seriously is an important task.

We often treat our bodies like strangers or even worse—like someone who has no clue, something that is simply stupid matter, but luckily ruled by an intelligent, radiant spirit. But naturally, our body speaks to us physically. Not a single case of burnout would exist if it were customary to listen to what our bodies tells us. We will get the bill for our ignorance and delusions of grandeur (what else can we call the notion that we have limitless energy?) eventually.

I would like to address a common misunderstanding in regard to herbal studies: Some people still believe that “a lot helps a lot” or believe that they should or must take a greater amount of herbs because herbs are a) not as strong or b) made up of pure nature and therefore harmless. A little more respect, please! Herbs have a very real effect and can therefore—like anything that works—have side effects as well. Especially pregnant women, diabetics, and all those that are physically in an unusual situation should consult a physician or healer with the appropriate expertise to educate themselves about which herbs to use.

If you are planning on consulting a doctor, first find out how much they know about healing plants. Then you won’t have the experience that an acquaintance of mine had when he asked his doctor if he could use valerian instead of a sleeping pill for relaxation. The answer he received was, “Valerian does not work. It only has an effect on women and cats.” Your pharmacist may be the better contact person, also, when it comes to the effects and interactions of plants and medications.

I personally work with herbs as givers of impulses. That means that I do not consider them a remedy in the sense of “this substance will bring the body back to health,” but rather “they give the body the impulse to return itself back to health.” Often we end up somewhere in the middle and the plant heals specifically through its acting compounds that set the body back on its path by mobilizing it to heal itself.

In the following section I will introduce important healing plants and a few of their possible areas of application. I am deliberately adding a few normal kitchen recipes in which magical plants play a leading role. Our ancestors did not consider cooking and medicine to be separate areas. Consider the books written by Hildegard von Bingen. I purposely chose to provide comfort food rather than “health food” recipes (whatever is currently touted as being “healthy”) because indulgence in moderation simply does the body good, and unites body and soul. Even Goethe said: “No pleasure is temporary, because the impression it leaves is permanent.”

At the end of this chapter I will then provide the most common methods on how to prepare these plants in detail.

One more important tip: Plants that are labeled with the following icon should not be consumed during pregnancy:

Angelica

(Angelica archangelica)

Angelica, often called “Angel Root” in German (and formerly in English as well), is a healing plant full of light, which becomes apparent because it renders its user sensitive to light, similar to St. John’s wort. You should therefore avoid sunbathing and take care to use good sun protection after consumption.

Angelica is mostly found in herbal liqueurs or in candied form in sweets.

Angel Root has become a bit of a forgotten thing in our area. It is more often used as a fumigant than a healing plant. It is still held in high honors elsewhere, however.

During my research for this book I ended up in Iceland, where angelica is primarily consumed as a tea and in capsules, juices, and even in skin care products. It is supposed to prevent memory loss, bring harmony to the heart and circulation, soothe infections, fight colds and bronchitis, reduce fungus and bacteria, soothe the stomach, prevent motion sickness, revive the skin, soothe eczema and psoriasis, and curtail headaches, rheumatism, and illnesses of the joints. After reading all of these recommendations, I had to ask myself what illness could not be cured with angelica? Even severe illnesses were on the list. The people of Iceland believe the things that carried our Viking ancestors through bitterly cold winters can still awaken our elementary powers today.

The plant grows on every corner in Iceland, which is another valuable hint; be consciously interested in which plants grow close to you (even if you live in the city) and what their healing properties may be. We can usually say a lot about a place and its energy by the plants that are found there.

Angelica is recommended for colds in our area as well, especially against stubborn coughs. It acts as an expectorant and simultaneously strengthens the immune system, therefore fighting the deeper cause of the infection. Angelica stems used to be tied around the chest in the form of a cross—the so-called chest cross—to ban colds.

Angelica is also a proven stomach soother. It should be carefully dosed since it packs a lot of power. Drink the tea one sip at a time and see how it feels internally. Do not listen blindly to recommendations; a lot of it is a matter of individual tolerance (black tea and coffee does not agree with everyone either, for example).

Angelica is a valuable root against bewitched illnesses, especially as an antidote against magically-induced impotence. This problem occurs less frequently today, although as witches we still receive spell requests from women that want their partner to run in top form for them alone, not other ladies. Some wishes simply prove to be timeless, since the topic is not completely off the table even in the twenty-first century.

On an emotional level angelica is an extremely powerful plant. Work with it whenever you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, either in tea form or in herbal sachets carried on the body. In awkward, difficult situations in which you are faced with a “dark” force, regardless of whether it’s a boss or a mother-in-law, angelica offers the best of services. It is a powerful plant that embodies both light and strength.

Protection Pouch

This protection pouch has a spiritual effect and can be used in any difficult situation (including health-related ones), as a companion on the way to the doctor’s office or the hospital for example.

You will need:

Black fabric (nothing synthetic)

Red string

Angelica root

St. John’s wort

Oak (bark, leaves—whatever you can find)

A piece of coral or some other red stone

Lay out the ingredients on the black cloth cut in the form of a circle. If black makes you uncomfortable you can choose another color (violet or dark red, for example). I recommend black because it is a classic color of protection.

Angelica root and St. John’s wort provide protection, light, and power. The oak adds steadfastness in the storms of life. The red stone and coral strengthen vitality and the will to persevere. Before you tie it up, look at everything quietly. You can meditate with it or speak a prayer or your goals above it. Words are ingredients as well.

Afterward, tie up the pouch with the red string and make three knots. Carry it with you or have it close by when you can’t wear it on you.

Anise

(Pimpinella anisum)

Anise is primarily known as a remedy for stomach pains, whether it is a feeling of being full or nauseous in adults or stomach twinges with the little ones. It has a balancing effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract; it removes toxins from the body and has a relaxing effect. It can soothe a baby’s digestion troubles through the mother’s milk. The nursing mother simply needs to drink the tea. Anise is often recommended to new mothers and pregnant women as a remedy that brings harmony to the body.

Anise also helps to drain discharge during colds, which restores breathing. It is a first-rate tonic that allows new strength to grow and has a lovely aroma compared to many bitter or tart herbal plants. Anise provides inner light in dark times and is considered a plant that promotes a bright outlook. It further protects against the evil eye and nightmares, as do almost all aromatic plants. Anise is also an aphrodisiac.

Baked goods with anise were once used as a popular offering during spring and fall in Northern Germany, meaning at the beginning and end of the agricultural work. Women coaxed men out of their shells with anise-flavored drinks. All things considered, anise is a plant that reaffirms the joy of life. It harmonizes, relaxes, and brings light. As such it should be a staple in any witch’s herbal pharmacy.

The plant spirit of anise is cheerful, light, exhilarating, sweet, lovely, and medicinal. This power is often underappreciated, but as they say, those who do not savor will become unsavory. What good is it to work sixty hours a week and drive an expensive car when all you can do is come home and fall into bed exhausted without time to appreciate your hard-earned money? Important key concepts surrounding this plant are enjoyment, letting yourself be touched, becoming soft, and discovering beauty for yourself.

Aphrodite’s Anise Rings

You can serve this pastry without an ulterior motive of any kind, and you can use them as an offering as well.

You will need:

2 sticks plus 2 tbsp. butter

1 ¼ cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract, or ground vanilla to taste

4 eggs

2 cups flour

3 ½ ounces ground hazelnuts (about 1 ⅓ cups)

2 tbsp. of ground anise

Gently warm the butter (not too hot or the egg you are about to add will congeal) and stir in the sugar and vanilla. Next, add two of the four eggs and keep stirring until it turns into a consistent mass. Take a sifter and slowly sift in some flour, then take turns stirring and sifting until the flour is mixed in completely. Knead in the ground hazelnuts and the ground anise and put the dough into the fridge for at least an hour. Do not skip this step or the dough will fall apart. Before you begin, heat the oven to 350 to 400 degrees. If you have a pastry bag, you can squeeze the dough onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. I simply form small rolls by hand and shape it into rings. Separate the two remaining eggs and mix the yolks with a few drops of sugar water. It will give the pastry a nice color (but this isn’t mandatory). Brush the cookies with it and bake them for fifteen minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies and check them occasionally to see if they are done (every oven is a little different).

Anise Schnapps

It would be easy to buy a bottle of Ouzo, but most herbal witches prefer to make their own. Here is a recipe for anise schnapps that can also be used for cooking and baking as a flavoring. You simply need a liter of neutral grain alcohol (vodka, corn whiskey, white whiskey, moonshine, etc.), about 7—9 ounces of anise seed (about two cups, give or take to desired intensity) and a clean container with an airtight seal.

Lightly crush the seeds in a mortar. (Do not use a kitchen appliance because it releases too many volatile oils that you want in the schnapps, not the machine.) Next, add the crushed anise seeds to the alcohol, seal the container and leave in in a warm place for a month, on the windowsill for example. Shake it occasionally when you walk by. Strain the seeds afterward, and your anise schnapps is done.

Basil

(Ocimum basilicum)

In cultures where it is known, basil is generally considered a lucky plant that wards off anything negative and enhances anything good. Since we mostly use it as a spice, many of us are unaware that it can do a lot more than pep up tomato sauce and pizzas.

Basil has a relaxing effect and is also a gentle aphrodisiac. It can be used during slightly depressed moods to lift the mood and reawaken the spirits of life. It further supports digestive health and general indisposition that is hard to localize. It can be used as a strengthening tonic and is also an excellent choice against nausea and motion sickness.

Magically, basil is used as a love potion and for general good luck. It can be found in many candle magic spells, as well as in magical waters, as a cleaning agent, and in herbal bouquets in folk magic.

Basil-Flavored Oil from Fresh Herbs

Basil oil tastes best when it is made from fresh basil. To avoid any molding of the water-based plant in the oil, the container must be kept in a warm place and cannot have an airtight seal. The neck of the container should be fairly wide. Pickling jars covered with a clean kitchen towel or a fine sieve are ideal. It must rest in a warm place. If streaks appear it is too cold and must be warmed until the oil is clear again (a hair dryer or heater can be helpful in this situation).

You can strain the oil after about two weeks and pour it into airtight containers. You will now have strongly aromatic basil oil; the kind dried basil could never yield. It can be used in the kitchen or for magical purposes.

Birch

(Betula spp.)

The birch tree holds the power of the moon and the sun. As the European ash was to the old Germans, and the oak tree is to us today, the birch tree was to the Siberian shamans a tree of thresholds and ultimately the tree of life itself. This concept can also be found in German-speaking regions. The traditional May tree was often a birch tree and I can recall from childhood a dancer decorated from head to toe in birch branches who would travel from house to house during Whitsuntide. He embodied springtime, danced in all the yards and received schnapps in every one of them, making his job a true challenge over the course of his visits.

In folk medicine the birch tree also holds a strong connection to spring and therefore to a sense of renewal, cleansing, and rejuvenation. A tea made from its leaves detoxes the body and cleanses the blood. Many natural pharmacies sell bottles of birch sap for purging purposes. As a bath additive, it gives new elasticity to the skin and gets rid of blemishes. Birch leaf has a cleansing and tonic effect on the kidneys and bladder and as such can be enjoyed as a tea or a bath in times of stress. Birch trees hold a soft energy full of light that can penetrate the foggiest veil and instill new confidence.

Generally, many old ideas are attached to trees. These are similarly understood worldwide, which is why magic practitioners—despite individual differences—can often communicate without words. One example is the image of the tree as a magical intermediary between Heaven and Earth, but also as the home of souls (often depicted as birds in those trees) that wish to be re-embodied. The image of people springing from the mythic world tree exists anywhere from Eastern Europe to West Africa. The tree is the symbolic home of a person before birth and after death. In my area we find this idea closely tied to elder trees. Lore and legend clearly depict it as an ancestral tree.

Sometimes the ideas shift to the mythical realm. Here the first humans step down onto earth from a magical tree. In the old traditions the (symbolic) birds also serve as the intermediaries between humans and the gods high up in the World Tree. The mythical arrival of the first humans on earth was even tied to a tree in the Bible—even if it was linked to negative omens. It was the Tree of Knowledge with its wondrous fruit.

Birch Leaf Bath

Take two handfuls of birch leaves (fresh or dried) and let them steep in cold water overnight in a big pot (with a lid). Next, warm the pot lightly. The temperature shouldn’t get too hot. Under no circumstances should the liquid be brought to a boil. When the liquid is lukewarm, let it steep for fifteen minutes, then sift out the leaves and add the resulting liquid to a bath. Do not add anything else to the water, and soak in it for about twenty minutes. Do not towel off afterward, but let the water air dry on your skin.

Calendula

(Calendula officinalis)

With calendula we encounter our first “officinalis” plant. The epithet “officinalis” in a plant name means that the particular plant was available in an officine, the predecessor to our modern pharmacy. Beginning in the middle ages, the mostly itinerant herb peddlers often settled in cities and opened the officine. The “officinalis” plants are those plants that would be available in the pharmacy.

Calendula is an important healing plant for the skin. It is a mild cleanser with great effect in regard to skin infections (fungi, viruses, bacteria, and all of those ugly things they trigger) and was used to heal wounds in the old days. Today we see a doctor for serious wounds. Calendula can still help.

When a wound is no longer wet, calendula can aid the healing process and eases any tension on the tissue. It used to draw great appreciation during breast surgeries (and it is regaining attention today). Calendula is also an excellent helper after C-sections and all operations that leave a scar. You can begin by gently placing a clean cloth soaked in calendula tea on the area. You can also apply calendula salve around the wound. Its healing properties will reach the skin and the surrounding tissue. In addition, drink one to three cups of calendula tea a day. Once the wound has closed and simply has to heal, you can apply the salve directly to the affected area to facilitate healing and minimize tension to the scar.

Calendula salve is also much appreciated as a vein remedy, and it tightens the tissue. As a liver plant (it is slightly bitter) it can have a soothing effect during PMS. Be sparing with preparations containing the often-praised monk’s pepper (Vitex agnus-castus, also called chasteberry), which did not get its name for nothing; monk’s pepper was used to quench desire in the old days. That may not be your intended result. If you have to use it, use it during the second half of your cycle, not throughout the entire cycle.

Classic Calendula Salve

Different types of calendula creams can be found in any drug store, usually marketed for infants, but perhaps you feel like trying the classic recipe of our grandmothers. You will need fresh calendula. You can grow them yourself—make sure they are calendula, not the commonly confused marigolds (genus name Tagetes). You can even grow them on your windowsill. They should be harvested in full bloom in the late morning to let the dew evaporate, but before the plant is exhausted from the noontime heat.

Calculate two handfuls of blossoms to two and a half cups of pork lard (unsalted). You can also give a generous handful to a cup of pork lard if you do not want too much salve. It’s okay if a few leaves get lost in the mix, as they hold similar healing powers. If you would rather not use animal fat you can use Shea butter or Vaseline instead. In this case you should make the salve using a bain-marie (double boiler), simmering for two hours. In my opinion, it’s a little silly if a person who eats meat finds using lard unreasonable; why not utilize the whole animal?

Heat the lard in a pot, add the blossoms and stir them in well. Take the lard off the heat and let stand overnight, which will make it solidify again. Heat it again the next day, sift out the blossoms, and pour the calendula salve into a container.

Chamomile

(Matricaria chamomilla)

If we put folk medicine under the magnifying glass in regard to chamomile, it becomes difficult to find an ailment for which it does not at least offer some relief. Chamomile as matricaria (mother care) looks after mothers and their children. It helps with stomach problems and women’s ailments, soothes the skin and relaxes the nerves. It is a good choice for relaxation because it belongs to the non-drowsy category of plants. Its calming effect is supportive when quitting bad habits, such as smoking. Many folk healers swear that nothing supports quitting smoking as well as chamomile tea does.

Chamomile was also considered the beauty treatment for skin and hair. Mucus membranes in the mouth, stomach, and intestines also benefit from it. People (not just blondes) often used to rinse out their hair with warm chamomile tea after shampooing and washed their faces in chamomile tea. You can also buy a chamomile tincture in the drug store and add it to water if you want a faster approach. Chamomile tincture can also be mixed into crèmes, lotions, shower gels, shampoos, and the like.

Emotionally, chamomile has a tension-releasing and cleansing effect. Those who are stressed and have a lot of irons in the fire will especially profit from its use. Do not hesitate to make some chamomile tea if you are under great strain personally or professionally.

I’ve been told by more than just one woman that their man unexpectedly became interested in them sensuously again after drinking the tea. Chamomile seems to have an aphrodisiac effect, especially on stressed men.

For pregnant women who have to be careful with healing plants, chamomile (but not Roman chamomile, a different species) and lady’s mantle are recommended as a healing duo for all phases of life.

Chamomile as Incense

Many do not know that chamomile blossoms also make wonderful incense. They have an especially aromatic scent, cleanse rooms of all bad energies, and have a harmonizing and balancing effect.

Chamomile Steam Bath

In the case of vaginal yeast infections, you will rarely find a simpler treatment than a chamomile steam bath. All you will need is a heat-resistant bowl, chamomile tea or tincture, a big towel, and hot water.

Pour the hot water into the bowl along with a handful of chamomile blossoms or a few generous squirts of chamomile tincture. Next, kneel above the bowl for ten to fifteen minutes and place the towel like a tent around your legs in order to keep the steam contained.

The trick lies in the fact that chamomile in liquid form disinfects especially well, which means that a steam bath has a stronger effect than a warm compress or a douche would have, for example. At first glance a steam bath may seem inconvenient (after all, everything has to happen in a hurry these days), however, the desired result is often apparent after only one application—which takes less time than the trip to the pharmacy. If it has to be fast, do it right!

Chamomile Bath against Exhaustion

Not only does a chamomile bath give you beautiful skin, it is also refreshing when one is dog tired and hyped up at the same time. Those who have experienced stress over a prolonged period of time, faced too much work, big personal challenges, or simply the normal craziness of the everyday world will know this feeling. Even though one feels a leaden sense of exhaustion, one is filled with nervous tension and hyper at the same time. It goes without saying that you have to change something about the situation itself in this case. However, to help you unwind in the moment and to relax, a chamomile bath is excellent.

Take one to two handfuls of chamomile blossoms and pour about one and a half quarts of hot water over them. Next, seal the pot quickly with a tight-fitting lid and let the whole thing steep for fifteen minutes. Strain off the chamomile blossoms and add the stock to the bath water. Do not use additional bath supplements.

The quick version: Those who do not have the patience for this can take chamomile tincture to add a generous amount to the bath water (amount recommendations are on the package). Again, do not add bath supplements.

Bathe for about twenty minutes. Afterward, do not towel off if you can avoid it, but let the bath water air dry on the skin.

Cleavers (Sticky-Willy, Catchweed)

(Galium aparine)

Cleavers is one of the almost forgotten healing herbs, even though it has tremendous potential. Cleavers has a strong blood-cleansing effect and is used for acne as well as psoriasis and other reddening, itchy skin ailments. Generally, it works against anything that itches, even dandruff (treatments with lukewarm tea) or gum problems (gargle and rinse with the tea, then do not eat or drink anything for half an hour to let it seep in) as well as vaginal itching (rinses or compresses with soaked cloths). The wonderful thing about this plant is that it is very effective and at the same time very mild. Instead of fighting fire with fire, the “burn” is extinguished by gentle cooling.

It can be internally drunk as a tea or topically applied as mentioned above as a salve or a rinse. A tea cure with cleavers cleanses the body be it after a long bout of medication or as a strengthening tool after virus infections. Those who are constantly battling herpes, for example, should give cleavers a try for a change.

On the emotional level the herb has a cooling effect on feelings that tend to boil up. It refreshes the soul, has a relaxing effect and is also recommended as gentle support during sleep deprivation—even though it is non-drowsy. In times of stress you can also drink it as a relaxing tea during the day without a problem.

Cleavers can be found in the herbal pharmacy or you can pick it yourself. It grows as a weed in many damp areas. Put it in the oven at about 100—110 degrees in order to dry it. The herb will be done when it is dry enough to crack. No dampness should remain or it will mold easily.

My Family’s Cleavers Salve

My family used and still uses this salve quite often whenever one of us has skin problems, especially during skin conditions that are scaly, itchy or leave the skin red. It calms and soothes the tissue and brings at least relief even in severe cases, sometimes even leads to a complete cure. It is also a good choice for cold sores. It stops them quickly and supports healing.

For the salve you will need around 9 ounces (1 ¼ cup or so) of Vaseline; as an alternative you can use Shea butter or other basic skin-safe ingredients that contain fats and have the consistency of a salve. (Unsalted lard was popular in the old days.) Add an ounce of dried cleavers to it (about a cup).

Melt the fat in a bain-marie (double boiler). As soon as it has reached liquid form, add the cleavers. Now let the bain-marie simmer for two hours (boil gently). You will have to keep adding water to the lower pot occasionally; in other words, keep an eye on the whole thing. Afterward sift off the herbs and fill clean containers with the salve.

The salve does not exactly have a spectacular scent. (I realized I should mention this after a friend looked at me aghast when he smelled it.) It is a pure salve without artificial scent additives. Many people are no longer familiar with this. It is about the effect in this case, not artificial wellness.

If you want, you can add a touch of essential oils to improve the scent, although I would personally never alter the salve. Not everything has to be prettied up. We should allow some things to remain real and gritty—in my opinion. It’s fine if you see it differently.

Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is primarily known as a sedative, and is used as such in the form of an essential oil in a scent lamp, in aromatherapy products, or as tea made from lavender blossoms. It is also effective against skin and nail fungi. It soothes the stomach, intestines, and gallbladder and can help you up during times of exhaustion. It is the best thing that can happen to you after a long stressful day at work. Even the pharmaceutical industry has caught on by now and has started advertising expensive lavender products.

You can do this in a much simpler and definitely cheaper way by drinking a cup of lavender blossom tea. As with all teas whose effect is based on their scent, make sure you cover the cup while it is steeping. Again, common sense should be used. Lavender is a strong healing herb. If the dosage is too high it can lead to dizziness. That does not mean that lavender is dangerous in any way, but herbs have a real effect similar to medication, which are not taken willy-nilly either. Emotionally, lavender has a supportive effect when it comes to relaxation. It can drag you out of the everyday and lends new strength to your nerves.

Lavender Applications

You can make a lavender pillow or fill ready-made sachets with lavender to protect the wardrobe and coat closet from moths. Little pouches like that are also wonderful next to the pillow as a gentle sleep aid. Simply knead it thoroughly before you go to bed to release the scent.

Since we are on the topic, lavender is a simple and non-poisonous remedy against ants in the household. Reading the warning labels on chemical ant repellants can be frightening—and somewhere there is a huge factory where the stuff is being mixed by the ton. There is a much easier and relaxing way to prevent ants, especially if you have children or pets in the home. First you have to clear away and lock up anything sweet that could attract the little crawlers. Next, find out where they are going and scatter lavender blossoms in their way. They act as a natural stop sign. I always mix in a few cloves or star-anise to make it more aromatic and—from the perspective of the ant—more sinister. Even the last stragglers are usually gone after two to three days and you can sweep up the whole thing. The three days of “lavender thresh” on the floor and the furniture is bearable and afterward you can rest with the good feeling that you didn’t kill or poison anyone, including yourself. This is a fine, diplomatic solution on the level of scents.

Common and Wild Thyme

(Thymus spp.)

Both common and wild thyme (T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum) are used identically in folk medicine. Thyme is of great help during colds and persistent coughs. It breaks down mucus and ensures that you will get rid of a cold in a speedy fashion. Since it also loosens cramps, it is used for period pain, as well as a supportive aid in childbirth. Traditionally it is considered a protective plant that wards off any negative energy from mother and child following birth. It strengthens the spirits of both. Since it is an emmenagogue (an herb that encourages the period) in larger doses, it should not be used as a healing plant during pregnancy, but only when it is time.

Thyme is home to fairies. It was also known as the herb of Venus, who was considered to be the leader of the fairies as a female goddess in the old folk beliefs. She is similar to Holle with her small entourage.Thyme aids digestion, but also stimulates the metabolism. As such it is a good choice if one has a hangover or when trying to bring the body back to balance after taking strong medication. In Thuringia (and interestingly enough also in African American Hoodoo) it is also considered helpful when trying to gain wealth.

The great herbalist Maria Treben recommended thyme in cases of painful neuralgia, but also as support for paralysis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatism, and for recovery after strokes. It seems that it is also an herb for the hard times in life. We can sum it up simply: thyme invigorates and organizes the body.

Thyme Bath for Aching Limbs

To make a thyme bath, put on a big pot of water and bring it to a boil. Take the pot off the stove, add a cup of dried thyme, and seal the pot with a lid. Let it steep for fifteen minutes. Afterward you can strain out the herbs and add the resulting liquid to your bath water. Bathe for about twenty minutes and don’t towel off. Rather, wrap up warmly in an old shirt and warm blankets and “keep steaming” a bit longer.

Cowslip

(Primula veris)

Cowslip is a fey plant. It’s said magical fairy women holding keys to hidden treasures swarm around its blossoms. Isn’t that a wonderful prospect!

In Germany cowslip is a protected plant (it is illegal to remove them from the wild). You can grow it yourself, though, or buy it from any herb merchant you trust. It unlocks the sinuses and opens the nose when mucus can’t drain during colds. It is a first choice for ailments in this area.

Emotionally, cowslip has an opening and cleansing effect as well. It is known as a plant that lightens the heart during off moods or low spirits. As a non-drowsy plant, it can be used during the day and not just in the evenings.

Cowslip Syrup

This syrup is wonderful in mineral water, champagne, punch bowls, homemade ice cream, milk froth, coffee or however you can think of using it.

The base recipe is very simple. Take five cups sugar and one quart of water and bring both to a boil in a pot. Let the whole thing simmer until it has the consistency of syrup. It should be a little thicker than water. Take the pot off the stove and stir in two untreated lemons (cut into slices) and two handfuls of cowslip blossoms. Let the whole thing cool off under a closed lid. Then simply let the syrup stand in a cool space for three days (don’t worry, the sugar conserves it). Afterward you can strain it and fill containers with it. Keep in the refrigerator.

Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion is certainly no weed. Its Latin name again contains the word “officinale,” meaning it used to be a solid piece in any pharmacy in the old days. If only the gardeners and their poison sprayers knew what a treasure they had in front of them.

Dandelion is the quintessential plant for metabolism. It supports the liver and gallbladder, gently encourages the intestines, and can be helpful in cases of diabetes (discuss this with your doctor or health practitioner in this case). It helps against a loss of appetite (this used to be considered a problem rather than a desirable state) and has a stimulating effect on the body. If you have a hangover after a party, one to two cups of dandelion tea can help you set things right again.

Since dandelion has a positive influence on the liver, it automatically has a tonic effect on the entire body. The liver is our chemical factory. What is good for the liver is good for the entire body, which is why we can’t fence in the effects of dandelion. It has an excellent effect on acne and unclean skin because it brings harmony and balances the metabolism.

Fresh dandelion juice can eliminate warts, which is well known. Emotionally, dandelion can help when someone has walked on your proverbial liver (a German expression for when someone bothers or peeves you) or when you are dealt a low blow and have to get back on your feet. It can also help in times of blockage—when you are stuck and can’t really move forward and are thinking about things in an indecisive way. It will help you find a clear position, see the big picture. In this case it encourages your appetite figuratively; it creates a newfound appetite for life.

My Tried and True Acne Tea

Acne is not only a problem among teens. We could write a book about that in my family! Since I know from experience how much one suffers from it, it is especially important to me to pass this recipe along. One thing before I start: don’t expect miracles overnight and keep with it for a while, even if you suffer setbacks. Herbs do not work like manufactured chemicals! For support, use masks with healing clay, which you can find in some drug stores and many health food stores—look for French green clay, bentonite clay, fuller’s earth, kaolin clay, etc. In acute phases apply the clay directly to the affected area every two days. In calm phases apply every one to two weeks to the entire face or the affected area. Don’t make any excuses like “I don’t have time for this kind of thing.” You can find time to sit in front of the TV at night. So, sit in front of it for fifteen minutes with healing clay on your face.

The essential ingredients for my acne tea are dandelion and stinging nettle; add other skin soothing plants you have available such as chamomile, walnut leaves, horsetail, cleavers, pansies, birch leaves, calendula, or elder blossoms. You can add pieces of apple, mint, lemongrass or similar plants for the benefit of taste. Drink the tea two to three times a day during acute phases. In calm phases only drink it occasionally. It shouldn’t be taken continuously in the long term because the body will get used to it and stop reacting as well. Nothing says you can’t drink this tea for two to three weeks at a time. It just shouldn’t be two to three months at a time.

You can also change the ingredients in a variety of ways … a little bit of this one time, another plant a different time. I mix one cup of dandelion and stinging nettle each and add the rest of the plants by feeling until I have filled a tea tin.

If your skin problems are related to your cycle, meaning if you have premenstrual acne, add lady’s mantle and yarrow to it. To prevent letting it get too muddled I would suggest in this case: lady’s mantle, yarrow, stinging nettle and dandelion and not a whole lot else. For best results drink the tea from the middle of your cycle to your period. As soon as you feel the skin calming down you can simply drink it when you feel like it. In addition to its skin cleansing effect, it is also invigorating and relaxing and soothes the liver due to its positive effect on our inner chemical factory.

Elder

(Sambucus nigra)

Elder is also known as lilac in Northern Germany today, although they are different plants. The botanical diagram of its blossoms has symbolic power: the threefold goddess is in the center, surrounded by a pentagram. This is how it can be read.

In certain regions men still tip their hats to an elder bush today. It was considered a spirit tree and still is. Slavic people used it as a sacrificial place.

In many regions elder is a significant part of the household, was closely tied to the family, and was further considered an oracle. People worried that their farm was in jeopardy or expected a death in the family if the bush shriveled up. A baby’s first bath was drawn under the elder bush in order to let it see the new citizen of earth.

In addition, elder bushes were supposed to protect the home from lightning strikes, fires, black magic, as well as poisonous envy. It was connected to Mother Holle and later to the Virgin Mary. Where the transition to Christianity was less than smooth, dark stories grew around the elder like tendrils. In these cases, helpful house spirits, fairies, elves, and goddesses suddenly turned into sinister beings that wished to do all kinds of evil things to passersby or anyone who slept under an elder bush. But why would any reputable house have a house elder if it attracted bad fortune? That makes no sense at all. However, a few precautions did exist: babies were not supposed to sleep in cribs made from elder wood because a bush that is so closely associated with fairies holds much of their energy. This affects the little ones more than adults and it could be too much for them.

In folk medicine, elderberries in juice form or prepared as a tea is well known for its healing effects against colds, fever, and in the treatment of bladder and kidney problems. However, use only ripe berries, and boil it if you are making it yourself; it is quite poisonous when uncooked, causing diarrhea and vomiting. Elder is a good supportive choice for sinusitis and coughs.

Modern herbal science broadened this spectrum to include elder as a calming, grounding plant in times of stress and exhaustion. It can further serve to cure headaches—without any side effects. In terms of relaxation, the flowers are primarily used to make a syrup or tea. The tea made from elderflowers can also be used as a compress or for gentle topical application in the case of rash or skin problems. It is very mild and tends to calm the tissue instead of aggravating it. As such, it is certainly worth a try.

Especially in regard to skin problems it can take a while until one discovers “their” plant(s). You shouldn’t throw in the towel if it does not work right away. What do you have to lose?

Most plants can be wonderfully brewed as an herbal tea if they don’t seem to work on the skin. When you have found your favorites, you will have affordable helpers (in comparison with most medications) without side effects worth mentioning. At the very least they will serve as a solid first aid.

Although herbs may not always be able to replace a physician, they will give you the good feeling of being able to do something for yourself as well; knowing you are not completely reliant on others, but know how to help yourself.

Emotionally, elder is a big help after one has experienced deep wounds or shocking, overwhelming situations. When someone has died, when a goodbye was painful, after you have been fired at work, experienced a broken friendship that meant a lot to you—all of the things that affect the heart—elder can help surmount these issues. Tea made from elderflower blossoms especially helps in this case. You can also add elder syrup to your tea. Elder will work for you of its own accord.

Elderflower Syrup

This syrup is very easy to make.

You will need:

15 to 20 fresh umbels or 1 cup of dried elder blossoms

1 quart of water

10 cups sugar

3 untreated lemons or limes

If you are using the fresh umbels, which are more aromatic than dried blossoms, place them on a piece of paper first to allow all small critters to crawl away. Afterward, cut the flowers in a way that leaves as little stem as possible and place it into a wide glass or a bowl. Pour the lukewarm water over it next, add the sugar, cut the lemons or limes into eighths and add them as well. Stir the whole thing well to allow the sugar (the conserving ingredient) to dissolve completely.

Let this mixture stand at room temperature for two to three days and run it through a sieve (preferably a cloth) afterward. It can be bottled or placed in kitchen containers with a good seal. The syrup is not very perishable due to the sugar, although it often does not last long simply because it is so tasty.

You can also freeze the syrup. Since it went through cold processing the fine aroma of the blossoms does not fade, which would quickly be the case if we were to boil it.

English Walnut Leaves

(Juglans regia)

In their fresh state, English walnut leaves have an unrivaled sweet, herbal, and aromatic odor. In natural medicine they are used for rinses, compresses, and baths whenever the skin suffers. In cases of acne, but also for itchy skin, rashes, and scaly skin, make a tea and cool it to lukewarm. Place a tea-soaked cotton cloth on the affected area for fifteen minutes.

To make an English walnut leaf bath, put on a big pot of water, add a small cup of the leaves, bring to a boil, then take it off the stove. Let it cool, sift out the leaves, and add the liquid to the bath water.

English walnut leaf tea can also help in cases of internal infections. It cleanses the digestive tract and lends new strength from within. It is also cleansing for the skin since it cleanses the intestines. The rule in herbal medicine is if something is wrong externally (meaning on the skin), something is also wrong internally, which is why it is pointless to treat only the external symptoms. The body is a whole organism.

Due to the rich concentration of tannins they contain, walnut leaves have an astringent effect and help against fungi and bacteria. A rinse with lukewarm walnut leaf tea after shampooing can also be very effective against dandruff, a scabby head, as well as an itchy scalp. Don’t do this on very light hair, however, since it can lead to slightly darkening results.

Ever since the old days, walnuts have been considered symbols of general fertility, like all nuts (the well protected nut encased in a tight shell is reminiscent of the stomach of a pregnant woman). The belief still exists today that the year following a rich walnut harvest will bring the births of many children. Is this connected to the ingredients contained in the nut? A woman who wishes for a child can try to eat a few nuts on a regular basis. It certainly can’t hurt.

Walnut Schnapps for the Skin

Take a sealable jar (pickling jars are ideal) and add chopped fresh green walnut pieces (in their green shell before they ripen). Pour a clear grain alcohol over them such as vodka or moonshine and let the whole thing stand for two weeks. The liquid will darken considerably over this time. Afterward, sift off the liquid and fill containers with the resulting walnut schnapps. Diluted with water, it is ideal for compresses and rinses to treat acne, unclear skin, skin infections and the like. Add a generous squirt to the wash water and wash your face with it. Do this without adding soap or anything else, but simply use water and schnapps.

Generally, this is an important ground rule: many skin problems disappear on their own if you forego strong detergents in soap and body wash. Many dermatologists confirm this; if the skin is degreased too much its natural balance is disturbed, making it vulnerable to microbes. Alternatively, you can also use healing clay, or a mild face-cleansing milk as a body wash. These products have a cleansing effect without throwing the skin off balance. Skin problems often clear up when we switch to baby shampoo or baby shower gels. Those who do not have a problem have no reason to switch, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, give it a try. There is no overall cure, but it is remarkable that we aggressively remove oil from the skin with shower gels and so on and then try to get it halfway fit again with lotions and creams. The skin can take good care of itself if we let it. Cleanliness is important, but our selection of products is crucial in order to feel fresh without burdening the skin with additional chemicals, regardless of how “moisturizing,” “gentle,” or “nurturing” the advertisements make them out to be.

This is also true for the face. If at all possible, don’t use face creams every day. Of course, advertisements try to convince us that we will look like a collapsed soufflé within a short amount of time if we don’t use them daily (and possibly even nightly as well). After all, the big companies want to make money and they do make huge profits. However, too much care can make the skin lazy and can irritate it and even damage it in the worst-case scenario. Many of us seem to forget that the skin is an organ. After all, we wouldn’t glue our eyes, heart, or kidneys shut. This comparison is a stretch, of course, but we should be aware that the skin is first and foremost a natural organ that wants to (and can) do its job.

The best anti-wrinkle treatment is having healthy blood flow through movement, and the blood needs quality nutrients that are absorbed through our diet. Once again, we’re looking at the body as a whole. When the mirror instills fear in you because your skin looks pale or flat, or you have circles under your eyes that rival those of a panda bear, you should be grateful that your body is sending you signals. Something is wrong. Everyone has a bad day now and then, but when this turns into a permanent state you have to come clean with yourself and think about what you can change overall.

Hawthorn

(Crataegus spp.)

Hawthorn is fairly well known as a heart-strengthening plant. In addition to teas, we can also take advantage of convenient ready-made concoctions in the form of pills or capsules, which is a good idea if you can’t make peace with its slightly musty taste.

In the healing science of the Travelers as well as in Alpine regions, people know that the heart-strengthening effect is ultimately emotional in nature. Hawthorn helps all those with a broken heart, a heavy heart, or otherwise suffer from heart pains. Folk sayings are often very specific in their terminology. Next to linden blossoms, hawthorn is plant helper number one whenever you suffer from love sickness.

Hawthorn stabilizes the metabolism. It can balance out blood pressure that is too low, but too high as well, which means that it ensures the correct measure. The plant has to be consumed on a regular basis in order to do this. As such, hawthorn is among the plants one should use as a longer cure, since it builds its effects gradually. It is also suitable for problems that are not physical, but gnaw at you subconsciously. Let’s put it this way: it cleanses the heart, but does not clean up in one swipe. It conscientiously tackles one corner after another.

The emotionally relaxing (non-drowsy) effects of hawthorn can help with sleep troubles as well, especially when you lie in bed ruminating and can’t seem to find closure to your day.

In the old days hawthorn was among the repelling plants for magic spells and at the same time was home to good fairies.

When a child has trouble sleeping or nightmares, a small bundle of hawthorn in the bed serves as protection (of course adults can also give this a try). It is best to search for it together. Kids love activities like this and it gives them the good feeling that they are not defenseless and vulnerable, but that there is something they can do themselves. When a baby cries too much or is easily frightened hawthorn bunches can also be used. Our ancestors saw crying and fear as the influence of evil fairies. I don’t think we should fall back into the past without reflecting, but a small bunch of hawthorn can’t hurt and maybe it will help.

Those who were in need of luck would braid a few hairs and/or pieces of material from a worn piece of clothing into a hawthorn bush as a sign to the fairies that they needed help.

Bunches of Hawthorn

All you need to do in order to find hawthorn is to simply open your eyes. Sometimes it even grows in a park right in the center of the city. During its blooming time from May to June you can immediately identify it by its slightly musty aroma. It smells of a little almond, a little rose (it is in the family of rose plants), and a little carrion. You look at the bush and think: oh, how beautiful. You get closer to it and your nose says, “Oh no!” That’s how you can tell that you are right. Cut off a bundle of the twigs for yourself. It does not have to be much. Folk magic often used little twigs the length of a finger when it came to bringing the good healing powers of the trees into the home. Tie your bunch with a white ribbon or twine and hang it over your bed or over the bed of your child. If this is not an option because it is inconvenient or you simply don’t want to explain it to others, you can place the bunch under the mattress or (even more directly) work it into the stuffing of the pillow by creating an opening and sewing it shut again.

Let’s assume that in spite of all your efforts you have not been able to find any hawthorn or have not had time or patience to look. This happens. In this case buy yourself some dried hawthorn, preferably a mixture of leaves and blossoms, and fill a small white sachet with them. About as much as you can easily close your hand around. Seal the bag with a white ribbon and proceed as described above.

Horsetail

(Equisetum arvense)

Horsetail is the herb for skin, hair, and nails overall; rich in minerals, it supports hair growth and contains plenty of silicic acid. For centuries it has been described as a Saturn plant due to its benefit to bones and joints. It doesn’t work overnight, but builds up over a long-term period. This is important to know when working with plants. It can also be applied as a supportive aid in cases of osteoporosis, gout, sports-related injuries, or spinal disc problems.

In addition, it has a detoxing and draining effect. In the old days people used to say that horsehair “takes pressure off the kidneys,” which meant that it was emotionally relaxing. (If something goes to your kidneys, horsetail will flush it from the body.) Horsetail restores your balance when you feel frayed or unraveled and are stuck in situations in which you are unsure what to tackle first.

It helps ward off nervousness, fear, and symptoms of stress. Even though horsetail can’t boast of a relaxing scent or a charming aroma, it is a plant good for the soul because it relieves pressure.

Application

You can grind horsehair into a powder or buy it in powder form and consume half a teaspoon occasionally. If you want to drink it as a tea, I recommend boiling the plant thoroughly. Simply pouring boiling water over it does not release the active ingredients as well as boiling it well does. Let a teaspoon per cup boil over low heat for about ten to fifteen minutes. You will see the difference in the liquid as it will turn a strong green color. Drink the tea as a cure for best results—one cup three times a day. Since most of us do not have time to boil tea for fifteen minutes three times a day (even though it would be a great relaxation activity), a thermos is a good alternative. They make small models that are convenient to carry with you. You simply have to know how to help yourself.

Lady’s Mantle and Yarrow

(Alchemilla vulgaris and Achillea millefolium)

Even though these plants are very different I would like to introduce them together, since a combination of the two constitutes the dream team against female problems of any kind. They strengthen the feminine in body, mind, and spirit. Lady’s mantle has a gentle and protective effect, while yarrow is much stronger, and its bitter components bring harmony.

Both plants can be used individually or mixed one to one. They are excellent helpers when it comes to any inner tension before the period (especially lady’s mantle) as well as menstrual ailments. They also support pregnancy. They further soothe the hormonal transition into puberty and menopause. Following surgeries to the abdomen they help stabilize and help the body regain its equilibrium. I like to mix the tea with a little green jasmine tea. It tastes better that way and it leaves me with a stimulating beverage for the day.

A compress made from lady’s mantle, yarrow, and chamomile can reduce painful swelling of the breasts before menstruation or during pregnancy.

Due to the bitter substance contained in yarrow, it is one of the more blood cleansing herbs and helps with premenstrual acne as well. It was often given in the form of a tea to children with a tendency to wet the bed. Lady’s mantle is among the plants that can balance and trigger hormones, specifically the luteinizing hormone. Women that tend to have vaginal spotting before their period, have very short cycles, or worry that they can’t carry an embryo to term due to a weakness of the corpus luteum should try a cure with lady’s mantle if their doctor does not have an objection to it.

When it comes to female issues, emotional causes are often considered, which is certainly not wrong. However, we have to consider this: we live surrounded by substances that act similarly to hormones, specifically in cosmetics, synthetic perfumes, and everyday plastic items. The remnants of hormones given in pill form or in medication make their way into the water cycle, which can then enter our bodies.

I often wondered why I could find tips pertaining to menstrual pain, but no advice against the premenstrual tensions that plague so many women today in old books on herbs. I cannot prove a connection, but it certainly stands out. We can’t always pretend that one gender should be to blame for all of this—women are so sensitive after all—or constantly has emotional problems. The entire community has a problem when something like this happens. We have to look at the whole picture instead of letting one individual take the blame for her environment.

As far as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) goes, the term syndrome alone does not have a pleasant connotation. It automatically conjures up the thought of serious illnesses. I myself use this term at several points in this book so that everyone will know what I am talking about, but certainly not because I enjoy it. How is a woman supposed to find her true power under this figurative sword of Damocles? Especially since, at a certain age, menstruation is simply a sign of physical health. No “time of the month” would mean no fertility and thus no life. Look around: every single person you see is here because a woman said yes and carried the child to term.

The negative views on menstruation and the days that precede it prevail primarily in Western cultures. In other cultures, people speak of HSC, high spiritual consciousness. From the sorceresses of West Africa to the shamans of Siberia the time starting one week before menstruation to the end of the period is considered the strongest spiritual phase of a woman. It is the time in which no one can fool a woman because she can tell exactly what people are really thinking. What we label as mood swings or an imbalance, other cultures consider a sign of incorruptibility and time for the establishment of the truth. There they believe that if you want to solve a problem, wait for this time of the month because the solution will come to you more easily. Women are described as more radiant and they have a magical charm during this time. Many taboos about menstruation were created to suppress the power of women. Her blessing as well as her curse is especially strong during this time because she is closer to otherworldly things.

Let’s return to lady’s mantle and yarrow. Here are a few suggestions for their use.

Women’s Tea

Before menstruation a tea made from equal parts yarrow and lady’s mantle is ideal. Drink at least one cup twice a day, for breakfast and in the evenings for example. If you suffer from bloating, drink the tea throughout the entire second half of your cycle (starting at the beginning of ovulation) and add birch leaves and stinging nettle to the mix (all equal parts, meaning the same amount from each of the four herbs).

Period Tea

If you suffer from a heavy or painful menstrual period, mix yarrow and capsella (shepherd’s purse) one to one and add anise seeds (as much as you like). This mixture reduces excessive blood flow and brings harmony to the body.

Menopause Tea

Mix equal parts lady’s mantle, yarrow, and lemon balm and fix yourself a tea as often as you like. It has a calming effect on the hormone system and helps prevent hot flashes. It does not have to be drunk every day, but the ritual should happen on a regular basis for it to act. Add a little bit of sage to the tea if you tend to break out in sweats (please heed the information pertaining to sage). Washing with sage or spraying cool sage tea from a spray bottle, like a body spray, eases ailments and feels good. If you prefer to use essential sage oil because you find it more practical, you shouldn’t. This should only be used in a scent lamp and even then not around pregnant women or people who suffer from high blood pressure. It is okay in tea form, but the essential oil of sage is so strong that it can lead to side effects.

Essential oils are never found in nature in the high concentrations we are familiar with out of the bottle. In nature they are embedded in the whole plant rather than concentrated. Some oils are completely harmless and can even be ingested; however, this does not apply to all of them. This should be considered in advance.

Chest Compresses

Those who suffer from painfully swollen breasts before their period or during pregnancy can try this compress: prepare a tea from yarrow, chamomile, and lady’s mantle (equal parts) and soak a white cloth in it. Take care to make sure the liquid is lukewarm and not too hot. Put the cloth on your breasts as wet as possible and put on one or two old shirts over it to allow for a humid environment. Let the whole thing seep in for about fifteen minutes (while watching TV at night perhaps). If you like, you can do it longer, or spray or dab your chest with rose water afterward. This is not mandatory, but a treat.

Joint Salve

One thing that is barely known today: people used to put tremendous trust in yarrow when it came to healing joint and back pain. Common folk could conveniently purchase this medicine at the side of the road. Its effects are apparent.

You will need one to two handfuls of fresh yarrow (just eyeball it). Place them on a white sheet of paper to allow any small critters that may still live in them to escape. Yarrow especially has many small friends, and no one wants to cook them into a salve.

When everyone has crawled out, heat about two cups of clarified butter to liquid form (directly in the pot without a bain-marie) and add the fresh yarrow to it. Take it off the stove and let it cool afterward until the butter has hardened again. This will take a few hours. Give it time. You can also let it cool overnight. Afterward heat the clarified butter up again until it reaches liquid form. Sift off the yarrow contained therein. The resulting salve now simply has to be packaged.

Linden Blossoms

(Tilia spp.)

Linden blossoms put out a rich sweet aroma and have a calming and relaxing effect when made into a tea. They are excellent during times of sleep deprivation and warm the soul in cold times. Those who suffer from high blood pressure can use linden blossoms as a supportive aid—after consulting with your physician, of course.

If you are looking to use an herb against a broken heart, consider linden blossoms. They strengthen from the inside out and get rid of bitterness and tension.

The linden tree is a holy tree, similar to the oak tree. Many villages have a village linden tree in their central square. It is not rare that you will find a bench to rest underneath it. People used to dance and celebrate under linden trees, but that is not all. Bast fiber from linden trees was used to make clothing, bags, ropes, and household items like mats in the old days. We still find the linden name in the names of towns today. My beloved Leipzig was derived from Lipsk, the place of lindens.

Linden Blossom Tea with Honey

This recipe is extremely simple and very effective in times of stress, when you face sorrow or the whole world seems to be crashing down on you. Boil a cup of tea from one teaspoon of linden blossoms in a cup, let it steep covered for ten minutes and add the honey. Stir it in and drink it sip for sip. Enjoy the tea. Make time for it even if it is only for fifteen minutes. Be present for it. Even how we do things like that contributes to its positive effect.

Mint

(Mentha spp.)

Mint is a cooling plant through and through. It helps during all “hot” imbalances such as fever and infections. It also helps in another sense whenever you feel you are running hot and need to cool off—to maintain the proverbial cool head. It is an excellent helper especially for those who work a lot and people affected by stress (of course this has to be turned off or balanced out—mint alone can’t shoulder all of that).

In the ninth century, Strabo wrote, “If anyone claims to know all the powers, types, and names of mint, they may as well claim to know how many fish swim in the Red Sea or how many sparks Vulcanus, the melting-god of Lemnos, sends into the air over Mt. Aetna.” What can you add to that? Mint is the healing plant against the small everyday things that leave us indisposed. It ranges from the invigorating mint lozenge to the drop of mint oil on the scalp or the neck to lessen tension, headaches, or even mosquito bites. Mint has a calming effect on digestion and was used in wealth magic, perhaps because the plant grows so prolifically wherever it sprouts.

Mint Oil

Add essential oil of mint to a carrier oil (unscented baby oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, sunflower oil—whatever you like). Try the dosage yourself. The whole thing also depends on the kind of mint you use. Peppermint oil is much stronger than oil made from spearmint or bergamot mint. Everyone reacts differently to it as well. Some people can’t get enough of it and others only need a touch of it, anything else is too intense. But overall, do not use more than ten percent essential mint oil to the base oil. However, like I said, it is up to the individual to decide. Your nose has the final say.

You can use the homemade mint oil to dab your temples and your neck when you have a headache or stress. It has a soothing effect during colds and will help you regain your breathing. It revives one’s spirits during fits of nausea. It cools insect bites and is invigorating while stimulating powers of concentration. We can truly say that if you have chamomile and mint in the house, you are well equipped to deal with anything that could leave you indisposed in your everyday life.

Mugwort

(Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort is primarily known as a plant that supports digestive health and is used for the Christmas goose, a German tradition. Its bitter components bring harmony to the body and stimulate the female cycle, which is why mugwort is among the herbs pregnant women should avoid.

Mugwort was able to do even more for our ancestors. It was said it could drive sickness spirits—imagined as worms and small snakes—from the body. As a side note, the god Odin supposedly overcame the Lindworm with the help of this plant.

Mugwort was also used in oracles and séances with ghosts in order to learn things from them and to basically force them to give up the desired information. Mugwort keeps “worms” of all kinds at bay. Just like St. John’s wort this plant was preferably picked at the time of the summer solstice and used as preventative magic against illness in solstice wreaths. In addition, it was supposed to ward off lightning strikes and any bewitching. It was hung around the house for this purpose and often used as a protective ingredient in magic.

This plant, whose aroma is strong and herbal, holds an ancient, wise energy that does not put up with any nonsense, but focuses on what is essential. However, mugwort has a connection to love and the magic of love in addition to its strong spiritual vein. It was supposed to attract a partner and was often worn by widows who were looking to begin a second marriage.

Physically, mugwort has an overall harmonizing and strengthening effect. The image of something that serves as a remedy for worms is not necessarily false, you simply have to know how to classify it. Drink one cup of tea daily for one to two weeks for a short mugwort cure (one teaspoon dried herbs, steep for ten minutes). It can work wonders in times of stress.

The Magical Mugwort Belt

For a mugwort belt, which should ideally be fashioned on the feast day of John the Baptist (June 24) or shortly before that on the summer solstice (June 22). You will need red cloth and fresh mugwort. The belt does not have to be a handicraft masterpiece, since it will eventually be burned or given to a flowing body of water. Anyone can make it.

Cut a strip of cloth about four inches wide and long enough that you will comfortably be able to fit through it with your whole body if you lay it out in a circle. Think about a tight hula-hoop ring and add a few centimeters for the knot.

Place a moderate amount of fresh mugwort in the center of the cloth strip. Roll the cloth tight around the mugwort. You should have enough width in the cloth to completely wrap the herb (or use less mugwort). Then you can close the belt with basting stitches or wrap a band or ribbon around it.

Knot up the belt and come up with a small ceremony to use it. This does not have to be anything grandiose. All that matters is that it has a personal meaning to you.

Next, pull the belt across your body from head to toe. The main idea is that the mugwort rides across the whole body like a scanner and soaks up all of the negative energy. Step out of the belt and toss it into a fire or a river. This should happen immediately, so I recommend performing the ritual by a fire or a river in order to throw the belt into it instantly. After all, you do not want evil to have the chance to crawl back out of the mugwort and return.

This ritual is reminiscent of the trees that were split in order to pull the sick person through or of the stones with large holes through which people were similarly pulled to rid them of their illnesses. This goes back to the “drawing through” technique of removing illnesses and negative energies.

You can use this belt all year long whenever you are faced with a big streak of bad luck and everything seems to go wrong. If worse comes to worse, use dried mugwort in order to ward off anything evil and to cleanse yourself of it.

Oak

(Quercus spp.)

The oak is often considered a masculine tree. In Northern Germany, however, it is often referred to as the “gode olle,” the good old lady. This puts it in the same category as the elder tree. Folk beliefs of many regions hold that it’s connected to lightning, thunderstorms, and the associated nature spirits and gods such as Jupiter, Taranis, or Donar.

Alongside elder, spruce, and willow, oak joins to form the “magical four” in respect to the tying on of illnesses. These kinds of trees are most popular for this purpose in the old folk beliefs.

Oak and linden trees shared the position of court or village trees. In many villages, one of these trees is “the” tree and often surrounded by a bench to this day. What serves as a nice place to have a chat today was a courtroom in the old days.

The oak tree stands for luck, strength and energy. Our ancestors must have noticed its goal oriented, straight growth early on. Acorns were considered good luck amulets in regard to wealth and prosperity. They can still be used as such today, although there used to be a very concrete reason for this tradition: people used to drive pigs into oak woods in order to fatten them. The faith in the power of the oak was so strong that Christian missionaries would actually cut them down do destroy the sacred place of the “heathens.” Conversion sometimes happened in more peaceful terms when oak trees were decorated with pictures of the Virgin Mary and Christ and thus incorporated into the cult.

Oak bark is a popular home remedy for skin problems. The natural tannins contained in the bark rid the skin of fungi and bacteria and help stabilize the skin’s equilibrium. Oak bark can also be used on the “inner skin” in the form of a tea to balance the intestinal tract, among other things. Oak bark has a strengthening effect whether it is used as incense or tea. It is one of the best plant allies you can wish for whenever you have to weather a storm.

Oak Bark Tea

Add about one teaspoon of oak bark to two cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and steep for fifteen minutes.

You can spread out drinking this tea over the entire day or take it with you in a thermos. It has a cleansing effect and brings harmony to the body, especially to the intestines and digestion and the influence these have over the entire body. This tea should be used as a cure and not be consumed over a time period longer than two weeks.

Oak Bark Stock

Take the biggest pot you own and fill it with water. Add about one cup of oak bark. Bring the water to a boil and let it steep for fifteen minutes just like the tea described above. Siphon off the liquid and add it to a bath. Do not add any additional bath ingredients and bathe for about twenty minutes. Do not dry off with a towel, but let the water air dry on your skin.

You can use oak bark stock for skin problems of any kind. It is very gentle on account of the tannins. It soothes and eases, and essentially works as a gentle bludgeon because despite all of this it is extremely effective. You can also use this bath when you are feeling somewhat less than thick-skinned and need a bit of strengthening.

Oregano/Marjoram

(Origanum spp.)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is also called wild marjoram, but you can also use regular marjoram (Origanum majorana)—it stays in the (plant) family. It is considered antispasmodic and can be helpful during menstruation, which it also supports. Marjoram loosens cramps both physically and emotionally. It strengthens the back and reminds us of the strength we often possess without knowing we do. The science of plant healing refers to this as mood lifting. In the old days people used to say that it cures melancholy. An old epithet of marjoram is “light-hearted,” which speaks for itself.

In the past, marjoram was often worked into salves in order to loosen tired or tense muscles. This is a useful field, in which it is still widely used today. Most people know marjoram as an herb that supports digestion today, although it meant much more to our ancestors. It belonged to those magical herbs that were supposed to ward off all evil and as such it was also used against sickness spirits. Brides used to wear it in a shoe and it was often mixed into bridal bouquets, which used to be more than simply decoration. They looked more like protective herbal shrubs that were meant to bring good luck. Burned as incense, marjoram has been famous for driving out negative energy since ancient times.

Dill with oregano and/or marjoram was considered a powerful combination. Hence the old spell: “I have dost (oregano), I have dill, XY does what I will (want).” This combination was often used against evil intentions, meaning it is an active magical formula that is supposed to stop others from evildoing. It has an incredibly focused energy, which makes it a wonderful tool for clearing thoughts.

Mood Lifting Incense Mix

Mix up a little marjoram, mint, St. John’s wort, rosemary, lavender and a bit of aromatic resin such as pine, copal, mastic or elemi according to taste and preference (the whole thing should give off a fresh scent). Light this mixture whenever it pleases you. During tough times you can use it in the bedroom at bedtime. Afterward air the room out with windows wide open for five to ten minutes, and go to bed.

Sage

(Salvia officinalis)

Sage is among the best Mediterranean immigrants that found their way into our domestic herbal pharmacy via monastic gardens. Sage gets its name from the Latin word salvare, which means to heal.

Sage was and still is one of the great healing plants. However, like all remedies with strong healing powers, you want to use it with caution because sage contains thujone. It is not a suitable healing herb for pregnant women. Everyone else should remember not to consume more than four to six leaves a day and even that should not be done continuously. You essentially just have to listen to your gut; you will begin to feel nauseous fairly quickly if you take too much sage.

Taken in moderation, it is a wonderful healing remedy against colds, especially coughs and a scratchy throat—and thus the perfect herb for singers. I once had to smirk during a concert when the singer paused to tell the audience between songs she had to take a quick sip of sage tea. Sage also stimulates the brain and offers support in times of learning, during tests or strenuous tasks.

Sage tea is also a good choice for toothaches due to its disinfecting qualities. However, for infections along the gumline, a good old myrrh tincture can’t be beaten. You can still find it in many pharmacies and in a few drug stores as well.

Sage can battle bacteria as well as viruses. As a wash or in (foot) baths it stops excessive sweating. It is recommended that you drink tea as well during a cure like this.

Sage Incense

Dried sage is among the most popular incense herbs and is itself combustible: you will not need any charcoal tabs or a teapot warmer to keep it smoking. Due to its slightly wooly consistency it is enough to briefly light it, then blow it out. It will die out on its own. You can also mix it with other herbs that will burn out with it. You simply have to experiment with which mix proportions are right for you.

Since sage smoke has an intense scent, you don’t need to use much of it indoors. It is supportive during study and mental work of all kinds, clears rooms of all negative energy, and emits great healing powers.

If someone has been sick in the household the living quarters should be completely cleared with sage smoke. Afterward open the windows to let the smoke and all negative energies escape. I usually mix it with rosemary and aromatic resins such as copal or elemi, since sage smoke alone has too much of a smoky aroma for me. Do whatever best suits you. You can experiment with mixing and matching until it rounds out nicely for you.

Stinging Nettle /Common Nettle

(Urtica dioica)

The stinging nettle can undoubtedly be considered our greatest healing plant next to chamomile. It is an excellent strengthening remedy that cleanses and builds up the organism.

I highly recommend a springtime cure with nettle leaf tea. To do this you will simply have to drink one to three cups of stinging nettle tea daily over a two- to four-week time period. It energizes the metabolism and rejuvenates. Nettles can be used all year round, however—whenever you feel exhausted overall or are battling small infections. This makes it very attractive for people who play sports or otherwise wish for more spunk in life, especially in sensual terms. Stinging nettle seeds are still considered a lust ingredient. They are sometimes found in old love potions.

Besides its strong effects in the broad sense, nettle also has a few fields of specialization as well. It is a wonderful support in times of bladder and kidney ailments, for example. Beginning bladder infections can be brought under control with merely two or three cups of its tea without having to resort to chemical weapons. As a skin-hair-nail plant it additionally supports clean, fresh skin as well as nail and hair growth. As a hair growth remedy, it can be used as a hair tonic in addition to tea.

Stinging nettles were further used as a strengthening herb for bleeding after childbirth and used during heavy menstrual bleeding to bring the body back to harmony. It is an excellent tonic after surgeries as something that will help you get back on your feet. Another thing many people no longer consider today: the nettle has a close connection with the production of fabric and as such to many myths that have anything to do with spinning, weaving, and sewing—this also links it to the three spinners and the three goddesses of fate.

In old folk tales shirts made of nettles often make the heroes and heroines invincible or break an evil spell. These days it is hard to buy true nettle cloth. Most nettle fabrics today are made of cotton.

On an emotional level, nettle leaf has a strengthening and balancing effect. However, it generally tends to work through the body in the sense that strengthening the body ultimately has a positive effect on the soul.

It was considered good luck to eat stinging nettle soup on Holy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, also called Maundy Thursday. This was meant to ensure that money did not run out in the coming year. The same belief was practiced on New Year’s Day in other regions.

Holding one stinging nettle leaf for each finger in your hand was said to instill courage and fearlessness. As a Mars plant (due to the fact it burns) it was believed to protect against evil fairies and unruly nature spirits (our ancestors were aware that not all denizens of the otherworld were pink and glittery) if it was consumed as a soup or in pancake form on the feast day of St. John the Baptist, meaning around the summer solstice.

Stinging Nettle Pancakes

I have been a passionate cook since childhood, and this is a recipe I can’t give exact measurements on. I always eyeball nettle pancakes.

You will need:

One to two eggs

Flour

Milk

Dried or freshly chopped stinging nettle leaves

Salt, pepper, and spices (according to taste)

Oil for frying

Take a big bowl and add the egg, a handful of stinging nettle leaves and a little milk. Mix the ingredients well with a whisk. Take a sieve and add a little flour. Continue, sifting in the flour little by little to avoid clumps. Perhaps add a little more milk until you have reached the desired amount. The batter is perfect when it is a thick liquid without being too firm—a little like the consistency of toothpaste. Add spices according to taste and add more leaves if it is not green enough for you.

Heat a pan over medium heat, add a little oil and fry the pancakes until they are golden brown on each side.

The first one is for the proverbial dog, meaning the first flapjack often does not turn out very well, but after the second things begin to flow nicely. If you prefer your pancakes extra fluffy, separate the egg and only stir the egg yolk into the batter. Keep the egg white aside until you are done with the batter, then beat until stiff and carefully fold it in just before you begin to make the pancakes.

You can generally use stinging nettle as an herb in the kitchen. They don’t necessarily have a strong taste, but add a healing effect to your dishes.

Stinging Nettle Water for Hair Loss

It is best to freshly prepare the stinging nettle water. Mixtures with alcohol tend to additionally irritate the scalp and oil extracts have to be rinsed out, which is stressful on the skin as well.

Pour one to two liters of boiling water over one to two handfuls of dried nettles and let steep until the liquid has cooled to lukewarm. Next, strain out the nettles and use the liquid as the final treatment after shampooing your hair. Gently massage it into your scalp and do not rinse it out.

Do this once a week and drink stinging nettle tea on a semi-regular basis and your hair will recover quickly.

St. John’s Wort

(Hypericum perforatum)

There is little left to be added to the discussion of St. John’s wort. Only the terminology has changed; what used to be considered an herb that could ward off demons is described as an antidepressant today.

St. John’s wort is a plant of light through and through. It is so full of light that it makes people more sensitive to light as well. This means you should avoid sunbathing when you are consuming St. John’s wort.

If you are taking birth control pills, you should not take St. John’s wort; even other medications could have unwanted interactions with this herb. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist in those cases. Even though I generally make the case for a relaxed management of herbs, they should be taken seriously. Even plants can interact with medications.

St. John’s wort takes one to two weeks for its effects to unfold and thus is one of those plants whose effects build up step by step.

In the old days it was used to cure infections alongside its mood-lifting qualities. This encompassed the whole body: the mouth, the intestinal tract, the kidneys, and the bladder. For a scratchy throat or a developing cough, gargle with St. John’s wort. It acts as a disinfectant and wards off infection.

St. John’s wort was further considered a natural potency remedy for both sexes. It was used against manipulative love spells, for which it can be useful to this day. Its red extract was seen as a symbol for blood and people connected it to Mary, Joseph, and John (whose name it bears).

Breaking Magic Spells and Streaks of Bad Luck

with St. John’s Wort

When you have the feeling that everything around you is bewitched, St. John’s wort is among the helpers that effectively drive away this hazy veil.

People often make the mistake of looking to the outside when they believe someone bewitched them. The rule is: even when someone has bewitched you, the important thing is how you deal with it. After all, you can option to refuse acceptance, and return to sender. The only thing that matters is how you deal with it in your head. No one can bewitch a person who has closed all doors to it. When in doubt, remember it is fear that opens this door.

But a string of bad luck can make life difficult. Smudge your home with St. John’s wort in this case and thoroughly mop through it after adding St. John’s wort to the mop bucket. Sprinkle a little St. John’s wort tea on the window sills and all thresholds, perhaps even out by the garden gate. Afterward take a candle made of beeswax, write the names of all members of your household (including pets if they are like family members) on it, and apply St. John’s wort oil to it. To make the oil, leave the herb in a carrier oil for two weeks; or just buy some ready-made, which you can find in the pharmacy or health food store in capsule form.

Valerian

(Valeriana officinalis)

Travelling herb peddlers used to tell their alpine customers, “The day ends and the day begins with a pinch of valerian.” I would not recommend it for daily use, however. It is rather a plant for times of crisis and can also be used as a little relaxation treatment. Be careful not to use it over long periods of time. In the case of continuous tension, you will simply have to change something about your life. No plant can keep absorbing that. Valerian works against anxiety and sleep troubles. It is one of the most powerful nerve herbs and is ideal for trying situations. It can also lend support in cases of headaches, menstrual pain, and migraines.

Due to its relaxing effect, valerian was also valued as an aphrodisiac (only those who are truly relaxed can have a clear head for love). Valerian can serve as a soft brake that reduces the pressure of the daily routine and returns us again to our relaxed normal state. In magic valerian is considered a plant against evil. Its strong aroma dispels anything that is less than good-natured.

Migraine Combo

When it comes to migraines, valerian and lavender work extremely well together. Take valerian tablets in accordance with the package directions or make a cup of valerian tea, meaning one teaspoon valerian root per cup; let it steep for ten minutes, then drink in small sips, preferably warm. After taking the tea or pills, drip lavender oil on a handkerchief and find a quiet, dark place. Breathe in the lavender smell as long as it is agreeable.

Should you be nauseous from the migraine, you can add a drop of mint oil.

This combination will not magically make the migraine disappear, but it will certainly shorten it and reduce the severity of the attack.

Techniques for Using Herbs

As promised, here are general tips for the preparation and use of plants.

Tea

Measure a heaping teaspoonful of the herb per cup of boiling water and let the tea steep for seven to ten minutes. If you are working with an aromatic plant whose essential oils are central to its effect (lavender, rosemary, thyme, and linden blossoms, for example), you should cover the cup while steeping. You don’t have to cover the tea if you are working with non-aromatic plants—horsetail, oak bark, or calendula, for example.

Salve and Oil with Dried Herbs

Add one ounce of dried herbs to about one cup of salve base (Vaseline, Shea butter, clarified butter, or lard, for example) or one cup of oil (almond oil, coconut oil, or similar). Carefully heat them in a bain-marie and strain them out and fill containers afterward. As soon as the salve cools down, you can add a little essential oil if you wish to mildly scent it. Store in a cool, dark place.

Oil Infused with Fresh Herbs

Add fresh herbs to sufficient oil (about two ounces of herbs to one cup oil, or eyeball it) in a vessel with a wide neck. Do not cover it with a lid, but with a clean cloth or a sieve; the mixture must be able to breathe so that all the moisture from the herbs evaporates, otherwise it may begin to mold. The herbs should remain in the oil for about two weeks, during which time the vessel must remain warm. If whitish streaks appear, it must be heated briefly (heater, hairdryer) until the oil is clear once more. These infused oils are very aromatic and can easily be used in the kitchen, made from basil and similar herbs.

Essential Oils

As mentioned before, essential oils should be carefully chosen; they are highly concentrated substances that are not found in this form in nature, but are dispersed throughout the entire plant. Most oils are not dangerous when used with a scent lamp, but as a rule you should read about them, preferably from multiple sources, before you utilize your essence of choice.

Those who do not want to use a scent lamp or essential oil burner because of the open flame or for other reasons often use a diffuser instead, with varying results. Try using cork instead, such as cork coasters or thin cork tiles from a craft supply store. You can dab them with oils and hang them like an air freshener. Cork releases the scent wonderfully and is not very expensive. Homemade cork hangers like this can also be sprinkled with cedar or lavender oil and used against moths in the closet.

Bath

For an herbal bath, add two handfuls of the dried herb to a big pot of boiling water (about three quarts). Next, take it off the stove and let the whole thing steep (with a tight-fitting lid) for about fifteen minutes before you add it to the bath water. Don’t use any other additives. Bathe in it for about twenty minutes. The water level should not be higher than the heart.

If you want to use tougher ingredients (roots, horsetail, oak bark) boil them for ten minutes, then take the pot off the stove and only then add (if you wish) the more tender plant parts to let it steep with the rest. You have to be sensible when you combine these things: the comparatively tender basil or scented blossoms would lose their aromatic components after ten minutes in boiling water while the harder horsetail needs to be boiled for quite a while so that its active ingredients can be properly released.

Incense

Add the dried plant parts of choice to an incense coal or a teapot warmer and let them burn. You don’t always need the full equipment. You can also hold a piece of aluminum foil over the flame from a candle. Start with no more than the amount that fits on the tip of a knife. You can always add more later. Besides its overall cleansing effect, incense can symbolically smoke out the spirit of a sickness and thus dispel it.

Amulet

Old books about herbs naturally reason that one herb is best worn on the arm, another should be tied to the leg, while a third should be worn on the chest. This is based on the old knowledge of herbs; they are not only ingredients to be consumed in order to feel something, but plant beings as well who transmit effects through their own personality.

Carry them on you in a little sachet or wrapped in a cloth, for example, in your bra, pants pocket, or handbag. Basically, the closer you carry it on your body, the better. Wear it directly on your skin if you can.

If you feel a special connection to an herb you can also stick it to your body under a band-aid during your normal everyday routine if it has to be especially discreet and work clothes don’t allow for enough flexibility. In the old days roots and such were often enclosed in silver or gold and worn as pendants. If that is not a possibility, simply carry them as close to you as possible. Just do what is practical for you; it is hard to imagine that a distance of a few centimeters would present an insurmountable obstacle for the sympathetic spirit of a plant.

Spiritual Possibilities

We can work with plants on a purely spiritual level by meditating in front of a plant or its picture, for example. You will not always receive an instant response. Sometimes these messages arrive later in a dream or in the form of meaningful coincidences. This should not be considered in a linear, cause-and-effect way, for example thinking that something should happen any minute. Instead, look at it this way: when you sit down and internally make contact with a plant’s energy, you open a door. That does not necessarily mean someone is going to walk through it instantly, although this can occasionally happen. Everything takes time. When working with multiple plants, you will notice that some of them are immediately tangible while others are silent for a long time. Be patient with yourself and the plant spirits.

In our everyday routines, most of us feel that everything has to happen quickly and be perfect. Mistakes are not acceptable and delays are even worse. We have to shed this mentality when we begin to work on the internal plane. It is not always easy to change our thinking in this way. Don’t be discouraged if this does not work immediately. Practice in playful earnest, as I like to call it, earnest because you are serious about it, and playful because this attitude opens the path, clears it of obstacles, and shuts down those expectations of perfection that we often carry with us from childhood on.

Another way to get closer to plants is to paint or draw them. In my experience this is one of the deepest reaching possibilities because the hands translate the energy of the plant in a completely different way than we do it with the head. You don’t have to have any special drawing “ability” to do this. Forget about talent or skill for a minute and assume that you are completely free in your artistic expression. In reality we are all free to do this. We simply don’t have the guts to laugh about the ridiculous evaluation of others in terms of what is supposedly “beautiful” or “ugly” and simply do what is fun for us.

You think you draw like a six-year-old? What’s the problem? Have you seen the beautiful pictures children can draw? The painter Wassily Kandinsky spent years of his life studying the drawings of children. Franz Marc exhibited his paintings next to those of children and Paul Klee found inspiration in the drawings of his small son. August Macke asked if children are possibly more creative “in drawing directly from the secret of their sensations?” ⁴⁸ And with that he has hit exactly upon the subject we are all trying to reach: creating out of the secret of perception, making the invisible visible, giving it a language not made of words but of colors and forms instead.

You can portray a plant’s energy in an abstract way with color gradients; you can glue a collage together or scribble it with a pencil. If you are shy, get yourself some finger paints and packing paper and work with that. Think about how happy children are when they do this, and get started.

You don’t have to show your pictures to anyone. No one has the right to judge them. If you don’t consider your picture to be a success, keep it for a few more days. Don’t throw it out right away. This is not about supposed beauty or images that show every exact detail or proportion. It is about an energetic image of the plant. This is completely different. Think about the drawings of shamans in tribal art and cave paintings. Only use these as an initial inspiration, though. Don’t copy things, but do your own thing. Whatever comes, it is okay. If you don’t think it turned out okay at first glance, wait a little bit until your viewpoint has softened and you will be able to tell that it is expressing something after all. The art is in the ability to let the picture remain as it is.

This also means not analyzing it to death. If you realize something from the picture, excellent. If you find out things about the plant that you were unaware of before, wonderful. However, don’t pick it apart: this isn’t psychoanalysis, but shamanic drawing. It is not about your state of mind, but about finding another expression for the things that you see in a plant by means of the body and the hands. If you have a problem allowing yourself to do it initially, start with tackling it for only five minutes at a time. This is a little trick that turns off the critical voice in your head. After five minutes people are often deep in the creative flow or at the very least curious enough to continue trying.

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48. August Macke, “Masks.” Art Theory. http://theoria.art-zoo.com/masks-august-macke/Accessed Oct. 25, 2017. Originally published in Der Blaue Reiter Almanach (The Blue Rider Almanac) in 1912.