Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Dogbane Hemp Apocynum cannabinum
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

awareness, clarity

Dogbane hemp is poisonous and, well, you wouldn’t want your pets to eat her. Apocynum literally means “away, dog!” Although you’ll see cannabinum as part of the name, dogbane hemp is not cannabis or actual hemp; she is so-named because her fibers can be twisted into a strong rope, much like hemp or flax.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Dogbane hemp grows in North America, and her seeds are edible. You can squeeze latex from the plant to make a kind of chewing gum. But the roots, leaves, and stems can cause heart palpitations and nausea, so although Native American tribes work with dogbane hemp to relieve dyspepsia, fever, dropsy, and liver disorders, it’s probably better not to ingest her.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Traditionally, Native American women tied knots in a rope of dogbane hemp fibers to mark important events in their lives. Knot magic has a long tradition; you can tie knots in dogbane hemp for the things you want to manifest, as this plant is great for bringing the unseen into reality. Placing dogbane hemp on your altar during the New Moon will bring visibility to the things that are hidden and need attention in your life. She is also powerful when the veil is thinnest, and can make the spirits walking the Earth visible.

PLANT WISDOM

Working with dogbane hemp is probably not for the easily offended, as the truth is sure to come out, even when we aren’t ready for it. But if you feel you are prepared, and want clarity on what needs work, what needs healing, or what needs fine-tuning, then dogbane hemp is for you. In dreams, she symbolizes a coming out of sorts—a new you.