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Showing posts from June, 2017

Rosemary's Incredible Use as Medicine

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Native to the Mediterranean and Southern France, Rosemarys incredible use in medicine predates the middle ages. Favored in early apothic gardens, Rosemary was once used to ward off the Black Plague by burning it in the home, and wearing it in a pouch to sniff when navigating through suspicious areas. The Greeks associated Rosemary with memory recall, and scholars often wore it atop, or around their heads as wreaths, during exams. Rosemary has been considered a symbol of remembrance, friendship, love & loyalty since ancient times. Egyptian pharaohs were buried with Rosemary. Reportedly, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary cured herself of partial paralysis in 1235 by massaging wine-soaked Rosemary leaves into her joints. During WW2 the French burned Rosemary leaves mixed with Juniper berries in field hospitals to kill germs. Rosemary has been implemented topically for various ailments. Used as an essential oil it increases blood flow to a wounded area, works as an analgesic,

Turmeric Medicinal Uses

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Turmeric has been implemented as a medicinal treatment for numerous ailments and diseases for over 4,000 years; I'm surprised it didn't become accepted and recognised for its uses in medicine in Europe and America until the late 1900's. Aside from being used as a coloring agent in foods and clothing, it has various health benefits... Native to Southern Asian countries including Asia, India, Indonesia; and even in some of the Pacific Islands like Hawaii. The Indians have used it in  traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Treating gastrointestinal problems, liver problems & diseases, regulating menstruation and balancing metabolism. It contains beneficial antiinflammatory properties, used for easing coughs, treating bacterial & fungal infections; and topically used for sprains, wounds, bruises, & bug bites. Hawaiian's have used Turmeric to prevent/treat sinus infections, ear infections, and stomach ulcers. Turmeric can be eaten both raw an

Hibiscus in Medicine

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Hibiscus is a well-known and popular flower used in tea nowadays, but have you considered the nutritional and health benefits you can receive from this amazing plant? Known for its sweet and sour taste, reminiscent of cranberries, this plant originated in West Africa. Rising in popularity, the Hibiscus plant traveled throughout India, Egypt, Asia, and other various countries.  Egyptian Pharoahs drank Hibiscus tea to beat the heat in the desert, as it contains cooling properties. There is a multiude of uses for Hibiscus. Used in medicine for time unknown, it has been implemented to treat constipation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, leukemia, fevers, inflammation, infections, kidney stones, parasites, poisoning, and skin diseases (including eczema). An oil exract can be used in topical wound care. Not only working to support your immune system; Hibiscus has also been used to help fight chronic diseases such as Heart disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, &

Refreshing Herbs in Water

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As the Summer has been warming up, I always have a nice big jar of ice water within reach. Staying hydrated is important, and we can all use some more water! But, despite H2o being necessary and refreshing, it tastes pretty plain and most of us would rather reach for a sweet alternative. Added sugars to our drinks lessens the hydration we are receiving. A good alternative is.... HERBS! There are many delicious herbs that we can put in our water to add flavor, and receive the additional health benefits of more vitamins and minerals. Here's a list of herbs and flowers that go great in a glass of ice water: Lavender Rose petals Mint Anise Hyssop Hibiscus Chrysanthemum  Lemongrass Lemon balm Lemon verbena Lemon thyme Lemon basil  Lemon geranium Thyme Basil Rosemary  Cilantro  Parsely Citrus blossoms Pansies Violets There are also a handful of "Cooling" herbs that help cool us down when overheating:  Peach leaf Rose leaf Peppermint Garden s

Elderberry Use as Medicine

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The Elderberry Plant The Elderberry Plant is a powerful medicine with so many uses. The Elderberry plant has been in use by humans since at least 1500 BC. Hippocrates implemented it in his medicinal uses; even using a wine made from the inedible roots to topically treat snake bites. Wide cultivation of the plant began during the Middle Ages in Europe. The Blue Elderberry plant is native to many countries: including Europe, Australia, and the North West of the United States. In the USA there are two edible species, the Blue and the Red Elderberry plant. The roots, stem, bark and leaves are all inedible due to higher concentration of Cyanide; which over time can build up in the body causing bad implications. The berries contain less amounts, which is why it is highly recommended to always cook the berries before ingesting. Furthermore, so very few Elderberry plant species are edible, it is best to be safe when you first begin learning and implementing this plant; and

Medicinal Uses of Honey

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There are many things Mother Earth has to offer to sustain us, outside the range of herbs and plants as well. Honey is offered to us for use. Tracing back, humans have been using honey for over eight-thousand years. From the era of the cave man to today. Honey is comprised of over two-hundred substances including minerals, vitamins, enzymes and multiple amino acids. Recorded in Ancient Cultures, honey was implemented for a multitude of medical uses, including; gastrointestinal, liver and cardiovascular problems; wound care; oral health; insomnia; skin disorders; ailments of the lungs; anemia; eye problems including cataracts; and insomnia. The Egyptians even used honey in the embalming process; also offering it to their Gods as sacred. The Greeks drank a simple concoction of grape juice and honey to treat Gout in addition to nervous problems. Honey was found sacred in many cultures and religions, not excluding Islam. The Prophet Mohammad himself treated diarrheal issues w

Herbal Witchcraft Magazine Launch October 2017

Hi everyone :) My name is Tanya Capps, and with my partner Joe Embrey, we have started a new magazine that is a very special thing; Herbal Witchcraft! Herbs have been on this planet since before the dawn of mankind. They have been implemented in medicine, health and magick for thousands of years. We are here to share the wealth of knowledge of herbs with you, and any and everyone who is interested in this ancient knowledge. We hope to bless you, and help you reach your full health and potential of who you are and what you want to be. Come journey with us in learning, creating, incorporating, and loving herbs and their various uses in medicine, health and magick. To a better, healthier and stronger YOU! ~Tanya Capps~ herbalwitchcraftmagazine.com