Kitchen Witchery - The Green Witch by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Kitchen Witchery - The Green Witch

 

One of the most common places to begin your journey as an herbalist is right inside your own kitchen. You'd be amazed at the medicines you have stored right now in your spice cabinet. This page will help to familiarize you with the more common ones. It is useful to note that for medicinal purposes dried herbs are good to keep for a year or so, those that have been purchased in the Spice Aisle of the local grocery store are probably not the best to rely upon for medicinal uses but for now feel free to try a few experiments with what you already have. Later on you will want to purchase fresher herbs or begin growing you own!

 

 

ANISE--(pimpinella anisum)

 

This licorice like herb is very useful for breaking up mucus such as chest congestion and is very useful for hard dry hacking coughs where there is congestion in the lungs. Made an infusion by adding three teaspoonfuls of the crushed seed to a cup of boiled water. Cover and allow to steep fifteen minutes. You may wish to sweeten this with a little honey before drinking. The same tea may also be used to stimulate mother's milk and to treat flatulence. Some added to an herbal mixture for the treatment of diarrhea will help prevent cramping.

 

 

BASIL--(Ocimum basilicum)

 

Sweet basil is useful as a tea for the treatment of indigestion, fever, cold, flu, kidney and bladder, headache, cramp, nausea, vomiting, constipation and nervous conditions. For the above purposes an infusion is made using one ounce slightly crushed leaves to a pint of boiling water, cover and steep twenty minutes. Drink 1/2 cup every three hours as needed. For the treatment of fevers add three powdered black peppercorns per cup.

 

 

BAY--(Laurus nobilis)

 

This tree was dedicated to Apollo and Aseculapium (Greek God of medicine) and is considered capable of increasing and maintaining great health and happiness. One or two leaves added to home made soups and stews not only improves the flavor but helps prevent gas and indigestion. Do not use this herb in large amounts internally. Externally they may be applied liberally as a poultice on the chest area with a cloth covering to aid in bronchitis and coughs. A little Oil of Bay (essential oil not infused) is of great benefit when applied to areas afflicted with rheumatism and arthritis as well as other swellings and sprains.

 

 

BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum)

 

Yogis consider this to be one nature's most perfect foods, useful not only as a cure for ailments but also as a preventative measure for general daily health. In this manner it is taken in the dose of seven ground peppercorns mixed with honey each morning. This mixture is also quite useful to help over come colds and sore throats.

 

 

CARAWAY (Carum carvi)

 

s good to aid in the digestive process, for indigestion, gas, colic and mild nervous conditions. For these purpose an infusion is made using once ounce of the crushed seeds to a pint of boiling water, cover and allow to stand twenty minutes or you may allow the mixture to stand in cold water overnight. Drink the infusion in frequent doses of two to three tablespoons until relief is obtained. It is also a mild stimulant and may be added to herbal mixtures for digestion and laxatives to prevent griping.

 

 

CARDAMON (Elettaria cardamomum)

 

is a carminative and stimulant and is normally mixed with other herbs to treat indigestion and gas. It warms the body and is good for diarrhea, colic and headaches.

 

 

CAYENNE (Capsicum anuum)

 

For those of you who like it it's a good stimulant, astringent, carminative and antispasmodic. It is considered to be a superior herb to use in a crisis situation, keeping a little on hand is probably a good idea. For the purposes of general health and in the prevention of heart attack, strokes, colds, flu, diminish vitality, headaches, indigestion, depression and arthritis and for the benefit of the heart and circulation system, one may take a daily tonic of one quarter teaspoon mixed with water three times daily. A powder of tincture of cayenne may be rubbed on toothaches, swelling and inflammations. A useful remedy for arthritis is to rub some cayenne tincture into the inflamed join and wrap a flannel around it for the night. For hemorrhage, internally and externally, it is useful to stop and control the bleeding because it normalizes the circulation. In this manner it is also suited to those who have high and/or low blood pressure.

 

 

CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

 

Is stimulating, astringent, demulcent and carminative. It warms the entire system and medicinaly is used to warm the organs in specific for the treatment of chronic diarrhea, cramps, heart and abdominal pain, coughing, wheezing, lower back pain. For these purposes one teaspoon is gently warmed with a cup of milk and a little honey. It is most effective when given as tincture every fifteen minutes or so to stop bleeding from the uterus.

 

 

CLOVES (Syzygium aromaticum)

 

They are stimulating aromatic buds and are effective in warming the body, increasing circulation, improving digestion and treating flatulence, vomiting and nausea. It is normally added to another herbal mixture when a stimulant is required. Oil of Clove may be applied directly to a toothache with cotton ball until you can reach the dentist. Or you can chew on a clove or two instead.

 

 

CUMIN (Cuminum cyminum)

 

One of the best herbs to prevent and relieve gas and as such is useful when added to cooked beans and fried foods. It is of benefit to the heart and uterus, it is given to women after childbirth to increase the flow of mother's milk. In these manners an infusion is made by crushing one teaspoon of the seeds and adding to a cup of boiled water. It does have a strong flavor and you may prefer to take it capsule form. Externally it can be used as a liniment for stimulating circulation.

 

 

FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare)

 

Useful as an antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant and stimulant. An infusion is made using one teaspoon crushed seeds to a cup of boiled water steep twenty minutes, this is used to treat colic, cramps, gas and to expel mucus. The cooled infusion (wash) can be used as an eye wash.

 

 

FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenumgraecum)

 

It is useful for all mucous conditions and lung congestion. A decoction is made using one ounce of the crushed seeds and seven crushed peppercorns to a pint of boiling water, cover and simmer fifteen minutes. The same is also useful for ulcers and inflammed conditions of the stomach and intestine. It is also considered to be an aphrodisiac and rejuvenator. Externally it is used in an emollient poultice applied to boils.

 

 

GARLIC (allium sativum)

 

Oh! Where to begin with this one? I should just say "take it, take it, take it!" because that's pretty much what it comes down to with this one. It is used in the treatment of all lung ailments, in the treatment of high and low blood pressure, high cholesterol, against parasites and infections (great antibiotic properties!), also for headaches and moderate nervous disorders. The fresh juice is most effective in all cases. For t his crush one clove garlic in a glass of hot milk. For high blood pressure take twice daily. Since this isn't really..ah..acceptable..bad breath and all..for these purposes purchased garlic pills/capsules at the local health food store and take them!

 

 

GINGER (zingiber officinale)

 

Ginger tea is made by grating one ounce fresh ginger root and simmer ten minutes in a pint of water it is very good for indigestion,cramps and nausea. Take with honey and lemon and it is good for colds and flu and will induce sweating. Snack on ginger cookies if you suffer from motion sickness. Externally it is applied for the treatment of pain, inflammation and stiff joints. For this purpose simmer five o ounces fresh grated root in two quarter water for ten minutes. Strain and soak a cloth in water, apply directly to affected area. Change and re-dip cloth often to keep the temperature constantly warm. The skin should become red as the circulation increases. Also for massage purposes you may squeeze the juice of fresh grated ginger and combine with equal parts olive or sesame oil to relieve muscle pain.

 

 

MARJORAM (origanum majorana)

 

Useful for upset stomach, headache, colic and nervous complaints. An infusion is made using one half ounce marjoram steeped in a pint of boiling water. This is also useful for cramps, nausea associated with menstruation and severe cases of abdominal cramps.

 

 

MUSTARD SEED (Brassica nigra).

 

Internally a teaspoonful of the crushed seeds mixed in warm water acts as a mild laxative and blood purifier but a tablespoonful acts as a quick emetic. Externally it really is wonderful for aches, sprains, spasms and cold areas needing circulation. For this purpose a thick plaster is made by mixing powdered mustard with water until thick paste is made. Spread this on a cotton cloth and place a thin layer of cotton cloth on the skin as well, do not let the plaster come in direct contact with the skin as this may be irritating. Leave on until desired warmth is obtained, once removed powder the skin area with rice or other flour and wrap the area with a clean cotton cloth.

 

 

NUTMEG (myristica fragans)

 

A small amount of nutmeg, about the size of a pea, may be taken daily and over long periods to help relieve chronic nervous disorders and heart problems. Large doses are often poisonous and may cause miscarriage.

 

 

ROSEMARY (rosmarinum officinalis)

 

Is of great benefit when used to treat headaches and is a terrific substitute for aspirin. It is astringent, diaphoretic and stimulant. As such is also useful for indigestion, colic, nausea, gas and fevers. For these purposes an infusion is made by using one half ounce of rosemary to a pint of boiled water allow to steep for ten minutes covered and drink. It is also useful externally for the hair and scalp, use a strong infusion (cooled of course!) as a rinse after shampooing.

 

 

SAGE (Salvia officinalis)

 

Is antispasmodic and astringent in action and is of benefit when slowing secretions. It is used to excessive perspiration, night sweats, clear vaginal discharge and to stop the flow of milk. Also use for diarrhea, dysentery and the early stages of cold, flu , sinus congestion, bladder infections and inflammatory conditions. Make an infusion by steeping one quarter ounce of herb ina pint of boiled water steep ten minutes. This should not be used for more than one week at a time but during this time you may take the up to three times per day. It also makes an excellent gargle for sore throats and ulcerations of the mouth.

 

 

THYME (Thymus vulgaris)

 

Is a very important and useful parasiticide useful for intestinal worms but also wonderful for athlete's foot! For the purposes of athlete's foot make a strong infusion and allow to cool completely, apply to the area as often as necessary with a cotton ball. Also great when used in this manner to wash all cuts, scraped, bruises and abrasions before other first aid treatment. When used as a strong tea is is helpful for bronchial problems such a as acute bronchitis and w whooping cough also laryngitis Do not use in large amounts.

 

 

TURMERIC (Curcuma longa)

 

This is used as a blood purifier, stimulant and vulnerary. It may be applied internally and externally to heal wounds, relieve pain in the limbs, break up congestion and a restorative after loss of blood at childbirth. It is of great benefit to the circulatory system. Also useful for reducing fevers and for nosebleeds. A teaspoon of turmeric powder is added with a teaspoon of almond oil to a cup of warm milk. One to two cups are taken daily.