ALLERGY REMEDY Artisan Apothecary Herbal Tea, Certified Organic

כ׳ באב תשע"א
Lughnasadh 22

Having experienced the artistry and quality of my skills as a chandler and magical crafter, I offer WITCHCRAFTS™ to my customers as the place to come for your herbal remedy needs. Founded in the natural beauty of Traditional Herbalism, the herbal remedies you will discover at WITCHCRAFTS™ are also each carefully reviewed for a sound foundation in biological and medical science as well. Not only am I a skilled witch, I am also a Registered Professional Nurse with over 20 years of experience, a biochemist with a advanced curricula degree from the University of Illinois, and an experienced award-winning pharmaceutical research biochemist. The herbal remedies you will find at WITCHCRAFTS™ by Liorah Lleucu will be well founded in both folk tradition and medical science.

This Artisan Apothecary™ ALLERGY REMEDY Tea is a unique blend of WITCHCRAFTS™ and contains black ancient forest Tea, Stinging Nettle, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Licorice Root, Astragalus, Feverfew, Sweet Cinnamon, Peppermint and Rosemary.

Use this tea to help prevent allergy exacerbation or to alleviate symptoms of hayfever and seasonal allergies in progress.

Black ancient forest tea contains caffeine to constrict blood vessels and speed up the effects of the other herbs to lessen sinus pain. Black tea also contains quercetin (a type of antioxidant called a flavonoid) which opens up constricted bronchial and nasal passages.

Stinging Nettle contributes antihistamine activity and is the most popular natural herb used by those seeking sinusitis allergy and hayfever relief. Some people even find that it works better than conventional medications. Stinging nettle contains quercetin which opens up constricted bronchial and nasal passages.

Alfalfa reduces allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and itching.

Red Clover has anti-spasmodic properties and is a traditional home remedy for allergy asthma.

Licorice Root has anti-inflammatory properties similar to cortisone medications. The Licorice Root used in this preparation is NOT deglycyrrhizinated licorice (known as DGL licorice) - DGL licorice is not effective as an anti-allergy supplement.

Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times to treat respiratory allergies and infections. Astragalus stimulates the immune system to produce T Cells and increases the body's ability to remove toxins.

Feverfew (best known for preventing migraines) also has anti-inflammatory properties to ease allergies.

Sweet Cinnamon contains phytochemical compounds to ease allergy symptoms and fight progression of inflammation into bacterial infection.

Peppermint eases breathing.

Rosemary has analgesic, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce respiratory irritation, allergic inflammation and airway constriction.

Comes in a 3x5 cotton muslin herb pouch, contains 1 ounce of tea. Use about 2 tsp per cup of tea.

**SAFETY WARNING - This blend contains Feverfew which stimulates uterine contractions and is unsafe for use by pregnant women.**

HEADACHE and MIGRAINE REMEDY Artisan Apothecary Herbal Tea with Feverfew and White Willow, Certified Organic

כ׳ באב תשע"א
Lughnasadh 22

Having experienced the artistry and quality of my skills as a chandler and magical crafter, I offer WITCHCRAFTS™ to my customers as the place to come for your herbal remedy needs. Founded in the natural beauty of Traditional Herbalism, the herbal remedies you will discover at WITCHCRAFTS™ are also each carefully reviewed for a sound foundation in biological and medical science as well. Not only am I a skilled witch, I am also a Registered Professional Nurse with over 20 years of experience, a biochemist with a advanced curricula degree from the University of Illinois, and an experienced award-winning pharmaceutical research biochemist. The herbal remedies you will find at WITCHCRAFTS™ by Liorah Lleucu will be well founded in both folk tradition and medical science.

This Artisan Apothecary™ HEADACHE and MIGRAINE Remedy is a unique blend of WITCHCRAFTS™ and contains black ancient forest Tea, Rosemary, Ginger root, Peppermint, Angelica root, Scullcap, Passion Flower, Feverfew and White Willow.

Use this tea to help prevent migraines or to alleviate symptoms of a migraine in progress such as pain, nausea and chills. This remedy also has a sedative effect to oppose the caffeine to help you relax or sleep until the migraine passes.

Black ancient forest tea contains caffeine to constrict blood vessels and speed up the effects of the other herbs to lessen head pain.

Rosemary stimulates the circulatory system to improve the flow of blood and deliver more oxygen to the brain.

Ginger root reduces nerve tissue inflammation and relieves nausea and pain.

Peppermint also aids to reduce inflammation and promote blood flow to relieve headache pain.

Angelica aids to eliminate pain in the forehead and sinus areas.

Scullcap relaxes the nervous system, and with calming Passion Flower, both Scullcap and passion Flower have sedative effects to promote relaxation, relieve nerve pain, reduce muscle aches and spasms, and to help you sleep.

Feverfew and White Willow (Salix alba) - clinical studies have shown that when taken together, these two herbal components reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and that the pain intensity and duration of migraines were significantly reduced in patients taking the combination.

Comes in a 3x5 cotton muslin herb pouch, contains 1 ounce of tea. Use about 2 tsp per cup of tea.

**SAFETY WARNING - This tea does contain caffeine which may atypically trigger migraines in some people. This blend contains Feverfew which stimulates uterine contractions and is unsafe for use by pregnant women.**

Natural Medicine Field Guide

ט' באב תש"ע
Lughnasadh 10

A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: Of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guide Series) by Roger Tory Peterson

New addition to my bookshelf - "With more than 300 photos, this new edition shows how to identify more than 500 healing plants. Descriptive text includes information on where the plants are found, as well as their known medicinal uses. An index to medical topics, symbols next to plant descriptions, and organization of plants by colors all make this an essential guide to understanding the traditional medicinal uses of the plants around us. At a time when interest in herbs and natural medicine has never been higher, the second edition of this essential guide shows how to identify more than five hundred kinds of healing plants. More than three hundred new color photos illustrate their flowers, leaves, and fruits. The updated descriptive text includes information on where the plants are found as well as their known medicinal uses. An index to medical topics is helpful for quickly locating information on specific ailments, from asthma and headaches to colds and stomachaches. Symbols next to plant descriptions give readers a quick visual alert to plants that are poisonous or may cause allergic reactions. Organized by plant color for fast identification, this guide is an indispensable tool for understanding the traditional medicinal uses of the plants and herbs around us."

Witch Doctor

י' באדר א' תשס"ח
Keolwulf 11

Newest addition to my bookshelf - The Way Of The Shaman by Michael Harner

"Some call them 'witch doctors' or 'medicine men', but now an increasing number of Western health professionals are seriously studying the astonishing healing powers of the shamans. Anthropologist Michael Harner takes us on a personal odyssey to the source of shamanic healing: one's innermost self. Step by step he leads the reader through simple techniques and exercises to achieve altered states of consciousness without drugs - the shaman's way to profound psychological fitness and curing. Here, in an ancient system little known to the West, is an invaluable aid to modern medicine, and an enthralling work of psychological and spiritual exploration."

Medicinal Hawthorne Berries

כ"ה באלול תשס"ז

I'm seeing red everywhere today - red berries, that is.

From Herbal Extracts Plus, on the cardiotonic effects of red Hawthorne berries:

Hawthorne Berry is a wonderful and trusted cardiac tonic that is used to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and significantly enhance blood circulation to the heart and brain. It is used to strengthen the heart and relieve angina, myocarditis (inflamed heart) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Hawthorne Berry is an excellent cardio-tonic that supports good heart health and protects it in a variety of ways. It is thought to be especially effective in the beginning stages of heart disease, as well as speeding up the recovery time after a heart attack. It is also believed to strengthen a weak heart muscle associated with age, relieve pressure and tightness of the chest, ease angina and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), as well as mild cardiac arrhythmia. The bioflavonoids found in Hawthorne interact with key enzymes in the heart to increase the pumping force of the heart muscle and eliminate arrhythmia. Hawthorne is also characterized as having positive inotropic (affecting muscle contraction) effects leading to an increase in heart rate. Although the Commission E no longer recognizes this use (due only to lack of clinical studies), Hawthorn Berry preparations have traditionally been shown to combat angina, a condition resulting from insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle.

Good heart health is further supported by Hawthorne's rich flavonoids, which are thought to dilate and open up the blood vessels (as a vasodilator), allowing oxygen-rich blood to get to the heart and reduce the risk of a heart attack. It is thought that Hawthorne causes direct dilation of smooth muscle in coronary vessels thereby lowering their resistance and increasing blood flow.

Hawthorne berries are also useful for the treatment of arthritis, osteoporosis, ADD (attention deficit disorder), insomnia, nervous tension, and some cancers, including leukemia and Burkitt's lymphoma.

See link for more information and contraindications for use.

Chicory Root Mugwort Tea

י"ד באב תשס"ז

I've introduced myself to the new magical pleasure of organic chicory root and mugwort tea.

Chicory is a masculine herbal, with magical correspondences to the Sun (space) and air (element). It's magical properties include removing all obstacles which may arise, purification and opening up locked places. It's health benefits include hormonal balance, lowering cholesterol, reducing the pulse rate, aiding in the absorption of calcium, promoting a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Mugwort is a feminine herbal, with magical correspondences to Venus (space) and earth (element). It's magical properties include providing strength and protection, increasing psychic awareness, healing and promoting prophetic dreaming. It's health benefits include promoting a healthy digestive tract, anti-depressant properties, and anti-anxiety properties.

To prepare chicory root mugwort tea, simmer 1 Tbsp dried chicory root and 1/2 tsp of mugwort for every cup of water. Strain after simmering for 20 minutes.

Herbs Helpful For Cardiac Dysrrhythmias

Note: Always check with your physician or alternative health care provider before using any herbal medical preparations!

From the University of Eastern Carolina health library:

Hawthorn

An animal study showed that an extract of hawthorn significantly reduced the number of experimentally induced arrhythmias. [1] Although the use of hawthorn for arrhythmia in humans has not been studied scientifically, it traditionally has been used for this purpose. [2]

Corydalis

An active constituent in corydalis, dl-tetrahydropalmatine (dl-THP), may exert an anti-arrhythmic action on the heart. This action was observed in a preliminary trial with 33 patients suffering from a specific type of arrhythmia called supraventricular premature beat or SVPB. [3] Each patient took 300 to 600 mg of dl-THP per day in tablet form, and the dl-THP was found to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing arrhythmia.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.

Footnotes:

[1] Al Makdessi S, Sweidan H, Dietz K, Jacob R. Protective effect of Crataegus oxycantha against reperfusion arrhythmias after global no-flow ischemia in the rat heart. Basic Res Cardiol 1999;94:71-7.

[2] Ellingwood F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Sandy, OR: Eclectic, 1919, 217-20.

[3] Xiaolin N, Zhenhua H, Xin M, et al. Clinical and experimental study of dl-tetrahydropalmatine effect in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmia. J Xi'An Med Univ 1998;10:150-3.

Mortar & Pestle, The Health Benefits

From the Temple of Thai Asian cooking site, on the benefits of using a granite mortar & pestle in cooking:

The reason why the granite mortar and pestle has not entirely been replaced is that indeed it does produce a more delicious paste. Instead of grinding up the fresh herbs and spices with a metal blade, these ingredients are pounded to release and meld all of their natural oils and juices. The metal blade merely cuts the ingredients up and mixes them. But the heavy stone pestle pounds the ingredients in a way that an electric device cannot.

Beyond the idea that the pounding of the pestle can be meditative and help to alleviate stress there may be other health benefits of using your mortar and pestle.

Granite dust contains 5 percent potassium, and has associated with it 16 minerals. Granite dust is commonly used in organic gardening to take care of mites and other harmful pests. According to Dr. D.C. Jarivs, "I have come to the conclusion that potassium alone is not as effective in producing results as potassium with associated minerals, some of which must activate the potassium" (from Folk Medicine, Copyright © 1966)

Potassium & General Health
Cardiac Dysrrhythmias & Low Potassium
Importance Of Potassium In Cardiovascular Disease
Potassium, Neuromuscular Function & Metabolic Processes

Garlic - Absorb Disease, Detoxify Blood

כ"ז בשבט תשס"ז

Garlic (שום) numbers among the many botanicals I have in my magickal herb drawer. Garlic is a masculine herb, bound to fire and Mars, and associated with the goddess Hekate, the goddess of eka power, the power of magickal speech and of unity.

Like a mezuzah is fixed on a doorpost, so too is the spirit of garlic fixed above and below the earth [1]. In other words, the protective spirit inhered within garlic surrounds the earth in its uber and mundane entirety, as above so below. The physical botanical is another link (creating the possibility of a circuit) into the Divine power inhered within it. So mote it be.

Garlic has also been used to guard against the plague, protect against shipwreck, repel thieves, and remove negative vibrations which might contaminate food. Importantly, garlic is also used to absorb disease and protect against hepatitis. [2]

Hepatitis is disease and inflammation of the liver. The liver is the primary organ of the body responsible for purifying and detoxifying the blood. Thus, garlic is an aid to ensure detoxified healthy blood - and by extention, of blood's perfusion throughout body tissues - to health throughout the entire body. Blood is the physiological system corresponding to Binah (Understanding). Thus, garlic guards and maintains the purity of understanding, insight and mental-spiritual clarity.

Footnotes:

[1] שום is Hebrew for garlic. The root means "fixing a place", "arrange", "there", "toward a place", "setting a name", "heavens" and "space above and below earth". Etymological Dictionary Of Biblical Hebrew, R' Matityahu Clark, (p. 258)

[2] Encyclopedia Of Magickal Herbs, Scott Cunningham (p. 122-3)

DETOX FOODS from Nourishing Perspectives author Randa Khalil

Garlic

Garlic has been used for its beneficial effects for thousands of years. It is a blood cleanser, a natural antibiotic it also reduces blood fats thinning the blood and lowering blood pressure.

To avoid the lingering smell when you eat raw garlic, simply peel the garlic clove, cut it lengthways and remove the heart stem (which is sometimes green). If you prefer to avoid the smell of garlic altogether, there is a multitude of garlic supplements in the health food shops to choose from.

Coriander (Cilantro)

Some studies have shown that the leaves of the coriander plant can accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminium from the body.

This delicious herb, when added to food, can greatly contribute in the detox process. It is available all year round. You can use it instead of basil to make a delicious coriander pesto.

Mix fresh coriander leaves (about 25 stems) with 1/2 a cup of pine nuts, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon and 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a blender until you get a smooth paste (you can make the paste less lumpy by adding hot water). It's very tasty with pasta or as an accompaniment to vegetables or fish.

Other detoxifying roots and herbs include:

Echinacea: A lymphatic cleanser

Dandelion root: A tonic, a liver and blood cleanser, diuretic and filters toxins

Cayenne pepper: Purifies the blood, increases fluid elimination and encourages sweating

Ginger root: Stimulates blood circulation and sweating

Liquorice root: Is a potent detoxifier it also balances biochemical functions and acts as a mild laxative

Parsley leaf: A diuretic it flushes the kidneys

Red clover blossoms: A blood cleanser that's very useful during convalescence and recovery.

Fresh Vegetables: Great detox vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts and onions. Artichokes are well known for their liver detoxifying properties. Also recommended are beetroot and red and green vegetables.

Fresh Fruit: All fresh fruit is good for detox provided it is eaten on its own, not before, with, or after food. A fresh fruit or fruits juice fasting is often recommended for a short (3-day) fast to cleanse and detoxify.

Fruit can be fresh, frozen or dried. It includes apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, raisins, pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, melon, sultanas nectarines and peaches.

Use Herbs Responsibly!

As it may be not be a given for all people, I want to make it clear that I advocate responsible use of herbs and herbal preparations.

PLEASE, particularly if you are taking medications or are being treated for medical conditions, consult your physician or alternative medical practitioner regarding the use of herbs and herbal preparations. Some herbs can be dangerous or dangerous in certain medical conditions. Some herbs may negatively interact with prescription medications. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions of varying degrees. Some herbs require special handling to be safely used in rituals.

Here is a link to HerbMed. I am creating a new blogroll for herbal and alternative remedies - the link to HerbMed will be permanently located there.

HerbMed® - an interactive, electronic herbal database - provides hyperlinked access to the scientific data underlying the use of herbs for health. It is an impartial, evidence-based information resource provided by the nonprofit Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc. This public site provides free access to 40 herbs.