Tree of Medicine: Elder

Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood,

And I will give thee of mine,

When I become a tree.

So goes the chant to be said when cutting a branch from the sacred Elder tree. Inhabited with the spirits of Witches and Dryads, the chant warns them off so no harm comes to them. Magic surrounds the legends of Elder. There is a Sicilian tradition of placing elder in the home to protect against theft and a newlwed couple in Serbia would be given elder for good luck and a happy future. Protecting against all forms of evil and dark magick, Elder is generous in bestowing good fortune. But always remember to give honor to the Hylde-Moer as the the Elder tree mother is known in Denmark. In addition to guarding the doorways between this world and the next, Elder has many practical uses for the health of the living.

Elder flower by author

Elder is probably best known for its marvelous ability to treat colds, flus, and upper respiratory infections. Elder berry is effective against at least 10 strains of the flu virus and generally reduces flu symptoms by 3-4 days. One of the reasons Elder berries are so effective against the flu is because they strengthen cell membrane by preventing virus penetration. Elder binds and disarms hemagglutinins which are viral spikes that punch through cell membranes to deliver the virus. The flowers and berries of Elder also help remove toxins from the body by inducing sweating as diaphoretics. The purple color of the berries are from anthocyanins which have fierce free-radical scavenging capabilities and the berries also enhance immune function.

Elder Berries from wikipedia.org

Even after all that work, Elder still finds time to help reduce stress, treat rheumatism, neuralgia, headaches, sore throats, hayfever, sinusitis, ear infection, and improve athletic recovery time. Topically, the flowers are anti-inflammatory, soothing to the eyes, and they also help capillaries. The leaf can be used topically for bruises, sprains, wounds, chilblains, and acne.

Elder Berry syrup and tea is my favorite way to enjoy the healing powers of Elder. You can also get Elder Berry powder, which is still a bit grainy, and mix that into your breakfast cereal and oatmeal. I also use Elder Flowers topically in a facial toner - you can easily make an herbal steam with them!  Boil a few cups of water and pour into a bowl, adding about a tablespoon or two of Elder flowers. Sit over the bowl, covering your head and bowl with a towel so you are completely immersed in the steam. Relax and enjoy for the next 5-10 minutes. Elder flowers will help to reduce inflammation and gently soothe irritated skin that is prone to acne.  

Eye of Newt: Mustard Seed

botanical.com

The Mustard Seed Brassica nigra is a potent ingredient in the spells of Witches.  Eye of Newt is said to aid in traveling through the air as well as protect against the cold (and colds of the sniffling type, too!).  Sprinkle Mustard Seed across your door for protection and bury it beneath the doorstep to keep the house free of hauntings.

Legend has it that the tiny Mustard Seed was first discovered by Aesculapius, a pupil of the wise centaur  and surgeon of the gods, Chiron, and therefore is associated with medicine and healing.  As a medicinal herb, Mustard Seed is useful in alleviating sore throats and laryngitis.

Black Mustard Seed from wikimedia.org

Topically, Mustard Seed can be used in footbaths to improve circulation and draw out impurities as well as a poultice to draw blood to the surface and relieve pain and spasms.  As a poultice it can be placed on the chest to help calm spasmodic coughing caused by bronchitis and pneumonia.  Mustard Seeds are an ingredient in

Try incorporating Mustard into your diet by making your own Mustard sauce!  You can add herbs like cayenne and thyme to your blend to make an especially powerful potion against colds and the 'flu.

Herb of Protection, Herb of Dreams: Mugwort

botanical.com

The Latin binomial of our friend, Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, reveals its link to the Goddess Artemis, Divine Hunter, Queen of the Wild, Lover of Nymphs, Protector of small children, and guardian of women in childbirth. The plant is said to protect against the evil eye and promote a long-life. An oil of Mugwort is used to anoint crystal balls and scrying mirrors, a tea of the herb is drunk to promote visions, and prophetic dreams come to those who keep a small pouch of it beneath their pillow. Mugwort is also an ingredient in blends meant to help the spirit leave the body and journey to lands beyond our own realm.

The scent of Mugwort is very distinct and lingers for hours. It is said to be a smell that turns away the spirits of discomfort and disease, protecting households from their influence. Carried on the person in a red pouch of cotton or wool, Mugwort protects travelers, bringing them home again safely. You can also achieve the same affect by sticking a bit in your shoes.

moxibustion kit from commons.wikimedia.org

Medicinally Mugwort is used in small doses to promote good digestion and regulate the menstrual cycle. It has also been used to clear the body of toxins and parasites. Topically, Mugwort can be used in a compress to treat rashes, itching, insect bits, and reduce the swelling of arthritic joints. As a poultice, Mugwort is useful in getting rid of warts and as a hair rinse it is supposed to prevent hair loss. Known as Moxa in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mugwort is commonly used in a practice called Moxibustion in which Mugwort is burned like an incense stick close to different positions on the body (like Acupuncture points). Used in this way, Mugwort promotes warmth and vitality in the body, especially in the pelvic area and uterus, and is useful in turning breech babies.

I use Mugwort usually in tincture form and in small doses to cleanse the body of toxins and parasites. I also use it as moxibustion to move stagnant energy in the body. If you burn Mugwort as an incense or in moxibustion, make sure to do so in a well-ventilated environment as the smell is quite distinct and can last for a few hours.

Tea for Two: Herbs Through Your Pregnancy

Have a cup of tea - or two or three! During your pregnancy tea can be a wonderful ritual of mindfulness helping us remember to nourish our bodies, spirit, and mind. Herbs such as Red Raspberry leaf(Rubus idaeus), Nettles (Urtica dioica), and Oats (Avena sativa) are particularly suited for nourishing, supporting, and preparing the body for birth as well as supporting you postpartum. So why these three herbs? Glad you asked!

raspberry leaf  by author

Red Raspberry leaf(Rubus idaeus) is a wonderful herb to take during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum because of qualities as a uterine toner. Red Raspberry leaves contain fragrine which is an alkaloid that tones the muscles of the pelvic region without causing contractions by stimulating the uterus. For those concerned about miscarriage, Red Raspberry leaves are very valuable because they so effectively support the uterus. What Red Raspberry leaf does is help the uterus work more effectively – during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Raspberry leaves can also help to alleviate morning sickness, assist in the production of breast milk, and reduce pain during labor and after the birth.

nettle leaf photo by author

Nettle leaves (Urtica dioica) are gorgeous wild greens just dancing with all the vitamins and minerals they contain. Some of the vitamins and minerals found in Nettle leaves are vitamins B, C, E, K as well as iron, calcium, silica, magnesium, protein, and potassium. Nettles both nourish and restore the body and because of their high iron content they are especially useful for women who are anemic or have a low iron count. Not only can they be enjoyed as a tea, but fresh Nettles can be prepared much in the same way as spinach for a delicious and nutritious meal. Nettles help to reduce cramping and muscle spasms, eases pain during labor and after birth, and prevents hemorrhaging.

photo from uky.edu

Oats (Avena sativa) are modest powerhouses of nourishment. Oats help to increase energy, strength, and a sense of calmness during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum because of their unwavering support of the nervous system. Silica, selenium, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, beta-carotene, and B vitamins are some of the nutrients found in Oats. Pregnancy, labor, and after birth can all feel very overwhelming at times, and Oats can be used to address headaches from stress and worry, heart palpitations, mental exhaustion, and cases of mild depression.

To truly benefit from these herbal pregnancy partners, I suggest drinking 2-4 cups daily of herbal tea, rotating between Raspberry Leaf, Nettles, and Oats every 2 or 3 weeks. I also encourage experimentation with combining them to find a blend that is the most delightful to your senses.

Tooth of Lion: Dandelion

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Bitterwort.  Fairy clock.  Fortune teller.  Swine's snout.  Milk witch.  Peasant's cloak.  There are many names for our ever present friend, Dandelion.  Flowering in the spring and fall, Dandelion marks the changing of the seasons with its triumphant yellow head popping up through cracks in the concrete and on hillsides through parks.  Tenacity would be a good word to describe our friend Dandelion who flickers bright in urban and rural setting alike, thriving in disturbed soil (like roadsides and dirt patches in parking lots).

Dandelion's reputation for tenacity makes it a brilliant ally for those needing detoxification and to gently cleanse of the body of excess heat and impurities.  For those who feel stagnant, Dandelion is the bold, toothy companion to help break down emotional and physical barriers to health.

Magickal Uses of Dandelion

Dandelion acts as an herbal guide through the transitional points of the year and myths tell of its affinity for the Goddess Hecate who rules over the crossroads and the plant's healing powers to defy death itself.  Bury Dandelion in the northwest corner of the home to bring favorable winds at sea and drink a tea of its root to awaken the third eye.  Carried on the person, Dandelion is said to bestow the wishes of the seeker. Looking to learn more about the revolutionary energies of Dandelion? Come this way.

Medicinal Uses of Dandelion

Dandelion is a general cleanser of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, stomach, and spleen.  A mild diuretic as a tea or tincture, the potassium rich leaves help prevent mineral loss and also treats urinary tract infections and gallstones. Dandelion also aids digestion, is a mild laxative, helps with the metabolism f fats, and stimulates the appetite - good for when you are recovering from illness.  Our golden friend is also excellent for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, edema and abnormal blood sugar levels.  As a diuretic, Dandelion increases urination but also replaces the potassium loss through urine.

I use dandelion before and around the spring and fall equinoxes to prepare my body for the changing weather and strengthen it against colds, flus, and various infections.  During the early spring, Dandelion clears away the sluggishness of winter and restores my energy reserves.  For fall, Dandelion helps the body store minerals and supports beneficial flora of the gut. 

by author

A balancer of emotions, dandelion helps regulate hormones for menopausal women when taken over a long period of time. While on hormone therapy or estrogen replacement, women can safely use dandelion as a liver tonic.  Dandelion is also useful for those still menstruating as it relieves cramping, reduces water retention, and prevents bloating.  As a powerful cleanser, Dandelion can also improve the condition of trouble-prone skin, such as acne, psoriasis, and excema.  In addition to being an immune-enhancer, Dandelion strengthens vascular resistance and reduces pathologically-induced capillary wall permeability. Thank you, Toothy!

The Dandelion Personality

Retention is a keyword of the Dandelion personality. They tend towards an agitated anger and/or nervousness as well as dull-mindedness which comes about because of excess toxins in their system. They can be very good at holding onto and stuffing down emotions. Frustration is a familiar companion. There can be a history of or tendency towards alcohol and drug abuse as well as eating disorders - I think this partially stems from a feeling of struggling to take up space appropriately combined with an internal toxicity (think nasty inner voice) that hasn’t been cleared from the system. Excess sleepiness mixed with insomnia are also signs of a Dandelion person. Ultimately, Dandelion folks are operating from a lack of security and you might see a tightness around the solar plexus. The excess of fluids in their body can stem from their emotional retention - they’ve built a watery moat to protect themselves. Dandelion teaches them how to let go while still taking root - a balance that’ll be essential for them to learn for long term healing.

Using Dandelion in Your Life

As Dandelion has many names, so it has many ways of being incorporated into our lives and diet.  In addition to teas and tinctures, try adding the fresh leaves to salads and juices.  The leaves are great in stir-fries and soups, too!  You can also roast the root in your oven to create a decaffeinated coffee substitute.  I make a dandelion vinegar by mixing the root, fresh or dried, in raw apple cider vinegar and letting it steep for one cycle of the moon.  I strain it and either take a teaspoon of the vinegar in water or mix it into my salads.