Day 9 Herb of the Day Comfrey! Magic and Medicinals. What our Ancestors Knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Herb a Day Magic and Medicinals What Our Ancestors Knew, Magic and Medicinals

Day 9 Herb of the Day Comfrey!

Magic and Medicinals. What our Ancestors Knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Disclaimer: The following information is of an educational and general nature and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult appropriate written and professional sources to answer questions related to your individual situation. Exercising one’s rights often entails some element of risk, and you should verify all information relevant to your situation before acting; the author and publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for any loss incurred as a consequence of the use of any information herein.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Other Names: Common Comfrey. Knitbone. Knitback. Consound. Blackwort. Bruisewort. Slippery Root. Boneset. Ass Ear.

This well-known showy plant is a member of the Borage and Forget-me-not tribe, Boraginaceae!! Or Borage.

Description

The leafy stem, 2 to 3 feet high, is thick and hollow. It is a broad leaf. Some leaves are up to 10 inches long. They are oval shaped and covered with rough hairs which can cause itching, so be careful when collecting. The flowers are purple and/or white and droop. Comfrey is in bloom throughout the greater part of the summer, the first flowers opening at the end of April or early May.

I grow this on my stoop. It is a hardy plant and comes back now four years in a row very hearty!

It is common in England and in Ireland as well as the United States.

Cultivation—Comfrey thrives in almost any soil.

Parts Used Medicinally—The root and leaves, generally collected from wild plants.

Medicinal Uses

Comfrey is a Demulcent (a substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes) by forming a protective film), mildly astringent and expectorant. As the plant is very rich in mucilage, it is frequently given like Marshmallow (more on that another time) for intestinal troubles. It is a gentle remedy in cases of diarrhea and dysentery. A decoction is made by boiling 1/2 to 1 OZ. of crushed root in 1 quart of water or milk, which is taken in wineglassful doses, frequently.

DO NOT INGEST COMFREY WITHOUT CONSULTING A PHYSICIAN FOR SOME IT CAN BE DANGEROUS AND IS A KNOWN POISION IN LARGE DOSES. DO NOT USE while pregnant or Breastfeeding.

It’s demulcent action it has been used for centuries for lung troubles and for whooping-cough. In this case the root is more effective than the leaves. It has been used for tuberculosis and bleeding of the lungs in the past. Many used it for internal bleeding in centuries past and for bleeding hemorrhoids mixed in with witch-hazel for cleansing and pain relief.

Comfrey leaves can be used for sprains, swelling, bug bites and bruises. It can be ground and used as a poultice for cuts and to aid in opening of boils and abscesses. The leaves and plant itself ground well and made into a poultice is a great aid in any inflammatory swelling It can be used on joints in the case of inflammatory arthritis. I use a salve of this on joints and have used it on a bone spur. Works very well.

A salve made from the fresh herb will promote the healing of bruised and broken parts, including bones.

From a Pharmacist in 1921:

‘Allantoin is a fresh instance of the good judgment of our rustics, especially of old times, with regard to the virtues of plants. The great Comfrey or consound, though it was official with us down to the middle of the eighteenth century, never had a very prominent place in professional practice; but our herbalists were loud in its praise and the country culler of simples held it almost infallible as a remedy for both external and internal wounds bruises, and ulcers, for phlegm, for spitting of blood, ruptures, haemorrhoids, etc. For ulcers of the stomach and liver especially, the root (the part used) was regarded as of sovereign virtue. It is precisely for such complaints as these that Allantoin, obtained from the rhizome of the plant, is now prescribed. One old Syrupus de Symphyto was a rather complicated preparation. Gerard has a better formula, also a compound, which he highly recommends for ulcers of the lungs. The old Edinburgh formula is the simplest and probably the best: Fresh Comfrey leaves and fresh plantain leaves, of each lb.ss.; bruise them and well squeeze out the juice, add to the dregs spring water lb.ij.; boil to half, and mix the strained liquor with the expressed juice; add an equal quantity of white sugar and boil to a syrup.’

Comfrey roots, together with Chichory and Dandelion roots, are used to make a well-known vegetation ‘Coffee,’ that tastes practically the same as ordinary coffee, with none of its effects.

From a book written in 1688 on herbs: ‘From the French conserve, Latin conserva – healing: conserves – to boil together; to heal. A Wound Herb.’ ‘The roots,’ says a sixteenthcentury writer, ‘heal all inwarde woundes and burstings,’ and Baker (Jewell of Health, 1567) says: ‘The water of the Greater Comferie druncke helpeth such as are bursten, and that have broken the bone of the legge.’ In cookery, the leaves gathered young may be used as a substitute for Spinach; the young shoots have been eaten after blanching by forcing them to grow through heaps of earth.

Magical Uses:

Comfrey is associated with Saturn and the Element of Water and is sacred to Hecate.

Comfrey is used in protective magic for the traveler and to protect against theft. Try placing a comfrey leaf in your luggage to make sure it isn’t lost or stolen. Use comfrey root in sachets s for protection while traveling, and to keep your lover faithful while you are gone. Also use it in sachets to protect vehicles. Hang from your rear-view mirror or hide it under a seat.

Wrap your money in a comfrey leaf for several days before going to a casino or poker game. It will help keep your bets coming back to you.

Comfrey flowers, especially blue ones, can be substituted in any spell calling for borage. They are of the same family.

Use comfrey in a bath after ritual to relax and cleanse you, especially for healing or love spells.

It can be burned in combination with mugwort to aid in divination and concentration.

You can use it alone or add it to spells for letting go of unhealthy relationships.

I find that interesting! It is used to heal bones, knit them together, like knitting a broken heart together! It removes inflammation and aids in pain. Removes passion and aids in healing.

Our ancestors approached both the same way. What could heal the body most certainly can heal the spirit, the emotions, the mind.

Cool.

Modern Information:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-295-comfrey.aspx?activeingredientid=295&activeingredientname=comfrey

Day 9 Herb of the Day Slippery Elm! Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Herb a Day Magic and Medicinals What Our Ancestors Knew, Magic and Medicinals

Day 9 Herb of the Day Slippery Elm!

Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Disclaimer: The following information is of an educational and general nature and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult appropriate written and professional sources to answer questions related to your individual situation. Exercising one’s rights often entails some element of risk, and you should verify all information relevant to your situation before acting; the author and publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for any loss incurred as a consequence of the use of any information herein.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Slippery elm as a healing herb has a great ability to reduce inflammation, soothe indigestion, heal the skin, eliminate infections, reduce blood pressure, increase blood flow, boost eye health, protect from ulcers, detoxify the body, aid in oral health, and improve respiratory health.

The slippery elm is known as Ulmus rubra and it is native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Ulmus family and is also known by other names, including red elm, gray elm, and Indian elm. In the United States, it is widely cultivated to harvest its bark, which can be ground into a pulp or dried and used as a powder. This tree was used for many medicinal purposes by Native Americans, and some traditional herbalists and alternative practitioners still rely on slippery elm for a wide range of health problems today. Scientific research is limited on this, but records kept have shown that it may be very helpful overall.

One of the most active ingredients in slippery elm is mucilage. Mucilage is what creates the pulp or what some call “gruel” used in traditional medicine systems. The bark can also be dried and added to liquids as a powder. Some people take it as a supplement in capsule form.

One of the primary uses for slippery elm is as a digestive aid. The mucilage found in its bark is perfect for soothing the digestive tract and eliminating inflammation, primarily the type that causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is also a very large amount of fibrous tissue found in the bark, which can help to bulk up the stool and eliminate issues like diarrhea. It can be sued as a gastrointestinal aid for many illnesses. It has been used this way for thousands of years.

Slippery elm has traditionally been used to calm sore throats. The anti-inflammatory compounds of the in it can reduce irritation. Creating a pulp of the mucilage is the best approach for this remedy, but drinking a powdered mixture will also work well! This is a very fast acting treatment and as a singer and voice teacher I can attest to the fact that it works in tea or in lozenges.

There are many other nutrients found in slippery elm beside mucilage. Iron which is crucial for the production of red blood cells is found in the bark. This can increase circulation, and boost oxygenation of important parts of the body. When combined with potassium, which is also in the bark you may be able to help the cardiovascular system.

Slippery Elm bark can aid injuries such as burns and abrasion. For centuries Native Americans made salves and balms to help speed the healing process. It has minerals as well as antioxidant compounds.

If you have suffered from burns, have noticeable scars, or generally poor skin health, slippery elm can be a wonderful remedy. The antioxidants and unique vitamins of this herbal salve can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, eliminate free radicals from the upper skin layers, and even heal age spots. Furthermore, just as it does for wounds, it can help protect the skin from infections of various types, acting as the first line of defense for the body.

Slippery elm is that it is high in certain acids and coats the lining of the intestines; this means that for gastrointestinal problems like ulcers it is a great aid.

There is some evidence suggesting that slippery elm can be used as a diuretic. It might be able to aid in removal of toxins and excess salts and water from the body boosting kidney healthy and helping the function of the metabolism.

One of the most valuable effects of slippery elm are its anti-inflammatory talents. Works well well for heartburn and hemorrhoids. The strong effect of slippery elm in treating or lessening the severity of these conditions is well documented and widely relied on in alternative medicine circles.

When the balm or salve of slippery elm is applied to a pulled muscle, bruise, or other painful areas of the body, relief is rapid and effective. The antioxidant and analgesic components of slippery elm can quickly soothe the pain.

Although this is obviously a highly controversial, slippery elm is a key component in Essiac, a common herbal treatment for various types of cancers. Research into the antioxidant effects of slippery elm has been widely conducted and the conclusions are still uncertain, so this possible health benefit should never be used alone and must still be used in conjunction with medical treatment for these illnesses.

One of the most popular uses of slippery elm has been as a salve for oral health. If you feel a tooth infection coming on, or have pain in your gums, you can apply some slippery elm to the cap of the tooth and the surrounding gums to prevent infection and relieve pain through the anti-inflammatory properties!

WORDS OF CAUTION

Slippery elm can be too intense for people with sensitive skin, so when first applying a salve or balm, check what your skin’s reaction is before adding more. The skin’s reactions, however, are typically mild, but you should discontinue use if you experience irritation, itchiness, or redness.

NOT FOR USE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE PREMATURE LABOR. SLIPPERY ELM IS BANNED IN THE UK. PLEASE ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING ANY HERB OR SUPPLEMENT.

MAGICAL USES:

Saturn, Feminine Energy, Element of Air

Slipper Elm halts Gossip. It can be used to stop gossip and slander and supposedly can make one impervious to it. It will stop back biting family members, jealous co-workers and false frinds who might want to make trouble in your love life. Some people will use some in the corners of their homes to rid the premises of evil. If you like you can make a charm to be worn about the neck of a child to help with learning speech and to be a persuasive speaker later in life. If you like you can tie a knotted yellow thread around slippery elm and throw it into a fire to cease all gossip about you. The herb can be useful in exorcism, protection, spell breaking and more. It may be of great service when attending ceremonies that demand long hours of chanting and praying.

Here’s an interesting spell!

Invisibility Spell Powder

You’ll need:
– mortar and pestle
– cauldron or potion pot
– almond tincture
– 1 part Fern leaf, dried
– 1 part Poppy seeds
– 2 parts Slippery Elm powder
– 1 part Myrrh
– 1 part Marjoram, dried
– 3 parts Dillweed, fresh if possible

Below is a tried and true recipe for an invisibility manifesting preparation. Although it is presented as a powder, to be strewn, burned, or carried, the herbs given could just as well be concocted into a potion, oil, or tincture

At Dark Moon, in a mortar and pestle, grind together:

1 part Fern leaf, dried 1 part Poppy seeds

Add

2 parts Slippery Elm powder 1 part Myrrh 1 part Marjoram, dried 3 parts Dillweed, fresh if possible

Grind all together, mixing well.

Add 9 drops almond tincture (almond cooking extract is great.) with enough spring water to make everything barely moist, and mix in well. Place in a ceramic bowl, spreading as thinly as possible, and dry the mixture over low heat, stirring it occasionally, until it seems lightly browned. Pour back into mortar, and grind again, enchanting:

Things Seen, and Things Not Seen: Let me walk here in between.

When finely powdered, store in a clear glass container. It will keep its power for years. Sprinkle, just a little bit, on yourself, objects, or in a place to be made invisible.

I find this all very fascinating, don’t you? I mean…protection of the body, the home, the person! It cleanses, makes one invisible to slanderous people and lies and heals your throat to boot! I have a lot of it here and plan to use it a whole lot more!

Day 8 Herb of the Day Chamomile! Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Herb a Day Magic and Medicinals What Our Ancestors Knew, Magic and Medicinals

Day 8 Herb of the Day Chamomile!

Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Chamomile:

German chamomile (Matricaria retutica) and Roman (or English) chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

Most of the people for centuries have benefited greatly from chamomile tea!

I have grown this wonderful little herb and fallen in love withe the sweet flowers and apple like scent. Its a hardy herb and comes back to fight again and again!

Did you know you could use this lovely flor for Skin Care?

Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich and is not only used as a nice warm tea before bed or for babies with cholic. You can apply warm or cold chamomile tea to the site of an irritation or a condition such as eczema! Modern research shows that this sort of direct application can improve healing significantly! It can lessen the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles as well because it eliminates oxidative stress and boost the immune response in your skin.

It can add a boost to your Immune System

By using Chamomile tea, you can strengthen your immune system and stop infections before they start. There are compounds in chamomile that are called phenolic and are linked to fighting bacterial infections in the body. There have been studies showing that 5-6 glasses of this tea over a two or more-week course can help the body improve its ability to fight infections.

Chamomile also relives Menstrual Discomfort because of its anti-inflammatory nature. Women use it often for bloating, cramping, anxiety, sweating, inability to sleep, and mood swings. Chamomile tea can directly affect many of these symptoms by soothing the mind and body and reducing inflammation that may be causing discomforts.

Chamomile Relieves Stress!

One of the most popular uses for chamomile tea is in the treatment of stress and anxiety. This tea has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and melatonin in the body. These hormones can eliminate stress and relieve anxiety. For chronic stress try 1-2 cups a day.

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY. It has been shown to cause miscarriage!

A great way to start your sleep each night is with a cup of this tea. In a similar way that chamomile tea can ease stress and worry, it can also be an overall sleep aid for those that have restless sleep and even those struggling with sleep apnea.

Some research has shown that chamomile tea can be useful for people suffering from diabetes. Chamomile can lower blood sugar levels and helps in regulating the insulin in the blood, the powerful chemicals in it help to eliminate massive drops and spikes in blood sugar.

Treats Stomach Disorders as well!

If you are suffering from stomach irritation, ranging anywhere from mild bloating to IBS symptoms, chamomile tea can be a major help. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease the twisting nature of your gut and allow for the passage of gas and smoother bowel movements. A single cup of chamomile tea can make you feel better, and its continued use can help prevent serious conditions from developing.

Hair Care too? Wow.

Aside from all the other attributes of chamomile tea many people say it improves the appearance and strength of hair. It can also help with scalp irritation and eliminate dandruff. It will give the hair a silky look.

Some people are allergic to chamomile. Especially when applied topically. Please see your doctor regarding Chamomile and if you have Rag Weed allergies you might want to test a skin patch before using or ingesting. However, many find that using Chamomile helps them modulate the immune response to the allergens they encounter! It works as a natural anti-histamine as well.

I know my Grandmother insisted that she have a cup a day…she lived till 94! I use Chamomile oil in my diffuser at night and we all sleep very well! When my son was young I used this tea to aid in his teething as well. It soothed him to sleep and helped him many times with stomach upsets.

I can also recommend you use a few drops of the oil (check for allergies) in a bath before bed as well!

Magical Uses

Chamomile is associated with the Sun/fire and the sign of Leo! It is also associated with the element of water. It helps cleanse and invigorate the throat chakra (5th). It is associated with various Sun Gods like Ra, Cernunnos, Lugh and more.

It is used in spells for money, peace, love, tranquility and purification.

If you like you can use the tea to wash thresholds (doors and windows) will help keep unwanted energies or entities from passing through. Sprinkle powdered chamomile flowers around yourself or home to remove spells cast against you and to prevent fires and lightning strikes. You may also use herbal water made from soaking the herb, if you prefer.

Use it in a ritual bath. before performing spells for any of these purposes. Just a simple chamomile bath while visualizing will increase your attractiveness to the opposite sex. Also, use it in a bath as part of a spell to release a loved one, or to release feelings of pain, loss or anger.

Washing your hands in chamomile water before gambling will increase your luck.

Add to sachets for luck or money. Or place pressed chamomile flowers in your wallet to attract money to it.

Use in meditation incense as well. It aids in relaxation.

If you look you will see that the magic of this herb is just the same as its healing properties!

Modern Information Web MD: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/chamomile-topic-overview

Day 7 Herb of the Day Skullcap! Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Herb a Day Magic and Medicinals What Our Ancestors Knew, Magic and Medicinals

Day 7 Herb of the Day Skullcap!

Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Disclaimer: The following information is of an educational and general nature and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult appropriate written and professional sources to answer questions related to your individual situation. Exercising one’s rights often entails some element of risk, and you should verify all information relevant to your situation before acting; the author and publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for any loss incurred as a consequence of the use of any information herein.

Skullcap: (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Other Common Names: Blue, greater, hairy, hooded, American, European western, mad-dog and side-flowering skullcap.

It is also called scullcap, helmet flower, blue pimpernel, quaker bonnet, hooded willow flower, mad-dog weed, mad weed, hoodwort and hoodwart.

This herb can be found in partially shaded, wetland areas. It prefers light shade to full sun, but it grows well on my porch and it comes back stronger every year! It can flourish in moist soil with plenty of organic matter. I leave things on top of it all winter for this purpose. Leaves, and other garden debris. The plant is native to North America. It grows to about 2 feet tall and has a light green or reddish green stem. The leaves are coarsely serrated around their edges. It produces flowers that are blue and lavender. They are tube like shaped.

This plant blooms from May to August. The flowers are replaced by a two-chamber seed pod containing four seeds. The roots system consists of a taproot and rhizomes.

The flowers and the leaves are used for medicinal purposes and are collected during the summer when the plant is in bloom. The herb can be dried for later use.

Skullcap contains substances like flavonoids, iridol, sesquiterpene, tannins, bitter substances, essential oil, resin, iron, silicon, calcium, magnesium, lignin and wogonin.

Some Native American tribes used it as an emmenagogue (brings on menses) to bring young girls into womanhood.

It was also traditionally used to bring on visions (in large doses) during spiritual ceremonies.

It was once used as a treatment for rabies and schizophrenia (hence the names mad-dog skullcap, mad-dog weed and mad weed.) but is no longer.

This plant is also a nervine with sedative qualities and is helpful in the treatment of many nervous conditions such as epilepsy, hysteria, anxiety, delirium tremens and as a remedy for panic attack. I use it for my students in my voice studio and for myself for stage fright or jitters in a mild tea. Works well.

It has also been found useful in treating symptoms of withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers.

Medicinal infusions of this herb have been used to promote menstruation.

An infusion of skullcap may also be helpful in treating throat infections It is also used for treating headaches from stress, neuralgia, and from incessant coughing.

This herb can also be used to bring on a natural sleep without the negative effects of many prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids.

Skullcap is gaining some recognition as an alternative treatment for but that is a new addition to its effects.

This plant is sometimes used to treat the symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa, fibromyalgia and even mild Tourette’s syndrome.

Skullcap is also used as a treatment for asthma and as a hiccup and hangover remedy.

Skullcap is available in powder or liquid extract form and as a dried herb. It is commonly sold in capsule form as well.

The recommended dosage for adults is 1 to 2 grams of the dried herb, 2 to 3 cups of tea, 2 to 4 mL of the liquid extract three times daily, or 2 to 5 mL of the tincture three times daily.

Please consult your physician before use.

Children may use skullcap but in small doses. The best method of delivery is a mild tea. The child’s physician should be consulted before use.

To make a medicinal tea try adding one pint of boiling water to 1 oz. of the dried herb and steep for 10 minutes. This can be served in half cup servings every few hours.

For children add 1 cup boiling water to 1 tsp. of dried leaves and steep only 2 minutes to yield a milder tea.

Overdose symptoms include giddiness, stupor, confusion, irregular heartbeat and twitching. Pregnant women shouldn’t use this herb since it may cause a miscarriage.

Some supplements have been tainted with plants of the Teucrium species, which have been shown to cause liver damage. It’s important to seek skullcap from reputable sources.

There are no documented cases of negative interactions with other herbs or medications although it does have a sedative effect and should not be combined with prescription sedatives.

Magical Uses!

Its planetary element is Saturn. Solid and forceful. Its element is water, gender feminine4, and it is associated with the Goddess of the Hearth Hestia. It brings love, peace and fidelity.

Skullcap can be worn by women to keep their husbands or lovers faithful. It can be used in sleep pillows for relaxation & peace. It has often been used to bind oaths and consecrate vows & commitments (handfasting, initiations, etc.). Can be used to seal a relationship that will extend beyond this life. For this purpose Skullcap may be worn, burned as incense, or used as an oil. Can be used in bath magick as a soak (add some herb to Epsom salts or other bath salts in a mesh bag) to calm the aura and cleanse the away tensions and stress. You can use it in spells for relief from disharmony and disruptive situations. Place a pinch in a lover’s shoes to keep them from being attracted to others.

A tea made from this herb is excellent for preventing nightmares. It can also be used as a restorative after spiritual or magical assault or recovery from exorcism or other trials. In some traditional medicines, skullcap is combined with Vervain.

In Hoodoo it is used for attracting gifts of money. It is a very nice herb to grow and grows well in many gardens and spaces, even in a flowerpot on the window. Keep away from animals and children.

It may be made into a Mojo Bag with two small Lodestones by women who wish to keep their husbands faithful. (Other herbs which may be added to such a nation sack include Periwinkle and Basil. The hand will be stronger if you also add the man’s hair or his “measure.”)

You can keep skullcap in a saucer with some coins and dress it with Attraction Oil to attract Gifts of Money. Women wishing to Attract Money from Men may dress the coins and SKULLCAP with Cleo May Oil.

Used as a tea, drink before meditation or to enhance the development of. As a bath, used for calming the aura of tensions and stress. Burned for relief of disharmony and disruptive situations.

Here’s an idea for a Skullcap Money spell: To inspire others to give you money, place some skullcap in a small saucer and moisten it with money mist, or money drawing oil. Get a ball of green cord or yarn and wind it around your “nest egg” of skullcap and oil, binding until the herb is completely covered and secure.
Tie the cord so that the ball will not unwind and hang above the doorway. All who enter will become possessed with an unreasoning desire to bring gifts & money to your home. Anoint the ball every seventh day with a few drops of the oil to preserve its powers.

Modern Information: Web MD

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-986-skullcap.aspx?activeingredientid=986&activeingredientname=skullcap

Day 6 Herb of the Day Dandelion! Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

Herb a Day Magic and Medicinals What Our Ancestors Knew, Magic and Medicinals

Day 6 Herb of the Day Dandelion!

Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari

The Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Other Names:

Blowball, Cankerwort, Cochet, Common Dandelion, Couronne de Moine, Dandelion Extract, Dandelion Herb, Délice Printanier, Dent-de-Lion, Diente de Leon, Dudal, Endive Sauvage, Fausse Chicorée, Florin d’Or, Florion d’Or, Herba Taraxaci, Laitue de Chien, Leontodon taraxacum, Lion’s Teeth, Lion’s Tooth, Pisse au Lit, Pissenlit, Pissenlit Vulgaire, Priest’s Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Salade de Taupe, Swine Snout, Taraxaci Herba, Taraxacum, Taraxacum dens-leonis, Taraxacum officinale, Taraxacum vulgare, Tête de Moine, Wild Endive

Dandelion is not found in the Southern Hemisphere, but is proliferate in all parts of the north, in pastures, meadows and on waste ground. There is so much of it that farmers everywhere fight it off to grow crops! Its flowers bloom and spread seeds far and wide for many months of the year! Many of us help it by making wishes on the seed heads and blowing them away to carry our desires to the winds!

I think we all pretty much know what the tops of it look like from its yellow flower head to its white seed later. It also has a tap root, dark brown, almost black on the outside though white and milky within. It has long jagged leaves

There is some doubt, however, as to whether it was really the shape of the leaves that provided the original idea that this plant resembles a lion. Dandy Lion! Maybe it was the jagged teeth on he leaves may perhaps be said to resemble the angular jaw of a lion with teeth.

The blooms are very sensitive to weather conditions: in sunny weather, all the parts are outstretched, but in rain the whole head closes at once. It closes against the dews of night, by five o’clock in the evening, being prepared for its night’s sleep, opening again at seven in the morning though as this opening and closing is largely dependent upon the intensity of the light, the time differs somewhat in different latitudes and at different seasons.

The young leaves of the Dandelion are delicious although bitter and are eaten in salads and sautés in France and Italy. I eat them all year if I can get them! With a little garlic, salt and hot red pepper they are delicious greens.

The roasted roots are used to make Dandelion Coffee a healthy alternative with no stimulation.

The root, fresh and dried, the young tops. All parts of the plant contain a somewhat bitter, milky juice (latex), but the juice of the root is powerful and is the part of the plant most commonly used for medicinal purposes.

You can grow it in your garden or wait for it to come to you there as it always will! Do not wildcraft dandelion where there has been poison laid down to kill weeds or where dogs do their business. Try to find it if you do in clean, untouched areas. OR buy it in your farmers market, health food store or herbal store. If you are looking for leaves, try the spring and roots after the first frost.

Medicinal Use of Dandelion

Please do not use any herb without first consulting with your doctor.

It is a diuretic and it is a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders as well as edema.

Not being poisonous, big doses of its preparations may be taken.

Many people take it for to help clear a fatty liver or aid in cleansing the liver after a long bout of antibiotics or other medications. It can be used as a bitter to help with indigestion and is a mild laxative. It can if needed increase the appetite. Many also use a very strong decoction on the skin for eczema.

Dandelion can be eaten or taken in an extract or tincture, blended into a tea with other herbs or taken alone. You can use the leaves, flower heads or root depending on need.

Leaves are used in tea or food as a vegetable with diuretic properties. Roots are made into a decotion by boiling or in a tincture. Roots are commonly used for liver, kidney and urinary complaints.

Magical Uses
The dandelion is masculine in action (Yellow like the sun) and associated with the planet Jupiter, the element of air…think seeds. It is associated with both Pisces and Sagittarius. It can be used for any solar deity and is also associated with Hecate, Brigid and Belnos! A tea of the flowers and leaves may be drunk to increase psychic ability while pouring boiling water over a bowlful of roots will aid in calling spirits. Can be used on dream pillows and sachets for protection during sleep. If you want good luck you can bury a dandelion root on the northwest side of your house or leave it inside on an altar. If you’d like to speak to spirits, you can leave a cup of the tea by your bedside.

It is associated with the underworld and necromancy (raising the dead). Bees love it as do goats, and pigs. It is a Mercurial weed because of its association with the air element (birds and bees love it).

Make a wish and blow the seeds off a dandelion head is a well-known magic!

Traditionally, dandelions have often appeared in pagan rituals. The yellow blossoms and bright green leaves accent altars for spring and summer celebrations like the Vernal Equinox (March 21st) Beltane (May 1) , and Litha (June 21st Midsummer). They can be woven into garlands, wreaths, and ropes to be worn or draped across altars. Towards autumn, pluck the silvery orbs to adorn your altar for Lammas (Aug 1), Mabon (Sept 21st), or Samhain (Oct 31st).

Of course, because for centuries it has been used to cleanse the system of waste and water it is also used in any ritual or spell to clean away! To remove bad luck, bad mojo or bad relationships. Cleansing and restoring all.

I love how again, Magic and medicine blend. Our Ancestors considered healing a magic act and understood these plants in ways we over look. Perhaps we should reconsider being so closed to the apparent healing the earth herself gives us for body, mind and spirit!

Blessed Be

Modern Information Web MD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-706-dandelion.aspx?activeingredientid=706&activeingredientname=dandelion