Cinnamon by Wanderer MoonChild

Cinnamon

by Wanderer MoonChild

🌱 Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Cinnamon
2. Folk Name(s): Sweet Wood, Dalchini (India), Ceylon Cinnamon, Cassia
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon or “true” cinnamon), Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia, often sold as cinnamon)
4. Family: Lauraceae (Laurel family)
5. Plant Type: Evergreen tree
6. Botanical Description: A small to medium-sized tropical tree, 30–50 ft tall, with glossy, oval, leathery leaves, clusters of small yellow-white flowers, and dark purple berries. The spice comes from the dried inner bark, rolled into quills or powdered.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 10–12; thrives in warm, tropical, humid climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: South Asia, Southeast Asia, tropical regions such as Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, and Indonesia.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Sri Lanka and southern India; widely cultivated in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Madagascar.

🌿 Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils with partial shade to full sun.
2. Propagation: Commonly by seeds, stem cuttings, or air layering.
3. Companion Planting: Pairs well with other tropical crops such as clove, nutmeg, and cardamom.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvested from young stems by cutting and peeling bark; best done during rainy season when bark separates easily. Bark curls naturally as it dries into quills.
5. Drying/Preservation: Sun-dried quills stored whole or powdered; best kept in airtight containers to preserve volatile oils.
   

🌸 Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Valued since ancient times as a sacred, luxurious spice. In Egypt it was used in embalming and incense; in Rome it was burned in temples; medieval Europe prized it for food and medicine.
2. Traditional Medicine: In Ayurveda, used for warming the body, improving digestion, circulation, and respiratory health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, applied to dispel cold, improve yang energy, and support heart and spleen.
3. Symbolism: Associated with wealth, status, warmth, and sacred fire. A symbol of divine offerings and prosperity.

🌼 Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamic acid, tannins, coumarin (higher in cassia), essential oils.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Supports digestion (relieves gas, bloating, diarrhea)
4. Improves circulation and warms the body
5. Antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties
6. May help regulate blood sugar levels
   
7. Preparation Methods: Teas, decoctions, tinctures, powdered spice, essential oil, poultices.
8. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
9. Tea: 1 stick or 1 tsp powder simmered in water, once or twice daily.
10. Tincture: 10–20 drops in water, up to 3 times daily.
11. Culinary: Safe in moderate use.
    
12. Safety/Precautions: Cassia contains coumarin, which in high doses can cause liver damage. Avoid large medicinal doses during pregnancy or when on blood-thinning medication. Essential oil is highly concentrated and must be diluted.

🌙 Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Sun, sometimes Venus; associated with solar deities and gods of love, abundance, and warmth.
3. Magical Correspondences: Prosperity, attraction, success, love, passion, purification, spiritual energy, protection.
4. Ritual Use: Burned as incense to raise energy; sprinkled in charms and mojo bags for money and success; infused in oils for anointing; used in love and passion spells.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Dreaming of cinnamon may symbolize upcoming prosperity, passion entering one’s life, or a “warming” of relationships and fortune.

🌍 Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers provide nectar for bees and some tropical pollinators.
2. Wildlife Uses: Fruits eaten by birds; trees provide shade and shelter in tropical agroforestry systems.
3. Culinary Uses: Widely used in baked goods, teas, mulled wine, curries, stews, desserts, and savory spice blends worldwide. Essential to ritual feasts and seasonal foods.
4. Household/Practical Uses: Natural preservative; infused in simmer pots for fragrance; used in sachets to repel moths and insects; added to natural cleaners for antimicrobial effect.

⚡ Fast Facts

1. Quick Uses: Sprinkle in wallet for prosperity; burn in incense to raise spiritual energy; sip as tea for digestive ease and warmth.
2. Notable Traits: One of the world’s oldest and most valuable traded spices; its distinct warm, sweet scent is universally recognized.
3. Special Notes: True cinnamon (C. verum) is lighter, sweeter, and rarer; cassia (C. cassia) is stronger, spicier, and most commonly found in markets.

📖 Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal
3. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
4. Duke, James A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs
5. Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
6. American Botanical Council; USDA Plants Database

Lavendar

Lavender

by Wanderer MoonChild

🌱 Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Lavender
2. Folk Name(s): Elf Leaf, Nard, Spikenard, Spike, Nardus, Lavender Blue
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia (syn. Lavandula officinalis)
4. Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial evergreen shrub
6. Botanical Description: Lavender is a small aromatic shrub with silvery-gray, narrow leaves and tall spikes of violet to purple flowers. The plant forms compact mounds 1–3 feet high, with highly fragrant foliage and blossoms rich in essential oils.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 5–9, depending on variety. Prefers temperate to Mediterranean climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Does best in dry, sunny climates with mild winters and warm summers.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to the Mediterranean region, but cultivated widely across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal purposes.

🌿 Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Thrives in sandy, well-drained soil with low to moderate fertility. Requires full sun (6–8 hours daily). Does poorly in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
2. Propagation: Commonly propagated by cuttings for true-to-type plants; can also be grown from seed, though germination may be slow. Division and layering are other options.
3. Companion Planting: Works well alongside herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage; repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes; attracts pollinators. Often planted with vegetables to deter pests.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest flower spikes when about half the buds are open for best fragrance and oil content. Cut in the morning after dew has dried.
5. Drying/Preservation: Hang bundles upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated space. Flowers may also be stripped and stored in airtight containers for use in teas, sachets, or potpourri.
   

🌸 Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Used in Ancient Egypt in mummification, by Romans in baths and as perfume, and in medieval Europe to ward off illness and evil spirits. Symbol of cleanliness, purity, and devotion.
2. Traditional Medicine: Historically employed for nervous conditions, insomnia, headaches, digestive complaints, and antiseptic wound care. Lavender water and oils were staples in early apothecaries.
3. Symbolism: Represents calm, healing, purity, and devotion. Associated with love and remembrance.

🌼 Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Essential oils (linalool, linalyl acetate, cineole, camphor), tannins, coumarins, flavonoids.
2. Medicinal Uses: Calms anxiety, eases stress, supports sleep, relieves headaches, reduces inflammation, mild antiseptic, digestive aid, and helps heal minor cuts or burns.
3. Preparation Methods: Infused oils, teas, tinctures, bath sachets, inhalation of essential oils, topical salves, hydrosols.
4. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
5. Tea: 1–2 tsp dried flowers per cup boiling water, steep 10 minutes.
6. Essential oil: Use diluted; 2–4 drops in carrier oil or bath water.
7. Tincture: 1–2 ml up to 3x daily.
8. 
   
9. Safety/Precautions: Generally safe; avoid internal use of essential oil. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Use caution during pregnancy and with small children.

🌙 Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air & Water
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mercury (communication, clarity), also associated with Venus (love, beauty); deities such as Hecate, Aphrodite, and Astarte.
3. Magical Correspondences: Purification, love, peace, sleep, clarity of mind, protection, and psychic awareness.
4. Ritual Use: Burned as incense for cleansing; added to dream pillows; worn or carried for attraction and peace; infused in ritual baths.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Often symbolizes serenity, spiritual clarity, and release of emotional burdens. Dreaming of lavender can indicate healing or the resolution of conflicts.

🌍 Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar for pollinators; dried stalks can be used in crafts or as fire starters. Repels flies and moths.
3. Culinary Uses: Flowers used to flavor baked goods, syrups, honey, teas, and liqueurs; pairs well with lemon, chocolate, and herbs in savory dishes. Best used sparingly due to strong flavor.

Work Sited:

https://classes.witchschool.com/classes/BSCH101/L6/p02.asp

https://www.almanac.com/plant/lavender

Making Medicinal Balms and Salves by Wanderer MoonChild

Making salves and balms is one of my favorite things about getting to work with medicinal plants. Herbal salves are a great way for your skin ( the largest organ on you body) to get the oppertunity to obsorb all of those good medicinal properties from you herbal infused oil with the benefits of the wax to help to make a barrier over the area helping to keep the extra moisture in and extras out.

Once you've created your herbal oil, you're just a few simple steps away from your finished salve! See our basic salve recipe below, and follow along with herbal educator and author Maria Noël Groves for a comprehensive video how-to demonstration! Makes 5 ounces.

Ingredients 1 oz. beeswax (use carnauba wax for a vegan salve) 4 oz. herbal infused oil(s) of your choice (choose one or a combination) 10-20 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Directions Wrap beeswax bar in an old towel. On a sturdy surface, use a hammer to break bar up into small chunks.

Place beeswax in a double boiler and gently warm over low heat until the beeswax melts. Add herbal oils and stir over low heat until well-mixed. Remove from heat and add the essential oil(s). Quickly pour warm mixture into prepared tins, glass jars, or lip balm tubes and allow to cool completely.

Store in a cool location for 1 to 3 years.

Pro tip: The consistency of salves can easily be adjusted depending on your preferences. Use less beeswax for a softer salve and more beeswax if you’d like a firmer salve. You can test the consistency by placing a spoon in the freezer before making your salve. When the beeswax melts, pour a little salve onto one of the cold spoons and place it back into the freezer for 1 to 2 minutes. This will simulate what the final consistency will be like. Once cooled, you can make adjustments by adding more oil (for a softer salve) or more beeswax (for a firmer salve).

Here is a basic salve recipe so you can try making your own too:

Basic Herbal Salve Recipe

Ingredients

1. 1 cup carrier oil (olive, hemp, jojoba, almond, or a blend)
2. 1 oz (about 2 Tbsp) beeswax (pastilles or grated)
3. 1–2 Tbsp dried herbs (e.g., calendula, lavender, plantain, comfrey — optional if you want it infused)
4. 10–20 drops essential oil (optional, for fragrance or added properties)
   

Instructions

1. Make an infused oil (optional but recommended):
   
2. Place your dried herbs in a clean glass jar.
3. Cover with your carrier oil, making sure herbs are fully submerged.
4. Let sit in a warm, sunny spot for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily.
5. Strain out the herbs before using.
   
6. (Shortcut: gently warm herbs in oil on low heat in a double boiler for 2–3 hours, then strain.)
   
7. Prepare the salve base:
   
8. In a double boiler, combine 1 cup of your herbal oil with 1 oz beeswax.
9. Heat gently until beeswax melts completely, stirring to blend.
   
10. Customize:
    
11. Remove from heat.
12. Add essential oils if desired. Stir well.
    
13. Pour into containers:
    
14. Immediately pour into clean tins or jars while still liquid.
15. Let cool and solidify before sealing.

🌼 Tips

1. If you want a softer salve, use less beeswax (¾ oz per cup oil).
2. For a firmer balm, use more beeswax (up to 1.5 oz per cup oil).
3. Store in a cool, dark place — it should last 6–12 months.

Remember to label and date your container! Even if you think you’ll recall what’s inside, you won’t—trust me. Your salve should stay good anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years, depending on the ingredients used and how it’s stored.

WorkCited:

https://www.udemy.com/herbalism-medicine-making/learn/lecture/5935830#overview

https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-herbal-salves

https://www.healthline.com/health/diy-herbal-salves

https://www.frontiercoop.com/community/how-to/how-to-make-herbal-salves

Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. Storey Publishing, 2008.

McIntyre, Anne. The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine. Watkins Publishing, 2019.

Tilgner, Sharol. Herbal Medicine: From the Heart of the Earth. Wise Acres Press, 2009.

Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing, 2016.

Green, James. The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual. Crossing Press, 2000.

Making Infused Oils

Making herbal infused Oils is fun and easy to do. Infused oil is made when you start with a good quality base oil and then infuse the herbs into the oil and place is over gentle heat to extract the medicinal properties of the herbs. Infused oils are not to be confused with essential oils which are steamed distilled.

here is a list off all of the supplies that you will need:

3.5 oz herbs
Oil jar
cheese cloth

Place herbs in a clean, dry quart jar. Leave at least 1 to 3 inches of open space above your herbs to cover with oil.

Fill remaining space in jar with oil of choice, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1 inch or more. If the herbs emerge above the surface of the oil at any point while infusing, pour more oil on top to ensure the herbs remain covered.

Make sure to cap the jar tightly and shake well. (you dont want to go to shake your container and get oil and herbs everywhere, trust me...) This step is super inportant because you want to herbs to be completely covered in oil for a good infusion process.

Place jar in a sunny, warm windowsill and shake once or more per day. I personally like to use a crock pot when infusing oils. I find that keeping the crock pot on low uncovered is a great way to complete this process and you can do it in a couple of hours instead of a couple of weeks.

After 2 to 3 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Make sure to squeeze out as much of the precious oil as possible!

Pour into clean, dry, glass bottles. Dont forget to label your jars with the date, type of oil, and herbs used.

Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. Vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may also be added to prolong shelf life for oils to be used topically.

WorkCited:

https://www.udemy.com/herbalism-medicine-making/learn/lecture/5935702#overview

https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/making-herbal-oils

https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/healing-herbs-learn-to-make-infused-oils-and-balms

Basil by Wanderer MoonChild

Basil

by Wanderer MoonChild

🌱 Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Basil, Sweet Basil
2. Folk Name(s): St. Joseph’s Wort, Witches’ Herb, King of Herbs, Tulsi (though Tulsi is technically Ocimum sanctum / Holy Basil, a close cousin)
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
4. Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
5. Plant Type: Annual (in most climates), tender perennial in warm/tropical regions
6. Botanical Description: Aromatic herb with square stems, bright green to purple ovate leaves, and small white to purple flowers that form on terminal spikes. Grows 12–24 inches tall, highly fragrant when touched.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA zones 10–11 as perennial; grown as annual elsewhere. Prefers warm climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Thrives in zones 4–9 as a summer annual; perennial in subtropical/tropical climates.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to tropical Asia and Africa; widely cultivated worldwide for culinary and medicinal use.
   

🌿 Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Full sun (6–8 hours daily).
2. Propagation: Commonly grown from seed; can also be propagated from cuttings.
3. Companion Planting: Excellent companion to tomatoes, peppers, oregano, marigolds. Repels mosquitoes, flies, and some pests.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth; pinch off flower spikes to extend leaf production. Best harvested in morning after dew has dried.
5. Drying/Preservation: Air-dry in small bundles, use dehydrator, or freeze fresh leaves in oil or water to preserve flavor.

🌸 Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Sacred in many cultures; in India, Holy Basil (Tulsi) is revered and used in daily ritual. In Europe, basil was linked to love, wealth, and protection. In ancient Greece and Rome, basil was associated with both love and mourning.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Mediterranean medicine for digestive issues, fevers, headaches, coughs, and infections.
3. Symbolism: Basil often symbolizes love, fertility, protection, and prosperity.

🌼 Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Essential oils (linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol), flavonoids, tannins, saponins, vitamins A, C, K, and minerals.
2. Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, digestive aid, carminative, adaptogenic (especially Holy Basil/Tulsi). Used for colds, stomach upset, stress, headaches.
3. Preparation Methods: Fresh leaves as tea; tinctures; infused oils; poultices; culinary use as seasoning.
4. Dosage & Guidelines: Tea: 1–2 tsp fresh/dried leaves per cup, up to 3 times daily. Tincture: 2–4 mL, up to 3x daily. (Varies by preparation and health need.)
5. Safety/Precautions: Generally safe; excessive consumption may thin blood (eugenol content). Avoid in large medicinal doses during pregnancy without guidance.

🌙 Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire (sometimes Air, depending on tradition)
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mars, sometimes Venus; associated with Vishnu, Lakshmi, and love/protection deities.
3. Magical Correspondences: Love, prosperity, protection, purification, wealth-drawing, banishment of negativity.
4. Ritual Use: Used in love spells, money-drawing charms, purification baths, protective sachets, and as an offering herb. Sprinkled at doorways to attract blessings or deter evil.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Seeing basil in dreams may symbolize reconciliation, success, or romantic opportunities.

🌍 Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and pollinators when flowering.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar for pollinators; leaves are aromatic deterrents to pests.
3. Culinary Uses: Staple herb in Mediterranean, Asian, and African cuisines. Used fresh or dried in sauces, soups, salads, and oils (notably pesto).
4. Household/Practical Uses: Basil oil can be used as a natural insect repellent; infused water used for cleansing spaces.

⚡ Fast Facts

1. Quick Uses: Soothes digestion, repels insects, enhances flavor in cooking, used in spells for love and prosperity.
2. Notable Traits: Grows quickly, very fragrant, both culinary and magical versatility.
3. Special Notes: Basil placed in a shop is said to attract wealth and customers; carried on the body for courage.

📖 Supporting Notes

1. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal
2. Duke, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs
3. Bremness, L. Herbs
4. Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
5. Cunningham, S. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Infused Honey

What you will need to make this infused honey:

medicinal herbs of choice

organic raw honey

jar with tight fitting lid

cheese cloth

strainer

Fill the jar half way full with herbs and honey. completely cover the the herbs with honey and make sure the use a chop stick or something to stir it with, you want to make sure that you mix all of the herbs well and make sure they’re covered in the honey removing all air from the mixture.

Most air removal will happen naturally during the infusion process.

Some like to leave their honey in the window and allow it to infuse for a couple of weeks but i prefer the crock pot method.

I like to let mine set in a water bath in my slow cooker on low, uncovered, for 2-3 hours, making sure to check the temperature of the honey regularly to make sure you don’t cook out any of the medicinal properties.

When using honey; it’s really important not to heat the honey above 110 degrees f. because it kills all of the good bacteria in the honey and if the temperature fluctuates; it allows the opportunity for bad bacteria to grow.

Once the honey is good and infused, use your cheese cloth and strainer to strain the lavender out of the honey, this process does take a while but is worth the wait

Once finished straining, put a tight fitting lid on the jar and make sure to label or date your infused honey. As long as the infusion process went well; the honey infusion should last 6 months to a year if stored properly in a dark cool place. 

WARNING: Honey is not to be consumed by infants under 12-13 months of life!

WorkCited:

Infused Syrups

Mother Earth gives us all the things we need to feel better as long as we know what we are looking for and medicinal plants have so many ways to help us feel better and cure what ails us but they are not always the best to taste or sometimes it’s just easier to ingest the herbs you need by adding them to your favorite tea. Infusing Herbs with syrups is a great way to help get the medicinal benefits of herbs in a way that is extra tasty and is usually a hit with the kids. All you are going to need is: 1 oz Herbs 2 cups water 1 cup honey (or other syrup) 1 canning jar Cheese Cloth Candy Thermometer We are going to start by making a very strong decoction. Start by putting 2 cups water in to simmer with 1 oz herbs. Simmer until half of the water has evaporated. when the decoction is finished simmering, let cool until warm (under 110 degree f) then add to 1 cup of honey. When using honey; it’s really important not to heat the honey above 110 degrees f. because it cooks off all of the good bacteria in the honey and if the temperature fluctuates; it allows the opportunity for bad bacteria to grow. Once the honey is good and combined, add a tight lid and make sure to label or date your infused syrup. As long as the infusion process went well; the honey infusion should last 6 months to a year if stored properly. WARNING: Honey is not to be consumed by infants under 12-13 months of life!

WorkCited: https://www.udemy.com/herbalism-medicine-making/learn/lecture/10788812#overview Photo by Mareefe from Pexels

Herbals & Botany Glossary

🌱 Herbals & Botany Glossary

A reference guide to common terms used in basic botany and herbal preparation.

🌿 Plant Structure & Botany Terms

1. Whole Plant – The above-ground portion of a plant, including stem, leaves, flowers, and fruit.
2. Root – The below-ground portion of a plant that anchors it and absorbs water and nutrients.
3. Rhizome – A horizontal underground stem that can produce new shoots and roots (e.g., ginger).
4. Stolon (Runner) – A creeping stem that grows along the ground and can root at intervals to form new plants (e.g., strawberry).
5. Tuber – A swollen underground stem that stores nutrients (e.g., potato).
6. Corm – A short, vertical underground stem that stores food for the plant (e.g., gladiolus).
7. Bulb – An underground storage organ made of layered leaves or scales (e.g., onion, tulip).
8. Crown – The part of a plant at soil level where roots and stems meet.
9. Node – The point on a stem where leaves, branches, or flowers grow.
10. Internode – The section of stem between two nodes.
11. Axil – The angle between a leaf and stem where buds often form.
12. Bract – A modified leaf, often brightly colored, that supports or protects a flower (e.g., poinsettia).
13. Taproot – A thick, central root that grows downward, with smaller roots branching off.
14. Succulent – A plant with thick, fleshy leaves or stems adapted to store water.
15. Umbel – A flat-topped or rounded flower cluster where stalks all arise from a single point (e.g., dill, carrot).
16. Whorl – A circular arrangement of three or more leaves, flowers, or branches growing from the same level on a stem.
17. Pistil – The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of stigma, style, and ovary.
18. Stamen – The male reproductive part of a flower, consisting of anther and filament.
19. Pollination – The transfer of pollen from the stamen to the pistil, enabling fertilization.
20. Self-seeding – Plants that naturally drop seeds and regrow without human assistance.

🌳 Plant Life Cycle & Growth Terms

1. Annual – A plant that completes its life cycle (from seed to seed) in one year and then dies.
2. Biennial – A plant that grows leaves the first year, then flowers, produces seed, and dies in the second year.
3. Perennial – A plant that lives for more than two years, often flowering and seeding multiple times.
4. Deciduous – A tree or shrub that sheds its leaves annually, usually in autumn.
5. Evergreen – A plant that keeps its foliage year-round, replacing leaves gradually.
6. Dormant – A resting state where the plant is alive but not actively growing.
7. Hardy – A plant able to tolerate the climate of a specific region year-round.

🌼 Herbal Preparation Methods

1. Base Oil (Carrier Oil) – Oils such as olive, jojoba, or almond used to extract herbal properties.
2. Herbal Oil (Infused Oil) – A medicinal oil prepared by steeping or gently heating herbs in a base oil.
3. Compress – A cloth soaked in an herbal preparation and applied to the body externally.
4. Poultice – Fresh or dried herbs mashed and applied topically.
   
5. Soothing Poultice – Calms irritation or inflammation.
6. Drawing Poultice – Pulls impurities or toxins from the skin.
7. Heating Poultice – Stimulates circulation or relieves sore muscles.
8. 
   
9. Decoction – A preparation made by simmering tough plant parts (roots, bark, seeds) in water.
10. Infusion – Extracting properties by soaking herbs in water.
    
11. Hot Infusion – Leaves, flowers, or fruits steeped in hot water.
12. Cold Infusion – Herbs steeped in cold water over several hours.
13. Solar Infusion (Sun Tea) – Herbs steeped in water and placed in sunlight for gentle heat extraction.
14. 
    
15. Maceration – Soaking herbs in liquid (oil, alcohol, vinegar, or water) at room temperature to extract properties.
16. Tincture – An alcohol-based herbal extraction.
17. Glycerite – An herbal extract made using glycerine.
18. Aceta – An herbal extract made using vinegar.
19. Oxymel – A preparation combining herbs, vinegar, and honey.
20. Syrup – A sweet herbal extract made by combining an infusion or decoction with sugar or honey.
21. Elixir – A tincture blended with honey or syrup to improve taste.
22. Electuary – A paste made by mixing powdered herbs with honey.
23. Liniment – An external-use preparation, often alcohol- or vinegar-based, rubbed into the skin for pain relief or circulation.
24. Salve – A semi-solid herbal preparation of oil and wax, applied topically.
25. Capsules – Herbs dried, powdered, and placed into gelatin or vegetable capsules for ingestion.
26. Herbal Powder – Finely ground dried herbs used directly or in recipes.
27. Herbal Vinegar – Vinegar infused with herbs for culinary or medicinal use.
28. Herbal Honey – Honey infused with herbs for medicine or flavor.
29. Herbal Tea Blend – A mix of herbs prepared for flavor, relaxation, or therapeutic effects.
30. Essential Oil – A concentrated oil distilled from aromatic plants; requires specialized equipment.
31. Hydrosol (Floral Water) – A gentle, water-based product from essential oil distillation, containing trace plant compounds.

🌾 Herbal Practices

1. Constituents – The natural chemical compounds in plants that produce medicinal effects.
2. Menstruum – The liquid (alcohol, vinegar, glycerine, oil) used to extract herbal properties.
3. Wildcrafting – Harvesting plants from their natural, wild habitat.

Lily of the Valley by Wanderer MoonChild

Lily of the Valley

by Wanderer MoonChild

🌱 Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Lily of the Valley
2. Folk Name(s): May Bells, Our Lady’s Tears, Ladder to Heaven, Jacob’s Ladder, Fairy Cups
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Convallaria majalis
4. Family: Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae)
5. Plant Type: Perennial, rhizomatous groundcover
6. Botanical Description: Low-growing herbaceous perennial with arching stems; tiny, bell-shaped white flowers (occasionally pink), intensely fragrant; glossy, lance-shaped leaves in pairs; produces small orange-red berries after flowering.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 3–8
8. Best Zones for Growth: Prefers cooler temperate regions; thrives in partial shade woodlands.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe and Asia; naturalized in North America; found in woodland understories, shaded slopes, and moist, humus-rich soils.

🌿 Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; partial to full shade. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils.
2. Propagation: Best propagated by division of rhizomes in autumn or early spring; slow to grow from seed.
3. Companion Planting: Pairs well with shade-loving perennials like hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Use extreme caution—all parts of the plant are highly toxic. Flowers may be gathered for fragrance or ritual, but gloves should be worn.
5. Drying/Preservation: Flowers may be carefully pressed for ritual or decorative use; not typically dried for medicinal or culinary purposes due to toxicity.

🌸 Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: In European folklore, the flower was associated with humility, purity, and the return of happiness. In France, it is a traditional gift on May Day (La Fête du Muguet).
2. Traditional Medicine: Historically used in small, controlled doses as a heart tonic, similar to foxglove, for treating arrhythmias and dropsy.
3. Symbolism: Represents purity, renewal, and the arrival of spring; often linked with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition as “Our Lady’s Tears.”

🌼 Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin, convallamarin, convallatoxol), flavonoids, saponins.
2. Medicinal Uses: Historically for heart failure, arrhythmia, and fluid retention (dropsy). Sometimes used externally in poultices for burns or skin conditions.
3. Preparation Methods: Tinctures, infusions, and decoctions were once prepared by trained herbalists or physicians—not recommended for home use.
4. Dosage & Guidelines: Extremely narrow therapeutic window; traditional dosing was done under strict supervision.
5. Safety/Precautions: Highly poisonous. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and even death. Should never be self-administered.

🌙 Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Water
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Venus; also linked with Maia (Roman goddess of spring), the Virgin Mary, and sometimes fairies.
3. Magical Correspondences: Purity, renewal, happiness, protection, spiritual cleansing, return of joy.
4. Ritual Use: Flowers are used in spring rites, handfastings, or May Day rituals. Can be placed on altars for blessings of happiness or new beginnings.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Seeing lily of the valley in dreams can signify renewal, joy returning after hardship, or a message from ancestors or the divine feminine.

🌍 Ecological & Culinary Usea:

1. Pollinator Value: Provides nectar to bees, especially in shaded woodland habitats.
2. Wildlife Uses: Its berries are consumed by some birds, though toxic to humans and pets.
3. Culinary Uses: None. Plant is poisonous—should never be used in food or drink.

Works Cited / Sources

1. USDA NRCS. Convallaria majalis Plant Profile. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_coma17.pdf
2. Duke, James A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2002.
3. Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, 1971 (original 1931). Botanical.com entry: Lily of the Valley
4. Foster, Steven, and James A. Duke. Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America. 3rd ed., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.
5. Plants for a Future (PFAF). “Convallaria majalis — Lily of the Valley.” https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Convallaria+majalis
6. Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). “Lily of the Valley — Growing Guide.” https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/959/convalaria-majalis/details
7. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed., DK Publishing, 2016.

Chamomile by Wanderer MoonChild

Chamomile

by Wanderer MoonChild

🌱 Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Chamomile, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile
2. Folk Name(s): Ground Apple, Whig Plant, Mayweed, Mother’s Helper
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman Chamomile)
4. Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
5. Plant Type: Annual (German Chamomile) / Perennial (Roman Chamomile)
6. Botanical Description: Small daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and white petals; feathery, aromatic foliage; low-growing to medium height (6–24 in). Sweet, apple-like fragrance.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9 depending on species. Prefers temperate climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: German Chamomile grows widely and reseeds easily; Roman Chamomile thrives in Zones 4–9.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe and Western Asia, now naturalized worldwide. Found in fields, gardens, meadows, and roadsides.

🌿 Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil; prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
2. Propagation: From seed (German Chamomile) or root division/cuttings (Roman Chamomile). Direct sowing works well in spring.
3. Companion Planting: Benefits brassicas, onions, cucumbers, and other herbs by repelling pests and improving neighbor plant vitality.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest flowers when fully open, preferably in the morning after dew has dried.
5. Drying/Preservation: Air-dry flowers in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space. Store in airtight containers away from sunlight to preserve oils.

🌸 Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Known as the “plant’s physician” in European folklore for its ability to heal other plants nearby. Widely used in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece for rituals, medicine, and perfumes.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used historically for digestive issues, fevers, nervous complaints, and women’s health. Egyptians dedicated it to the Sun god Ra.
3. Symbolism: Associated with humility, patience, peace, and comfort. A flower of rest and healing.

🌼 Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Chamazulene, apigenin, bisabolol, flavonoids, and volatile oils.
2. Medicinal Uses: Calming for nerves, insomnia, anxiety, and irritability. Supports digestion, eases menstrual discomfort, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin healing.
3. Preparation Methods: Infusions/teas, tinctures, poultices, compresses, essential oil, salves, baths.
4. Dosage & Guidelines: Tea—1–2 tsp dried flowers per cup, steeped 10 minutes, up to 3× daily. Tincture—1–4 mL up to 3× daily.
5. Safety/Precautions: May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed/daisy family. Use with caution alongside blood thinners, sedatives, or if pregnant.
   
6. 
   

🌙 Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Water (sometimes Sun/Fire due to its solar nature).
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Sun, Venus; associated with Ra, Cernunnos, and solar deities.
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, purification, peace, luck, prosperity, healing, sleep magic.
4. Ritual Use: Burn in incense for purification, add to sleep sachets, sprinkle around a home for blessing, or use in prosperity baths.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Dreams of chamomile may symbolize healing, relaxation, release of stress, or approaching peace after struggle.

🌍 Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Excellent for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar and pollen; groundcover for beneficial insects.
3. Culinary Uses: Chamomile tea, flavoring in syrups, desserts, baked goods, liqueurs.
4. Household/Practical Uses: Natural yellow dye; added to cosmetics, shampoos, and soothing lotions.

⚡ Fast Facts

1. Quick Uses: Calming tea, sleep sachets, healing salve, skin-soothing compress.
2. Notable Traits: “The plant’s physician” — improves growth and health of neighboring plants.
3. Special Notes: Gentle enough for children in small doses; a universal herb of comfort.

📖 Supporting Notes

1. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal (1931)
2. Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (1996)
3. Duke, J. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (2002)
4. Hoffman, D. Holistic Herbal (2003)

Mayapple by Wanderer MoonChild

Mayapple

by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Mayapple, American Mandrake, Wild Mandrake, Hog Apple, Ground Lemon
2. Folk Name(s): Duck’s Foot, Raccoon Berry, Devil’s Apple, Umbrella Plant
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Podophyllum peltatum
4. Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial herbaceous plant
6. Botanical Description: Mayapple grows 12–18 inches tall with umbrella-like leaves. Each plant produces one or two large, deeply lobed leaves on forked stems. Plants with two leaves bear a single nodding, white, waxy flower (1–2 inches wide) in spring, which later produces a fleshy yellow fruit. Rhizomatous roots spread in colonies.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 3–8
8. Best Zones for Growth: Eastern North America, particularly shaded woodlands and moist, humus-rich soils.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to eastern United States and southeastern Canada; found in deciduous forests, shady slopes, and damp meadows.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; thrives in dappled shade or woodland understory.
2. Propagation: Primarily by rhizome division; seeds possible but slow to establish.
3. Companion Planting: Pairs well with other woodland plants such as trilliums, ferns, and wild ginger.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Root and rhizome are the medicinally used parts; harvesting should be done with extreme caution due to toxicity. Fruit is edible only when fully ripe (yellow and soft).
5. Drying/Preservation: Roots can be carefully dried and powdered, but this is not recommended for casual or home herbalism because of its toxicity.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Indigenous peoples used mayapple in medicine and sometimes as a food (ripe fruit only).
2. Traditional Medicine: Used historically by Native Americans as a laxative, for liver conditions, and as a purgative. Later adopted in European-American medicine for its strong cathartic properties.
3. Symbolism: Represents both danger and healing—the “dual nature” of plants with toxic and medicinal potential.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Podophyllotoxin (highly toxic resin), flavonoids, lignans.
2. Medicinal Uses: Historically used as a purgative, vermifuge, and liver tonic; in modern medicine, purified podophyllotoxin derivatives are used in topical treatments for warts and in anti-cancer drugs.
3. Preparation Methods: Traditionally as tinctures, poultices, or decoctions—but not safe for self-preparation. Modern use is pharmaceutical only.
4. Dosage & Guidelines: Unsafe for home use; improper dosage is highly toxic. Pharmaceutical preparations are strictly regulated.
5. Safety/Precautions: All parts except the ripe fruit are poisonous. Overdose causes vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. Should never be used casually in herbal medicine.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Earth
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Saturn (baneful/heavy energy); sometimes associated with underworld deities.
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, baneful magic, curses, hex breaking.
4. Ritual Use: Root and leaves were historically used in protective charms, hexing powders, and baneful workings. Fruit may sometimes be used in fertility or abundance charms (with caution).
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: May signal danger, caution, or the presence of hidden potential—both healing and harm.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers attract early spring pollinators, especially bumblebees.
2. Wildlife Uses: Ripe fruits are eaten by box turtles and other wildlife, aiding seed dispersal.
3. Culinary Uses: Only the fully ripe fruit is edible, with a lemony taste; unripe fruit, leaves, and roots are toxic.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Not used in the household due to toxicity.
2. Notable Traits: Both a poison and a medicine; the root yields compounds for cancer treatments.
3. Special Notes: Ripe fruit can be made into jams or jellies, but only with great caution and proper identification.

Supporting Notes

1. Foster, S. & Duke, J.A. Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs
2. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal
3. USDA Plant Database – Podophyllum peltatum
4. American Cancer Society (on podophyllotoxin use in chemotherapy)

Datura by Wanderer MoonChild

Datura (Devil’s Trumpet)

by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Datura, Devil’s Trumpet, Jimsonweed, Thorn Apple, Moonflower, Sacred Datura
2. Folk Name(s): Devil’s Weed, Hell’s Bells, Witches’ Weed, Mad Apple
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Datura stramonium (also includes related species like D. innoxia, D. metel)
4. Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
5. Plant Type: Annual or short-lived perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Upright branching plant, 2–5 feet tall, with large ovate leaves, spiny seed pods, and striking trumpet-shaped flowers (white, purple, or yellow). Blooms open at dusk or night, releasing a strong, often intoxicating fragrance.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: Hardy in USDA Zones 5–10, often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Warm, sunny, well-drained regions—commonly thrives in disturbed soils and wild edges.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to the Americas; now naturalized worldwide. Found in fields, roadsides, and waste ground.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Can tolerate poor soils but not excessive shade.
2. Propagation: Typically from seed. Seeds require scarification or stratification to germinate. Self-seeds readily.
3. Companion Planting: Rarely recommended due to toxicity. Historically planted at the edges of gardens as a protective or warding plant.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Extreme caution—wear gloves. All parts are poisonous. Traditionally harvested ritually rather than medicinally by laypersons.
5. Drying/Preservation: Not recommended for consumption. Historically dried for shamanic/ritual smoke blends but extremely dangerous.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Used by Indigenous peoples of the Americas in sacred rites, vision quests, and divination. Also found in Indian Ayurveda and in some European magical traditions. Considered both sacred and dangerous—a plant of initiation.
2. Traditional Medicine: Historically used in very small, controlled doses as an anesthetic, antispasmodic, or asthma remedy. Smoked or inhaled for respiratory issues. Modern herbalism does not recommend internal use due to toxicity.
3. Symbolism: Represents crossing thresholds, altered states, death-rebirth cycles, and initiation into mysteries.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Tropane alkaloids including atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine.
2. Medicinal Uses (historical, not recommended today):
   
3. Asthma powders (smoked leaves)
4. Sedative or pain relief in folk medicine
5. Treatment for motion sickness, cramps, and nervous disorders in highly controlled doses
   
6. Preparation Methods: Historically tinctures, ointments, and smoking blends. Today limited to pharmaceutical alkaloid extraction under strict control.
7. Dosage & Guidelines: Unsafe to self-administer. Traditional dosages were minute and ritualized; overdose can easily be fatal.
8. Safety/Precautions: All parts are highly toxic. Symptoms of poisoning include hallucinations, delirium, rapid heartbeat, seizures, coma, and death. Should only be handled externally with care; not recommended for internal use outside of professional pharmaceutical processing.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire & Spirit
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Saturn (baneful herbs, initiation); sometimes linked with Hecate, Shiva, and underworld/liminal deities.
3. Magical Correspondences: Transformation, shadow work, astral travel, protection, banishing, dream work.
4. Ritual Use: Used by shamans and witches historically for trance, astral journeying, and crossing between worlds. Seeds and flowers may be placed on altars as offerings rather than consumed.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Appearing in dreams may signal hidden dangers, veiled truths, or initiation into deep mysteries.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Night-blooming flowers attract moths and nocturnal pollinators (especially hawk moths).
2. Wildlife Uses: Generally avoided by herbivores due to toxicity. Seeds may be eaten by some birds, though many species are poisoned.
3. Culinary Uses: None. Highly poisonous—never edible.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Protective warding plant in gardens; placed near boundaries to repel unwanted spirits or energies.
2. Notable Traits: Night-blooming, fragrant, but toxic; spiny seed pods add a natural protective quality.
3. Special Notes: Known as both a “witch’s ally” and a “baneful herb”—a plant of power and danger. Always treat with respect and caution.

Fast Facts

1. Highly toxic, with historical shamanic and magical use
2. Striking night-blooming flowers, associated with mystery and initiation
3. Should never be ingested—ritual or symbolic use only in modern practice

📖 Supporting Notes

1. Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal. 1931.
2. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing, 2016.
3. Rätsch, Christian. The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants. Park Street Press, 2005.
4. Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn, 1985.