Garden Delites
This page is herbs, Garden delites. I enjoy growing herbs, mixed with flowers. Most of my flowers however are also herbs! Combined with the rustic, and fun. Gardens are a joy.
Mint
Folk Name: Garden Mint
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Deities: Pluto, Hecate, Mintha
Powers: Lust, Money, Travel, Healing, Exorcism, Protection
Magical uses and lore:
Mint has always been used in Healing potions. Stomach problems are said to be alleviated by stuffing a poppet with mint, and rubbing with healing oils. Fresh leaves rubbed on the head are said to relieve headaches. Wear mint on the wrist will aid in avoiding illness.
Mint is also used in travel spells, and promote lust. It's also used in Money and prosperity spells. Place a few leaves in your purse or wallet, or rub where you keep your money. Lay fresh mint on the alter will call good spirits, and aid you in Magick
Mint is also used for protection.
Mints are sacred to the deity Mintha, once a lover of the god Pluto. Solomon chose Mint when he constructed his ritual sprinkler. Mint was also used in payment to the Pharisees, and used as crowns by the Romans.
Above: Orange Bergamont mint
Below: Spearmint, Deity Venus
Medical uses:
Mints are a stimulant, aid in digestion and reduce flatulence, Peppermint has additional antiseptic,anti-parasitic, antiviral, and sweat-inducing properties, It is included in ointments and cold remedies, and given for headaches, and other pains. In an inhalation the essential oil treats shock and nausea, and helps with concentration.
There are too many kinds of Mints to mention here. Each has it's own medical uses. I encourage everyone to read up on mint's and grow some. It's very soothing to smell, a very calming odor. I loved reading about it in Culpepper's complete Herbal. Many of his treatments are outdated, but very fun to read. My favorite by far is the Orange Bergamont, Mother also loved it. . Cut back often, all mint stays hardy and green.
As you can see I have many types of mint. My Aunt and Uncles had a pond, surrounded by Spearmint and Water Cress. The smells bring back times with family, and fishing for blue gill. Most of my mint is grown next to the hoses. I love smelling it every time I turn on the water.
Columbine
Folk Names: Lion's Herb
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Courage, Love
Magical uses:
Carry this herb with you, or rub on your hands to find courage. The seeds are used in love parfumes. When pulverized, rub onto hands and body to attract love.
Not much in the magical world. They say they are a healer for eyes and soul. I think it's because they are such a sight to behold. They are a spring and early summer flower. I'm always sad when the plants are spent for the year. The medical uses are now defunct, as the plant used internally is toxic.
Columbine comes in many shapes and sizes, and colors. I also have a stunning dark purple, and a larger plant of white
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Courage, Love
Magical uses:
Carry this herb with you, or rub on your hands to find courage. The seeds are used in love parfumes. When pulverized, rub onto hands and body to attract love.
Not much in the magical world. They say they are a healer for eyes and soul. I think it's because they are such a sight to behold. They are a spring and early summer flower. I'm always sad when the plants are spent for the year. The medical uses are now defunct, as the plant used internally is toxic.
Columbine comes in many shapes and sizes, and colors. I also have a stunning dark purple, and a larger plant of white
Coneflower
Echinacea augustifolia
Folk Names: Black Sampson, Rudeckia
Powers: Strengthening Spells
Magical uses:
It was used by American Indians, and held in high reguard. Magicians washed their hands with coneflower juice before ceromonies, for strengh They also used it for snakebites and other poisonous bits and stings.
Medical uses:
This plant in itself is Magic, as it builds up the immune system. It is being researched for the treatment in AIDS. It builds up the system to fight off disease. It treats fevers and infections and may reduce allergies.
I take this every day. During flu season I take it several times a day. I have three boys, and we all used to take turns with the flu. I can't get the boys to take it like I do. To bad for them, as I rarely catch germs they are throwing out. It is well worth the money to get the best when buying the pills.
Now they are coming out with new colors. To the right is one I have. I keep the purple away from this plant. Many times planted to close they will all become one color
Folk Names: Black Sampson, Rudeckia
Powers: Strengthening Spells
Magical uses:
It was used by American Indians, and held in high reguard. Magicians washed their hands with coneflower juice before ceromonies, for strengh They also used it for snakebites and other poisonous bits and stings.
Medical uses:
This plant in itself is Magic, as it builds up the immune system. It is being researched for the treatment in AIDS. It builds up the system to fight off disease. It treats fevers and infections and may reduce allergies.
I take this every day. During flu season I take it several times a day. I have three boys, and we all used to take turns with the flu. I can't get the boys to take it like I do. To bad for them, as I rarely catch germs they are throwing out. It is well worth the money to get the best when buying the pills.
Now they are coming out with new colors. To the right is one I have. I keep the purple away from this plant. Many times planted to close they will all become one color
Rue
Folk names: Bashoush, Herb of Grace, Herbygreass, hreow, Mother of the Herbs, Rewe, Ruta, Countryman's treacle.
Gender: Masuline
Planet: Mars: Element: Fire
Deities: Diana, Aradia
Powers: Healing, Health, Mental powers. Exorsism, Love
Magical uses and lore:
Placed on the forehead relieves headaches. Worn around the neck aids in healing from illness. Rue is added in healing poppets and incense
Aristotle mentions this herb as a common protective herb against hostile Magic.
Fresh rue sniffed, clears the head in love matters, and mental process.
Added in baths breaks hexes and curses cast against you. Used in exorcism incenses and mixtures. Use as protection by hanging in doorways. Rub into the floor board sends back negative energy.
The Romans ate rue as a preservative against the evil eye, and carried to guard the wearer from poisons and werewolves.
Mix fresh Rue with morning dew and sprinkle in a circle around you when you perform acts for protection. It is said Rue grows best when stolen. To make the magical properties stronger, grow near sage. Hunters rubbed rue on arrows, so it would always find it's mark.
Catholic churches made brushes of rue to sprinkle holy water before Mass. Where they believe the name " Herb of Grace" came from.
In the Middle ages the well-off carried rue outside to drive away lice of beggars. Into the 18th century bouquets were placed in law courts to counteract prisoners' vermin and germs.
Rue is best kept in the company of a Ruby. The shape of the leaves inspired the symbol for the suit of clubs in cards.
Now I must mention to handle this herb carefully. The oil in Rue can cause an allergic reaction in the skin. If I as much get a small scratch it itches and is red for months. When I prune it I have to cover my hands and arms. Then why do I grow it? Why it's an essential!!!!!!!!! Grown and clipped correctly, it makes for perfect edging in your herb garden, almost a small hedge, as it's a very "woody" herb.
Medical uses:
The bitter leaves are rich in iron and minerals. Rue is a stimulant and strengthens the capillaries. It was used to treat high blood pressure, epilepsy, and colic (don't do this) The leaf was used for tired eyes, and used by Da Vinci and Michelangelo. The dried leaf is a powerful insecticide and a germicide for wounds.
Gender: Masuline
Planet: Mars: Element: Fire
Deities: Diana, Aradia
Powers: Healing, Health, Mental powers. Exorsism, Love
Magical uses and lore:
Placed on the forehead relieves headaches. Worn around the neck aids in healing from illness. Rue is added in healing poppets and incense
Aristotle mentions this herb as a common protective herb against hostile Magic.
Fresh rue sniffed, clears the head in love matters, and mental process.
Added in baths breaks hexes and curses cast against you. Used in exorcism incenses and mixtures. Use as protection by hanging in doorways. Rub into the floor board sends back negative energy.
The Romans ate rue as a preservative against the evil eye, and carried to guard the wearer from poisons and werewolves.
Mix fresh Rue with morning dew and sprinkle in a circle around you when you perform acts for protection. It is said Rue grows best when stolen. To make the magical properties stronger, grow near sage. Hunters rubbed rue on arrows, so it would always find it's mark.
Catholic churches made brushes of rue to sprinkle holy water before Mass. Where they believe the name " Herb of Grace" came from.
In the Middle ages the well-off carried rue outside to drive away lice of beggars. Into the 18th century bouquets were placed in law courts to counteract prisoners' vermin and germs.
Rue is best kept in the company of a Ruby. The shape of the leaves inspired the symbol for the suit of clubs in cards.
Now I must mention to handle this herb carefully. The oil in Rue can cause an allergic reaction in the skin. If I as much get a small scratch it itches and is red for months. When I prune it I have to cover my hands and arms. Then why do I grow it? Why it's an essential!!!!!!!!! Grown and clipped correctly, it makes for perfect edging in your herb garden, almost a small hedge, as it's a very "woody" herb.
Medical uses:
The bitter leaves are rich in iron and minerals. Rue is a stimulant and strengthens the capillaries. It was used to treat high blood pressure, epilepsy, and colic (don't do this) The leaf was used for tired eyes, and used by Da Vinci and Michelangelo. The dried leaf is a powerful insecticide and a germicide for wounds.
Borage
Folk Names: Bee Bread, Bugloss, Burrage, Borak, Cool Tankard, Herb of Gladness, Llanwenlys (Welsh: Herb of Gladness), Star Flower, Lisan selvi, Lesan-El-Tour, Ox’s Tongue
Planet: Jupiter under Leo
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Magical Uses:
abu araq, father of sweat, with reference to the plant’s diaphoretic properties. The name borage is often said to come from the Latin cor (heart) and ago (I stimulate), but in
reality it is probably derived from the Latin borra, meaning “hair of the beast” and refers to its bristly leaves.
An ancient saying, Ego Borage gaudia semper ago, meaning, “I, borage, always bring courage,” perpetuated the Idea that borage banished gloom and brightened spirits. The 1st century Roman Pliny claimed that borage steeped in wine was the famous Nepenthe of Homer, which brought absolute forgiveness when drunk. Young girls would serve borage tea to uncommitted and unwitting young men in the hopes of securing marriage proposals. What one would call love spells. The candied flowers were given to people recovering from long illnesses and those prone to swooning.
Medicinal uses
Borage flowers can be eaten in salads to add a small hint of sweetness. Add them to tea to help relieve inflammation and symptoms of the common cold. The herb is also an expectorant and can be used to treat bronchitis. Medieval European medicine held that steeping borage flowers and leaves in wine and drinking the resulting concoction was a cure for melancholy. Borage does actually possess properties that allay depression and relieve anxiety and stress. Celtic warriors drank wine flavored with the herb to boost courage before going into battle, though the bravery probably came from the booze rather than the borage. The herb loses much of it’s potency when dried, so if you’re going to use it, try to get your hands on fresh borage.
Culpepper says it's good for the "yellow Jaundice" , and mixed with fumitory, to cool, cleanse, and temper the blood thereby; it helps the itch, ringworms and tetters or other scabs and sores." He goes on for some time and ends with good for breaking up mucus and helps the lungs.
Planet: Jupiter under Leo
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Magical Uses:
- Courage
- Psychic Powers
- Protection
- Air Magic
abu araq, father of sweat, with reference to the plant’s diaphoretic properties. The name borage is often said to come from the Latin cor (heart) and ago (I stimulate), but in
reality it is probably derived from the Latin borra, meaning “hair of the beast” and refers to its bristly leaves.
An ancient saying, Ego Borage gaudia semper ago, meaning, “I, borage, always bring courage,” perpetuated the Idea that borage banished gloom and brightened spirits. The 1st century Roman Pliny claimed that borage steeped in wine was the famous Nepenthe of Homer, which brought absolute forgiveness when drunk. Young girls would serve borage tea to uncommitted and unwitting young men in the hopes of securing marriage proposals. What one would call love spells. The candied flowers were given to people recovering from long illnesses and those prone to swooning.
Medicinal uses
Borage flowers can be eaten in salads to add a small hint of sweetness. Add them to tea to help relieve inflammation and symptoms of the common cold. The herb is also an expectorant and can be used to treat bronchitis. Medieval European medicine held that steeping borage flowers and leaves in wine and drinking the resulting concoction was a cure for melancholy. Borage does actually possess properties that allay depression and relieve anxiety and stress. Celtic warriors drank wine flavored with the herb to boost courage before going into battle, though the bravery probably came from the booze rather than the borage. The herb loses much of it’s potency when dried, so if you’re going to use it, try to get your hands on fresh borage.
Culpepper says it's good for the "yellow Jaundice" , and mixed with fumitory, to cool, cleanse, and temper the blood thereby; it helps the itch, ringworms and tetters or other scabs and sores." He goes on for some time and ends with good for breaking up mucus and helps the lungs.
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
Folk names: Assear, Black Wort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Consolida, Consound, Gum Plant.Healing Herb. Knit Back, Knit Bone, Miracle Herb. Slippery Root, Wallwort, Yalluc
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Powers: Safety while traveling, Money
Magical uses;
Carry or ware during travel for safety, or put in shoe, Put in suitcase, back pack or purse so they aren't lost or stolen. The root can be used for Money spells. You can use this plant for any workings connected with Saturn. It's also used in spells having to do with real estate, and stability.
Other uses and Lore:
I put Comfrey and Borage close together for a reason. They look so much a like. I hope my pictures help you know them by sight
Comfrey was used for wound healing and for broken bones. The name Comfrey comes from the Latin word conferva "knitting together" This plant is mostly known for it's healing. There are hundreds of sites and book about this herb. To me it's an herb my mother owned and now it's mine.
You can split this herb every year. It takes up a lot of room. I give starts out every spring. When I moved here it was late July and very hot. I transplanted it right away. It wilted and many of the leaves died, but it did come back. What I have noticed is the 3 most inner leaves seem to survive while the rest will die away (very much like an Aloe plant) It comes back very quickly once it perks up. So don't worry if you plant it and this happens.
I now have it in three places around my yard.
This plant is related to Borage and so very hard to tell apart.
Hysop
Folk names: Isopo, Ysopo, Yssop
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Powers: Purification, Protection
Magical uses and lore:
Hyssop is the most famous herb used for purification in Magic. It's added to baths in sachets, infused and sprinkled on objects and people alike to cleanse them. Hang it in your home to purge it of evil and negativity.
Church ladies used to press the herb in their psalm books so not to fall asleep during services. Once it was used to purify temples and cleansing lepers. Mold that produces penicillin grows on the leaves.
Anise Hyssop: Was used by Native Americans as cough medicines and introduced to Europe by bee keepers. I grow this next to all my vegetables. The bees love it. They say that bees are scarce these days. I promise if you grow these herbs you will have honey bees and bumble bees. When the seeds are dry, the finch love the plant.
This is a Bi-annual. You need to replant every other year. Or throw your seeds around so you always have new one's coming up.
Chamomile
Folk names: Camomyle, Chamaimelon, Ground Apple, Heermannchen, Manzanilla, Maythen, Roman Camomile, Whig plant
Gender: Masuline
Planet: Sun
Element: Water
Powers: Money, Sleep, Love, Purification
Magical uses:
Used to attract money and an infusion is used by gamblers. It's used in sleep and meditation incenses. It's also used in baths to attract love. More importantly it's used in purification and protection. Sprinkle around home to remove curses and spells cast against you.
Of course all of you know it for tea.
Gender: Masuline
Planet: Sun
Element: Water
Powers: Money, Sleep, Love, Purification
Magical uses:
Used to attract money and an infusion is used by gamblers. It's used in sleep and meditation incenses. It's also used in baths to attract love. More importantly it's used in purification and protection. Sprinkle around home to remove curses and spells cast against you.
Of course all of you know it for tea.
Wild Chamomile
Wild Chamomile: Pineapple Weed, Wild Chamomile, Wild Camomile, Disc May-weed
Look carefully as you walk, and find the joy of the wild chamomile. It grows where the ground is trodden. As mother used to say the more you walk on it, the better it grows. Pick it up and rub it between your fingers. It's so soothing!
Often found in area's of gravel, driveways, or between cracks of sidewalks. Also in dry well drained fields
House Leek
Folk names: Hen and Chickens, Sengren, Welcome-Home-Husband-Though-Never-So-Drunk, Welcome-Home-Husband-Though- Never-So-Late, Thunder plant, Jove's beard.
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Luck, Protection, Love
Magical uses:
Gives good luck and protects a building from lightning if grown on the roof.
In the 9th century, the Emperor Charlemagne ordered Houseleek to be grown on roofs to protect against lightning and witchcraft. Houseleek has been used as a love inducing herb, worn fresh. This plant is used in weather Magic.
It was also said to increase the number of children in the house. This might be because it was said to be a Aphrodisiac. Hence the name Welcome home husband!
Maybe not the most magical plant or used much for medicine, it's useful in your garden. These plants will grow anywhere, in everything. I just find them fun, and a nice added touch to any garden.
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Luck, Protection, Love
Magical uses:
Gives good luck and protects a building from lightning if grown on the roof.
In the 9th century, the Emperor Charlemagne ordered Houseleek to be grown on roofs to protect against lightning and witchcraft. Houseleek has been used as a love inducing herb, worn fresh. This plant is used in weather Magic.
It was also said to increase the number of children in the house. This might be because it was said to be a Aphrodisiac. Hence the name Welcome home husband!
Maybe not the most magical plant or used much for medicine, it's useful in your garden. These plants will grow anywhere, in everything. I just find them fun, and a nice added touch to any garden.
Fox Glove
Folknames: Cow-Flop, Deadmen's Bells, Digitalis, Dog's Finger, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Petticoats, Fairy Thimbles, Fairy Weed, Foppy-Dock, Floptop, Folk's Gloves, Fox Bells, Foxes Flofa, The great Herb, Lions Mouth, little folks glove, Lusmore, Our Lady's Glove, Witches Bells, Witches Thimbles
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Protection
Magical uses.
If you grow it in the garden it will protect it. House-wives in Wales used the leaves to make a black dye for paint for crossed lines on their cottage's stone floors, This prevented evil from entering. An extremely poisonous plant, yet used for heart failure. Only should be used by a Doctor, as it will stop a heart as well as starting it. I kid you not folks, this plant is very poisonous!
Foxglove is most widely used in Fairy Magic. It's so very toxic, so use with care. Plant it to invite Fairies, and to enjoy it's beauty. Also it's very good for attracting bees. Something we all need these days. Another of my favorite Garden Delites!
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Protection
Magical uses.
If you grow it in the garden it will protect it. House-wives in Wales used the leaves to make a black dye for paint for crossed lines on their cottage's stone floors, This prevented evil from entering. An extremely poisonous plant, yet used for heart failure. Only should be used by a Doctor, as it will stop a heart as well as starting it. I kid you not folks, this plant is very poisonous!
Foxglove is most widely used in Fairy Magic. It's so very toxic, so use with care. Plant it to invite Fairies, and to enjoy it's beauty. Also it's very good for attracting bees. Something we all need these days. Another of my favorite Garden Delites!
Garlic
Folknames. Poor man's Trecale, Stinkweed (shared with Jimpson)
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element:Fire
Deity: Hecate
Powers: Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti-theft
Ritual uses:
Eaten on days of the festival to Hecate, and was left at crossroads as a sacrifice in her name.
Magical uses:
Once worn to protect against the plague, Today it's still used to absorb diseases. Sailors carry Garlic to prevent wreckage. In the middle ages soldiers wore it as a defense. While the Romans soldiers ate it to give them courage, Placed or planted in the home to protect against evil, or to keep out thieves. Hang it over the door to keep out envious people. Very good to put in new homes.
You may wear it to guard against bad weather, or monsters, or shield you from blows from the enemy.
Bite into a piece of garlic to protect from evil spirits, or to send them away. You many also sprinkle it on the floor. It's used under children's pillows to protect them while they sleep. It's also a good luck charm for new brides. As smelly as it is, it's a lust inducer. Rub it into your pots and pans to remove negative vibrations, or for the best seasoning anywhere!
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element:Fire
Deity: Hecate
Powers: Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti-theft
Ritual uses:
Eaten on days of the festival to Hecate, and was left at crossroads as a sacrifice in her name.
Magical uses:
Once worn to protect against the plague, Today it's still used to absorb diseases. Sailors carry Garlic to prevent wreckage. In the middle ages soldiers wore it as a defense. While the Romans soldiers ate it to give them courage, Placed or planted in the home to protect against evil, or to keep out thieves. Hang it over the door to keep out envious people. Very good to put in new homes.
You may wear it to guard against bad weather, or monsters, or shield you from blows from the enemy.
Bite into a piece of garlic to protect from evil spirits, or to send them away. You many also sprinkle it on the floor. It's used under children's pillows to protect them while they sleep. It's also a good luck charm for new brides. As smelly as it is, it's a lust inducer. Rub it into your pots and pans to remove negative vibrations, or for the best seasoning anywhere!
..
Lets not forget to put a necklace of it about your neck to keep away Bela Lugosi.......I mean Vampires. It was used from pyramid builders for strength, and courage to the Roman legions, trusted charm against evil and MGM stars of the 30's! So if you are fighting a cold, or the undead, garlic is the plant to have!!!
When it's dried and ready for harvest, I just throw the seeds around for next years crop.
When it's dried and ready for harvest, I just throw the seeds around for next years crop.