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7 Powerful Herbs to Relieve Anxiety

7 Powerful Herbs to Relieve Anxiety

by Ryan Rivera

We live in a generation where everyone seeks wellness. People these days are more aware, and they go for healthier and more natural options. This applies to the management of anxiety as well.  Rather than filling the body with drugs, which are known to have serious adverse effects, they prefer herbs. Herbs have little or no side effects. They do not further aggravate the body, and they’re absolutely cheaper. You can even grow them in your own backyard!

Here are 7 herbs that a person can try when anxiety and its symptoms kick in. They are considered miracle herbs by those whose condition was alleviated. However, as a fair warning, not all respond positively to these herbs. Some might be allergic, so caution is always advised.

 

1. Passion flower

Also known scientifically as Passiflora incarnata, the passion flower is a perennial plant known to have a calming effect when taken in as tea or an infusion. Because of this, it is known to be a big help in relieving anxiety insomnia and high blood pressure. Scientists believe that it increases levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It was first traditionally used in the Americas and later introduced to Europe. Native in the southeastern part of America, it is now grown all across Europe.

 

2. Valerian

The valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis of the Valerianaceae, is an herb with sweetly scented white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer.  Historically, this plant is used as a sedative, an anticonvulsant, and as a pain reliever.  Now because of this long history as a relief for anxiety symptoms especially insomnia, scientists are betting that it has an effect on GABA levels which promotes rest and relaxation, thus induces sleep. Some who withdraw from sleeping pills use this as an alternative to avoid symptoms that come with reducing one’s intake of the pills. The effects of this herb have been dubbed safe for continuous use, although studies have not yet concluded if it is as safe for pregnant women, thus caution is still advised.

 

3. Hops

Another potent herb to ease anxiety is the Humulus lupulus or commonly known as hops. Originally, hops were used to bitter ale in the late thirteenth century. So it is not a surprise why this plant can’t cloud alertness that will result in relaxation.  When combined with the valerian, it can be a potent and effective alternative to benzodiazepines. That is, with the doctor’s supervision, of course.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           4. Kava kava

The kava kava is a plant that is known to target stress and anxiety by imitating the effects of valium and the valerian, making it a very potent sleep inducer.  However, unlike the valerian, this plant has no recorded side effects. It is, however, advised that when taking this, driving should be avoided to prevent life-threatening situations.

 

5. Gingko biloba

This plant is quite popular all over Asia and most parts of the West. It can increase circulation that allows good brain and cell oxygenation.  With this, toxins caused by stress and diet are flushed out by natural circulatory processes that goes hand -in-hand with oxygenation during the gas exchange cycle. However, if circulatory bleeding problems are present, it is best to consult a doctor before using.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   6. Meadow Sweet

Most experts would like to think that it does not directly affect anxiety levels, but it can alleviate the byproducts of stress such as headaches. It can be a good alternative to aspirin as long as there is no sensitivity towards aspirin as it has almost the same chemical components.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   7. St. John’s wort

It may not occur to everybody, but St.  John’s wort is an herb that is quite effective in anxiety relief.  Known as  Hypericum perforatum , studies of this plant show that it can stop the reuptake of neurotransmitters thus helping diminish brain hyperactivity that would result to relaxation. It is also known to have hypericin, hyperforin, and flavenoid glycosides that are mood lifters. Not only that, it is also a powerful sedative. But because of these components, one should understand that there are some medications that are not to be taken together with this herb because of conflicting effects, such as HIV drugs, digoxin, warfarin, antihistamins, benzodiazepines, and chemotherapy drugs. So it is best to check with the doctor especially when planning to have surgery.

 

Keep wellness as your priority. Be mindful of whatever you take. Remember, it is always best to consult with experts before medicating to avoid regrettable outcomes. After all, health is wealth, so we have to take care of our bodies and try to achieve health in the most inartificial way we can.

About the Author: Ryan Rivera has more information about anxiety treatment, symptoms and panic disorder at www.calmclinic.com

The Green Woman ~ Part 2

The Green Woman - Part 2

by Chloe Pringle

Part one can be found here

“This is your stop me dear”, the bus drivers voice woke her from internal ramblings. She gathered her bags and jumped up, “thanks”, “Nice to see you around again luv”. She bounced down the steps and almost right into the series of individually crafted mailboxes that marked journeys end, and the lanes.

One an old dairy tin, one an old bent shovel, one aged but elegantly carpented...

She checked the box and got set for heading up the lane, that cup of tea seeming elementally desireable as the bus kicked back dust into her vision. Hang on, there was something in the box. A small parcel, oddly enough in Carissa’s own handwriting, addressed to Sam. That’s odd , still I guess she’ll reveal all, in her wise way. It was heavy in her hands, and her curiosity was barely able to be kept at bay to not bust it open then and there. Full of surprises as usual she thought absent mindedly. At that point she had no idea how right she was...

It wasn’t unusual for Clarissa not to be around when you arrived, she might be off wildcrafting or just meandering about soaking in the day. Sam sat down, the kettle was on the pot belly stove which wasn’t lit, she probably got distracted half way through, the fire was laid ready to light. Sam looked at the parcel she held. It was brown paper bound in string, with enough sticky tape to stop an army, so being one mere woman she found a knife and cut it open. Inside was a leather pouch, soft to the touch with wear.

Inside it was a set of playing cards and a note. No, they weren’t  a deck to play poker with she realised as she shuffled through them, they were some kind of divination or tarot deck. The drawings were mostly in earthern tones, pencil with watercolour washes layered over. The imagery was detailed, figures seemed to blur boundaries with plants and animals interlaced with labyrinthine patterns, like Eshers art they warped and confused seeing. The note...sure enough in aunties script, more scribble actually, but she read on...

“Got called away, someone’s trying to shut down Ednas medicine making, says its unhygienic and unsafe, danger to public health, never heard anything more ridiculous in my life! She’s so house proud its virtually an obsession. Anyway love, might take a week or so to sort this out, so make yourself at home and Ill see you when I’m looking at you. The sheer arrogance of so called regulators, the things these people do to ones nerves. ”

Sam could almost see her shaking her head, and smiled. “Oh yes the cards I found in a rare cleanup, they belonged to your mother, never really fancied them myself. Anyways, enjoy them, but don’t get too serious eh?”

No Clarissa, and yes I’m happy to water all your multitudinous slightly limp plants. They are engaging, she thought gazing at the card as her vision traced a vine like sworl of lines, morphing into a vortex, and almost trance inducing, as they became a waterfall and then a river. A leaping salmon that had such eyes she felt guilty as she thought with her belly, fresh fish.....mmmm. But the card was so engrossing it took her a time to connect with her inner ravaging hunger and put it down, one upturned the others in the bag. Transfiguration, she thought absentmindedly as she bent to light the fire and looked around her....odd word.....

The house was brimming with natural chaos, “Seems they got the wrong woman with Edna” she thought. Cuttings at various stages, potted up plants, piles of paper with illustrations and notes, books, vases of unusual flowers, and a vine that had wedged a way through a crack and was firmly making its way towards the study. Although there really wasn’t any distinction between ‘the study’ and the rest of the small cottage. The sofa had a doona on it for handy napping and there were bookshelves in every room.

To give credit where due her medicine area was scrupulously organised. With a book at the end of the shelves listing what was in stock, or needed topping up. Sam knew Clarissa rarely treated anyone, her main relationship was with the plants and the tinctures, dried herbs, flower essences, infused oils and god knows what else, were a side tangent that possibly Edna had some of. Hence her aunt was partly responsible for her troubles. Edna had been a chemist in the 1930’s during the great depression, after which she turned and applied her knowledge and skills to what she called peoples medicine she and Clarissa became firm friends. One trained by science, the other by growing and wildcrafting.

Sam headed for the fridge.

To her delight there was a variety of tempting smelling cheeses, some smoked trout and bread. Any tomatoes Clar? Perfect. She prepared her snack, deciding after to go harvest some parsley, mint, chickweed and see what else was up in the garden. The garden was a continuum of the house’s energies, the two blending into each other, and then finally into the forest....

The relationship between us and plants has been as long as we have existed. Our ancestors were probably algae, or ate them as they developed limbs and animalian consciousness in primordial slime, she thought, returning to the card and noticing something she hadn’t before. A hemlock plant dappled with purple on its stem not unlike the colouration on the fishes skin. How did I miss that. I must be tired. Garden later, cat nap first. Sofas ready and able to provide. It felt good to be here, the to do lists she had left behind seemed a million miles away as she slipped into sleep. 

She dreamed of a man with a troutskin cloak, dappled in greens, blues and purples. A man with wild eyes and a feel of the shaman about him, who spoke languid as water. Touched u are, like your grandmother, and he reached out a hand and placed it on hers, cold and damp it was, there’s danger and you know it. That’s why you’re here innit, before they come, to save the ol ways from em. She raised her eyes to his and they had no pupils, round and dark like pools, watch yourself they come in forms to deceive, he  whispered in a burbling and bubbling. Then was gone like a vision, and she awake as morning. Jesus that fish must have been off she thought scrabbling for distance, her conscious mind alerted and shaking off sleep....

She lay back down and tried to think of boring mundanity but her new fishy friend was not so easily dismissed from her. Whhheeeww she exhaled and reached absent mindedly over to the nearest pile of paperology for distraction. In her hand she held an image of hemlock, an old one like those medieval herbals. Woodcuts that were originally botanically accurate, drawn by monks mostly, then deadly member of the carrot family.

I don’t even have a phone number for Edna. People knew everything about everyone round here, for all her eccentricities they left Clary alone but surely the word would have got out if anything untoward had happened? Like what, a trout man driving her away? I need to go for a walk.....

"The Green Woman" is a taster of a herbal tale. If you enjoy this portion you can read more at http://opalplantways.blogspot.com/

 

The Artwork of Suzanne Cheryl Gardner

The Artwork of Suzanne Cheryl Gardner

About the Artist...

Suzanne’s fresh, whimsical, childlike, brightly colored paintings reflect her inner emotions. From Greeting Cards to Children’s Book Illustration, Suzanne’s art will delight, capture, and engage the viewer to look deeper at themselves. She brings into existence wonderfully inspiring images that uplift the viewer and are perfect for a variety of published materials.

“I create art because there is a powerful inner calling that directs me—a deep desire and intention to share my profound gifts with others. Creating art is magical, and provides a healing force which benefits me as well as my viewer. When I am in that transformative space I am reminded that there is much more to this life than just the outer things. The reality is that it is the inner imagination that creates the outer world. Through this expression I offer others a chance to “see” a different perspective of life. I am often guided by listening and watching the wonder of nature. I use animal and plant wisdom to give voice to certain ideas or themes.

For example, “bear” in many ancient cultures symbolizes “going within.” I explore the “dark” side of life, and question why we choose to experience dark moments. What I have discovered is that the dark is an important aspect to human beings. It helps us to see more clearly the “light” and to be in gratefulness for what we do have. The more we recognize the light, the closer we get to remembering who we really are, Divine Spirit! “Painting the Goddess or “The Divine Feminine” has been my celebration of the ongoing rhythm of life. The Divine Feminine represents the giver of life. She is the tree of life, she is the seed, she is the creative force—that which represents the birth-death-rebirth process of life. She stands for the oneness of all humankind!”

Suzanne Cheryl Gardner is calling up feminine energy.

“The image of the “feminine/Goddess” is key to the transformation of our culture. As we begin to physically see new symbols of female power we are spiritually reminded of the importance of a life balanced with both masculine and feminine energy.” As an artist my calling is to reclaim the truth for the feminine aspect of human nature. The power of the feminine that has been suppressed and disabled for so many centuries is returning and is a spark of light urging artists, healers and visionaries to illuminate her wisdom and her many faces.

“…to bring the images back to life, one has to seek, not interesting applications to modern affairs, but illuminating hints from the inspired past.”—Joseph Campbell, Hero’s Journey

Through symbolism, color, and subject matter my images reveal a world that has been secreted away for too long.  It is time to reclaim that energy.  Her story is one  of compassion, forgiveness, comfort, nurturing, and inner peace.  She shines the light of love that gives life to all things. She brings and has always brought the message that we are not separate, that we are one.  One neverending force.

Visit Suzannne's Website Here: http://suzannesart.com/index.php

Featured Weblog ~ Home Sweetening

Featured Weblog ~ Home Sweetening

Exploring where we live, how we live there, and how it relates to our health and well being.

View the blog here: http://homesweetening.blogspot.com/

Glorious Goldenrod by Susun S Weed

Glorious Goldenrod
© 2006 Susun S Weed

As seen printed in Mystic Pop Magazine

I love autumn; don't you? The days shorten and fall colors thrill my senses. Perennial roots get busy storing nourishment that will last them through the winter. And the meadows bloom with purple asters and riotous goldenrod flowers.

Goldenrod (the Solidago genus, Asteracea family) is one of my favorite plants, and hopefully, soon it will be one of your favorites too.

Before you complain that goldenrod is a pest and you're allergic to it, let me set the record straight: You aren't. No one is, no one can be, allergic to goldenrod pollen. Why? It has virtually none. What little pollen it makes is sticky, all the better to stick onto insects who pollinate the goldenrod. Only wind-pollinated plants -- like ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia), which blooms at the same time as goldenrod, and has an especially irritating pollen -- make enough pollen, and spread it widely enough, to cause allergic reactions.

Set aside your mistaken bad thoughts about lovely goldenrod, and, if you can, visit a patch. Goldenrod is a wide-spread wild plant in North America (found from Florida to New Hampshire and west into Texas), Europe, and Asia. Goldenrod is also treasured as a garden plant from New Zealand to Germany, and has become a highly-successful weed in Japan. So, no matter where you live as you read this article, it is likely that you can find a patch of goldenrod.

It is rare to see one goldenrod plant growing alone; it multiplies by sending out root runners, so there are usually dozens of plants growing densely together. Notice all the bees and insects happily crawling about on goldenrod's numerous small yellow flowers.

There are many types of goldenrod, and you are likely to find several kinds if you look around. The species Solidago canadensis and S. odora are considered the most medicinal (and the tastiest), but all species of goldenrod are safe and beneficial and can be used to help the immune system get ready for winter.

Goldenrod tonics are easy to make. Harvest any goldenrod by cutting the top third of the plant in full flower on a sunny fall day. Or, respectfully pull the entire plant, roots and all, in the late autumn or early winter. Then follow the simple directions below. Note: You can use any size jar when making a vinegar or a tincture, so long as you fill it full.

To dry flowering goldenrod:
Bundle 2-3 stalks together and hang upside down in a cool, shady room until thoroughly dry. When the stalks snap crisply, store the dried herb in brown paper bags. One or two large handfuls of crushed leaves and flowers, steeped in a quart of boiling water for thirty minutes makes a tea that can be used hot, with honey, to counter allergies (especially pollen allergies), fevers, sore throats, coughs, colds and the flu; or taken cold to relieve colic in babies, and gas in adults. Dried mint and/or yarrow are tasty, and useful, additions when making goldenrod flower tea.

To dry goldenrod roots:
Rinse dirt off the roots, then cut away all th estalks, leaves and dead flowers. If possible, hang your roots over a woodstove to dry; if not, place them on racks and put them in a warm place to dry until brittle. Store in glass jars. Depending on the difficulty you are addressing, goldenrod root tea may be made with large or small amounts of the roots brewed or decocted in boiling water. Or the roots may be powdered, alone or mixed with flowers, and applied to hard-to-heal wounds and sore joints.

To make a goldenrod vinegar:
Chop the goldenrod coarsely, filling a jar with chopped flowers, leaves, stalks (and roots if you have them); then fill the jar to the top with room-temperature, pasteurized, apple cider vinegar. Cap it tightly with a plastic lid. (Metal lids will be eroded by the action of the vinegar. If you must use one, protect it with several layers of plastic between it and the vinegar.) Be sure to label your vinegar with the date and contents. Your goldenrod vinegar will be ready to use in six weeks to improve mineral balance, help prevent kidney stones, eliminate flatulance, and improve immune functioning.

To make a goldenrod tincture:
Chop the goldenrod coarsely, filling a jar with chopped flowers, leaves, stalks (and roots if you have them); then add 100 proof vodka, filling the jar to the very top. Cap tightly and label. Your goldenrod tincture will be ready to use in six weeks, by the dropperful, as an anti-inflammatory, a sweat-inducing cold cure, and an astringent digestive aid. Medical herbalists use large doses (up to 4 dropperfuls at a time) of goldenrod tincture several times daily to treat kidney problems -- including nephritis, hemorrhage, kidney stones, and inability to void -- and prostate problems, including frequent urination.

The colonists called goldenrod tea "Liberty Tea," for they drank it instead of black tea after the Boston Tea Party. In fact, Liberty Tea proved so popular, it was exported to China! Let goldenrod liberate you, too. Herbal medicine is people's medicine, a gift from Mama Earth to us.

Green Blessings.
Susun S Weed

Online Course with Susun Weed
Menopausal Allies
( Link to detailed description of: Menopausal Allies )

Mentor: Susun Weed

This course will look at menopause as puberty prime, as a metamorphosis, and as the springboard for the last fifty years of our lives. You will mine gems of wisdom from how you dealt with your first puberty, recast your problems as allies during menopausal withdrawal, meltdown, and emergence, and learn how to use herbal allies to create yourself as wise old crone – juicy, vital, vibrant, strong-boned, hale-hearted, and gleeful. You will look at the facts behind some of the prevalent myths of and learn which herbal allies are better choices. You will learn about herbal allies for menopause: herbs for dealing with fertility, mood and emotion, sex, hot flashes, sleepless nights, lack of libido, and your own personal problems. I invite you to join our circle, a menopausal moon lodge, as it were, of women honoring themselves and reweaving the healing cloak of the Ancients.

find out more about Menopausal Allies

Susun Weed, author of the Wise Woman Herbal series, is an extraordinary teacher with a joyous spirit, a powerful presence, and an extensive knowledge of herbs and health.

Ms. Weed is the voice of the Wise Woman Tradition, empowering women worldwide to reclaim their health and wellbeing through knowledge, simply and safely.   

Susun Weed is the founder of the Wise Woman University.

The Green Woman-Part 1

The Green Woman-Part 1

by Chloe Pringle

As science broke down plants into the parts of them ‘active’, or companies focused on introducing ‘new’ wonder herbs, there was something that fell away, was veiled. It wasn’t that the information wasn’t valid, but that it was touted as the only route to understanding and clear seeing. One that missed that unnameable blend that nature creates in a plant, that’s not measureable. A kind of essence....

Sam had watched her aunt when she came across a plant she didn’t know....

There was a recognition and respect with which she approached it, a sitting with. Deep breathing, so slow as to be almost imperceptible...like the pulsing of the plants own inhalation, exhalation. Carbon dioxide in, oxygen out. Receiving...giving....receiving....giving.... each life form echoing the other. Some observers might see nothing going on, but it was a simple ritual ancestors had practiced back through time....

Perhaps there were physical similarities to plants she knew, a shared hereditary that could give clues as to its strengths, never assuming over familiarity with a potential new friend. A small piece in the mouth and chewed, spat out immediately if the taste was unpleasant. No one said you had to eat a whole lot to get to know a plant! If it passed this somewhat intuitive test agreeably, she held it in her mouth and felt for burning, tingling, other sensations, any change in taste. If there was none , then she swallowed. Then she waited, feeling overnight for effects. Then, again, a little more, repeating the same process. If no ill effects were noticed, over time, it was considered edible. But if there were noticeable effects, they would be explored carefully, they could be clues to medicine contained within.

Nowadays it would be sent off for testing, active ingredients explored and nutritional percentages analysed. If it proved ‘valuable’, they might be isolated and reproduced, to be bought as pharmaceutical drugs. All the while emphasising the danger of utilising the plant for common folks, without degrees...odd paradox. It was the taking away and then reselling it back to people that seemed dodgey. Surely once medicinal properties are identified, one aware of the range of processing, in tradition for so long, could access it and if it was poisonous you can bet it’d be remembered!

What a way to gather plant knowledge, through experiential learning. There were enough manuscripts gathered now that could be cross referenced if needed too....

All this was jumbling around in her mind, along with her bowels, as the bus shook along the dirt road. She was on her way to visit said aunt for a couple of weeks, annual pilgrimage.  Same time every year. Get away from concrete and computers. Fear encouraging news reports on violence and impending doom. She was headed for the perfect antidote. Auntie Clarissa wasn’t your average grey haired pucker cheeked robust smiling eyes stereotype, she was all that plus a kick on her like a mule! You just knew the kettle’d be on the boil in preparation for your arrival accompanied by an opinionated rave on her latest project. Simple pleasures that’s what I need she thought, enough with appointments and timetable living...

She gazed out at the passing world hazily with the odd percussive bump...

 

"The Green Woman" is a taster of a herbal tale. If you enjoy this portion you can read more at http://opalplantways.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

The Poetry and Art of Amy L. Alley

  Universe

 

Sisters

-Amy L. Alley

 

Eyes meet

Across cave fires in the time of the ancients.

Eyes meet

across crowded supermarket lanes today.

 

The message is the same.

 

I understand.

I understand what it means to be a

Daughter

Mother

Grandmother

Aunt

Sister

Wife

Woman.

 

I understand because I, too, am

Daughter

Mother

Grandmother

Aunt

Sister

Wife

Woman.

 

Maybe you are all of these roles

And I am simply one or two

 

By blood or choosing it’s no matter.

We are sisters

Not because we understand each other.

But because we are each other.

My Daddy was a Tall Blue Heron

 

Amy Loftis Alley is an artist, writer, poet, educator, mother of an amazing son, free spirit and tree-hugging lover of nature who resides in Upstate South Carolina. 
Her art is in public and private collections nationally and abroad. Her poems and essays have appeared in numerous publications throughout the state.

Her first full-length novel, The Absence of Anyone Else, was released in 2009. You can see more of her art at www.panpanstudios.com.

Mixed Blood

 

 

She maintains two blog sites, http://boldnessinitiative.blogspot.com/ which is 
about overcoming fear and living fully and http://panpanstudios.blogspot.com/, musings on the creative/spiritual life.

She also has an etsy shop that features art and recycled jewelry, http://www.etsy.com/shop/PanPanStudios, and she would love for you to follow her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pan-Pan-Studios/188526097202.

She recently celebrated recieving her first level Reiki training.

She Walks Two Worlds

The Window

 

The Artwork of Suzanne Gyseman

The Artwork of Suzanne Gyseman

Suzanne Gyseman creates images inspired by the realms of angels, faeries, myth,  folklore and dreams. She also finds inspiration in the life forms of the natural world, and approaches her work with a vision of the inter-relatedness of life, extending this beyond the physical dimension.

Graduating with a BSc in Botany she originally intended to work for nature conservation. She has worked in a variety of jobs including nature conservation, botanist, gardener, map analysis, computer control clerk and 
mother, but continued to draw and write faerie stories in her free time.  

Her paintings are included in private collections worldwide and her work is appearing increasingly in publication as book covers, illustrations, in calendars and with over 50 images licensed to date as greetings cards and prints. Her short fiction has appeared in West Coast Magazine (Issues 23 and 26) and Visionary Tongue (Issues 5 and 7). 

Visit the Artist's Website Here

 

Now Remember Rosemary by Susun Weed

   Now Remember Rosemary

by Susun Weed

As seen printed in Mystic Pop Magazine

 

Mad Ophelia tells us: "There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance." In Shakespeare's day it was common knowledge that rosemary helped one remember. Today, as then, herbalists agree: "For weyknesse of ye brayne, sethe rosemaria in wyne and keep ye heed warme."The leaves of this tough, evergreen shrub are valued for both medicinal and culinary uses. And, the powerful antioxidant vitamins found therein do help the brain work better.

---

 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an especially aromatic member of the mint family. When grown in dry, poor soils in hot areas, a little protected, but touched by the winds, rosemary rewards us with minerals, vitamins, and antiseptic, antibacterial volatile oils which extract easily into water, vinegar, alcohol, and fat. While evergreen, and thus usable at any time of the year, rosemary is considered most medicinal when flowering.

A large pinch of dried rosemary in food acts as a preservative. A strong brew of the fresh or dried leaves makes a particularly effective wound wash.

Old herbals hint that rosemary exerts its influence magically as well as physically. Burned as an incense, twined into a wreath, or grown in a pot, rosemary protects the house and those who live in it, especially the women. Added to the wedding bouquet, it insures fidelity. Tied with silk ribbons and given to the wedding guests, it spreads loving kindness.

"As for Rosmarine, I let it runne all over my garden walls, not onlie because my bees love it, but because it is the herb sacred to remembrance, and, therefore, to friendship" said Sir Thomas More several hundred years ago, with a smile.

Juliette de Bairacle Levy repeats an old, old story about rosemary: When Mary and Joseph were fleeing with the infant Jesus, Mary placed her damp blue cloak on the rosemary bush to dry it. The rosemary, thus blessed, forever more has had blue flowers, and the absolute power to protect against evil. A sprig of rosemary hung by the door banishes all thieves; a bush of rosemary growing by the door allows only love to enter.

Rosemary is a traditional Christmas decoration, partly because it smells good, and partly because pruning rosemary back mid-winter makes it stronger and healthier. So don't hesitate to cut bunches of it for beauty. If you take your decorative rosemary down before it gets too dry, it can be used for cooking or as a smudge.

The dense smoke (smudge) produced by burning dried rosemary is equally favored in religious, mystical, and medicinal settings. When frankincense and myrrh—expensive and foreign resins—are in short supply, rosemary stands in for them in the church's—or the pagans—censors.

During the plague years, and thereafter in many hospitals, the burning of rosemary reliably cleared the air and countered airborne infections. By extension, rosemary was given to mourners to protect them from contagion. It was laid in the coffin to preserve the body. And it was cast into the grave at the end of the funeral.

In England, a branch of rosemary was placed in the dock of the courts of justice as a preventative against goal-fever. To ward off moths, lay it in your woolen chest.

European ladies, princesses, and even queens used rosemary in many ways to enhance their beauty. They tied it into a cloth to keep fleas away; they smelled it to "keep youngly;" they soaked it in wine and used it to wash their faces so they would be "light and lovely;" they added it to their bath water so they would "wax shiny and be merrie;" and they stopped bad dreams by placing rosemary under the bed.

Modern ladies praise rosemary's ability to make their scalp healthy and dander free, and their hair lush, thick, and dark. To make a rosemary hair rinse, brew a full ounce of dried rosemary in a quart of boiling water overnight. After you've washed your hair, pour the dark, sweet-smelling rosemary liquid over your head, rubbing well into the scalp. Leave it be; no need to rinse it out.

If you have very bad dandruff, add a tablespoon of borax per half cup of rosemary hair rinse just before use. Lavaggio, a hair tonic made from an Italian folk recipe that is 99% rosemary, is available for sale for those who don't want to do it themselves.

Recent research has found that the heart has memory cells just like the brain. No wonder rosemary is renowned as a heart tonic, too! The oldest recipes call for soaking several handfuls of fresh rosemary in a large glass of white wine for several days, then sipping the wine to ease palpitations, strengthen weak hearts, and heal broken hearts. Rosemary in capsules, or rosemary tincture in large doses, can raise blood pressure however, so I stick to tea or external applications.

Rosemary infused oil or ointment (not the essential oil, which can cause poisoning) eases the pain of arthritis, improves flexibility of the joints, counters and sometimes cures eczema, and hastens wound healing. If you don't have the oil, rosemary tea can be used instead.

Rosemary tea has a beneficial effect on the lungs and breathing. If you have a cold, rosemary tea is happy to help you feel better. Too tired and sick to do anything? Just throw a big handful of rosemary in canned chicken soup and heat. For best effect, let steep for an hour, then eat it. Ahhh. When imbibing rosemary tea, feel free to add honey, especially if your throat is scratchy and sore.

Rosemary, like all its mint sisters, is antispasmodic, mildly so as a tea, more strongly in vinegar, and powerfully as a tincture. Not only does it relieve nervous pains and headaches, rosemary eases all digestive woes, from gas to gall bladder problems. A tablespoon or two of the vinegar on salad is an easy way to take this remedy. Because of the danger of kidney damage, I use small (1-5 drop) doses of rosemary tincture, and only occasionally.

As a seasoning, rosemary feeds the brain and helps prevent cancer. As a medicine, rosemary restores memory and improves digestion. No wonder boxes made of rosemary wood are considered magical. As rosemary is only happy when commanded by a woman, its magic is most suited to the needs of women. Perhaps Pandora's box was made of rosemary wood. For sure, your life will be more magical when you remember rosemary.

As seen printed in Mystic Pop Magazine, www.mysticpopmagazine.com

© 2007, Susun S Weed

Optimum Nutrition the Wise Woman Way - 3 CD set
Susun Weed. Green Nations Gathering 1996.

Simple secrets of optium nutrition, beyond rules, beyond heroics.

How to find, choose, prepare, and consume nutrient-dense foods that build vitality, joy, and superior health. Follow digestion from start to finish, encounter the mysterious cell wall, and marvel at the microbes that feed you.

Learn about the health-negative effects of vitamin/mineral supplements, problems with sprouts and juices, long-term difficulties caused by low fat, vegan, macrobiotic, and raw food diets.

Price: $30.00

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