Herbs: Wicca And Paganism

“Use of herbs as medicines dates back to the beginning of civilized man. The earliest known written records of herbal medicines were inscribed on a six thousand year old clay tablet written by the Sumerians, who lived on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now known as Iraq”(History).

Use the root in a tea to enhance psychic powers. Used in Samhain rituals. Sleep, protection, healing. Bury in northwest corner of yard to bring favorable winds. Use in sachets and charms to make wishes come true.A very nutritious and universally beneficial herb. Use in dream pillows and sachets, the leaves and flowers can be used in tea for healing.

Throughout history, humans have used herbs and other objects of nature to create medicine. The first acknowledged mention of apothecaries was in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the Bible it states that, “ and thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.” Exodus 30:35. Even before CE (common era), apothecaries were an important part of early society. The practice of making organic medicine from herbs was also present during the Roman empire. Since the Renaissance took a lot of inspiration from old Rome, they carried on the Roman traditions of medicine made of natural ingredients. During the Renaissance, students who wanted to enter the field of apothecary would be trained as apprentices. This meant that they would be learning from a skilled employer, earning low wages for a certain amount of time. In the 1500’s, the art of the apothecary was starting to be taught in universities as

Professionals say there are many side effects of herbal medicine however there are some alleged purposes: It can be used to treat migraines, eczema, migraines and chronic fatigue.

Many monasteries had herb gardens. The monks used their knowledge of medicine from the books in their libraries to make herbal remedies. However, there is little evidence of them being able to make new cures for disease.

Native Americans who occupied the land before the arrival of the Europeans possessed a vast knowledge of botanical medicines that intrigued the newcomers. The natives mixed roots, herbs, and plants to cure various medical maladies. Healing for the natives were not just herbal remedies,

Alas, everything good is accompanied by something bad. In this context, medicine comes along with poisons. When physicians experimented with plants, they discovered some had healing properties while others had dangerous toxins. Therefore, plants and herbs were used in medicines and poisons frequently during the Elizabethan era for things such as war and pain relievers.

Transition: Now that we have discussed the history of herbal medicine I would like to tell you some common herbs and uses in modern day.

Egyptians used the absinth plant to treat various ailments. Romans and Greeks also used it to create a potion that was steeped in wine and was rumored to heal stomach bugs. (Wormwood=worm-wode, or a cure for worms.)

Although they’re being used less and less as the country develops medicine. Modern medicine has replaced most of the traditional herbs and such, some people still prefer herbal remedies to modern pills. Although plants and herbalism are the basis for most modern medicines, there are quite a few ancient cures that seem more based in belief rather than actual cures. The author of Book of Shadows documents a few common illnesses and injuries with fanciful cures that were used long ago. One of these is a cure for a cough containing lemon and honey (Cunningham). Another remedy listed in the chapter containing cures is a love potion. This definitely is more close to fantasy than fact. It’s either hit or miss with most of these ancient

It is said, not by fact but theory, that the cure for cancer is in herbs.

Spices are aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavor food. Herbs are any plant with leaves, seeds, or flavors used for flavoring food, medicine, or perfume. What makes them different is that spices are used for color and preservation and herbs are used for flavoring and used for medical reasons. My topic is considered a herbs because it used for medical and flavoring foods. Cayenne pepper is herb know to the French as poivre de Cayenne and is named for the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. The cayenne peppers can traced to seven thousand year in history to Central and South America as a hot and spicy flavor. The cayenne was first used as a decorative item then introduced to food and medicine. During the 15th and 16th centuries the cayenne was introduced to the rest of the world by Christopher Columbus when he explored the Caribbean Islands and brought them back to Europe. The cayenne pepper has been used to substitute black pepper and was very expensive. The cayenne pepper at that time since it had to be imported from Asia. Ferdinand Magellan is credited for introducing cayenne pepper to Africa and Asia cuisines and their pharmacopeias. Now cayenne is now grown on all continents, today China, Turkey, Nigeria, Spain and Mexico are among the largest commercial producers.

Most patients now prefer herbal medicine as compared to medicinal drugs. They are becoming popular to treat everything from minor to major to diseases. The reason why people are so into herbal medicine is because of their natural qualities that promote a healthy method of healing various products.

Uses- Can be commercially grown for flower essence for sale in herbal stores as it is believed to restore the “Sensitivity and awareness of self”