sequoia

Part Two - Seashells!

Alright everyone, welcome back!

Seashells used to be a major part of my craft. When I was younger and feeling like the world was trying to get me, I really felt like I depended on protection magic as a way to keep myself shielded from everything going on around me. I was anxious, overthinking a lot of things, and that's why I started using seashells in my practice regularly.

Seashells are, in their truest form - shells. I know, shocking, it's almost like it's in the name! Heheh. But on a real note - yeah, really, that's exactly why they're such symbols of protection. Once upon a time, that seashell had been the difference between life or death for something as alive as your or I. It was depended on to protect that little life, until they needed to find a different one.

Seashells are also incredibly connected to the elements of water and spirit. It was home to a life, making it highly spiritual, and it spent a majority of its existence in the sea. It has a very powerful connection to sea-based deities, especially Aphrodite and Poseidon, so they also make fantastic offerings.

But how exactly did I use them in practice? I'll make a list of a few ways that I have and still do.

Seashell protection candles. I have a bit of wax twine that works very well as makeshift wick, so I cut off just a bit to make a nice little protection candle. You can use all kinds of wax, you can add herbs (carefully, and keep an eye on it), whatever you so wish. Just pour a bit of melted wax into the shell, carefully settle the wick where you'd like, and you have a small protection candle that's easy to bring with you wherever you may go.

Herb infusion. Sometimes if I'm making a protection spell jar, or a burning spell, I will use small shells to scoop the herbs from their jars and pour them where they need to be. It makes me feel like it encouraged the protective benefits of those herbs, and is also a nice little ritual to do.

Offerings. Especially for Aphrodite, I have used a large shell to place offerings on. Be that dried flowers, herbs, a bit of wine, whatever you may feel is best. It also has easy clean-up once you're ready to retire said offerings.

Gifts. I have a gigantic collection of shells that I collected when I lived in Okinawa (the sea wall had breaks where you could look for shells - I loved them!), and I constantly hand them out as little gifts to friends and loved ones. Even to non-spiritual friends, seashells can be very meaningful, and I've yet to have a friend who threw a shell away. They're a token of affection and also one of protection!

As always, practice in a cleansed and safe space and always do your own research as well. Cross-check each fact over 3-6 sources just to make sure you've got it right before moving on.

Be safe everyone, and Blessed Be <3

This is the super simple, super easy list I have in my grimoire for colors and color magic. It makes it easier to decide what candles, wax, ink, etc. to use. I don't remember where I got it since it's been in my book for quite a long while, but it hasn't ever failed me.

Red: Grounding energy, Strength, Passion, Courage, Lust, Charisma

Orange: Creativity, Success, Justice, Opportunity, Ambition

Yellow: Intelligence, Learning, Reason, Focus, Confidence, Memory, Happiness

Green: Nature, Healing, Money, Love, Fertility, Growth, Self-Awareness

Blue: Communication, Traveling, Expressing yourself, Forgiveness, Tranquility

Purple: Influence, Psychic Abilities, Authority, Wisdom, Knowledge

Brown: Home, Protection, Animals, Stability, Family, Loyalty

Black: Banishing Negativity, Loyalty, Protection, Binding, Transmutation

White: Spirituality, Peace, Higher Self, Purity, Learning

You can also supplement any unavailable candles with a white candle, though I suggest carving the intention of your spellwork into the wax to really seal the deal.

Homemade Rosemary oil lotion for glowing & healthy skin!

How to make: 

Get a glass vial/jar or bottle for putting your oil in. Consider getting one that will make daily use easy, so one that pours easily or can be dabbed onto a cotton pad.

Add a sprig of Rosemary or two depending on how large the jar, gently massage some of the leaves beforehand to help the essential oils get out into the oil.

Pour in some extra virgin Olive oil and leave in a cool dark place for at least 72 hours.

- This can be applied like a lotion thinly, the Rosemary overtime will add anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties to the oil, it’s capillary strengthening action leads to tighter skin with less wrinkles. It also has great properties for treating acne due to it’s high anti-oxidant count, this extends to effective use in treating dermatitis conditions such as Eczema. Many people also find that Rosemary oil adds a natural and healthy glow to their skin.

The Olive oil has great moisturizing properties and can also help calm red or sore patches of skin. This is especially effective for those who suffer from dry skin, not least because it has been proven to reduce sun damage to skin in tests.

Those of you with extra sensitive skin may also benefit from this, many of todays skin creams have lots of additives that can irritate sensitive skin and worsen dermatitis.

—————————————————————————————————-

Just be cautious that you are not allergic to Rosemary or any similar plants such as Lavender, if you are unsure if you may have a (very) mild allergy just apply to your arm first to check.

This post was requested by “rockys-world” for some reason I can’t tag them :(

Feel free to submit any requests or queries of your own in my message box

Stevia, a quick summary, 5 health benefits and 1 remedial use!

The Stevia plant is used as a substitute for Sucrose and other calorie rich Sugars/Sugar substitutes, when used to sweeten something it adds no calories and is up to a hundred times sweeter than Sucrose in the same concentration.

It is extremely helpful for diabetics and people who suffer from blood sugar level problems as it does not raise the glucose level in the blood.

It grows natively in Paraguay & Brasil where it has been used as a medicine and sweetener for centuries.

Some studies and revelations have found that it may be slightly carcinogenic but even if this is true, due to it’s sweetness potency only a small amount is needed and this ends up making it a safer and healthier alternative to other sugars and alternatives.     

   There are many reasons why it is safer, such as the lack of calorie intake, lack of sugar high and addiction, less problems for diabetics, the damage sugar can cause is totally absent. Also the many health fears over Sugar substitutes such as Aspartame are also absent.

Another great point about Stevia is that you can easily grow it on your land and at home, and it is easy to add to dishes, it would be much more complex        (and unhealthy) to grow and process your own Sugar canes in comparison.

—————————————————————————————————-

Five health benefits

1. Stevia in it’s whole form is packed full of many anti-oxidants, quercetin,   flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and more!                  

2. Great for Diabetes control due to it not raising blood sugar levels.

3. As opposed to Sucrose, Stevia actually helps to aid oral health even fighting decay in some cases. It helps to keep bad bacteria in the mouth at bay also meaning less risk of abscesses and more nasties.

4. Despite the potential revelation for it being slightly carcinogenic, some of the antioxidant compounds  found within it are actually known to be very capable in Cancer prevention.

5. It reduces stress on the cardiovascular system due to relaxant properties. This can lower blood pressure and help to prevent Cardiovascular diseases from developing in the long term.

—————————————————————————————————-

A remedial use for Stevia

To relieve symptoms of IBS and poor digestion such as heartburn and indigestion, drink a cup of Stevia tea after a big meal. In Paraguay & Brasil it has been used to aid digestion and gastrointestinal complaints for hundreds of years!

—————————————————————————————————-

This post topic was suggested by @thelushfaerie 

Feel free to request or suggest a topic you would like discussed or any remedy you would like summarized, just message me in my inbox.

Thyme, 5 of it’s health benefits and 3 remedial uses!

1. When eaten with or drunk as a tea after a meal, it can increase efficient digestion of fats, this helps reduce bloating and digestive issues. It is also great for cleansing the gastrointestinal tract and has been found to kill parasites within it.

2. This herb has been used since history began as a treatment for lung conditions and infections, it is especially effective for treating excess mucus present in those with Asthma, Bronchitis and more. Adding it to your diet can help keep excess mucus and general chest congestion at bay. 

3. High antispasmodic properties help to relieve muscle cramps, even those experienced during menstruation.

4. High antibacterial and antiseptic properties make this great for overall wellbeing and keeping sicknesses at bay such as colds, coughs and general infections. This combined with it’s odor reducing properties make it a great oral rinse and mouthwash for those suffering from bad breath or throat infections such as tonsillitis.

5. It increases the appetite, helping those who struggle to eat in the mornings due to acid reflux or any general nausea. If you are suffering from an infection but feel to sick to eat this can help a lot! (Unfortunately this can’t be used for morning sickness in Pregnant women as Thyme should not be taken in teas or doses not normal to the dietary levels when pregnant)

—————————————————————————————————-

I was only going to do one remedial use but it wouldn’t do this versatile herb justice so here goes three,

1. For toothache, oral infections, tonsillitis, sore throats, bad breath, gum disease and general oral complaints, soak a sprig of Thyme in some water overnight and use it as a gargle/mouthwash to freshen the breathe and fight excess bacteria (including those that cause tooth decay)

Alternatively you can buy Thyme tinctures to make up the gargle/mouthwash fast.

2. For bronchial complaints involving heavy lung congestion, excess spasm induced coughing and chest infections make up a tea and steam bowl.

To make the tea:

1 Tsp dried Thyme per cup (so if using a teapot 3 spoons for 3 peeps)

Boiled water, from a kettle or pot

Lemon or Honey for flavoring! (these also add soothing properties)

Simply add the water to the thyme in a mug, let it steep for 5-15 minutes depending on how bad your symptoms are, the longer it steeps the more bitter the taste.

Drinking this tea two to three times a day should be enough to relieve most complaints above.

To make the steam bowl:

Simply add a sprig or two of fresh thyme or 1 tbsp of dried Thyme to a heatproof bowl and inhale until the vapor stops. (This is also great for opening pores before using a facial mask/cleanse!)

This will help relieve chest & nasal congestion and reduce spasm induced coughing associated with dry chesty coughs.

3. For gastrointestinal health and wellbeing, adding Thyme to your diet is a great option especially for those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or indigestion. You can do this by adding a sprig or two to a meal during cooking whether it is a soup, stew, roast or much more it can be added and then taken out before eating. Just be aware, if you add it early you will lose the delicate flavor but too late and the health benefits will be minimal. To combat this you can use dried Thyme as a seasoning near the very end of the cooking process!

If a flare up in IBS/Indigestion symptoms occur or an infection involving symptoms such as Diarrhea arises, drinking the tea above can help!

—————————————————————————————————-

Cautions - Thyme should not be used during pregnancy

1. Green tea, drinking this tea at least one cup a day can help reduce signs of aging and reduce loose skin. This is due to the antioxidants present in the tea called Polyphenols that protect the skin from cell damaging free radicals and various other toxins including sun damage.

2. Lavender oil is great for topical application to tone and tighten skin, it is also great for dermatitis and other skin complaints due to it’s wound healing properties.

3. A mask of 1 part Avocado to 1 part Cucumber will tighten and tone skin along with cleansing and reducing the size of large pores prone to blackheads. Simply blend the ingredients together and apply for 40-50 minutes and rinse off with fresh water or green tea.

—————————————————————————————————-

   This post topic was suggested by @yetiparkour60

If anyone would like to query something or request a topic just message me in my inbox or tag me (:

Lastly, there are plenty more benefits to drinking Green tea, you can see some of them here https://wildwoodherbalist.tumblr.com/post/159751992537/green-tea-this-easy-to-make-and-refreshing-tea

Todays post is about Cloves, some of their health benefits and uses!

Health benefits when added to the diet:

They contain a very potent amount of Phenols, a strong branch of antioxidant that helps protect the cells of the body from damage particularly from free radicals which are known to cause cancers and speed up aging. It also works as a natural preservative in meals due to actions such as slowing down the oxidation of fats in the food.

Adding them to your diet can help keep coughs and colds at bay due to antibacterial properties and the Eugenol oil that they possess, similar to Menthol in it’s aroma and aromatic flavour it is strong in fighting throat & chest infections. This combines to give it strong expectorant properties which makes it easier to cough up phlegm.

They are a great source of Vitamins C, K, B-6, B-1 and B-2. They also include Potassium and Sodium, valuable electrolytes. All of these are needed by the body for optimum function and can be added to the diet by seasoning with ground Clove powder or adding whole cloves to a meal such as a soup and taken out before serving.

Remedial uses:

1. Clove tea for fighting infection (especially in the chest & sinuses), aging and poor digestion -

First add a tablespoon of whole Cloves to a Pestle & Mortar and bash them down into small pieces but do not grind them as they need to be strained afterwards.

Next add the Cloves to a cup of boiled water in a mini cup strainer or tea infuser and allow them to steep for 10 - 20 minutes. The longer they are left the greater the potency but the flavour will become more bitter/pungent.

Strain the Cloves out and now you can flavour the tea with lemon/lime juice or honey/stevia depending on your preference.

You can also add a black tea bag for the last 3 minutes of steeping to get a form of spiced tea that may be more to your taste.

This tea should not be taken too often as the warnings below will explain, but taken twice a week can have a tonic effect on overall health due to the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

2. If you are suffering from a toothache or a sore throat you can suck/chew on a Clove to release it’s anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic properties. This will not only reduce the pain greatly but help to fight the cause if it is infection based.

3. Quick facial mask for fighting acne causing bacteria and reducing oil buildup -

Use a Pestle & Mortar to bash & grind a tablespoon of whole cloves down into a fine powder.

Add a teaspoon of water or honey and muddle the mixture together.

Add a few drops of Lime juice.

Apply to the worst effected areas and let it sit for 20 minutes, rinsing off with cool water. Doing a facial steam with a bowl before hand will increase the effectiveness! 

This not only kills excess bacteria but helps to reduce inflammation. This mask should not be used too regularly otherwise it can cause irritation due to the potency of the Eugenol oil.

—————————————————————————————————-

Cautions -

If you have any allergies to Cloves or similar aromatic Spices then don’t use them in anyway.

If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinning medication don’t drink the tea or add them to your diet in any great number as they have blood thinning properties. 

If you have a kidney or liver disorder you should not consume Cloves without checking with your Herbalist or Doctor.

Anyone with blood sugar problems such as Diabetics or Hypoglycemics should be very wary of using Cloves as they lower blood sugar levels.

If pregnant it is always best to avoid trying new things in your diet without checking with a professional first.

Always take a sensible approach to the amount of a Spice you add to your diet as anything taken in excess can be harmful.

Lastly, always check with a trained Botanist, Herbalist or Doctor if you are unsure about anything.

Hope you are all well and have a good day!

One of the uses of green tea is as a hair rinse, it encourages new hair growth and healthy hair to flourish. This is largely down to it’s antioxidants content.

To make and use a Green Tea rinse, simply brew a strong tea and allow it to cool and work it through your hair massaging it in. After ten minutes it can be washed out with water.

Doing this 3 times a month can help promote shiney, healthy hair and is great for preventing aged and split looking hair!

Won’t herbs mold if I tie them up real tight? Help.

Once they start to look wilted or start curling in on themselves thats a good time to tie them

and that is why I have compiled a mini list of teas that help to calm it below Cx

Chamomile - My favorite and it only takes 1-2 minutes to steep to an effective level! Great at night time

Passionflower - With lovely flowery notes just the smell of this one brings a sense of calm

Peppermint - I find this one is best in the mornings and the smell really helps to clear my head for the day ahead

Valerian root tea - A more pungent, powerful one that is often used in herbal sleep aids, it’s highly sedative effects can help to calm the more moderate to severe anxiety episodes. I used to use this to help me sleep when I had anxiety induced insomnia and often it worked better than actual sleep aids. Due to it’s higher strength it can have certain side effects and may not be suitable for everyone so check with a Herbalist or Doctor before taking it in any great number.

Lemon Balm - Used for many eras to treat depression, stabalise mood and calm the anxious mind. This one is great all round and I love it most because it is easy to grow at home and to pick the leaves for drying into your own herbal tea mixture.

 How to dry Chili Peppers, 5 health benefits and a remedial use for them!

To sun dry

Pick good quality peppers and give them a rinse in cool water

Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds (you can dry these separately if you like)

Place them down on a baking tray/tin making sure to put the skin side facing up. Ridged bottom trays are best as they let air get underneath more easily.

Dry them in direct sunlight for at least 8-9 hours and cover them at night with a cloth so no flies or bugs get to them.

When they break apart easily in your hands they are ready to be put into a clean sterilized jar. (You can sterilize a jar by gently boiling it in a pan of water)

You can keep them as they are or rehydrate them before using them with water to help release more flavour. They can also be cut into smaller strips, diced or ground into a powder.

To oven dry

Rinse the peppers in cool water

Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds

Place them down on a baking tray/tin making sure to put the skin side facing up. Ridged bottom trays are best as they let air get underneath more easily.

Simply preheat the oven on a low heat, 45 Celsius on a fan oven, 80 Celsius on a gas oven. 104 Fahrenheit - 176 Fahrenheit

Place the trays in the oven and cook for 6-7 hours, drying time may vary though however once they start to turn brown they are done. Keep a close eye on them every so often to make sure they do not burn!

They can be kept in a brown paper bag or in a clean jar

5 Health benefits of Chili Peppers such as Cayenne 

Very high levels of Vitamin C, 100g Gives 240% of your daily recommended allowance. This helps to boost the immune system and keep colds and infections at bay and to fight them once they occur.

Capsaicin  the compound that gives a chili it’s strong spicy flavour and pungent smell has been shown to be anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic and to reduce bad cholesterol. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.

The antioxidants present in Chili peppers help to reduce damage caused by free radicals especially those that occur from stress and disease. This not only helps to reduce aging but also general deterioration and reduce the risk of cancerous cells developing. 

Certain minerals and compounds found within them can help to regulate and lower blood pressure along with improving poor blood circulation.

Chili’s can greatly aid in weight loss by stimulating the metabolism due to it’s Capsaicin content.

A remedial use for Cayenne Chili Peppers - Sinus pain & congestion remedy

Boil water for one cup

Pour the water into a cup once it has settled a little

Add ¼ of dried ginger (or a ginger teabag if you prefer)

As much fresh lemon juice as you like, I recommend half a lemon

¼ teaspoon of dried Cayenne pepper

You can add honey or infuse it with some lemon rind if you like

Sip it slowly as it can leave a burning sensation in the back of the throat for a while. To help this consider eating some fresh mint to help soothe it and get even more cold fighting properties!

Cautions 

Avoid this if you allergic to Cayenne or other spices as it may contain the same allergen. 

If you have any notable conditions it may be worth checking with a Herbalist or Doctor before trying this remedy as it may interfere with certain medication due to the Capsaicin.

Just a few quick words, sorry I haven’t been as active this last couple weeks, I hope you are all well or as well as can be and as always feel free to drop me a message if you have a request for a herb/spice/plant overview or remedy.    Also my ask box is always open!

Though others may be more refined

And use their skills for lofty things,

I use my own for pushing swings,

For folding washing, clearing up

The china, every last stray cup.

I frivolously use a pinch

To irritate the local Grinch

And make my Christmas tree eight foot,

While on the very top I’ll put

A magic angel, singing clear

Until the last day of the year.

A jigsaw puzzle from my mum

Of fruit - a pear, a peach, a plum

Will suddenly be solved. Although

It had a missing piece, you know.

In short, my magic’s very small.

•You’ll need a piece of paper

• candles of your choosing

• a safe burning dish

Take the piece of paper and write down anything and everything you want to release. Once you’re done fold the paper away from you, rip it up piece by piece with the intent of letting go and then burn it how we you’d like. Blessed be witches