Basil. (Ocimum basilicum). Infusions of Basil are employed in. Voudou magics as a Fertility charm for men, the potion sprinkl'd on the conjugal bed, the phallus liberally anointed. The Herb is traditionally favour'd by the Matron of Abundant Love, Erzulie. Cold infusions made by kneading and pulverization of the Leaves in Water serve as an external invigorator of the Serpent's Inner Fire.
Blackberry. (Rubus fruticosa). Arabian sorcerers esteem'd strong infusions of Blackberry leaves as a basis for love-potions. The ratio of 40 grams of fresh leaves, or 25 of the dried, to a litre of boiling water, is sufficient in strength to deliver the essence of the Thorn'd Herb, although its action, both in terms of pharmacological and sorcerous vigour, is comparatively weak. Thus it is best employed in admixture with such resonant Herbs as Damiana, Muripuama, and petals of Sunflower. The fruits also possess great power: they may be tinctur'd in high-proof spirit with enough Aqua Vitae to cover, and the resulting Amethystine waters used as a foundation for the addition of other Herbs.
Caraway. (Carum carvi). Caraway potions were a common love magic in medieval Europe, having the especial Virtue of addressing fickleness in lovers. The seeds have likewise featured prominently in Love-Potions to ensure Fidelity. Employ a decoction using 35 grams of seeds in 400 millilitres of boiling water. Using seeds which are still green and ripening is preferr'd, as the Upward Solar Fire has not peak'd; such are of great glory.
Chicory. (Cichoryum intybus). Known in medieval folklore as an Herb of Love, the roots and fresh flowers of Chicory were used as an ingredient of potions of Attraction. The Roasted Root is commonly available, though in this form the Radix often loses some of its Virtue for the Philtre through destruction by Fire. The Plant is easily grown and, once established, will repopulate the garden-beds with glad vigour. Of the fresh root, make a decoction of 15 grams in 500 ml. of boiling water; of the roasted root, employ similar proportions, or slightly more, depending on the degree to which the root has been baked, and its age. Of the fresh flower, harbouring a sublime secret, make an infusion with 30 grams of the blossom to 550 ml. of boiling water. Cold water infusions may also be employ'd.
Chocolate. (Theobroma cacao). The generic nomenclature of Our Tree, Theobroma, decrypted, renders the meaning "Food of the Gods". The ancient Aztecs employed the ground, roasted seeds in combination with Cinnamon, Chile Peppers, Piper species, blossoms of Quararibea funebris, Vanilla, and the solanaceous Cup of Gold (Solandra spp.) in their cacahuatl, an aphrodisiac Philtre that was drunk sweet or salty. This philtre has also been employ'd as a vehicle for the sacramental ingestion of Psilocybin Mushrooms. Other species of Theobroma were used in central and south America as admixtures to various phytognostic preparations, such as snuffs and masticatory tobacco mixtures. Pharmacologically, Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, both stimulants of the Central Nervous System. Cacao in the form of Cocoa readily imparts its blessings to rectified spirits, and is especially exalted in a menstruum of Rum.
Cinnamon. (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). Cinnamon's chief action upon the body, when consum'd, is to produce heat, that is, increase circulation, sweating, and raise body temperature. It is an invaluable adjunct to the Love-Philtre for flavouring, and has a tendency to mildly potentiate the effects of other Herbs, probably due to increas'd circulation. For flavouring, it blends well with Herbs of a bitter or resinous nature, such as Damiana, softening their bite on the tongue and, sparingly blended, uplifts their more palatable components. As a general rule, use one whole stick of Cinnamon to every litre of Philtre, increasing as desired. Rectified spirit brings out the goodness of Our Bark in tincture without rendering it overweening. Most commercial Cinnamon is in fact Cassia or Bastard Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), and is not only inferior in Virtue for the Philtre, but somewhat unkind to the body. Demand True Cinnamon from the Apothecary, there can be no substitute for its sublime gifts. By all means avoid consumption of Essential Oil of Cinnamon.
Clary Sage. (Salvia sclarea). Licentious Queen of the Sages, Clary is also known as Muscatel Sage, and its unique scent corresponds in the most beguiling of ways to the Divine Musk of Feminine Arousal. The mere inhalation of the fresh, sticky blossom has been known to evoke Erotic Gnosis of the Green, and may be used in this way as a catalyst for Imaginal Arte. Known for centuries as a stupefacient and aphrodisiac, Clary is a potent adjunct to any Nectareum Succubus. It is identified by the chymist as containing chlorogenic acid, a principle known to arouse the flames of passion. Its virtues are best extract'd in alcohol, in tincture or cordial. For cordial, several fresh-harvested inflorescences may be added during primary maceration or the final "cooling" phase, to a sealed Hermeticus containing 1 litre of the ripening philtre. Alternatively, 30 ml. of strong tincture may be added per 500 ml. of Philtre. Have a care with this Lady, however, as excess may degrade a draught of Venus to the rank of Neptunian stupor. Few Herb-merchants deal in Clary, save for its Essential Oil, as some of the Virtue of the Herb degrades over time after drying. The wildlands of its native habitat in France have been greatly reduc'd, thus are we obliged, by Love and Virtue, to grow this Beauty in our physick-garden, reserving for Her a sunny plot with intermittent dryness and wet. Culture from seed is variable and sometimes prob- lematic, but most nurseries will obtain hardy starts which, when lovingly trans- plant'd, will delight and reward with their arousing potencies.
Coriander. (Coriandrum sativum). Dioscorides recommended Coriander seeds steeped in Wine to increase the semen, and this was also a popular medieval Philtre. In her Modern Herbal, Maude Grieve assures us that "If used too freely, the seeds become narcotic." For nostrums of aphrodisiac capacity, gather the seeds during the final quarter of the lunar cycle, as traditionally they are thought to be inundated with their greatest powers of Venery at this time. The leaves possess similar Virtues, though to a lesser degree.
Fennel. (Foeniculum vulgare). A Philtre compounded of Vervain and Fennel makes a most effective Lust Enchantment. Employ the leaves in infusion; 30 grams to 500 ml. boiling water, steep'd 20 minutes. Fennel also readily imparts its virtues to spirits, and tinctures made from Roots, Leaves, and or Blossoms, are also a profitable adjunct, added freely.
Ginseng. (Panax schinseng). In ancient Chinese pharmacology, a preparation known as Spring Wine was used as an aphrodisiac Philtre, containing, among other specifics, Deerhorn shavings and antler resin, Ginseng, powdered ass, and human remains, infused together in wine for a year. The Root alone may be added to a bottle of spirit and steeped for several months, this precious elixir may be taken in small quantities of 5 ml. on a daily basis, or in slightly larger ones 15-40 ml. for use as a stimulating love-philtre. As Ginseng horticulture is extremely difficult, the Brother or Sister of Arte is advised to purchase Ginseng from a reputable Chinese herbalist. Quality of the Root varies widely on the market, and it is well-worth developing a rapport with the local Rhizotomist. The action of Ginseng on the corpus is extremely warming and stimulating, and, for the purposes of the Love-Philtre, more sympathetic to men. Tinctures and standardized extracts may be employed in Our Brew.
American Ginseng. (Panax quinquefolius). This sister of the Asian Root differs slightly in action but is well worth seeking in wild woodlands for its properties. Segments of fresh root, may be brewed into a decoction with or without other aphrodisiac adjuncts. If using fresh roots, individuals of at least three years in age, or having roots 2 cm. in diameter, should be used. There is much profit in using dried Roots as well: steeping them in spirits for tincture is preferr'd to brewing. The wildcrafted material taken from Nature, as opposed to cultivated American Ginseng, is more potent, and its higher price reflects this, although such wild material may well be the result of poaching or overharvesting, as this offense against Nature is common with Our Root.
Kava Kava. (Piper methysticum). The Warm delights of Kava readily manifest in a Philtre of the Sensualist, as it gives rise to pleasure of touch, conviviality, and general euphoria. Traditional use of the Herb in Oceania is as a Euphoriant Philtre and involves the mastication of the Root pulp and lower stems, often by a virgin youth, then adding the pulp to water or coconut milk for the desired consistency. For a Philtre for two persons, grind 30 grams of the dried Root to powder and add 50 millilitres heavy cream, 75 millilitres of cold water, 125 millilitres of coconut milk, and 1000 mg. of Lecithin. Whisk gently, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Add 35 ml. of rum and whisk again, strain, and serve.
Lettuce. (Lactuca sativa). Lettuces were, from antiquity to medieval times, thought to harbour great powers of arousing erotic desire; ancient Egyptians associat'd the Herb with the virile god Min, He of the Ever-Erect Phallus. The Virtues of the Herb found a natural niche in Love-Philtres and charms of Attraction. Lactucarium, or lettuce-opium, was at one time employ'd as a mild narcotic in the absence of Juice of Poppy. It is with sadness that we witness the degrading of the Lettuce's aphrodisiac powers with its domestication. By nature it is actually a bitter plant, and its bitter principles contribute to its efficacy as a provocateur of Passion. For a Love-Philtre, let the Green Sorcerer shun those sweet, succulent leaves peddl'd as food and hunt the Wild Lettuce in its domain, taking care to harvest the entire plant just prior to bolting. Alternatively, wild- gathered seeds may be planted in the garden, so long as their rustic proclivities are encouraged. The Virtues are concentrated in the plant's crown, the junction of Root and Leaf, and can be extracted into spirit, as well as infusion.
Lovage. (Levisticum officinale). In sorceries of Love and Lust, the fresh Root has been employed as a major ingredient in Philtres of Arousal. Infusions of the leaves, stem, and crown may be made in varying strengths, or the juice of the Root and leaves expressed by pounding. A friendly Companion in the Garden, Lovage is hardy and easily grown, long suffering, and generous of fragrance. As with Lettuce, it is best to gather the Herb before it flowers.
Marjoram. (Origanum marjorana). Hallow'd of the goddesses of Lust as widely as Myrtle and Pomegranate, the Genius of Marjoram is one of the happiest and most promiscuous sprites found in Nature. Both the leaves and blossoms of this fragrant Ally are an indispensable (but easily used to excess) addition to Love and Lust Philtres. For tincturing in alcohol, use a 1:l menstruum to marc ratio; for a simple infusion, employ 13 g. of fresh Herb to 500 ml. of boiling water.
Mistletoe. (Viscum album). A classic medieval Philtre of Vervain and Mistletoe leaves was regarded to inflame Lust. For a tincture, several drops of which are suitable for adding to a Philtre, cover 1 volume of dried leaves with 4 volumes of rectified spirit. Let the Vessel of Tincturing enjoy the solitude of one moon, then filter and save the menstruum. Avoid the Berries; they have a venomous propensity and are better employ'd in leechcraft to combat pernicious tumours and cancers.
Muira Puama. (Liriosma ovata). This potent Tree belongs to the Olive family, known as Oleaceae, from which so many beneficial and virtuous Herbs proceed, so we may take refuge in its noble lineage. In South America it has an ancient reputation as a rouser of the affinities of Priapos, not only contributing erectile engorgement in both sexes but also a mild euphoria. Though a strong decoction of the bark, brew'd long, is of merit, it is far better to tincture the wood in some spirit of alcohol, and employ this in Philtre manufacture, or, in combinațion with other virtuous Herbs, particularly Rose Hips. A standard tincture may be made by macerating the bark in just enough distill'd spirit to cover, for the duration of two moons. One may, with diligent seeking, find tinctures or standardized extracts of Muira Puama on the Apothecary's shelf.
Mullein. (Verbascum spp.). Mullein is a suitable addition to brews of Love and Lust. The leaves may be thus employed, but the flowers, when available, are doubly good. An infusion of blossoms may be made with 22 g. of the flowers, steep'd in 500 ml. of boiling water; use the same proportions with leaves.
Orchid (Orchis spp.). Occasionally Orchis mascula or Early Purple Orchid in some regions carried associations with Death, but far more often it was an Herb of Lust and Attraction, much like its other Orchid-kin. Pounded or ground, the thriving portion of the Root was a common ingredient of Love and Lust Philtres. Long regarded as a multiplier of semen, Orchid brews, serv'd up in the great Salep Houses of Europe, once rivaling the popularity of coffee. The blossoms may also be employed for these purposes. For prepared Salep root, make a decoction of 10 grams of the root to 750 ml. water; bring to boil, simmer in a covered vessel for 15 minutes. For flowers, infusions are best. Depending on the species, use 7-23 flowers, steeped in a 400 ml. of boiling water.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor). A common medieval love-powder was comprised of equal parts dried Leaves of Cinquefoil, Vervain, and Periwinkle; and the Herb was also frequently used in Lust-Philtres. 5 grams of this powder are added to 750 ml. of wine, then left to steep for 12 hours, then strained before serving. Extracts of Vinca and isolated chymical constituents are currently enjoying a revival, and some of these preparations are attributed with aphrodisiac qualities. However, due to the guileful and often deadly nature of many plants in the Dogbane Family (of which Our Herb is an esteem'd member) caution is advis'd.
Rose (Rosa spp.). Like Cinnamon, Rose may benefit the Love-Philtre by addition as a sympathetic and potentiating flavouring agent. Associated with Love and Lust from time immemorial, the buds and blossoms are in every way suitable and sympathetic to Our Arte. Its Virtue is especially suited to cordials, numerous fresh petals added during the cooling phase. Only the most fragrant blossoms should be added, with care taken to gather from pure plants that have not been infested with deleterious chymical pesticides. The magician is directed to hardy varieties that do well without them, such as rambling roses and climbers that have retain'd much of their ability to fight off pests. One may also use Rose Water, the hydrosol which is the aqueous product of rose-oil distillation, taking care not to heat. True hydrosols, labeled as such, are best, but one may also use food-grade Rose Water if such is the only option. Additionally, Rose Otto (steam distill'd Essential Oil of Rose) may be added in the quantity of 3-11 drops per 500 ml. of cordial or Philtre, to great benefit.
Saffron (Crocus sativus). The stigmas of this Holy Crocus are an excellent Cordial and proven Exhilarant; the Herb has been shown to have estrogenic effects in women. As an amorous Philtre, steep 6-10 stigmas infused in a 125 ml. of boiling water. Saffron can also manifest as a poison, damaging the Central Nervous System and kidneys. 10-15 grams of stigmas is consider'd a fatal dose.
Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum). In Medieval Europe, the tiny white flowers of the scented variety were used in Love and Lust Philtres. A generous handful of these fresh blooms should be added to 400 ml. of cold water, steeped patiently for six hours then strained, to make a cool infusion. The flowers are especially useful in combination with Lettuce and Chicory.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus). A piquant Philtre of Lust was brew'd by the ancient Maya from an extract of the petals, and Sunflower was used as a love and lust charm in England and the American Colonies until relatively recently. Like Clary, the flower petals contain chlorogenic acid. The virtues of the Solar Herb are best extracted in mild spirits such as white wine or mead, in the amount of 40 grams of the fresh petals to 750 ml. of spirit, but if one has access to large fields of the flowers, infusions may be made freely to one's heart's content, in such strengths as befits the work and the capacity of the Cucurbite.
Terror of the Earth (Tribulus terrestris). This enthorn'd member of the Caltrop family, belligerent in appearance, and also called Puncture Vine, is becoming increasingly known to Natural Magicians as a provocateur of hormonal tides, as well as a kindly Ally of the Heart. As a Philtre for the Delights of Venus, the fruit, roots and leaves are mixed together in a pot with enough water to cover and boiled for seven minutes. Strained and cooled, the mixture is drunk twice a day. Like Periwinkle, prepared extracts of Tribulus are now appearing in varied forms on the Apothecary's Shelf, employed especially for promoting sustain'd erection in men with increased sensation, as its action is androsterogenic.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). Besides its supreme value as a flavouring, Vanilla possess magical and pharmacological tendencies toward Venerie. While ready- made extracts are easily available from Herb Merchants, they often dishonour the Genius of the plant by adulteration with vanillin. Behold, a Bean without guile: one may glorify her sovereignty in tincture form to the betterment of all Works. Some beans are now available organically-grown. Its virtues are especial- ly extalted in the form of a Plant Syrup.
Woodruff, Sweet (Galium odorata). The Master of the Woods, as it is known to the Curren, is small in stature, growing in verdant whorls deep in the shade. Long valued for its powers of Peace, Triumph, and Protection in Battle, Our Fragrant Herb gives rise to a Tonick of good physick and great value, in every way uplifting to the spirits. The Stems, Leaves, and Flowers of this member of the Madder Family, when dried, grow more fragrant with age, and with wisdom may be tinctur'd, well-pack'd, with sufficient Spirits of Wine. The resulting coumarin-rich medicine is then used in small amounts to fortify other Nectareum Succubi when additional potency is requir'd.
Yohimbe (Corynanthe yohimbe). The bark of this West African Tree has long been used in ecstatic rites of sexual magics, marriage and nubility rituals. Of late its powers have been increasingly exploit'd by allopathic medicine for combating impotence. More than sexual arousal and erection, Yohimbe also contributes a component of ecstatic euphoria unparalleled in other Herbs. Use of the bark must be attend'd with caution, however, as it neutralizes the Monoamine oxidase enzyme which, by the artifice of Nature, destroy certain amines which would otherwise be hostile to the body. Thus a strict taboo on certain foods should be observed for twelve hours prior to and following use of the Philtre. These include cheeses, wines and beer, canned fish, chocolate, pineapple, bananas, as well as amine-bearing principles common to visionary plants such as mescaline and dimethyltryptamine. Alcoholic beveragesare ill-advised. A simple Philtre of Lust can be made by boiling one handful of Yohimbe bark in one litre of water for 30 minutes, straining, and adding 1000 mg. Ascorbic Acid. This should be allow'd to cool and drunk by the cupful until desired ecstasis is achiev'd. Standardized extracts of Yohimbe are also of Great Value.”
4: ‘Of The Nectareum Succubus’
Concerning the Aqueous Cunning of the Potion and Its Praxis in the Green Arte Magical
