Category: Magic

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Echinacea

Not my pic but I wish it was! <3

Gender: Male
Element: Earth
Planet: Mars
Zodiac Sign: Pisces, Scorpio
Celtic Zodiac/ Date: N/A
Lunar Month: N/A
Tarot: Temperance
Rune: N/A
Ogham: N/A
Crystal: N/A
Deities: Athena, Venus, Cerridwen
Associated Festival: N/A
Chakras: Solar Plexus, Heart, and Root
Birth Month: N/A
Meaning: Healing, Strengthening Spells
Type: Perennial flower
Grows in Zone: 5-8
Plant for Bees?: Yes
Natural pesticide?: No
Poisonous/ Toxic: No

Known to witches and herbalists as the purple Coneflower, Samson Root, Black Sampson, Hedgehog, Indian Head, Kansas snakeroot, Scurvy root, Snakeroot, and Comb Flower, Echinacea is a perennial plant, meaning it lasts for many years. It is approximately 1-2 feet tall when mature. It is slightly spiky and has large purple to pink flowers, depending on the species. The center of the flower has a seed head (cone), which is also spiky and dark brown to red in color. Echinacea is a Perennial plant from the daisy family, Asteraceae, and can be found primarily in Eastern and Central North America. The name Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos, which describes a sea urchin or hedgehog, which are similar in appearance to Echinacea’s spiked seed head.

Native Americans used Echinacea for hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers, settlers, and colonizers. The North American Plains Indians used it extensively for general medical purposes. It is endemic to eastern and central North America and thrives in moist to dry prairies and open woodlands.

The Plains Native Americans used Echinacea more than any other herb. They would smoke the plant and use it to make themselves resistant to heat. Native Americans used Echinacea to treat snake bites.

By the early 1800s Echinacea became a popular herbal remedy for those who had settled in the United States. Early settlers would mix Echinacea into horse or cow feed to help improve the animal’s health and appetite if it was having a hard time eating and soon became commonly used in Europe as well. It became much more popular after research on it was carried out in Germany in the 1920s. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Echinacea became hugely popular in Europe and North America as an herbal medication.

Echinacea was first used as a treatment for the common cold when a Swiss supplement maker mistakenly understood that it could prevent colds, and that Native American tribes in South Dakota used it for that purpose.

Native American Indians did not commonly use Echinacea for the treatment or prevention of colds, though it was by some. Some, like the Kiowa and the Cheyenne, used it for sore throats and coughs, while the Pawnee said it was useful for headaches. The Lakȟóta said it was an excellent painkiller.

Native Americans say that humans learned to use Echinacea by watching elk seeking out the herb and eating it whenever they were wounded or sick. They named it the “elk root.”

My dad would buy Burpee seeds all the time growing up. Every year we had big beautiful flowers by our mailbox!

Echinacea is one of the least well studied as far as medicinal properties as it is more often cultivated for its flower than for medicine in today’s modern world. However, there has been very promising scientific research in the last 10 years towards this very healing plant.

Studies suggest that Echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Professional herbalists may recommend Echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections, athlete’s foot, sinusitis, hay fever, as well as slow-healing wounds. It also could help provide some relief from indigestion, ADHD, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Echinacea balances and strengthens the immune system. This Native American plant is a natural immunity enhancer. It stabilizes the histamine producing cells and keeps white blood cells within the normal range. The root, leaves, or whole plant may be used in tonics or teas. Prevention is better than a cure. Ideally, it is best to use herbal remedies as a preventative measure for hay fever in the months running up to spring and summer, rather than just as a treatment. A cup of Echinacea a day boosts the immune system for hay fever season.

Echinacea strengthens the immune system and can shorten the length of a bout of cold or flu. Drink a cup of Echinacea tea every day from the start of winter as a preventative measure. Scientists from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy reviewed over a dozen studies on the effects of Echinacea on people’s risk of catching a cold. A review of 14 studies found that taking Echinacea may lower the risk of developing colds by more than 58%. Research has also shown that taking Echinacea at the first sign of a cold can decrease the duration and intensity, reducing the length of time a cold lasts by 1.4 days.

Any herbal remedy or food that contains antioxidants can help repair your cells. Antioxidants destroy the toxins (free radicals) that age and damage the cells in our body prematurely. Because of the antioxidants in Echinacea, drinking Echinacea tea or taking a high-quality supplement can contribute to healthy cell growth in your body.

Echinacea has been shown to improve immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, inflammation and skin health. It may even have anti-cancer properties. However, human-based research on these benefits is often limited.

The antioxidant properties in Echinacea purpurea are unique. A 2017 study showed that Echinacea in your bloodstream can help keep your blood sugar from spiking if you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic. It can also keep your blood sugar from plummeting if you are hypoglycemic. It certainly isn’t a replacement for insulin therapy or other diabetes treatments, such as managing carbohydrates. But drinking Echinacea tea or consuming it in supplement form is one way that you can help control your blood sugar levels.

The research for Echinacea as a supplement to lower blood pressure is ongoing, but it’s also promising. It makes sense that an herb with high amounts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds could help blood pressure levels. Anxiety also plays into high blood pressure, so the effects of Echinacea contribute to controlling blood pressure in additional ways.

Echinacea was tested as an antianxiety supplement and found to be effective. Echinacea extract helps regulate the synapses that aid communication between your body and brain. While it can’t turn off the “fear reflex” that people who have anxiety attacks experience, it can limit the physical effects of your fears and help you to feel calmer. Echinacea can be an excellent herb for those that battle with anxiety.

I hadn’t realized how many species of cone flower there were growing up or I would have requested dad plant the Flame-thrower and Hot Papaya!

Because of its clinically demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea has been suggested as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions that are caused or worsened by inflammation. The biologically active compounds in Echinacea work with your body to keep its inflammation response down. This contributes to healing and relief for many inflammation-related issues.

The Native Americans traditionally used Echinacea to relieve aches and pains, and it is believed that Echinacea can help relieve the physical discomforts that usually follow surgery. Echinacea possesses germ killing and wound healing properties.

Witch Tip: Soak a damp cotton cloth in a solution containing 1 part Echinacea to 2 parts water and apply gently to the affected area. A compress can help to relieve swollen glands, inflammations of the veins, infected cuts, skin abrasions, burns, and inflamed insect bites.

Echinacea is available over the counter at pharmacies, health shops, and online as teas, liquid extracts, a dried herb, and as capsules or pills. Echinacea is also available as a dried herb from specialist supplies. Similarly, a cream containing Echinacea purpurea extract was shown to improve eczema symptoms and help repair the skin’s thin, protective outer layer.

There have been cases where people have allergic side effects to Echinacea but these have been primarily in people who have a floral allergy such as daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed, and more.

It is safe to use indefinitely, but loses potency if you use it too long, so it’s best to only use it during flu season or when you’re not feeling well and take a break the rest of the time. Continuous use is not advised. Some studies suggest that it is only effective up to 10 days before it loses its effect on your body.

Echinacea is often used to strengthen the power of spells. It was also used by the Native Americans not only to strengthen their spells, but as an offering to spirits. Echinacea root and petals can be used in a sachet and carried to draw energies of strength and stamina, and to be carried as a protective ward.

Witch Tip: Echinacea can be used to strengthen the power of charms, blends, or sachets and burned as incense. Including this herb in any spell or charm will increase its effectiveness.

Use it for strengthening your powers. Carry this herb to promote inner strength during trying times.

Witch Tip: Drink Echinacea tea to encourage psychic insight and amplify clairvoyant abilities. Keep Echinacea petals around your altar or sacred space to increase magical and psychic energies.

Grow it around your home or bring it in to your home to attract prosperity and protect your family from financial difficulties. It’s also an excellent root to use in money magic.

Echinacea seeds can be incorporated in fertility and abundance spells. Dress an orange or red candle with cinnamon oil, place Echinacea petals around the base, and light the candle for a spell to increase lust and male sexual potency.

Echinacea petals and root can be burned in cleansing and purification rituals. Take a spiritual cleansing bath infused with Echinacea petals and root.

Use level: Easy

Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly. Always consult your doctor before using any kind of supplements.

From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,

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Ginger

Gender: Male
Element: Fire
Planet: Mars, Sun
Zodiac Sign: Leo, Scorpio (pink ginger)
Celtic Zodiac/ Date: N/A
Lunar Month: N/A
Tarot: N/A
Rune: N/A
Ogham: N/A
Crystal: N/A
Deities: All Sun gods
Associated Festival:  N/A
Chakras: Root
Birth Month: N/A
Meaning: Health, anti-nausea, power enhancing
Type:  Perennial herb  
Grows in Zone: 9-12
Plant for Bees?: No
Natural pesticide?: No
Poisonous/ Toxic: No

Ginger, also known as rat root, is a flowering plant whose rhizome, root, and is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems (false stems made of the rolled bases of leaves) about one meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades. The inflorescences have pale yellow with purple flowers and arise directly from the rhizome on separate shoots.

Ginger is in the family Zingiberaceae, which also includes turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Ginger originated in Island Southeast Asia and was likely domesticated first by the Austronesian peoples. It was transported with them throughout the Indo-Pacific during the Austronesian expansion (5,000 B.C.E).

This magnificent root is one of the first spices exported from Asia. It is believed that Alexander the Great was the first to introduce it to the Western World. Hence, ginger arrived in Europe through Ancient Greece during the Spice Trade Age. It was extensively used by ancient Greeks and later by Romans. The English origin of the word, “ginger” comes from the mid-14th century English ‘gingifer’, which comes from the ancient Sanskrit ‘srngaveram’, which actually means horned body, referring to the shape of the root.

Ginger has long been prescribed for a variety of alignments. Ginger Root is indeed sacred and used by ancient Priests and Priestesses to invoke the power of Fire. Ginger is a catalyst, a force of fire. It is also believed to conjure the powers of Mars and the Sun and raise the Chi. 

Since the Ancient Times, ginger root was used as a food preservative. Our ancestors have noticed that when food was prepared with ginger did not go bad as quickly. In the 16th century England it was considered medicine. While Henry the VIII believed that Ginger could cure the plague. In many cultures, ginger is still considered a “Cure All.”

In the Middle Ages, this root was used to prepare liquors and digestive drinks, and they also manufactured a type of bread called “Podirijanca” shaped like a vagina traditionally used in wedding rituals. Instead of throwing a bouquet, they threw this bread, and all the men fought for it. Eventually, this tradition morphed over time into the 17th century cockle bread which was baked by English women as a love charm. The dough was kneaded and pressed against the woman’s vulva and then baked. This bread was then given to the object of the baker’s affections.

Thirsty tavern-goers in England would add Ginger to their mug of ale and stir it with a hot poker. The tradition has led to a well-known soft drink today: ginger ale.

Currently, India is the highest producer of Ginger in the world. Over 380,000 tons per year. China is the second highest producers of this amazing spice, at over 331,000 tons per year.  But it is said that Jamaica produces the best ginger.

Ginger can’t really be grown in the average American back yard, but it can be purchased in the average American grocery store. If you want to try growing it, you’ll have to keep your plant indoors. Ginger does not like temperatures below 50 degrees. It also doesn’t like full sun. You can grow ginger from the knobby bits off a ginger root. Soak them overnight and set them in a pot just beneath the soil’s surface the buds facing up. Water very lightly at first, and then increase water as the plant starts growing. Stop watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Dig up new young sprouts that form around the main plant. Use the tubers you need and replant the rest. Store ginger root in a cool, dry place.

Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes. When you buy ginger, fresh this is best. The fresh root has a great deal more crispness and vitality compared to dry. Dry ginger is best used in baking. Use it in recipes like Ginger Bread, crackers and the making of ginger ale or beer. Add fresh, grated ginger to curries and stir-fries or drizzle ginger syrup over desserts. For cooking, start with a small dose, 1 or 2 drops, and add it any meal that calls for ginger. Ginger is known for its crisp and yet spicy flavor and is used in a variety of ways from cooking to Magic.

Many studies have proven the effectiveness of Ginger. In a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, Ginger proved, “to keep tumors from developing”. Many physicians who favor herbal and natural remedies swear by the effectiveness of Ginger.

The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

A tropical spice contains volatile oils and oleoresin, which stimulate the circulation and impart a feeling of warmth and well-being. Ginger also relaxes the surface capillaries, making it a good remedy for cold hands and feet. Ginger triggers the immune system and is great for any cold conditions associated with shivering, such as low-grade fever or walking home from the bus stop in the rain.

Witch Tip: To relieve respiratory conditions, drink ginger tea or add 1 drop of essential oil to green tea twice daily.

Witch Tip: How to make a natural cough syrup. Just a few sips of this natural cough syrup will help to soothe a sore throat. The antibacterial properties of honey will help to fight off throat infections. To make a simple cough syrup: Pour 1 1/4 cup of boiling water into a jug containing a sliced lemon and one tablespoon of organic honey. You may then choose to add an herb that is good at knocking out colds. You can use:

  1. Sage- chopped fresh sage helps soothe an aching head.
  2. Ginger- grated fresh ginger stimulates circulation
  3. Thyme- a spoonful of chopped fresh thyme will fight infection.

Cool, strain, and take 1.5 tbsp 3 times a day.

The most common use for ginger in healing is the treatment of upset stomach. Ginger tea, ginger ale, candy, tablets, and the curiously strong ginger Altoids are often kept on hand for sour stomachs, morning sickness, and car sickness. Ginger has long been used to treat nausea. Oriental sailors have chewed fresh ginger root to combat seasickness for centuries. Its effectiveness has been confirmed through numerous clinical trials. Ginger calms digestive track spasms to reduce nausea better than motion sickness drugs, according to a study at Brigharn Young University, Utah.

It is also used to help combat nausea associated with chemotherapy. Studies have shown similar results between ginger and over the counter medicines for treating nausea. People who tend to have sensitive stomachs and indigestion may find relief by developing the habit of drinking a cup of ginger tea after each meal. It can help with poor appetites, overdoing it, however, can stimulate your stomach too much and lead to indigestion and gassiness, so moderation is advised. For nausea, diffuse 2 or 3 drops of ginger essential oil or apply 1 to 2 drops to the feet or lower abdomen. To treat vomiting, add one drop of ginger oil to a glass of water or cup of tea and drink slowly.

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) refers to pain felt during a woman’s menstrual cycle. One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain. In one study, 150 women were instructed to take 1 gram of ginger powder per day, for the first 3 days of the menstrual period. Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.

Ginger is also a noted anti-inflammatory agent. You can eat ginger candy or apply fresh slices of ginger directly to the affected area. Gingerol can help lower the risk of infections. In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria. It is very effective against the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

There is also some evidence that ginger can enhance brain function directly. In a study of 60 middle-aged women, ginger extract was shown to improve reaction time and working memory.

Witch Tip: Drink a cup of ginger root tea when you are feeling scatter brained or before meditating. Ginger root promotes stability and grounding which will help to center and focus your thoughts or actions. You will find that a daily cup of ginger root tea will help with overall balance in your life.

Ginger is a good source of antioxidants, but it does not provide many vitamins, minerals, protein, or calories. Over 50 antioxidants have been found in ginger. Studies have shown that, for this reason, ginger can reduce various types of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when too many free radicals build up in the body. Free radicals are toxic substances produced by metabolism and other factors.

The body needs to eliminate free radicals to prevent them from causing cellular damage that can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer. Dietary antioxidants help the body get rid of free radicals. In a 2013 trial, researchers gave 20 participants either 2 g of ginger or a placebo for 28 days. The participants all had a high risk of developing colorectal cancer. Biopsies showed that the participants who had consumed the ginger had fewer negative changes in healthy colon tissue. This group also had reduced cellular proliferation. The findings indicate that ginger could play a role in preventing colorectal cancer. To aid digestion and get rid of toxins, add 2 or 3 drops of ginger oil to warm bath water. The phenolic gingerol subdues inflammation. Studies show it reduces the viability of gastric cancer cells. In other studies, ginger also proved to have anti-liver damage properties among other beneficial qualities.

Use ginger in a compress, inhale the essential oils, in baths, and creams. Ginger pairs well with citrus fruits, tea, sweet potatoes, pork, coconut, miso soup, onion, pears, and rice.

Avoid high doses during pregnancy. Pregnant women shouldn’t use huge amounts of ginger for a long period of time because it can irritate the abdominal area. To reduce danger, use only fresh ginger rather than dried ginger.

Versatile, powerful and beautifully fragrant, ginger’s use in witchcraft, its magical properties and its metaphysical benefits make this fiery spice must-have in any practitioners cabinet.  Chances are, it’s already in yours!  Let ginger help you make your craft stronger.

Ginger can be used for wealth, concentration, success, balance, grounding, clarity, power, stability, healing, passion, health, luck, and lifting the spirit.

Ginger enjoys a legendary reputation for accelerating spell craft, find a way to incorporate into matters you want expedited. Include in spells for situations that require immediate attention. It is used as a catalyst, such as cinnamon, making situations happen faster.

When chewed, drank, or eaten, it is believed to help us raise, or you ‘wake up’ your vital and more magical energy. It also helps fight general fatigue and provides more personal energy. A human-shaped ginger root is believed to be EXTRA powerful.  Furthermore, eating food with ginger prior to spell casting is believed to power up our magical capacity. Hence, it gives more power to the spells. 

Witch Tip: Ginger’s warming and stimulating properties aid concentration as well as boosting your entire system. Add grated ginger to your cooking or boil it in water for five minutes, then drink it with a small dash of honey for an instant energy lift. To boost mood and feelings of courage, add 2 or 3 drops to a diffuser or inhale twice daily.

Honor your fire sign. Ruled by the Element of Fire, this spice ignites the best qualities of a fire sign.  Carry it with you or leave it on the altar to embolden your fire sign.

Witch Tip: Get a very small fresh or crystalized part of ginger root and put in your mouth. Meditate on your desire (love, protection, magical powers, healing etch) and start chewing it. Let its passionate magic fill your body and aura. Keep on visualizing your desire. Finally, spit it out and your desire will come true. 

Due to its correspondence with fire, Ginger is believed to be a potent aphrodisiac. Throw a piece into an attraction spell. Inspire passion and bring “heat” into a relationship with the help of ginger in a spell sachet. Use it in kitchen witch spells for “spicing up” long term relationships. consider using ginger in meals for your anniversary, Valentine’s, hand fasting or other romantic occasions.

Witch Tip: Prepare a ginger-infused wine or cocktail to rejuvenate the passion in a healthy relationship. You can only do that if your relationship is healthy. You shouldn’t use this practice in a relationship that has many problems since these can only worsen.

The Smell of Ginger is believed to conjure the forces of Fire. This is why we use ginger as incense to catalyze the spells. Burn some powered root for success. 

Witch Tip: Fill up your chalice with real, natural ginger ale. Warm the hearth and home with this magical brew.  Include some nutmeg and cinnamon stick for the delicious, most heart-warming aroma ever!

Feeling nervous before a big presentation?  In need of a dose of bravery before a first date?  If you plan to go way outside your comfort zone, chew on some ginger root beforehand to stir your courage and inspire confidence.

With its reputation for soothing upset stomachs, this spice is an appropriate addition to poppets and spells for this purpose.  Include in healing poppets for stomach ailments. You can also double up and use it to stop nightmares. Place a piece of ginger in a sachet under your pillow or sew it into a poppet to halt nightmares in their tracks and inspire a sense of safety and protection at bedtime.

Witch Tip: Use Ginger for banishing. Make an infusion out of it and then Sprinkle it on something you want to banish.  To make an infusion, boil a piece of the root in water for 10 – 20 minutes. Sprinkle in/on cigarettes, candy, a photo of someone you want out of your life, ect.

The smoke of burned root is used to consecrate rituals tools, charge amulets and break evil spells. It is also used to prepare food as libation to Sun and Fire entities and deities. Ginger promotes psychic growth and draws new experiences which can greatly enhance your experience with meditations and deities.

Ginger helps to attract prosperity. Keep a ginger root (or, better yet, have it planted) to always attract money to your home. Sprinkle some powdered ginger root on your wallet, or in your pocket, to attract more money. Burn some ginger root at home helps to attract success.

Smoke from the ignited ginger root also helps dissolve spells that have been made against the person and also helps energize personal amulets.

Bonus Witch Tip: Oriental sailor lore says to Throw a root in the Sea to calm down a thunderstorm and invoke peace. 

Ginger and Cayenne Tea

Include making a herbal remedy for motion sickness as part of your preparations before a long journey. The recipe below is easy to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you should find in your cupboard. You will need:

  • 2cm fresh ginger root
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup water

Grate 2cm of fresh ginger root into a heat resistant glass and then add a dash of ground cayenne pepper. Pour in boiling water and steep for around 5 minutes. Strain off the liquid and sip a cup half an hour before your journey. You can take the remaining liquid in a thermos. The spicy remedy should taste quite palatable, but if not, you can sweeten it with honey.

Ginger and burdock Olive Oil

This homemade herbal olive oil is highly aromatic and tastes great! Make this olive oil as an accompaniment to your meals to give you a daily boost of concentration. To make this herbal pick me up, which works great on your whole system and gives you a welcome energy boost, you will need:

  • 1 bottle cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ inch section of ginger
  • Sprig of burdock

First, finely chop the ½ inch section of ginger and the sprig of burdock, which should include both the twig and leaves. Open the bottle of cold pressed olive oil and add the ginger and burdock to it. Replace the cap and shake well. Allow the oil to infuse for a week, then use on salads and in cooking to give your concentration a regular boost. Or you can put all of the ingredients into a very pretty bottle and gift it as a present for a loved one.

Use level: Easy

This is a GREAT recipe for big soft ginger cookies you can make! I tried it and just switched the molasses with maple syrup. They weren’t as dark but they tasted amazing! 10/10 would recommend!

Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly. Always consult your doctor before using any kind of supplements.

From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,

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Garlic

Description: C:\Users\Cristina\Pictures\_1800x1200_all_about_garlic_slideshow.jpg

Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Planet: Mars
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Celtic Zodiac/ Date: N/A
Lunar Month: N/A
Tarot: N/A
Rune: N/A
Ogham: N/A
Crystal: N/A
Deities: Hekate, Crone, Cybele
Associated Festival: N/A
Chakras: Solar Plexus
Birth Month: N/A
Meaning: Protection, health
Type: Annual herb
Grows in Zone: 4 -9
Plant for Bees?: No
Natural pesticide?:  Yes
Poisonous/ Toxic: No

Garlic is an annual herb that is grown around the world. Garlic is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Allium sativum is a bulbous plant, growing up to 1 meter (3.3 ft) in height.  Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese onion. The word garlic derives from Old English, garlēac, meaning gar (spear) and leek, as a ‘spear-shaped leek’.

Garlic is native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran, and has long been a common seasoning worldwide, with a history of several thousand years of human consumption and use. China currently produces some 80% of the world’s supply of garlic.

Many cooks make the mistake of thinking that the large bulb of garlic you buy is a clove of garlic. The whole garlic is called a “head” or a “knob”. Each segment is called a “clove” of garlic. In other words, if a recipe calls for three cloves of garlic, you would use three of the separate segments. When selecting garlic for planting, it is important to pick large bulbs from which to separate cloves. Large cloves, along with proper spacing in the planting bed, will also increase bulb size. Garlic plants prefer to grow in a soil with a high organic material content, but are capable of growing in a wide range of soil conditions and PH levels. If garlic is planted at the proper time and depth, it can be grown as far north as Alaska. Growing garlic near other plants will help protect them from pests.

Garlic will keep a long time if the heads are stored in a cool dark place. If you keep them in the fridge, they will sprout and taste bitter. The pungent odor of garlic cloves is due to active volatile oils. Its flavor is sweetened by cooking, especially baking. If you buy the garlic braids, they should be hung up to prevent bruising of the cloves. 

Garlic, also known as the stinking rose, stinkweed, and poor man’s treacle, is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Cultures throughout history have used it for physical and spiritual health; among the various beliefs about garlic were that it made you stronger and kept away evil spirits. Garlic was used by Egyptian and Indian cultures 5,000 years ago, and there is historical evidence of it being used by the Babylonians 4,500 years ago, and by the Chinese over 2,000 years ago. While the prescriptions changed, the use of garlic as a healing agent continued all the way up until the present day.

Researchers think the ancient Egyptians were the first to farm garlic. Its image has been found in Egyptian tombs depicted as an offering to the Gods. The pyramid builders of ancient Egypt were paid partially in garlic each day to improve their strength and ward off illness and Egyptians swore oaths on cloves of garlic. A mere 15 pounds of this ancient currency would buy a healthy male slave. Ancient Egyptians bestowed many sacred qualities upon garlic. They believed it kept away evil spirits, so they buried garlic-shape lumps of clay with dead pharaohs. Archaeologists found preserved bulbs of garlic scattered around King Tut’s tomb millennia after his burial. The ancient Egyptians believed so strongly in the power of garlic to ward off evil spirits that they would chew it before making a journey at night. 

Ancient Greeks and Romans loved their garlic, too. Greek athletes and soldiers ate garlic before entering the arena or battlefield because they thought it had strength-enhancing properties. Greek midwives hung garlic cloves in birthing rooms to repel evil spirits. They placed garlic at cross-roads as a supper for the goddess Hekate, or for protection to ward off demons. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “father of medicine,” prescribed garlic for a variety of ailments around 400 B.C. It was used to treat wounds, fight infection, and ease digestive disorders.

Roman soldiers ate garlic before battle for strength, inspiration, and courage. In Ancient Rome, it was “much used for food among the poor”. 

Garlic’s reputation as a medicinal wonder continued into the Middle Ages. It was used in attempts to prevent the plague and to treat leprosy and a long list of other ailments. It was also used to maintain health during the plague, as well as to ward off evil spirits, vampires, the evil eye and various spells and hexes. An Islamic legend claims that when Satan left the Garden of Eden, garlic and onions grew from his footprints.

Later, explorers and migrating peoples introduced this easy-to-grow and easy-to-carry plant to various regions around the world. The Spanish, Portuguese, and French introduced garlic to the Americas. Its alleged aphrodisiac qualities made garlic taboo for Tibetan monks. Tibetan monks were forbidden from entering monasteries if they had eaten garlic. 

Garlic played its first starring role in modern medical treatment during World War I. The Russians used garlic on the front lines to treat battle wounds and fight infection, and medics used moss that was soaked in garlic as an antiseptic to pack wounds.

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Garlic is an extremely popular all-purpose herbal remedy. You can add this versatile ingredient to your cooking to benefit from its many advantages. To maximize the health benefits, you should crush the garlic at room temperature and allow it to sit for about fifteen minutes. This triggers an enzyme reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in garlic. Cutting, crushing, or chewing a garlic clove activates numerous sulfurous substances. When these substances come into contact with oxygen, they form compounds that have therapeutic properties. The most researched, and possibly the most medicinally powerful, of these potent compounds are allicin and ajoene. Garlic is a versatile plant that can be eaten both cooked and raw.

Garlic is antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, and anti-fungal, anti-asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, bronchodilator, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, immunostimulant, urinary antiseptic, and vasodilator. It is a natural analgesic (pain reliever), antioxidant, and disinfectant. Labeled as an antioxidant, garlic may help prevent certain cancers such as colon cancer and can improve the effectiveness of the immune system. Anticancer action has even been reported in more recent lab studies. The sulfur in garlic’s essential oil makes a good defense for killing germs. Once garlic is ingested, it is absorbed into the blood stream and then diffused through various organs. The skin, intestines, lungs and urinary system profit highly from its healing properties.

Garlic has long been used as a field aid and home remedy over the millennia to treat wounds. It has been proven to kill various fungal infections, viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites. You can use it to disinfect wounds as well as treat warts, boils, psoriasis. Garlic can also be used as afield antiseptic and disinfectant for athlete’s foot, cuts, scrapes, wounds, sores, warts, boils, and psoriasis. Garlic is also great for treating ear infections.

Witch Tip: Garlic vinegar can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain and any common pain (made from one liter of vinegar and ten cloves of crushed garlic steeped for at least 10 days). For athlete’s foot, warts, skin infections and acne, rub (freshly mashed) garlic over the affected area with a piece of gauze.

Witch Tip: You can step garlic in olive oil and drop it into the ear. Garlic oil can burn the skin so do not apply full strength or fresh cut directly on the skin.

Garlic is an amazing immune system booster with a vast array of healing abilities that follow regular consumption. Herbalists recommend adding garlic to your diet one to two months before the hay fever season. It contains B-group vitamins that have immune boosting properties. As well as helping to boost your immune system, garlic is a natural fungicide. Fungus spores can trigger a hay fever attack and so garlic can be very helpful throughout the seasons. It has antihistamine properties which make it useful in helping to reduce the irritating symptoms of hay fever such as a runny nose and itchy, sore eyes.

Garlic has been used to prevent other respiratory health problems including colds, flu, sore throats, strep throat, coughs, congestion, asthma attacks, sinus infections (sinusitis), respiratory infections/ distress, and bronchitis.

Witch Tip: Fresh garlic mixed with honey is an excellent home remedy for colds, hoarseness, and inflammation of the throat. crush 1 oz. of fresh garlic cloves. Mix the garlic with 1 cup of honey. Let the mixture sit for 1 hour to infuse the honey with the garlic’s essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place. At The first sign of a cold, take 1-2 tsp. of the mixture. (Repeat every hour thereafter) This remedy is also effective for relieving severe chest congestion and painful coughing.

Garlic is a cardiovascular tonic. Its stimulating effects enliven a sluggish circulation and dilate the peripheral blood vessels, thus warming the body’s extremities. Pungent sulfur compounds, which are also responsible for its distinctive odor, promote heart health via beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and reduction of cholesterol levels. Garlic lowers LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (the good cholesterol); this helps prevent buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. However, for those suffering from hypertension, garlic can help to lower blood pressure. It also helps blood clots from forming which is what protects against heart attack and stroke. Use caution if you are taking blood thinners or use aspirin regularly. Garlic itself is a blood thinner.

It can be used as an analgesic (pain reliever) for insect bites. Studies have found that concentrated garlic kills ticks within thirty minutes. It can be used to help cure parasitic worms in children as well. Garlic can be used to cure bladder infections, colic, stomach ulcers, tooth aches, aiding diabetics, and aids poor digestion.

Witch Tip: Garlic has been used to help treat ulcers. Eat 7-9 cloves of garlic throughout the day, with milk or spread on bread. (Not recommended for 3rd trimester pregnant women or nursing mothers as some babies will refuse to nurse after the mother eats garlic)

It has been thought to possess magical properties for centuries, and is widely used in charms and spells. Sacred to Hekate and left as offerings for her at altars and crossroads, garlic is a major protection herb. Just having garlic in your house alone is believed to protect from robbery, disease, foul weather, ghosts, evil spirits, the evil eye, and magical attack. When carried on your person, it is used to protect from monsters, storms, and physical or magical attack. Use garlic for healing, exorcisms, repelling thieves, speed, strength, endurance, courage, health, healing, exorcisms, lust, blessing a new home, spiritual purification, fortune, and absorbing diseases.

Witch Tip: Make an offering to Hekate. Sacred to the ancient Greek goddess of witchcraft and magic, garlic makes a perfect offering.  Leave a clove at the crossroads or grow some by your front door to honor her. You can also leave a clove on your altar for her as well.

Eating and wearing garlic is said to improve agility, courage, and physical endurance. It is said that if you carry a garlic clove with you when traveling over water, it will prevent you from drowning. 

Placing a clove of garlic, one in each of the four corners of a room, is said to banish away ghosts, evil spirits, or bad energy. Garlic is used for exorcisms. Burn the powdered herb during spell breaking and curses.

Witch Tip: Leave a clove with your divination tools.Prevent negative energies from coming through the gateway of your tarot cards, runes, or Ouija boards.

Garlic cloves can also be used to stuff poppets intended for negative magic. When evil spirits are around, a bite of garlic will repel them. A clove of garlic can be added to any mojo bag to strengthen its energy. You can use the skins for magical sachets and amulets as they smell much less than the fresh cloves. You can also use the dried, powdered garlic in your spice rack.

Witch Tip: Stop gossip by stuffing a poppet through the mouth with garlic and then sew the mouth shut

Witch Tip: Breaking a spell. Did your spell go awry? Reverse your ritual and bury any remaining spell ingredients in a deep hole with a clove of garlic to combat the effects.

Garlic can also be used to protect against psychic and physical vampirism. In the minds of the superstitious, simply possessing garlic was enough to bring good luck and protect against evil — especially evil in the form of mysterious and frightening entities, such as sorcerers and vampires. Legends convinced people that there were certain things over which vampires had no power, and garlic was one of them. However, it is only in European folklore that vampires are powerless in the presence of garlic. The bulb is not mentioned as a defensive tool in vampire legends from other parts of the world.

Witch Tip: Use garlic to purify after a smudging or exorcism. Garlic near the entrances prevents dark energies from re-entering the home after exorcism.

Growing garlic around your home is said to bring good fortune. Garlic skins are burned indoors to keep money in your home. Place with silver in a sachet of leather to bring money. Scatter around the home to promote lust. Hanging garlic over a bedroom door will draw lovers into it. Garlic is said to have aphrodisiac powers when eaten.

Witch Tip: Include it kitchen magic for passion. A tomato sauce with basil and garlic makes for a classic love potion.  Add candles and enchant your evening guest.

On the opposite end, legend has it that one can rid oneself of a lovesick former lover by placing a garlic bulb with two crossed pins stuck in it at a road intersection.  Lure the lover until he crosses it, and he will lose interest. 

Garlic braids hung over the door repel thieves and envious people as well as bring good luck. Change the braid every year. For protection while sleeping, place under a pillow or make into a wreath placed above the bed. Dreaming that there is “garlic in the house” is known to mean you will discover hidden secrets.

Witch Tip: Hang garlic over a sick person’s bed to stop fever dreams and drive away dark thinking.

Use level: Easy

Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly. Always consult your doctor before using any kind of supplements.

From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,

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Yule Day 10

Happy New Year’s Eve! Every single year for about 4 years now, I have done a tarot reading for my friends. This year it will be over Skype since we are now so far away from each other, but we love the tradition. Normally I let them choose from my section of tarot spreads that I have in my Book of Shadows but this year, I have chosen for them. I chose the Yule Spread and the New Year spread. The Yule spread I posted back a few days ago and the New Year spread was posted yesterday.

Today I took 2 full car loads of random STUFF and dropped it off at Goodwill. I took a bath with my super cool lucky kitty bath bomb from Lush, and I got to watch my neighborhood’s fireworks display. They have been doing this every night since the Winter Solstice.

I also wound up rescuing a puppy. My neighbor’s dog got out right in front of me and lucky for them, I was able to catch him. He was a fat little dachshund mixed with corgi but he still slipped out right under their fence. They were so grateful I had caught him. No one wants to lose a sweet fur baby!

At the same time, my best friend who has recently moved to New Jersey, rescued a husky from the side of the road today as well! The husky was also able to be reunited with its family. Puppy rescue twins! This would not have been the night to get out since fireworks scare animals and unfortunately, New Years Day is the day that shelters are filled to capacity with the huge influx of animals that ran away in fear. Make sure you keep your fur babies inside! Just because we enjoy fireworks, doesn’t mean they do!

As far as rituals, I smudged the house with Palo Santo 5 minutes before midnight to clear the energies. The house smelled amazing as I had been burning scented candles for the last 6 or 7 hours.

Upon smudging, I lit some frankinscence in offering to Hekate and and cleansed my altar.

I wrote my intentions on bay leaves and burned them away into existence. I wanted reduced physical pain, financial success, and happiness. Truly, I feel all of those things are possible with a little effort and that is why I chose them.

And of course I lit the next candle!

From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,