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Herbs and meanings

Merry Meet!
I'm taking the Herb courses here, but have also been doing research all over the internet as well. There are so many different explanations of the herbs and their uses that I'm not sure which is correct. I'm not sure which herb to use for different things. For example today, I haven't been feeling the best. I mixed together some herbs I thought were for health. After researching more on these herbs, people have said different things. I want to be sure I'm doing thing's right.
How do I do this with so many different explanations?

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Permalink Reply by Fantumofthewinds on February 1, 2012 at 4:22pm

I would say connect with your teacher here ... and each herb with ritual Sabbath , as they move around the wheel , not all teaching are same and nor are the Sabbaths . As for magical use that to could possibly be different . sorry I cannot help .

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Permalink Reply by GarlicClove on February 1, 2012 at 8:39pm

There are lots of different school of thoughts on herbs and it defiantly depends on who you talk to and what their background is. Herbs that have one use in one Asia will be associated with different properties in Europe. The best thing to do is to experiment and find what it right for you.

A lot of the magickal properties of herbs are subjective, based on what myths or deities they are associated with--which again vary from culture to culture. The best thing to do is find ones that resonate with you. If something sounds like absolute bunk, find a substitute.

I'd pick two or three well known authors on herbalism and read what they write. Scott Cunningham 's books are probably some of the best. I'm also a big fan of Susun Weed. She has a lot of essays and info on her website. She focuses more on the medicinal properties of herbs (and when you are going for health and healing, I think it is good to throw those in with the magickal ones.)

Weed also talks a lot about the process of making remedies and treatments, like tinctures, teas, and infusions. But she also talks about the spiritual side, about connecting and allying yourself with the plants. http://www.susunweed.com/

Be careful when it comes to taking advice from the internet if you plan on consuming any of your remedies. Many "healing" herbs can have adverse side affects or are even poisonous. Those are best used in charms and sachets.

I can give you a few herbs that I work with regularly and know to work for me.
bay laurel- wealth, prosperity, victory.
Chamomile- peace, calm.
cloves- passion and emotion in men.
Lavender- peace and healing.
jasmine- wealth and succeeds.
and of course Garlic for healing.
-

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Permalink Reply by Fantumofthewinds on February 2, 2012 at 10:05am

I would pick books that are associated with Doctors and those that have a degree in Herbs after all this is their major . no off the wall writers .. if they have a degree you can bet the information is right . sorry any body can say any thing in a [ witch book ] get the facts if you wish to consume . as for rites or ritual then these books would be ok. I wish you well and good luck .

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Suman on February 2, 2012 at 12:40pm

I think one problem you may be seeing would be different approaches to healing, like the difference between Western medicine and Chinese medicine.
With Western medicine the doctors normally will look at the spot which is diseased or sick, they can often pinpoint it down to the exact cell which is sick or diseased and will treat just that.
Chinese medicine on the other hand, looks at the body as a whole.
An example of this would be an infection, Western medicine would provide you with antibiotics to fight the infection (which also kills some of our own antibodies). Chinese medicine would instead, look at why your body didn't fight the infection off itself and look at building and supporting your bodies defense system so it is able to naturally fight off the infection and be stronger to prevent further infections.
In my opinion, with anything to do with healing and health, the best way to ensure your accurate is to learn yourself rather than just remember. In other words, research, get a better understanding of how the body works and the ailments you want to heal, then learn about each herb you want to use, what properties it has and how they affect the body.

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Permalink Reply by Robin Winterberg on February 2, 2012 at 6:23pm

It is always good to find as much info as you can and from many different places. For magical uses it is a good idea to have a couple sources around for your own reference.The Master Book Of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl is a old favorite along with Cunningham's book .
There are many Wiccan/Witch herbals as well as other Spiritual Healing/Magical based traditions herbals out there and many have helpful info.

You may also find some herbs have a different feel or meaning to you, than they do to someone else.

It is very important to look to non magical based sourses if you plan on injesting herbs.In some cases even talking to a homeopath/naturopath just to be sure .

Books on blending your own herbs for teas can be very helpful 20,000 Secrets of Tea by Victoria Zak comes to mind

The Holistic Herbal and The Complelete Illustrated Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann are worth checking out both are different with good info

The New Age Herbalist has uses of herbs as well as growing info
Herbal Remedies by Hershoff N.D and Rotelli N.D--have easy to find info.