Agrimony

It is believed that Agrimony's first use dates back to ancient Egyptians. Agrimony has been thought of in the past as a "heal all" with almost magical powers that corrected eye disorders, healed wounds and snakebites. It is mainly used as a gastro-intestinal tonic. It cures coughs, skin eruptions, and cystitis. Agrimony is very high in nutrients which are necessary for normal healthy functioning of the body and especially of benefit to the colon, intestines, liver, and kidney. This herbal extract is most used in modern herbal medicine as a mild astringent, the tannins it contains tone mucus membranes making it useful for alleviating symptoms of coughs, bronchitis and asthma. Agrimony stops irritation of the urinary tract that may increase a child's urge to urinate and therefore, may be useful in the treatment of bladder leakage, bed-wetting and adult incontinence. It is also useful for urinary tract infections when used in combination with Hawthorn, Goldenrod and Thyme. Agrimony possesses a astringent action, and is frequently used as an ingredient in mouthwashes and in gargles for acute sore throat. It is also a useful natural remedy for peptic ulcers. Applied topically, Agrimony helps to staunch bleeding and promote clot formation at the site of minor wounds, sores and abrasions. The antioxidant properties of Agrimony herbal extract slows down the aging process helping to reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging. It is believed to relieve both physical and psychological tension.
Agrimony herb is beneficial for soothing eye irritations and eye ailments. It has been found to be helpful in the treatment of conjunctivitis (pink eye) and blepharitis. It also kills bacteria that causes dysentery, typhoid, E. coli and staph infection.
Agrimony is one of the most famous vulnerary, healing herb, with anti-inflammatory and diurectic properties. The tannin content is responsible for many of its medicinal uses. Studies suggest Agrimony herbal extract may be useful against certain bacterial and viral infections for tumor growth inhibition, diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure).
This is a primary herb for the treatment of appendicitis and is sometimes used with Calendula. The English use it to make a "spring" or "diet" tonic for purifying the blood. It is considered especially useful as a tonic for aiding recovery from winter colds, fevers, and diarrhea. Given its low toxicity, it is especially suited for treating diarrhea in children. Among the many health benefits of Agrimony herbal tincture is its ability to soothe gastrointestinal problems with indigestion and colitis.
The Agrimony herb also acts as a diuretic. It releases agents that increase bodily secretion of urine. This contributes to the revitalization of body organs. In the process more toxins are released from the body enhancing its healthiness. In addition, the Agrimony herbal extract helps to condition the blood. This can be helpful for those suffering with anemia. The herb is vital to patients suffering from cardiovascular problems. This is because it is believed to enlarge the heart and lungs.
Agrimony has a reputation for healing jaundice, stimulating the flow of bile, and other liver problems, which is considered useful for healing diseases of the blood resulting in skin eruptions. It is useful in the treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis from chronic alcoholism and food poisoning, with faulty fat metabolism, and irregular expulsion of bile from poor digestion.
Agrimony stimulates the production of immune bodies called B cells. Certain types of cancers like ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma and chronic leukemia deplete these B cells. Agrimony herbal remedy may offer an immunostimulant benefit in such cases. In addition, Agrimony prevents some kinds of breast cancer. Agrimony contains vitamin K which can inhibit tumor growth for diabetes and hypertension.
Agrimony herbal extract acts strongly on the kidneys to pass fluid, and as a tonic for the digestive system to promote assimilation of food. It helps relieve the pain accompanying passage of gravel and has been used for leaky bladder following the passage of kidney stones. It is considered useful to prevent the return of kidney stones, as well.
Other uses include incontinence. Agrimony stops irritation of the urinary tract that may increase a child's urge to urinate and, therefore, may be useful in the treatment of bladder leakage, or inability to hold urine, bed-wetting, adult incontinence and other urinary tract disorders. Agrimony's diuretic properties are also thought to promote the flow of urine and relieve bladder infections.
Agrimony lowers blood sugars and it also counters excessive thirst in people with type 2 diabetes. Some testing has shown that Agrimony can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes.
This herbal tincture has also been used to treat rheumatism and gout because it counters the high uric acid levels. It has been used as a treatment to stop bleeding, excessive menstrual flow and blood in the urine. Chinese research indicates that Agrimony can increase blood coagulation by 50%.
Agrimony herbal extract is an anxiety remedy that is said to be of great value for people suffering apprehension and worry. Research has found it to be a safe and effective stress reliever, with no known side effects, and is a non-addictive herbal remedy. It is suggested for individuals who mask inner torment and anxieties such as, being alone, avoiding issues, and for those that may suffer from insomnia.
Agrimony herbal extract suits people who are anxious and put up a front for the world by presenting others with a carefree attitude in an effort to make light of their difficulties and fears. Agrimony has the added quality of being useful for people who hide their anxiety by overindulging in food or alcohol. It encourages the communication of hidden feelings.
Agrimony has been used as a mouthwash or gargle for sore throats and inflamed gums. It is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea and may be used in a poultice for treatment of varicose veins.
Agrimony herb may help to restore a voice that has been overused, and it offers qualities that promote the healing of cuts and skin rashes as well as a reduction in hemorrhoids.
Nutrients: Iron, flavonoids, silica, vitamins B and K.



Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications: While Agrimony Herbal Supplement is effective treatment for diarrhea, it may aggravate constipation, and blockage can result if Agrimony is taken at the same time as psyllium powders (Metamucil) or with prunes or prune juice. It is not recommended during pregnancy. People with lupus, myasthenia gravis or any other autoimmune disease should avoid Agrimony. Do not exceed recommended dosage, as high doses (many times the recommended dosage) may slow heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease.



Disclaimer: The information presented herein is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Take control of your feelings

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Eleanor Roosevelt
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Lately, I've been feeling down because one of my sister's has a way of putting down things in my life and at the same time making herself look better.  She doesn't do it in an obvious manner, and I've tried to call her on it several times and she managed to turn the conversation around to make me feel even worse.  Her comments are very insidious and have a way of pointing out the inferiority of my choices and the superiority of her own.  Comments that her daughter makes underline the fact that she passes on these judgemental comments to her child. 

I have been getting angry about it for awhile and even questioned some of my decisions because of it. I have been torn with trying to handle it while still being a big sister.  My first thought was to stop interacting with her.  But this is not practical because she is my sister after all and I do love her.  But she is hurting me with her words. So what do I do?

I searched the web to find out why others belittle others.  Why do some people feel the need to put others down (even if it is not conscious) to make themselves look better.  And what I learned was pretty interesting.  It is a learned behavior.  I'm sure it was learned in our rough childhood.  My mom did it to us and now my sister is doing it to me.  It's her way of controlling something in her life because she has several things going on in her life that aren't so good.  She's pessimistic and judgemental ... and up until this morning it bugged the hell out of me.

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt

I really like this quote. It's true.  Just realizing what she is doing and how she is coming from a pessimistic dark place when she judges and belittles, has helped refocus me.  If I nurture optimism in myself I can turn anything she says around and not feel bad about it.  She's been rubbing off on me and I often find myself in a bad mood after interacting with her.  However, now that I am going to work on my optimism and strengthen those neuro-net connections in my brain, well, perhaps a reversal will happen.  Perhaps, I will rub off on her! 

Figuring things out

I've been feeling so down lately and I don't know why.  I was trying to explain all this to my husband but I didn't do a very good job.  I realize I don't have any motivation ... I feel lost.  I feel like I don't belong here and I don't know where I'm going.  My life has always been on "a path"  and had direction, never aimless wandering.  New territory for me.  When he asked what I want I said I didn't know anymore.  I said I don't know what I'm doing so I'm just doing what I did the day before.  Those words released a torrent of tears.

Dream Journal

Inspiring an Old Friend

Dreamt of an old friend last night ... A from NY.  I saw her at some function and she was really sad.  She didn't say anything, somehow I just knew.  She wasn't talking much and that made me nervous so, as is my way when I am nervous, I talked too much.  The more I talked the more I realized that she felt lost and that she was unhappy with where she was in her life.  Finally, I suggested that she write a book with all that she has researched and all that she knows ... her eyes lit up.  I could tell that she felt inspired and that idea appealed to her. 

As I walked away, I realized I felt the same way.  Lost.  I had just inspired her to come out of her downward spiral ... why couldn't I do this for myself?

The Witches’ Creed
By Doreen Valiente

Hear now the words of the witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny’s pathway,
That now we bring forth into light.

Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
And will and keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat
Returns, and witches are seen
At Lammas, and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and old Hallowe’en.

When day-time and night-time are equal,
When the sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
Again witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times as Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.

The power was passed down the ages,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and the ages began.

When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame or power,
Its compass between the two worlds lie,
In Land of the Shades for that hour.

This world has no right then to know it,
And world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars,
That stand to at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
The forms and the forces divine.

The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess,
Of this did our ancestors teach.

By night he’s the wild wind’s rider,
The Horn’d One, the Lord of the shades,
By day he’s the King of the Woodlands,
The dweller in green forest glades.

She is youthful or old as she pleases,
She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight,
The crone who weaves spells in the dark.

The master and mistress of magic,
They dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.

So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And dance and make love in their praise,
Til Elphame's fair land shall receive us,
In peace at the end of our days.

An Do What You Will be the challenge,
So be it in Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment,
By Magick of old, be it done.

Eight words the Witches’ Creed fulfill:
If it harms none, do what you will.



Copyright:


John Belham-Payne and the Centre for Pagan Stiudies.
They can be found at:
http://www.centre-for-pagan-studies.org/index.htm and http://www.doreenvaliente.com/

Herbal Tarot - An Overview

These are the botanical equivalents for each Tarot Card listed by Michael Tierra in his book, The Spirit of Herbs: A Guide to the Herbal Tarot. I will include separate entries for each of these cards later with information about the card itself based on what I know of the Rider Waite system (these cards are based on that) and their botanical properties (I'm a botanist, afterall).

THE MAJOR ARCANA

0 The Fool - Ginseng
I The Magician - Astragalus
II The High Priestess - Peony
III The Emperor - Atractylodes
IV The High Priest - Sage
VI The Lovers - Parsley
VII The Chariot - Cyperus
VIII Strength - Cayenne
IX The Hermit - Licorice
X Medicine Wheel - Slippery Elm
XI Justice - Plantain
XII Suspended Person - Kelp
XIII Death - Elder Flowers
XIV Temperance - Echinacea
XV Pan - Lobelia
XVI The Tower - Garlic
XVII The Star - Skullcap
XVIII The Moon - Lemon Balm
XIX The Sun - Angelica
XX Judgement - Goldenseal
XXI The World - Comfrey

THE MINOR ARCANA

The Wands
King of Wands - Cinnamon
Queen of Wands - Rasberry Leaf
Knight of Wands - Aconite
Paige of Wands - Shepherd's Purse
Ten of Wands - Prickly Ash bark
Nine of Wands - Bayberry Bark
Eight of Wands - Sassafras
Seven of Wands - Wild Ginger
Six of Wands - Hawthorn
Five of Wands - Tumeric
Four of Wands - Fennel seed
Three of Wands - Sassafras
Two of Wands - Basil
Ace of Wands - Yarrow

The Pentacles
King of Pentacles - Alfalfa
Queen of Pentacles - Marshmallow
Knight of Pentacles - Elecampane
Paige of Pentacles - Blue Flag
Ten of Pentacles - Wild Yam
Nine of Pentacles - Dark grapes
Eight of Pentacles - Ginger
Seven of Pentacles - Rhubarb
Six of Pentacles - Hops
Five of Pentacles - Mugwort
Four of Pentacles - Cascara bark
Three of Pentacles - Gentian
Two of Pentacles - Yellow Dock
Ace of Pentacles - Whole Grains

The Swords
King of Swords - St. Johnswort
Queen of Swords - Lady's slipper
Knight of Swords - Wild Cherry Bark
Paige of Swords - Dill
Ten of Swords - Ephedra
Nine of Swords - Valerian
Eight of Swords - Black Cohosh
Seven of Swords - Wood Betony
Six of Swords - Vervain
Five of Swords - Mistletoe
Four of Swords - Mullein
Three of Swords - Pleurisy Root
Two of Swords - Passion flower
Ace of Swords - Chamomile

The Cups
King of Cups - Saw Palmetto
Queen of Cups - Lady's Mantle
Knight of Cups - Sarsaparillo
Paige of Cups - Damiana
Ten of Cups - Marijuana
Nine of Cups - Squaw vine
Eight of Cups - Gravel root
Seven of Cups - Juniper berries
Six of Cups - Watermelon
Five of Cups - Horsetail
Four of Cups - Burdock
Three of Cups - Trillium
Two of Cups - Uva Ursi
Ace of Cups - Lotus

Hello World!

My first entry. It's super late and I'm too tired to write about anything much because my mind is mush. But I'm excited that I have this blog set up and looking forward to writing on a regular basis again. One of the reasons I am setting up this blog is to reconnect with old blog friends, meet new pagan friends and really delve into my Green Wytch side!

Blessed Be.