To the God & Goddess
Herbs V - Y
Valerian
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Scientific Name: Valeriana Officinalis
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Botanical Family: Caprifoliaceae
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Origin: Asia and Europe.
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Source of Plant’s Oil: Root
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Scent Description: Sweet, Strong, and Earthy.
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Element: Water
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Planet: Venus
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Associated Deity: Hertha
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Magical Attributes: Consecration, Love, Protection, Purification, and Sleep.
Although some conflicting research exists, most studies show that taking Valerian can reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep by about 15 to 20 minutes. Valerian also seems to improve sleep quality. Doses of 400-900 mg of Valerian extract taken up to 2 hours before bed seem to work best. Continuous use for several days, even up to four weeks, may be needed before an effect is noticeable. Some studies show that Valerian can help improve sleep when combined with other herbs, including hops and lemon balm. Taking Valerian might also improve the sleep quality of people who are withdrawing from the use of sleeping pills. However, some research suggests that Valerian does not relieve insomnia as fast as "sleeping pills." Research shows that taking 675-1060 mg of Valerian root daily for 8 weeks can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Valerian can cause some side effects such as headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness, heart disturbances, and even insomnia in some people. A few people feel sluggish in the morning after taking Valerian, especially at higher doses. Some people experience dry mouth or vivid dreams. It's best not to drive or operate dangerous machinery after taking Valerian. The long-term safety of Valerian is unknown. It might cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued after long-term use. To avoid possible side effects when discontinuing Valerian after long-term use, it's best to reduce the dose slowly over a week or two before stopping completely. Valerian slows down the central nervous system. Anesthesia and other medications used during surgery also affect the central nervous system. The combined effects might be harmful. Stop taking Valerian at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
This magic herb is kingly in its name, which was taken from one of the Caesars. It's considered to be Water of Water in the Golden Dawn system, but to me it is very Earthy. Also associated with Samhain and Yule, this European herb was favored in Eclectic medicine for treatment of short-term depression; this coincides with its ritual use for relieving self-condemnation and developing self-acceptance. This is a great herb for invoking paternal protection, for purification, and for consecrating thuribles. You can make a nice Valerian incense by combining it 2:1 with white sandalwood. This herb is especially good in forest blends or for evoking animal spirits without using animal ingredients. Cats love it. If possible, try to acquire high quality US-grown organic Valerian root with a pleasantly musky smell.
Vanilla
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Scientific Name: Vanilla Planifolia
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Botanical Family: Orchidaceae
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Origins: Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
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Source of Plant's Oil: Beans
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Scent Description: Strong and Sweet.
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Element: Water
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Planet: Venus
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Associated Deity: Persephone and Venus.
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Magical Attributes: Healing, Love, Luck, Lust, Mental Powers, Peace, Protection, and Wishes.
According to research, whether it is worn as a perfume or eaten, Vanilla ranks first of all nature's aphrodisiacs. It is not the fragrant flowers of this tropical orchid that commit the seduction, but the unripe beans, which are "cured" to develop their creamy, inviting aroma. Vanilla is also a digestive and, by boosting levels of adrenaline (epinephrine), and energizer. Traditional practices around the world have found a number of wide-ranging therapeutic uses for Vanilla, including as an aphrodisiac and to aid with gas relief. Studies have shown that both the flavor and aroma of Vanilla can offer some health benefits. Research shows that Vanilla has a calming effect on newborns born prematurely who smell Vanilla before and during a blood test. The smell of Vanilla also lessens crying in newborns, as well as calms adults. It can reduce startle reflexes and also provide some relief from sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Because Vanilla has fewer calories and carbohydrates than sugar, it can be used to reduce your sugar intake. Using Vanilla as a sugar substitute also can reduce high blood glucose levels and help you lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle. The alcohol in Vanilla extract can numb some toothache pain, while its antioxidants may provide healing effects. Imitation Vanilla has different nutritional information than natural vanilla extract, so if you are looking for the benefits of these minerals, it is important to keep in mind that synthetic may not offer them. Some Vanilla extracts, both natural and synthetic, can contain added sugar, too. Always check product labels on the specific brand you have chosen to understand what you are eating. Some people are allergic to vanilla. It might also cause headache and sleep problems (insomnia), especially for people who manufacture vanilla extract. Skin contact with vanilla can cause irritation and swelling (inflammation).
Vanilla, a type of fermented Orchid, is sued in love sachets; the scent and taste are considered to be lust-inducing. A Vanilla bean placed in a bowl of sugar will infuse it with loving vibrations; the sugar can then be used to sweeten love infusions. a Vanilla bean, carried, will restore lost energy, and improve the mind.
Vetiver(t)
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Scientific Name: Vetiveria Zizanioides
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Botanical Family: Poaceae
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Origins: Haiti and India.
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Source of Plant’s Scent: Roots
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Scent Description: Dark, Resinous, Grassy, Earthy, and Sweet.
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Element: Earth
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Planet: Venus
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Associated Deity: Gaia
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Magical Attributes: Anti-Theft, Aphrodisiac, Commanding, Grounding, Hex Breaking, Love, Luck, and Money.
Vetiver contains an oil that repels insects. It is not known how Vetiver might work as a medicine. People take Vetiver for nerve and circulation problems and for stomach pain. Some women take it to start their periods or to cause an abortion. Vetiver is sometimes applied directly to the skin for relieving stress, as well as for emotional traumas and shock, lice, and repelling insects. It is also used for arthritis, stings, and burns. Vetiver is sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy for nervousness, insomnia, and joint and muscle pain. In manufacturing, Vetiver is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Vetiver is safe or what the side effects might be. Possible skin sensitizer. Use in dilutions below 2.5%.
Vetiver is a grounding herb that is attributed with the ability to strengthen, fill, and patch the aura. Think of it as a magical wall Spackle that can repair holes in the aura while strengthening existing structures. Holes in the aura can be caused by illness, trauma, soul loss, psychic vampirism, and magical sabotage. Problems in the auric field can be diagnosed by aura cameras, shamans, magical practitioners, and intuitives, and by sight or feel with practice. As with any kind of intuitives, there are honest practitioners and there are charlatans; look for a practitioner with a good reputation, with clients you know. Rates are usually on par with bodywork such as massage and reiki. Vetiver also brings luck and is connected to the idea of wealth, rather than fast cash, due to its long-acting nature. It benefits finance not only in the immediate future but also in the long-term. Vetiver is commanding and settling, and as such will remove obstacles to goals. If something is standing in the way of your goals, anoint a black candle with diluted Vetiver oil and burn it on a Saturday during the waning moon for best effect. Protect homes, cars, and offices from thrives with Vetiver oil. Instead of the protection of other herbs that could shield personal belongings but subject another to the fate averted, the magic of Vetiver will ground the impulses that lead to the offensive behavior. Thieves prey on people for a variety of reasons. Contact with the magic of Vetiver will dull the would-be thief’s impulses long enough for him or her to consider the motivations for their actions and the potential implications.
Violet
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Scientific Name: Viola Odorata
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Botanical Family: Violaceae
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Origins: Australia and North America.
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Source of Plant's Oil: Flowers
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Scent Description:
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Element: Water
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Planet: Jupiter, Neptune, and Venus.
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Associated Deity: Persephone and Venus.
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Magical Attributes: Healing, Love, Luck, Lust, Peace, Protection, and Wishes.
Violets are featured in medieval tapestries alongside dragons, knights, and unicorns, to symbolize humility. The plant's leaves, flowers, and rhizome all have medicinal, culinary, cosmetic, and dye uses. They are high in vitamins A and C, and contain salicylic acid, which is used to make aspirin, confirming the herb's folk value for treating headaches, migraines, and insomnia. A poultice of fresh Sweet Violet leaves has been used to treat skin conditions such as skin cancer for 2000 years. Sweet Violet has chemicals that break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up. Because of this, it is used to help in recovery from the common cold and influenza.
Associated with the Goddess Aphrodite, Sweet Violet was a symbol of fertility to the ancient Greeks, who used it in love potions. They wore the Violet to calm tempers and to induce sleep. The ancient Romans welcomed spring with violetum, a sweet-violet wine. When the flowers are carried, they offer protection against "Wykked Sperytis" and bring changes in luck and fortune. Mixed with lavender, they are a powerful love stimulant and arouse lust. If you gather the first Violet in the spring your dearest wish will be granted.
Witch Grass
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Scientific Name: Panicum Capillare
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Botanical Family: Poaceae
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Origins: Eurasia and North America.
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Source of Plant's Oil: Leaves and Roots.
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Scent Description:
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Element:
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Planet: Jupiter
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Associated Deity:
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Magical Attributes: Exorcism, Happiness, Love, and Lust.
There is not enough reliable medical information for me to feel comfortable enough to reiterate to all of you.
Witches Grass carried or sprinkled under the bed attracts new lovers.
Witch Grass is also used in all manner of un-hexing and uncrossing rituals; the infusion is sprinkled around the premises to disperse entities, and when worn it dispels depression.
Wolf's Bane (Poisonous)
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Scientific Name: Acenitum Napellus
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Botanical Family: Ranunculaceae
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Origins: Northern Hemisphere
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Source of Plant's Oil:
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Scent Description:
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Element: Spirit and Water.
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Planet: Saturn
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Associated Deity: Astare, Diana, Hecate, Osiris, Ra, and Saturn.
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Magical Attributes: Invisibility and Protection.
Although Wolf's Bane root is used as medicine, it does contain some poisonous chemicals. In Hong Kong, Wolf's Bane is the most common cause of severe poisoning from herbs. In Asia, toxicity is usually related to the use of the herb in traditional medicines. In western countries, aconite poisoning is usually associated with consuming the plant. Despite serious concerns about safety, some people take aconite by mouth for facial paralysis, joint pain, gout, finger numbness, cold hands and feet, inflammation, painful breathing and fluid in the space surrounding the lungs (pleurisy), certain heart problems (pericarditis sicca), fever, skin diseases, and hair loss. Wolf's Bane is also used as a disinfectant, to treat wounds, and to promote sweating. Some people apply aconite to the skin in liniment as a “counterirritant” for treating facial pain, joint pain, and leg pain (sciatica). Wolf's Bane root contains chemicals that may improve circulation, but it also contains chemicals that can seriously harm the heart, muscles, and nerves. Do not use Wolf's Bane. Wolf's Bane root is UNSAFE when taken by mouth. All species of the plant are dangerous, and so are processed products. Wolf's Bane contains a strong, fast-acting poison that causes severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, weakness or inability to move, sweating, breathing problems, heart problems, and death. Some people use Wolf's Bane in a cream or lotion that is applied to the skin. This practice is also dangerous. The poisons in Wolf's Bane can be absorbed through the skin, causing severe side effects.
Wolf's Bane is added to protection sachets, especially to guard against vampires and werewolves. This is quite fitting, since Wolf's Bane is also used by werewolves to cure themselves. The seeds, wrapped in lizard's skin and carried, allows you to become invisible at will. Do not eat or rub any part of this plant on the skin. Use gloves when handling this herb.
Woodruff
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Scientific Name: Asperula Odorata
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Botanical Family: Rubiaceae
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Origins: Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
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Source of Plant's Oil: Flowers, Leaves, and Seeds.
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Scent Description:
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Element: Fire
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Planet: Mars, Uranus, and Venus.
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Associated Deity: The Cailleach
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Magical Attributes: Money, Protection, and Victory.
Herbalists consider Sweet Woodruff a diuretic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, and light sedative. It is especially useful to treat nervous historically to treat kidney stones, nervousness, and wounds. It is also an anticoagulant, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. Sweet Woodruff has also been used to flavor Scandinavian cordials, and it imparts vanilla-like bouquet to white wine. It is the flavoring in Europe's traditional May Wine and other alcoholic beverages. (The FDA does approve of its use for alcoholic beverages.) The herb is used in potpourri and perfumes; its scent, described as like that of new-mown hay, is due to coumarin, which is also found in hay and clover. Branches dye wool tan: roots yield a red dye. Sweet Woodruff can be made into tea but is a more popular remedy infused in wine.
Woodruff is carried to attract money and prosperity, to bring victory to athletes and warriors, and when placed in a sachet of leather, it guards against all harm.
Wormwood
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Scientific Name: Artemisia Absinthium
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Botanical Family: Asteraceae
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Origins: Asia and Southeast Europe.
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Source of Plant's Oil: Seeds
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Scent Description:
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Element: Fire
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Planet: Mars, Moon, and Pluto.
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Associated Deity: Artemis, Athena, Diana, and Iris.
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Magical Attributes: Calling Spirits, Love, Protection, and Psychic Powers.
Sweet Wormwood is an herb that could save a million lives a year. Used for decades by the Chinese army to prevent and treat malaria, this herb contains a compound called artemisinin, which is the only known treatment for drug-resistant strains of malaria. In trials, artemisinin is showing promise as a possible anti-cancer compound too. The compound is found in specialized cells that protrude from the surface of the plant's leaves, stems and flowers. The plant is also antifungal and antibacterial. Avoid Sweet Wormwood during pregnancy.
Wormwood is burned in incenses designed to aid in developing psychic powers and is also worn for this purpose. Carried, Wormwood protects not only against bewitchment, but also from the bite of sea serpents. Also, according to ancient traditions, it counteracts the effects of poisoning by hemlock and toadstools, but I would not bet my life on it. Hung from the rear-view mirror, Wormwood protects the vehicle from accidents on treacherous roads. Wormwood is also sometimes used in love infusions, probably because it was once made into an alcoholic beverage called absinthe. This highly addictive and dangerous liqueur is now outlawed or banned in many countries, but the reputation lingers, and Wormwood is still used in love mixtures. One such use is to place it under the bed to draw a loved one.
Yarrow
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Scientific Name: Achillea Millefolium
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Botanical Family: Asteraceae
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Origins: Asia, Europe, and North America.
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Source of Plant’s Oil: Leaves and Flowers.
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Scent Description: Sweet, Fresh, and Woody.
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Element: Water
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Planet: Venus
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Associated Deity: Aphrodite, Hermes, and The Horned God.
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Magical Attributes: Courage, Dispelling Negativity, Divination, Love, Love Marriage Charms, Psychic Abilities, Seeking People, and Spells.
Yarrow is commonly used orally for diarrhea, gas, and other stomach issues. It is also used for asthma, colds, runny noses, arthritis, and liver disorders. But there is limited scientific research to support these and other uses. Early research shows that taking a capsule containing Yarrow, Ginger, and Boswellia 3 times daily for 30 days seems to improve pain and mild to moderate IBS. However, it is not clear if this is due to Yarrow of the other ingredients. Yarrow is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy as it can affect the menstrual cycle and might cause miscarriage. Yarrow might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking Yarrow might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Stop taking Yarrow at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
In magic, there is evidence that Yarrow was often used as a component in incantations. The tea drunk prior to divination will enhance one’s powers of perception. A powerful incense additive for divination and love spells. Hanging a bunch of Yarrow over the bed on the wedding night is supposed to ensure lasting love for 7 years. Adding it to the bouquet or garlands worn by the bride or groom serves the same effect. Yarrow strewn across a threshold will prevent unhelpful spirits from entering.
Yellow Dock
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Scientific Name: Rumex Crispus
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Botanical Family: Polygonaceae
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Origins: North America, Europe, and Western Asia.
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Source of Plant’s Oil: Root
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Scent Description: Little to no Smell.
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Element: Fire
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Planet: Sun
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Associated Deity: Artemis, Horus, and Macha.
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Magical Attributes: Business, Fertility, Healing, Love, Money, and Moving On.
Yellow Dock’s leafy stalks are used in salads, while the roots are used as medicine. It’s used for pain and inflammation of nasal passages and the respiratory tract, and as a laxative and tonic. Yellow Dock contains chemicals called anthraquinone, which work as stimulant laxative. It also contains other chemicals that might kill parasites, bacteria, and fungus. Historically, Yellow Dock has been used for skin diseases, skin inflammation, rashes, scurvy, obstructive jaundice, and psoriasis with constipation. Raw or uncooked Yellow Dock is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, heart problems, breathing difficulties, and even death. It’s likely unsafe in woman who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Don’t use if you have blockage in your digestive track, ulcers, and or have or had kidney stones.
Yellow Dock can help release the burden of emotional waste, cut bindings, and clear blockages that are stopping us from moving on. It’s used to draw money and business; to do this rinse the door knobs and cash register of your business using a cloth and Yellow Dock tea.
Yucca
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Scientific Name: Yucca Aloifolia
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Botanical Family: Asparagaceae
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Origins: Canada, Caribbean, Guatemala, Mexico, and Southwest United States.
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Source of Plant's Oil: Leaves and Roots.
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Scent Description:
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Element: Fire
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Planet: Mars and Pluto
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Associated Deity:
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Magical Attributes: Protection, Purification, and Transformation.
Yucca contains high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which can benefit the immune system and overall health. Vitamin C stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, which fight infections and viruses. The antioxidants yucca contains protect us from cell mutations and damage from destructive molecules called free radicals. Native Americans have long used yucca for relief from arthritis symptoms, and yucca supplements (often in tablet form) are frequently taken for the same purpose today. Yucca has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe pain. Some research suggests that those at high risk for arthritis could potentially prevent its onset by taking yucca. Yucca also contains powerful antioxidants and saponins. These substances can decrease arthritis symptoms. Yucca provides multiple skin benefits. Studies have shown that yucca has photoprotective properties, and it may be able to protect against sun damage better than some commercial SPFs. Yucca extract, which is sometimes added to lotions, soaps, or shampoos, can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including dandruff, balding, sores and cuts, sprains, skin diseases and infections. The folic acid found in yucca may help improve overall skin and eye health. The high amounts of vitamin C also aid in the production of collagen, the main protein in skin.
A hoop or loop of twisted Yucca fibers will transmutate a person into an animal if he or she jumps through it, according to American Indian magic. Another method instructs the magician to place a small wreath of Yucca fibers on his or her head. This allows the person to assume any form desired. A cross of Yucca fibers twisted together and placed on the hearth protects the house from evil.