bordertownwitch

[bordertownwitch]

📸

✨Close Ups of My Potion Prototypes ;)✨

Check out my tiktok/instagram with the same handle, @bordertownwitch, to get the latest updates!

[bordertownwitch]

idk about ya'll, but kendrick lamar's superbowl performance was THE BEST in history.

[bordertownwitch]

Beads I'll be using to adorn my potion bottles💝💐

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Clean bones I'm gonna be using to make rain chains and garlands :)

[bordertownwitch]

Hello Nether; it's been a little while since I've updated Tumblr but lest assured I haven't forgotten! It's been quite the busy month cleaning bones that'll I'll be posting more on today :) Anyways--I'm currently updating Tiktok most frequently, so if you'd love to see more, follow me there :)

[bordertownwitch]

Heard ya'll like cats 😼...and knitting! 🧶

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I totally spaced when editing this video and forgot to display all 13 of my RedBubble designs--but I'm only missing like two! Lol #ohwell

[bordertownwitch]

The tiktok posted tonight before my follow account rocketed from 300 to 3,000 in a few hours 🙀 I'm utterly shocked and still collecting myself for the night. I'm excited to continue my work and ever grateful to receive all this support!

[bordertownwitch]

Guide to Drying Herbs

Drying herbs is a simple practice, and there are several methods to choose from depending on the type of herb and your desire use. Here's how I dry my herbs:

1. Drying on Newspaper

2. Hanging Herbs Upside Down

3. Pressing Herbs

4. Drying Small Petals in Pouches

General Tips for Best Results

Use Breathable Cloths: Wrapping your herbs or laying them on a breathable cloth allows air to circulate freely, preventing mold while catching any small leaves or flowers that shed during the drying process.

Timing: Dry herbs as soon as possible after harvesting to retain their potency and fragrance.

Environment: Choose a dry, cool, and ventilated area to prevent mold or mildew.

Labeling: If drying multiple herbs, label them to avoid confusion.

Storage: Once dried, store your herbs in airtight containers away from sunlight and moisture.

Using Dried Herbs

Always check if the plant is safe for use before collecting it. Do not make tea or touch anything with unknown properties. Always clean your plants before drying.

[bordertownwitch]

[bordertownwitch]

Waiting for spring. 🌸 Photo from my collection, no documented info.

[bordertownwitch]

powerful words to remind

“I forgive people but that doesn’t mean I accept their behavior or trust them again. I forgive them for me, so I can let go and move on with my life.”

— Unknown

[bordertownwitch]

I like to knit to wind down for the day! 💤

Finished up a 10x10 knit stitch square today for a pouch/purse I'm making ;) follow along to see the completed project this week! 🧶👜✨

[bordertownwitch]

Big HEY YA'LL CHECK ME OUT!! Makin' art for the sake of keeping sanity in these trying times!

[bordertownwitch]

Herbalism 101: Rosemary

EP. 1

Rosemary has been used by humans for centuries. Dating all the way back to 220 A.D. in China, this herb has been used by hundreds of cultures for hundreds of different reasons. Some cultures believed it could strengthen a persons memory, others considered it to be a symbol of a loyal marriage.

Properties: memory, love, cleansing, protection

Uses in the Kitchen

There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with rosemary. It has a pine-y, earthy flavor that goes really well with gamy meat like lamb or earthy flavors like mushrooms. Another option is pairing with lemon or other citrus to break up the earthy flavor. Cooking will always go hand-in-hand with herbalism. So, when using rosemary in food, make sure to remember it’s magic properties as well and use them to your advantage. 

Uses in healing

Rosemary has a lot of medicinal benefits. For exterior use, it can be great in oils and salves.  Things like dandruff, acne, and dry skin can benefit. Rosemary can be very good for indigestion, stomach cramps, and mental fatigue. Making a tea is my personal favorite way to consume rosemary. 

Uses in Witchcraft

While it is often used as a filler herb in spells or recipes, it does have some unique properties. One of the longest standing uses for rosemary is memory. While burning rosemary is a great way to banish and cleanse your home, cooking with it with intention is my personal favorite use. This herb is also known to symbolize fidelity between lovers. To strengthen an existing bond, making a dish that has rosemary and other relating herbs (catnip, basil, cardamom, etc) is a great way to go. 

Tips to Grow at Home

1. Grow rosemary by your doors as protection

2. Sandy soil is best

3. LOTS of Sun, not too much water

Rosemary Ointment

3 teaspoons dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoons sage

1 cup oil

1/3-½ cup beeswax or other carrier oil

Start off by infusing the oil with all of the dry ingredients. I do this in a mason jar in a pot of water, but any sort of double boiler situation will work. This is where you can add an optional drop of peppermint oil. It takes about 30-45 minutes on low low heat to fully infuse. Once it’s finished let it cools down before straining it. You should strain it pretty well. I don’t mind if it’s not super filtered, but if it’ll bug you just use cheese cloth!

Next, melt the beeswax and add the infused oil. Stir if gently for at least a few minutes on low heat. Store in a jar or shallow tin and use when you have a head cold or need something healing for your skin!

[bordertownwitch]

Herbalism 101: Mullein

EP. 3

Fun fact! In the 1700s, the United States first used Mullein as a way to poison fish!

Properties: Protection, health, courage

Uses in the Kitchen

Mullein unfortunately is not the best tasting herb. Because of this, it is rarely included in recipes. However, the most common way to consume Mullein is by making it into a tea. This way you can add another herb or tea to balance the taste.

Uses in Healing

One of the most common uses for Mullein, dating back thousands of years, is targeting respiratory issues. The modern use of this is many smokers use Mullein tea to loosen congestion and help clear the lungs. Infused in olive oil is often used to clear ear infections as well. 

Uses in Witchcraft

Mullein has many uses in witchcraft, but my personal favorite is keeping a small pouch of it under my pillow and in my purse to help ward off nightmares and bad spirits. Hanging it in your doorways is another effective way to do this. Ground Mullein is sometimes used as a replacement for graveyard dirt in certain spells.

Tips for growing it at home

Mullein is very weed-like, it needs a lot of Sun and is very resilient. This plant is often found in overgrown fields and abandoned buildings. It is also pretty easy to grow from a seed. Early spring is the best time for planting especially if you want to grow it indoors. They do not need a ton of water, but well drained soil is best.

Recipe

Unfortunately, this is not a commonly used herb in cooking. My suggestion is to give mullein tea a try! You can purchase it pre made or you can get straight up dried mullein and make your own!

[bordertownwitch]

Herbalism 101: Garlic

EP. 4

Fun fact! During World War I, garlic poultices were used to treat wound infections because of its strong antiseptic and antibiotic properties.

Properties: Protection and cleansing

Uses in the kitchen

Garlic is far from a rare ingredient in most peoples' kitchen. Using extra garlic in your recipes can provide protection or banishment. Making fire cider for fall/winter is one of my favorite ways to use garlic for both emotional and physical protection.

Uses in healing

Garlic has been used in herbalism for centuries, but it is still used by herbalists today to improve hypertension and to help with high cholesterol. Using garlic for its anti-septic properties is another common way to incorporate it into your herbalism practice.

Uses in witchcraft

Putting a braid of garlic above your door can be a good way to banish jealous people. You can also use crushed garlic to pull out negativity by putting it under someone's chair or your bed for 24 hours and then burn it. It is also associated with the goddess Hecate and can be used as an offering.

Tips for growing at home

1. Split the head of garlic and plant the larger cloves with the pointy side up.

2. Depending on your climate, different types of garlic may be better.

3. Keep it moist!! Garlic has a pretty long growing period and it needs to stay watered.

Recipe

One of my favorite uses for garlic is garlic syrup. It is great for helping respiratory problems.

You need water and freshly peeled garlic cloves (I usually slice them once down the middle to open them up). Simply boil the water and pour over the garlic. Let it stand for 12-24 hours. I usually add sugar to make it sweeter, but you can add things like mullein or crushed red pepper to change its taste.