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A Practical Guide to Herbology

Lesson Two: Healing with Aromatherapy

Among our senses, one of the most-looked over and powerful is our sense of smell. Aromas can help us recall happy memories - baking cookies with loved ones during the holiday season, the perfume or cologne of a loved one - as well as unpleasant memories. Through psychology, we’ve proven that, when recreating a scene, scents can be our most powerful allies in recalling past events in our lives.

Aromatherapy is the art of using scents to heal the body, mind and soul. We use scents in healing rituals, magic and spirituality frequently - it even manifests in religious practices such as Christianity when a pastor cleanses a space with incense.

Scents and Sensibility

Working with essential oils is really quite easy, but here are some precautions to take.

Dilute

It’s important to dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil before using them therapeutically. You should rarely apply an undiluted essential oil to your skin.

By diluting your essential oils in a carrier oil, you get a lot more use out of them and you also prevent skin irritations. Some common types of carrier oils are grapeseed, olive, flaxseed, almond and sesame oil. Use 30mL (2 tbsp) of carrier oil per 5-10 drops of essential oil.

Storage

Essential oils need to be kept away from light and air. It’s best to store them in dark-tinted bottles to prevent light penetration. With proper storage, most essential oils can last 1-2 years. However, citrus oils should not be used after 6-9 months.

Allergies

Before working with essential oils, be sure to do a skin allergy test. Many people have sensitive skin and it’s important to take precautions and avoid allergic reactions to both essential oils and carrier oils.

To test for allergies, simply place a drop of your chosen carrier oil on your skin. Check and see if there is a reaction over the course of 12 hours. Place one drop of essential oil in 15 drops of carrier oil and apply to your chest. Check and see if there is a reaction over the course of 12 hours. If there is no reaction, then you likely have no allergy to the plant or the oil.

Precautions

Please avoid essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Specifically, avoid: cardamom, coriander, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemon balm, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, neroli, palmarosa, petitgrain, spearmint and ylang-ylang.

If you have sensitive or dry skin, it is best to avoid the following essential oils: black pepper, cinnamon, clove, grapefruit, lemon, lemon balm, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, orange, peppermint and spearmint.

Healing with Essential Oils

When starting out with using essential oils for health purposes, it’s important to address one symptom or issue at a time. Limit your selection to a few different oils until you become more familiar with your tools. Once you get comfortable, start experimenting with making your own blends. As time goes by, you’ll see what works best for your body and you!

Stress

Stress often has the side effects of anxiety, upset stomach, heart palpitations and rapid breathing. One of the most common essential oils used to alleviate stress is peppermint - it relaxes the mind and body. Lavender is another good choice as it relaxes muscles and the vapors help regulate breathing.

Pain and Muscle Tension

Muscle tension and pain are something most of us are familiar with. When using essential oils to address this particular issue, it’s best to create a massage oil to rub the affected area. If you’re trying to relax muscles and ease pain, allspice and geranium are great choices.

Chest Congestion

Flus, colds, respiratory illnesses - we’re no stranger to those during the winter months. To use essential oils to treat this, apply a few drops of diluted oil across the chest and massage into the skin. I tend to use eucalyptus, but thyme is another great choice!

Concentration and Focus

Everyone experiences difficulties with focus and concentration; stress, lack of sleep, anxiety and depression are just a few possible culprits. To use essential oils for this, apply a few drops to the temples, middle of the forehead and the base of the neck. Rosemary and spearmint are great choices for this as they help you relax while improving mental clarity.

Fatigue

At the end of the day, many of us feel exhausted from school, work and just life in general. To help with this, place a few drops of essential oil on your wrists and rub them in. Citrus oils like lemon and lime work really well since they uplift mood, relieve fatigue and provide mental clarity and focus.

Insomnia

Sometimes we just can’t fall asleep. Place a few drops of essential oil on your forehead and at the base of your neck. Lemon balm and ylang-ylang are good choices for this as they promote restful sleep and reduce stress and anxiety.

Anxiety

This issue typically involves both the physical and mental parts of the body. To help alleviate anxiety, place a drop of essential oil on the forehead, base of the neck, wrists and along the collarbone or upper chest. Chamomile, lavender and lemon balm are excellent choices.

Recipes

Anxiety Relief 5 drops chamomile oil 5 drops lemongrass oil 2 tbsp carrier oil

Stress Relief 5 drops peppermint oil 5 drops lavender oil 2 tbsp carrier oil

Muscle-Tension Relief ½ tbsp ground allspice ½ tbsp ground nutmeg 5 drops geranium oil ½ cup carrier oil

Muscle Pain Relief ½ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground turmeric 5 drops rose oil 5 drops tea tree oil ½ cup carrier oil

Chest Congestion Relief 5 drops eucalyptus oil 5 drops pine oil 2 tbsp carrier oil

Mucus Killer 2 tbsp nettle leaves 5 drops frankincense oil 2 cups carrier oil

Focus and Concentration ½ tbsp ground myrrh 5 drops rosemary oil 2 cups carrier oil

Mental Strength and Clarity 1 tbsp dried rosemary 5 drops peppermint oil 5 drops spearmint oil 2 cups carrier oil

Energizer ½ tbsp dried juniper berries 5 drops thyme oil 2 cups carrier oil

Citrus Energy 5 drops lemon oil 5 drops lime oil 2 tbsp carrier oil

Sleep Easy 5 drops lemon balm oil 5 drops ylang-ylang oil 2 tbsp carrier oil

Digestion Relief ½ tbsp dried catnip 5 drops ginger oil 5 drops spearmint oil 2 cups carrier oil

Common Essential Oils for Health and Wellness

Allspice: Reduces stress, calms, relaxes tight muscles, uplifts mood, improves digestion, natural disinfectant

Basil: Calms, relieves pain, relieves fatigue, improves mental clarity, purifies the body

Cardamom: Relieves pain, uplifts mood, improves digestion, improves mental clarity and memory

Catnip: Anti-diarrheal, relieves indigestion, relieves anxiety, uplifts mood

Chamomile: Reduces anxiety, promotes restful sleep and relaxation, relieves pain

Cinnamon: Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, natural disinfectant, improves digestion, increases appetite

Clove: Relieves pain, uplifts mood, improves mental clarity, improves digestion, natural disinfectant

Coriander: Relieves pain, relieves fatigue, improves digestion, improves mental clarity and memory

Eucalyptus: Breaks up congestion, relieves pain, natural disinfectant, vapors help with breathing (asthma)

Frankincense: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, improves digestion, expectorant, sedative

Geranium: Relieves stress and tension, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, soothes itchy skin

Ginger: Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, improves digestion, increases appetite

Juniper berries: Relieves pain, energizes, improves mental clarity and memory, anti-inflammatory, repels insects, soothes insect bites

Lavender: Relieves stress and anxiety, promotes restful sleep, uplifts mood, balances mood swings, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, natural disinfectant, breaks up congestion

Lemon: Balances the nervous system, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, improves mental clarity and memory, natural disinfectant

Lemon balm: Relieves anxiety and stress, promotes restful sleep

Lemongrass: Calms, balances nervous system, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, natural disinfectant, repels insects

Lime: Relieves fatigue, uplifts mood, natural disinfectant, improves mental clarity and memory

Mandarin: Reduces stress and tension, calms, uplifts mood

Myrrh: Helpful in meditation, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, aids in healing skin

Neroli and Orange blossom: Removes nervous tension, promotes restful sleep

Nutmeg: Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, improves digestion

Palmarosa: Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, uplifts mood, helps regenerate skin, anti-inflammatory

Peppermint: Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, breaks up congestion, anti-inflammatory, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, increases appetite, soothes itchy skin, improves mental clarity and memory

Petitgrain: Reduces anxiety and stress, promotes restful sleep, uplifts mood, improves mental clarity and memory

Pine: Lessens pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, breaks up congestion, natural disinfectant, improves mental clarity and memory

Rose: Relieves pain, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, aids in healing skin

Rosemary: Relieves pain, stimulates nerves, relieves fatigue, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, improves mental clarity and memory, natural disinfectant, repels insects

Spearmint: Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, breaks up congestion, anti-inflammatory, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, improves appetite, improves mental clarity and memory, soothes itchy skin

Tea Tree: Relieves pain, natural disinfectant, aids in healing skin, vapors help with breathing

Thyme: Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, uplifts mood, breaks up congestion, anti-inflammatory, improves digestion, increases appetite, improves mental clarity and memory, natural disinfectant

Ylang-Ylang: Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, promotes restful sleep, uplifts mood, natural disinfectant —————————————– Images are under the Creative Commons License. Information is from a variety of books, websites and my personal experience working with essential oils.

Updated 7 March 2018 to include more warnings and to be consistent with other posts in this series of lessons.

Warnings:

Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin. They are incredibly potent and are likely to cause irritation, burns and permanent scars. You must utilize an appropriate carrier oil for dilution - water is not acceptable.

Essential oils are not edible - DO NOT INGEST THEM. They are not used in tinctures, extracts or anything meant to be taken internally.

Diffusing essential oils can be toxic to your pets. Please do extensive research on which types of oils are not harmful to your pets.

Do your own research regarding medicinal plants and usage, especially if you are sensitive or have allergies of any kind. If you are on medication(s), consult a doctor before use.

Finally, aromatherapy is not a substitution for professional medical and psychiatric aid. If you are experiencing any prolonged health and/or mental health issues, SEE A DOCTOR.

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shaymarie4886-blog · 7 years ago

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Magic to Replenish Energy

(Had to make a new version because tumblr messed with the gif on the original and won’t let me edit my own posts…)

As a spoonie witch, using magic to help regain my mental and physical energy has been extremely helpful. I decided to compile some resources to make life easier!

Tea/Drinks:

Mental reboost tea spell

Easy energy tea spell

Energy boost tea

Rejuvenating tea

Morning coffee spell

Daily energy chant (for your morning drink)

Lemon cayenne wakefulness potion

Spells:

Spoonie spell for energy + Spoons spell

Rain energy spell

Electric charge spell (storms)

Solar charged spell

Energy boost spell

Pick me up energy spell

The “I’m Tired, I’m Dying” Spell

Full bloom spell

Odds and ends:

Moon bathing + Energy bath

Energy shower scrub

Recharge yourself (with crystals)

Sun meditations

Motivation charm bag

Spell jar/sachet for energy

“I Shouldn’t Be Awake But I Have to Be” Jar Spell

Emoji spell for healing from burnout

Sigils for energy: [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X]

Related resources:

What to do when witchcraft drains you

Spells and sigils for energy

Witchy things to do when you’re low on spoons

Simple spell work for low energy days

You may also like:

Rejuvenating witchcraft

Spoonie witch masterpost

Bedridden witchcraft series

How to return to the craft

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shaymarie4886-blog · 7 years ago

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The signs as fall aesthetics 🍁 // (info)

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shaymarie4886-blog · 7 years ago

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Witchy reminder: When to use which incense

Incense is used to send prayers out to own deities.You can get it in cones, sticks, smudge sticks and powder. You can make your own, too (I’ll write about it as soon as possible).

Every living being consists of energy and emits its own vibration - plants are no different. When you blend them into incense, these vibrations change in accordance with your intent. Naturally produced scents used in the form of essential oils, herbs or incense also carry the energy.

ANOINTING

acacia, angelica, carnation, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, lily of the valley (*poisonous), lotus, myrrh, rose, rosemary, vervain

BALANCE

jasmine, orange, rose, anise, amber, cedar, lavender, rosewood

BANISHING, RELEASING

cedar, clove, cypress, patchouli, rose, rue, violet, elder, fern, mugwort, St.Johns wort, vervain, yarrow, pine

BINDING

apple, cayenne, dragon’s blood, pine, pepper, rowan, wormwood

BLESSING, CONSECRATION

carnation, cypress, frankincense, lotus, rosemary, elder, rue, myrrh

CHANGES

peppermint, dragon’s blood, woodruff

CLAIRVOYANCE, DIVINATION

cinnamon, lilac, laurel, eyebright, honeysuckle, marigold, nutmeg, rose, thyme, hazel, moonwort, rowan

CREATIVITY

neroli, patchouli, fig, honeysuckle, lilac, lotus rose, wild cherry, savory

CURSING

blackthorn, elder, pepper

DETERMINATION, COURAGE

allspice, musk, rosemary, mullein

ENERGY, STRENGTH

allspice, bay, carnation, cinnamon, lotus, musk, thyme, oak, holly

EXORCISM

bay, lavender, myrrh, pine, rosemary, vervain, basil, cedar, fern, pepper, rue, St, Johnswort, wormwood, yarrow

GOOD LUCK, FORTUNE

cedar, lotus, mint, violet, nutmeg, bayberry, chamomile, jasmine, yellow dock, cinnamon, fern

HAPPINESS, HARMONY

apple blossom, basil, cedar, fir, jasmine, lavender, lilac, lotus, orange, rose, lily of the valey, purple loose-strife, vale-rain

HEALING

carnation, clove, lavender, lotus, rose, sandalwood, apple, laurel, wild cherry, hazel, hops, orange, peppermint, rowan, savor, fennel

INSPIRATION

acacia, clove, cypress, fir, hazel, laurel, lily of the valley, oak moss, reed, rue

LOVE

apple blossom, birch, gardenia, honeysuckle, jasmine, musk, rose, acacia, catnip, fern, heather, juniper, lavender, marigold, marjoram, mistletoe, savory, vanilla, yarrow, cherry, cardamon

MEDITATION

angelica, bay, cinnamon, jasmine, nutmeg, wisteria

NEW BEGINNINGS

birch oil

PROTECTION, DEFENSE

angelica, bay, blueberry, bayberry, birch, cinnamon, jasmine, lily of the valley, pine, rue, basile, burdock, club moss, dill, fern, feverfew, fir, furze, hawthorn, hazel, heather, holy, juniper, mistletoe, mullien, oak, pepper, rowan, thistle, coconut, sandalwood, fennel

PSYCHIC CENTERS

nutmeg, mimosa, wisteria, lotus, mugwort, vanilla

PURIFICATION, CLEANSING

bay laurel, lavender, pine, rosemary, basil, betony, cedar, elder, sandalwood, fever-few, hyssop, oak, peppermint, rue, salt, thyme, woodruff, coconut

REINCARNATION

lilac, sandalwood

VISIONS

bay laurel, lotus, acacia, marigold, mugwort

WILLPOWER

rosemary, St. John’s wort

——————————

www.angelfire.com

www.americanwiccan.com

~ Blessed be ~

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shaymarie4886-blog · 7 years ago

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Http://www.instagram.com/p/adkilqqbhv

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Witch Tip Wednesday 3.28.28

Cast Iron Care

I grew up in what I call a cast iron family. All the pans were cast iron, we had a few enamel pots for pasta, and one beat up copper bottomed pan for boxed mac and cheese. My mom cooked most days and when she didn’t, it was mac and cheese or pasta because we weren’t allowed to cook with her pans unless she was there.

Cast iron has some mixed reviews, some (me), swear by it and some, think it’s difficult and impossible to cook with…and they’re right to a degree (get it, degree, cooking, farenheit, celcius…sorry), if you don’t know how to care for cast iron, it’s a hassle and a mess. That’s what this post is for though!

Seasoning

Seasoning is the term used to treat and clean cast iron. Even when you buy a new “pre-seasoned” pan, you’re going to want to season it yourself. A major benefit of cooking with cast iron is that it retains flavor, and makes its own seasoning for your food…like magic!

Step 1: Clean your pan with HOT water and a scouring brush, rough side of a sponge, or steel wool. Nothing else…just water and something rough.

Step 2: Dry it completely with paper towels, and then place it on a lit stovetop burner for a minute or so to make sure it’s completely dry.

Step 3: While the pan is warm, probably 10-20 minutes after you remove from stove, (because it retains heat like no one’s business, and I don’t want you to burn yourself) pour some oil* into the pan and spread it around, completely coating the inside. Wipe off excess.

Step 4: Place in the oven set to 200º F, Upside Down for 2 hours

BOOM! Your pan is seasoned and ready to cook with.

*But Barber, what kind of oil? That’s mostly up to you, but canola is the classic standard (vegetable oil) but I use olive oil or canola, depending on what I used last. You can use any vegetable oil you want, whether that’s grapeseed, sunflower or flax seed, but there’s no reason to go crazy and buy a “Cast Iron Care Oil” because that’s literally just a marked up bottle of canola…No Lies.

NEVER USE SOAP WHEN CLEANING YOUR CAST IRON,and here’s why…

Soap is great for clothes, and your body, and even your car, but not for Cast Iron. Cast iron is a porous metal, so when you put something in, it absorbs. When you cook with it regularly, and oil it regularly, it creates its own nonstick surface! It’ll absorb the taste of herbs and spices you cook with regularly, and everything gets a mild flavor boost from whatever you cooked in it previously. When you use soap, it removes that surface and flavor; soap can absorb and flavor your food, and no one wants soapy fritatas.

Now, the seasoning steps above are used when you get a new pan, or need to re-season a rusted pan. It’ll restore it like new. But what about cleaning after cooking something tastey?

Cleaning and Upkeep

Step 1: While the pan is still warm, take rock salt and/or a non-metal brush (like the one above that I use) and go crazy scrubbing it.**

Step 2: Rinse with warm water, and dry with a paper towel (I say paper towel, because it’ll actually raise up some iron, and turn your towel black…better use a disposable towel, or risk staining your nice linens) after that, feel free to put on the stove top for a minute to make sure it’s all dry

Step 3: Coat with a little oil, wipe up excess, and store in your oven or broiler.

Special notes: The heat, salt you use to scrub, and iron itself all equal one great big anti-bacterial surface, so no worries about not using soap and feeling like you’ll get salmonella. Because it’s a porous surface, air drying is a no-no. It’ll lead to rust, and then you’ll have to scrub it off and completely re-season it (refer to first seasoning process).

**When you scrub with salt, it starts picking up iron particles and oil. It’ll start turning black and you can keep it in a jar until you’ve got a good amount, bake it on a sheet to dry it, and there you have classic Black Salt! For more banishing oomph, I scald pepper in a fry pan, and add incense ash to the mix.

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