By Cat Gina Cole
An Herbal List
You ever have that moment when you look back on something you wrote and cannot read your own handwriting? My herbal journal is like that today. This is the first list of herbs I made that I wanted for myself and those I might want to teach about later, with some short notes on each herb. At the time I wrote this list I really had no idea about how using a powdered herb was different from using a leaf herb. Boy, did I find out in quick order when I tried to make a cough syrup from wild cherry bark powder! As inexperienced as I was back then, it did not go well. Powders are more often used in ointments, poltices, or creams for the purpose of skin issues.
Wild Cherry Bark Powder– Cough, respiratory issues, expectorant, anti-bacterial, slightly toxic so use small amounts over a short period.
Yarrow Flowers- Styptic, astringent, antiseptic, for skin as an infusion, magically used for dreams, manifesting, and abundance.
Uva Ursa– As a tea for women’s issues and to fight infection, as a sachet under the pillow for psychic workings, or as a smoke for dream work.
Damiana leaf– Increase sexual desire especially in women, depression, mental and physical stamina, and relaxation.
Oat Straw– Pain, insomnia, lower cholesterol, addictions, blood sugar balance, and a calmative.
Turmeric Root Powder- Circulation, skin, liver, antiseptic, antibacterial, pain, and protection.
Yellow Dock Root– Use for skin disease, liver detox, colon cleanse, diuretic, reduces fever, or to draw money can use in a mojo bag for wealth.
Gotu Kola Powder-High blood pressure, varicose veins, improve memory, acne, immune disfunction, sleep disorder, magically for psychic powers. Note: this herb is listed as non-toxic and is used widely but is not recommended for anyone with liver issues in high or prolonged doses.
Yohimbe Bark Powder- Hallucinogen, erectile disfunction, stimulant, can be used as an aphrodisiac and for visions if smoked.
White Willow Bark– Headache, swelling, tension, this is natures aspirin and can be used for any of the same reasons.
California Poppy- Sleep, calmative for ADHD, non-opiate poppy, use magically for money or luck.
That is all from my herbal journal this week. Next week I begin to write about what I think it is important to teach about herbs and why. Until then Many Blessings!
Cat Gina Cole is a Herditary Witch and author of Psychic Skills for Magic and Witchcraft (Llewellyn, 2022). She is the founder of The Coven of the Rising Phoenix and Staff Coordinator for “Green Egg Magazine.” You can reach her at www.catginacole.com.