It is, of course, essential that every Wise Woman have a well stocked herb pantry - even if it's just a shelf or two. The herbs and fruits listed below are easily grown, or found in natural food stores. They are a good beginning for your witch's pantry. When choosing which plants to harvest, or when purchasing your herbs, be sure to choose the finest quality available. Store your herbs in a dry, cool environment and make sure they haven't become musty or spoiled before using them.
APPLES
Fresh apples whilst eaten in the morning are especially cleansing for the system whilst nearer the end of the day they act more like a laxative. They have been traditionally used for inflammation of the skin (applied in a poultice). Eaten fresh can aid in constipation, sour apples are used as a diuretic in cystitis and other urinary infections. Eat stewed for diarrhea.Use an infusion of apples in water as a warming drink for rheumatic pains and intestinal colic, and as a cooling remedy for feverish colds. You can use the Juice neat or mixed with olive oil as an application for cuts and grazes. An apple poultice can be applied for scabies.
ALFALFAAlso known as Buffalo grass or Chilean clover. Alfalfa leaves have wonderful healing powers that can prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and help prevent strokes. Alfalfa seeds should never be ingested as they contain high levels of amino acid canavanine. Some chemicals in alfalfa can also destroy red blood cells and people with anemia should use caution when ingesting it.
ALLSPICEAllspice is commonly used for cooking, however, it is also useful as a digestive aid, anesthetic, and pain reliever and has been used to treat flatulence and diabetes. Allspice oil should never be swallowed as it can cause nausea, vomiting, and even convulsions. The oil can also be irritating when applied externally to people with sensitive skin or those with eczema.
ALOEAloe is one of the most widely used herbs for burns, scalds, sunburns, scrapes and an infection fighter. It can also be used to smooth and beautify skin. To use Aloe, cut mature (lower) leaves for burns, scalds, sunburns, or cosmetic benefits. The use of this herb should be limited to external application only. When ingested, it may cause severe cramping and diarrhea. Pregnant women, in particular, should never take it internally.
ANISEAnise has been used as a cough remedy, digestive aid and contains chemicals similar to estrogen, which may help with menopausal discomforts. Anise has carminative, stomachic, stimulant and diuretic properties. In the East it is used to combat colic and rheumatism. It is a common flavouring for medicinal teas, cough mixtures and pastilles.
BASILExcellent for insect bites and for cold conditions. Harvest before flowering. Only use the leaves. Apply fresh basil on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation. Combine with an equal quantity of honey for itching skin and ring worm. Mix the juice with cinnamon and cloves for chills. You can make a syrup by combining the juice with equal portions of honey for coughs. Put a couple of drops of Basil oil in your bath water for nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue. WARNING: Do not use the essential oil in pregnancy.
BAY LEAFBay leaf has many properties which make it useful for treating high blood sugar, migraine headaches, bacterial and fungal infections, and gastric ulcers. Bay leaves and berries have been used for their astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic and stomachic properties. Bay leaf is also an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Bay Leaf has also been used to treat rheumatism, amenorrhea, and colic.
BORAGEBorage stimulates the adrenal glands which gears the body for action in stressful situations.The leaves can be used as an adrenal tonic for stress or to counter the lingering effects of steroid therapy. They can also be used for dry coughs and to stimulate milk flow. Harvest throughout the season. Infused in water for early stages of feverish colds/lung disorders. Use in a tincture three times a day as a tonic and for stress. Borage tea or the juice of pulped leaves can be taken to aid depression, grief and anxiety. Diluted juice can be used on skin for irritations, dryness and rashes.
BURDOCKThe leaves can be used for stomach problems, including indigestion. Harvest before or during early flowering. The root is considered the most important part of the burdock, used for cleansing and as an eliminative remedy for a build up of toxins that lead to skin problems. It helps remove pains caused by arthritis. Use the root as a decoction for skin problems. Use the root as poultice for skin sores, and use the leaves in a poultice for acne, bruises or inflammation. Wash with root for acne/fungal skin infections. Infuse leaves for mild indigestion. Take in a wine glass before meals
CABBAGEThe leaves can be used directly on wounds, ulcers and inflammations. Recently they have been demonstrated as effective for treating stomach ulcers. Use leaves directly on sprained joints, wounds, arthritic joints. Pull out a leaf from the centre, gently beat it and bind it to where needed. A syrup made from the decotation may be taken for chesty coughs, asthma and bronchitis.
CARAWAY
In addition to the use of Caraway seeds in food, the oil, infusion of seeds, and tinctures have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Two chemicals in caraway seeds have been known to soothe the digestive tract and to help expel gas. It may also be used for relief of menstrual cramps due to the fact that caraway might relax the uterus.
CATNIPCatnip is obviously associated with cats, but when used in teas, it is considered a cold and cough remedy because it relieves chest congestion and lessens phlegm. Warnings: some people may experience upset stomach but catnip is considered non toxic.
CAYENNEHot and fiery, cayenne is often used to improve poor circulation and sluggish bowels. Rich in vitamin K, a blood coagulant, cayenne will stop bleeding almost instantly. Cayenne will sting when applied externally.It is great for constipation, and is a good heart tonic, improving blood circulation to the heart and increasing overall body warmth and energy. It is easily cultivated in hot climates.Cayenne is also one of the herbs used in the all-purpose herlbal liniment on our herbal recipe page.
CELERY
The seeds help clear toxins away from system. They act as a mild digestive stimulant. Harvest seeds after plant flowers in the second year. The stalk when eaten can help mothers stimulate milk flow after birth. The root is an effective diuretic and has been taken for urinary stones/gravel. The root can also stimulate liver and digestive remedy. Celery oil can be used for painful gout in feet and toes. (Add 15 drops of oil into warm water, and soak feet.) The Celery root can be made into a tincture for kidney stimulant/cleanser, or urinary disorders. The juice of the whole plant is good for joints and urinary tract inflammations such as cystitis.
CHAMOMILEThis is a gentle herb that is well known for its ability to calm the nerves and relieve stress and nervous tension. Chamomile is easily grown and is often found in the cracks between paving stones or sidewalks. It is excellant for stomach tension, indigestion, and for inflamation. I start my morning with a cup of chamomile tea to prepare myself for the stresses of the coming day and soothe my stomach.
CINNAMONCinnamon is also commonly used for infection prevention, pain relief, as a digestive aid, and may help calm the uterus. Some people sprinkle it on cuts and scrapes, but it may cause redness and burning, so discretion is suggested when applying topically.
CLOVEClove oil has been used for toothaches, oral hygiene, as a digestive aid, and an infection fighter. It is also used to treat hernia, ringworm and athletes foot. Whole cloves are also used to fight the pain of toothaches. Warnings: Children under the age of 2 should never be given clove for medicinal purposes. The oil may cause upset stomach when taken internally and rash when used externally.
COMFREYThis herb is also known as "Knit Bone" for it's ability to speed the mending of broken bones. (When my leg was broken, comfrey root capsules did more to relieve the pain than anything the Dr. prescribed.) It is highly prized for it's wound healing properties and is also used to mend torn ligaments and injured tissue. When the powdered root is mixed with oil and used as a poltice it is useful for getting rid of warts. Taken internally, it makes an excellant remedy for lung ailments, and stomach aches. It is considered a soothing cure for stomach ulcers, as well. Comfrey is much too easily cultivated and it will take over your garden area if given a chance. For this reason it is well to contain it in raised planters, etc. There is some controversy over how much comfrey it is safe to ingest, so use it sparingly and don't take it at all if you are pregnant.
DANDELIONThis is one of the most widely used herbs in world, and is also eaten as a salad or cooked green. It is a specific rememdy for the kidneys and the liver. This plant is also easily cultivated and grows in lawns everywhere. It is often eaten to clean the system and strengthen the system in the springtime. And it makes an invigorating tea. Both the root and the leaves are used.
ECHINACEA
Echinacea has been widely promoted as a preventative for colds, flu, and other infections. It is used in many parts of the world to strengthen the immune system and is under investigation as a potential AIDS treatment. This plant is a perennial and is pretty enough for any garden. This makes a wonderful and soothing throat syrup when mixed with honey, and is a delicious addition to any tea.
ELDER (Tree)Elder flower cordial is one of the most delicious drinks, and makes a fantastic homemade sorbet for the summer. The flowers are ideal for colds and influenza. They are also good in aiding hay fever. The berries are ripe in autumn and are rich in vitamins A and C. Use the flowers as an infusion for hay fever. Use a tincture for colds and influenza, use in early spring to reduce hay fever symptons. The berries make a wonderful jam and can also be used in a syrup which is delicious on pancakes, and also good for winter colds.
GARLICGarlic has been used for centuries for it's antibiotic, antiviral properties and is often called the "Poor man's penicillin". This is one of the all time best remedies for the flu, bacterial and viral infections. It is useful also for it's ability to lower blood pressure. For many years my 97 yr old grandmother has eaten a garlic and butter sandwich everyday. And of course, no one's pantry should ever be without this delicious cooking ingredient.
GINGERGinger is most commonly known as a cooking ingredient, especially in oriental recipes, but it is also useful as a medicine.
It is good for stomach or menstrual cramps, poor circulation, motion and morning sickness.
It is an antispasmodic and a stimulant as well.
It is also available in almost any grocery store.
GOLDENSEALThis plant is indigenous to North America and was used widely by the Native Americans. IT is a very effective natural antibiotic and infection fighter. It should, however, be used with caution and for short periods of time only!! If taken over an extended period of time Goldenseal builds up in the mucosa of the body and causes inflammation and irritation. It should not be taken during pregnancy as it may cause premature contractions.This plant is extremely hard to grow and you will probably need to purchase it.
HONEY SUCKLE
Widely used for asthma, urinary complaints and even childbirth. This is a beautiful plant, that I recommend anyone who can, to have itgrowing in their garden. Harvest in summer. Use the flowers in an infusion mixed with cowslip or mulberry for coughs or mild asthma. A syrup made with the infusion should be taken for coughs. Flower buds make a decoction in early stages of a feverish cold, symptoms include headache, thirst and sore throat.
LAVENDERThis is another herb that has so many uses, I would again recommend that everyone should have. It is a beautiful smelling plant brilliant for headaches, nervous exhaustion and to aid in sleep. The essential oil is not expensive and is easily available. Harvest toward the end of flowering. This plant will also bring bees into your garden, which is a boon to the plants - if you're allergic to bees, however, I recommend you buy dried lavender instead. Infuse the flowers for nervous exhaustion and headaches. Take 5ml twice a day of the tincture for headaches and depression. Place under pillow to help sleep. Warning: Avoid high doses of the herb during pregnancy.
LEMON BALMEasy to grow in the garden. The leaves are good for depression or for anyone worried or anxious. Externally they can be used on sores or painful swellings. Harvest before flowering. Use the leaves infused for depression, nervous exhaustion and indigestion. Compress to relieve painful swellings.
MINT This herb relaxes the muscles and is good for travel sickness. It also promotes sweating in fevers. Harvest before flowering. Infuse for travel sickness, nausea, migraines and fevers. Compress for inflamed joints and rheumatism. Inhalation to ease nasal blockages. I recommend growing this plant in pots or raised beds in your garden. Otherwise, it may spread out and take over the garden and lawn. It's difficult to establish, but almost impossible to get rid of once it takes hold.
NETTLEThis plant will sting you if you don't use caution in the harvesting and handling. It is high in nutrients and medicianl properties.
Nettle is rich in calcium, plant iron, and vitamin A. It strengthens the entire system and is used to combat anemia, fatigue, edema, and menstrual difficulties. Also good for allergies and hay fever. I don't recommend growing or harvesting this plant yourself, as it produces a nasty skin irritation when handled.
PEPPERMINTThis herb is familiar to almost everybody as a refreshing and energizing plant. It helps to mask the taste of other, less pleasant ingredients, and is an excellant digestive aid. It is used in tea for stomach aches, nausea, poor digestion, as well as for colds and fever. It is very easily cultivated and smells wonderful in the garden.
RASPBERRY
The berries of this plant are rich in vitamins and minerals. You might be surprised to learn that the leaves help with diarrhea, wounds, sore throats, and mouth ulcers. Harvest before the berries ripen. Infusion of leaves can be taken for mild diarrhea, or as a gargle for mouth ulcers. Also said to help with pregnancy. The leaves can also be used as a wash for wounds or made into a tea which is useful for regulating the menstrual cycle.
RED CLOVERThe petals of this plant taste of sweet nectar. They are mainly used for cleansing, and have been used for whooping cough. In the 1930's they became popular as an anti-cancer remedy and may still be prescribed for breast, ovarian and lymphatic cancer sufferers. Only harvest the flowers. Fresh, crushed flowers can be applied to aid insect bites and stings. The tincture can be used for eczema and psoriasis and a compress of Red Clover is effective for gout and arthritic pains. A syrup can be taken for stubborn/dry coughs.
SKULLCAPScullcap serves to revitalize the entire central nervous system. It is most commonly used for headaches and to relieve stress. This is another member of the mint family and is easily grown.
SPEARMINTThis member of the mint family is used much as peppermint. It is also easily grown. I like to plant along walkways where the smell is released when the plant is stepped on.
VALERIANThis herb has long been considered the surpeme remedy for nervous stress and tension. It helps to relieve insomnia, as well, and is used as a pain reliever. It can be used without fear of addiction, unlike many presecription medications. I recommend storing Valerian inside of a cannister, inside of another cannister, as it has a very strong and pervasive odor. It is most easily taken in capsule form.
WILD STRAWBERRYA delicious fruit which has some surprising properties. Crushed berries make a treatment for sunburn and consumed make a liver tonic. The leaves can be used for diarrhoea, gout and arthritis. Or alternatively steep in wine for a delicious beverage. Infuse the leaves for relief of diarrhea, and as an appetite stimulant. They also aid gastric inflammations. Eat the fruit as a liver tonic. Useful in feverish conditions and for gastritis. A poultice of crushed berries for sunburn and other skin inflammations.
Latest update - 4/24/07