Greetings and welcome to you all!
I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my little blog about herbs and the many ways we can benefit from their usage. I am not a “expert” by society's institutionalized standards, however, I have been working with herbs for many years and have kept my parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, as well as others, healthy without the need of pharmaceuticals. Most people who avoid them rarely ever become ill in the first place!
This is a series in which we will explore some of the most commonly used herbs in both Traditional as well as Mystical practice with both sections presented for each herb. We will also cover recipes, lore, definitions and much more.
I do hope you will join me and learn
the many ways herbs can heal and enrich your life.
In this first installment we will begin with a plant that is not an herb at all but has gained mainstream popularity in the past few years for its incredible healing properties. It is one of the few non-herbs that we will cover but due to the astonishing benefits of this plant, I felt it absolutely necessary that it be included in this work. Personally, Echinacea is probably used more often in my home than anything else, save for essential oils such as lavender.
Echinacea Purpurea
TRADITIONAL USAGE
TRADITIONAL USAGE
Yes, this tall and abundant lovely that looks like a giant, purple daisy, can heal your wounds, strengthen your immune system, and rid you of bacterial nasties such as streptococcus! Unlike antibiotics, Echinacea stimulates the body's own defenses against invaders, yet when used against active infections it appears to behave much like an antibiotic in the swiftness with which it can eradicate many infections, such as strep throat.
Immune supporting, depurative, vulnerary, lymphatic, sialagogue
It has been my experience that the whole plant, dried, and pulverized is very effective for building immunity and strengthening the body's immunity. I recommend filling gelatin capsules, which can be found at most food co-ops or health food stores, and taking one with breakfast and one before retiring. It can be made into a tea as well, but it is quite bitter. It is good to use this supplement for approximately three weeks and then take a break for two, lest the body begin to become somewhat resistant to Echinacea's properties.
If there exists an active infection, the liquid form is definitely the best. Again, this may be purchased in a dropper bottle at your local health market and must be used in its entirety within one week. After that, it begins losing its effectiveness at an alarming rate. Take one dropperful with or without water every three hours until the bottle is empty. This herb never ceases to amaze me at how quickly and thoroughly it can eradicate many infections.
Topically, Echinacea powder or liquid can be added to carrier oils or ointments, or even the gauze side of a bandage, then applied to the effected area. I have had success with crushing a leaf and/or stem between my fingers and then applying it directly to the area, in one case between the lip and gum for an abcess, leaving it there for at least an hour at a time.
MYSTICAL USAGE
Echinacea is known to carry with it an energy of confidence and strength making it an excellent additive to any protection or prosperity ritual or incense to protect the Circle. It can be cut and displayed in a vase in the home to bring prosperity to the inhabitants or business and is a good choice for an offering to the Goddess or feminine deities.
Astrological Alliance - Scorpio
Planetary Alliance - Mars
Tarot Alliance - Temperance
LORE
Echinacea originates from the Greek word ekhinos, ‘hedgehog’, in reference to the bristly cone in the center of the flower.
Being a Native American staple, warriors would often treat their wounds by pulling some plants out of the ground, roots and all, crushing them with their hands to bring up the juices, and strapping them to the injury.
The Purple Coneflower is the State Wildflower of Tennessee.
Thank you for reading my first installment
and
please follow @areynolds for more!
Also, I'd be interested in hearing your experiences with Echinacea. Share your ideas and I'll add them to this blog with your credit.
Peace and many smiles!
and
please follow @areynolds for more!
Also, I'd be interested in hearing your experiences with Echinacea. Share your ideas and I'll add them to this blog with your credit.
Peace and many smiles!
General Info And Common Sense: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Thanks goes to Pixabay for the photos.