Rough Cinquefoil

Rough Cinquefoil – potentilla norvegica – The root of this plant is astringent. Decoctions of the root can be gargled to relieve a sore throat. The root can also be chewed to relieve a sore throat.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: An astringent root. A sore throat remedy.

Rowan

Rowan – sorbus aucuparia – Also known as Mountain Ash, Witchwood, Witchbane, and Sorb Apple. A Druid sacred tree and sacred to the goddess Bride/Bridgit, Rowan bears clusters of spring flowers and bright red berries in autumn, when the leaves may turn red. The berries, rich in vitamin C, can be made into a tart jelly, Ground into flour, fermented into wine, or distilled into spirit. The seeds should be removed as they can contain hydrocyanic acid and are considered poisonous. Rowan is a traditional country charm against witchcraft. Rowan is a close relative of Sorbus americana -American mountain ash- and can be used in the same way herbally. The bark is decocted for diarrhea and for vaginal douches; simmer two teaspoons of the bark per cup of water for twenty minutes. The bark is tinctured in alcohol for eight days to treat fevers -especially intermittant fevers. The berries are gathered when ripe and then dried or made into jam. The berries are very high in vitamin C and are useful for sore throats and tonsillitis. Take one teaspoon of the fresh berry juice or a quarter cup of of the tea made by simmering one teaspoon per cup of water for twenty minutes. The ancient Welsh made an ale from rowan berries.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The berries are very high in vitamin C and are useful for sore throats and tonsillitis. Take one teaspoon of the fresh berry juice or a quarter cup of of the tea made by simmering one teaspoon per cup of water for twenty minutes

Other Uses: Rowan is said to have come from the land of Fairy and as such is a very magical tree used for wands, rods, amulets, and spells. Carrying Rowan wood increases psychic powers. Wear a tiny cross of rowan wood somewhere in your clothing or protection.

Rue

Rue – ruta graveolens – Also known as Herb of Grace. This evergreen subshrub has yellow summer flowers and deeply divided, bluish, aromatic leaves. Rue is a stimulant and abortifacient and strengthens capillaries. Its antispasmodic action treats high blood pressure, epilepsy and colic. A leaf wash treats tired eyes and was used by da Vinci and Michelangelo. Rue’s round-lobed leaves inspired the symbol for the suit of clubs.
CAUTION: Some people may experience skin irritation when picking the fresh plant.
The whole herb is used, fresh or dry. It is taken warm to bring on menstruation. The infusion benefits coughs, cramp, and colic. Steep two teaspoons of the dried herb in a cup of water for twenty minutes. Take no more than one-half cup per day. The leaves are used in poultices and salves to relieve sciatica, gout, and rheumatic pains. The fresh leaves are placed on the temples to relieve headache. Fomentations of the tea are placed on the chest to help bronchitis. The juice or oil is placed in the ear to relieve earaches.
CAUTION: This is a strong herb. Use in dosages only as indicated. Overdose will lead to vomiting.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Rue is a stimulant and abortifacient and strengthens capillaries. Its antispasmodic action treats high blood pressure, epilepsy and colic.

Other Uses: Ancient Celts considered Rue an antimagical herb, which is a defense against spells and dark magic. A fresh sprig can be used to sprinkle sacred water for consecration, blessings and healings. Burned in purification incenses.

Safflower Oil

Safflower Oil – carthamus tinctorius flos. – Safflower oil is an unsaturated oil which is a pale to rusty yellow in color with a makeup similar to that of sunflower oil. The oil is cold pressed from the seeds. Its odor is bland with little odor. The natural pigments safflomin and carthamine, or vegetable red, have a long history in dyeing and in the manufacture of paints and cosmetics. It is used today in the making of rouge and other make-up in Algeria. The leaves and seeds are capable of making milk curdle, thanks to a special enzyme. The oil has been used as a lamp oil. Use of safflower oil aids prevention of chronic degenerative diseases such as arteriosclerosis, arthritis and coronary thrombosis. It prevents cholesterol from hardening and normalizes its metabolism. Both the seeds and the oil are beneficial to diabetics or those suffering form angina and circulatory problems. The oil is also helpful in cases of bronchial asthma and nephrosis. Safflower is reputed to have diuretic properties and safflower tea promotes sweating. For external use, it’s recommended for eczema and rough skin. High oleic safflower oil is used for its high resistance to oxidation and heat degradation enabling many culinary applications including high temperature frying. It is useful as a food supplement as it is a rich source of essential fatty acids. When an unsaturated oil is used in cooking, increased temperature gives a greater rate of degradation by oxidation. This means that the oil is fine for salad dressings, as there’s no heat involved, but when used for frying the resulting high level of oxidation can make both the oil and fumes toxic.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This oil prevents cholesterol from hardening and normalizes its metabolism. Both the seeds and the oil are beneficial to diabetics or those suffering form angina and circulatory problems. The oil is also helpful in cases of bronchial asthma and nephrosis

Saffron

Saffron – crocus sativus – The stigmas and style tops flavor and color liqueurs and many dishes, especially rice. Saffron is considered an aphrodisiac, but too much may be narcotic. It is given to reduce fevers, cramps, and enlarged livers, and to calm nerves, and is applies externally for bruises, rheumatism, and neuralgia. In India saffron is used ceremonially. Although water soluble, it is used cosmetically and as a sacred dye. Turmeric is mistakenly called saffron in Asia.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Saffron is given to reduce fevers, cramps, and enlarged livers, and to calm nerves, and is applies externally for bruises, rheumatism, and neuralgia.

Other Uses: Saffron is added to love sachets as well as though aimed at raising lustful feelings. It is used in healing spells, and the infusion is used as wash water for the hands prior to healing rituals. Use in spells for: Happiness; Health/Healing; Lust.

Sage

Sage – salvia officinalis – Sage leaf has a strong taste that increases when dried. Used sparingly to flavor and aid the digestion of fatty meats, it is popular in poultry stuffing and combines well with strongly flavored floors. The flowers are tossed in salads and are brewed for a light, balsamic tea, while the leaf tea is an antiseptic nerve and blood tonics. Sage contains hormone precursors that help irregular menstruation and menopause symptoms.
Sage is a drying agent for the body. The tea of the leaf will dry up night sweats, breast milk, and mucous congestion. It benefits the nerves and the menstrual cycle as well. Being astringent, it helps with diarrhea. Use it as a sore throat gargle and as a poultice for sores and stings. Use two teaspoons of the herb per cup of water, steep for twenty minutes and take a quarter cup four times a day. Tincture; fifteen to forty drops, up to four times a day.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Sage contains hormone precursors that help irregular menstruation and menopause symptoms. Sage is a drying agent for the body. The tea of the leaf will dry up night sweats, breast milk, and mucous congestion.

Other Uses: Sage absorbs negativity and misfortune. It drives away disturbances and tensions, and lifts the spirits above the mundane cares of life. Use in spells for: Protection; Wisdom; Health; Money and Riches; Spirituality.

Sanicle

Sanicle – sanicula gregana – Sanicle has been used to treat internal bleeding of the stomach and intestines. It has also been used to relieve nosebleeds. The detoxifying properties of sanicle make it potentially valuable, if taken internally, as a treatment for skin problems. Externally, as a wash or in a poultice, this herb can provide relief to inflammations, rashes, and sores. An ointment made from sanicle has been used to treat hemorrhoids.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Can be used to treat internal bleeding, diarrhea, sore throats, and as a detoxifier.

Sassafras

Sassafras – sassafras albidum – This herb was used by native american indians as both a tonic and diuretic. It affects the body by both restoring and nourishing whilst it removes toxins and purifies the blood. This detoxifying of the body aids in the treatment of acne, psoriasis and excema at the same time as relieving rheumatism, gout and arthritis. The essential oil, extracted from the root bark is used in dentistry today, as an antiseptic. The oil can also be applied, externally, to treat head lice.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Tea provides relief for gastrointestinal complaints, rheumatism, gout, colds an fevers. The plant is antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic and detoxifying.

Savory

Savory – satureja spp. – This is a culinary herb. As a tea, or in an infusion, this herb is a tonic to the digestive system – calming flatulence and stimulating the appetite. It also relieves diarrhea. Savory has expectorant properties. The essential oil can be used to relieve toothache.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: An antiflatulent, carminative and stimulant for the digestion. Relieves coughs with it’s expectorant properties and also relieves diarrhea.