Magnolia

Magnolia – magnolia virginiana – Deciduous tree with heavily scented flowers. The bark, in a tea, is a tonic that improves digestion, eases stomach pains, and treats diarrhea and vomiting. This bark is a diuretic, therefore helping the body by reducing fevers – it has been used to treat malaria. Also used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, colds, bronchial problems, rheumatism and gout. It has also been chewed as a tobacco substitute to help break the habit.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, colds, bronchial problems, digestive disorders, fevers. Said to break tobacco habits. Treats malaria.

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Fern – andiantum pedatum – This fern is used in flower arrangements. It is used by herbalists tor relieve sore throats, congestion, coughs, and bronchitis. It is demulcent and expectorant. It also has astringent properties,, the leaves have been chewed to stop internal bleeding or applied, in poultice externally, to external wounds.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Used to relieve bronchitis, coughs, upper respiratory infections, asthma, nasal congestion.

Mandrake

Mandrake – podophyllum – the fruit of the mandrake can be used in jams and jellies. The mandrake root has been a well used herbal remedy. It is a tonic for the glands and is purported to aid liver complaints. The native american indians used the ground root as a treatment for worms and as an antidote to snakebite venom. Externally, this root is used for wart removal.
Caution: do not use when pregnant or nursing and always used under medical supervision. USFDA consider unsafe.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Emetic, snakebite anti-venom, laxative, wart remover, digestive tract tonic.

Mango Butter

Forms Available: butter

Mango Butter – mangifera indica – Mango butter is taken from the seed kernels of the fruit of the mango tree. It is similar in texture to shea butter and is much softer than cocoa butter. It has a very light yellow/mango color. High in unsaponifiables

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Used in skin softening preparations.

Manuka

Manuka – leptospermum scoparium

Marigold

Marigold – Calendula officinalis – Also known as Calendula, Holigold, Pot Marigold and Bride of the Sun. A Druid sacred herb, this cheerful annual or perennial has hairy leaves and golden-orange daisy flowers. The leaves are added to salads and garnishes of flowers color rice and fish dishes. Calendula is antiseptic and antifungal and contains hormone and vitamin A precursors. Essential oil is extracted from the petals but is extremely expensive.
This is the “pot marigold” not the African variety so common in American gardens. The flowers are a healing agent. Added to fomentations, poultices and salves, they speed healing of wounds and of nerve damage. The infusion is given for intestinal problems and to clean lymph and blood. Useful in fevers, the herb can be used fresh, dry, or in tincture. For tea, steep two teaspoons of flowers per cup of water for twenty minutes; take one teaspoon per hour. Using tincture, take five to twenty drops four times a day.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Added to fomentations, poultices and salves, they speed healing of wounds and of nerve damage. The infusion is given for intestinal problems and to clean lymph and blood. Useful in fevers, the herb can be used fresh, dry, or in tincture.

Other Uses: Known as “summer’s bride”, the yellow calendula embodies the Sun’s fire and life sustaining virtue. Calendula is carried into court for a favorable verdict. In the mattress it encourages prophetic dreams. Marriage spells; Love; Divination; Protection .

Marijuana

Marijuana – cannabis sativa – An annual plant. Narcotic – affects nerve centers. Illegal in many countries. This herb is a pain reliever. For people with glaucoma, marijuana reduces the build up of pressure in the eye. For chemotherapy patients, it relieves the feeling of nausea. It has laxative properties and is an appetite stimulant.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A narcotic, pain-killer, relieves glaucoma, lowers blood pressure, relieves arthritis and rhematism pains.

Mastic

Mastic – pistachia lentiscus – Also known as Gum Mastic. This aromatic, evergreen shrubby tree has scented pale green spring flowers in clusters and red to black berries. The bark is tapped for mastic, its resin, which chewed in the eastern Mediterranean as a breath freshener and employed as a flavoring for bread, pastries, and the liqueur Mastiche. This resin can be difficult to find, if unavailable try substituting a combination, equal parts of gum arabic and frankincense.

Other Uses: Love; Magical Power; Psychic Awareness; Adds potency and power to any incense.