Bergamot Mint

Forms Available: essential oil, leaf

Bergamot Mint – Mentha citrata – This herb is sometimes confused with the Citrus of the same name. Bee Balm is also called bergamot at times. This is a hairless mint with thin smooth leaves and purple runners, it has purplish flowers. In full sun it develops a strong citrus scent and the whole plant is tinged purple. In shade the color is more coppery. Use it as an aromatic herb in potpourri or to make a honey-sweetened drink. The flavor is not so good for cooking. Also called Eau De Cologne Mint.

Other Uses: The leaves of bergamot mint are slipped into wallets and purses to attract money. Fresh leaves are also rubbed onto money before spending it to ensure it’s return. Also used in “success” rituals and spells.

Beth Root

Beth Root – trillium erectum – The leaves of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. The root of the plant is antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, expectorant and a tonic. A poultice from the plant is used on inflammations, ulcers, skin issues, and insect bites. For internal use, the steroidal saponins of this plant have been added to gynaecological and obstetric medications. It is used, amongst other things, to treat haemorrhage of the uterus, urinary tract, and lungs and to ease heavy menstruation. The north american indians have taditionally used this herb to aid childbirth and to relieve other female issues such as irregular menstruation and menstrual pains.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Antiseptic; Aphrodisiac; Astringent; Birthing aid; Expectorant; Poultice; Tonic

Betony

Betony – stachys officinalis or Stachys betonica or Betonica officinalis – Also known as Bishopwort, Wood Betony or Purple Betony. Wood betony has fairly pungent, scalloped, hairy leaves and spikes of pale magenta summer flowers. A Druid sacred herb. The aerial parts provide a tea substitute and are added to tonics and herbal cigarettes. An infusion is mildly sedative and cleansing and is a nerve and circulation tonic for migraine, anxiety, indigestion, drunkenness, and difficult labor. Wood Betony was an Anglo-Saxon protective charm

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Has been used in folk herbalism as a calming remed. Used for headaches and nerualgia. Also used as an anti-inflammatory.

Other Uses: A very powerful herb to the Druids as it has the power to expel evil spirits, nightmares and despair. Burned at Midsummer Solstice for purification and protection. Sprinkle around or near all doors and windows to form a protective barrier.

Birth Root

Birth Root – trillium grandiflorum – The leaves of this plant can be eaten cooked. The root of the plant is applied as a poultice on aching joints, particularly rheumatic ones. The root is also steeped in water to make a tea which relieves cramps and irregular menstrual cycles. Decoctions of the root have been used, as drops, to relieve sore ears.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue, opthalmic

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh – cimicifuga racemosa – The root of this plant has been tradionally used by Native American Indians for treating female issues such as painful menses and menopausal problems. This herb has many valuable properties. It has been used to improve circulation and lower blood pressure, to relieve arthritis, and as an expectorant. It is anti inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astrigent, emmenagogue, expectorant, vasodilator and relieves female problems. The plant is a natural insect repellent.
Caution: this root is toxic so do not overuse AND avoid if pregnant.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This plant is anti inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astrigent, emmenagogue, expectorant, vasodilator and relieves female problems. It plant is a natural insect repellent.

Black Currant Seed Oil

Forms Available: oil

Black Currant Seed Oil

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan – rudbeckia hirta – The root has been used in infusions to treat colds, dropsy, worms in children, sores and snakebites. The root liquid has also been used as drops for earaches.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Root has been used in infusions to treat colds, dropsy, worms in children, sores, snakebites.

Black Walnut

Black Walnut – juglans nigra – A thick green hull covers the actual walnut. This hull has to be removed to reveal the hard, wrinkled shell beneath. A dark, oily substance is between the hull and the shell. Walnut hulls are used to make dyes. The hulls can be boiled in water to make a deep brown, almost black dye. Besides making a dye, the boiled hull of the walnut can be used as a medicine by rubbing the affected skin with the pulverized leaves. It has been used extensively for the treatment of ringworm. The dark liquid is boiled down to make a thick poultice-like substance and this is applied to the area affected. Black walnut hull is widely known for its anti-parasitic qualities. Through the ages it has been used to rid the bowel of parasites such as tapeworms. It is also used as an antifungal in cases of Candida yeast, ringworm, athlete’s foot and thrush. The powder can be used to brush teeth to remove plaque and restore tooth enamel, although it may also darken teeth. Its astringent properties helps tighten gums, hemorrhoids. This herb is toxic to horses! Check with your vet before using to treat animals. May stop lactation, use caution if nursing.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Through the ages it has been used to rid the bowel of parasites such as tapeworms. It is also used as an antifungal in cases of Candida yeast, ringworm, athlete’s foot and thrush.

Blackberry

Blackberry – rubus villosus – A Blackberry leaf decoction is a blood and skin tonic, and a poultice treats eczema. The juicy purple-black fruit are rich in fiber and Vitamin C. The root is a classic remedy for diarrhea and is reputed to clean the kidneys and urinary tract of stones and gravel. Simmer two teaspoons for the root per cup of water for twenty minutes, and take a quarter cup four times a day. The buds and leaves are used fresh in poultices for wounds, burns, mouth sores, and sore throats. Chew the leaves or make a poultice. The berries are slightly binding and are useful in diarrhea, as are the leaves.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The astringent property of blackberry make it useful for treating diarrhea and sore throats.

Other Uses: Sacred to Brighid, the leaves and berries are used to attract wealth or healing. This is a Goddess herb, belonging to the planetary sphere of Venus. Protection, health, prosperity, pie for Lughnassadh, to commemorate the harvest.