Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain – verbena hastata – An expectorant, loosens phlegm. Cleanses body by promoting sweat and acting as a diuretic. A natural tranquilizer.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: An expectorant, loosens phlegm. Cleanses body by promoting sweat and acting as a diuretic. A natural tranquilizer.

Blueberry

Blueberry – vaccinium sp. – This fruit seems to absorb free radicals, interferes with carcinagens, cleanses the blood, aids blood sugar levels in diabetes type 2, eases eyestrain, reduces bad cholesterol and, perhaps, reduces occurrence of urinary tract infections. Blueberries also show promise in treating alzheimer’s and other age related mental acuity issues.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This fruit seems to absorb free radicals, interferes with carcinagens, cleanses the blood, aids blood sugar levels in diabetes type 2, eases eyestrain, reduces bad cholesterol and, perhaps, reduces occurrence of urinary tract infections.

Boneset

Boneset – eupatorium perfoliatum – Relieves flu symptoms, induces sweat, relieves arthritis, relieves constipation, diuretic and appetite stimulant. Boneset was used, in the pre aspirin days, for relieving coughs, colds, flu, and upper respiratory tract congestion – the decongestant quality of boneset loosens the phlegm and the sweat making properties increases perspiration and lowers fevers.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Relieves flu symptoms, induces sweat, relieves arthritis, relieves constipation, diuretic and appetite stimulant.

Borage

Borage – borago officinalis – The flowers decorate salads and cakes and are frozen in ice cubes. The cooling, mineral-rich leaves flavor drinks, dips, and salt-free diets. A leaf and flower infusion is an adrenaline tonic taken for stress, depression, or cortisone and steroid treatment. It reduces fevers, dry coughs, and dry skin rashes.
Borage Oil is clear and slightloy thick with very little odor. It contains an abundance of gamma linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that the body uses to manufacture prostaglandins–hormone like substances that balance and regulate cellular activity. It reduces the aging process of the skin and reverses damage from ultraviolet rays. This oil is used to treat PMS, endometriosis, and menopausal discomforts, as well as for psoriasis and eczema.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Soothes mucous membranes relieving sore throats. Boosts spirit, eases arthritis and rheumatism.

Other Uses: Tea aids psychic power. Carry the leaves for protection. Carry the fresh blossoms to strengthen your courage. Use in money and business spells.

Briar Rose

Briar Rose – rosa rubiginosa – Also known as Wild Rose, Sweet Briar, Hop Fruit, or Briar. Regular scented roses may be substituted. See also ROSE.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Anxiety; Depression; Circulatory Problems; menopausal Problems; as an Antiseptic and Tonic; Menstrual Disorders; Stress; Tension; as a Sedative.

Other Uses: For clairvoyant dreams, steep two teaspoons fresh or dried rose petals in one cup of boiling water. Cover and let stand five minutes. Drink at bedtime. Burn the petals with love incense to strengthen love spells.

Broccoli

Forms Available: leaf, flower, extract

Broccoli – brassica oleracea italica – a vegetable, rich in nutrients such as calcium, chlorophyll, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, C and K. The vitamin K helps prevent colon and stomach cancer. The calcium content helps prevent the effects of bone loss and osteoporosis.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A plant packed with vitamins and minerals. The vitamin K helps prevent colon and stomach cancer. The calcium content helps prevent the effects of bone loss and osteoporosis.

Broom

Broom – genista scoparius syn. Cytisus scoparius and Sarothamnus scoparious – Also known as Scotch Broom, and Irish broom. A Druid Sacred Tree, it is a many-branched erect shrub with simple or trifoliate leaves, and golden “sweet-pea” flowers. A flowering sprig of Broom was a heraldic battle device of Henry II of England who is said to have taken the family name Plantagenet from this medieval “planta genista”.
Flowering broom tips are gathered in spring, before Midsumer, and are later used fresh or dry. The seeds are as useful as the tops. Both are soluble in water and alcohol. The infusion is used to tread cardiac edema. Simmer one teaspoon of the herb or seeds per cup of water for twenty minutes. The dose is one-half cup a day in one-fourth cup doses. Broom is combined with dandelion root, uva ursi, and juniper berries to treat bladder and kidney ailments. Take one part broom, one half part uva ursi, and one half part dandelion root. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to half the original quantity. Add one-half part juniper berry and cool. A pinch of cayenne is sprinkled into each one-eighth cup dose. Caution: Acute kidney problems contraindicate this herb. Broom is a heart tonic. Use one teaspoon of the herb per cup of water, and do not exceed more than one-half cup per day. One to ten drops of tincture may be given as a dose.

Other Uses: Broom flowers bound with colored ribbons are carried at weddings. Couples may choose to “jump the broom” as they make their transition to a new station of life. Broom can be substituted for furze, gorse, at Spring Equinox.

Bugleweed

Bugleweed – lycopus virginicus – this herb is used to treat hyperthyroidism, it decreases the level of thyroid stimulating hormones and slows the pulse. It is also has astringent and sedative properties.
Caution: do not use if pregnant or suffering hypothyroidism.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This herb is used to treat hyperthyroidism, it decreases the level of thyroid stimulating hormones and slows the pulse. It is also has astringent and sedative properties.

Burdock

Burdock – arctium lappa – this herb aids the liver, kidney, and bowels – it is a great detoxifier and cleanser. It is also used as a diuretic. It can be used both internally and externally in the relief of herpes, psoriasis, eczema, acne, boils and sores. It is a mild laxative and has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This herb aids the liver, kidney, and bowels – it is a great detoxifier and cleanser. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, a diuretic, and a laxative.

Buttercup

Buttercup – ranunculus acris – The buttercup, crushed in a poultice and applied to the chest is relief for colds. The scent of the flowers and leaves is a headache remedy. Used externally for relief of rheumatism.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The buttercup, crushed in a poultice and applied to the chest is relief for colds. The scent of the flowers and leaves is a headache remedy. Used externally for relief of rheumatism.