Under the Weather -- Call the 4 Thieves

For my son's birthday, I promised to go see Hancock with him. I had not been to the movies in over a year. I am not a movie person, but of course I wanted to go with him for this special day. Well, I forgot about my allergy to air conditioning. By the time we got out of the movie theatre, I was already feeling woozy, but not knowing why. I could barely walk later on that evening and woke up the next morning feeling like someone had beat me up with a baseball bat in my sleep! I felt HORRIBLE and it also brought on a relapse of this skin thing I have been battling for about 5 or so years. My throat was swollen beyond belief and my tonsils were huge. Well anyways, besides moaning and whining, I just wanted to write about what I took to get over this thing. All I took was a couple of aspirin every so often and sips of "4 Thieves Vinegar" every time I started feeling woozy. I even got to go out and watch fireworks, from using this combo. I still felt tired, but it was way better than the last time I had this reaction. I was bedridden for weeks and the "skin thing" had me bedridden for months, doctors not knowing what it was.

Okay, so here is the recipe I used in case if anyone might be interested:

http://www.luckymojo.com/spells/recipes.html

[scroll down to the "F's" portion]

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And the movie, I was a little perplexed at the beginning and even told my son, 'okay I am confused... they better have a way to tie all this together and pull it out in the end'... which in my opinion they did! I will definitely go see a sequel if there is one. I heard critics didn't like it. Also heard the reason for the choppiness in the beginning was that they had to cut a lot of scenes to get a PG rating and suffered loss of continuity.

And a side note, I haven't looked but I bet if the "decoders" had a field day with this movie!

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Nightmares Restless Sleep -- Cleansing Waters

For relief from nightmares and uneasy feelings while sleeping, use either 1 Herb Water , the following recipe for Cleansing Waters or a store-bought cleaning solution (some examples given below). Sea Salt also can be of help and can be sprinkled around and in your bed linens.

To make Cleansing Waters... you can pick 2 to 5 herbs, according to how you feel at the time. Choose strong ground up dried plants known for cleansing and protective qualities, such as Lemon Peel, Basil, Chamomile, Rosemary, Pine, etc. Let the plants know what you are requesting of them and ask for their help. Thank them for their sacrifice on your behalf. Add to bowl of hot steaming water, thanking again as you do. Let sit for a while till you smell a good aroma and you know they've released their energy into the water.

Some helpful store-bought solutions include some of your basic household cleaners, such as pine cleaners, a very weak bleach and water solution (maybe 1 tbsp to a quart/estimate - this may not be good for all persons since needs to be used on walls and carpet, although I've used it with no problems... UAYOR - use at your own risk), a basic borax solution, etc.

Use the remedy chosen to wipe down walls, floors, carpets with a cloth dampened in the solution... especially around your bed area, any windows and doorways. Do this right before bed.

Nice list of plant properties here.

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1 Herb Water

This is a variation of a protection remedy I was given by a family member/elder.

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1 Herb Water

-- Pick one strong protective herb. (Ex. Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Black Pepper, etc.) Boil a big pot of tap water. Put your herb in your hand, cup it and tell your herb your problem. Ask for it to help you in anyway that it can. Thank the herb for it's sacrifice to help you. Now add your herb in an increment of a number that means something to you. (Ex. 3, 1, 7, etc.) So if 3 is your number, you add 3 teaspoons to the pot or 3 pinches or 3 leaves... each time thanking the herb again. Now let the water boil as many minutes as your special number used. Try to let steep at least a day. 2 days is better. Just keep the cover on and move off to the side, off the flame. When cooled, can bottle up in an empty 1 gallon water jug and use a small empty sports type water bottle for daily use. Keep the big jug in the fridge for storage. Splash on in the morning and/or whenever you feel the need.

This page has a nice list of herbal properties information (scroll down for properties):
Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Spices

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Little Cotton Crochet Pouch

I like using these little pouches for carrying special herbs or stones. They can be used alone or with a small drawstring muslin pouch for a liner. Especially helpful for when I am going for an evening stroll in the neighborhood and may find some stone or leaves I want to take home. I can also keep my pennies and tobacco in here too (in little 2"x3" ziplock baggies). I made several of these for my nieces as homesickness necklaces. They had just moved away to another state and where having a hard time getting adjusted. Every time they thought of us far away, they would get sad. So they would "squeeze" the pouch to release the scents, remember their old home and feel better. I believe I filled them with a little rose, bay, thyme, chamomile and lightly ground flax seeds.

Here's the pattern for anyone interested... It's free and only for personal use. Please don't sell any items made with this pattern. Click to download PDF pattern here. Hope you enjoy it!

[*note -- I use Foxit Reader for PDF files now after all the mess that was going on with Adobe. Download here if you need a PDF reader. It is very lightweight and fast.]

[edit -- there was a problem with where the PDF was hosted. It should work now.
*** Since this is my first original pattern that I have shared outside of my family and friends, it very may well be a little buggy. If there are any problems with the pattern, please don't hesitate to contact me through the comments section or my email.]

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Peppermint and Rashes

When my MFDIL came to visit last week, she brought me 2 peppermint plants from her backyard, at my sons urging. Sadly, by the time she got here driving through the scorching desert, they did not survive to be re-planted. But I was still able to make one of the plants into a tincture with the leftovers of bottle of rum I had sitting on my work table. I've had peppermint on the brain lately, but had no specific outlined need for it. I've just been wanting to purchase some, but for one reason or another had not done so.

I've suffered from eczema since birth with it sometimes clearing up for years at a time. But about 3 or 4 years ago, my eczema came back in a way I have never seen it. It was horrible. I was not able to easily get rid of it, visiting doctors who had no idea of how to help me. I only received relief after visiting a botanica where I was given a medicine, which cleared it up within 3 days. About 8 months ago, I had a recurrence of this same rash and again doctors were not able to help, only a "doctor" at a botanica here in town was able to pass along the medicine I needed. Two nights ago I was sitting on the computer typing and a patch flared back up on one of my knuckles, itching like crazy. My peppermint tincture was sitting in front of me and it dawned on me, duh, put some on my rash. And after the initial burn, which actually felt good, it cleared right up within several hours. Right now, I can only see a small light discoloration left behind. I have also applied some to other areas that would flare up occassionally, and it has also appeared to induce further healing in those spots as well.

Here is a page from the University of Maryland Medical Center on the applications of Peppermint:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/peppermint-000269.htm

A standard tincture made -- one small to mediumish size Peppermint plant placed into an empty recycled glass jar(mayo sized)and about 1 cup of good rum poured over (I'd say about a 1 to 5 ratio of plant material to rum, a guess-timate), to sit for 5 days or more in a cool spot. Turns a deep brown like a strong tea.

*YMMV
[This is not meant to substitute for medical advice. Please seek out a doctor for medical help.]

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Allelopaths

[I hope the lady who gave me this info doesn't mind me sharing it, if she does, I will remove it.]

I was recently recommended as a solution to a personal work I have been doing, the use of Black Walnut, an allelopath. The work being done is in reference to being extremely sensitive to other's thoughts and emotions. The idea being that allelopaths create a natural border around them where very few plants can grow or thrive. Black walnut was recommended being it is the strongest of the allelopathic plants. I've also recently seen some agricultural articles where research is being done on Peppermint oil for it's allelopathic qualities. Also ran across that farmers growing Japonica Rice in certain areas, aiding in controlling the growth and spread of major aquatic weeds, which might be helpful in specific works.

Some others that may be of use:

American Chestnut
Thyme
Purple Sage

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Little Store that could?! :)

I had planned on having my little myspace page up for selling a few items by today, but things aren't going as quickly as I thought they would. But everything will be good in a minute... everything in it's own time. :)

So far I have several recipe types for really soothing herbal crystal salts ready to go. I also have some little products that I have made that may assist in herbal/rootwork. I have a deck of tarot cards that I designed (crude/folk art-style), but I am not sure if those will be ready soon... we'll see. I have a nice stock of essential oils made... waiting on bottles. Some herbal combination bases are done and packaged. There are also more items that I haven't listed... Well I guess I have more done than I thought. :) Writing things down gives a good spin sometimes.

Will update soon...

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Crystal Salts and Rice

This is the Lucky Green Rice with shredded money and several traditional money drawing herbs in it. Tradition states to wear in shoes for 24 hours and spread over front lawn and save a pinch to keep in your house. It's a happy shamrock-type green.



This one's the Love for You Crystal Salts. For use when one is feeling a little down on them self. Sparks renewed self-love, along with new insights and healing. Has rose petals among it's herbs, and is a creamy light pink.



This is for producing a steady stream of money into one's life, Long Money Crystal Salts. It is an earthy light green and has sassafras among it's many herbs. Also included is a little tied bundle of alfalfa (of course, I picked up the one bag that I did not put it in yet to photograph).



For a loved one lost in destructive habits or for when one realizes they are tired of walking on the hurtful path they've been on, Prodigal Child Crystal Salts. The color is liken to a silvery blue moon and contains lavender along with several other healing/love herbs .



And this last one my son made up for himself. It smells so good and when he came out of the tub, he was so relaxed, he fell asleep talking to me :) . Called Calen Crystal Salts, it's a beautiful earthy green... made with Elder and other herbs that promote calm under pressure, protection and opens the third eye.

I will be offering these Salts, along with more instructional info, when I officially get the shopping cart up and running. Crystal Salts can also be used as a hot steam (added to hot water in a glass bowl), a hand wash and for various other uses. Late at night when I am feeling overly tired and frazzled, I employ a Hot Steam Salt and when it cools down I soak my hands in for added relief.

***All statements regarding the herbs, rice and salts above are by way of tradition and alleged results. No guarantees or solid claims are being made as to the outcome or your results. These are faith based products... YMMV (see 'HUH?' on the left sidebar for more explanation).

Thank you for reading.

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Calling on the Rain -- Yemaya -- Pt.3

Here's the pic of the Chana Blue Rain Rice.



Also took pics of some of the Salts and one of the bags of Lucky Green Rice I made over the past several days. Putting them in the next post.

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Calling on the Rain - - Yemaya / Pt.2

I came up with a recipe for the Rain Rice soon after writing the Pt.1 of this post. I decided to name it after my daughter, since she inspired me to make it -- Chana Blue Rain Rice. I colored it blue with laundry bluing, mixed it with Lavender and several other "smooth-type" healing/love herbs. It calls to mind the scent right before a good rain. I think it will be good for wrapping up and tying in little bundles to wear around the neck. I also have taken the herb combo and made Chana Blue Crystal Salts for bathing, laundry or breathing in the work in steam (from a bowl w/ hot water). Cameras and I don't get along too well, but I would like to post pictures. The color blue came out so nice, looks like the ocean. I will attempt to strike up a truce tomorrow and take some pics.

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Herb / StoneTranslation -- English / Spanish / Carribean

I've been looking for a list of herbs with Spanish translations. No luck so far, so I am going to start one. It will be an ongoing list as I come across more meanings and more herbs. I also may try to match up some herbs/plants worked with in the Islands with the comparable I can attain here.

*** edit 6/23/08-- found this site with a great list -- http://www.innvista.com/health/herbs/spanish/default.htm

Herbs / Hierbas

7 Blossoms -- Siete Azahares (Passion flower, linden flower, rose petals, chamomile, anise seeds, tilo star)
Allspice -- Pimenton
Alum -- Alumbre
Angelica Root (Holy Ghost · Angel Root) -- Angelica
Anise -- Anise en Grano
Anise, Star -- Anise de Estrella
Alfalfa -- Alfalfa
Basil --
Basil, Sweet -- Albahaca
Bay, Laurel -- Entero
Brickelia - Progdioso
Chamomile -- Manzanilla
Clove -- Clavo Entero
Coriander, Seeds -- Cilantro Bolitas
Cumin, Ground-- Cumin Molido
Elder -- Sauco
Eucalyptus -- Eucalipto
Flax Seeds -- Linaza
Hibiscus -- Jamaica
Lavender -- Alucema
Lemon Grass -- Hierba de Limon
Marjoram -- Mejoranna
Mugwort -- Estafiate
Mullien -- Gordolobo
Nutmeg -- Nuez Mozcada
Oregano -- Oregano
Rhamnus Purse -- Cascara Sagrada
Rose Petals -- Rosa de Castilla
Rosemary -- Romero
Sesame Seed -- Ajonjoli Blanco
Thyme -- Tomilla
Wormwood -- Ajenjo

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Stones / Piedras

Lodestone -- La Pìedra Imán
Pyrite -- Pirite


[continuously being edited -- last edit 6/22/08]

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Working WITH Herbs and Plants

Just a little realization...

I have always thought of herbs and plants (and rocks and animals and other things I can't think of right now) as my friends. Plant friends, rock friends, animal friends. I think this may be one link to a difference in hoodoo/native american/atrs from "wicca" or "wiccan-type" rituals (okay I am being very general here, and probably too simplified, so please excuse me). In the wiccan flavoured rituals I have seen/studied/performed there always seemed to be a 'hiccup' for me at the empowering/charging part. I would not 'tell' or 'use' a friend to get me something I want using 'mind power'. I would however explain to my friend my situation, and ask for any help, insight or wisdom in aiding me to obtain a resolution for the problem. In the course of such a relationship, I would have done little things to show how much I care about this friend and would most likely take the friend out as a celebration for my freedom from the problem or invite the friend over for a night of listening to music, good food and chillin, as a little sign of how much I appreciate this friendship and their help. So behaving in this same way to my plant and rock friends makes perfect sense and is inline with my other behaviors. If I have been a good friend, my friends will not hesitate to help me and will genuinely want to see me free from strife. If I have not been a particularly good friend and I realize this, I may apologize for my neglect, and commit to a changing in my ways. I would leave the decision up to the friend. And if this friend is especially wise, I would tell them that there is probably more going on here than what I can see and ask for help to see the 'bigger picture' and want only truth from them, no matter how much it may hurt. This would be the expected behavior from a real and true friend.

I also understand the viewpoint that all of this exists within us and the answer lies within, so the answer could lie in my allowing my "inner self" to push out the energy to empower the 'item' to get the job done. I mean they are really all different perspectives on the same activity. I know inside that the rocks and the plants and the animals are all ME. But I think there might be a little difference that is important to me, whereas it might not be so important for others. There is a little subtle shift concerning the ego. As we know, the ego can be a very self aggrandizing entity/program. There is such a fine line to crossing over to the path that leads to egoism or to other side with a false sense of humbleness, leading to fake self-deprecation. In seeing 'all' things as equal and as having meaning and value, for me, this is the balancing pole, the equalizer. I at harmony with life and living things in this life. Like the Buddha said, "walk the razor's edge" (okay I am paraphrasing, here are the actual words"...Rise, awake! having obtained your boons understand them! The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over; thus the wise say the path (to the Self) is hard" from this page at Sacred Texts).

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Irish Moss and da Big Big Bamboo

Okay, I've been looking for Irish Moss, trying to find either some product that contains it or somewhere close by that sells it for cheap-ish. But I've have been having this feeling that I know what it is already, but I just could not place where from... so this morning I googled Irish Moss. Checked out the Wikipedia 'crib notes' and saw that it was also called carrageenen and used in some ice creams, which I knew from somewhere. But I didn't think that was the connection, so I kept scrolling and saw that it is popular in the Carribean... ahhh okay so I googled Irish Moss Bahamas and came up with this. I was like oh okay, Irish Moss... Big Bamboo, now I remember. I don't think the person writing this review got the reference to Big Bamboo, which is a song by The Mighty Sparrow that I grew up listening to my mom play on the huge over-sized stereo in the family room. Big Bamboo links it to the aphrodisiac properties associated with this plant. Ya know... big bamboo... a man? Okay, so I looked for a place to listen to the song on the net, wanting to hear it again. 'The big big bamboo bam-boo... aye la la la la la la... workin for dah yankee dollar".

Click here to see the Mighty Sparrow sing it. Click here to see a shorter cute version I just found.

I also used to LOVE LOVE LOVE this song and still do!!! Obeah Wedding (click to here a little snippet).

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Irish Moss

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Archaeplastida
Phylum: Rhodophyta
Class: Rhodophyceae
Order: Gigartinales
Family: Gigartinaceae
Genus: Chondrus
Species: C. crispus
Binomial name
Chondrus crispus

*Money herb*

Also more info here at Herb-Magic

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Garden and Grocery

Garden and grocery store friends...

♦

Rose - sweet love · healing · Mary

Carnation - healing · young gentlemen · balanced power

Parsley - attracting · cleansing

Sweet Pea - love · youth

Fern - good luck · protection · seeking to talk to little people

Marigold - creativity · energy · psychic senses

Hibiscus - sensuality · love · seeing dreamworld

Violet - healing · love · strong beauty

Willow - sorrows · walks beside through healing

Pine - cleansing · purifying · mood elevator

♦

(on-going list)

YMMV

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Simple Kitchen Herbs

Kitchen herbs have been my friends in time of need. This is a list of what is prevalent in my kitchen and what I hear/have heard them conveying to me.

♦

Cinnamon - love · activator · passion · fire

Basil - cleansing · mental · good vibes · healing

Salt - canceling · cleansing · purifying · grounding

Thyme - healing · aides in seeing reality of situation

Rosemary - sacred · love · prayer · protection

Sage - wisdom · cleansing · calming

Bay - protection · expelling · cleansing

Clove - money · security · comfort · warmth

Allspice - activator · protection · courage

Black Pepper - courage · repels negative

♦

(on-going list)

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YMMV

So simple...

This is so simple, I am almost embarrassed to post it... but I will, just in case someone may need it who is not in the position to go shopping for 'extras'.

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A simple "incense" to burn when feeling bogged down, fuzzy, hazy, unfocused.

Refresh · Renew

--a bit of Sage (air · Jupiter)
--a bit of Basil (fire · Mars)
--a pinch of Cinnamon (air/fire · Sun)
--a small saucer

Place herbs/spices on saucer. While doing this, "talk" to them, discuss with them what your need is. "Listen" for anything/feelings they might convey to you. Light herbs/spices. This usually will not burn fully, but sufficiently for what you have asked. Lie back/relax and let the aroma fill you. Know that help is on the way. Relight during the day, if desired. (* leaves sticky residue behind, so be aware)

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YMMV