Hallelujah Herbs! Indoor Herb Gardening

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs.

Magical herbs come from the earth and nature, and are seen by many as the connection that can bring harmony and cohesiveness to our lives. There are some plants which are magical plants just by goodness of their nature, as identified by ancient and traditional peoples all over the world. For example, Sage and Cedar are recognized as magical herbs by the Native Americans, and are famous for their abilities to purify and cleanse. And of course St John's Wort, is one of thousands of magical herbs whose mystical powers relate to its medicinal properties.

The more you interact with your magical herbs, and grow them through their life cycle, from seed and sprout to harvest, the more they will aid you in your craft.

Some of the common magical herbs are listed below.

Common Name      Element          Planet                     Magical Properties

Angelica                Fire                 Sun                        Protects from evil, exorcism,

Anise                     Air                   Jupiter, Mercury     Prevent nightmares, protection, purification, youth

Basil                       Fire                  Mars                     Commanding, exorcism, harmony, honesty, love, protection, psychic development, purification, wealth

Bergamot              Air                    Mercur                   Money

Burdock                 Water, Earth    Venus                   Protection, healing, Earth Magic

Catnip                    Water               Venus                   Cat Magic, attracts good spirits, love, luck, beauty, celebration

Chamomile           Water               Sun, Mercury         Sleep, meditation, money, love, purification, luck

Dill                          Fire                  Mercury                 Love, lust, money, protects children

Feverfew                N/A                  Venus                    Protection from accidents

Garlic                      Fire                  Mars                      Banishing, exorcising, protection

Lavender                Air                    Mercury                Love, peace, happiness, longevity, sleep, protection

Lemon Balm          Water               Moon                   All healing. It's reputed to repel illness, love

Lemongrass            Air                    Mercury, Moon     Lust, psychic powers, repel snakes

Licorice Root           Water, Fire        Venus                    Lust, passion, fidelity

Marigold                   Fire                    Sun                      Protection, prophetic visions and dreams, legal matters, psychic powers

Mustard                    Fire                    Mars                    Purification, Voodoo charms

Nettle                        Fire                    Mars                    Protection, Healing, Lust, Exorcism, Spell-Breaking, Confidence

Peppermint              Fire                     Mars                    Love, psychic awareness, lust, mental stimulant, energy

Rosemary                Fire                     Sun                      Mental powers, youth, protection, love, lust, purification, sleep, exorcism

Sage                         Earth, Air            Jupiter, Saturn       Wisdom, animal guides, wishes, longevity

Thyme                    Water                  Venus                    Health, courage, purification

Valerian                  Water, Earth        Venus, Pluto,         Sleep, love, calmness

Yarrow                    Water, Earth        Venus, Saturn       Courage, happy marriage, love, psychic powers, exorcism, longevity


Herbal Sachets

Here are some sachets you can make and wear to bring about positive change in your life:

• Good luck - buckthorn bark, peony root, mistletoe, spearmint and tonka beans.
• Success - cinnamon, red clover and ginger.
• Good Health - galangal root, ginseng powder, nettles and nutmeg.
• Purification - hyssop, nettles, peppermint, rosemary, and sage.
• Emotional and mental health - passion flower, valerian and horehound.

Detoxifying the body does not need to be an uphill struggle. Detoxification is an everyday activity for the body and can be encouraged with a healthy diet that facilitates our natural cleansing functions.

Detoxification that rejuvenates the body and mind is one of the key principles of Ayurveda, the ancient, yet highly accessible, Indian healthcare system. Removing accumulated toxins from the body by using cleansing foods, detox herbs and therapeutic massage results in improved digestion, energy levels, sleep patterns and skin appearance.
There are so many types of herbs and spices that have great cleansing and healing capabilities. Some can even help to prevent cancer. Below are some of the more popular herbs and spices used in detox:

Oregano
Widely used in Italian food, Oregano herb is a great antioxidant. Researchers say that oregano contains 31 known anti-inflammatory agents, and 28 anti-oxidants. No herb, other than oregano has this excellent anti-pain profile. Oregano herb is one of the most powerful immune supplements, oil of oregano has been clinically proven to help fight a variety of common infections, including: cold and flu, cough, bronchitis, candida, parasites, and many others.

Parsley
Parsley herb too often used as decoration in dishes and left uneaten by most people. However, it has fantastic inhibition against the carcinogens found within tobacco smoke. It is good to consume this herb on a regular basis and focus more on its benefits rather than its taste alone. Parsley herb is used internally for menstrual complaints, edema, cystitis, prostatitis, kidney stones, indigestion, colic, anorexia, anemia, arthritis, and rheumatism; after delivery, for promoting lactation and contracting the uterus.

Rosemary
Needle-like leaves and smells like pine is what this herb resembles. It has a powerful phytochemical called carnasol. What is great about it is its ability to detox cancer causing substances. Usually people add Rosemary in their soups, vegetable dishes and rice. Internally rosemary herb is used for depression, apathy, nervous exhaustion, headaches and migraines associated with nervous tension or feeling cold, poor circulation, and digestive problems associated with anxiety. Externally for rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, muscular injuries, wounds, dandruff, and scurf.

Burdock (Gobo Root)
Burdock herb detox our lymph and liver. It uses anti-microbial activities to cleanse our blood. It improves kidney function and regulates the blood sugar level. It also has strong cleansing and healing power against cancer cells.

Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is of course a most favourite when it comes to cleansing the system thanks to its protective action on the liver. Its main constituent, silymarin, appears to raise the liver’s detoxification properies, enabling it to cope with a wider range of toxins.

Thyme
Drink a cup of thyme herbal tea to recover from a wild time. It will ease headache, nervousness, and the queasy stomach of a hangover more effectively and safely than over-the-counter sedatives or pain killers.

Cayenne
Cayenne called the "supreme and harmless internal disinfectant." Rebuilds tissue in the stomach and helps heal stomach and intestinal ulcers. This herb is known as the purest and best stimulant in the herb world. Works as a catalyst, carrying all the other herbs quickly to the part of the body where they are needed most.

Echinacea

Peppermint

Yarrow
Yarrow acts as a blood cleanser, opens the pores to permit free perspiration for elimination of toxins, relieving the kidneys. It also helps to regulate the function of the liver, tones the mucous membranes of the stomach and bowel, heals the glandular system.

Garlic
Garlic is an excellent home remedy and widely used as an antiseptic. It detoxifies the gut and aids proper functioning of the bowels function. It is also a mild laxative.

Dandelion
Dandelion herb is beneficial to whole body detox. Dandelion is used for eliminating toxins and other harmful waste out from the body, helps strengthening the immune system and boosting white blood cell formation and power.

Ginger Root
Ginger root is one with powerful anti-cancer properties It is perfectly complements most herbal detox plans due to its antiemetic, or anti-nausea, effect, but this herb is also abundant in other properties that make it useful individually for brief fasts and detoxes. Ginger root promotes the removal of toxins through the pores by way of perspiration. Ginger root also stimulates the intestines, kidneys and liver, promoting colon and kidney health and tonification.

Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a tonic for the central nervous system. It also loosens and expels mucous of the bronchial tubes, stimulates secretions of the lymphatic system, liver and kidneys. Black Cohosh is known to neutralize poisons in the bloodstream and equalize blood circulation.

Licorice
Licorice refers to the detox herbs for lymph nodes. It is a great antioxidant herb that detoxes the bloodstream by fighting bacteria and viruses. It also removes the wastes and toxins from the body and promotes producing antibodies to protect health from the outside influences.

Nettles
Nettle herb is very famous, though its collection may seem a bit troublesome. One of the best urine detox herbs, the nettles cleanses your urinary system and reduces the risk of future problems. Nettle herb is used internally for allergies, anemia, hemorrhage (especially uterine), excessive menstruation, hemorrhoids, candidiasis, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and skin complaints (especially eczema). Externally for arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, scalp and hair problems, burns, insect bites, and nosebleeds. Combines well with burdock root for eczema.

Herb Garden Glossary: Meet Different Types of Herbs

The first category is according to herbs use:

• Culinary Herbs
• Medicinal Herbs
• Tea Herbs
• Magical Herbs
• Sacred Herbs
• Ornamental Herbs
• Aromatic Herbs

1. Culinary Herbs. This kind of herbs used mostly for cooking. You can use them in every single recipe. The list of culinary herbs is huge. The examples of herbs for your culinary herb garden can be dill, tarragon, basil, chives, lovage, chervil, stevia, marjoram, and many more.
2. Medicinal Herbs. Herbs have been a source of healing in the ancient civilizations and nowadays life. Today is a supplementary source to maintain the proper health of the body and well being. Most herbal remedies have no side effects or contraindications and its benefits are many. Examples of medical herbs can be echinacea that is utilized to treat infections; St. John's Wort can be used to treat depression; rosemary for headaches, valerian for insomnia relief, etc.
3. Tea Herbs. Perhaps the easiest way to use and enjoy herbs is to make herbal tea. Many herbs are used in delicious and nutritious brews and tea blends to drink. Herbal tea can be made from the leaves, flowers, seeds or even the roots of herbs. This is a matter of personal taste, but the following herbs have been brewed for ages: chamomile, lemon balm, lemon bergamot, peppermint.

4. Magical Herbs. They are used to bring about healing, love, protection and spiritual growth. Magical herbs have symbolic associations and are believed to have great powers, as told in many stories of folklore. The magical herbs were used in a number of ways, including meditation and spell casting. Examples of common magical herbs are angelica that enhances female magical power and strength, protects children; basil which is used for money and success, happy family, and peaceful home; lavender that promotes passion, romance, harmony, friendship, and cooperation with a lover.
5. Sacred Herbs. Herbs are used in many religions – such as in Christianity myrrh and frankincense which was used to honor kings. In Hinduism a form of Basil called Tulsi or Holy Basil is worshiped as a goddess for its medicinal value since the Vedic times. The shamans in Siberia also used herbs for spiritual purposes. The Cherokee Native Americans use sage and cedar to spiritually cleanse and smudge.
6. Ornamental Herbs. They are used for their fragrance and beauty. They can be used to garnish food or to decorate the house. Some Ornamental Herbs are lemon verbena, oregano, lavender and chicory.
7. Aromatic Herbs. They are great to produce scents and perfumes. Sweet majoram can be used to make perfumed soaps, sage to make scents; lavender is another great herb to make perfumes.
Other category types of herbs are according to the herb period of life.
Each type of herb has its special needs. There are four basic types of herbs:

• - Perennials (herbaceous).
• - Evergreens.
• - Annuals.
• - Bienniasl. 

1. Perennial Herbs.The herbaceous herb is classified as a perennial. Perennials are the herbs that complete their cycle in more than two years. Perennials bloom during the spring and summer and then die in the fall blooming again the next season. Perennial herbs include chives, fennel, marjoram, mint, tarragon and winter savory. Perennials are marked by the ability to withstand colder temperatures and returns each spring. This type of herb needs no extra pruning; just cut them down to ground level when season end arrives.
2. Evergreen Herbs. The evergreen herb is also classified as a perennial. Unlike the herbaceous herbs, evergreen herbs require regular pruning when not are constantly harvested. Some common types of evergreen herbs include sage, rosemary, and thyme. This type of herbs should be pruned back in the early spring or fall.
3. Annual Herbs. Annuals are the herbs that grow and die in the period of one year. Annuals bloom for one season and then die. Examples of annual herbs are anise, basil, cilantro, coriander, dill, garlic and summer savory. Annual plants should be planted from seed each year and will not survive a frost. The annual herb dies back at the end of the season and need to be replanted the following year. To keep a constant crop of annual herbs, plant them every four to six week during planting season. To prevent your annual herbs from going to seed, cut off any flower buds that are present. Once the herb produces flowers the leave production usually stops.
4. Biennial Herbs. Biennials are the ones that complete their period of life in two years. Biennials grow the first season, bloom the second season and then die. Interestingly, biennial herbs produce leaves in the first year of growth and flowers and seed in the second year. Parsley, angelica, and caraway are examples of biennial herbs. These can be sown directly in the garden in late spring.

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Awesome Root of the Holy Ghost.

Angelica herb is a member of the parsley family. It is a hardy perennial and will self seed in your garden if you want it to - you need no more than one plant in a 5ft (150cm) square. It is a biennial herb, which means it is a short-lived perennial plant.
This giant-size herb (it can grow up to 7 feet in height) originated in Northern Europe and was brought to England in the Middle Ages. The leaves, stalks, roots and seeds were used, and the root is still used today for flavouring wines, and for liqueurs such as Chartreuse. The leaves also make a refreshing herbal tea which has a tonic effect, the stems are well known in their candied form for cake decoration. The whole flavor of the plant is warming and aromatic.
Angelica archangelica has bright green basal leaves which divide into oval leaflets. Yellowish-green leaves grow to 2 ft. long. The flowers will grow taller than the plant itself and will bloom in tiny yellow or white clusters. If flower heads are removed, plant will grow on as perennial. If not, it will die back after flowering.

The plant is also said to bloom on May 8th the feast day of Michael the Archangel and therefore named "angelica" and also called "the root of the holy ghost".
There are several legends of the angelic herb but they all have one common theme - the angelica herb was originally used to ward off evil spirits and witchcraft.
So whether you grow Angelica for the plant's majestic beauty or for the culinary, medicinal or aromatic properties, or just to ward off evil - this plant is an excellent addition to any herb garden.

Culture

• Maintenance               Easy.

• Pot Size                      12 to 16" wide and at least 12" deep container.

• Seed Germination       21 to 28 days. The seed needs some light for germination.

• Seed Spacing              Sow in shallow drills 1/8” (0,6cm) deep or scatter on the surface and cover with a thin layer of soil.
• Plant Spacing              0.6 to 1 m (2 to 3 feet) apart.

• Soil Requirements       The soil should be deep, rich, moist and slightly acid.

• Growing Mix                 Mix 1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part moist peat or humus (leaf mold) and a light dusting of lime.
• Fertilize Fertilize           At least twice during the growing season. The preferred fertilizer is the use of plant spikes.
• Sun & Lighting             Full sun to partial shade.

• Water Requirements    Dry to Moist. Average water needs; water regularly; do not overwater.

You also can propagate angelica from root cuttings.
Uses
All parts of the Angelica plant may be used. The flavor is slightly reminding of celery and is sometimes called "wild celery”. Young stems can be used as a substitute for celery. Mincing the leaves will add a wonderful flavor to fish and pork dishes and is often added to stewed fruits to reduce the tartness and add a sweet taste. The northern regions of Siberia eat the roots raw or cooked with butter and consider Angelica a vegetable.
Candied or crystallized angelica
Always use the young green stems from a plant in its second year of growth. Cut the stems into six-inch long pieces and soak overnight in cold water. Drain and blanch in a pan of boiling water for about two minutes. Drain and allow cooling. Peel off the outer skin. If it resists, it needs more blanching.
Make syrup by boiling one cup of sugar with an equal amount of water until the sugar is well-dissolved (five to ten minutes). Simmer the peeled angelica stems in the syrup for 20 minutes. Remove the angelica from the syrup and refrigerate both separately for four days. Reheat angelica in the syrup and cook at a low hit for 20 minutes or until candied. Drain the angelica and dry on racks set over waxed paper. Store it in airtight jars.
The angelica herb is used in medicine for treatment of fevers and colds, flatulence, colic and many stomach issues. At the end of World War I, people chewed on the root in the belief that it would protect them from the then influenza epidemic. Angelica is also said to strengthen the heart. It helps to regulate menstruation while easing menstrual pain.
Angelica has many medicinal uses both internal and external but is best known for curing respiratory and digestive illnesses. It is useful in treating anorexia nervosa, cystitis and bronchitis.Angelica herb has antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
Angelica has stimulating properties when used in a tea form and can be used to treat digestive upsets. Dried leaves are used to make a tea to improve energy, stimulate circulation and reduce flatulence.  Angelica should not be used by diabetics or taken in large does while pregnant. Avoid sun exposure immediately after taking.
The leaves are used in herb pillows – it is believed to have a calming effect.
Added to your bath water, angelica will reputedly remove any curses or spells that has been placed on you.


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