Medicinal and Magickal Herbal List
compiled by Lord Riekin and Lady Bridget 2001
This information is in no way meant to take the place of a doctor's treatment. If conditions persist or worsen please seek professional advice. This listing has been compiled from many sources, both in print and on the internet. Some of this is based on folklore. PLEASE consult at least three different sources before deciding to use any herb or herbal combination on your body. If you are already taking medication for any condition, first ask your physician about possible complications.
The herbs are listed alphabetically, under their most common name, with their Latin name to follow. The first descriptions are the medicinal uses, and the second are for magickal. Some herbs may not be used for both.
(**) Denotes warnings.
ALFALFA (Medicago sativa)
high in minerals & vitamins A,K, & E. Kidney tonic; builds energy; for anemia; alkalinizes pH; for internal inflammation- arthritis, colitis, etc.; stimulates digestion, increases breast milk flow
***Blood thinning- do not mix with medications of any kind.
prosperity, attraction of money, burn or place in the kitchen
ALOE VERA
The sap from the leaves is soothing and healing
ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica)
warming; circulation stimulant; digestive stimulant; women's reproductive tonic;
***Not for pregnancy
Protection, Healing, inreases life energy bringing warmth of Fire element, Exorcism
ANISE STAR PODS (Pimpinella anisum)
digestive stimulant; warming to the body; circulation stimulant
Protection, Purification, Winter Solstice
ASTRAGALUS (Astragalus membranaceus)
An energy & immune tonic; Good for exhaustion & weakness; promotes wound healing-external & internal; lung tonic -strengthens weakness; mild diuretic, stimulates appetite & digestion
Fortification, Strength
BAY LAURAL (Lauris nobilis)
digestive stimulant; relieves indigestion; warming
Healing, Protection, Psychic Powers, Strength
BLACKBERRY LEAF (Rubus villosus)
good for coughs; relieves diarrhea; great for kids
Healing, Money, Protection
BLACK COHOSH (Cimicifuga racemosa)
PMS(physical symptoms); calms spasms associated with asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, etc.; reproductive tonic; menopausal tonic; high blood pressure tonic; for inflammation of the nerves or spine or ovaries **Not for pregnancy, can cause low blood pressure. Green tea is said to counteract negative affects.
Courage, Love, Potency, Protection
BLADDERWRACK (Fucus vesiculosus)
diuretic; balances thyroid; helps inflamed joints & organs; rheumatism; protectant from environmental polluntants & chemicals; helps body deal with stress; boosts stamina; regulates blood pressure & cholesterol; provides mucilage(moist coating) to digestive tract and mucous membranes; high in minerals.
water or sea ritual herb, Money, Protection, Psychic Clarity, Wind Rituals
BLESSED THISTLE (Cnicus benedictus)
stimulates and increases flow of breast milk
Abundance, Flow
BLUE COHOSH (Caulophyllum thalicroides)
women's reproductive and uterine tonic; PMS(physical symptoms); stimulates sex drive; regulates menstrual cycle; for prevention of miscarriage; eases false labor pains; tonic for last month of pregnancy; relieves spasms; relieves indigestion
Courage, Balance, Protection
BORAGE
Good for dry, sensitive skins.
BURDOCK ROOT (Arctium minus)
liver cleanser; acne & boils; stimulates gall bladder; balances pH; pulls toxins and poisons out of body; stabilizes both high & low blood sugar levels; increases breast milk flow; reduces swelling in joints; alleviates constipation; balances hormones via the liver; mild daily tonic herb; high in minerals; cooling
Healing, Protection, Clears space & holds the space safe, Spirit of North
CALENDULA (Calendula officianalis)
heals damaged tissue, cuts, wounds, burns, ulcers, herpes- internal & external; astringent; for acne take internally & apply to skin as wash, A healing herb for rough or problem skin; stimulates blood circulation; helps to break fevers;thrush-wipe baby's mouth with tea soaked cloth & nipple post breast feeding; for digestive tract inflammation & ulcers
Opening to the 3rd Chakra, helps energy move outward from center of body extending in all directions
CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)
digestive aid; relieves indigestion; nerve relaxant, great for kids
Beauty, Happiness, Love
CHAMOMILE (Matricaria chamomilla)
relaxant; helps with inflammation, a gentle soothing herb that softens and whitens skin; for colic; soothes spasms; for insomnia & anxiety, great for children; nausea; relieves indigestion; rheumatism; wash for red eyes
Love, Money, Sleep, Purification, Child's Annointing
CHAPPARAL (Larrea divaricata)
digestive & liver tonic & stimulant; bitter; antioxidant; can be useful in cases of cancer, benign tumors, bacteria, viruses, & parasites
Fire element rituals, Protection, Spirit of South
CEDAR LEAF TIPS (Thuja occidentalis)
high in vitamin C; good for infections; used as a purifying herb when burned as incense
Healing, Protection, Purification of body, aura field, & space
CELANDINE (Chelidonium majus)
fevers; liver tonic & stimulant; jaundice; boosts function of gallbladder
Escape, Happiness, Legal Matters, Protection
CHASTE TREE BERRIES (Vitex agnus-castus)
women & men's reproductive tonic; regulator for women's reproductive cycle; stimulates balance of fertility; stimulates progesterone; menopausal tonic- helps with physical imbalances; stimulates healthy flow of breast milk; digestive stimulant
Purification, Banish negative energies, use as a bath, Protection of the household
CHICORY (Cichorium intybus)
stimulates proper liver function; digestive stimulant; for constipation; cooling; coffee substitute; hormonal balancer via the liver
To inspire Frugality, Invisibility, Removing Obstacles, Favors-annoint body to obtain
CLOVES (Eugenia aromatica)
warming; digestive stimulant; analgesic
Exorcism, Love, Money, Protection
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
warming; digestive stimulant; alleviates indigestion
Healing, Love, Personal Empowerment, Protection, Spirituality, Success (Be careful if using oil, it can burn sensitive skin.) Increases speed and effectiveness of other herbs when used in magickal combinations.
COMFREY LEAF (Syphytum officinale)
mends skin & bone tissue, wounds, cuts, lesions, bone breaks, ulcers, acne, boils, etc.- internal & external use, A healing and soothing herb that contains allantion, a protein which speeds up cell renewal. Good for rough and damaged skin; provides mucilage(moist coating) to digestive tract & mucous membranes; high in minerals; supports nervous system; soothes urinary tract
Money, Safe Journeys (Both physical and astral)
COMRFREY ROOT (Symphytum officinale)
mends skin & bone tissue, wounds, cuts, lesions, bone breaks, ulcers, acne, boils, etc.- internal & external uses; provides muclage(moist coating) to digestive tract & mucous membranes; high in minerals; supports nervous system; soothes urinary tract
Money, Safe Journeys (Both physical and astral), Winter Solstice
COPAL RESIN (Bureseru microphylla)
infections; burned as fragrant incense for increasing spiritual element & creating sacred space
Love, Purification, Earth Element, Sets Sacred Space, Allows Guides and Guidance to come in
CORNSILK (Zea mays)
urinary tract tonic; reduces water retention; increases flow of urine; use in combination with cardiovascular herbs for high blood pressure; blood cleanser; eases bladder irritation due to infection, etc.
Water Element, Stimulates Flow
DAMIANA (Turnera)
warming; allays pain; relaxant; sexual stimulant; men's reproductive tonic; increases stamina, aphrodisiac for women
Love, Visions, Opens Door Between Worlds, Female Aphrodisiac
DANDELION LEAF(Taraxacum officinale)
bitter digestive stimulant; reduces water retention; high in minerals & vitamins A, C, etc.; liver function stimulant & tonic; kidney stimulant; buffers blood sugar ups & downs; laxative; Contains a rich emollient useful in cleansing lotions for dry, sallow skins
Calling Spirits, Divination, Wishes
DANDELION ROOT (Taraxacum officinale)
high in minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, etc. & vitamins A, C, & protein; liver & digestive tonic & stimulant; laxative;
Calling Spirits, Divination, Wishes
DONG QUAI (Angelica senensis)
women's reproductive tonic; hormonal balancer; PMS difficulties, physical -cramps, bloating, etc.; warming; digestive & circulation stimulant
Health, Vitality, Fire Element Rituals
DRAGON'S BLOOD RESIN (Daemomorops draco)
infections; burned as incense
Exorcism, Love, Protection, Stimulates action of other herbs in incense blend, Stimulates movement of energy
ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea)
stimulates immune system; helps acne, infections, wound healing, sore throat, snake bites, ulcers, herpes, onset of flus & colds;
**Not for daily use over long term - alternate days on & off
Strength Wards off negativity or undesireable energies
ELDER BERRIES (Sambucus nigra)
for coughs; drying; colds, flus, & fevers
Ancient Wisdom, Contact with Elementals, Healing, Invoke Majic, Protection
ELDER FLOWER
A good tonic for all skins. Reputed to soften skin and smooth wrinkles, fade freckles and soothe sunburn
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus)
high in essential oils; used externally as tea for steam inhalation to open nasal & bronchial passageways; bacterial infections
Healing, Air Element Rituals, Protection
EYEBRIGHT(Euphrasia officinalis)
for eye infections; sore & red eyes; eye health
Mental Ability & Clarity, Psychic Ability, Visions
FALSE UNICORN ROOT (Chamaelirium luteum)
prevents miscarriage, take through first four months; women's reproductive tonic; balances menstrual cycle
Connection to Majical Realm, Contains Energy & Intention
FENNEL SEED (Foeniculum vulgare)
relieves indigestion; digestive stimulant; For skin: cleansing and soothing. Add crushed seeds to face packs. Purifies oily skin
Healing, Protection, Purification, Stimulates Movement
FENUGREEK
Clearing, Money
FLAX SEED(Linum usitatissimum)
high in essential fatty acids; laxative
Beauty, Healing, Initiates Flow, Money, Psychic Openness
FRANKINCENSE RESIN TEARS(Boswellia thurifera)
burned as incense
Consecration, Exorcism, Protection, Purification, Sets Sacred Space, Sets Safe Space for Guides to come in, Spirit of East or North
GERANIUM
Abundance, Fertility, Health, Love, Protection
GINGER ROOT (Zingaber officinale)
warming; digestive stimulant; relieves indigestion; for nausea; for flu & colds, can induce late menstrual cycle **Fresh root not for pregnancy, use only dry
Fire Element Rituals, Brings into Existance, Bringer of the Manifestation, Love, Money, 3rd Chakra Vitality, Inner Strength, Success, Stimulates flow of Energy, Spirit of South
GINSENG, SIBERIAN (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
works best when used a minumum of two weeks or longer to boost the immune system; balances nervous system; prevents thymus & lymph system stress damage; protectant from radiation exposure (X-rays, nuclear exposure, or radiation therapy, etc.); cancer preventative; men's & women's reproductive tonic & rejuvenative; increases mental alertness; helps to balance blood pressure & cholesterol; for psychological disorders
Encourages a long lasting affect, Health, Strength
HAWTHORNE BERRIES (Crataegus oxyacantha)
cardiovascular tonic; circulatory system tonic to veins & capillaries; antioxidant; palpitations; arteriosclerosis; astringent; for diarrhea
Fertility, 4th Chakra Strength & Vitality, Love, Contentment
HIBISCOUS FLOWERS
for sore throats; soothing tea; drying to mucous membranes; good for cough syrup
Divination, Love, 5th Chakra
HOPS (Humulus lupulus)
nervous system relaxant; bitter digestive aid; muscle relaxant
Sleep, Opens the Channel In & Out of the body in relationship with the Universe
HOREHOUND (Marrubium vulgare)
for coughs; stimulates mucous expulsion; bitter digestive stimulant; good for cough syrup
Exorcism, Mental Ability, Protection, Opens Air Element within body & in the world, Opens Channel for Clear Communication
IRISH MOSS FLAKES (Chondrus crispus)
high in minerals; draws out excess mucous from lungs & stomach; provides moisture to dry coughs, mucous membranes, & digestive tract
Luck, Opens Throat, Opens Channel for Clear Communication
IVY
Relieves sunburn; helps to disperse trapped fluids and toxins in the fight against cellulite
JUNIPER BERRIES (Juniperus communis)
expels parasites & microbes from digestive system; bitter digestive stimulant; for diarrhea; aphrodisiac for women
Exorcism, Health, Aphrodisiac, Protection, Sets Sacred Space, Spirit of North
KAVA KAVA (Piper methysticum)
nervous system tonic; relaxant; for anxiety & depression; soothes pain; helps insomnia
Luck, Visions, Opens one to receiving guidence and guides, Protection
KELP GRANULES (Laminaria spp.)
high in minerals; reduces water retention; nutritive addition to foods(ex. sprinkle in soups); prevents toxicity due to environmental pollutants such as exhaust, radiation, toxic waste
Connection to Divine Source through the Physical & Spiritual, Unity, Life-Force Strengthening Spirit of Center
LADY'S MANTLE
A healing herb for soothing dry, sensitive skin; a good astringent for large pores.
Love, Self Control
LAVENDER FLOWERS(Lavendula officinale)
nervous system relaxant; calming; helps insomnia; great for dream pillows; A gentle cleanser and tonic for all skin types. We were also told by "Witchylady" that if you make a tea of the lavender, or use lavender oil, to mix with a creme rinse for the hair, that this will keep your hair free from lice. She says it has been working for her children for two years. Research that we have done since then shows that she's probably right, it ranks as one of the top three herbs for prevention of head lice. The other two are tea tree oil, and neem oil from India.
Happiness, Love, Sleep, Purification, Peace
LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)
nerve relaxant; for depression; calming; for spasms digestive stimulant; relieves indigestion;
Friendship, Love, Purification
LEMON PEEL (Citrus limonum)
bitter digestive stimulant; An astringent that restores the skin's natural acid balance.
Friendship, Love, Purification
LEMON VERBENA (Lippia citriodora)
nervous system tonic; relaxant; calming; digestive stimulant; relieves indigestion
Love, Happiness, Purification, Peace, Mental & Emotional Balance, Summer Solstice
LICORICE ROOT (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
soothes sore throats; soothes internal ulcers; estrogenic hormone balancer; adrenal tonic *Long term use (3 months) can cause liver damamge
Fidelity, Love, Meditation, Harmony
LINDEN TREE BLOSSOM
Softens the skin. Deep cleansing
LUPIN SEED
A cleanser and pore refiner for oily skin
MANDRAKE ROOT (Mandragora officinarum)
**EXTERNAL USE ONLY!! for protection of a house, person, etc.
Protection, Protection in the Subconscious, Unconscious, & Underworld, Fertility, Money, Health, Love
MARSHMALLOW ROOT POWDER (Althaea officinalis)
high in mucilage; soothing & provides a moisture lining to digestive provides system & mucous membranes; for ulcers; laxative; a healing softener for dry skin, chapped hands and sunburn
Boundaries, Love, Protection, Strength, Emotional Balance
MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula ulmaria)
helps with inflammation & pain; for ulcers; calming to nervous system
Divination, Harmony, Peace, Love, 3rd Chakra
MILK THISTLE (Carduus marianus)
antioxidant; stimulates proper liver function & protects liver from toxins & stress; varicose veins; for spleen & kidney health; stimulates breast milk; hepatitis A & B
Creativity, Protection, Dispell, Transformation
MOTHERWORT (Leonurus cardiaca)
cardiovascular tonic; high blood pressure; menopause; nervous system tonic; relaxant; anxiety
Balances Within, Self Empowerment, 2nd Chakra
MUGWORT (Artemisia vulgaris)
nerve relaxant; helps anxiety, shaking, & insomnia; colds & flus; fevers; warming; circulatory stimulant; brings on late period
Purification, Clearing, Sleep, Visions, Opens one to the teachings of the Subconscious & Unconscious Self, Dream Clarity & Rememberance, 6th & 7th Chakras. Use as a tea to increase psychic ability. Also use the tea to wash crytal balls and magick mirrors to cleanse them for psychic activity. Can also use in the bath.
MULLEIN LEAF
stimulates expulsion & drying up of excess lung fluid & toxins through coughing; asthma; sedative
Courage, Health, Opens Life Energy flow through the body
MYRRH GUM POWDER (Commiphora molmol)
stimulates immune system to help body deal with infections, colds, flus, microbes; mouth herb-ulcers, gingivitis, infections; mouthwash for sore throats
Protection, Purification, Sets Sacred Space, Ancient Wisdom
MYRRH GUM RESIN (Commiphora molmol)
burned as an incense
Protection, Purification, Sets Sacred Space, Ancient Wisdom
NETTLES (Urtica dioica)
high in minerals & vitamins; great daily nutritive; liver tonic; warming; drying stops bleeding; acne, boils, A deep cleanser; very good for oily skin
Exorcism, Healing, Protection, Abundance,3rd & 6th Chakra, Use to banish unwanted energies
OATSTRAW (Avena sativa)
nervous system tonic; calming; high in minerals; great daily tea; pregnancy tonic
Purification, Strength
ORANGE FLOWER
An excellent skin tonic, said to help restore the skin's acid barrier. Also treats dry skin and broken capillaries and stimulates cell replacement.
ORANGE PEEL (Citrus aurantium)
bitter digestive stimulant
Purification, Banish unwanted energies
OREGON GRAPE ROOT (Mahonia repens)
bitter liver tonic; digestive tonic; for constipation; allergies; acne, boils; external use for infections, rashes
**Not for pregnancy
Purification, Protection
OSHA ROOT (Ligusticum porteri)
helps expel excess fluid from lungs; for coughs; warming; circulatory stimulant; digestive stimulant
Purification, Protection, Calls on higher spirits
PARSLEY
A conditioner for dry, sensitive and troubled skin
PAU D'ARCO (Tabebuia avellanedae)
men's & women's reproductive stimulant & tonic; bacterial, viral infections; parasites; for inflammation; promotes cervical health; cancer; candida
Aphrodisiac, Purification, Healing,Fertility, Wards off Negativity
PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita)
digestive aid; helps relieve indigestion; warming; An astringent which clears the complexion
Love, Psychic Ability, Healing, Clears Energy & Space
RASBERRY LEAF (Rubus spp.)
women's uterine tonic; menstrual cycle tonic; high in minerals; pregnancy tonic; nutritive
Love, Protection, Spirit of Center, Spring Equinox
RED CLOVER BLOSSOMS (Trifolium pratense)
high in minerals; lymph cleanser; increases estrogen activity; cancer; boosts protein assimilation; soothing to coughs
Abundance, Love, Money, Protection, Success, Summer Solstice
RED ROOT (Ceanothus spp.)
lymph cleanser; stimulates lymph circulation; sore throats
Clears Energy, Dispells
ROSEBUDS (Rosa spp)
aromatherapy uses in crafts such as dream pillows, bath salts, etc.; A soothing and gentle cleanser which has a softening effect on the skin
Abundance, Attraction, Healing, Love, Luck, Prosperity
ROSEHIPS (Rosa spp.)
high in vitamin C; boosts immune system
Abundance, Strength, Fall Equinox Ceremony
ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus officinalis)
warming; circulatory stimulant; enhances mental clarity; digestive stimulant; helps indigestion; An invigorating antiseptic which boosts circulation and deep cleansing
Exorcism, Mental Clarity, Psychic Ability, Healing, Spirit of South, Purification
SAGE, GARDEN (Salvia officinalis)
Good tonic and internal cleansing; A cleansing, stimulating astringent which tightens pores.
Clears, Healing, Immortality, Inner Guide, Longevity, Protection, Purication, Vision, Wisdom
SAGE, WHITE (Salvia apiana)
used for ceremonial purposes, clears space & body of accumulated energy, brings focus & clarity
Clears, Healing, Immortality, Inner Guide, Longesvity, Protection, Purification, Vision, Wisdom
SARSPARILLA (Smilax officinalis)
men's & women's reproductive tonic; PMS; menopause; sex drive; skin problems-acne, rashes, psoriosis, eczema; liver stimulant & tonic
Inner Strength, Grounding, Purification
SPEARMINT (Mentha viridis)
digestive stimulant; helps indigestion
Clarity, Love, Mental Ability
SPIRULINA
food resource; high in minerals & vitamins B12, iron, protein, chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, RNA & DNA; preventative for cancer; helps balance blood sugar, hypoglycemia tendencies; system cleanser
Purification, Healing
SWEETGRASS (Hierochloe odarata)
used for ceremonial purposes, attracts positive energy into space & body
Bringer of Positive Energy, Clears, Seals In, burned after White Sage which clears, the sweetgrass is the Bringer, Spirit of East
THYME
A stimulating but gentle antiseptic cleanser.
TURMERIC (Curcuma longa)
inflammation aid; warming; antioxidant
Purification(used with sea salt), Fortification, Strength, Clears Aggression
UVA URSI (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
urinary tract problems- infections, sluggishness; astringent
Boundaries, Clears blockages, Psychic Workings
VALERIAN ROOT (Valeriana officinalis)
nerve relaxant; helps with pain; for exsessive coughing or other spasm; PMS-physical & emotional; headaches
Protection, Self Esteem, Sleep
VIOLET
A gentle astringent for the skin
WATERCRESS
Expressed juice can help to clear blemishes
WITCH HAZEL
Soothing and astringent for the skin
WHITE WILLOW (Salix alba)
headaches; inflammation; pain; aching flu
Sacred Earth Connection between human & Earth & Spirit, Healing, Protection, Spirit of East
WILD CHERRY BARK (Prunus avium)
coughs; excess fluid in the lungs; drying
Banish negativity
WILD LETTUCE (Lactuca virosa)
nerve relaxant; pain; headaches; back pain; restlessness; for spasms; rheumatism pain
Love Divination, Protection, Sleep, Opens to the deeper consciousness, Attunes to Deeper Meanings
WILD YAM (Dioscorea villosa)
women's reproductive tonic; progesterone enhancing; menopause; digestive tonic & stimulant
Fortification, Grounding, Release, 1st Chakra
WINTERGREEN (Gaultheria procumbens)
digestive aid; helps indigestion; open nasal passageways as a steam
Hex-Breaking, Protection, Good Fortune, Opens Channels
WITCH HAZEL (Haemamelis virginiana)
for inflamed gums & other tissue; stops bleeding; drying; acne; sore throats
Healing, Protection
WORMWOOD (Artemesia absinthium)
parasites; microbes; bacterial infections
Calling Spirits, Psychic Ability, Protection
YARROW (Achillea millefolium)
fevers; drying; warming; colds & flus; bitter digestive stimulant
Spirit of South, Courage, Clears, Stimulates Movement
YELLOWDOCK ROOT(Rumex crispus)
liver stimulant & tonic; warming; high in minerals iron & helps absorbtion of iron
Clears stuck energy, Fortification
YERBA SANTA (Eriodictyon spp.)
drying to mucous membranes; sinus infections; coughs; respiratory system
Clears Channel to Divine Life Force, Healing, Protection, Psychic Ability