Treasure Hunting Tea: A Medieval Charm

The humble dandelion, oft abhorred by lawn keepers, hides its might well. Dandelion root tea can call upon the spirit of anyone whose advice you might need. Simply place the brew on your nightstand and say the spirit’s name seven times; he or she will visit your dreams and answer your questions. In Chaucer’s day, this method was used to find lost treasures.

Become An Alchemist: Lunar Libation

No matter what sign or moon phase, witch’s brews can improve your life. Tea conjures a very powerful alchemy because when you drink it, you take the magic inside. For an ambrosial brew with the power to calm any storm, add a sliver of ginger root and a pinch each of chamomile and peppermint to a cup of hot black tea. Before you drink, pray:

This day I pray for calm, for health,
And the wisdom to see the beauty of each waking moment. Blessings abound.
So mote it be.


Herbal teas can also nourish the soul and heal the body:

Blueberry leaf tea reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels, and helps varicose veins.

Nettle raises energy levels, boosts the immune system, and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Fennel awakens and uplifts, freshens the breath, and aids colon health.

Echinacea lends an increased and consistent sense of well-being, and prevents colds and flu.

Ginger root calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea and circulation.

Dandelion root grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients, and cleanses the liver of toxins.

Plant Infusions That Comfort and Heal

Many enthusiasts enjoy several cups a day of their favorite herbal infusion, which is a large portion of herb brewed for at least four hours and as long as ten. I recommend one cup of the dried herb placed in a quart canning jar and filled with freshly boiled water. After the steeping, strain with a non-metallic method, such as cheesecloth or bamboo. Herbal Infusions can be made with the leaves and fruits which provide the magical and healing aspects of this comforting concoction. Many of the favorite kitchen witch herbs contain minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals, including the list herein. Roots, leaves, flowers, needles and seeds can all be used—depending on which fruit or herb is chosen to be the base. There are some cases when all parts of the plant can be used in some manner, and at others only one or two parts are safe—it is important, when creating a blend from scratch, that the creator has researched ingredients to understand what parts can be used. 
 

What do you need to attend to in your life now? This list of herbs and associations can be your guide; one of the smartest ways to approach this methodology is to brew right before bedtime, and you will awaken to a freshly infused herb. Some of the most popular herbs and fruits used to create infusions are: 

Anise Seeds & Leaves – soothes cramps and aches
Caraway Seeds – aids in romantic issues, helps with colic
Catnip Leaves – makes women even more attractive
Chamomile Flowers – helps with sleep, good for abundance Dandelion Leaves – makes wishes come true
Echinacea – makes the body strong
Ginseng Root – increases men’s vigor
Nettle Leaves – lung function, hex breaking
Peppermint Leaves – rids tummy discomfort, cleansing
Pine Needles – increases skin health as well as financial health Rose Hip Fruit – packed with vitamin C and can halt colds and flu

Sage Leaves – purifies energy, antibiotic
Skullcap Leaves – prevents insomnia, cures St. John’s Wort, anti- depressant protection
Thyme Leaves – antiseptic, a protectant
Yarrow Flowers – reduce fever, bring courage and good luck

Hedgewitch Tinctures

Teas brewed from a single herb are commonly called “simples.” I love that phrase of olden times. Experience has taught me that these simples often have the most intensity, since the very singleness of the herb gives it potency. A simple made from one of the following herbs enhances mental clarity, even clairvoyance. This will jumpstart you on your path toward any creative pursuit. Here is a recipe for a very inspired tea:

Boil one pint of spring water. Place into your favorite crockery teapot a half-ounce of any ONE of the following herbs: rosemary, mugwort, yarrow or thyme.

Steep for ten minutes and strain with a nonmetallic strainer, like cheesecloth or an inexpensive bamboo strainer. Sweeten with a little honey; I recommend clover honey because you get the added benefits of clover’s lucky powers. Sip this brew while relaxing, and be inspired!

Sweetheart Tea

Here is a quick recipe to create exactly the right mood for a dreamy evening:

• Stir together in a clockwise motion:
• 1 ounce dried and pulverized rosehips
• 1⁄2 ounce peppermint
• 1⁄2 ounce dried lemon balm

You can store this in a tin or colored jar for up to a year for those special evenings. When you are ready to brew the tea, pour boiling water over the herbs, two teaspoons for every cup of water. Say the following spell aloud during the five minute steeping and picture your heart’s desire:

Herbal brew of love’s emotion 

With my wish I fortify

When two people share this potion 

This love shall intensify

As in the Olde Garden of Love.

Sweeten to taste with honey and share this luscious libation with the one you love.

Treasure Hunting Tea: A Medieval Charm

The humble dandelion, oft abhorred by lawn keepers, hides its might well. Dandelion root tea can call upon the spirit of anyone whose advice you might need. Simply place the brew on your nightstand and say the spirit’s name seven times; he or she will visit your dreams and answer your questions. In Chaucer’s day, this method was used to find lost treasures.

Become An Alchemist: Lunar Libation

No matter what sign or moon phase, witch’s brews can improve your life. Tea conjures a very powerful alchemy because when you drink it, you take the magic inside. For an ambrosial brew with the power to calm any storm, add a sliver of ginger root and a pinch each of chamomile and peppermint to a cup of hot black tea. Before you drink, pray:

This day I pray for calm, for health,
And the wisdom to see the beauty of each waking moment. Blessings abound.
So mote it be.

Herbal teas can also nourish the soul and heal the body:
Blueberry leaf tea reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels, and helps varicose veins.
Nettle raises energy levels, boosts the immune system, and is packed with iron and vitamins.
Fennel awakens and uplifts, freshens the breath, and aids colon health.
Echinacea lends an increased and consistent sense of well-being, and prevents colds and flu.
Ginger root calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea and circulation.
Dandelion root grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients, and cleanses the liver of toxins.

Inspiration Infusion: Spell in a Cup

Your morning pot of tea can be a daily ritual you use according to your needs. If, upon rising, you feel a bit blue, brew up some bergamot. As you sip the soothing libration, you will feel your spirits lift and you can greet the day stronger and infused with this simple and true magic. Along with healing and energizing properties, herbal teas can aid the mind. Try the following blends:

• Bergamot dissipates negativity and uplifts.
• Basil lends a sense of serenity.
• Rosemary supports physical well-being.
• Orange creates sheer joy.

Coziness by the Cup: Ambrosial Brews

I recently had a cough that wouldn't go away until I doubled my tea intake.

 

Herbal tea conjures a very powerful alchemy because when you drink it, you take the magic inside. For an ambrosial brew with the power to calm any storm, add a silver of ginger root and a pinch each of chamomile and peppermint to a cup of hot black tea. Before you drink, pray:

This day I pray for calm, for health,

And the wisdom to see the beauty of each waking moment.

Blessings abound.

Herbal teas can also nourish the soul and heal the body:

Blueberry Leaf Tea

Reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels, and helps varicose veins.

Nettle

Raises the energy level, boosts the immune system, and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Fennel

Awakens and uplifts, freshens the breath, and aids colon health.

Echinacea

Lens an increased and consistent sense of well-being, and prevents colds and flu.

Ginger Root

Calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea, and circulation.

Dandelion root

Grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients, and cleanses the liver of toxins.

Hygge Herbal Brews: Healing Teas

We are here in the heart of fall and that is the time our Scandinavian friends suggest we “get hygge,” which means to get as cozy as humanly possible. 

This lovely lifestyle tradition from the frozen north is not just for lazing about, though we greatly appreciate that aspect; it is also a very healthy way of living with sauna sessions, lots of herbal food and drink but also community, which is an immunity booster on its own.  Tea is a mainstay if you want to be healthy and we feel sure wise women and hedge witches in Northern Europe were the first on the hygge bandwagon, So much of our knowledge about herbal teas and tinctures comes from them.  Herbal tea conjures a very powerful alchemy because when you drink it, you take the magic inside. For an ambrosial brew with the power to calm any storm, add a sliver of ginger root and a pinch each of echinacea and mint to a cup of hot black tea. Before you drink, pray:

This day I pray for calm, for health, for clarity

For me and all others.

I pray for the wisdom to see the beauty of each waking moment.

Blessing be. Blessings for all.

Herbal teas can also nourish the soul and heal the body:

Chamomile:

Some call this “sleepytime tea” and they have it right as it a wonderful bedtime blend.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels, and helps varicose veins.

Nettle

Raises the energy level, boosts the immune system, and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Dandelion root

Grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients, and cleanses the liver of toxins.

Fennel

Awakens and uplifts, freshens the breath, and aids colon health.

Peppermint

This stomach soother also refreshes mental energy, raises spirits and serenity.

Echinacea

Lens an increased and consistent sense of well-being, and prevents colds and flu.

Ginger Root

Calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea, and circulation.

A Balm for All Ills Including Heartache: Melissa

We all need a pick-me-up sometimes: lemon balm soothes aches and pains including heartbreak.

 

Balm also goes by the equally lovely Latinate Melissa. From Greco Roman times, this relative of the mint family has been held as a significant medicinal. You can grow lemon balm with ease from seed packets in almost any kind of soil but likes shade in the afternoon to prevent wilting.  This is one of the happy plants that will “volunteer” and spread in your garden and can be used in your home- to bring love to you and also heal after a break up of divorce.  It can also be employed as an aphrodisiac.  Infusions and teas made from lemon balm make good on the offer the name implies, it can soothe the heart and any lingering upset, blue moods and aches and pains from trauma, both physical and emotional. I suggest we all grow as much as possible and let some go to seed for those new plants that will pop up in unexpected places in your herb garden. An herbalist never complains about a plentitude of balm; anyone who makes much use of lemon balm in brews and cookery will enjoy an abundance of love.

Replenish Your Body and Spirit With Herbs: Nettle

After a week like we all just experienced, boost your mood and immune systen with herbs:

Nettle (Urtica dioica) Nettle has been used as a healer for untold centuries and relieves allergies, an immune booster and can even help with a distended prostate. It is also a superfood and beloved for the nutrients. If you are working with fresh nettles, wear gloves to avoid the stinging. Cooking or drying removes any irritant. Any herb or health food store will have dried nettle or capsule form. Make nettle tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of leaves for ten minutes or take the capsules in recommended doses of 300 to 500 mg twice a day. Nettles are a hedgeiwitch's favorite and you'll soon see why. Take good care of yourself!

Tension Tamers: Nutmeg and Turmeric

These kitchen table cures will offer you and your family much relief from stress and strain:

There is not denying we live in a time of immense tension. So many of us are living under enormous stress and strain. But, come to think of it, so were our grandparents and relatives who lived through World Wars. The Great Depression and really hard  times. For that reason, some of the  homemade healing potions, teas and cures our grandmothers cooked up from the kitchen cabinet are the best things to turn to in tough times. Here are some lovingly passed down from Auntie. Many remedies can be made from what you have in the kitchen, from spices as well as plants.  Here are a few simple tried and tested recipes:

Nutmeg Milk

Grated nutmeg soothes tension and upset tummies.  Use a nutmeg grater to grate a small amount (about 1/8 teaspoon) into warmed milk (cow, soy, rice, or oat milk).

Cayenne Infusion

Use this pepper as a remedy for colds, coughs, sore throats, heartburn, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins, or as a digestive stimulant and to improve circulation.  Make an infusion by adding ½ teaspoon cayenne powder to 1 cup boiled water.  Add 2 cups of hot water to make a more pleasant and palatable infusion.  Add lemon and honey to taste.

Easy Turmeric Detox

This spice is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial.  Turmeric is also a liver detox and curative for acne and common colds.  Make a turmeric tea by adding a teaspoon of the powder to 4 cups of boiling water.  Simmer over low heat until it dissolves, adding milk and honey to taste.

Tranquility Tea: Stress-reducing Herbal Brews

After a day like today (or week, month, or year) you might need a cup of calm. Try this:

This soothing sip that can uplift your spirits anytime and also serves to ward off chills. This combination of herbs brings about “letting go” of sorrows, worries, and doubts and reignites feelings of self-love.

Stir the following together in a clean ceramic bowl or cauldron:

One ounce dried rosehips (filled to the bursting with natural vitamin C!)

One ounce bergamot (also a mood and energy booster)

Two ounces dried chamomile

One tablespoon dried lavender

One tablespoon dried ginger root

Combine the herbs, pour into a colored jar and seal the lid tightly. When you are ready to brew, pour hot water over the herbs, two teaspoons per cup. While this steeps for five minutes, write down any thoughts or fears you need to rid yourself of on a small piece of paper.  Now say each one aloud, then chant, “Begone!” After this letting-go ritual, burn the paper with sage in the cauldron on your altar. As you sip the tea, enjoy your renewed sense of self and peace of mind.

To Your Health! Healing Herbal Teas

Herbal tea nourishes the soul, heals the body and calms the mind. Try these:

 

Blackberry leaf tea reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels aiding in weight management. This miraculous herbal even helps circulation and such issues as inflammation and varicose veins. It is helpful to cancer patients and is believed to be a preventative.

Cardamom is a favorite of expectant mothers everywhere as it calms nausea and morning sickness; this East India fragrant is excellent for digestion, clears and cleans your mouth and throat. Anyone who likes cinnamon will love cardamom.

Nettle raises your energy level, boosts the immune systems and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Fennel is excellent for awakening and uplifting and is excellent for digestion and cleansing. Fennel also is a natural breath freshener. Catnip is a gentle but potent sleep-inducer

Catnip is one of the witchiest of teas and is not only grown as fun for your feline familiar. At the first inkling of a sore throat or impending cold, drink a warm cup of catnip tea, and head off to bed and you will awaken feeling much better. Catnip soothes the nervous system and can safely help get a restless child off to sleep,

Echinacea lends an increased and consistent sense of well-being and prevents colds and flu. It is a very powerful immune booster.

Ginger Root calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea and can also fend off coughs and sore throats.

Dandelion root grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients. This wonderful weed is also a cleanser and a wholly natural detoxifier.

Teas, Tonics and Tinctures: Herbal Magic

Herbal tea nourishes the soul, heals the body and calms the mind.

Blackberry leaf tea reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels aiding in weight management. This miraculous herbal even helps circulation and such issues as inflammation and varicose veins. It is helpful to cancer patients and is believed to be a preventative. Here is a guide to the magic of herbal teas:

Cardamom is a favorite of expectant mothers everywhere as it calms nausea and morning sickness; this East India fragrant is excellent for digestion, clears and cleans your mouth and throat. Anyone who likes cinnamon will love cardamom.

Nettle raises your energy level, boosts the immune systems and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Fennel is excellent for awakening and uplifting and is excellent for digestion and cleansing. Fennel also is a natural breath freshener.

Catnip is one of the witchiest of teas and is not only grown as fun for your feline familiar. At the first inkling of a sore throat or impending cold, drink a warm cup of catnip tea, and head off to bed and you will awaken feeling much better. Catnip soothes the nervous system and can safely help get a restless child off to sleep. Catnip is a gentle but potent sleep-inducer

Echinacea lends an increased and consistent sense of well-being and prevents colds and flu. It is a very powerful immune booster.

Ginger Root calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea and can also fend off coughs and sore throats.

Dandelion root grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients. This wonderful weed is also a cleanser and a wholly natural detoxifier.

Witchy Wellness Tonic: Kombucha Tea

Some people love the taste of kombucha tea and also value this healing tonic. It has been credited with miraculous properties and is a probiotic, making it very curative for digestive issues.

Kombucha also comes recommended for acne, constipation, arthritis, depression, and fatigue, and is hailed as a protection against cancer.  I regard it as a tasty tonic, and my family drinks it daily.  My nephews were the first to taste kombucha, and they loved its fizziness and flavor.  This healthful drink is easy to make so long as you have a “ferment” (some people call it a “mushroom” because of the way it looks).  To procure your ferment, try to find somebody who brews kombucha already.  They should have plenty of ferments to share, as every batch of tea grows an extra ferment on top of the original.

1 large wide-necked glass jar, cloth or paper towel to cover the jar, rubber band to secure the cover

7 tea bags, black or green (preferably organic)

1 cup sugar

2 quarts sugar

kombucha ferment

Boil the water and add it to the tea bags in the jar.  Let it steep for 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the sugar, stirring to dissolve. When the tea has cooled, add the kombucha ferment with some of the liquor that it came in, roughly 10 percent of the total tea in your jar.

 Cover the jar with the cloth or paper towel and secure with the rubber band.  The lid will serve to keep dust and flies out while allowing the tea to breathe.  Let the jar sit in one place (moving can disturb the fermentation process), out of the direct sunlight and at room temperature.

The fermentation process will take 7 to 12 days, depending on the room temperature.  Your batch of kombucha will ferment more quickly if the room is warm.  You have to check to see when it is ready, and you’ll be able to tell by the taste.  When fermented, the tea can be decanted into glass bottles with screw lids and kept in the fridge.  Remember to keep a little of the kombucha tea to add with your ferment for the next batch.

Steeped in Wisdom: Teas Calm the Mind and Heal the Body

Different kinds of tea can combine to make a powerful concoction. A pot of your favorite grocer’s black tea can become a magical potion with the addition of a thin slice of ginger root, a pinch of dried chamomile and the same amount of peppermint tea. This ambrosial brew can calm any storm at home or at work.

Herbal tea nourishes the soul, heals the body and calms the mind. Try these:

Blackberry leaf tea reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels aiding in weight management. This miraculous herbal even helps circulation and such issues as inflammation and varicose veins. It is helpful to cancer patients and is believed to be a preventative.

Cardamom is a favorite of expectant mothers everywhere as it calms nausea and morning sickness; this East India fragrant is excellent for digestion, clears and cleans your mouth and throat. Anyone who likes cinnamon will love cardamom.

Nettle raises your energy level, boosts the immune systems and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Fennel is excellent for awakening and uplifting and is excellent for digestion and cleansing. Fennel also is a natural breath freshener.

Catnip is one of the witchiest of teas and is not only grown as fun for your feline familiar. At the first inkling of a sore throat or impending cold, drink a warm cup of catnip tea, and head off to bed and you will awaken feeling much better. Catnip soothes the nervous system and can safely help get a restless child off to sleep. Catnip is a gentle but potent sleep-inducer

Echinacea lends an increased and consistent sense of well-being and prevents colds and flu. It is a very powerful immune booster.

Ginger Root calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea and can also fend off coughs and sore throats.

Dandelion root grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients. This wonderful weed is also a cleanser and a wholly natural detoxifier.

Plant Infusions That Heal and Help

Many enthusiasts enjoy several cups a day of their favorite herbal infusion which is a large portion of herb brewed for at least four hours and as long as ten. I recommend placing one cup of the dried herb into a quart canning jar and filling it with freshly boiled water. After the steeping, strain with a non-metallic method such as cheesecloth or bamboo. 


Herbal infusions can be made with the leaves and fruits which provide  healing aspects of this comforting brew. Many of the favorite kitchen garden herbs contain minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals including the list herein. 

What do you need to attend in your life now? This list of herbs and associations can be your guide; one of the smartest ways to approach this methodology is to brew right before bedtime and you will awaken to a freshly infused herb. Some of the most popular herbs and fruits used to create infusions are as follows:

Anise Seeds & Leaves: soothes cramps and aches
Caraway Seeds:  aids in romantic issues, helps with colic
Catnip Leaves:  makes women even more attractive
Chamomile Flowers: helps with sleep, good for abundance

Dandelion Leaves: makes wishes come true
Echinacea: makes the body strong
Ginseng Root: increases men’s vigor
Nettle Leaves:  lung function, hex breaking
Peppermint Leaves: rids tummy discomfort, cleansing
Pine Needles: increases skin health as well as financial health
Rose Hip Fruit: packed with vitamin C and can halt colds and flu

Sage Leaves:  purifies energy, antibiotic
Skullcap Leaves: prevents insomnia and soothes nerves

 St. John’s Wort: antidepressant
Thyme Leaves: antiseptic, a protectant
Yarrow Flowers: reducse fever, brings courage and good luck

Inspiration Infusion: Brew Up Some New Ideas!

Teas brewed from a single herb are commonly called “simples.” I love that phrase of olden times. Experience has taught me that these simples often have the most intensity, since the very singleness of the herb gives it enhanced potency. A simple made from one of the following herbs enhances mental clarity, even clairvoyance. This will jumpstart you on your path toward any creative pursuit.

Here is a recipe for a very inspired tea:

Boil one pint of spring water. Place it into your favorite crockery teapot a half-ounce of any one of the following herbs: rosemary, mugwort, yarrow, or thyme. Steep for ten minutes and strain with a nonmetallic strainer. Cheesecloth is great, or try an inexpensive bamboo strainer. Sweeten with a little honey because you get the added benefits of clovers lucky powers.

Sip this brew while relaxing