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The History of Herbs

For thousands of years, humans have used herbs.

Herbs have always been used in the following ways

*In cooking to flavor foods
*As perfumes
*As disinfectants
*To protect us against germs
*As medicines - to heal us when we are sick
*As currency, instead of money

Today we still use herbs for the same purposes, but perhaps not as currency!

Look in your kitchen cupboard - you may find small jars or pots of herbs. You probably add them to food to give extra flavoring

Where do herbs come from?
The herbs we use today come from many parts of the world. We have learnt about how to use herbs from people of past times. We know that people of all ages have used herbs because they wrote about what they learnt.

Who are the people who have taught us about herbs?
The Ancient Egyptians wrote their findings on papyrus.

The Sumerians from Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) used tablets of cuneiform writing.

Hippocrates was a famous Ancient Greek doctor.

The Romans believed Greek doctors were the best. Galen was doctor to the emperor Marcus Aurelius. Dioscorides was the emperor Nero's doctor.

We learnt about the herbs used in Ancient India and Ancient China through a famous Arabic doctor called Avicenna who had read their writings. Throughout Europe in the Middle Ages monks in their monasteries, grew and used herbs as medicines. In Germany, Hildegarde of Bingen who was an abbess and a herbalist treated the sick with herbs.

Voyages of discovery in the 15thC and 16thC resulted in The Pilgrims taking to America herbs they used in England. Then, over time, herbs native to America came to Europe and other parts of the world.

In Britain, Nicholas Culpeper published a book to help ordinary people make their own herbal remedies instead of paying for expensive ones from doctors.

We've also learned about herbs that Druids used before the Romans came.

What herbs have come from different parts of the world?

From Mesopotamia: apple, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, onion, roses and many more

From Ancient Greece and Roman Italy: sage, parsley, chives, lemon balm, mint, thyme, valerian, calendula, tansy, etc.

From India: aloe, caraway, cardamom, castor oil, nutmeg, sugar and sesame oil and others

From Ancient China: ginseng root, caraway, chrysanthemum, frankincense, ginko, jasmine, kiwi fruit (Chinese gooseberry), liquorice, loquat, lotus, lychee, magnolia, mimosa, mulberry, myrrh, peach, pomegranate, rhubarb, walnut, etc.

From Bhukara, Central Asia: avicenna, the great Arabian doctor, apart from using herbs he had read about, used dressings, compresses and massages in his treatments.

From Europe: chickweed, dandelion, elderflower, eyebright, goosegrass, hawthorn, milk thistle, meadowsweet, stinging nettle, St John's Wort, vervain, woad, yarrow, yellow dock

From America: black cohosh, evening primrose, American ginseng, saw palmetto, slippery elm, wintergreen, witch hazel, wild yam.

I would like to become a student. I have always been intereted in herbs (both medicinal and magickal) and have studied a little bit. My favorite book is Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, because it has illlustrations and alternate names for the herbs. Anyway whee

Medicinal Uses

ALFALFA
Arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and is reputed to be an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic. Excellent source of nutritive properties with minerals, chlorophyll and vitamins. Alfalfa is high in chlorophyll and nutrients.

ASTRAGALUS
Believed to build stamina and vitality. Stimulates the immune response and helps the body to fight off viral and bacterial infections responsible for causing colds, the flu, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Antioxidant.

BEE POLLEN
Refered to as one of nature's most complete foods. Contains all the known essential nutrients, all known water-soluable vitamines, has a rich supply of minerals, trace elements, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, enzymes, and steroidal hormone substances. Reported to increase calcium retention, and hemoglobin count. Beneficial for arthritis, insomnia, colds, poor circulation, weak heart, liver and kidney disorders and acts as a digestive aid.

BILBERRY
May be beneficial in helping to improve night vision. Contains tannins which help treat such ailments as diarrhea, sore throat, and inflammations in the mouth. May help improve varicose veins and other circulatory problems.

BLACK COHOSH
May help relieve menstrual cramping, and hot flashes, nervousness, astma, and coughs.

BLACK WALNUT
Cleanses the body of parasites, expels tape worms, external antiseptic, skin rashes, ringworm, athlete's foot, thyroid, and is a good source of iodine.

BLESSED THISTLE
stomach problems, liver congestion, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, lowers fevers, jaundice, blood clots, and mucous conditions.

BURDOCK
Blood purification, urinary problems, arthritis, rhematism, promote kidney function, and skin diseases.

BUTCHER'S BROOM
hemorrhoids, varicose veins, lymphedema, urinary obstruction, urinary stones, opening the lungs, and swelling of the legs and feet.

CAPSICUM
asthma, fevers, sore throats, respiratory tract infections, digestive problems, Catalyst for all herbs, stops internal/external bleeding, Increases circulation, colds, and chills

CASCARA SAGRADA
Constipation, gallstones, increases secretion of bile tones digestive system, hemorrhoids, and liver congestion.

CATNIP
sedative effect on the nervous system, diarrhea, insomnia, fevers, colds, colic, intestinal gas and bloating.
CHAMOMILE
colic, nerves, muscle pain, sleep inducer, and externally for soothing the skin.

CHARCOAL, ACTIVATED
food poisoning, diarrhea, and absorbs toxic materials from the intestines,

CHICKWEED
Externally for skin irritations, itching, rashes, boils and absceses. Internally for weight loss, sore throat, and expectorant for lungs.

CORNSILK
urinary tract infections, cystitis, prostatitis, and urethritis.

DAMIANA
depression, congestion, low sex drive, and reproductive organs.

DANDELION
urinary tract infections, liver problems, breast cancer, diuretic, anemia, enerygy, helping the body absorb iron, clearing obstructions of the spleen, bladder, kidneys, pancreas, and the gallbladder

DONG QUAI
used for most female gynecological concerns, insomnia, hypertension, blood purifier and nervousness

ECHINACEA PURPUREA
Blood purifier and builder, immune system, lymph glands, infection fighter, and natural antibiotic


EYEBRIGHT
Strengthens eyes, aids vision, conjunctivitis, sinus congestion



GARLIC
poor man's antibiotic, lung ailments, high and low blood pressure, against parasites and infections; colds, flu, fever, earaches


GINGER
Menstrual cramps, prevents gas, indigestion, nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness.



GINKGO BILOBA
Memory, mental acuity, dementia, Alzheimer,s



GINSENG (SIBERIAN or WILD AMERICAN)
Longevity, prostate, stomach problems, blood pressure, stress, endurance, depression.



GOLDEN SEAL
Antibiotic, lowers blood sugar, cleanser, infections, bleeding, ulcers, sore throat.



GOTU KOLA
Mental troubles, blood pressure, energy, depression, longevity, memory and brain, nervous breakdown.



HAWTHORN BERRIES
Strengthens and regulates the heart, blood pressure (high or low), hypoglycemia.



HOPS
Insomnia, restlessness, shock, decreases desire for alcohol, headaches, pain, hyperactivity.



HORSETAIL
helps with kidney stones, used as diuretic, heavy in silica, improves calcium assimilation, strengthens fingernails and hair.



HYDRANGEA
Powerful solvent for kidney stones and calcium deposits throughout the body, kidneys, rheumatism, gout.



JUNIPER BERRIES
Kidney, bladder, urinary problems, pancreas, bleeding, infections.



KAVA KAVA
Stress, anxiety, enhances relaxation, insomnia.



KELP
Thyroid, arteries, nails, hair falling out, cleanses radiation from body, high in iodine and trace minerals



LICORICE ROOT
Stimulates natural production of cortisone, regulates hypoglycemia, adrenal glands, stress



LOBELIA
Strong nerve relaxant, spasms, emetic in large amounts, coughs, asthma, epilepsy.



MARSHMALLOW
Has been used to bathe sore and inflamed eyes, bladder and kidney problems, soothing, expectorant, lungs and bronchials.



MILK THISTLE
Supports and cleanses the liver



MULLEIN
Asthma, coughs, breathing problems, hay fever, pain killer, glandular swelling, nerves, insomnia.



OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
Hypertension, atherosclerosis, viral and bacterial conditions, oxygenates the cells, diabetes.



OREGON GRAPE
Antiviral, antibiotic, colds, infections, builds immunity, excellent source of manganese.



PARSLEY
Bad breath, urinary problems diuretic, kidney, prostate, high in potassium and chlorophyll.



PASSION FLOWER
Sedative, headaches, nerves, high blood pressure, insomnia, colitis, strengthens eyes.



PAU D'ARCO
Blood purifier, antibiotic, kills viruses, yeast infections, bolsters body's defenses



RED CLOVER
Blood purifier, toxins, relaxing to nerves and entire system, bathe any sores in tea, muscle atrophy



RED RASPBERRY
Dysentery, diarrhea, strengthens uterine walls, used throughout pregnancy for easier delivery.



ROSE HIPS
Colds, infection fighter, sore throat.



SAGE
Used to prevent night sweats, expels worms, nerves, sore throat, coughs, colds, fever.



SARSAPARILLA
Rheumatism, gout, psoriasis, skin diseases, blood purifier, balances hormones.



SAW PALMETTO
Asthma, sore throat, colds, glands, reproductive organs, breasts, sex stimulant, weight increases (if underweight).



SLIPPERY ELM
Inflamed mucous membranes of the stomach, bowels, kidneys, lung problems, colitis, diarrhea or constipation, diaper rash, sore throat.



SPIRULINA
Curbs appetite, energy food, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and chlorophyll.



ST. JOHN’S WORT
Depression, mood swings.



UVA URSI
Kidneys, bladder infection, hemorrhoids, spleen, pancreas, gonorrhea (when used with Golden Seal) Not sure if it really cures gonorrhea so please don't use just this if you have it.


VALERIAN ROOT
Nervous disorder, pain, headache, muscle twitching, spasms, promotes sleep, relaxant.



VITEX
Regulate the menstral cycle, relieve the symptoms of PMS and female menopause.


WHITE OAK BARK
Varicose veins, loose teeth, bladder, kidney stones, mouth and gum sores, hemorrhoids, diarrhea.



WILD YAM
contains hormone precursors that provide anti-inflammatory actions; stimulates bile to aid biliary colic, pains of gallstones, menstrual cramps, arthritic and rheumatic pains, abdominal and intestinal cramps, chronic problems associated with gas or flatulence


YARROW
Stops internal and external bleeding. Wounds, sores, rashes, bleeding piles.



YELLOW DOCK
Blood purifier, skin problems, high in iron, tones the entire system, anemia.



YUCCA
Arthritis, rheumatism, blood cleanser, natural cortisone-like properties. Good to use when working in heat as it help you handle the heat with less



I have gathered this info from what I have read, I'm afraid I don't know much of medcinal herb uses.

YAY! Professor Kir!

I can't wait for more. <3 I just bought Cunningham's book on Herbs, plus two more of his Wiccan books.

I have read his Incense, Oils & Brews I really enjoyed it. My favorite book on herbs is Dumont's Lexicon of Herbs. It doesn't really have the magickal uses, but it is good for learning how to grow them, how to use them in foods, cosmetics, and how to use them medicinally. It has great pictures to aid in identification. Another good thing about it is that it is pretty cheap, I got it used at Hastings for $5.

oops... this almost turned into an ad for the book. lol.

I just bought Cunningham's "The Truth about Witchcraft Today" so far it is really good (not surprising).

My favorite herbs are:
Osha root (hate the taste though)
Lavender
Sage

what about you (meaning anyone that reads this)?