"DO NOT LET LIFE DISCOURAGE YOU; EVERYONE WHO GOT WHERE HE/SHE IS HAD TO BEGIN WHERE HE/SHE WAS." -R.L.EVANS
Life can discourage anyone. Does life discourage you? I had to begin somewhere to allow me to get where I am today. I love that. It seems logical and makes sense.
Why should you let life discourage you? Be grateful for what you have. I think it is important to make a pro and con list of your life. What is good? and What is bad? Everyone had to go through something in their life to get where they are today. Some had to go through more than others. During the late 1980's and early 1990's AIDS epidemic, many of my friends died. I lost about 15 - 20 young men friends. Some were older than me and were my mentors. One of my father's cousins, Anthony died during that time. He introduced me to his group of friends back then. Not one of them are alive today. How sad to lose such young talented men!
We all have had loss. Loss of a loved one, a parent, a pet, and even a job. The loss has taught me to treat life as fragile, special and priveledged. I do not take life for granted. I see too many patients who are suffering. Some of those who suffer are the most peaceful and serene. They have treated life with love and affection. Nine years ago tomorrow, I had a large loss. I lost patients, friends, and firemen during the 9/11/01 tragedy. I do not want to discuss it tomorrow, as there will be much coverage. I only ask you to say an extra prayer before sunrise tomorrow. Be grateful and happy that you have gone through what you have gone through. Be at peace. If you have an addiction, remember your worst sober day can never compare to the days you were not sober.
For the last few days I have discussed liver disease herbs . I have discussed many of the common cholagogues such as goldenseal, turtlehead, artichoke, barberry, dandelion, yellow dock, and figwort. I did not discuss vervain or blue vervain.
Blue Vervain is edible and medicinal. Vervain had many uses in Native American culture as food and medicine. The seeds are edible when roasted and are ground into a powder and used as a piñole (an Indian flour). The leaves and roots of Blue Vervain are a valuable alternative medicine used as an anti-diarrheal, analgesic, anti-helmintic, antiperiodic, astringent, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. It is useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, pleurisy, scrofula, gravel, easing pain in the bowels and expelling worms. I have never used vervain for parasites. I prefer wormwood (artesmesia), black walnut oil and cloves.
Verbena (verbenas or vervains) is a genus in the family Verbenaceae. It contains about 250 species of annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-woody flowering plants. The majority of the species are native to the New World from Canada south to southern Chile, but some are also native in the Old World, mainly in Europe. These include Common Vervain (V. officinalis) and V. supina.
I wish there was a book of historical use of these herbs. There is not one book, but many references. Vervain was believed to possess magical and aphrodisiac properties and was once widely used in various rites and incantations associated with witchcraft and sorcery. According to legend, vervain was used on the Mount of Calvary to staunch Christ's wounds. Roman soldiers carried vervain to protect them in battle. Vervain is not mentioned in Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible.
I find it intriguing to discuss herbs in witchcraft. There are many herbs used in witchcraft.
Herbs that are used in the Wiccan religion have ruling planets and a ruling element, a gender, and usually an overseeing god or goddess. Many of the common kitchen herbs are used in different Wiccan ways. Common uses are for spell casting, for incense burning, or for baths and oils (much like aromatherapy). Using herbs with the Wicca religion is generally viewed as what is called "Green Witchcraft". Wiccans who primarily use herbs are also termed "Green Witches". Most herbs typically have an "essence". This essence, combined with the belief of the person will radiate throughout the herb's use. There are wonderful books on the Wiccan religion, especially Path of the Green Man.
Basil (Mars, Fire, Masculine) Usually used in love or wealth settings, you can use this in a bath to free an old love from your heart or to bring a new love in. Used in purification rituals and makes a good exorcism incense. Basil has the essence of "fidelity". This is a great herb for ALL GAY MEN.
Bay Leaves (Sun, Fire, Masculine) This herb is used in vision and clairvoyance potions for wisdom. It has several different functions such as warding off evil when carried and can be scattered on the floor and swept away for protection or scattered for an exorcism. It is good to add to a cleansing bath or tea
It is powerful in love spells, especially in attracting masculine energies.
Camellia (Moon, Water, Feminine) Camellia flowers are used to show thankfulness or to bring riches into the life. You can place fresh blooms in water to bring prosperity to the altar during a ritual.
Caraway (Mercury, Air, Masculine) Caraway seeds used in spells will ensure faithfulness and used in cooking will invoke lust for the eater. Carry caraway for protection against harmful spirits or spells.
Catnip (Venus, Water, Feminine) Used obviously in animal spells for increasing the bond with the animal and for healing uses. You can use catnip to bring on psychic talent during meditation and as a relaxing tea. Love magic uses catnip by burning the dry leaves.
Since the dawn of man, humans have looked to their natural surroundings for food, shelter and medicinal treatment. Wiccans take this one step further by utilizing the powers inherent in herbs, crystals and stones for use in magic spells and divination rituals. Yes, I am a physician discussing these topics. There is an interest by many people. I respect other's beliefs. Do I actually practice Wicca? NO I practice spirituality through the 11th Step in AA: Prayer and Meditation. Here is a list of herbs commonly used in the practice of Wicca.
Angelica root: Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for the blood, this herb is used in magic to build creative feminine energy. Balm of Gilead Buds: The resin from these buds (extracted by letting them soak in olive oil for a couple of weeks) can be used in matters of necromancy, divination and concentration. In love spells, it does well to reunite separated lovers.
Belladonna: Caution needs to be used with this herb as it is poisonous. You shouldn't allow it to come in contact with your skin and definitely keep it away from the mouth and eyes. If you do ingest it, make a trip to the hospital as people have died from consuming belladonna. STAY AWAY FROM THIS HERB.
Blackthorn berries: This herb (berry, technically) works wonders in protection spells but its controlling powers can also be used to do harm upon others through control. It can be ingested, especially when used to infuse a drink, and is known to help with sleep troubles and inflammations.
Blue Mallow Flowers: This herb was used in Mayday celebrations. In magic, it can be used in love and water spells. Putting it under a pillow can help with dream work and since this doesn't have a scent won't bother you to have so close to your head.
Enough of Witchcraft Herbs...
WITCHCRAFT
Those fingers in my hair.
That sly come hither stare
that strips my conscience bare
it's witchcraft.
And I've got no defense for it.
The heat is too intense for it.
What good would commonsense for it do?
'Cause it's witchcraft!Wicked witchcraft.
And although I know it's strictly taboo
when you arouse the need in me
my heart says "yes indeed" in me
Proceed with what you're lead in 'me to!
It's such an ancient pitch
but one I wouldn't switch'
Cause there's no nicer witch than you!
Until tomorrow...
No comments:
Post a Comment