SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 WITCHY HERBS

"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...

AUGUST 27, 2010 A HUNDRED YEARS OF LOVE

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."

"God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that you try. "

"Good works are links that form a chain of love."

"I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness."

All these quotes have something in common. They were quoted by a person I admire, in the past, in the present and in the future. Her name is Mother Teresa. I came to appreciate her wisdom, love, and serenity as I got older. I even began to read her sermons and quotes and follow her path when I became sober. I love to smile. It is a natural way to express love. Try smiling as you walk down the street. Keep your head high and smile. It does make a difference to everyone who may look your way. It is your gift for a grateful day.

When I meditate and pray I do it for nothing except faithfulness. I do not ask for anything in particular. I do it because I want to, not because I have to.
Did you ever say, "Good morning, God" and " Goodnight God?" It doesn't matter who your Higher Power is! Say Good morning--and mean it!

The plants in this world are a gift from your Higher Power. Love, Pray, water and nourish the plants.

Ocimum minimum is a charming plant in the pots on the terrace. As it blows in the wind, I glance at the New York City skyline. When I water the pots it is fragrant of lemon and spice. It is one of the varieties of basil, dwarf basil to be exact. All of the types of basil are popular flavoring herb. I haven't found any medicinal use as I study this herb. The basils are some of the most delightful of all seasoning herbs. I prefer Rosemary and Thyme. It has been said that the Romans thought one should curse and use profanity when sowing the basil to insure its germination. There is a French phrase meaning 'using abuse' -"semer le basile". Pliny, whom I read in Latin class says it is an aphrodisiac and was given to horses at the mating season. In my heritage land of Italy, women are said to wear basil because of its supposed efficacy in engendering sympathy. Perhaps this is why the Itaians are so sensitive and sympathetic to certain things. Bacon said, "It is strange which is reported that basil too much exposed to the sun doth turn into wild thyme"

In general, Basil (Ocimum basilicum) of the family Lamiaceae (mints), is a tender low-growing herb. Remember Lemon Balm, peppermint and spearmint are also in the Mint Family. As most of us know, Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Besides the dwarf basil, there hare many varieties of basil. That which is used in Italian food is typically called sweet basil, as opposed to Thai basil, lemon basil and holy basil, which are used in Asia. While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates, including African Blue and Holy Thai basil.I thought basil was native to Italy. Of course I did, I am Italian. It is not! Basil is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia.

Back to ulcer disease. Yesterday was licorice day. Today is Cabbage day. Do you remember the fad diet of Cabbage Soup? A friend of mine had a carbuncle or boil of his right buttock. In our office that day was a man from Transylvania. He said to apply a cabbage leaf to the area. By morning, the boil which was building up pressure had opened up. I can only conclude that the cabbage leaf or plant has some medicinal properties. Cabbage is a popular cultivar of the species Brassica oleracea Linne (Capitata Group) of the Family Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae) and is used as a leafy green vegetable.

It is a herbaceous, biennial, dicotyledonous flowering plant distinguished by a short stem upon which is crowded a mass of leaves, usually green but in some varieties red or purplish, which while immature form a characteristic compact, globular cluster (cabbagehead).
The plant is also called head cabbage or heading cabbage, and in Scotland a bowkail, from its rounded shape. The Scots call its stalk a castock, and the British occasionally call its head a loaf. It is in the same genus as the turnip – Brassica rapa. The cabbage leaves often have a delicate, powdery, waxy coating called bloom. The occasionally sharp or bitter taste of cabbage is due to glucosinolate(s). Cabbages are also a good source of riboflavin.

Did you ever look at cabbage? I never did. I really do not like cooked cabbage. I love it in its raw form. Cabbage is a leafy, green vegetable that resembles a head of lettuce. The leaves are a denser and lighter in color but cabbage are related to broccoli and cauliflower. There are 2 different types of cabbage, the lighter colored, mild flavored crinkly leafed Savoy and the heavier deep red burgundy colored red cabbage.

They all have the same beneficial cabbage nutrition.Besides the riboflavin cabbage has lots of minerals, vitamins, Vitamin C, niacin and B6. The B vitamins are needed to reduce the cardiac risk factor homocysteine which has been associated with stroke and heart attacks. Also, these vitamins can help break down fats and fatty acids to make them more digestible. They can also help cleanse the body and prevent kidney stones and regulate blood pressure.

There are other vitamins in cabbage including vitamin K, vitamin A, and Folates. There is not enough Vitamin K to interact with the conventional drug, coumadin but I wouldn't eat excess cabbage either. These vitamins are known to protect the heart, control cholesterol and help maintain insulin blood levels. This can help prevent diabetes. But perhaps one of the most important things these vitamins do is to prevent diseases like cancer. Any leafy green vegetable contains cancer fighting agents and can even help people who have had cancer in the past. I always encourage cancer patients to drink a green drink. I use one available at Longevity Nutritionals.( www.longevitynutritionals.com ) Why do I like this one over others? The answer is simple I helped put the proper vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants in a complete green formula. The best part of our green drink is that is tastes good. Taste is very important.


Omega 3 acids are also a part of cabbage nutrition. Many cultures who consume a lot of Omega 3 acids are known to have little or no cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure. Younger children can also benefit from eating cabbage because it promotes healthy development of the nerves, brain and eyes. There was a blog in March 2010 about the benefits of Fish.

Cabbage is naturally low in fat. So if you want a nutritious snack with lots of potential for healing that is low in fat--CONSUME CABBAGE. It contains a large amount of fiber which is beneficial for digestive health to maintain a healthy weight. Everyone seems to be seeking sources of fiber--I usually use cabbage as a fiber in addition to to ther fruits and vegetables. Although it is low calorie, it also contains carbohydrates.What vegetable doesn't contain carbohydrates? The answer is none. All fruits and vegetables contain carbohydrates. But, it is a lot better than consuming bread, pasta, and cake. Since the calorie count is so low, the carbohydrates simply give the person more energy throughout the day. Women with extreme cases of post menstrual syndrome and menopause issues who eat cabbage on a daily bases can get relief from their symptoms. Cabbage has an amount of natural estrogen found in many vegetables. People who suffer from breathing difficulties or asthma seem to do better when they eat cabbage and even depressed people can be cured by eating it. The vitamins associated with cabbage naturally raise serotonin levels to make a person happier.

Eating cabbage everyday is a great way to get most of your daily vitamins in one small, low calorie serving.

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) was a Catholic missionary who gained international recognition for her humanitarian work. She was Algerian by birth but went to India as a nun and missionary, where she received "the call within the call" an “order” to help the poor, sick and dying. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Until tomorrow...