Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis
Common Name: Aloe Vera
Folk Names: Burn plant, Medicine plant, Saqal, Zabila
Habitat & Description: Hot climates, hardy but in most places it’s a house plant. Well-drained soil in full sun, clump forming perennial.
Planetary Ruler: Moon
Gender: Female
Elemental Rule: Water
Parts Used: Leaves and gel inside leaves
Culinary Uses: Gel taken from leaves has been made into drinks.
Medicinal Uses: Digestive ailments, burns, wounds, acne, dermatitis is in some pharmaceuticals.
Magickal Uses: Protection, luck, guards against evil, prevents household accidents.
Other Information:
Put on burns for faster healing.
Aloe vera is put into some ointments and also used in cosmetics.
Repot plant in spring for best results.
Do no take if pregnant.
Botanical Name: Origanum majorana
Common Name: Marjoram
Folk Names: Knotted marjoram
Habitat & Description: Zone 6. Moist humus-rich heavy clay. Warm light soil in full sun. Water regularly but not too much, likes slopes and rocky areas.
Planetary Ruler: Mercury
Gender: Male
Elemental Rule: Air
Parts Used: Whole plant
Culinary Uses: Spice and flavoring
Medicinal Uses: Strains, bruises, colds, coughs & flu
Magickal Uses: Connect to higher spirits & Gaia. Used at Handfasting rites.
Other Information:
· Make an infusion and add to the bath water to aid relaxation.
· Marjoram tea and oil is good for tension headaches, muscular & rheumatic pains.
· Marjoram should only be taken internally in small amounts for short periods of time as it is a very strong relaxant.
Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin
Common Name: Patchouli
Folk Names: Pucha pot
Habitat & Description: Zone 9-10, perennial, in other locations it’s a house plant. Well drained rich soil in partial shade with high humidity.
Planetary Ruler: Sun
Gender: Male
Elemental Rule: Earth
Parts Used: Leaves, oil
Culinary Uses: NONE
Medicinal Uses: Headaches, colds, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, varicose veins.
Magickal Uses: Passion, love
Other Information:
· Oil is an important part of perfumery.
· Patchouli assists in grounding and centering.
Botanical Name: Plantago p. major
Common Name: Plantain
Folk Names: Rat-tail, Plantain, Cuckoo bread, Englishman’s foot, Leafy Patrick, Patrick dock, Ripple grass, Snake weed, Way bread, White man root.
Habitat & Description: Zone 3-9, well-drained soil in full sun, evergreen perennial.
Planetary Ruler: Venus
Gender: Female
Elemental Rule: Earth
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers
Culinary Uses: Young leaves edible in salads, dried leaves as tea, seeds are edible as well.
Medicinal Uses: Internally: Diarrhea, hemorrhoids, lung ailments, digestive disorders. Externally: wounds, insect bites, ulcers, shingles.
Magickal Uses: Bind plantain with red wool to curb headaches, place beneath feet for weariness, guard against evil spirits.
Other Information:
Prone to powdery mildew.
Plants cut fresh in growing season.
Carrying a piece of root in pocket guards you from evil spirits.