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Herbs are "Magick". They have been the primary source of medicines for people of every culture and were considered magickal or spiritual by many of them. An ancient earth based spiritual belief system concerning herbs appears in many ancient cultures and civilizations such as Celtic, Chinese, India, and Native American philosophies just to name a few. Their religious beliefs shaped their view and relationship with the Great Spirit, and the relationships between their citizens. This was a belief system which also demonstrated a wholistic view of illness, and utilized herbs according to religious belief.

You could say that an earth centered-nature religion still permeates herbalism today. We believe that herbalism is part of the RELIGION of NATURE, representing a balance of mind, body and spirit and relies on an intuition as well as science.

Pagans work with Nature, respecting and worshipping the spiritual forces they observe. Nature is perceived as the domain of the gods and of spirits. Nature religions teach a philosophy of divine linking between all of the earth's inhabitants.

This philosophy recognizes that humanity and the rest of creation can become aware of the “oneness of creation”.

Herbalism is one vehicle we can use to express the oneness of creation, and foster the divinity of nature.

The art and science of herbal medicine is, for many people, the realization that we are ALL A PART OF GAIA. - The Earth. We teach that The Earth is a living entity with senses, intelligence, memory and the capacity to act.

Ayruveda, an Indian Science of Health, declares the Hindu concept of oneness: “...people everywhere, are beginning to understand concepts like Gaia, the ONENESS of the organism of earth. This happens by Pitta, the force of the intellect, or Vishnu the preserver (a Hindu god), who keeps balance on earth between the spiritual and demonic.”

In The Elements of Herbalism by Hoffman, it states: “Healing is a Gaian quality, as it is a personal expression of balance and wholeness. The relationship between healing plants and people, can be seen as Gaia in action----the context of ecological embrace.” Herbal healing is “an expression of very real and practical links with Gaia, there is an activation of ecological cycles for healing. A unique opportunity is created by the simple act of taking herbal medicines----such healing, goes beyond the treatment of pathologies and alleviation of bodily suffering-rather, it is in the realm of the transcendental, the ineffable transformation that comes through the touch of the Great Spirit.

According to Cunningham's Wicca-a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Wicca is a “religion, centering around reverence for nature, as seen in the Goddess and the God. The Goddess is nature, the Universal Mother. The God is the consort of the Goddess.”

In The Roots of Healing-A Woman’s Book of Herbs, it states: “We understand that the primary “LIFE FORCE” of earth is contained within plants. We trust in earth’s healing abilities, and therefore, have continued to call upon herbs for nutritional, medicinal, and spiritual help. Our reverence for the mysteries of birth, life, death, and renewal, guides us to live in harmony with nature, closely following her rhythms. We are connected to changing seasons, the weather, and the cycles of the moon----We are known in our communities as herbalists, midwives, witches, nurses, and wise women----We have continued to practice our healing arts despite centuries of persecution by religious organizations, governments, and medical establishments----Over time, I realized that a presence of unconditional love was emanating from earth herself through herbs. This presence, I came to realize, is divine female wisdom, the great Goddess."

We believe our religion is a positive, shamanistic, nature religion, with two main deities honored and worshipped in our rites: the Goddess (the female aspect and a deity related to the ancient Mother Goddess in her triple aspects of maiden, mother and crone) and her consort, the Horned God (the male aspect). Witchcraft is considered, by many, to be both a monistic and pantheistic religion. In simple terms, it is a positive nature based religion, preaching brotherly love, and harmony with, and respect for, all life forms. It is very similar to Native American spirituality.”

According to the late Scott Cunningham, “Earth is a manifestation of divine energy, and reveals her secrets ‘to Wiccans’, who listen to the earth. To be outdoors, is to be in the temple and surrounded by sanctity.”

To Summarize: Witchcraft is the Natural way of looking at the Earth and all its inhabiatants. Herbcrafting is the Natural way of helping to keep the balance.

hmmmm herbs have been used in almost every culture for healing and cleansing and spirituality perhaps it's more the thoughts and emotions you are putting into what you are doing than the actual herb itself.

Makes her own herbal teas and proud of it

I do the same and I make massage oils out of ground herbs I feel if you are drinking a tea to calm you, shouldn't you be the one that charged the herbs with the calming energy

This site also has other informative sources take a look if you wish.

The information you cut and pasted is interesting, however, you are not asking or proposing any sort of a discussion here. Please ask a guided question that will encourage discussion and shed light on what you found interesting about this info. Thank you.

I was not aware that in the FAQ it stated I had to put up an essay in order to post a thread. I understand that you find copy and pasting trivial. But I would not have put up this thread if I had not found it interesting, and thought that others would have the same interest as well.

If you want me to post an essay then fine.

Sevenn EDIT: You have already posted a LENGTHY essay, (essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth) albeit, not yours....what I asked is for you to pose a QUESTION, which is clearly implied by the section heading that seeks DISCUSSION. Are we going to go on and on about this? My point to you is this....dont paste a huge article that you think is interesting with no follow-up. At least ask aquestion about why you posted it. Fair?

What interests me about this particular subject is that fact that long ago many ailments were curable my Mother nature's goodness, and depending on how you prepared a certain herb you could cure, or reduce the pain from some illness, with less side affects, with a lower price.

What I wonder is if Every doctor had as much knowledge about herbs as they do some harmful medicines such as Morphine, Oxycodine, and Oxycottons, if some of the illness today could have been prevented.

Herbs work wonders!But,It dosen't stop death..and you still need a doctor with real..sience to help you survive.I mean if ya have a serious prob that herbs can not fix.Ahh..the power of mother earth!How wonderfull.Too bad humans take more then they give back.Destruction of Rainforests,are at there limits..and soon Mst herbs will be gone forever.

That is very true, besides actually humans were proven to have lived a hell of a lot longer a long tme ago because of perfect fresh air and surviving off of meat and herbs

Don't forget..that they used to not bathe as much either.And..yes...the new finds in medicine of plants were found,and givin not only to the super rich.It's sad in one way about the dissapearance of the rainforest,
cause there just might be a cure for cancer in some undiscovered plant.

Maire, how were humans proven to live a lot longer? And how far back are you reffering to?

before the birth of christ, well according to biblical passages humas lived longer

and we all know how historically accurate that particular book has proven to be over time...
, also, the Faq doesn't say you need an essay, but the forums are a place for discussion....not just dropping cut and pastes....
discussion normally requires some manner of question to start it off and guide the topic

grow my own herbs. I use mine n teas and to purify items.

There are probably some doctors who in fact are intersted in the subject. Drugs in use today are simply chemical substances. Herbs and plants MAY contain a similar makeup that MIGHT work better than a synthetic drug. There are explorations being conducted by drug companies into the rain Forests of South America and elsewhere in hopes of finding such plants.

I workout, And Herbs Are Used In Most Of The Andro Type Supplements Used Today.
The Were used then And They Are Used Now.
Not only for meds but for many other reasons.

some doctor do consider the use of herbs as a improvement others only see it as a going back to caveman day and they refuse any compromise, this is sad as I will agree somethings need more then herbs but some only need that and not a bunch of chemical that only make it worst.

you do not have to be pagen to use herbs in medicine. "folk remedies" have been used for years by people who do not consider themselfs pagen. there are many uses for herbs, many of the "new" uses that doctors are finding are not new, simply forgoten. my grandmother uses all types of herbal remedies today that work better then what a doctor can perscibe. i find them usefull and interesting, the ones she's taught me. i hopoe to pass the knowlege down to my son. every one should know them.

Mother nature provided us with everything we need.if you know how to use them,the powers in your hands.

yes herbs like marijuana can truly be a life saver... though im not sure how pagan philosophy impacts the current trend to supplement perscriptions with herbs and vitamins.

I love this thread and thank you kindly for posting that article. :)

I come from a family that is half Celt and half Cherokee indian, so needless to say, we're very herb-friendly people.

My personal belief about herbs and their ability to heal is this;
A long time ago, people were so much more in tune with the earth because they were forced to be in order to survive. Thus, it makes sense that they would believe in it's healing powers. This is where the term "mind over matter" comes in. I think that if we believed more in the healing power of herbs now, they'd be a lot more effective. However, our bodies are being polluted by man-made, chemically engineered pharmaceuticals, which, can be a great help to some people, but are completely overrated and over used. Basic point; it all depends on your beliefs.

I am very fond of herbal remedies for things as well. I will only take artificially made medications as a last resort. It is good to keep to the things that were provided to us in nature.

I have always used herbs since I can remember. They are wonderful for a number of purposes. chamomile tea, for example, is an herb. Herbs are used in potions and spells all the time. I am glad this topic was opened. I think you made a good choice.

i grow my own herbs mainly and fnd they are the most useful things ever

I am kinda on the fence ehre and being mostly a green witch an odd place to find myself.. a year ago I would have bene in the die hard I will try my herbs before you give me that mad made pill thank you camp.. and for many things still am.

But it took a very very bad scare for me to learn that the Diety ( insert Gor and or Goddess of your likeing here) gave us science and medicine that we have now for a reason.. the two can be and should be.. in my opnion.. used in tandem. There ARE some things herbs can not heal that modern medicine can.. or at least control if not cure.

There are many beneficial things about herbs and that includes magicka...

Some modern drugs have roots in their herbal counterparts. Here are a few examples: white willow bark- aspirin both contain salicylic(sp?) acid well the willow bark has the natural form of it; foxglove-digitalis

Most of the civilizations that they are records for use herbs for healing.

I dabble in herbology myself. I make teas and beauty products. I call them MoonMystic's Magical Mixtures. I hope to someday become a licenced apothecary.

Many herbs are magical and claiming that it is all science has cut me deeply.

I do not see a difference between magic and science. If we use both, many answers can be found and many solutions to why things work they way they do.
Blessed Be...

Many doctors do use and know of the herbs and thier uses..
As for myself, I am a Pgan, I know the uses of herbs and thier abilities and cemeteryclown is right in the fact that it is also a part of your own energies behind the herb.
I make my own bug repelants, massage oils, bath oils, creams, teas, and i use many for aromatherapy... There are so many thousands of uses for herbs... and not only in majik as many might believe.
THink about it, what else was there before modern medicines... Herbs... "white witches" used them for so long... when time changed as did thier names... to nurses...

ok i swayed off for a moment.. what i mean to say is.. Herbs are common knowledge with all.. and doctors should know some of their properties in med school... i think it is part of a requirement for thier studies.

Personally.i prefer using herbal medicine before anything that a doctor would prescribe,an example,given the fact i hardly sleep i was prescribed some type of sleepng pill whos name i cant even pronounce,went to someone and lo and behold valerian root, a herbal sleep aid which has worked time and again

Herbs have a special earth magick... but they aren't the cure all, along with herbal medicine goes mental magick in the power of belief that the herb will work.

Just the scent of a herb can bring about a huge change in you physically. So there is a lot to it, but you do still need some modern medicine to help it along.

Herbal magic and medicine are wonderful. I'm trying to put a little in my journal. There are so many used for herbs! They are natural and have wonderful healing properties. I adore Herbology! Very nice choice for a post.

Herbs are one of the strongest sources of magick and they have so many uses.

I try to use herbs and natural remedies before going to the synthetic, in fact i recently started using them for my sons adhd instead of the chemicals because of the detrimental side effects of the perscriptions.

Herbs have been the source of many modern medicines. Willow bark is the original source of aspirin and digitalis was first found in the foxglove. I use herbs to make my incenses that I use in magick and meditations. Each herb has an elemental, planetary, and gender correspondence that relates to magick, a very easy example is cayenne pepper that is related to the element of fire, the planet mars, and masculine gender. More on correspondences.

That is a lot of great information thanks for sharing! And It is pretty cool how herbs are used in so many different cultures and serves many different purposes.

This is great! I'm just now getting really into enchanted gardening, i planted a faery garden and an herb garden out back 2 weekends ago.

I highly recommend Ellen Dugan's "Garden Witchery". It's a wonderful read and full of great ideas and information

I use them in my massage oils as well . They work wonders for my clients.

As othere have said herbs are the basis for modern medicines. The ancient druids and witches were also looked on as the village healers and midwives. Herbology was a big part of old Europe's culture.

A friend of mine had a huge tumor in her stomach that was Cancerous and the doctors told her it had to be removed and she would have to do Chemotherapy as well to shrink it before it was removed. Rather then take what he said she went to a native healer and was given a tea that she had to drink so many times a day it was all natural and made with herbs when my friend went back to the doctor he told her I have no idea what you did but the tumor is almost gone. Modern medicine could not do what some herbs could so it may be a basis for modern medicine but I think it should be practiced a bit more by doctors as well at least that way some people would be more comfortable knowing the doctors are monitoring how it is working.

you know every culture use herbs we use coffee,tea and other thing start talking about it in a "magic" way and they freak what is the stigma with using herbs?

i prefer to use herbsover man made medicines but as with the man made medicines they still need to be taken in moderation or they too can cause serious ilness or worse either way you look at it it still shows us that both may work well but both could still injure if not taken wisely

I just love herb magic, one has to collect herbs at the right time and in a special way so as not to lose all the magical energy being a psy being I appreciate the pagan understanding of the energy found in everything lol
I agree herb are what medicines are made from they just took the most active part and synthesized it for mass production and profits. The issues is the herb was like a yin yang thing the active part was made safe in the infusion … read today’s medicine and what can happen kidney failure nose bleeds eyesight lost loss of limb lol

Herbs have various propterties that are beneficial for many applications, be it just for health purposes but also for spells and rituals, but one must when they use them the herbs should be then returned to the earth, especially if they are burned.

i have coltsfoot and skull cap and st. johns wart, and mint, wormwood, and way too many to mention growing in my garden now. all plants good for some kind of medicine.

I agree many plants serve a medicinal purpose that is why i grow things like the aloe plant/dragons blood/and many more i have a personal green house that i have to look after carefully or things could go wrong. lol!! but i grow them for my spells and i grow them to always have them around.

someone said you still need a dotor..which I would agree... however there has beed documented cases of people with cancer that a doctor said there is no hope. So they start seeing a herbist and the cancer subsides.

here's a goood site for everything magik
http://www.magicspells.in/magical_herbal_enclyclopedia_r.htm

Yes, I agree with this- we need to get closer to nature again to realise what it can really do for us, especially in terms of healthcare.

herbs are wonderful for working with and for healing

Personally I use herbs in cooking but not so much in magick.

However, their healing properties seems to be the main topic of discussion here.

Someone said that morpheine was a nasty drug and that doctors could use other herbal remedies. However, morphiene is itself partly plant extract (poppy) and the fact that is works incredibly fast is another benefit.

Herbal remedies are cool, and they do work, but I would much prefer crystal healing and/or magickal healing over herbal remedies any day. I feel that many of the medicines offered by doctors are a quick hit way to aid us all in becoming healthy.

That said, health food stores are a great source of information about herbs and their properties.

many of our modern medicines har come from herbal remedeis

*note to Meeper* I know for a fact it has saved my kids lives several times.

I know that herbs has many qualities and are good for you but with bigger problems i do not think they are worth the time, but they are good for the smaller problems like colds, headaches, cuts and things like that...

herbs have been a source of medical aids and other teas and oils. many people do use these as coomon aids to help with injurys and sickness. my friend swears by them and even rrefuses treatment from hospitals because he believes in them.

I am sorry, I missed your question here.
Were you asking if I believed and used herbs and the like?

yes all things of nature can be uses for magic and gettign the right herbs candles scents and collors works wonders

I would use herbs etc for minor things but would not have faith in them for anything major.

The fact that I don't know much about the subject probably accounts for that.

I feel that Herbs are much better for people than the new Chemically Based substances used as medicine in todays healing.

I use alot of Natural herbs because I am Wiccan, Amer. Native and that I have very severe Asthma. The natural herbs are much better for me. I just think people should get back to nature for many reasons just my opinion is all.

good responces i do wonder this thow as for the herbs and plants thats used for meds and ect . from being around for so long.. do you think that the herbs we use are different from how they was once grown and are they the same like marijuana... its not the same as it was back in the 60 `s 70`s now its grown with shit and other chemicals on them.. and plus the air how much it is difference in pollution

Herbs do have their benefits, and in some cases homeopathic remedies are really great. But, let's not forget that they can be dangerous, even toxic if misused.

Just because it's natural doesn't mean that it's safe. I mean, my feces are 100% natural, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to eat it or smear it over my body. And, there are many ailments that can be worsened, or even caused, by certain herbs. Plus, there are some rather toxic combinations (both with other herbs as well as medications--OTC and perscription).

If you insist on using herbs for anything--remedies, teas, cooking, etc--please, and I can't emphasize this enough, please learn about what you're using, what not to use it with, who can't use it, what doses are safe, and how to prepare it.

i think herbs are important even today although we don't see them directly but he medications that people get from the pharmacy have herbs in some way in them and for any of the sub religions it is a big part of their belief system in healing as well as in casting spells and making potions herbs can be used for bad jsut as well as for being used for good

Herbs are used for almost anything and everything in the Wiccan and Pagan societies. I am Wiccan, and I personally go to the store all the time to get herbs with which to perform rituals.

dammit....hope this doesn't double post...puter glitched
one thing not being mentioned is the dangers in herbalism, every year many hospitals treat cases of herbal poisoning, also the medicines that are in the herbs are in un-regulated amounts.
example
zoloft also known as sertraline hydrochloride, the active ingredients can be found in st. johns wort....but as I experienced the quantities in the herbs are unregulated and can vary...and when you are taking this for anxiety and obsessive compusive disorder...varying your level of meds on a regular basis is NOT a good plan....
I know how to cook asprin out of fruit bark.....but the asprin I get will be either far weaker....or far stronger...and hence more dangerous than that i buy from the supermarket...and I have no way of knowing which being an herbalist but not a chemist..
there is a reason these medicines are regulated, and it's not only due to big money.

Drug company's will never tell people that their are herbal substitutes for medications, because they will lose money on selling their drugs, and the doctors they prescribe what they think is best because they are not really taught in medical school about herbs, i think their are lots of good uses for herbs...

i have used herbs for healing that is about the only thing i really use them for

ravenknight...as I said...the medicines ARE in the herbs...but unless an herbalist is ALSO a research chemist they cannot tell you what concentration of the active chemicals are in any given herb, that is why the active chemicals are processed out of the herbs and packaged in controlled dosages, and also the reason why so many new agers have in the last few years been herbally poisoned, herbs aren't bad for you...but they can be highly unpredictable

momentary clip from the American journal of pharmaceutical education, volume 60 winter 1996
"HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
The use of herbs by individuals receiving long-term or shortterm
medications or other OTC products poses the risk of
herb-drug interactions, and exposes the individual to serious
undesirable side effects which can be, in some cases, lifethreatening.
The issue of herb-drug interactions is complex
and represents an area of phytomedicine for which reliable
and authoritative information is scarce. The complexity of
this issue is attributed to the following:
1. Always keep in mind that, in case of herbal preparations,
we are dealing with mixtures of several ingredients
and not with pure chemical entities.
2. The labels on these phytomedicinals may or may not list
all of the ingredients or components of the mixture. In
addition, the majority of the preparations on the market
are not standardized.
3. The herb industry in the U.S. is not required by the FDA
to conduct research on preclinical and clinical development
of its products.
4. The only information available on herb-drug interactions
has been documented following herbal poisoning
cases.
5. The potential of many herbs and phytomedicinals to
interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side
effects is still unknown.
6. Herbal products can be adulterated, intentionally or
otherwise, with a variety of other ingredients including
prescription drugs"


this is from one single source, there are many many sources that say the same thing....they do not say herbs are bad...they say be careful what you mix them with...and where you get them...because most health stores ARE NOT medically trained personnel

I love herbal remedies, it has to be done with some sense, and research, but it is beneficial.

The Pharmaceutical companies however would lose money to the millions. That is why they don't prescribe such things, because you can find it in your back yard(not to be taken literally, just an example.), rather then the pharmacy.

Daermon > makes a very good point here.

I would like to ask how many of you, if diagnosed with a life threatening illness can truthfully say you would use only herbal medicine ?

herbs are very good thing to use for it can help in alot of different ways that most people dont know about.

I think that using herbs for medicinal purposes works quite well. The food we eat today is loaded with chemicals and additives. Even meat is tainted with dyes. (recent news reports have referred to this) I think the point here is using herbs for healing and health. Injesting herbs that are "good" for you can only be positive, and leaving out white bread, white rice, red meat, cereals with tons of sugar, and over processed food is almost a religion for some people. Herbs are also used in spells, and magical ceremonies, and are just wonderful things!!! Years ago, people didn't eat the garbage that people poison their bodies with today. They lived healthier because of it. I think healthy is a good philosophy.

"Injesting herbs that are "good" for you can only be positive,"

again only in moderation and with research....
if you have trouble sleeping, then belladonna can help....but in too large a dose it WILL kill you
the more common name for beladonna is deadly nightshade...think about it
all poisons are in fact just lethal doses of something with some type of chemical effect that could likely be beneficial
the asprin content of fruit bearing tree berks can ease headaches....and add risk of heart attack at the same time....it's a balance people

Don't know about the USA but in the UK herbal medicine sold in chemists etc does advise people to seek advice from their Drs if they are taking prescribed drugs as well.

Daermon ~
Their are herbalist that know what to give a person where they will not get sick or die from the herbs they are taking, i do not mean a person should look online for information then start taking herbs, also the drug companys know what doses of herb to give people they will never really tell anyone because they need the millions of dollars every month that they scam people for drugs that a lot of people do not need...