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Cooking, Medicinal, Household, and Magical Uses |
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| By Theresa | 2009-10-26 04:05:27 |
| A Common Sense Book of Shadows for the Modern Kitchen Witch These are all things that you can get from the average American grocery store, the florist, or the mall, and some that you can grow, or find in your own yard, or home, depending on which part of the country you live in. Remember this is merely my Book Of Shadows it's still in progress, and it is not a medical book if you have medical problems consult a medical practitioner. The purpose of this book is to help those pagans who happen to live in areas where their religion is still looked down upon. I had to live in the Bible Belt for four extremely long years with nary another person who even remotely shared my beliefs. Two of those years I even had to go without the internet to find like minded others to converse with. It seems like there are a million books out there that cover this subject, and that, but none seem to fit the practical needs of a Pagan amongst Christians. When I was living in the Bible belt the closest Pagan oriented store was a little over two hours away by car, located three cities over, hidden away in an old run down building. If you didn’t know what it was by looking in the front window it just looked like a curio shop. We should be able to hide in plain sight. Protecting ourselves and our families from the harassment and ridicule of the Moral Minority living in the Bible Belt and where ever else that they seem to have control. Just remember that the circle comes round again and we won’t have to hide when it does. In the mean time I hope that the information contained here will help to keep you and yours safe, healthy, and happy. I’ve listed the beauty uses under healing uses as I believe, just as many women do, that ones “beauty” has a great deal to do with ones health. One of the cool ways I’ve found to use the internet is to look up different ingredients that I can use for a specific spell. Lets say that I have been feeling hectic, harried, and scattered. I will look up what edible herbs, fruits and vegetables will help to calm, and relax me, and give me more confidence in myself. Once I put a list together I’ll look up recipes that have as many items on the list as possible. The Kitchen Witch's Creed In this pot, I stir to the sun an' follow the rule of harming none. Banishment of bane when goin' widdershins; an' with water and salt negativity is cleansed. Household duties are more than chores. Magick abounds when mopping floors. With this broom, I do sweep to clean my house and safely keep. Marigold, Basil, Thyme, and Yarrow my spell is cast for a better tomorrow. Lemons for joy and apples for health the pow'r within brings great wealth. And, in this kitchen I do pray To truly walk the Witches' Way Copyright 1998, 1999 E. Zeigler This piece may be freely distributed for non-profit use as long as the copyright information is placed underneath it. A Acorns Cooking Uses: Can be roasted then ground and used in place of coffee, this is what the German peasant class used in World War II. Household Uses: Flower arrangements Miniature doll heads Christmas decorations Potpourri Healing Uses: Magical Uses: The acorn is the fruit of the oak tree, sacred to the ancient Druids who believed that both the oak and its fruit contained special powers. Lovers in the old times would each put an acorn into a bowl of water. If the acorns came together, the lovers would marry. If they floated apart the lovers would soon leave each other for someone else. When an acorn sank it meant death for the person it represented. There was also a similar practice of floating the acorn caps in a bowl of water. Each cap contained a small slip of paper with a name on it. The slips of paper were stuck to the inside of the cap with wax. The caps were watched to see where they would float. A cap that floated alone by the side of the bowl meant that the person it was named after would not marry or would soon be parted from his or her lover. A sunken cap meant death. Caps that floated together meant alliances through marriage or business. Acorns were placed between the mattress and box spring of a lover's bed to keep him or her faithful. Placed on windowsills, acorns were believed to protect a home from lightning. An old British superstition states that if a person carries an acorn in her or his pocket, or purse, it would prevent old age. How to whistle with an acorn cap. You only use the cap of the acorn to whistle with. You will have to remove a cap from the rest of an acorn. Although acorn whistling is simple once you have done it, you’ll have to experiment a bit to learn it. Larger caps are easier to learn on, smaller ones seem to be slightly louder. Mentally divide the acorn cap into 3 sections. The top section is what you will see when holding the acorn. Note that it’s smaller than the bottom sections because we divide from a point above the center of the acorn. Form a "Y" shape with your thumbs. You’ll have to rotate you thumbs to get it. By holding your thumbs that way, you will hide the bottom 2 sections of the acorn cap, but see the top, triangular section. Hold it between both thumbs and both pointer (index) fingers. Make the "Y" shape with your thumbs and position them to show only the small, top, triangular section of the acorn. Constrict your lips a little and blow hard--just as if you were blowing out a candle that was 3 feet away from you. The knuckles of your thumbs will rest right in between your lips. The thumb knuckles won't get past your lips into your mouth, though. You might have to play around a little with the following variables: Rotate your wrists forwards and back again to change the angle of the acorn. You’re seeking a balance between part of the air stream curling around in the acorn cap while the rest of the air rushes over the top edge. Like blowing over a bottle to make it whistle. Vary the size of acorn triangle visible between your thumbs. African Violet Cooking Uses: Household Uses: House plant Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Spirituality Protection Astrological planet: Venus Gender: feminine (traditional western European magical gender) Western element: water Alcohol Cooking Uses: Household Uses: Healing Uses: If your powdered blush or eye shadow crumbles, crush it into a powder and add enough alcohol to make a paste, mix well. Pour it back into it’s original container, leave open to dry. It will harden with a day or two. Magical Uses: Alder Cooking Uses: Household Uses: Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Sacred to the Celtic God Bran considered the tree of regeneration Sacred to the Roman-Celtic God Cocidius a disreputable orgiest Alfalfa Cooking Uses: Salads The parts of the alfalfa plant that are used are its leaves. Native Americans ground its seeds to be used as flour or boiled its leaves and ate them like greens. Household Uses: Healing Uses: Alfalfa is one of the most nutritious plants there is, its leaves are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamins A, B-12, C, D, E and K. Alfalfa’s been found to contain all eight essential amino acids. It also contains fluoride which can help prevent tooth decay. Alfalfa is one of the highest fibrous herbs in existence, we aren’t able to digest its raw leaves. Alfalfa is an excellent internal cleanser. Alfalfa and peppermint tea will help digestion and ease indigestion. Drinking alfalfa tea regularly will also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Alfalfa in helps combat anemia. Chinese gender: Alfalfa sprouts are yin (cool) Young alfalfa leaves were used to treat disorders of the digestive tract and the kidneys in early traditional Chinese medicines. In homeopathic medicine, alfalfa is used to treat anemia, diabetes, indigestion, and bladder disorders, as well as to increase appetite (contributing to weight gain), as a diuretic (to increase urination), as an estrogen replacement (to increase breast milk and mitigate premenstrual syndrome), as a dietary supplement, and to lower blood cholesterol levels. The seeds of alfalfa contain the toxic amino acid L-canavanine, which may cause blood disorders in humans and animals Magical Uses: Prosperity Anti-hunger Money Gender: feminine (traditional western European magical gender) Allspice Cooking Uses: Pickling spice Spiced tea mixes Cakes Cookies Pies It is used in Jamaican cooking, stews, and curries. Food manufacturers use it in ketchup, pickles, and sausages Household Uses: Potpourri Air Fresheners/Deodorizers: Place cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice or other favorite scented spice in a pot of water , simmer for 1-2 hours Healing Uses: Allspice is about 4% oil. A compound in the oil, called eugenol, appears to have antiseptic and pain relieving properties. Preliminary studies suggest that allspice may also fight certain bacteria, viruses and fungi and improve digestion. Toothache: Alternative practitioners often suggest applying one drop to the painful tooth using a cotton swab one to three times a day for adults. The effectiveness of this remedy hasn't been studied. Gas and Bloating: Allspice can be made into a tea using one teaspoon of ground allspice powder steeped for ten minutes with 1 cup of hot water and then strained. The tea can be taken one to three times a day. It's best taken between meals, as it can interfere with the absorption of some minerals, such as iron. Muscle Ache: Allspice is a traditional remedy for muscle aches and pain. To make sure it stays in contact with the painful area, herbalists often suggest making a poultice (plaster), by mixing ground allspice with just enough water to make a thick paste. It's applied to the painful area and left on for at least 20 minutes. A thin piece of gauze may be applied over the allspice paste to prevent it from drying out and minimalizing the mess. Side Effects and Safety Concerns: Although practitioners sometimes suggest applying a very small amounts (no more than three drops a day) of the oil, larger amounts of the pure oil shouldn't be used on skin as it can cause irritation. Larger amounts could theoretically be absorbed through the skin and result in overdose. Allspice oil shouldn't be ingested unless under the supervision of a health practitioner. Just one teaspoon may result in eugenol poisoning, resulting in nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and slowing of the central nervous system. Some people may be allergic to allspice. Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. Magical Uses: Money magic Good luck Healing magic Aide in communication Prosperity Productive imagining Burn allspice for prosperity spells. Allspice is associated with the element of fire and the planet Mars. It is masculine in nature. Use to honor very virile and powerful male archetypes. Allspice is uplifting and increases energy and determination making it useful in many types of spells, especially healing spells. Allspice incense can be burned to aid in spells for attracting money and/or luck. The berries can also be added to sachets for attracting the same. Allspice is useful in all healing mixtures. Mars spells: Allspice (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Mars matters (aggression, courage, defensive magick, exorcism, healing after surgery, hex-breaking, lust, physical strength, politics, protection, sexual energy, sexual potency, and strength). Astrological planet: Mars Western element: fire Almond Cooking Uses: Breads Cakes Cookies Sweets Snacks You can put a selection of nuts along with a little bit of olive oil into a blender and make fresh nut butter The oil is used to flavor coffee Household Uses: Potpourri Almond oil is an excellent base oil for diluting valuable essential oils. Pour your base oil into the sterilized glass jar. A typical amount is 1/8th of a cup of base oil. Healing Uses: Soaked almonds are a food that increases sexual energy and enhances fertility. may be used ground in water to prevent or reduce fevers. Almonds reduce inflammation and are used in the treatment of bronchitis. Almonds are known to aid respiration, work as a digestive aid, and can help with urinary problems. ALMOND-MAYONNAISE SCRUB Dry Skin Exfoliator ¼C.almonds 1/8tsp.mayonnaise Grind almonds in blender until they form fine almond meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Gentle rub scrub onto your face, and leave in place 10 minutes. Rinse. Use a toner thereafter. Shelf Life: Refrigerate for 2-3 weeks. Magical Uses: Money Prosperity Wisdom Devotion Love Self-sufficiency Astrological planet: Mercury Western element: air Mercury spells: Almond (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magic spells and formulas related to Mercury matters (overcoming addiction, breaking bad habits, communication, divination, eloquence, intelligence, mental powers, psychic powers, self-improvement, study, travel, and wisdom). Aloe Vera Cooking Uses: Used to make a refreshing dessert Household Uses: Decorative household plant Healing Uses: The sap is used for soothing burns and sunburns. It decreases the intensity of pigmentation and removes the age spots. It assists in healing blisters and offers relaxation from itching. It’s useful to remove dead cells and applied like a moisturizer. It’s useful to stimulate the creation of collagen and elastin that are essential to prevent the aging of the skin. It’s beneficial in curing skin diseases as it has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. It’s used to treat many digestive diseases, ulcers and heartburn. It also aids in ridding the body of worms. Aloe Vera juice decreases the amount of stomach acids and acts like an anti-inflammatory. Muscle pain and joints pain is caused by arthritis can be decreased by using Aloe Vera gelsor sprays. Aloe Vera extract is beneficial to reduce the levels of blood sugar. Aloe Vera gel offers benefit to decrease the levels of blood fat lipid, triglycerides and cholesterol. Many patients take Aloe Vera drink like a tonic. It breaks down the fat globules and is useful to decrease obesity. Magical Uses: Beauty Luck Peace Protection Success Healing Perfumes: Vera perfume corresponds with Thursday therefore it is a good perfume for Thursdays. Gender: feminine (traditional western European magical gender) Western element: water Lunar spells: Aloe (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to lunar matters (compassion, dreams, family, fertility, gardening, healing, love, peace, promoting sleep, prophecy, prophetic (or psychic) dreams), psychic awareness, sleep, and spirituality). . Aluminum Cooking Uses: To wrap foods before baking or roasting Household Uses: To clean silverware: To magnetize tarnish away, soak silver in salted water in an aluminum container; then wipe clean. Soak in boiling water, baking soda, salt, and a piece of aluminum foil. Aluminum Foil. Briskly scrub rust spots on car bumpers with a piece of crumpled aluminum foil, shiny side up. Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Ammonia Cooking Uses: Household Uses: Oven Cleaning: Fill a small glass bowl with 1/2 cup full-strength ammonia, place in oven and close. Let stand overnight, then wipe loosened dirt with paper towels or newspapers. If necessary, rub surfaces with an abrasive, such as fine steel wool, then wash with warm soapy water and rinse. Repeat the process if necessary. Provide plenty of fresh air and wear gloves. Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Angelica Cooking Uses: Is celery-flavored May be skin allergen to some individuals. The leaves are frequently added when cooking red currants, rhubarb, gooseberries and red plums to help reduce the acidity and sweeten sour fruits The seeds are sometimes used in pastry. The stems are usually crystallized and used as a decorative garnish for pastries. The leaves and stems can be added to sauces, and vegetable dishes Household Uses: Angelica was burned as incense to perfume the house Healing Uses: The root of Angelica can be used for making tea. A syrup made from the stems and leaves can be stored and diluted to use as a drink and tea made from the dried leaves is said to be good for soothing the nerves, tension, colds coughs and rheumatism. Magical Uses: Divination Healing incense Inner vision Longevity Psychic self-defense Protection In the European Middle Ages people believed that angelica was sacred to the angels because it typically bloomed on May 8th, the feast of St. Michael of the Christians Grow it in the garden to protect your home. Make necklaces of the leaves, or carry the root in your pocket for protection. The dried leaves are burned in exorcism rituals. To ward off evil spirits inside the home, sprinkle in all four corners of the house with angelica and burn the leaves of angelica within the home, is said to give a joyful outlook to the people residing in the home. Sprinkle angelica around your home to ward off negativity. Use angelica in ritual bathes. Astrological planet: Sun Incense: Healing incense Gender: masculine (traditional western European magical gender) Western element: fire Solar spells: Angelica (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to solar matters. Anise Cooking Uses: Cakes Cookies Sweet breads Candies Liqueurs In the Middle East and India, it is used in soups and stews. Household Uses: Potpourri Medicinal uses: Pythagoras prescribed anise to treat epilepsy in the sixth century B.C.E. Hippocrates recommended anise for coughs in the fifth century B.C.E. Pliney recommended anise as a breath freshener in the morning (a purpose that anise does work for). Pliney also recommended keeping anise near the bed to prevent bad dreams. Aniseed is effective with colds influenza cough bronchitis sinusitis relieving flatulence promoting digestion colic relieving tension and irritation restoring mental equilibrium stimulating lactation brightening the eyes sweetening and freshening the breath. A tea is normally brewed from the fruit after being lightly crushed before brewing. It has a estrogen regulating action and for this purpose is used with great effect with menopausal problems. Aniseed is used with peppermint to treat colic and together with wild black cherry to treat tracheitis. Aniseed with eucalyptus used as a chest rub for bronchial and respiratory complaints and is also used for lice and scabies. Cooled tea made from aniseed can be sponged on the face to help lighten the complexion. An essential oil distilled from aniseed is used in aromatherapy to help with anxiety depression menopausal problems coughs as well as bronchitis Magical Uses: Purification Divination Preventing nightmares Contacting other planes Love Passion Psychic development Psychic protection, Clairvoyance Cleansing Consecration Fertility Gain Good luck Happiness Money Weddings Awareness Blessing Energy Joy Protection Purification Used to entice the spirits to aid your spells. Romans kept anise near or in their pillows to prevent bad dreams. Use anise in an amulet for a child’s room to prevent bad dreams. Jupiter spells: Anise (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Jupiter matters (growth, legal matters, luck, meditation, money, prosperity, settling legal matters, and spirituality). Used to ward off the Evil Eye and also to increase personal psychic abilities. Stops misfortunes, increases psychic power, brings back a lost love, increases good luck. Lore: Paul Beyerl attributes anise to Mercury and Apollo, and suggests that it be partnered with amber stones for best effect. Planet: Mercury/Jupiter Moon Element: Air Main Anise Hyssop Cooking Uses: Has a sweet, anise-like, licorice flavor Household Uses: Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Apple Cooking Uses: Fruit salads Breads Cakes Pies Pancakes Juice Cider Applesauce Dried fruit Fruit leather Household Uses: Sliced and dried it can be used in potpourri Healing Uses: Apples help keep the liver clean and healthy. The large quantity of pectin in apples makes them an excellent source of dietary fiber. Apples are a food that increases sexual energy and enhances fertility. Apple juice has the highest amounts of polyphenols in the fruits studied by Cornell University in 2008. Polyphenols help prevent damage to brain cells, helping prevent mental decline. Edgar Cayce recommended you eat three apples a day in place of your regular meals for three days to detoxify and cleanse your body. Chinese herbalism: Chinese gender: yin (cool) Chinese flavor: sweet and slightly sour Magical Uses: Love Healing Garden magic Immortality Discernment Health, Inner vision Love Prudence Perfumes: Apple blossom perfume corresponds with Friday and therefore is a good incense to burn on Fridays. Gender: feminine (traditional western European magical gender) Western element: water Attracting unicorns Share an apple with the one you love. Magick food for love spells: Apple (as well as apple juice and apple cider) is an appropriate food for love spells. Bury an apple in the garden on Samhain as food for departed spirits. Apple is one of the nine woods traditionally placed in the traditional Celtic Druid balefire, and the Wiccan Witchcraft balefire. From one version of the Wiccan Rede: “White are the flowers of Apple tree; That brings us fruits of fertility.” Deities associated with apple: Aphrodite (Greek Goddess) Apollo (Greek God) Athena (Greek Goddess) Bes (Egyptian God) Hera (Greek Goddess) Induna (Norse Goddess) Ithun (Norse Goddess) Odin (Norse God) Venus (Roman Goddess) Woden (Anglo-Saxon God) Zeus (Greek God) Hanging Apple Potpourri Materials: Cortland apples lemon juice bay leaves dried nuts dried fruit ABC wooden block ribbon burlap cording, string or jute needles Directions: Leader Preparation: Thinly slice Cortland apples crosswise. Dip apples in lemon juice; place on cookie sheet. Bake slices in 250 degree oven for 3 hours or until dried. Drill hole through ABC block. Drill holes through nuts. Girl Scout/Guide Preparation: Thread string through a nut and tie knot. Thread string through the ABC block. Thread string through the apples, fruit, bay leaves etc., alternating as desired. Tie Ribbon into a bow and tie on top of fruit. Tie the top of the string into a loop for hanging purposes . * Junior scouts and older girls can do this preparation themselves with adult supervision. Hints, Tips and Friendly Advice: Safety: Not suitable for those with nut allergies! From the Girl Scouts Apple Blossoms Cooking Uses: Has a delicate floral flavor Eat in moderation; may contain cyanide precursors. Household Uses: Potpourri Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Venus spells Apple blossoms are appropriate for use in love spells. Venus spells: Apple blossom (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Venus matters (beauty, compassion, fidelity, friendship, happiness, interchanges, joy, love, luck, meditation, pleasure, reconciliation, and youth). Incense: Apple (wood or blossom) incense or wood or blossom is appropriate for burning in love spells, such as the Aphrodite New Moon love spell, Hecate black candle love spell, or Isis Full Moon love spell. Apple is one of the nine woods traditionally placed in the traditional Celtic Druid balefire., and the Wiccan Witchcraft balefire. From one version of the Wiccan Rede: “White are the flowers of Apple tree; That brings us fruits of fertility.” Deities associated with apple: Aphrodite (Greek Goddess) Apollo (Greek God) Athena (Greek Goddess) Bes (Egyptian God) Hera (Greek Goddess) Induna (Norse Goddess) Ithun (Norse Goddess) Odin (Norse God) Venus (Roman Goddess) Woden (Anglo-Saxon God) Zeus (Greek God) Apple Cider Vinegar Cooking Uses: Add a spoonful of vinegar to cooking water to make cauliflower white and clean. Storing cheese: keep it fresh longer by wrapping it in a vinegar-soaked cloth and keeping it in a sealed container Wipe jars of preserves and canned food with vinegar to prevent mold-producing bacteria. Make your catsup and other condiments last long by adding vinegar. When boiling eggs, add some vinegar to the water to prevent white from leaking out of a cracked egg. When poaching eggs, add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water to prevent separation. Canned fish and shrimp: to give it a freshly caught taste, soak in a mixture of sherry and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Add a spoonful of vinegar when cooking fruit to improve the flavor. Soak fish in vinegar and water before cooking for a tender, sweeter taste. Add vinegar to boiling ham to improve flavor and cut salty taste. Improve the flavor of desserts by adding a touch of vinegar. Add vinegar to your deep fryer to eliminate a greasy taste. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to fruit gelatin to hold it firm. Steep your favorite herb in vinegar until you have a pleasing taste and aroma. Use vinegar instead of lemon on fried and broiled foods. Rub vinegar on the cut end of uncooked ham to prevent mold. Avoid cabbage odor by adding vinegar to the cooking water. For fluffy meringue: beat 3 egg whites with a teaspoon of vinegar. Pie crust: add 1 tablespoon vinegar to your pastry recipe for an exceptional crust. Prevent discoloration of peeled potatoes by adding a few drops of vinegar to water. They will keep fresh for days in fridge. Preserve peppers: put freshly picked peppers in a sterilized jar and finish filling with boiling vinegar. Olives and pimentos will keep indefinitely if covered with vinegar and refrigerated. For a shiny crust on homemade bread and rolls: just before they have finished baking, take them out, brush crusts with vinegar, return to oven to finish baking. Homemade sour cream: blend together 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup skim milk and 1 tsp. vinegar. When boiling meat, add a spoonful of vinegar to the water to make it more tender. Marinate tough meat in vinegar overnight to tenderize. When you can’t get the last bit of mayonnaise or salad dressing out of the jar, try dribbling a little of your favorite vinegar into it, put the cap on tightly and shake well. Freshen up slightly wilted vegetables by soaking them in cold water and vinegar. Before frying doughnuts, add ½ teaspoon of vinegar to hot oil to prevent doughnuts soaking up extra grease. Use caution when adding the vinegar to the hot oil. Perk up a can of soup, gravy or sauce with a teaspoon of your favorite specialty vinegar. It adds flavor and taster fresher. As a tenderizer for tough meat or game, make a marinade in the proportion of half a cup of your favorite vinegar to a cup of heated liquid, such as bouillon; or for steak, you may prefer to a mix of vinegar and oil, rubbed in well and allowed to stand for two hours. Remove fruit or berry stains from your hands by cleaning them with vinegar. It is easy to take out the heavy stale smell often found in lunch boxes. Dampen a piece of fresh bread with white distilled vinegar and leave it in the lunch box overnight. Get rid of cooking smells: let simmer a small pot of vinegar and water solution Coloring Easter eggs: Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with each ½ cup of hot water, then add food coloring. (Check egg-coloring booklets or food dye box for specific directions.) Vinegar keeps the food dyes bright and prevents streaky, uneven colors. Household Uses: Boil vinegar and water in pots to remove stains. Remove berry stains from hands with vinegar. Half a teaspoon per quart of patching plaster allows you more time to work the plaster before it hardens. Add vinegar to laundry rinse water: removes all soap and prevents yellowing. After shampoo hair rinse: 1 ounce apple cider vinegar in 1 quart of distilled water. Clean jars with vinegar and water to remove odor. Skunk odor: remove from pets by rubbing fur with vinegar. Poultry water: add vinegar to increase egg production and to produce tender meat. Paint adheres better to galvanized metal that has been wiped with vinegar. Pets' drinking water: add vinegar to eliminate odor and encourage shiny fur Remove stains from stainless steel and chrome with a vinegar-dampened cloth. To remove lime coating on your tea kettle or coffee pot; add vinegar to the water and let stand overnight. Rinse glasses and dishes in water and vinegar to remove spots and film. Prevent grease build-up in your oven by frequently wiping it with vinegar. Sagging cane chairs: sponge them with a hot solution of half vinegar and half water. Place the chairs out in the hot sun to dry To eliminate mildew, dust and odors, wipe down walls with vinegar-soaked cloth. Clean windows with vinegar and water. Hardened paint brushes: simmer in boiling vinegar and wash in hot soapy water. Clean breadbox and food containers with vinegar-dampened cloth to keep fresh-smelling and clean. Pour boiling vinegar down drains to unclog and clean them. An excellent all-purpose cleaner: vinegar mixed with salt. Cleans copper, bronze, brass, dishes, pots, pans, skillets, glasses, windows. Rinse well. Reduce mineral deposits in pipes, radiators, kettles and tanks by adding vinegar into the system. Garbage disposals may be kept clean and odor free with vinegar cubes. Vinegar cubes are made by filling an ice tray with a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar and enough water to fill the ice tray and then freezing it. Run the mixture through the disposal, and then flush it with cold water for a minute or so. Brass, copper and pewter will shine if cleaned with the following mixture. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and stir in flour until it becomes a paste. Apply paste to the metals and let it stand for about 15 minutes. Rinse with clean warm water and polish until dry. To get rid of Fruit Flies or Gnats place a bowl filled with ½ quart water, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar and a couple of drops of dish soap to attract the fruit flies. Always eliminate the source of attraction, i.e., ripened produce. In hard water areas, add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water for watering acid loving plants like rhododendrons, gardenias or azaleas. The vinegar will release iron in the soil for the plants to use.. Mix vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:8. Mix a separate solution of sugar and water in a mixture of 1:8. Combine the vinegar and sugar mixtures. Add to plant as long as needed. A teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for each quart bowl of drinking water helps keep your pet free of fleas and ticks. The ratio of one teaspoon to one quart is for a forty-pound animal. To clean the radiator vent turn down the thermostat. Unscrew the air vent, soak it in vinegar to clean it, then turn the thermostat all the way up. After a few minutes, you'll hear a hissing sound followed by a little bit of water spurting out. Finally, steam will start exiting that hole. Turn off the radiator valve and replace the vent. It should be straight up and hand tight. You should not need or use a wrench. For a furniture cleaner/polisher mix olive oil and vinegar in a one-to-one ratio and polish with a soft cloth. Try in an inconspicuous place first. Wash fireplaces with a 50/50 ratio of water and vinegar to remove the blackened soot on glass front doors. If the doors have a spring-loaded clip, remove it, then take out the doors. Lay them flat on newspapers, spray with the vinegar/water solution and soak. Wipe it off with newspaper. To clean for gold jewelry use one cup apple cider vinegar. Submerge solid gold jewelry item in vinegar for 15 minutes. Remove and dry with cloth. How to build a volcano: First, make the “cone” of the volcano. Mix 6 cups flour, 2 cups salt, 4 tablespoons cooking oil and 2 cups of water. The resulting mixture should be smooth and firm (more water may be added if needed). Stand a soda bottle in a baking pan and mold the dough around it into a volcano shape. Do not cover the hole or drop dough into it. Fill the bottle most of the way full with warm water and a bit of red food color (can be done before sculpting if you do not take so long that the water gets cold). Add 6 drops of detergent to the bottle contents. Add 2 tablespoons baking soda to the liquid. Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle. Watch out! Berry Ink & Quill Pens Berry ink ingredients: ½ C. Ripe berries ½ Tsp. Vinegar ½ Tsp. Salt Fill a strainer with the berries and hold it over a bowl. Using the rounded back of a wooden spoon, crush the berries against the strainer so that the berry juice strains into the bowl. Keep adding berries until most of their juice has been strained out and only pulp remains. Add the salt and vinegar to the berry juice. The vinegar helps the ink retain its color and the salt keeps it from getting too moldy. If the berry ink is too thick, add a tablespoon of water. Store in a baby food jar. Only make a small amount of berry ink at a time and, when not in use, keep it tightly covered. Quill pen ingredients: A large feather Craft knife Paper Berry ink Paper towels Use a craft knife to cut the tip of the feather at an angle. Carefully, cut a slit in the tip. Dip the feather into the berry ink. Dab the end on a paper towel, or blotting paper. Repeat as needed. Healing Uses: To soothe a bee or jellyfish sting douse it with vinegar. It will soothe irritation and relieve itching. To relieve dry and itchy skin add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your bath water. To fight dandruff after shampooing, rinse with a solution of ½ cup vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. To soothe a sore throat put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow. For another great gargle: 1 cup hot water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vinegar, gargle then drink. To treat sinus infections and chest colds add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer. (Be sure to check vaporizer instructions for additional water measurement.) For chest congestion to clear up respiratory congestion, inhale a vapor mist from steaming pot containing water and several spoonfuls of vinegar. To clear toenail fungus soak toes in a solution of vinegar and water, using 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, 15 minutes per day. For arthritis relief mix a teaspoon of half apple cider vinegar, half honey in a glass of water with a teaspoon of orange flavored Knox gelatin. To lessen morning sickness drink some apple cider vinegar in water, with honey added. This concoction can help calm a queasy stomach. To cleaning heavily soiled hands moisten cornmeal with apple cider vinegar. Scrub hands, rinse in cold water and pat dry. Naturally brewed apple cider vinegar is one of the best blood cleansers and arthritis cures ever known. Take one tablespoon per day of equal parts vinegar and honey in water to taste, to cleanse the blood and reduce inflammation from arthritis. Arthritis: Use the cider vinegar and honey treatment for arthritis and apply cider vinegar to your painful joints. Drink a glass of water with two teaspoons of cider vinegar and two teaspoons of honey three times a day. Soak the arthritic joint in a strong, comfortably hot solution of cider vinegar for ten minutes, two or three times a day (a quarter of a cup of cider vinegar to one and a half cups of water). Arthritic knees and backs can be attended to by making a poultice, soak the cloth in a mixture of a quarter cup of cider vinegar and one and a half cups of water, wring it out and wrap it around the joint, then secure with a dry cloth to retain heat. When the wet cloth cools, it should be dipped in the hot solution, wrung out, and reapplied. Repeat this several times, twice daily. Apple cider vinegar and honey as a cure-all: use to prevent apathy, obesity, hay fever, asthma, rashes, food poisoning, heartburn, sore throat, bad eyesight, dandruff, brittle nails and bad breath. Asthma: One tablespoonful of cider vinegar added to a glass of water should be taken in sips for half of an hour. After a half an hour has passed the treatment should be repeated. The wheezing should lessen in intensity. However, should wheezing still persist a second glass of the mixture should be taken. Deep breathing exercises are also a beneficial treatment. Blood loss: When a person has a nose bleed without any apparent reason, then two teaspoons of cider vinegar in a glass of water, three times a day will aid in restoring the natural clotting properties of the blood. Colitis: The cider vinegar and honey treatment has been used effectively in the treatment for colitis. Take two teaspoons cider vinegar and honey with water, three times a day. An enema of a teaspoonful or more of molasses is also very helpful. Coughs: Cider vinegar and honey treatment will prove an effective treatment. Two teaspoons of cider vinegar and two teaspoons of honey mixed with a glassful of water should be taken before meals, or when the irritation occurs. In the evening have this mixture by your bed so that it can be sipped during the evening if an attack presents itself. Diarrhea: Apple cider vinegar is an antiseptic to the intestines and digestive tract. Due to it's healing properties, diarrhea can be controlled in a very short time. Take one teaspoonful of cider vinegar in a glass of water before and in between meals, approximately six glasses during the course of the day. For digestion steep a handful of dried tarragon leaves in a jar with apple cider vinegar, stand 7 hours, strain and seal. Take 1 tbsp before each meal. Dizziness: Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar together and two teaspoons of honey in a glass of water three times a day. One should never expect instant results, as nature works slowly. You will notice a lessened intensity. Ear discharge: One teaspoonful of cider vinegar in a glass of water to be taken mid morning and mid afternoon. The discharge should shortly disappear. Eczema: Take cider vinegar and honey in a glassful of water three times a day, with meals. An application of well diluted cider vinegar can also be applied to the skin several times daily one teaspoonful to half a cup of water. Under no circumstances should salt be taken, as this aggravates the eczema condition. There is usually a potassium deficiency in those people suffering from eczema To make a good liniment: beat 1 whole egg, add 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup turpentine. Blend. Apply vinegar to chapped, cracked skin for quick healing. Vinegar promotes skin health: rub on tired, sore or swollen areas. Eyes: Two teaspoons of each cider and honey taken in a glassful of water, three times a day. This mixture retards the onset of tired and sore eyes which are usually apparent in later life. A strength tonic: combine raw eggs, vinegar and black pepper. Blend well. Douche: 2 to 4 ounces of vinegar in 2 quarts of warm water. Magical Uses: Apricot Cooking Uses: Apricots are used as a dessert fruit. Generally used in dried form. Jam Jelly Marmalades Preserves Apricots can also be canned in sugar. The seed of the apricot is used in confectionary. Pies Tarts Dried fruit Fruit Leather Household Uses: Apricot seed oil is an excellent base oil for diluting valuable essential oils. Pour your base oil into the sterilized glass jar. A typical amount is 1/8th of a cup of base oil. Healing Uses: In China, a famous medicine known as 'Apricot Gold' was made from the seeds of apricot trees that grew in particular areas. It was reputed to have the power to prolong life. The Chinese also believed that apricots reacted sympathetically to women's ailments. The apricot flowers formed a common ingredient in their cosmetics. The seeds, which yield an oil similar to that of the almond, have been widely used for their sedative, antispasmodic that gives relief to strained muscles and demulcent or soothing properties. They are useful in the healing of wounds, in expelling worms and as a general tonic. Constipation: The fruit is valued as a gentle laxative. This is due to its cellulose and pectin contents. The cellulose, which is not digested, acts as a roughage - that indigestible part of the food which helps the bowel movement and the pectin which absorbs and retains water, thereby increasing bulk to feces and stimulating smooth bowel movement. Patients suffering from chronic constipation can greatly benefit by regular use of apricots. Generally six to eight apricots per day will produce the desired result. Indigestion: Apricots have an alkaline reaction in the system. They aid digestion, if taken before a meal. Marmalade, made from organically grown fruit, is valuable in the treatment of nervous indigestion. Anemia: The apricot is an excellent food remedy for anemia on account of its high content of iron. The small but essential amount of copper in the fruit makes iron available to the body. Liberal use of apricots could increase the production of hemoglobin in the body. Fevers: Fresh apricot juice, mixed with honey, is a very cooling drink during fevers. It quenches the thirst and eliminates the waste products from the body. It tones up the eyes, stomach, liver, heart and nerves by supplying vitamins and minerals. Skin Diseases: Fresh juice of apricot leaves is useful in treating skin diseases. It can be applied with beneficial results in scabies, eczema, sun-burn and itching of the skin due to cold exposure. Magical Uses: Love Arrowroot powder/Yarrow powder Cooking Uses: Thickening agent for: Sauces Gravies Fruit pie fillings Glazes, Puddings Household Uses: Healing Uses: One tablespoon in a cup of juice every few hours to relieve diarrhea. Poultice to soothe skin inflammations. The best cure I’ve ever found for diaper rash. Body & dusting powder: 1 cup arrowroot powder 25 drops essential or fragrance oil. In a blender or with a mortal and pestle mix very well. That's it!!! Put into a shaker can or in a hard-round box with its own powder puff. Magical Uses: Arugula Cooking Uses: Has a spicy, peppery flavor Add to lettuce, tomatoes and any other mixed baby salad greens Household Uses: Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Mixed with spices and honey to cause a pleasurable erection according to the ancient Greeks Ash Witches name: Bird’s tongue Cooking Uses: Household Uses: Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Prosperity Protection Health Sea Rituals Magic wands Uses of ash leaves: prophetic dreams Gender: masculine (traditional western European magical gender) The Ash Moon or Nion (N) Moon is the third month of the Beth-Luis-Nion Celtic (Druidic) calendar, running from February 18 to March 17. The ash tree was considered the universal mother. Yggdrasil was the name of the world ash tree of Norse mythology, it’s roots reached down into the underworld, and it’s branches reached into the heavens. Asian Pear: Cooking Uses: Household Uses: Healing Uses: Chinese herbalism: Chinese gender: yin (cool) Chinese flavor: sweet Magical Uses: Apricot incense or wood or blossom is appropriate for burning in love spells Gender: feminine (traditional western European magical gender) Apricot (both fruit and juice) is an appropriate food for love spells Asparagus Cooking Uses: Quiche Side dish sometimes with a cheese sauce. Household Uses: Healing Uses: Boil in water and drink it for kidney problems. It dissolves uric acid deposits and promotes urination. Magical Uses: Aspen/Poplar Cooking Uses: Household Uses: Healing Uses: Magical Uses: Gender: masculine (traditional western European magical gender) Poplar is one of the nine woods traditionally placed in the traditional Celtic Druid balefire. Avocado Cooking Uses: Mexican dishes Salads Dips Spread Sandwiches Household Uses: Healing Uses: Natural moisturizer 1 avocado or papaya plain yogurt Mix the ingredients well, apply the mixture to a clean face, lay back and relax for ten minutes and wash it off. This moisturizing mask will make your skin glow and fell fresh. Magical Uses: Love Lust Beauty |
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