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An Herbalist's Primer

Terminology & Instruction for the magical herbalist
by Carmin

The medicinal value of plants, as well as the appearance of root, leaf, and flower, are strong indicators of the magical properties they posses.

Add to that the tendency of magical herbalists to experiment with home remedies.

I have included the medicinal classifications for herbs as a handy guide for those delving deep into the Green World, that they may do so safely.

This does not constitute medical advice.

The Old World units of measure are included for ease of use when translating archaic formulas into modern notation and application.

Abortifacient- induces premature abortion of the fetus. Many herbs that are listed as abortifacient induce painful contractions and intense blood loss. Examples include mugwort, pennyroyal, sage, and carrot seed oil.

Absolute- the properties of the plant have been extracted with a solvent, usually alcohol, occasionally benzene or hexane. Absolutes are not therapeutic grade essential oils, however, they are wonderful for perfumery. Not suitable for internal consumption.

Amulet- an object worn to ward off illness, evil, and harm, or to attract good fortune. Usually natural objects, though the term has become almost interchangeable with Talisman.

Anaphrodisiac-that which lessens sexual desire.

Antibilious-herb that combats nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, and gas caused by excessive bile.

Antioxidant-A substance that inhibits oxidation and prevents rancidity of cosmetics, potions, and unguents . Examples include benzoin and vitamin E.

Antiphlogistic-herb that counteracts inflammation.

Aphrodisiac- that which excites passion and sexual desire, or restores sexual power and potency. Examples: cardamom, jasmine.

Aromachology-a young science involving the relationship between psychology and scent. The term was coined by Annette Green,

( Executive Director of the Fragrance Foundation).

Aromatherapy-the use of essential oils to restore and enhance beauty, health, and well being.

Aromatic-herb with a pleasing taste and scent, often used to make herbal medicines more palatable.

Asperging-sprinkling charged or infused water for a variety of ritual purposes. Usually used to cleanse sacred space, to purify sick rooms, and areas fraught with negative energy. Some practitioners have special bowls and asperging wands set aside specifically for this purpose, though many use the ritual chalice /cauldron and their hands. Bunches of herbs may be dipped into the water and used as asperging wands.

Astringent-causes localized contraction of the skin and blood vessels. Most often used in a cosmetic sense. Examples include witch hazel.

Bain-Marie- A water bath or double boiler, used for melting honey, wax, chocolate, or any substance that would be scorched or otherwise damaged by direct heat. To make a bain-marie, set a pan full of water on the stove, placing a second, smaller pan in the first. Ointments and unguents, especially those containing volatile essential oils, should be created using a bain-marie.

Balm- in older texts, this may refer to a specific plant (Lemon Balm, a.k.a Melissa, Bee Balm) or to an herb combined with a fixative (beeswax and oil). These are gently heated together and then the herbal matter is strained. These can be supplemented with essential oils.

Balsam- a natural raw material exuded from a tree or plant. These occur either naturally or as a result of injury to the plant. Insoluble in water, usually completely soluble in alcohol, or partially so, the other constituents being oil soluble. Extraordinarily fragrant, and often used to treat skin problems. Examples include frankincense, myrrh, and gum mastic.

Balsamic-a healing or soothing agent. Also, refers to a warming, stimulating, demulcent with an oily consistency, and to certain
notes in perfumery, often used in "Oriental" style fragrances.

Base Oil- See Carrier Oil

Bath- Magical baths are used to center and align the spiritual, physical, and mental bodies before spell casting or ritual, or they can be the focus of a spell itself. Make a strong tea of the required herb, strain and add it to your bath water. Certain herbs and oils are not appropriate for this endeavor. Cinnamon and cinnamon leaf essential oils, even when tiny amounts are used, will cause heat, redness, and burning in the skin. One tiny drop of cinnamon leaf oil (which is less intense than the bark) in a full tub is enough to cause this effect, even in non-sensitive skin. Emmenagogue or abortifacient herbs will cause miscarriage if used in the bath. Please take care when using the gifts of Nature, and thoroughly research the properties of an herb before using.

Bitters- a solution of bitter and aromatic herbs used as a mild tonic. Used to increase the general physical health, clear toxins from the body, and reduce weight. Example; Dandelion. Occasionally, the term "bitters" refers to the creation of an alcohol and herbal mixture. The creation of these bitters is an art form and science in and of itself. The properties of an herb are more concentrated when combined with alcohol, and proportions must be greatly reduced. Please consult a qualified medicinal herbalist before attempting this.

Boline- a white handled knife, used exclusively for harvesting herbs. Should have a single or double edged blade (not serrated), for ease of sharpening. Your boline needs to be sharp out of respect for the health of the plant you will be harvesting from. Jagged, rough and bruised cuts leave the plant more open to infection and infestation. The boline is usually not appropriate for harvesting wand wood; saws being much kinder to the tree and less likely to cause damage.

Bushel- an archaic unit of dry measure, containing four pecks in the US, (and formerly in England) to 2150.42 cubic inches or 35.24 liters (Winchester bushel) and in Great Britain to 2219.36 cubic inches or 36.38 liters (Imperial bushel).

Calmative- herbs of a sedative, calming nature. Examples include chamomile and clary sage. See also Nervine.

Carminative- assists in preventing and expelling gas. Increases absorption of nutrients and improving weak digestion. Examples include Anise seed, chamomile, and peppermint.

Carrier Oil- a base oil into which essential oils are blended. Very, very few essential oils can be used 'neat' (undiluted). Carrier oils include jojoba, almond, castor, evening primrose, olive, rosehip, sunflower, safflower, shea nut and coconut oils. When blending oils for magical purposes, the carrier oil should be closely aligned with your intent. Olive oil for protection, Castor for curse breaking, Sunflower for success, Evening Primrose for Faery formulas, etc.

Castor Oil- a hard, shiny oil extracted from castor beans. Used in cosmetics as a barrier agent and protective medium against harsh and extreme conditions. Soothing for most skin types. Magically, castor oil has been used to hurt and heal. A frequent ingredient in voodoo condition oils, used to break curse, dominate, and command. A violent laxative when taken internally, castor oil was a frequently dreaded home remedy of old.

Coconut Oil- If you use this as a carrier oil, please obtain pure, organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil. Many practitioners I have met despise working with coconut oil because they say it goes rancid too quickly. I have never had a problem with the pure, unadulterated variety. Makes a good base oil, but the scent often overpowers essential oils. A good cooking oil, as it contains no trans fats and contains a high percentage of lauric acid; said to improve physical vitality. The magical correspondence of this plant vary far and wide between practitioners. I associate it with eroticism, vitality, and health, as well as the death and rebirth myth of the Melanesian people. Other authors have attributed the coconut with chastity, and protection.

Cordial- a stimulating or invigorating drink, used to warm the body and gladden the heart. Often made with spirits and herbs.

Decoction- A liquid extract of the hard parts of a plant; root, bark, and seed. The herbal matter is boiled in the water, as opposed to an infusion, in which the herbs are added to boiled water after it has been removed from the heat source.

Demulcent -sooths, protects, and relieves inflamed mucous membranes.

Depurative- used to purify and cleanse the blood.

Diuretic- induces production and secretion of urine.

Dram- a unit of liquid measure, equal to 1/4 of a tablespoon, or 0.1301051 of a fluid ounce.

Elixir- an alchemical preparation of the magical herbalist, based upon the study of the alchemical elixir; salt, sulfur and mercury. These are not to be taken literally. Salt is the body ( salts and metallic salts obtained from the ashes of plant matter) sulfur (soul, or the volatile essential oils) and Mercury (the Divine. Produced by fermentation) These materials must be produced individually and recombined to be considered an elixir.

Enchant- to charge an object by song or chant. Also to cast a spell with song. Related to the Greek goddess Carmenta.

Enfleurage- an old method of extracting essential oils with cold fat, creating exceptional scents. This method is usually used for thick-petaled flowers such as tuberose, jasmine, rose, and honeysuckle. Enfleurage is a labor intensive process, which contributes to the expense and rarity of the aforementioned oils.

Emmenagogue- that which stimulates menses.

Emetic-that which induces vomiting.

Emollient- a substance which sooths and moisturizes skin and prevents moisture loss. Some emollients cause allergic reactions, test first and use with care.

Emulsion- a mixture of oil and water. Needs a binder to avoid separation.

Essence- usually a solution of alcohol and an essential oil, or the volatile constituents of a perfume, or a substance believed to retain the predominant qualities of the plant.

Essential Oils- volatile material contained within plant cells and physically extracted using steam distillation, enfleurage, or other methods.

Expectorant- that which releases and loosens phlegm.

Extract-usually, a plant extract is made by steeping the plant in alcohol, similar to a tincture. The peppermint/vanilla/orange etc. extracts available in grocery stores are an excellent way to indulge in scents for magical preparations when you can't afford essential oils. Just be sure to buy the natural, not imitation varieties!

Fixatives- a substance used to preserve the fragrance of a mixture, or to keep it from developing further. The scent of true essential oil blends change with age; thus, a harsh scent that you made six months ago may have matured quite nicely. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR NOTES! Orris root is a common, and pleasant scent fixative.

Fluid Condensers- also known as Universal Condensers. Different methods for their creation exist, the most popular
involving the precious metals, and sometimes, a bit of blood.

Fragrance Oils- NOT ESSENTIAL OILS. These are simply chemical productions meant to fabricate the fragrance of a plant. They have no magical value, other than a purely placebo effect.

Galactogogue- that which increases the production of breast milk. Consult a competent midwife, as the transmission of herbs are passed to
the infant through breast milk, and most are not safe for nursing mothers to consume.

Grain- a unit of measure, standardized in 1958 by the International System of Units into precisely 64.79891 milligrams. It was originally the weight of a single cereal grain, and as the grain being measured varied from country to country, the weights and measures varied as well. 15 grains is equal to 1/4 of a teaspoon,

Grape seed oil- a very fine, nonallergenic oil, expressed from the seeds of the grape. Often used in aromatherapy products, as it has little to no scent. Unscrupulous sellers of essential oils sometimes dilute their product with grape seed oil for this very reason. You won't know that it is diluted until it is burned on a charcoal incense block.

Humectant-that which helps skin to retain moisture by drawing it from the air. Glycerine is a good example.

Incense- a combination of herbs, resins, fragrant woods, berries, and essential oils which are then smoldered to release their fragrance and magical properties. Comes in stick, cone, loose, loose self-igniting, and coils. The Japanese have extensive different forms for traditional incense, as well as elaborate incense rituals which are well worth studying by the magical practitioner. The Kodo, or Kou-dou ceremony elevates the burning of incense to high art form, instead of relegating it as a backdrop or ritual prop.

Infused Oil- Pouring oil over herbs to infuse it with the base oil with that of the plant. Usually involves straining and multiple infusions to create a strongly scented and potent oil. True 'Condition Oils' are created in this fashion, not with essential oils thrown into a base, (though they may be added for enhancement) and NEVER with fragrance oils (smell like the plant, but are chemically, not naturally derived).

Infusion- to create an infusion, boil fresh, cold water and then remove from the heat source. Add the herb and allow it to steep for three minutes or longer. Strain the used herbs out, and you have an infusion.

Jojoba Oil- an excellent carrier oil, as it is particularly resistant to rancidity. This is actually a wax extracted from Simmondsia chinensis. Jojoba oil is remarkably compatible with human skin PH. Cosmetically, it is used to dissolve sebum in plugged hair pores to encourage new growth. Additionally, it makes an excellent moisturizer. Magical properties include love, lust and beauty.

Lecithin- an emulsifier and antioxidant. Derived from egg yolks, but soy-lecithin is of much better quality.

Macerate- a method of extracting oils and fragrance from plants using warm fat instead of cold (as is used in enfleurage).

Measure- many old books call for a measure of this and a half measure of that. The idea is that the recipe stays proportional; an herbalists personal measure is quite personal. choose your measure with care, and never use the "measure" method for medicinal compounds.

Mortar- the cup shaped tool in which herbs are ground. There are some gorgeous mortar and pestle sets on the market, however, most of them are of little use to the herbalist, as they are too smooth. The ideal mortar is ceramic, porcelain or stone, with an unglazed bottom, or grooves included for ease of use when grinding tough roots and resins. See also Pestle.

Mucilage- a substance that swells in water and dissolves in the process.

Narcotic- an addictive substance that reduces pain and induces sleep.

Neat- An undiluted essential oil.

Nervine-a substance which calms and sooths the nerves, and reduces tension and anxiety.

Offerings- These may be offerings that are given to the plant in exchange for harvest, or to the spirit of the land when vast quantities are taken. Appropriate gifts include fertilizer and plant food, precious and semi-precious gems. Fresh bread, wine, honey, and butter are traditional, but do not place next to the tree or plant, as it encourages infestation and attracts bugs that will damage it further. Offerings of a religious nature may be used when invoking a particular deity; when petitioning Hecate, for example, a bouquet of cypress and lavender would be appropriate.

Ointment- similar to a Balm. The terms are used almost interchangeably, though an ointment is more medicinal in nature.

Olive Oil- expelled from crushed olives. Makes a good carrier oil, as well as a good base for infused oils, however, please understand that the scent of olives will be ever-present. Magically, olive oil is used for protection, success, honors, and anointing.

Parturient- a substance which induces labor.

Peck- an archaic unit of measure consisting of 9.09218 liters ( Imperial peck), or 8.80977 liters (US peck). Rather, it is equal to 1/4 of a bushel, or two gallons.

Perfume-originally referred to a fragrant and smoldering substance, what we now call incense.

Pestle- The stick part of a mortar and pestle.

Philtre- a strainer. One of the single most useful tools for a magical herbalist. You can never have too many strainers or too many storage jars.

Pillows- squares of cloth stuffed with herbs and sewn shut. Most often used to aid sleep and induce dreams.

Pomade- the fat left over after the process of enfleurage. These pomades still contain valuable herbal constituents.

Poppet- a cloth, clay, wax, or wooden doll that is stuffed with herbs, with symbols carved, drawn, or embroidered upon it. Used for healing, cursing, love, and all forms of figure magic.

Potion- a liquid formula, geared towards a specific magical intent. Usually water based, with herbs, stones, and metals added. Potions tend to create immediate and short term effects. They also have a short shelf life, so don't prepare a potion until you mean to use it within the next couple of days.

Poultice- a compress used externally. Most often used for aches, pains, and bruises. Comprised of infused herbs mixed with
slippery elm bark and held on with gauze.

Powders-a combination of herbs, resins, essential oils, and sometimes minerals to be used on spell candles, in charm bags, or as the focus of spell work. Throwing a banishing powder at your enemy's house to drive them away, or sprinkling a love drawing powder towards your front door are just two examples. Many powders can be used to empower your ritual tools and increase their natural alignment.

Resin- sticky gums and balsams extruded from a tree or plant. These may occur naturally, or as a result of injury to the plant. Examples include pine, dragon's blood, benzoin, myrrh, frankincense, copal and gum mastic.

Rosin- obtained from the oleoresin or dead wood of pine trees by removing the turpentine.

Rubefacient-that which causes reddening and heat of the skin.

Sachet- a small bag into which charms, talismans, herbs, amulets and semiprecious stones are placed. Usually carried on a magician's person, although they can be hung around the home, car, or with personal belongings to encourage creativity, prosperity, protection, or for any other magical purpose.

Salve- a soothing preparation of herbs and oil, hardened with wax. Used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Saponifier-That with soap-like or foaming qualities.

Soporific-herbs to promote sleep.

Spice- the dried parts of aromatic plants from the tropics. Examples include allspice, black pepper, cloves, ginger, vetivert, and cinnamon.

Steep- to allow an herb to remain in a carrier oil or hot water until the desired strength is achieved.

Still- the equipment used in distillation to separate the plant from its essential oils. Consists of a retort which holds the plant matter, the head, which collects the steam, the tube, which sends the steam to the condenser, and the condenser, which separates the water from the oil.

Strain- to separate the herbal matter from the liquid, oil or wax.

Strewing- traditional strewing herbs include heather and flea bane. They were used to reduce parasites, bugs, and to just make the place smell better. A common Spring custom during the Middle Ages was to clear away the old strewing herbs and replace them with fresh, fragrant new ones. Their modern usage is much the same as a powder. To cleanse a place of negativity, for example, strew purificatory herbs (such as fumitory), leave overnight, and sweep or vacuum away in the morning.

Sudorific-herbs to promote sweating.

Talisman- A created object, used for an intended magical purpose.

Tincture- to make a tincture, fill a clean and disinfected, totally dry glass jar full of clean herbs. Pour a good quantity of high proof alcohol over this and allow to steep for a week or longer. Strain the mixture. For greater tincture strength, repeat the procedure, adding fresh herbs to the liquid. Some herbs are cantankerous, and don't take well to tinctures. I struggled for a whole summer to produce a basil tincture that wouldn't mold over the second that I looked at it! Experimentation is required, but this is a good way to store herbs if you have limited space, or a large amount of herbs that need to be quickly preserved. Tinctures are highly concentrated, and should only be taken internally in teeny, tiny, miniscule amounts, if at all. They have more value to the magical herbalist in the creation of scented papers and magical inks.

Tisane- an herbal tea, taken to promote health.

Unguent- in the magical vocabulary, this refers a solid perfumed, and herbal infused ointment. Most frequently used in the context of flying ointments.

Volatile Oils- essential oils. Vaporize quickly.

Washes- to make a magical wash, infuse a good quantity of herbs (aligned with your intent) into lots of hot water. Allow this to cool, strain, and use this to wash the walls, floor, and all surface areas of your home, office, desk, or business. If using this in conjunction to a banishing or cleansing ritual, work from the back of the area forward. If using a wash to draw something into your life, work from the front door backwards.

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