BreadxButta's Apothecary Glossary
Sacred Earth Medicine Apothecary
Please note: To ensure efficacy and experience of the highest quality, Lynsey personally sources nearly every botanical ingredient used in BreadxButta Botanica Products; working closely with farmers, ethnobotanists, mycologists, harvesters, distillers and surrounding communities throughout the world. After 12+ years of preparation through world traveling, apprenticeship, building relationships and making deep connections, Lynsey has her hand in product creation from soil to packaging.
The herbs, flowers, roots, oils and resins that make up her family recipe formulas are sourced with a deep respect for Mother Earth, honoring Lynsey’s ancestral lineage, sustainable growth practices, mindful cultivation and sacred extraction. We work with reverence for the cultural traditions and uses of each plant and its medicines.
We have participated in the actual harvesting and processing of these materials to achieve a more holistic understanding of their power, application and synergy with other botanicals and with our bodies (on a subtle energy to physical energy level). The intention is to ensure the highest quality plant medicines and to think on a larger sustainability scale. We operate on a smaller batch system that is completely handmade and intentionally blended.
Loose Herbs
Agrimony
Spiritual Use: Acts as a deflective shield; Agrimony has long been used to reverse mal de ojo & hexes. It not only breaks hexes, it also sends them back to sender. It is said that this herb protects against low vibrational entities. Agrimony is useful for ritual work and for those who want to bring self awareness and balance their emotions. It is useful also as a banishing smudge or as a wash to cleanse the aura. It is commonly used in herbal baths, incense, dream pillows, sachets, mojo bags, dressing candles, and on a healing altar. Agrimony aids with restful sleep, especially if you are plagued by nightmares.
Physical: It’s a part of the rose family. The bitter principles of Agrimony are well suited for treating indigestion and mild diarrhea, but they are even more useful for afflictions of the liver and gallbladder. It is considered an excellent blood cleanser that tones the entire digestive system and aids the assimilation of food. In the old days it was often used as a spring tonic and blood cleanser, effective in clearing skin of eruptions caused by liver congestion and sluggish digestion. Agrimony is also most useful for flushing out kidney gravel and uric acid deposits in conditions such as arthritis and gout. Aids in soothing the nervous system by activating the lymphatic system- useful for folks who are feeling tense, experience jaw tension, feel rushed, out of breath or frazzled. This herb bring upon ease and coolness.
Energetics: Slightly Bitter, Astrigent, Cooling, Drying
Meridians: Lung, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used: Flowers, Leaves. Root
Planetary Influence: Jupiter, Air, Obatala
*Sourced in Ithaca, NY*
Blue Lotus Flower
Physical: Blue lotus flower is a psychoactive plant, also known as blue Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and sacred blue lily. It’s been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years as a natural aphrodisiac, sleep aid, and anxiety reliever. However, due to its psychoactive properties, many people wonder if it’s legal and safe to use. Is used to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and stress. Blue Lotus is said to enhance meditation and ease tension. The flower and its parts are used in personal care products, including perfumes and skin moisturizers, especially in improving the regulation of oils that exist in overabundance and often lead to breakouts
Spiritual: Blue Lotus is known to contain one of the highest vibrations in the flower world. It can be used for meditation, Therapeutically, or ceremonially. Working with your third eye chakra, this Blue Lotus essence aids in relaxing your conscious mind so your subconscious can be heard. They say Isis made perfume from this amazing flower and Cleopatra bathed in Blue Lotus essences. There is something magical and enchanting with the Lotus flower, coming up from the polluted muds of earth and manifesting the pure golden Blue - White energy that can only be described as visually beautiful. That also relates to the Chakra system of the third eye and crown chakra. The golden represents the solar plexus chakra that is very much related to physical energy and earthy energy in its highest power - manifesting as the elevated “I-Am” consciousness. So , you are taking that earth physical energy and bringing it up to the higher consciousness of psychic and universal energy.
Energetics: bitter, aromatic, and warm energetically
Parts Used: Flowers, Root
Planetary Influence: Moon, Neptune
*Sourced in Aguada, PR
Bobinsana:
Physical: Native to the Amazon Basin, it has been used for countless generations to heal the body and to enhance spiritual and shamanic abilities. For thousands of years it has been used to heal the heart, heal emotional trauma, and grief, helping us to ground and stay heart centered. For our physical body support, the whole entire plant is used from the roots, leaves, flower and bark to treat ailments such as: Supporting those with arthritis, rheumatism, musculoskeletal pains and uterine disorders. It is highly anti-inflammatory, contains anti-arthritis and anti-cancer properties. It is also a stimulant, a diuretic and has been used in Peru as a natural contraceptive. (folks who are pregnant, hoping to become pregnant or those breastfeeding should avoid using this medicine)
Spiritual: In ceremony, it’s used as a dieta before embarking on medicine journeys. In some ayahuasca recipes & ceremonies, Bobinsana is used by curanderxs as a complimentary ingredient. Ingesting this plant alone will not generate hallucinations-- but in combination with Ayahuasca, it can create connections to the spirit world while in ceremony--pairing harmoniously with fellow master plants, such as Mama Aya. She is called the "Master Plant Teacher" in Shipibo culture for her gentle heart opening magic, leading us to increased compassion, strength, self awareness and receptivity to spiritual guides.
Bobinsana is admired by curanderos and shamans and is used to ignite lucid dreaming and to reach higher states of consciousness.It's said to dissolve the boundaries between space and time- allowing immediate access to the cosmic heart & to realms beyond our third dimensional reality.
Energetics: Sweet, Warm
Meridians: Heart, Lung,
Parts Used: Flowers, bark, leaves
Planetary Influence: Moon, Water
*Sourced in Sao Paulo Brazil
Burdock Root
Spiritual Use: Boiling Burdock Root in water for spiritual washes as well as using it as tea can allow you to utilize its spiritual properties. Use the liquid as a floor wash for purifying areas where rituals are going to be held, you can also drink burdock tea to prepare your physical body for ceremony work. Its lymphatic properties also allow flow and ease to fill our bodies. You can sprinkle pieces of the roots in all four corners of the room during rituals as well. Burdock roots grow very deeply into the ground- it is associated with ancestral work and connection. This is a great tea to sip at your altar or to do dreamwork with.
Physical: Burdock root has been used for centuries in holistic medicine to treat a variety of different conditions. Most commonly it is used as a blood cleanser, assists the lymphatic system and is a great herb to help the digestive system. Evidence has found that burdock root contains active ingredients in its root system that can remove toxins from the bloodstream. Research also found that burdock root effectively detoxified blood and promoted increased circulation in the surface of the skin. Often used to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis & boils. Prevents excess Yang or Fire types, calls in the coolness and peace of Obatala. ( Obatala is the orisha who rules the head, the orisha of white cloth and the creator of life. He calls in health, justice, peace, wisdom, discernment and happiness.)
Energetics: Bitter, Slightly Wet, Cool
Meridians: Kidney, Lungs, Liver, Stomach
Parts Used: Roots, Seeds, Leaves
Planetary Influence: Venus, Water
*Sourced in Ithaca, NY
Calendula:
Physical: Calendula’s medicinal affinity is for moving that which has stagnated in our defense system. It isolates and quarantines what doesn’t belong, and helps warm the whole system, urging the body toward healthy circulation. It’s basically waking us up from the inside out, from the lymphatic system to our blood circulation. This is a great Spring herb to create chi in the body and get things moving! This herb is also known to be amazing for your skin, drinking this in a tea or creating an oil for the face and body can also bring some lightness and energy, revitalizing and awakening our largest organ, our skin.
Spiritual: Calendula offers us an opportunity to move the things that are stagnant in our lives. It helps us to create warmth and movement in dense emotional and energetic spaces. The warmth begins to move things that we maybe have ignored or have not quite noticed. Calendula magic offers us an opportunity to reclaim our boundaries and to make full use of our life force. Calendula magic is that of recognizing and using our power. Using this herb in cleansing smoke blends at home or in spiritual baths can alleviate dense energies and create movement in the home, offering a spiritual spring cleaning to your space. This is a flower of Oshun, it carries the essence of confidence and sacral magic. Calendula essence is believed to help balance the sacral chakra, allowing us to be open and vulnerable with the people closest to us and to also embody the power in that fearlessness, allowing others to witness that act of bravery and be a reflection.
The whole plant is used in many homeopathic remedies created for folks who experience painful menstrual cramps in their sacral space. Calendula medicine allows blood to flow as it acts as a soothing coat on our abdomen.
Energetics: cooling, bitter, pungent
Meridians: Heart, Lung, Liver
Parts Used: Flowers, leaves, roots
Planetary Influence: Sun, Fire
*Sourced in Portland, OR
Cleavers:
Physical: Cleavers are an amazing herbal diuretic. They can relieve swelling and promote the movement of fluid throughout the body, working on our lymphatic system, our liver, and kidneys. In the past, Native American tribes used this herb to promote kidney health. It was also sometimes used by Native American women to prevent pregnancy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used as a go-to anti-inflammatory and to move stagnation, creating qi and movement. Cleavers enhance the function of the lymphatic system and improve its ability to flush out toxins, decreasing congestion and reducing swelling. The lymph-cleansing action of this herb in turn enhances the function of the immune system. Cleavers are the ultimate springtime herb and start to appear when sluggish immune systems are in need of a boost (they’re growing all over brooklyn rn!)
Spiritual: Cleavers help us to release codependency and toxic relationships that hold us back, helping us to emotionally rebalance our hormones and cleanse unwanted toxic energy. The weight of the world can manifest as a mindset and a physical form—cleavers help us release some of that energetic weight and take control of our lives and goals.
This herb is associated with the Orisha Yemojá who represents the womb, amniotic fluid, the water in our body and our arrival to life. She helps us to move back into balance emotionally and physically creating waves of motion to cleanse and realign.
*Sourced in Ithaca NY
Hibiscus:
Physical: For ages (especially in Asia and the Middle East) hibiscus has been used as a herbal remedy for better health and wellbeing. It can even be traced back to ancient Egypt where it was used to reduce fever and fend off heart problems. Hibiscus can also be found in a ton of tinctures and syrups and are often added to recipes in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and in remedies that span the globe – from the mountains of Nepal to the islands of the Caribbean. Proven to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, assist in weight loss, Building our immune system, help strengthen the heart, Supports liver health, kidney health and digestion.
Spiritual: Hibiscus energizes the first and second chakras, undoing blockages in the lower back and spine. The flower remedy assists in releasing pent up creative forces within the womb area and literally sets one free to dance again in life. The essence stimulates sexuality and passion.
Energetics: Sweet, sour, bitter, cool
Meridians: Heart, kidney, Liver
Parts Used: Flowers
Planetary Influence: Sun, Venus
*Sourced in Mayaguez PR
Licorice Root
Spiritual: The licorice plant is associated with the planet Mercury. Herbs under Mercury are largely responsible for communication and movement of thought. Mercury was said to be the messenger of the gods, and also the planet rules in the sixth house, which is the house of health. This fundamentally focuses on supporting lung health and the energizing of movement in both thought and breathing when we think of Licorice Roots Magic. Licorice root has been used across cultures to help with dry coughs and flu symptoms affecting the throat and lungs. Despite all of its Mercury aspects, there is an unusual quality to licorice root because it contains the planetary metal for Jupiter. Jupiter is known to be an expansion planet and a deeply spiritual planet. In Greecian days the plant was shown to adorn the altar spaces. It was also in tombs by the Egyptians to help the dead pass on into the afterlife. This plant holds the spiritual magic of strength, protection, authenticity, manifestation (speaking things into existence), connecting to a higher source and your highest self and also, diving into the dream realm. “ The liminal passageways open up, the throat is alleviated of tension and a sweetness is found on the breath. Licorice root is a fascinating example of a quiet potential.” Also often used to entice someone, love spells, sex magic, ben over spells.
Physical: Licorice Root strengthens digestion, it is an expectorant, demulcent and mild sedative. It improves energy- TCM offers a recipe where you can honey roast the roots in a pan- it gives our body warming energy, moving our Chi). It is great for dryness of the lungs, coughs, colds; it clears heat, relieves menstrual cramps, abdominal pain and counteracts a sore throat. It is sweet and offers our bodies a yin nourishment. a great alternative sweetener. Licorice root increases the flow of juiciness in the body. It contains phytoestrogens calms some of the symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps. It helps to increase bile production, helping with our digestive process. Licorice root has also been used for allergies, possibly due to its effects on the adrenal glands. Overall, it kind of just soothes things out and is a wonderful remedy for those who are feeling run down, worn out or otherwise low.
Energetics: Sweet, Neutral
Meridians: Spleen, lung (all meridians)
Parts used: Root
Planetary Influence: Jupiter, Mercury
Deity: Santa Martha la Dominadora. Martha has gained a reputation for helping people to dominate a person or a situation. Her story originates in France, where there was, according to legend, a dangerous and deadly dragon. Martha was able to subdue the dragon by using only holy water and a cross. Once the beast was defeated, Martha tied it up using only a girdle. It was for this feat that Martha's ability to dominate a seemingly invincible enemy led to the legend surrounding her.
*Sourced in Ithaca NY
Mugwort
Spiritual properties: protective, dream enhancing, third eye, dream connections, protection of home, mugwort’s main use is for psychic visions and prophetic dreams. This herb does have psychoactive properties that induce lucid dreaming and astral traveling. Mugwort is said to help confront difficult truths. Mugwort is connected to water and to the full moon. When intentionally working with Mugwort, we are opening up to a quality of psychic radiance and expansive warmth. Mugwort helps those who need to cultivate a state of body-soul consciousness that is simultaneously grounded yet spaciously integrated with higher soul dimensions. It helps to harmonize psychic potential within the soul, especially the ability to bring more consciousness and cohesion between one’s daytime awareness and the nighttime experiences of dreaming. It is helpful as well for many conditions of feeling shut down, cold or numb; with a sense of constriction or susceptibility to many states of pain, due to lack of warmth and spacious connection.
Physical Properties: Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), or moxa, is a Chinese herb that has many uses. Well known for it’s penetrating warmth, it is used in a variety of ways to alleviate cramps, increase energy, and counteract cold and protect against seasonal illnesses.The crushed leaves serve as a natural insect repellent. It aids digestion, relieves spasms, and has antiseptic qualities. It can be used as a gargle for sore throats and an antibacterial wash for sores. Rubbing mugwort leaves onto the skin before exposure to poison oak is an old trick for preventing a rash. Because tea made from mugwort leaves has a calming effect, it is used for anxiety and difficult sleep. Named after the goddess of childbirth, Artemis, to this day mugwort has been an herbal ally for women with menstrual and menopausal issues and problems associated with childbirth and pregnancy.The most common uses for mugwort are for prevention of seasonal colds, warming, and womb/uterus issues. It alleviates abdomnial pains caused by coldness. Can be smoked to induce dreams. I use it as a moxibustion stick to burn it over areas that are stagnant, sore muscles, ovaries for PCOS, bruises, injuries etc. The heat breaks up the cold and gets chi flowing to those areas of the body where coldness is setting in.
Energetics: Bitter, Warm
Meridians: Kidney, Liver, Spleen
Planetary Influences: Venus, Moon
Parts Used: Leaves, stalk, roots and flowers
Deities: Associated with Yemaya. The Moon manifests as Yemaya. She is the spirit of motherhood and Mother of the ocean. She is the amniotic fluid in the womb of the pregnant woman, as well as their breasts because she is the Nurturer. She is the protective energy of the feminine force and called the spirit of Moonlight. Although she is a mother and is nurturing, Yemaya is fierce, strong and bold. She is the water inside of our bodies, keeping us in motion and in connection to the Moon, to the oceans and all of her children. A warrior, a protector and a provider.
*Sourced in Portland OR
Muira Puama:
Physical: Muira Puama is a small tree native to Brazil. Its stem’s bark has been widely used for centuries for its beneficial properties. It is energetically warming and has a reputation for its amazing adaptogenic qualities and as a tonic herb to help support the functioning of the reproductive system, menstrual cycles and cramping. Muira puama bark is typically prepared as a tincture. It can also be decocted as muira puama tea or applied topically. Muira Puama is widely used as an aphrodisiac and has proven to increase libido in men and women for centuries. It also improves sexual desire, sexual fantasies, and the ability to reach orgasm. This is a main ingredient in our Bhang Butta* * can increase blood pressure like many sexual stimulants*
Spiritual: When we feel inadequate, weak, emotionally needy or detached from the flow of vital life force, Muira Puama relaxes and restores our radiant fullness of energy and sensuality. This is a great herb to make as a tincture or a tea to call upon self love and vitality. In a bano, this herb will cleanse away any stagnation in your sacral space and help make space for new life and emotions.
Orange Peel
Spiritual properties: Orange Peel is a beautiful embodiment of the Sun’s energy. It lifts your emotions and just like the sun, it brings a therapeutic warmth to your body and soul. Throughout history, Oranges have been a symbol of happiness, wealth, and fertility. Its association with fertility and love - oshun. Orange Peels carry uplifting and energizing energy that inspires joy and prosperous relationships.Orange Peels have a high-energy scent that connects human beings to angels and the spiritual world. It reminds us of the promise of the Sun and keeps us focused on our goals without turning our back to the most valuable things in life. Orange Peels bring tranquility to our minds and help in finding the right path when you are stuck at life’s crossroads.
Physical Benefits: It may surprise you that orange peels have about four times more health benefits than the actual orange fruit that we eat. Orange peels contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds that help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. It also contains higher amounts of nutrients. Orange peels Support a Healthy Heart. It helps maintain blood pressure and cholesterol (using it as a tea) It is known to Prevent Allergies. Histamines are the chemicals that are responsible for allergic reactions, Orange peels contain compounds that can help prevent histamine release. They also help increase your metabolism and burn fat from your body. Promote better digestion because they have anti-inflammatory properties that help treat many digestions and gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, heartburn, and acidity. Treating bad breath from the gut to the microbiome in your mouth. They can fight infection, cold, and flu -orange peels are rich in vitamin C and A. This makes orange peels a natural antioxidant that helps boost your immune system and fight off germs and viruses. Peep the recipe section for my grammas onion and orange tea remedio <3
Energetics: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Chakras: Solar Plexus, Sacral Chakra
Meridians: Lungs, Liver, Small and Large Intestine, Spleen,
Planetary Influence: Sun / Leo
Deities: Oshun. Venus manifests as Oshun and is portrayed as a beautiful woman in yellow and gold. She is the Orisha of fresh waters, the river and associated with the cosmological forces of water, moisture and the flowing motion. She is the representation of love, beauty, attraction and sexuality. She is associated with dance and often portrayed as dancing erotically. She rules marriage, fertility, control of the feminine essence, and is prayed to for the alleviation of female disorders. My favorite pataki about Oshun, is the story where all of the orisha came to earth to create the world- one of the male orisha says something along the lines of we don't need oshun- the bringer of love and beauty- we need strength and muscle. So she leaves earth, annoyed and goes to sit on the moon- while she is gone all the sweet water of the earth dries up and with that nothing can be built, grown or expanded without the sweet water and love. So the other orisha go back to the heavens to Olodumare to tell him what's going on and he asks- where is oshun? The other orisha are like we don't really need her do we? Olodumare calls for Oshun and she explained why she left and got upset. Olodumare explains to the other orisha how powerful love and beauty can be, how we need sweetness to balance the hardships and density of life. He has the other orisha apologize and they head back to earth to create in harmony. This story is a representation of the imbalance of the divine feminie and lack of respect for the magic that it brings the world. It makes us think of mother earth and of the hardship she is dealing with rn, as we are a relfection of her.
Quassia:
Physical: Quassia’s health benefits are legendary. It can be used as an anti-diarrheal, an anti-dysenteric. It's used for diseases of the spleen, liver, and the urinary tract. It's good for reducing all sorts of fevers. It's also used as a blood purifier, and even helps to strengthen the eyes of alcoholics. It encourages the secretion of gastric juices, which increases appetite and aids with digestion. It can be used to bathe the skin of measles, chickenpox and rid the skin of external parasites. It's a great mouthwash after a tooth extraction. It's also great as an insecticide. Quassia also lowers blood sugar levels. The health benefits of quassia chips are truly remarkable. Quassia as a bitter tonic for the stomach, gallbladder, and other digestive problems is very effective. It increases the flow of bile, digestive juices, and saliva. It's also effective as a laxative, amebicide, as an insecticide, and also to expel internal worms. It is a digestive stimulant. These characteristics make it very useful when cleansing the colon.
Now on to the side effects of quassia. ****If you're pregnant or nursing, you should not use quassia. Diabetics should be cautious because it may lower the blood sugar levels too low. In large amounts, quassia can irritate the digestive tract. People with digestive tract problems live stomach or intestinal ulcers, Crohn's disease, or any sort of digestive infections should not use quassia in a medicinal way****
Spiritual: The Quassia Chips are used in rituals of prosperity and road opening. Boil the chips and use the tea to mop your home from front to back to bring in good luck and prosperity.It is also excellent for prosperity work and works well to give one control over another who needs to pay back money that is owed. Suggested magical uses for Organic Quassia Root: Burn on a charcoal as an incense, Sprinkle around a room or property. Add to a bath for spiritual cleansing. Carry in a mojo bag along with other herbs and talismans.Sprinkle on or around a spell candle. Add to a spiritual oil.
Energetics: very bitter, cooling and drying
Chakras: Solar Plexus, Sacral Chakra
Meridians: Liver, Heart
Planetary Influence: Mars / Fire
*Sourced in Sao Paulo Brazil
Rose:
Rose is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is used to regulate qi, or life energy. Rose is considered a remedy for stomach and digestive problems. It helps with burnout, fatigue, and improving sleep, eases irritability and mood swings and can ease menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. Rose offers our physical body a gentle detox.
On a spiritual level, rose encourages enthusiasm and a lively interest in life, reigniting your passion for life, finding enthusiasm for the world through work, community and with those you care about. It helps us to take initiative and make changes that we may have been putting off. It has been revered for centuries for its mind, body, and spiritual healing benefits, particularly those around relieving the heart, depression, anxiety, psycho-spiritual related imbalances, and many more. The medicine of rose is one of the most powerful embodiments of Venus in the way that it heals our hearts from past traumas and heartbreak. It reminds us that our true heart cannot be broken.
This flower is associated with both Shango and Yemoja. In my opinion, roses showcase the fierceness and also the softness & beauty embodied in these orisha. Red roses for Shango represent passion and strength. White Roses of Yemoja represent purity, innocence and protection. Both of these Orisha are known for their intense power and empathy—the roses’ thorns depict energy that has to be handled with care and concentration in order to feel the roses sweetness
Energetics: sweet, bitter, moist
Parts Used: Flowers, leaves, hips
Chakras: Solar Plexus, Sacral Chakra
Meridians: Liver, Heart
Planetary Influence: Venus
*Sourced in Mendocino, CA
Rosemary: The plant was also brought to Britain with the Roman armies. It was later called Rose of Mary or rosemary in honor of the Virgin Mary. There are various stories or legends to explain this association. It was also used in embalming and was placed in tombs as far back as ancient Egypt. Rosemary is high in Manganese, an essential nutrient for metabolic health. Manganese also helps the body to form blood clots, allowing injuries to heal faster. Rosemary has a positive impact on reducing anxiety and stress, improvements in cognitive performance when even inhaling the scent of Rosemary. It can also help improve eye health, regulate liver function, and lower the risk of asthma.
***While rosemary is a nutritious herb, it is not for everybody. It should be avoided during pregnancy, as it is known for stimulating menstrual flow.
Spiritual: Finding shelter when feeling overwhelmed or burdened by the storms of life. Rosemary is an aid where traumatizing situations have caused a disconnect from the physical realm. For those who don’t feel entirely present or in tune with their bodies, Rosemary can bring about a greater healing and sense of safety for soul and spirit to inhabit its earthly temple. Forgetfulness, spending a lot of time out-of-body and hypoglycemic tendencies may be indicators of old trauma that has convinced you that it’s not safe to be in the here and now. Rosemary is known as the “herb of remembrance” and it calls you to remember that you are a spirit and soul that has a physical body. I can’t let the re-member pun go by either, as it helps your reacquaint with every member of your body. Some say Rosemary has a social aspect as well, helping you to reintegrate into your place as a member of a society, network or community. This herb is a great addition to spiritual/ energetic bath cleanses, grounding foot soaks or as a tea.
Energetics: Aromatic, spicy, diffusive, slightly astringent and slightly bitter
Parts Used: leaves, branches, flowers
Chakras: Heart, Sacral
Meridians: Liver, Heart
Planetary Influence: Venus, Moon
*Sourced in Aguada PR
Ruda: Rue is a small shrub native to South Europe and North Africa. It was reportedly used in ancient Greece and Egypt for treating a wide variety of health conditions, and finally brought to the New World by Spanish explorers. Rue has antifungal properties that help to cure de-complexion of the skin and offers beautiful and clear skin. The antioxidant properties ensure that skin wards off free radicals which causes premature aging of the skin. The antibacterial properties help to eliminate bacteria. The tea prepared with this herb combats urinary tract, colon and intestine infections. It prevents the chances of food poisoning and salmonella. Rue lowers inflammation caused by arthritis. Daily intakes of 1 to 2 cups of Rue herb tea assist to ease stiff muscles and relieve joint pains. The herb has calming properties. It provides relief from tension and anxiety. The herbalist uses it to treat nervous headaches, dizziness, general tension and anxiety. Tea offers sound sleep. Rue has emmenagogue properties that stimulate menstruation and promotes regularity of a person's menstrual cycle.
**Pregnant folks should not ingest Rue as it stimulates blood flow**
Spiritual: DURING THE MIDDLE AGES, RUE WAS HUNG IN DOORWAYS AND WINDOWS TO KEEP EVIL SPIRITS OUT. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ALSO USED A BRANCH OF RUE TO SPRINKLE HOLY WATER ON ITS FOLLOWERS: DURING THIS TIME IT WAS KNOWN AS THE “HERB OF GRACE.” Many people carry a pinch of ruda in a cloth bag or place it above the front door to ward off the evil eye. Some folks make a tea of ruda and sprinkle it around the home for protection or bathe in it to break spells. This herb can also be used to make a powerful love spell. Rue can help work through the energy circuits that affect the hippocampus of the brain and the etheric, emotional and mental energy fields to help you release the hold of old stories, step out of your habitual ways of orienting to life and reframe your stories in a way that supports your healing and spiritual growth.
Parts Used: leaves, flowers
Chakras: Heart, Sacral
Meridians: Spleen, Kidney
Planetary Influence: Saturn, Capricorn
*Sourced in Mayaguez PR
Stinging Nettle
Spiritual Properties: This ‘sting’ that is referred to when speaking of nettles is a key indicator of its relationship to Mars and the element of fire. While nettle is not necessarily a heating plant, this sting (which feels hot at first), ultimately helps to modulate inflammation through cooling heat within the body - another reference to the paradoxical spirit of nettle.
Mars, as a planet, is the ruler of Aries and the archetype of the warrior. It is a representation of our will to survive, action, and the sacred masculinity within all of us. Mars expresses itself in our daily lives through feelings of anger and frustration, strength and energy, vitality, passion, and movement.
Often referred to as doctrines of signatures, plants have a beautiful way of communicating without the help of words but rather signs. Physically related to iron, you can see the correspondences of Mars in nettle’s extraordinary iron content. You can feel the relationship to the warrior in the way that the nettle guards its space and fights back with a sting if you intrude or don’t show it respect.
The spirit of Nettle presents itself to me as a firm, ferocious crone aka big dona energy—strong and tough like the fibers of the plant. Nettle medicine goes deep, breaking up stagnation and removing old, dead waste from our bodies. Nettle “cuts loose old patterns and re-weaves connections.” Yes indeed.
Often related to the Orisha Ogun and Oxossi. Ogun is the orisha of Metals (specifically iron), Minerals, Tools, War, hunting, wild beasts and war. He can be aggressively masculine and is associated with blood, and so is often called on to heal diseases of the blood. His weapon is a machete, and he is associated with other iron made weapons.
Oxossi shares an aspect of Mars. He is a magician and his name literally means “the one that works with witchcraft’. He is a solitary figure in the wilderness, a hunter and a shaman. He carries a bow and arrow and is connected with the hunter communities.
Physical: Nettle’s claim to fame is in the stingers, which don’t actually sting so much as they inject formic acid into wherever the tiny needles touch. Herbalists for centuries have touted the properties of nettle stings as being healing to certain types of arthritis, nerve damage or poor circulation. I love nettles because of its abundance as well as its use as a medicinal food. The leaves contain SO many nutrients like magnesium, calcium, iron and protein to name a few. Its medicine is easily assimilated, making nettle a staple in many tonic formulas.
Because of its high mineral content, it can be useful in cases of cramping from low vitamin and mineral levels. It is also a diuretic, meaning that it stimulates the production of urine, facilitating waste release from the body. It aids lymphatic congestion in this way, while being nourishing at the same time. As such, it can be used for cases of edema (swelling/retaining water), allergies, various skin conditions, kidney stones and UTIs. Nettle also helps with nourishing of the mucus membranes of the digestive tract, easing constipation and diarrhea. It is a mild laxative, helping to ease digestive irregularities, and has also been historically used as a hemostatic, to address excessive bleeding or menstruation.
Nettle is an adaptogen that quickly improves many symptoms associated with chronic stress. It is recommended to use crushed or chewed fresh leaves or seeds for adrenal burnout.
Fresh or freeze dried and encapsulated nettle is used as a remedy for asthma and hayfever/allergies. The formic acid is responsible for curbing allergic responses by mildly desensitizing the mucosa in the body that is overly sensitive to irritants like pollen, essentially blocking the histamine receptors.
As a blood builder, this plant is great to use to stimulate hair growth, hair thickness and health.
Traditionally, it is an herb of Mars, indicating numerous actions on the blood but also helping to strengthen core vitality, vein sufficiency and inner warmth both on the physical and emotional level. Its’ use in uterine steams (yoni steams) speaks to this—it can be used to strengthen protection energies for female-bodied folks who have been in abusive situations or who have trouble maintaining boundaries. Mars energy is a good counteracting force to help balance dominant Neptune energy without compromising Neptune’s softness. Nettles are also a fabulous medicine for new mothers, both in the gestational phase and during childbirth to get energy moving.
Energetics: Bland, Slightly Bitter, Cooling
Meridians: Small Intestine, Bladder, Lungs
Parts used: whole plant & root
Planetary Influences: Mars Neptune
Tulsi:
Physical: In sanskrit, tulsi means “beyond compare”. It is also referred to as Queen of Herbs.Tulsi is a prime herb in the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda. It is considered the “elixir of life”, promoting longevity and balance within the body, especially of the “doshas” (the three bodily bio-elements – Vata, Pitta and Kapha). It is a natural protector of organs and tissues with powerful cleansing properties and adaptogenic qualities.Tulsi benefits many types of stress including physical, mental and metabolic. In the case of physical stress, Tulsi is a powerful antioxidant, supporting the body in its efforts to detoxify. If we are mentally and emotionally stressed, free radical levels go up in the body. Holy Basil has been shown to decrease the amount of cortisol (the stress hormone), due to its rich phytochemical content.
Spiritual: In Ayurveda, tulsi is considered sacred and sattvic, which refers to an energy that is peaceful and nourishing, providing the mind, body, and spirit with balance and vitality. Tulsi’s energy helps to bring a sense of wholeness and wellbeing to the entire body, offering nourishment energetically to our nervous system, easing the body's stress response and bringing a sense of peace, harmony, and realignment.
Tulsi essence helps bring us closer to the sacred within, offering us illumination and clarity, helping break up old stagnant patterns of energy, thoughts, and emotions, bringing renewal to our mind and heart. Offering clarity and understanding of our true nature and purpose. Opening our heart and centering our spirit, creating a connection with the earth and the sky.
Parts Used: Aerial parts
Chakras: Heart, Sacral
Meridians: Heart, Spleen, Kidney, Intestine
Planetary Influence: Moon
Deities: Lord Vishnu, Yemaya
*Sourced in Ithaca, NY
Zacatechichi:
Zacatechichi is known to be a hallucinogen and to increase dreams. Because of this, it is often referred to as the "dream herb". It also is called "bitter grass" because the plant material of Calea zacatechichi has an intense bitter taste.
Calea zacatechichi has been used in folk remedies for thousands of years as an appetite stimulant, cleansing agent, calming agent, laxative, and for treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, fever, skin rashes, swollen scalps, "cold stomach", and headache.
Calea zacatechichi is used shamanically to induce psychic dreams, help remember dreams, and to increase dreaming. In addition, Calea zacatechichi has also been studied for mental enhancement and sleep.
Calea zacatechichi dried leaves and stems have been smoked, applied topically, placed under the pillow, made into a tea, and ingested as capsules. It was also used by the Chontal Indians of Mexico to obtain divinatory messages during dreaming.
*used in our Dreamflower Tea <3