Herbs and Their Uses
I would like to take a moment to share a bit of my own philosophy about herbs and their medicinal and Ancient Ways uses.
From the time that man began using herbs to cure diseases, ease pain and enhance his surroundings with sweet smelling herbs, they seemed to have a "magical" or Ancient Ways property to them. As man's intellect began expanding taking in the more scientific aspects of the herbal uses and remedies, the Ancient Ways/magic became medicine and still today, there is still a bit of "magic" in the medicine.
We have all experienced the miraculous recovery from some sort of illness or dis-ease of the body and call it medicine. I would like to give both properties of the herbs. Some of you may not agree with it, some of you may think it is bad to present the Ancient Ways aspects of an herbal use. I choose to simply state the properties naming neither as "good" or "bad".".
With that being said, please feel free to read, explore, chuckle or learn from the following list of herbal properties and uses, both medicinal and Ancient Ways. Respecting both sides of the coin, for there are still today, those who follow the old ways and are quite successful in their healing arts.
This is by no means a complete listing of all the herbs and their properties. There will always be updates to this page, as I continue researching and finding more properties to list with these herbs. Please remember in your uses, Hypocrites' oath..."do as you will, with harm to none."
~Windancer
Agrimony
Medicinal ~ jaundice and other liver ailments,. diuretic. ulcers, diarrhea, and skin problems, athlete's foot, sores, slow-healing wounds, and insect bites.
Alfalfa
Medicinal ~ Diuretic, relieves urinary and bowel problems, anemia, fatigue, kidneys, peptic ulcers, pituitary problems, and for building general health.
Ancient Ways ~ protect from poverty and hunger.
Allspice
Medicinal ~ relieves toothache, use as a mouthwash to freshen the breath.
Ancient Ways ~ Healing, money and luck..
Aloe
Medicinal ~ Laxative, wound-healing, general tonic or cure-all.
Ancient Ways ~ Grown in the house to guard against evil influences and prevents household accidents.
Angelica Root
Medicinal ~ Gas, bloating, indigestion and heartburn. It is often used to stimulate circulation in the pelvic region. For this reason, Angelica should not be used if pregnant or diabetic.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection and healing.
Anise
Medicinal ~ Used for indigestion, coughs, colic and gas.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection and meditation.
Arnica
Medicinal ~ Good for topical application to bruises, aches and sprains.
Medicinal ~ Increases metabolism, helps to strengthen the immune system, and is used in the healing of wounds.
Balm of Gilead Buds
Ancient Ways ~ Carry the buds of the balm of Gilead to mend a broken heart or to attract a new love.
Barberry Root Bark
Medicinal ~ Use as a topical application for bruises, aches and sprains.
Basil
Medicinal ~ Stomach cramps, vomiting, fevers, colds, flu, headaches.
Ancient Ways ~ The smell of fresh basil causes sympathy between two people.
Bay
Ancient Ways ~ Protection and purification.
Bayberry Root Bark
Medicinal ~ Sore throat gargle.
Bergamot
Medicinal ~Nausea and vomiting, blemishes, coughs, fevers, depression and stress.
Ancient Ways ~ Money
Bilberry
Medicinal ~ Diarrhea.
Black Cohosh
Medicinal ~ Herbalists recommend its use as an astringent, diuretic, anti-diarrhea, and cough suppressant. It should not be used during pregnancy.
Black Haw
Medicinal ~ Black Haw contains a uterine relaxant which helps relieve menstrual cramps and miscarriage. Because it contains an aspirin-like substance it is also good for fever and pain relief. However, because aspirin has been linked to some birth defects it is recommended that pregnant women should not take this.
Blackberry
Medicinal ~ The leaves can be used in teas to relieve diarrhea. It can also be used as a mouthwash for sore mouth and sore throat.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection and money.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection at Sea
Blessed Thistle
Medicinal ~ Appetite stimulant, heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Blood Root
Medicinal ~ Is used in some commercial products to treat plaque and gingivitis.
Ancient Ways ~ Love, protection.
Blue Cohosh
Medicinal ~ It is used to regulate menstrual flow and to help relieve pain during childbirth. Should not be taken during pregnancy.
Medicinal ~ Tonic, antiseptic, stimulant.
Boneset
Medicinal ~ Is used for treating high fevers and flu.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection
Borage
Ancient Ways ~ Carry the fresh blossoms to strengthen your courage.
Medicinal ~ Used for inflammation and excessive secretions of mucus in the bladder.
Buckthorn
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, Luck.
Bugleweed
Medicinal ~ Sedative, astringent and mildly narcotic.
Burdock
Medicinal ~ Is used as a diuretic and diaphoretic, blood purifier.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, healing.
Butcher's Broom
Ancient Ways ~ Purification, protection.
Calamus Root
Ancient Ways ~ Healing, luck.
Calendula
Medicinal ~ Infection, skin conditions.
Caraway seed
Medicinal ~ Indigestion and abdominal distress.
Ancient Ways ~ Fidelity, love, memory.
Cardamom
Ancient Ways ~ Love
Cascara Sagrada
Medicinal ~ Is used to relieve constipation.
Ancient Ways ~ Legal matters, money and protection.
Catnip
Medicinal ~ It is also known as "catmint". It is used as a medicinal tea for colds and fever. It is useful in treating colds as it produces free perspiration, without raising the temperature of the body. It is also good in relieving restlessness, colic, and nervousness.
Ancient Ways ~ Given to your cat, catnip creates a psychic bond between the two of you...it is also intoxicating to the cat. Catnip is used in love sachets with rose petals. Grown near the home, catnip attracts good spirits along with all the cats in the neighborhood.
Cats Claw
Medicinal ~ Enhanced immunity, viral infections, inflammatory diseases.
Centaury
Medicinal ~ It acts on the liver and kidneys, purifies the blood, and is an excellent tonic.
Ancient Ways ~ Snake repellent.
Chamomile
Medicinal ~ Aids digestion, anti-inflammatory, an antispasmodic, It has a soothing, sedative and absolutely harmless effect.
Ancient Ways ~ Money, sleep, meditation.
Chaste Tree Berries
Medicinal ~ Is used for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, and weakness.
Chickweed
Medicinal ~ Fresh leaves have been used as a poultice for inflammation and external abscesses.
Ancient Ways ~ Love
Chicory Root
Medicinal ~ Chicory works much the same as Dandelion, its action being tonic, laxative and diuretic.
Ancient Ways ~ Removing obstacles
Cinnamon
Medicinal ~ Carminative, astringent, stimulant, antiseptic, it stops vomiting, and relieves gas.
Ancient Ways ~ Healing, money, stimulates psychic powers and protective vibrations.
Cloves
Medicinal ~ Nausea, digestion, slow indigestion.
Ancient Ways ~ Money, protection and purification
Coltsfoot
Medicinal ~ Coughs and bronchial congestion.
Ancient Ways ~ Peace and tranquility.
Comfrey
Medicinal ~ expectorant, diarrhea and dysentery.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection
Coriander
Medicinal ~ digestion, gas, stimulant and aromatic.
Ancient Ways ~ Healing
Corn silk
Medicinal ~ Stimulant, diuretic, cystitis, bladder irritation.
Cramp bark
Medicinal ~ Cramps and spasms of all kinds.
Cranberry
Medicinal ~ Cranberry juice or powder is useful in treating and preventing urinary tract infections.
Medicinal ~ Diarrhea
Cumin seed
Ancient Ways ~ Protection
Dandelion
Medicinal ~ Diuretic and tonic, kidney and liver disorders.
Ancient Ways ~ Life span.
Deer antler velvet
Medicinal ~ Is said to increase energy, reduces pain and swelling due to arthritis
Dragons blood
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, love.
Echinacea
Medicinal ~ Is used to increase the bodies resistance to infection.
Elder
Medicinal ~ Elderberry wine and Elderflower Tea, chill, colds and flu.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, luck
Medicinal ~ Ephedra is a nerve stimulant resembling adrenaline.
Eucalyptus
Medicinal ~ Colds and flu, is an antibacterial treatment for minor cuts and scrapes.
Ancient Ways ~ Healing
Eyebright
Medicinal ~ It is still recommend by herbalists for its use in diseases of the sight, weakness of the eyes.
Ancient Ways ~ Clarity, memory
Fennel
Medicinal ~ Indigestion, gas and bloating, menstrual cramps.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, healing, purification.
Fenugreek
Medicinal ~ It has been used to reduce cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels, and relieve sore throats,
Ancient Ways ~ Money.
Feverfew
Medicinal ~ Is used for migraines, and digestive problems.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, health
Frankincense
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, rituals
Garlic
Medicinal ~ Antibiotic, helps reduce cholesterol.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, healing, anti-theft
Gentian Root
Medicinal ~ Gentian has been used for thousands of years as a digestive aid, arthritis, menstruation promoter.
Ancient Ways ~ Love and Power.
Ginger
Medicinal ~ Nausea, indigestion and abdominal cramping, ulcers, arthritis, colds and flu.
Ancient Ways ~ Love, money, success, power
Medicinal ~ Improves memory, recovery from stroke, helps prevent blood clots, helps relieve impotence, an anti-depressant related sexual problems.
Ginseng
Medicinal ~ Improves general well being, increases energy, enhances athletic performance, mental function and immunity.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, love, wishes, healing, beauty.
Goldenrod
Medicinal ~ Aromatic, stimulant, urinary tract problems.
Ancient Ways ~ money, divination.
Goldenseal
Medicinal ~ Immunity, infection and stimulates bile secretions helping the body digest fats.
Ancient Ways ~ Money, protection.
Hawthorn berries
Medicinal ~ Heart functions..
Ancient Ways ~ Fertility, chastity, fishing magic and happiness.
Hibiscus
Ancient Ways ~ Lust, Love and protection.
Horehound
Medicinal ~ Used as a cough remedy and helps with digestive problems.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, increase mental powers, and aid in healing.
Horseradish
Medicinal ~ Stimulant, diuretic and antiseptic. It acts as an excellent digestive aid.
Ancient Ways ~ Purification.
Jasmine Flowers
Medicinal ~ Nothing much is known of any medical properties, however it makes a wonderfully soothing tea.
Ancient Ways ~ Love, prophetic dreams, money.
Juniper berries
Medicinal ~ Juniper berries are used as a diuretic, eases indigestion, relieves gas and used in the treatment of diseases of the kidney and bladder.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection.
Kava Kava root c/s
Medicinal ~ Is used to treat stress and anxiety
Ancient Ways ~ Long used in Hawaiian and Polynesian rites to offer protection against evil and invite good luck. Is also used to promote visions.
Kelp
Ancient Ways ~ Kelp is believed to protect those going on long sea journeys.
Lady's Mantle
Medicinal ~ Is strongly astringent and drying. Has been used for excessive menstruation.
Ancient Ways ~ Love.
Lavender
Medicinal ~ Reduces anxiety, overcomes insomnia, has anti-microbial properties which help with wound healing, is used as a digestive aid and insect repellent.
Ancient Ways ~ Love, sleep, happiness, peace and protection.
Lemon Balm
Medicinal ~ Infections in wounds, relieves insomnia, and digestive problems.
Lemon
Ancient Ways ~ Purification, fidelity and long friendships.
Lemon Verbena
Medicinal ~ Lemon Verbena's properties are similar to those of mint, aiding with indigestion, gas.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, purification, love.
Lemongrass
Ancient Ways ~ Psychic powers.
Licorice
Medicinal ~ Cold, cough and sore throat reliever.
Linden flower
Ancient Ways ~ Is believed to have protective power, and aids with sleep.
Medicinal ~ diminishes inflammation and pulmonary complaints.
Mace
Ancient Ways ~ Psychic powers, mental powers
Mandrake Root
Medicinal ~ Used to induce vomiting and a purgative.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, fertility, money, love, health
Marjoram
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, love, happiness, health, money
Marshmallow Root
Medicinal ~ cuts, scrapes, wounds, burns, respiratory problems, enhanced immunity
Meadowsweet
Medicinal ~ Pain, fever, inflammation, colds, diarrhea, urinary tract infection
Ancient Ways ~ Love, divination, peace, happiness
Milk Thistle
Medicinal ~ Liver protector, hepatitis, mushroom poisoning, cirrhosis, drug-induced liver damage, toxin-induced liver damage.
Mistletoe
Medicinal ~ Regulates blood pressure, enhanced immunity
Ancient Ways ~ Protection. love, hunting, fertility, health, exorcism
Medicinal ~ Hear disease, insomnia and anxiety, encourages uterine contractions.
Ancient Ways ~ Strength, psychic powers, protection, prophetic dreams, healing, astral projection
Nettle
Medicinal ~ Urinary tract infection, congestive heart failure, PMS, benign prostate enlargement, hay fever, arthritis
Ancient Ways ~ Exorcism, protection, healing, lust
Nutmeg
Ancient Ways ~ Luck, money, health, fidelity
Orange
Ancient Ways ~ Love, divination, luck, money
Oregano
Medicinal ~ Colds, flu, fevers, respiratory ailments.
Ancient Ways ~ Love, protection, divination
Papaya
Medicinal ~ digestive problems (papaya is used as a meat tenderizer, therefore helping to digest meat), ulcers,.
Ancient Ways ~ Love, protection
Parsley
Medicinal ~ high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, bad breath, suppressed menstruation, allergies, fever
Ancient ways ~ lust, protection, purification. (ever wonder why you have that sprig of parsley on your plate at a restaurant? Its to protect the food from contamination).
Passion Flower
Medicinal ~ Stress, anxiety, insomnia, digestive aid, wounds.
Ancient Ways ~ peace, sleep, friendships
Patchouli
Medicinal ~ Stimulates appetite, sleep and anxiety
Ancient Ways ~ money, fertility, lust
Pennyroyal
Medicinal ~ Insect repellant, congestion and coughs, digestive aid
Ancient Ways ~ Strength, protection, peace
Pepper
Medicinal ~ Aids digestion, arthritis
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, exorcism
Peppermint
Medicinal ~ Digestive aid, irritable bowel syndrome, pain, congestion, coughs, infections, headaches. *because peppermint relaxes the smooth muscles, pregnant women should only take in a weak tea infusion.
Ancient Ways ~ Purification, sleep, love, healing, psychic powers.
Poppy Seed
Ancient Ways ~ Fertility, love, sleep, money, luck, invisibility
Prickly Ash
Medicinal ~ Rheumatism, blood purifier, skin disorders
Ancient Ways ~ Love
Queen of the Meadow (aka Gravel root)
Medicinal ~ Kidney stones and gravel
Raspberry
Medicinal ~ morning sickness, uterine irritability, diarrhea, disease prevention, anti-oxidant
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, love
Rosehips
Medicinal ~ colds and flu, mouth sores,
Rosemary
Medicinal ~ Food poisoning, infections, digestive problems, congestion.
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, love, mental powers, exorcism, purification, healing, sleep, youth
Sage
Medicinal ~ Excessive perspiration, wounds, food poisoning, digestive problems, sore throats
Ancient Ways ~ Love, healing, happiness, lust, strength, psychic powers
Sandalwood
Ancient Ways ~ Love
Sarsaparilla
Medicinal ~ High blood pressure, congestive heart failure, PMS (diuretic)
Ancient Ways ~ Love, money
Sassafras
Ancient Ways ~ Health, money
Savory
Medicinal ~ Expectorant, insect bites
Ancient Ways ~ Mental powers
Saw palmetto
Medicinal ~ Prostate
Skullcap
Medicinal ~ Insomnia and anxiety
Ancient Ways ~ Love, fidelity, peace
Medicinal ~ Constipation (however, produced intestinal cramps)
Ancient Ways ~ Love
Slippery elm
Medicinal ~ Wounds, coughs, sore throats and digestive problems,
Ancient Ways ~ Halts gossip
Soapwort
Medicinal ~ Alleviates external itching
Spearmint
Medicinal ~ Same as Peppermint
Ancient Ways ~ Healing, love, mental powers
St Johns Wort
Medicinal ~ Depression, infections, wounds
Ancient Ways ~ Health, protection, strength, love, divination, happiness
Tansy
Medicinal ~ Internal parasites
Ancient Ways ~ Health, Longevity
Tarragon
Medicinal ~ Toothache, infections
Tea
Medicinal ~ (Green Tea) cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, diarrhea, tooth decay
Ancient Ways ~ Riches, courage, strength
Thyme
Medicinal ~ Infections, coughs, Digestive problems, small amounts can alleviate menstrual cramps
Ancient Ways ~ Health, healing, sleep, psychic powers, love, purification, courage
Turmeric
Medicinal ~ Enhanced immunity, wounds, food poisoning, digestive problems, scabies, arthritis, cataracts, cancer, heart disease, liver damage
Ancient Ways ~ Purification
Valerian
Medicinal ~ Insomnia, high blood pressure
Ancient Ways ~ Love, sleep, purification, protection
White Willow
Medicinal ~ Fever, pain, inflammation, heart attack and stroke,
Ancient Ways ~ Love, Love divination, protection, healing
Wild Cherry
Medicinal ~ Coughs
Wild Yam
Medicinal ~ Colic, morning sickness
Medicinal ~ Hemorrhoids and skin problems, sunburn
Ancient Ways ~ Protection, chastity
Wormwood
Medicinal ~ Sore, stiff muscles, liver, gallbladder
Ancient Ways ~ Psychic powers, protection, love, calling spirits
Yarrow
Medicinal ~ Wounds, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, stress, anxiety and insomnia
Ancient Ways ~ Courage, love, psychic powers, courage