Plantain: Plantago Major and Plantago Lanceolata.
Also known as Ribwort, Englishman's foot, White man's foot, Snakeweed, Weybroed (Anglo Saxon).
Mentioned throughout history and found in most parts of the world, this very common garden weed can be a huge annoyance for those who like things neat and tidy. However, there are those of us who appreciate its many healing qualities and we tend to be on the look out for it to use either fresh or dried.
Plantain can be used to heal cuts, scrapes, cracked skin and bruises; to calm skin infections, leg ulcers and eczema; to reduce the sting from bug bites. In salve or ointment form, it has become an important part of my herbal first aid kit!
For more information, please see:
"Jude's Herbal Home Remedies" by Jude C. Todd
"The Wild and Weedy Apothecary" by Doreen Shababy
"The Boreal Herbal" by Beverly Gray
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
A Recipe for Plantain Ointment
I am often found in my garden. Also my kitchen. And the room that serves as my sacred space and apothocary (also known as the playroom). My craft room is a sanctuary for me as well. Apparently I have taken over a good part of the house. My partner has the garage for his pursuits.
I've been recovering from surgery and my garden has gone a bit wild. Which is a good thing, because I found a large amount of Plantain in it. (I'll write more on this at a later time).
I have dishes, pots, pans, mortars and pestles, a coffee grinder and a slow cooker dedicated to my herbal treatments. I'm not sure when the collection began, but its a necessary thing when using herbs becomes an interest.
The slow cooker came down out of its cupboard and 6 handfuls of Plantain leaves were steeped in 6 cups of grapeseed oil for 8 hours on the "Keep Warm" setting.
I strained the lovely green oil and put it into the top of a double boiler. (In the bottom pan there was an inch or so of water simmering on medium low heat.)
To that, I added 3 ounces of pure beeswax. (The proportions I use in salves and ointments are usually 1 ounce of wax to 2 cups / 1 pint of oil. This may need to be adjusted depending on the day, the herbs used, etc).
*Once the wax (slowly) melted, I carefully poured the ointment to be into small sterilized jars, added several drops of Sweetgrass Essential Oil to each jar, then allowed it to cool and screwed on sterilized lids. I label everything I make with its name, the date I made it, and what I use it for.
(*Never leave oil or beeswax unattended on the stove!)
***Disclaimer: Using herbs in any form requires a great deal of research and knowledge.This recipe works well for me, but as with anything, if you choose to try it, please use due diligence. Are you certain the plant you have picked is Plantain? Do you have potential allergies to the herb, the oil, the beeswax or essential oil? If you decided to make this, use sparingly on a small test patch before applying anywhere on your body or on another person.
I purchase my Sweetgrass Essential Oil from a local shop that supports First Nations crafters and suppliers.
I've been recovering from surgery and my garden has gone a bit wild. Which is a good thing, because I found a large amount of Plantain in it. (I'll write more on this at a later time).
I have dishes, pots, pans, mortars and pestles, a coffee grinder and a slow cooker dedicated to my herbal treatments. I'm not sure when the collection began, but its a necessary thing when using herbs becomes an interest.
The slow cooker came down out of its cupboard and 6 handfuls of Plantain leaves were steeped in 6 cups of grapeseed oil for 8 hours on the "Keep Warm" setting.
I strained the lovely green oil and put it into the top of a double boiler. (In the bottom pan there was an inch or so of water simmering on medium low heat.)
To that, I added 3 ounces of pure beeswax. (The proportions I use in salves and ointments are usually 1 ounce of wax to 2 cups / 1 pint of oil. This may need to be adjusted depending on the day, the herbs used, etc).
*Once the wax (slowly) melted, I carefully poured the ointment to be into small sterilized jars, added several drops of Sweetgrass Essential Oil to each jar, then allowed it to cool and screwed on sterilized lids. I label everything I make with its name, the date I made it, and what I use it for.
(*Never leave oil or beeswax unattended on the stove!)
***Disclaimer: Using herbs in any form requires a great deal of research and knowledge.This recipe works well for me, but as with anything, if you choose to try it, please use due diligence. Are you certain the plant you have picked is Plantain? Do you have potential allergies to the herb, the oil, the beeswax or essential oil? If you decided to make this, use sparingly on a small test patch before applying anywhere on your body or on another person.
I purchase my Sweetgrass Essential Oil from a local shop that supports First Nations crafters and suppliers.
Monday, July 28, 2014
What does it mean to be a Wiccan teacher and mentor?
I've been working at it for 9 years. I've been blessed to have many students seek me out.
For me, it has meant expanding my concepts and knowledge, letting go of absolutes, and recognizing that the Divine speaks to each of us in a different way.
My learning curve has been amazing. I hope my students, past and present, have had a similar experience.
What motivates someone to put in the time and effort to share their understanding of a Spiritual Path?
In my case, my (adult) children and their partners asked me to do so. For 20 years, I had been practicing as a self taught Solitary. I didn't feel that qualified me to teach anyone - in any way - so I set out to connect to community, and undergo formal studies. I have worked through the Three Degree levels, began my teaching circle and started teaching my kids. Then others asked if they could learn from me. And so it has continued, year after year.
My First Degree lessons have changed over time. I am pleased with what they have grown into. My goal has always been to present a solid foundation in an easy to understand format, with lots of practical magic to work through.
Second Degree lessons became a necessity when people asked for more. I based these on the work of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell.
And finally, a need for a Third Degree curriculum. This level prepares people to become leaders, teachers and community contacts. As I evolve in this role, my lessons also evolve. As the face of Wicca changes, my concepts of how to prepare potential High Priestesses and High Priests changes. This level continues to be a work in progress.
Another Autumn approaches, and the requests for a teacher continue to come in. I respond carefully, screening potential students cautiously, fully aware of my responsibility to new learners as well as the folks who have been with me through the years. Apparently I'm not done in my role as a teacher yet!
I've been working at it for 9 years. I've been blessed to have many students seek me out.
For me, it has meant expanding my concepts and knowledge, letting go of absolutes, and recognizing that the Divine speaks to each of us in a different way.
My learning curve has been amazing. I hope my students, past and present, have had a similar experience.
What motivates someone to put in the time and effort to share their understanding of a Spiritual Path?
In my case, my (adult) children and their partners asked me to do so. For 20 years, I had been practicing as a self taught Solitary. I didn't feel that qualified me to teach anyone - in any way - so I set out to connect to community, and undergo formal studies. I have worked through the Three Degree levels, began my teaching circle and started teaching my kids. Then others asked if they could learn from me. And so it has continued, year after year.
My First Degree lessons have changed over time. I am pleased with what they have grown into. My goal has always been to present a solid foundation in an easy to understand format, with lots of practical magic to work through.
Second Degree lessons became a necessity when people asked for more. I based these on the work of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell.
And finally, a need for a Third Degree curriculum. This level prepares people to become leaders, teachers and community contacts. As I evolve in this role, my lessons also evolve. As the face of Wicca changes, my concepts of how to prepare potential High Priestesses and High Priests changes. This level continues to be a work in progress.
Another Autumn approaches, and the requests for a teacher continue to come in. I respond carefully, screening potential students cautiously, fully aware of my responsibility to new learners as well as the folks who have been with me through the years. Apparently I'm not done in my role as a teacher yet!
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