Welcome to the Feed Your Head Feast! From Despojos, to World wide shamanic to straight up witchery to watch out for
Grab an herbal
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This blog with Halloween AUTUMN-themed recipes is a delightful way to start the season following a restorative summer. From soothing recipes to eerily intriguing historical culinary traditions.
Below is our Healing Arts way of getting this Season started. Featuring the worldwide utilization of herbs and customs, along with an explanation of the American notion of "Despojo" and its significance in Afro-Cuban purification ceremonies.
Don't forget to leave a drop of love, honey, flowers, send good wishes, share, and give me credit. Support. Don't eat the bones... unless you are doing witchery.
The Use of Herbs Across Global Traditions and Philosophies
Herbs have been revered and utilized for their multifaceted properties that transcend mere physical sustenance. In various cultures and civilizations, these botanical wonders have symbolized a profound connection to the spiritual realm, acting as conduits between the earthly and divine. The significance of herbs in spiritual practices can be traced back to ancient times, where they were believed to possess mystical powers capable of healing both the body and the soul.
Medicinally, herbs have long been recognized for their therapeutic properties and healing potential. The intricate knowledge of herbal remedies passed down through generations has contributed to the development of traditional medicine systems that harness the natural benefits of plants. From relieving ailments to promoting overall well-being, herbs continue to play a crucial role in holistic healthcare practices worldwide.
Furthermore, the enchanting allure of herbs extends to the realm of magic and mysticism. Across different traditions, herbs have been used in rituals, spells, and ceremonies to invoke specific energies, protect against negativity, and enhance spiritual experiences. The belief in the magical properties of herbs reflects a deep-rooted reverence for nature's wisdom and the unseen forces that govern the universe.
In essence, the enduring presence of herbs in spiritual, medicinal, and magical contexts underscores the profound relationship between humanity and the natural world. Their essence embodies the interconnectedness of all living beings and serves as a reminder of the ancient wisdom that continues to guide us on our journey through life.
Rootwork: Rootwork, also known as Hoodoo, combines healing traditions from Africa, Native America, and Europe. It involves the use of herbs such as sage, cinnamon, and mugwort to promote protection, love, and success. These herbs possess unique energies, and practitioners of rootwork create remedies to alter vibrations and impact results.
My Expanded Articles on rootwork will be available and published directly at the Substack app. For Subscribers
Santería: Herbs hold a sacred significance in Santería and are utilized in offerings dedicated to the Orishas (deities). Every herb is associated with a particular Orisha, such as basil representing Oshun or sage symbolizing Yemayá, both of whom are called upon for purposes of purification, restoration, and safeguarding.
Italian Healing: In traditional Italian healing, known as "Stregoneria," herbs play a key role in providing natural remedies for illnesses and spiritual purification. Ingredients such as rosemary and thyme are incorporated into baths and talismans to eliminate negative energies and attract positive influences. La strega nona
Healing Practices of Asia: Herbs play a crucial role in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda in the process of rebalancing the body and promoting well-being. Ginseng, licorice root, turmeric, and ashwagandha are utilized to enhance life energy (Qi or Prana), cleanse the body, and uphold equilibrium.
Norse Traditions: Yarrow and mugwort were commonly utilized in Norse healing and magic for their dual purposes in both medical and spiritual practices. These herbs were frequently incorporated into runic spells or employed in rituals to establish a connection with deities and forebears.
African Traditions: African herbal traditions, such as those in Yoruba, use a wide array of plants in ritual baths and incantations. Herbs like aloe and kola nut hold significant power to cleanse, heal, or call on ancestral protection.
World Shamanism & Paganism: Shamanic traditions from various continents utilize herbs in ceremony to connect with spirit realms, protect communities, and heal both physical and spiritual wounds. Pagans across the globe use herbs in rituals celebrating nature’s cycles, such as lavender and mint to promote peace and transformation.
Despojo: The Cleansing Bath Tradition for All is a profound and ancient practice deeply rooted in the Afro-Cuban culture. The term "Despojo," pronounced des-POH-ho, holds significant meaning as it symbolizes the act of cleansing and purifying one's spiritual being. This ritual is not merely a physical cleansing but a profound spiritual experience that aims to rid individuals of negative energies, misfortunes, and emotional burdens that may be hindering their well-being.
Central to the Despojo tradition are the sacred elements of herbs, water, and prayers. These components are meticulously combined to create a potent concoction that is believed to have the power to cleanse and purify the soul. The selection of herbs such as basil, rue, and rosemary, among others, is done with careful consideration to address the specific needs and intentions of the individual undergoing the ritual.
During a Despojo ceremony, the individual is bathed in the herb-infused water as sacred prayers are recited to invoke blessings, healing, and clarity. The ritual is not only a physical act of cleansing but a deeply spiritual journey that aims to restore balance and harmony within the individual's energy field.
Through the practice of Despojo, individuals seek to release negative energies, past traumas, and emotional blockages that may be impeding their spiritual growth and well-being. By engaging in this ritual, one opens themselves up to the flow of positive energy, divine guidance, and transformative healing.
Here’s a simple recipe for a purifying bath that uses common herbs:
Purifying Bath Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried rosemary
- 1 cup of dried sage
- 1 cup of dried basil
- 1 cup of sea salt
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot.
2. Add the dried herbs (rosemary, sage, basil) to the boiling water, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the herbs and pour the herb-infused water into your bath.
4. Add 1 cup of sea salt and 5 drops of lavender essential oil (if using) to the bathwater.
5. Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes, focusing on releasing any negative or stagnant energy.
6. As you bathe, visualize the herbs cleansing and purifying your aura.
This bath helps clear away negativity and refreshes your energy. Perfect for after a long week or before a new moon ritual!
When using herbs like rosemary in a purifying bath, it's important to note that rosemary can be potentially abortive. If you're pregnant or think you might be, avoid soaking directly in the herbal bath to ensure safety.
Safe Option for Pregnant Individuals:
Instead of immersing yourself in the bath, you can place the herbs in a breathable bag (such as a muslin or organza bag with small holes). Hang the bag from the showerhead, allowing the steam and water to flow through the herbs as you shower. This way, you can still receive the benefits of the herbal infusion without direct contact with potentially harmful herbs.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbs during pregnancy.
Preparation Method for Bitter Herb Despojo
When preparing the Bitter Herb Despojo, it is essential to approach the process with intention and mindfulness. The first step is to select high-quality herbs that resonate with your cleansing goals. These herbs should be chosen based on their properties and the energy they carry.
As you begin the preparation, visualize the water in the pot as a conduit for purification and renewal. The act of boiling the herbs symbolizes the release of negative energies and the infusion of positive vibrations. Allow the steam to carry away any stagnant energy that may be lingering in your space.
Once the herb-infused water has boiled for ten minutes, take a moment to appreciate the transformation taking place. The aroma that fills the air is a sign that the cleansing process is in motion. As you turn off the heat, feel a sense of gratitude for the healing properties of the herbs.
When it comes to cleansing your home or office, the direction in which you move is significant. Starting from the back and moving towards the entrance creates a flow of energy that sweeps away negativity and invites positivity into the space. This mindful approach sets the stage for a thorough and effective cleansing.
Remember that cleansing is not just about the physical space but also about your own energy. By starting with your home and then focusing on yourself, you create a harmonious transition that allows you to release any negative energies you may have absorbed during the cleansing process.
After cleansing your home, it is time to focus on purifying your body. The ritual of pouring the herb water over yourself is a powerful act of self-care and spiritual renewal. As the water washes over you, visualize it cleansing not just your body but also your soul, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
For those looking to enhance their cleansing rituals, Despojos are available in Buymeacoffee extras/shop. These curated products can further support your spiritual practices and help you create a sacred space filled with positive energy.
Expanded Despojo And herbal bath or shower recipe ebook will be available on my substack in the app and at thehug.xyz for Digital collectible ebook
Purifying Bath Recipe and Herb Benefits
Fill the bathtub with water at a temperature between 30 and 38 degrees Celsius.
Enhance the water by adding 10 to 20 drops of essential oil such as sandalwood, myrrh, orange, rose, or lemon. For an extra boost, include a small glass of wine to enjoy the rejuvenating and antioxidant benefits of polyphenols. You can also sip on a glass of wine while bathing for an even more pleasurable experience.
Enhance your bathwater using common household items such as lemon or orange peels, cinnamon sticks, grapefruit, oregano, fresh rosemary, or dried roses that you probably already have at home.
A good exfoliation will help achieve a thorough purification of your skin.
Remember to gently dry your skin and nourish it after the bath.
Advantages of Using Herbs:
Sandalwood: Renowned for its grounding and soothing qualities, sandalwood aids in stress relief, enhances mental clarity, and moisturizes dry skin.
Myrrh: This resin boasts potent anti-inflammatory and healing attributes, promoting skin regeneration, diminishing wrinkles, and enhancing skin flexibility.
Orange: The refreshing and invigorating aroma of orange stimulates the mind, while its rich vitamin C content rejuvenates the skin for a radiant appearance
Rose: Rose oil hydrates and calms the skin, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin types. Its romantic fragrance also reduces anxiety and fosters a feeling of wellness.
Lemon: Lemon serves as a natural cleanser and toner, purifying the skin and boosting energy with its vibrant, citrusy scent.
By exfoliating during your bath, you can eliminate dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and thoroughly cleansed.
This bath ritual is both purifying and indulgent.
Prepare Bath Oil Mixtures
Protective Bath Blend
3 drops of Rosemary Oil
1 drop of Lavender Oil
2 drops of Frankincense Oil
1 cup of fine sea salt
Use this daily while bathing to fortify your psychic defenses and ward off various types of attacks: physical, mental, spiritual, psychic, and emotional.
Enhanced Awareness Bath
3 drops of Cedarwood Oil
2 drops of Sandalwood Oil
1 drop of Frankincense Oil
Soak in this blend to elevate your consciousness towards higher pursuits. This will help counter obsessions such as overspending, overeating, lethargy, and any other forms of imbalance.
Banashing Bath
Combine 2 parts Basil, 2 parts Rosemary, 1 part Yarrow, 1 part Cummin, and a pinch of Black Pepper.
Blend the herbs while imbuing them with energy, envisioning the intended individual being purified, rejuvenated, and infused with positive energies. Wrap the herbs in a washcloth and secure it with a tie.
Instruct the person or you do so, to/ run a bath with the herbal pouch added to the water. Encourage them to visualize releasing any negative influences from themselves and their life. Advise them to or you yourselves remain in the tub until all the water has drained completely. They/you may choose to rinse off afterward if desired.
Recipe for a Cleansing Bath with Herbal Benefits
Prepare the bath by filling it with water at a temperature between 29 and 38 degrees Celsius.
Add essential oils such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, lemon, or cypress to the water. Mix them with a carrier substance like neutral gel, Dead Sea salt, or a touch of honey.
Before taking the bath, exfoliate your legs, feet, and buttocks thoroughly to help improve blood oxygenation and circulation.
After the bath, apply a high-quality circulatory oil to enhance the effects.
Herbal Benefits:
Chamomile: Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile is great for soothing the skin and reducing stress.
Lavender: Lavender promotes relaxation, relieves anxiety, and aids in sleep while also soothing irritated skin.
Juniper: With detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, juniper helps relieve muscle discomfort and improve circulation.
Lemon: Lemon acts as a natural cleanser and energizer, assisting in skin detoxification and uplifting spirits with its refreshing scent.
Cypress: Cypress oil is effective in promoting circulation and reducing fluid retention, benefiting skin tone and texture.
Exfoliating and using circulatory oil after the bath will leave your skin soft, promoting healthy blood circulation and enhancing the overall cleansing experience.
Florence
Italians believe you can catch malocchio, the “evil eye,” from anyone, anytime, anywhere. All it takes is a glance or an innocuous compliment (“omg your hair is so shiny”) to bestow bad vibes onto your person. Symptoms include: fogginess, headaches, migraine, fever, stomach pain, dizziness, bad luck, financial ruin, serious illness, and, for the most unfortunate among us, straight up death.
If in doubt of having caught the eye,
grab a white bowl and fill it with water, and then slowly drip olive oil into it. If the oil gathered into globs as you’d expect, you hadn’t been cursed.
But if the oil scattered around the bowl frantically, girl, that’s the evil eye.
To cure the bad vibes, chant certain chants like all of us do in the old days, while opening and closing scissors above the bowl. Then, drop olive oil into a clean bowl of water, and if the oil sticks together, the evil eye is gone.
If you've ever seen The Sopranos, you may have observed horn-shaped jewelry adorning the hairy chests of the cast. Horns, originally associated with the Egyptian mother goddess Hathor, a predecessor to goddesses Isis and Venus, are believed to bring luck and ward off the evil eye. While women typically do not wear horns, they often hang fresh red peppers (like Nonna Genny's corno di capra, "goat horn," from her garden) which resemble horns. Once dried, these peppers can be kept in the kitchen for protection, carried as protective talismans in pockets or purses, or my personal favorite, fried in olive oil and sprinkled on pasta, eggs, soups, bread, or other savory dishes for a delicious culinary blessing.
Let's get a little Frosty and icey-like, before we intensify the heat a little, yes?
The Role of Herbs in Viking Culture: Medicine and Beyond
Here is a list of a couple of plants and how they were used:
Cherry gourd (Aegopodium podagraria)
This resilient plant was highly valued for its aromatic leaves, which could be stewed like spinach or eaten raw in salads. Known as an effective remedy for gout, the crushed plant was applied to sore feet.
Marsh mallow (Althea officinalis)
Originating from the Caspian Sea region, marsh mallow was a known expectorant and soothing cough remedy during Viking times. The roots, which can be boiled and eaten as a vegetable, are rich in starch, sugar, and mucilage. Hildegard of Bingen advocated the use of marsh mallow for fever and headaches.
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) holds a unique place in history as one of the oldest poisonous and medicinal plants known to mankind. The entire plant is highly toxic, containing potent substances like hyoscyamine and scopolamine that impact the central nervous system. These toxins can induce hallucinations and other adverse effects when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Despite its dangers, henbane has been utilized for its narcotic and anesthetic properties since ancient times. Serving as a powerful sleeping aid and anesthetic, the plant was also used as an arrow poison. Interestingly, henbane was known to cause intense thirst, double vision, convulsions, unrestrained rage, and insanity.
It is possible that Völvas, the female seers, turned to henbane to enter a trance and achieve an ecstatic state. This practice is linked to the mythical oracle of Delphi, who, after consuming henbane, would enter a hysterical state and utter the renowned prophecies.
Could be that the Viking warriors, berserkers, achieved their transformation through the use of henbane.
The spread of henbane is attributed primarily to wandering folk groups and monks, who carried the plant's seeds along their journeys.
One peculiar use of henbane involved putting chickens to sleep to prevent their cackling from exposing thieves during chicken heists.
Garden angelica (Angelica archangelica)
A Nordic beach and mountain plant, garden angelica is the only medicinal herb that has entered the world market from the Nordics. Rich in vitamin C, it served as a nutritional supplement during Viking times. The boiled roots, which are unusually aromatic, can be used in autumn as a sweetener in tart fruit dishes.
Celery (Apium graveolens)
With origins in eastern Asia, celery was cultivated and used as food and medicine. During the Viking Age, the root and fruit were used as elmwood remedies and, according to Hildegard of Bingen, for treating gout, watery eyes, and blood purification.
Herbs were not only used for medicine but also had spiritual and ritualistic significance, as mentioned:
Berserkers: These legendary Viking warriors may have used henbane to induce a transformative state before entering battle. Another theory is that they used a drink made of labrador tea and bog bilberry. Later sources say that this drink will make you mad and that Scandinavians used to drink it. The myth that they used fly agaric is not true.
Völvas: Female seers in Norse society might have used henbane during their rituals, inhaling its smoke to enter a trance-like state. Henbane seeds have been found in some graves of Völvas.
Uncovering the Rich History of Viking Medicinal Plants
Recent archaeological findings have shed new light on the variety of cultivated plants in Nordics during the Viking Age. Contrary to popular belief, it seems the Vikings brought home foreign seeds, cuttings, and grafts from their extensive contact with Europe. This resulted in a more diverse array of plants than previously assumed, such as opium poppy, mullein, and medicinal mallow.
Cultural Exchange and the Spread of Knowledge
The Vikings' cultural exchange with other regions is evident by importing fruits and seeds like pine, peach, and grapes. This ongoing interaction with other cultures allowed them to expand their knowledge of herbs and their uses, contributing to the history of Viking age herbal practices.
From article : https://www.luckymojo.com/bodyfluids.html
MENSTRUAL BLOOD
In the African-American hoodoo tradition, as well as in Sicilian folk-magic, menstrual blood served to a man in his coffee or tea is a sovereign recipe for capturing his sexual attention. No ritual, prayer, or invocation is necessary; you simply add some menstrual blood to the man's coffee or tea. The idea is to get your scent into the beloved's sphere of consciousness. This is nothing more or less than pheromone-magic, and as such it partakes of biology as much as it does of occultism. My Sicilian grandmother believed in its efficacy completely.
VAGINAL FLUIDS
Women who are not menstruating due to pregnancy or breast-feeding, who have had surgery that terminated their cycles, or who are past the change obviously do not have menstrual fluid to use in sex-spells. Their best alternative is to use vaginal fluids gathered after masturbation during the full moon. In hoodoo and Sicilian folk-magic, vaginal fluids make a good substitute for menstrual blood in coffee or tea love spells.
Watch out people because there are many desperate people out there.
URINE
In European -- especially Italian -- folk magic, as well as in hoodoo, urine is used in women's coffee and tea love spells, as a quick substitute for menstrual blood, when the intention is to tie or bind a lover. This is particularly common among girls to young or women too old to have menstrual periods, and among pregnant women and those who for any other reason don;t menstruate. Men also can put urine in a drink to tie a woman, although this is not mentioned so commonly.
In hoodoo, and in polite Southern speech generally, urine is often called "chamber lye" or "water." No matter what you call it, one of the oldest root work traditions is for a male gambler to have a female lover urinate on his mojo bag or lucky hand while he is at play. If the gambler and his partner can retire to an alley to perform the act while the game is in progress, so much the better. This is called "feeding the mojo," and the use of the word "feed" is, of course an indicative link to African magico-religious thought, from whence this custom derives. (Lodestones are also "fed" in hoodoo -- with magnetic sand.) Women players rarely ask a man to urinate on their mojo hands, so, for whatever reason, it is female urine that is considered lucky in this case.
Chamber lye can be a vulnerable spot in a man or woman's periphery. An enemy who gets your "water" can cause grave damage to you by stopping it up in a bottle with red pepper and Graveyard Dirt. The result will be urinary tract problems, ranging from cystitis and nephritis to prostatitis and kidney stones. The only way to take off such a condition is to find the bottle and destroy it, letting the urine run out into a fire.
Conversely, chamber lye has its strengths -- a man can use his own urination to cure a case of impotence that was put on him through magic. Peeing on a knife blade and letting the pee run on the ground is one of many methods for accomplishing this. Another is to urinate into a red ants nest. Women who have had their natures hoodooed can pee into a running river as they call on the river to take off the jinx.
I should also add a quick comment on the term "chamber lye" for readers who are not native English speakers:
Chamber: A chamber means a room, so in the old days a bedroom was called a bed chamber. With no indoor plumbing, you went outdoors to pee in an outhouse, but the first pee of the morning, before dressing or washing up, most folks didn't want to go out, so they peed in a covered container called a chamber pot, which was carried out later.
Lye: This is an old Anglo Saxon word meaning any strong alkaline liquid. Most of the time nowadays you'll hear the word lye in reference to making soap at home, where one good source of lye is potash -- literally pot ashes. You make potash or pot ash lye by concentrating water that has run through the ashes collected from the fire under your cooking pots. Since there is no one chemical formula for lye; in common parlance it can be any really strong alkaline solution. So a polite word for urine used to be "chamber lye" -- an alkaline solution obtained in the bed chamber.
So... "chamber pot" plus "pot ash lye" equals "chamber pot lye" -- which is shortened to "chamber lye"!
SEMEN
Men can make use of their sexual fluids in love spells. Josh Geller (dclxvi@best.com) gave this simple formula for an orgasmic spell utilizing semen:
Masturbate to orgasm and preserve the resultant fluids. You should be concentrating on your desired result at the point of orgasm. Take some of the resultant fluids and insinuate a bit of them into the food or drink of your prospective victim.
For every man who uses his semen to attract a woman, however, there are probably a hundred women who capture a man's semen to rule and control him or to keep him faithful. The most popular way to do this in hoodoo is by making a knot-spell on the man and keeping it tied up in a nation sack. For this purpose, the semen can be fresh or gathered from a discarded condom -- or even stored in the freezer until needed. Most of the rootworkers who have told me about how to capture semen have noted that it is important that the woman not have an orgasm when capturing semen, because then she might get "mixed up in the spell," and fall victim to her own conjurations. "Hold yourself aloof," was how one woman put it to me. "Don't let yourself get mixed into it when you collect his stuff."
FROM FOLK MAGIC TO SEXUALIZED SPIRITUALITY
Karezza is a sexual-metaphysical system in which heightened states of spirituality are believed to occur if both partners become highly aroused but hold back from having orgasms. However, even in the most ascetic forms of karezza, intercourse during menstruation -- not involving blood per se, but taking advantage of the woman's typically increased level of desire at that point in her cycle -- is perceived as a "rite" in the mystical sense. One karezza writer, John William Lloyd, who advocated abstinence from orgasm, declared that during "the woman's time of great desire" (e.g. at the outset of her period) she should be allowed to have all the orgasms she wants and that the man should go along with her and come too. So Lloyd recognized the menstrual period as qualitatively different from the rest of the woman's cycle, in terms of the performance of a spiritual sex act.
Want more ...?
LET'S CLEANSE THE TONGUE JUST A LITTLE BIT
CLEAR THAT MIND A BIT
Mugwort is a member of the asteraceae family native to Europe and Asia. It is a rather tall plant with robust roots, a silvery underside to its leaves (a lunar herb signature) and can become quite an invasive species. Many consider it a weed!
MUGWORT LUCID DREAMING TEA BLEND
Due to mugwort’s bitterness, making a lucid dreaming tea blend is a nice way to incorporate the herb without compromising on taste.
This is a formula I have created that uses herbs synergistic to mugwort.
Passionflower is a nervine relaxant, blue lotus flower is a fellow dream herb that additionally promotes relaxation and euphoria, ginkgo leaf increases circulation to the brain to aid memory and dream recall, with the orange peel purely to flavour.
Warm Caress Tea: A Delicious Herbal Aphrodisiac Tea
What you’ll need…
1 heaping teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1 cinnamon stick
1 heaping teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon cardamom pods, crushed
¼ teaspoon whole cloves
¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
2 whole star anise pods or 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon whole allspice
4 cups water
Cream, coconut milk, or Kava Coconut Creamer, honey, and/or rosewater to taste
Need herbs? Visit Mountain Rose Herbs.
Combine all the herbs and spices in a saucepan with the water.
Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Allow it to simmer for at least 20 minutes.
Strain into cups and add extras to taste.
Damiana Spice Tea Recipe
Enjoy a charming herbal infusion with a distinctive and fragrant mix of components in this Damiana Spice Tea.
Ingredients:
1 part Damiana leaf
1 part Rose petals
1 part Spearmint leaf
1 part Cinnamon chips
1 part Licorice root
1 part Ginger root
1 part Whole cloves
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a tea infuser or a pot.
Steep the mixture in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
Strain the tea and serve hot.
Damiana:
May help with relaxation and mood enhancement
Known for its aphrodisiac properties
Rose petals:
Rich in antioxidants
May support skin health
Spearmint:
Refreshing and soothing aroma
May aid in digestion
Cinnamon:
Antioxidant properties
May help regulate blood sugar levels
Licorice:
Natural sweetener
May help soothe sore throat
Ginger root:
Anti-inflammatory properties
May help with digestion and nausea
Cloves:
Rich in antioxidants
May have antibacterial properties
Damiana Chocolate Love Liqueur
Ingredients
1 ounce of dried damiana leaves
2 cups of vodka or brandy
1 ½ cups of spring water
1 cup of honey
vanilla extract
rose water
chocolate syrup
almond extract
1. Steep the dried damiana leaves in vodka or brandy for 5 days. Strain and store the liquid in a bottle
2. Soak the alcohol-infused leaves in spring water for 3 days. Strain and set aside the liquid
3. Gently warm the water extract over low heat, dissolve honey in it. Remove from heat, then add the alcohol extract and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a clean bottle, add a hint of vanilla and a touch of rose water for flavor. Allow it to mature for at least 1 month; the taste improves with time
4. For each cup of damiana liqueur, mix in ½ cup of chocolate syrup, 2-3 drops of almond extract, and a bit more rose water
Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar’s book: Herbal Recipes
for Vibrant Healthwater
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sweet Heart Blend
1 part rose petals
1 part tulsi
½ part rose hips
½ part hawthorn berries
¼ each: ginger root, cinnamon & vanilla bean
pinch cardamom
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients to a pot.
Heat the mixture on low heat, allowing it to steep.
Once steeped, strain and serve.
Benefits:
Tulsi: Helps reduce stress and anxiety, boosts immunity, and promotes overall well-being.
Hawthorn Berries: Supports heart health, aids digestion, and may help lower blood pressure.
Cardamom: Known for its antioxidant properties, aids digestion, and freshens breath.
Love Spice
Ingredients
1 part cinnamon
1 star anise
1 part coriander
½ orange peel
¼ ginger
¼ vanilla bean
To make a tea, follow these directions:
1. Boil water in a kettle.
2. Add the desired amount of tea leaves or tea bag to a cup.
3. Pour the boiling water over the tea.
4. Let it steep for a few minutes based on your preference.
5. Remove the tea leaves or bag and enjoy your tea.
To make a liquor fermented naturally named Love Spice, follow these directions:
1. Combine the following ingredients:
- 1 part cinnamon
- 1 star anise
- 1 part coriander
- ½ orange peel
- ¼ ginger
- ¼ vanilla bean
2. Place the mixture in a glass container.
3. Add honey to cover the ingredients.
4. Seal the container and store it in a cool, dark place for fermentation.
5. Stir the mixture occasionally.
6. After a few weeks, strain the liquid to remove the solids.
7. Enjoy your naturally fermented liquor.
Star anise, coriander, orange peel, ginger, and vanilla bean are all versatile ingredients that offer a wide range of benefits in cooking and beyond.
Star Anise Pumpkin Turmeric Golden Milk
For a delightful and soothing beverage, let's dive into the recipe for Star Anise Pumpkin Turmeric Golden Milk. This warm and aromatic drink is not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits. To start, gather the following ingredients: fresh star anise, pumpkin puree, ground turmeric, milk of your choice, honey, and a pinch of black pepper.
Begin by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in a few whole star anise pods to infuse the milk with their distinct licorice-like flavor. Stir in a spoonful of pumpkin puree for a rich and creamy texture, followed by a generous sprinkle of ground turmeric for its vibrant color and anti-inflammatory properties.
As the mixture simmers, remember to stir occasionally to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully. To balance the earthy notes of turmeric and pumpkin, drizzle in some honey to sweeten the golden milk to your liking. Don't forget to add a pinch of black pepper to enhance the absorption of turmeric's health benefits.
Once the Star Anise Pumpkin Turmeric Golden Milk is heated through and aromatic, strain out the star anise pods and pour the golden elixir into your favorite mug. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a star anise pod for an extra touch of elegance.
Sip and savor this comforting beverage, allowing its warmth to envelop you as you reap the nourishing benefits of each carefully selected ingredient. This Star Anise Pumpkin Turmeric Golden Milk is not just a drink but a soothing experience for both body and soul.
Remember you can always add honey, leave an ingredient out or replace an ingredient. You can always make it your own and play.
Star anise is known for its distinctive licorice-like flavor and is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. It contains antioxidants and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for promoting overall health.
Coriander, on the other hand, is a fragrant herb that adds a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron, and is thought to aid in digestion and promote heart health.
Orange peel is often used to add a bright, citrusy flavor to recipes. It is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and support healthy skin.
Ginger is a root with a spicy, pungent flavor that is commonly used in both cooking and traditional medicine. It is known for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular remedy for digestive issues and muscle pain.
Finally, vanilla bean is prized for its sweet, floral aroma and flavor. It is a rich source of antioxidants and has a calming effect on the body, making it a popular choice for adding depth to desserts and beverages.
Overall, incorporating star anise, coriander, orange peel, ginger, and vanilla bean into your cooking can not only enhance the flavor of your dishes but also provide a variety of health benefits to support your well-being.
Rose Petal Elixir
http://bearmedicineherbals.com/wild-rose-elixir-a-favorite-first-aid-remedy.html
1 pint Mason jar
Fresh wild or domestic rose petals to fill your jar (make sure they have not been sprayed!)
A little less than 1 pint of good quality brandy (or vodka. if using higher proof booze dilute with 50% water)
Approximately 1/3 pint of raw honey
1. Fill your jar with fresh rose petals. They don’t have to be packed down, but they should fill the jar so that there isn’t a lot of empty space.
2. If you don’t have enough rose petals to fill the jar, you could add some bee balm petals, chopped fresh ginger, zest of orange, lime, or lemon, etc.
3. Next, add honey to coat the rose petals and fill about 1/3 of the jar. Add brandy or other alcohol to the top of the jar. Place plastic wrap over the top and then screw on your metal lid. (if you don’t your mixture might start tasting metallic. Alcohol and roses are particularly adept at taking on those flavors) Allow to sit in a cool, dark place for 3-6 weeks before using.
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The Kitchen is a versatile space, serving as a pharmacy, a delightful sanctuary, a nurturing environment, and a wonderful gathering place to create and share love. I strongly advise against incorporating bodily fluids in cooking or attempting love spells. Manipulating someone's Free Will often leads to negative consequences, as binding yourself to another person creates a complex and problematic situation. It is not a genuine display of love, and you deserve more. Surprisingly, there are individuals who request such practices and are interested in them. Exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks involved.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of teas and infusions, especially in the realm of herbs, edible flowers, and weeds! Explore new flavors, embrace self-care in exciting ways, and unlock a whole new level of well-being. If you're eager for personalized discussions on any of these topics, don't hesitate to book your free 30-minute Exploration call about:
Intentional cooking
Eating and drinking for a Vital life
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