In the SecretGarden
A garden is a wonderfully safe place to cultivate seeds of inspiration. It is also a strange place where you can find the weird & wonderful
Myrrh – A Magi’s Cure
Myrrh – A Magi’s Cure – Three wise men, a baby and a history of thousands of years boasting antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, read more…
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Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has been used by both men and women as an herbal aphrodisiac since the ancient Mayan civilization (Balch and Bell, 2012). Scientific evidence that supports damiana’s so-called aphrodisiac properties is lacking; these properties have not been demonstrated in humans. However, studies evaluating damiana’s efficacy in male rats has indicated an improved sexual … Read more
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German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – is also known as ‘Wild Chamomile’. It is one of the nine sacred herbs of the ‘Lacnunga’ (a miscellaneous collection of almost 200 mainly herbal remedies, charms, and prayers found only in a mostly 10th-11th century manuscript in the British Library). Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla syn. Chamomilla chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria recutita, Matricaria suaveolens. … Read more
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Wildcrafting (Foraging) for the C21st
While wildcrafted ingredients can’t be “certified organic” under current guidelines, the process basically ensures that ingredients are inherently organic. “Wildcrafted plants are indigenous, and organic in the sense of being pure and untouched by toxins or pollutants,” said Brandy Monique, founder of the small-batch FIG+YARROW beauty line http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/beauty-dictionary-wildcrafting/ Country Lane and Ancient Hedgerow Lamium Purpureum – Purple Dead-Nettle … Read more
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Vervain – The Herb of Enchantment
Long associated with divine & other supernatural forces Vervain The Herb of Enchantment has an equally long-standing use as a medicinal plant – read more
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The Humble & Persistent Little Weed – Plantain
Plantain is generally considered to be a weed; one description even read ‘a short, fat, ugly weed!! But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In actuality Plantain has a long history as one of the best healing herbs on the planet; and is probably the biggest masochist of the plant world – it loves to be trampled.
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‘The Handbook of Contemporary Animism’ – Book of the Month – January 2018
“Animism, where every particle in the universe is alive, is implicit in all our work for future survival. I am grateful for the new animism, because it counts for something. Its importance cannot be overstated. It is a beginning, even without the history and aboriginal connection to this land. It says the human is … Read more
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Wise Woman’s Power Plant – Mugwort
Mugwort The Wise Woman’s Power Plant – Mugwort; or to give it it’s proper name Artemisia vulgaris LINN, is rightly justified in being called that. Said to be named after the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, the moon, virginity and protector of young girls; Artemis.That Mugwort is steeped in so much folklore regarding its healing properties should be … Read more
