The Sixteen Leeches of Diancecht

[crackerjake]

As promised, here is the list of herbs that I have gathered some info about. I apologize for the basic-ness of them, but maybe they can help out someone who's like me, just starting out.

Anyways, some info on the 16 and 1 leeches:

They're the basic standards of druidic healing, carried around by most druids when they were at large in powdered form, to be added to hot water when needed.

Now, the leeches and their according elemental kingdoms:

Earth:

1)Valerian:
-sedative
-cramps
-pain
-coughs

2)Skullcap:
-all nervous conditions
-fevers
-refrigerant

3)Lady Slipper:
-nervine
-indigestion
-headache

4)Wormwood:
-digestion
-liver/gall bladder
-worms
EXTERNAL:
-insect bites
-sprains
-rheumatism
-bruises


Air:

1)Chamomile:
-stomach aches/indigestion/gas
-calmative vs. insomnia in children
-eye wash
-open sores
-kindeys

2)Marigold:
EXTERNALLY:
-sores
-burns
-bleeding hemorrhoids and wounds
OIL:
-ear aches
-vaginal infections

3)Yarrow:
-internal bleeding (esp. lungs)
-gas
-diarrhea
-fevers (measles, colds, flu's)
-antiseptic

4)Vervain:
-colds
-flu
-coughs
-upper respiratory inflammations
-stomatic
-insomnia
-pneumonia
-asthma


Water:

1)Catnip:
-digestion/stomach ache
-cramps
-calmative (great for children)
-fevers
-headaches
-bronchitis
-diarrhea

2)Hops:
-sleep aid
-liver/indigestion aid
-gas/cramps
EXTERNALLY:
-antibiotic for boils, tumors, swellings, and skin inflammations
-refrigerant

3)Black Willow:
-pain
-fevers
-arthritis
-kidney/bladder troubles
-antiseptic
-gargle
-tonsillitis
-refrigerant

4)Echinacea:
-antibiotic (stimulates immune system)
-abscesses in teeth or body
-lymph swellings
-digestive aid


Fire:

1)Goldenseal:
-antibiotic for all internal/external health problems
-eye wash
-female infections
-sores
-skin conditions
-colds/viruses/infections

2)St. John's Wort:
-nerves
-bed wetting
-liver tonic
-insomnia
When decocted in oil for two weeks:
-tumors
-all skin conditions
-wounds
-ulcers
-burns
-enlarged glands
-bruises
-muscular pain

3)Buckthorne:
-constipation/laxative
-digestive stimulant
-gas
-liver
-gall bladder/stones

4)White Oak:
-internal bleeding
-vaginal infections
-supreme antiseptic for wounds/skin conditions
-insect bites
-hemorrhoids
-swollen glands
-tumors
-poison oak/ivy
-lymphatic swelling
-varicose veins
-mouthwash/gum problems
-strengthener

And, of course, following in the Celtic tradition of a year and a day, one odd one!

Mistletoe:
-vertigo
-dizziness
-headaches
-heart problems/palpitations
-high blood pressure
-arteriosclerosis
-nervine
-catalyst for other herbs (in extreme cases!!)




I got this list from the book, 21 Lessons of Merlyn.

[runewulf]

Do NOT Follow that book's instructions in medicinal herbalism. There is a lot right in there, but even more wrong. If you want to mix medicinal and magickal herbalism look at Paul Beyerl's Master Book of Herbalism... or for just medicinal herbalism, try the modern herbal http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html or another well put together book.

The herbalism in 21 Lessons isn't totally safe and doesn't cover a LOT.

[crackerjake]

Whoa, I'm so sorry, I thought it was a trusted source

[runewulf]

No worries... a lot of it is legitimate, it just doesn't cover everything as well as it should. Like any kind of herbalism, it's always best to verify with at least 2 other sources.

Believe me, this came out when I first got involved in medicinal herbalism and I learned the hard way about it's missing parts, like not covering possibilities of using certain dosages of mugwort, lol.

Wassail

[Crazy Healer Lady]

Oh dear! That sounds... fun...

A great book is Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A Balch. Many resources, many scientific studies. I have about ten different herbal books that I check and read through. Great advice, Rune. Always verify with other sources!

[runewulf]

I have that one... it's not bad at all. The more the better when it comes to references because none are 100% correct all the time or cover every possible use of any given herb