Elements Spiritual& Wellness Center

by The Emerald Hexe, March 2022

~ Disclaimer ~

… All information provided herein is not to be used in place of professional medical care or treatment. Information is provided in the interest of exploring the spiritual and historical relationship between humans and plants. The result of any treatment suggested herein can not be guaranteed. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of these remedies, procedures, or preparations included herein…

Magickal Seasons: 

Spring Herbs

Magickal Seasons

Since this is our first class on this topic let’s cover a little overview. In my own magical practice, I have become accustomed to following the “Ancient Calendar”. Now, what is the “Ancient Calendar”? Well, that’s kind of debatable. We have a lot of theories about how our ancient ancestors followed the seasonal tides. Mostly that there were two main seasons acknowledged: Winter and Summer…with all of the Holidays intermingled in between. But for me, it is a four seasoned, eight-part ritual calendar followed by many other Pagan & Folk Practitioners of today called The Wheel of the Year. It is slightly controversial because it isn’t really historically “ancient” or truly traditionally factual. But that isn’t a huge issue for myself because I like to use it for one big reason: progress tracking. It's easier for me to track my progress when I  break the year down into four seasons, eight holidays.

Now in writing this in a brief overview I have come to realize…we need a discussion on The Wheel of the Year. I don’t want to really dive too deap into it here because we do have quite a bit of information to still go over. So be on the lookout for that one next month, in April. So very quickly let’s break down where we are on the Wheel 

We just passed Ostara which is the Spring/Vernal Eqinox. The equinoxes are the mid-point in the hours of light and of dark, when they are of equal length. Every year, we experience the breath-holding moment when the night begins to lengthen to the fullness of the Solstice. That’s where we are now, Winter has finally passed and we are enjoying longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. We welcome the energies of Green Fire Embertide.

I love the term Green Fire. This Embertide falls near the Vernal Equinox. It is the visual quickness that starts to flow through the land.  We are acknowledging the life force coming out of dormancy and its period of rest. We let the vigor of this time add energy to all you do. At our homes, we use this time to clear away the last of the old plantings and gardens and make way for new life & new growth. As we have touched on in the past if youre a Patron of ours, we can do the same spiritually, as we leave behind the ideas and practices, i.e-the baggage, that no longer serve us and we make room for all the abundance that is to come. This is all based on the intentions, or the seeds, we have decided to plant and tend in this new cycle.

Herbalism of the Zodiac

The botanicals covered in this section are for you to dive into further if you wish. They aren’t exactly all spring herbs but I like to include these layouts when discussing times if the year. Even though I myself don’t focus my studies and applications Zodiacally, I know a lot of other Practitioners do and it can be fun to see what herbs, flowers and foods are associated with your Zodiac signs.

Aries (March 20th-April 19th)

 As we have just entered in this Zodiac of it goes hand in hand with our coming out of dormancy and the quickness of the Green Fire. Aries is a Fire sign ruled by the planet Mars. Plants associated with this element and planet usually have thorns or prickles. They also tend to be spicy or bitter in flavor, though not all listed are. They are also more likely to be red in color! Because Aries rules the head, eyes and face, the best plants for Aries are those that purify the blood, stimulate the adrenal glands, or are high in iron (Mars rules the mineral iron).

Fruits and Vegetables: Chinese Cabbage, Hawthorn, Mustard, Horseradish, Onion, Garlic, Leeks, Red Pepper, Rhubarb, Chives, Radishes

Flowers: Calendula, Geranium, Anise Hyssop, Poppies, Red Roses, Tulips, Amaryllis, Hollyhock, Cowslip, Tiger Lily, Impatiens

Herbs:  Nettles, Burdock Root, Cayenne, Red Clover, Yellow Dock, Yarrow, St. John's Wort, Hops, Marjoram, Milk Thistle, Wormwood, Gentian, Sarsaparilla, Tarragon, Ginger, Coriander

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Taurus is an Earth sign ruled by the planet Venus. Venus is the planet that represents desire and beauty, so Taurus plants often have gorgeous flowers and enticing fragrances. Because Taurus rules the throat and ears, the best plants for the Bull are often soothing to the throat, or may calm the digestive system after overindulging in the finest foods.

Fruits and Vegetables: Spinach, Peas, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Gourds, Artichoke, Olive, Grape, Apple, Fig, Apricot, Pomegranate, Strawberry

Flowers: Daisies, Lilac, Aster, Lily of the Valley, Sweet Pea, Lilies, Larkspur, Columbine, Violet, Foxglove, Rose, Sweet William, Daisy, Geranium

Herbs: Licorice, Fenugreek, Slippery Elm, Anise Hyssop (Venus), Mallow, Lavender, Dandelion, Marshmallow, Sage, Vervain, Feverfew, Thyme, Angelica, Yarrow

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Ruled by the planet Mercury, Gemini is an Air sign that rules the lungs, shoulders, arms, and hands. Gemini's plants usually feature finely divided leaves or stems (like the bronchi of lungs), hairy or fuzzy leaves (related to the cilia in the lungs), or subtle odors. Plants associated with Gemini help to strengthen the lungs and respiratory system, or relax the nervous system.

Fruits and Vegetables: Endive, Carrots, Parsnips, Oats

Flowers: Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Lilac, Azalea, Daffodil, Lily of the Valley, Honeysuckle

Herbs: Mullein, Hyssop, Lemon Balm, Lobelia, Elecampane, Vervain, Woodbine, Yarrow, Meadowsweet, Dill, Fennel, Skullcap, Lavender, Fenugreek, Licorice, Valerian

Before You Start

Foraging is a wonderful way to connect with nature and provide nourishment for the body and soul. However we need to take a few things into consideration before we start. As with all foraging I advise that before eating any wild botanicals, you confirm your identification for yourself to your own satisfaction, and do not consume unless you are 100% sure that what you have is correct. Nature has one goal, to kill you so she can gather your nutrients for her continued survival. She has a tendency to make lots of look a likes that can result in deadly consequences.

Please ensure you are foraging within the bounds of local laws and regulations and on land which you have permission to be on or that is open to the public. If you are unsure contact your states DNR or local authority. Take care to always inform someone of where you are going when you enter the wilderness, and take enough food and water and some form of emergency communication. Also wear proper clothing to avoid injury and to protect from things like mosquitoes and ticks which can carry disease.

Before you begin Foraging or Wildcrafting, it is EXTREMELY important to get familiar with what you seek out to find. Get yourself a good guidebook so you can identify as you go, know what to do with each Herb/Mushroom and for referencing. 

Here is a good list of guidebooks:

•  Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places by “Wildman” Steve Brill and Evelyn Dean
• The Forager’s Harvest, Nature’s Garden, & Incredible Wild Edibles by Samuel Thayer
• The Skillful Forager by Leda Meredith
• Backyard Foraging, The Wildcrafted Cocktail by Ellen Zachos
• Forage, Harvest, Feast by Marie Viljoen
• The Wild Wisdom of Weeds by Katrina Blair
• Ugly Little Greens by gourmet chef Mia Wasilevich
• All That the Rain Promises and More by David Arora

Spring Herbalism & Wildcrafting in the Midwest

Welcome to Spring in the Midwest! Get ready to find and utilize some really great herbs, flowers, & foods for your Herbalism or Magickal Journey. 

DANDELION

(Taraxacum officinale) 

Dandelions are the quintessential spring foraging plant! It has edible and medicinal flowers, leaves, and roots. They are super easy to identify, and any look-a-likes are edible and medicinal as well, so no worries there. 

 

Description	A perennial growing to 20 in (50 cm), with ragged basal leaves, hollow stalks, and golden flowers
Key Actions	Diuretic, Detoxifying, Bitter
Leaves	Research published in the journal Planta Medica, in 1974, confirmed that dandelion leaves are a powerful diuretic, though their exact mode of action is not understood. Many other small-scale studies have confirmed this diuretic, or more accurately, aquaretic effect of dandelion leaf. Aquaretic refers to the fact that many herbal diuretics stimulate just the elimination of water and potassium. As dandelion leaf has very high levels of potassium, it is thought that no net loss of this mineral occurs on taking the leaf.
Root	A 2004 laboratory study reported dandelion root had marked anticancer activity. It significantly increased tumor necrosis factor and apoptosis (programmed cell death)
Habitat	Dandelion grows wild in most parts of the world
Cultivation	It is propagated from seed in spring. The young leaves are picked in spring for tonic salads, and later as a medicine. The root of 2-year-old plants is unearthed in autumn.
Self Help Uses	Acne & Boils, Constipation, Detoxification for Hangover, Fluid Retention, Hives

Traditional & Current Uses

• Dandelion Leaf is used as a diuretic and helps treat high blood pressure by reducing theh volume of fluid in the body.
• The Root is a key “detoxifying” herb that gently stimulates the liver and gall bladder’s capacity to clear waste products from the body. The root is also taken to treat Inflammation so it it really useful when treating Constipation, Skin Problems (Ex: Eczema), Arthritic Conditions. 
• Dandelion root is a good prebiotic, supporting the health of the gut flora. It has traditionally been used in the early stages of type 2 diabetes, stimulating insulin release from the pancreas and supporting stable blood-sugar levels

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Blowball, Cankerwort, Lion's Tooth, Piss-a-Bed, Priest's Crown, Puffball, Swine Snout, White Endive, Wild Endive Gender: Masculine Planet: Jupiter Element: Air Deity: Hecate Powers: Divination, Wishes, Calling Spirits
Gender	Masculine
Planet	Jupiter
Element	Air
Diety	Hecate
Power	Divination, Wishes, Calling Spirits
Uses	The root, when dried, roasted, and ground like coffee, is used to make a tea. This infusion will promote psychic powers. This same tea, steaming and placed beside the bed, will call spirits. To send a message to a loved one, blow at the seed head in his or her direction and visualize your message.

CHICKWEED

(Stellaria media)

Description	Sprawling perennial growing to about 6 in (15 cm). Has hairy stems, oval leaves, and starlike white flowers
Key Actions	Helps Reduce Itchiness, May help with Weightloss
Parts Used	Ariel Parts (parts that grow above ground)
Habitat	Found in most regions around the world
Cultivation	It grows easily in waste ground and is generally regarded as a troublesome weed. The plant is harvested in summer
Self Help Uses	Diaper Rash, Inflamed Skin Conditions, Nettle Rash
Cautions	If taken in excessive doses, chickweed may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Do not take during pregnancy.

Traditional & Current Uses

• Chickweed is chiefly used to treat irritated skin, being applied as juice, poultice, ointment, or cream. In certain cases, chickweed may soothe severe itchiness where all other remedies have failed.
•  It is often used to relieve eczema, varicose ulcers, and nettle rash (hives). An infusion of the fresh or dried plant may be added to a bath, where the herb’s emollient properties will help to reduce inflammation—in rheumatic joints, for example— and encourage tissue repair
• Chickweed may also be taken internally to treat chest ailments. There is some suggestion that chickweed has an antiobesity action

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Adder's Mouth, Indian Chickweed, Passerina, Satin Flower, Star Chickweed, Starweed, Starwort, Stellaire (French), Stitchwort, Tongue Grass, Winterweed, Qoqobala
Gender	Feminine
Planet	Moon
Element	Water
Diety	N/A
Power	Fidelity, Love
Uses	Carry or use in spells designed to attract a love or to maintain a relationship.

 

Wild Violet

(Violaceae)

Description	Annual, biennial, or perennial plant growing to 15 in (38 cm). Has lobed, oval leaves and handsome violet, yellow, and white pansy-type flowers.
Key Actions	Fevers, Cough Remedy, Internal Inflammations, & Wounds
Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, & Roots
Habitat	Native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate regions of Asia, and has become naturalized in the Americas.
Cultivation	It thrives in many habitats, from grasssy mountainous areas to coastal sites, and is also cultivated as a garden plant. The aerial parts are gathered in summer.
Self Help Uses	Hives
Cautions	If taken in excessive doses, chickweed may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Do not take during pregnancy.

Traditional & Current Uses

• Used as an antiinflammatory and purifying herb and is taken for skin conditions such as eczema.
• An infusion also makes a useful wash for itchiness.  
• Being an expectorant, heartsease is used to treat bronchitis and whooping cough.
• The plant’s established diuretic action makes it useful for treating rheumatism, cystitis, and difficulty in passing urine. 

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Blue Violet, Sweet Violet, Heartsease
Gender	Feminine
Planet	Venus
Element	Water
Diety	Venus
Power	Protection, Luck, Love, Lust, Wishes, Peace, Healing
Uses	Carried for Protections. Mixed with Lavender they are a powerful Love stimulant

Red Clover

(Trifolium pratense)

Description	Perennial herb growing to 16 in (40 cm). Has a hairy upright stem, leaves with 3 (or, rarely, 4) oval leaflets with a white crescent marking, and pink to purple egg-shaped flower heads.
Key Actions	Skin Conditions, Expectorant, Phytoestrogenic Activity (for Menopause)
Parts Used	Flowers, Some Green
Habitat	Native to Europe and Asia, and naturalized in North America and Australia
Cultivation	The flowerheads are collected when newly opened in summer

Traditional & Current Uses

• Red clover is used to treat skin conditions, normally with other herbs such as Burdock & Yellow Dock
• It is also expectorant and may be used for spasmodic coughs.
•  Red clover’s significant phytoestrogenic activity has led to increasing use of the herb to relieve menopausal symptoms. 

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Honey, Honeystalks, Shamrock, Three-Leaved Grass, Trefoil, Trifoil
Gender	Masculine
Planet	Mercury
Element	Air
Diety	Rowan
Power	Protection, Money, Love, Fidelity, Exorcism, Sucess
Uses	Wear a three-leaved clover for protection, red clover added to bath water aids you in dealing with financial arrangements of every kind

Cattail & Shoots

(Typha angustifolia)

Cattails (Typha spp.) are known as the ultimate survival plant, as every part of the plant can be used in some way. The young shoots that come up in the spring are the tastiest part, resembling the flavor of a cucumber, and can be eaten raw.

Description	Stout upright plant growing to a height of 61 ⁄2 ft (2 m). Has long, flat, narrow leaves rising parallel to the stem, a distinctive brown cylindrical head of female flowers, and straw-colored male flowers immediately above.
Key Actions	Skin Conditions, Expectorant, Phytoestrogenic Activity (for Menopause)
Parts Used	Shoot, Root, Pollen
Habitat	Found in regions all around the world
Cultivation	Cattail flourishes in marshes, swamps, and other freshwater sites in both temperate and tropical zones, and is cultivated. The pollen is shaken off the plant while it is in bloom.

Traditional & Current Uses

• The root is edible and has been eaten in times of famine.
• The young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked in Spring, and are said to taste like asparagus.
• In Chinese herbal medicine, astringent pollen has been employed chiefly to stop internal or external bleeding.
• The pollen may be mixed with honey and applied to wounds and sores, or taken orally to reduce internal bleeding of almost any kind—for example, nosebleeds, uterine bleeding, or blood in the urine
• The pollen is now also used in the treatment of angina (pain in the chest or arm due to lack of oxygen to the heart muscle).

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Tabua, Ibhuma, Balangot
Gender	Masculine
Planet	Mars
Element	Fire
Diety	N/A
Power	Lust
Uses	Women who need a little help enjoying sex again should carry some cattail with her at all times

Nettle

(Typha angustifolia)

Description	A perennial growing to 5 ft (1.5 m), with lance-shaped leaves and green flowers with yellow stamens
Key Actions	Diuretic, Tonic, Astringent,  Prevents hemorrhaging,  Anti-allergenic,  Reduces prostate enlargement (root),  Anti-inflammatory
Parts Used	Areal Parts, Root, Seeds
Habitat	Nettle grows in temperate regions worldwide
Cultivation	The shoots are picked in spring for use as a tonic and a vegetable. Aerial parts are picked in summer when the plant is in flower. The root is harvested in autumn.
Self Help Uses	Allergies, Hayfever, Anemia (Heavy Menstrual Cycles), Bites, Stings, Mild Asthma, Diaper Rash, Hives, Nosebleeds

Traditional & Current Uses

• Nettle’s key traditional use is as a cleansing, detoxifying herb. It has a diuretic action, possibly due to its flavonoids and high potassium content, and increases urine production and the elimination of waste products. It helps many skin conditions and arthritic problems.
•  Nettle slows or stops bleeding from wounds and nosebleeds, and is good for heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Antiallergenic. It treats hay fever, asthma, itchy skin conditions, and insect bites. The juice can be used as a treatment for nettle stings.
• The root has now become a common treatment for symptoms linked to having an enlarged prostate.

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Ortiga Ancha, Stinging Nettle
Gender	Masculine
Planet	Mars
Element	Fire
Diety	Thor
Power	Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust
Uses	To remove a curse and send it back, stuff a poppet with nettle, or carry some in a sachet. Sprinkle nettle around the house to keep evil out and to send it back. Nettle is also thrown onto a fire to avert danger, held in the hand to ward off ghosts, carried with yarrow to allay fear, and worn as an amulet to keep negativity far away.

Willow

(Salix alba)

There are two variants im speaking on. The spring herb you can find is the Pussy willow. It was known to have medicinal properties in many parts of Europe in the Middle Ages, and this plant was commonly used to treat headaches and toothaches. Pussy willow has also been traditionally used as a medicine to prevent bleeding and treat diarrhea. 

The rest of the information below is about the White Willow

Description	A deciduous tree growing to 80 ft (25 m), with green tapering leaves, and catkins in spring.
Key Actions	Anti-inflammatory,  Analgesic,  Reduces fever,  Antirheumatic, Astringent
Parts Used	Bark
Habitat	Native to much of Europe, white willow is also found in North Africa and Asia, thriving in damp areas, such as on riverbanks
Cultivation	Bark is stripped from branches of 2- to 5-year-old trees in spring
Self Help Uses	Arthritis. Inflamed Joints, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Traditional & Current Uses

• White willow is an excellent remedy for arthritic and rheumatic pain affecting the back, and joints such as the knees and hips, though large doses may be required, such as a standardized tablet. In combination with other herbs and dietary changes, it relieves inflammation and swelling, and improves mobility in painful or creaky joints
• White Willow is taken to manage high fevers. It may also be used to ease headaches and head pains
• A cooling herb that reduces sweating, willow bark can be helpful in controlling symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Osier, Pussy Willow, Saille, Salicyn Willow, Saugh Tree, Tree of Enchantment, White Willow, Witches' Aspirin, Withe, Withy
Gender	Femenine
Planet	Moon
Element	Water
Diety	Artemis, Ceres, Hecate, Persephone, Hera, Mercury, Belili, Belinus
Power	Love, Love Divination, Protection, Healing
Use	All parts of the willow guard against evil and can be carried or placed in the home for this purpose. Knock on a willow tree ("knock on wood") to avert evil. The leaves, bark and wood of the willow are also utilized in healing spells. If you wish to conjure spirits, mix crushed willow bark with sandalwood and burn at the waning Moon outdoors. Magical brooms, especially Witch's brooms, are traditionally bound with a willow branch.

Yarrow

(Achillea millefolium)

There is a HUGE CAUTION on wildcrafting this type of plant! It has a few look-a-likes! Yarrow, Queen Anne's Lace and also POISON HEMLOCK look VERY alike. Here is how to spot the difference. 

Yarrow:

Yarrow grows about 1 to 3 feet tall and can be found in disturbed areas. It also produces a white (and, on rare occasions, pink) umbel flower head. The blossoms appear to me to be a little more hardy than that of Queen Anne’s lace, which looks more loose and lacy. Yarrow also has finely dissected leaves, but with a more feather-like appearance. You’ll see its flowers popping out between May and October.

Queen Anne’s Lace:

Yarrow and Queen Anne’s lace can be easily mistaken for one another. The two wildflowers grow about the same height, in the same areas, at about the same time of year. As the legend goes, Queen Anne was sewing a piece of lace, when she pricked her finger, and a drop of blood fell in the center. Thus, a good way to tell Queen Anne’s lace wildflowers from the others on this list is to look for a small purple flower in the center of the umbel—the drop of blood.

Queen Anne’s lace grows to be about 2 to 4 feet tall. It has finely dissected leaves, white umbel blossoms that emerge in a flat cluster and hairy stems. (Think: “Queen Anne has hairy legs.”) Flowers emerge April through October. You’ll find them in disturbed areas such as roadsides.

Poison Hemlock:

Of the wildflowers on this list, properly identifying this one is most important because the name doesn’t lie—eating it can be fatal. Poison hemlock can grow between 2 and 6 feet tall. It has hollow, grooved stem, nearly as thick as an index finger, with distinctive purple spots. The leaves have a finely dissected appearance typical of those in the carrot family, though the general shape is that of an equilateral triangle. Like Queen Anne’s lace and yarrow, it has white umbel flowers. However, the stalk is highly branched, so you’ll see more umbels per plant on poison hemlock than you will on the other two species mentioned here. Like the other two plants, though, it grows in disturbed areas—I often see it in our area along creek beds or in old cattle grazing areas.

I cannot overemphasize: This plant is extremely poisonous. Merely touching the poison hemlock can cause dermatitis. If taken internally, its toxic alkaloids can affect the nervous or respiratory systems. Even small amounts can result in death. If you find poison hemlock growing in an area where pets or children roam, remove it promptly and carefully. Wear long sleeves, pants and gloves. Dispose of the plant in plastic garbage bags, and do not let the plant touch your skin. Be sure to clean off any tools, such as clippers, you use so that you don’t inadvertently come in contact with the toxic juices.

Now back to Yarrow which is further explained in the table below:

Description	A creeping perennial, growing to 3 ft (1 m), with white flower heads and finely divided leaves
Key Actions	Antispasmodic, Astringent, Bitter tonic, Increases sweating, Lowers blood pressure, Reduces Fever, Mild Diuretic and Urinary Antiseptic, Stops Internal Bleeding, Promotes Menstruation, Anti-inflammatory
Parts Used	Areal Parts
Habitat	Native to Europe and western Asia, yarrow can be found growing wild in temperate regions throughout the world, in meadows and along roadsides.
Cultivation	The herb spreads via its roots, and the aerial parts are picked in summer when in flower
Self Help Uses	Cleansing Wounds, Colds & Flus, Digestive Infections, Fever, Varicose Veins
Cautions	May cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. Use the essential oil only under professional supervision. Do not take during pregnancy

Traditional & Current Uses

• Has been used to heal wounds for centuries.
•  Yarrow helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduces heavy menstrual bleeding, and eases period pain. 
• Combined with other herbs, yarrow helps colds and flu. Its bitter tonic properties make it useful for weak digestion and colic. It also helps hay fever, lowers high blood pressure, improves venous circulation, and tones varicose veins.

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Achillea, Arrowroot (although yarrow is not what is commonly refered to as arrowroot), Bad Man's Plaything, Carpenter's Weed, Death Flower, Devil's Nettle, Eerie, Field Hops, Gearwe, Hundred Leaved Grass, Knight's Milfoil, Knyghten, Lady's Mantle, Milfoil, Militaris, Military Herb, Millefolium, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man's Mustard, Old Man's Pepper, Sanguinary, Seven Year's Love, Snake's Grass, Soldier's Woundwort, Stanch Griss, Stanch Weed, Tansy, Thousand Seal, Wound Wort, Yarroway, Yerw
Gender	Feminine
Planet	Venus
Element	Water
Diety	N/A
Power	Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism
Uses	When worn, yarrow protects the wearer, and when held in the hand, it stops all fear and grants courage. A bunch of dried yarrow hung over the bed or yarrow used in wedding decorations ensures a love lasting. The flowers are made into an infusion and the resulting tea is drunk to improve psychic powers. Washing the head with a yarrow infusion will prevent baldness but won't cure it if it has already begun. Yarrow is also used to exorcise evil and negativity from a person, place or thing.

Plantain

(Plantago major)

Description	Perennial plant growing to 10 in (25 cm). Has a basal rosette of broad, deeply veined leaves and dense clusters of tiny green flowers on spikes
Key Actions	Staunches Blood Flow, Encourages Repair, Diuretic, Expectorant, Antimucus
Parts Used	Leaves
Habitat	Common plantain is native to Europe and temperate regions of Asia.
Cultivation	The leaves are gathered throughout the summer
Self Help Uses	Allergy induced runny nose, Diarrhea

Traditional & Current Uses

•  Common plantain quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. It is possible to use it as a substitute for comfrey in treating bruises and broken bones. 
• An ointment or lotion may be used to treat hemorrhoids, fistulae (abnormal passages in the skin), and ulcers.
• Taken internally, common plantain is diuretic, expectorant, and anti-mucus. It is commonly prescribed for conditions including gastritis, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory inflammation, loss of voice, and urinary tract bleeding

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Cuckoo's Bread, Englishman's Foot, The Leaf of Patrick, Patrick's Dock, Ripple Grass, St. Patrick's Leaf, Slanlus, Snakebite, Snakeweed, Waybread, Waybroad, Weybroed (Anglo-Saxon), White Man's Foot
Gender	Feminine
Planet	Venus
Element	Earth
Diety	N/A
Power	Healing, Strength, Protection, Snake Repelling
Uses	Bind the plantain with red wool to the head to cure headaches, and place beneath the feet to remove weariness. Plaintain is also hung in the car to guard against the intrusion of evil spirits. A piece of the root in the pocket protects its bearer from snakebites.

Cleavers

(Galium aparine)

Description	Straggling, square-stemmed annual growing to a height of 4 ft (1.2 m) with whorls of lance-shaped leaves, clusters of small white flowers, and small, round, green fruit with hooked prickles.
Key Actions	Skin Conditions, Strongly Diuretic, Urinary Issues
Parts Used	Areal Parts
Habitat	Common throughout many regions of the world
Cultivation	Gathered when just about to flower in late spring

Traditional & Current Uses

• A valuable diuretic, cleavers is often taken for skin diseases such as seborrhea, eczema, and psoriasis; for swollen lymph glands; and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer
• The plant is commonly prepared in the form of an infusion, but for conditions such as cancer, it is best taken as a juice, which is strongly diuretic.
• The juice and the infusion are also taken for kidney stones and other urinary problems.

Magickal Correspondences

Folk Names	Goose Grass
Gender	Feminine
Planet	Saturn
Element	Fire
Diety	N/A
Power	Relationships, Commitment, Protection, Tenacity
Uses	Cleavers cling, or cleave, to fabrics. This can be used in binding spells.

Honorable Mentions, that you can forage during the Spring, for you to explore on your own time: Fiddlehead Ferns, Ramps, Wild Asparagus, Deadnettle, Henbit, Garlic Mustard, Morel Mushrooms, Watercress

In Conclusion

I hope this list has helped you get a small foothold into the vast world of Herbalism, Wildcrafting, and Magickal Crafting. It is a wonderful time of year to be able to comfortably get outside and collect some wild plants but also to learn how to utilize these plants medicinally and magickally!

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