A myth of witchcraft held that a forked branch of Witch-hazel could be used to locate underground water. – from Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) Plant appearance: small tree or tall shrub, often multi-trunked, 10-15 ft. tall but can reach 35 ft. in height. It has fragrant, yellow flowers with…
Category: health
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — V — Valerian
This is an herb that was once considered magical, probably because of its hypnotic properties. All varieties of valerian appear to be sedatives. – Valerie Ann Worwood Valerian (valeriana officinalis) Plant appearance: tall herb 5 feet high, dark leaves, long stems; flower heads comprising many small white flowers with a pink tinge. The roots…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — U — Umbellularia californica (CA Bay Laurel)
California Bay Laurel has long been valued for its many edible, medicinal, insecticidal, and ceremonial uses throughout its range by native cultures including the Cahuilla, Chumash, Pomo, Kashaya Pomo, Miwok, Yujki, Coos, Concow, Maidu, Costanoan, Yukok, Tongva, Tolowa, Ohlone, Karuk, Karok, Mendocino Indians, and Salinan people. – from Tree Girl California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica)…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — T — tea tree
“The legendary Princess Eelemani of the Bundjalung people was the Johnny Appleseed of tea tree oil. In the legend of Eelemani we learn of a beautiful princess who has to leave her true lover and travel through the bushland of coastal New South Wales. The journey was long and the forest trail was unknown to…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — S — savory x 2
The genus Satureja is named for the satyrs, ancient Greek mythical demigods of the forest, who where known for their lusty habits and half-man/half goat shape. Legends held that the satyrs wore crowns of Savory, and the herb was once held to be an aphrodisiac [summer savory.] – from chaofbc Savory, summer (satureja hortensis) Plant…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — R — rosemary
Beginning with the written word as early as the fifth millennium B.C. references to rosemary were found written in cuneiform on stone tablets. – from Ad Lunam Labs Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) Plant appearance: dense bush of thin branches with spike-like green leaves with grayish undersides Parts used: leaves, twigs, flowers It has been used…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — Q — quinquenervia, meleleuca (aka Niaouli)
Melaleuca quinquenervia (broad-leaved paperbark) is the most damaging of 60 exotic species introduced to the Florida Everglades to help drain low-lying swampy areas. Introduced in the early 20th century, it has become a serious invasive species, with damaging effects including the displacement of native species, reduction in wildlife habitat, alteration of hydrology, modification of soil,…
Tao Talk 