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admin sinfulldude · Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:15 pm Post subject: SOME PLANTS USED BY WITCHES

In pre-Christian cultures sorcecers, most often women, were frequently consulted by individuals who desired a potion or charm that would ward off evil, attract love or heal an illness. Their knowledge of the uses and misuses of plants was reknown and many modern writers acknowledge that it is these individuals who developed and retained through history, the herbal lore which has been extensively employed by modern medicine and pharmaceutical companies. Today, traditional societies like in Australia, New Guinea, Africa are still often organized around the “Medecine Man” who knows the secrets of plants and nature cycles.

Foxglove for instance, (also known as Fairyglove and Witchesglove), was the source of Digitalis, the drug which has saved the lives of many people suffering heart conditions. Digitalis was discovered by Dr. William Withering, and in his book, 'An Account of Foxglove and its Uses', (1785), he acknowledges his debt to Witchcraft herbal lore in leading him to the use of Foxglove for assisting those with Heart conditions.

Unguentum Sabbati.

Nights of the full Moon are associated with Witches and as indicated above it was often at these times when plants were collected. Rather than being an obscure magical ritual, the collecting of plants at night-time and when the moon is full has a basis in plant biology. Many of the plants employed by Witches have their highest active drug content at these times.

Atropa Belladonna

Commonly known as Deadly Nightshade. It is usually found in chalky soils, shaded areas and waste ground or old ruins. The name Belladonna, "Beautiful Lady", is thought to derive from its use by Italian ladies, to dilate the pupil of the eye to make them more attractive. The generic name, "Atropa", is derived from the Greek, Atropos, one of the fates that held the shears to cut the thread of human life. According to folklore it is a plant that belongs to the Devil.

The properties of Belladonna depend on the presence of Hyoseyamine and Atropine, the root is the principle source of preparing tinctures, however, the whole plant including the berries contain these alkaloids. Atropine, or Tropane is a highly toxic white crystalline alkaloid (C17H23NO3). In medicines, atropine is used to relieve spasms, to diminsh secretions, to dilate the pupil of the eye, and to relieve pain and inflammation. However, when a potion containing atropine is rubbed into the skin, it can produce life-like dreams, delusions, and high excitement. It has anti spasmodic activity and was used for asthma and whooping cough. In poisonous doses it causes paralysis, excitement and delirium.

Solamum Dulcamara

Commonly known as Woody Nightshade or Bittersweet. It is usually found in hedgerows and shaded. Its active constituent is Solamine which acts narcotically and in large doses causes paralysis. It slows the heart and respiration, reduces temperature and causes vertigo and delirium, eventually convulsions and death.

Woody Nightshade was used widely for a number of ailments including rheumatism, fever, inflammation and jaundice. It was believed to guard against the evil eye and has been revered for thousands of years (a necklace of the berries was found in Tutenkahmun's tomb).

Aconite (Aconitum Napellus)

Commonly known as Monkshood. The poisonous properties of aconite have been used to coat arrowheads for use on humans and animals. Its medical uses was mainly restricted for the alleviation of muscular and rheumatic pain when applied externally to the affected area.

A number of alkaloids have been identified within aconite but the group which is believed responsible for its medical and poisonous activity are the Aconitines.

Aconite is extremely poisonous and the symptoms of poisoning begin with numbness in the mouth, crawling sensations on the skin, vomiting, stomach pains, laboured breathing, irregular and weak pulse, giddiness and staggering, eventual cardiac arrest or asphyxiation. The mind remains clear : in cases of poisoning artificial respiration and stimulants are indicated.

Conium maculatum

Commonly known as Hemlock. It is usually found in meadows, banks and hedge banks.

It has some similarities to Parsley but is distinguished by blood red markings/spots on its stem and root. All parts of the plant contain a very strong poisonous alkaloid called Conium.

Conium (an alkaloid produced by extraction of the juice of hemlock) is a narcotic, sedative and antispasmodic. Its medical use in the past was to treat coughing, epilepsy or any over activity of the muscles.

In poisonous doses it produces loss of sensation, complete paralysis of striated muscle, loss of speech, the respiration slows and eventually stops. Death results from asphyxiation. During this process the mind remains clear and unaffected. The most famous account of the use of Hemlock is the poisoning of the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates.

Datura Stramonium

Commonly known as Thornapple. Thornapple is strongly narcotic and doses lead to dilation of the pupils, giddiness, delirium and mania. The active constituents are the same as Belladonna, i.e. hyoseyamine and atropine, but in smaller concentrations. Its medical uses are also the same as Belladonna, its effects on coughing and respiratory conditions being slightly stronger.

Hyoscyamus Niger

Commonly known as Henbane. In Greek legend the dead in Hades were crowned with Henbane as they wandered beside the Styx. The plant has been used since antiquity in magic and diabolism for its power of causing delirium and hallucinations. In poisonous doses, poor vision, dizziness, sleepiness are often followed by delirium and convulsions. The active constituents are Hyoseyamine, Atropine and Hyoseine. Similar to Belladonna in its medicinal uses, however the added presence of Hyoscine gives it the properties of reducing secretions and relax spasm of involuntary muscles. It has been employed in hysteria, pain and rheumatism. It was also used extensively in insane asylums for treating mania and delirium tremens.

Digitalis purpured

Commonly known as Foxglove. Digitalis containing a number of glucosides, three of which are cardiac stimulants: digitoxin, digitalin and digitalun. The other glucoside is digitonin, a cardiac depressant. Digitalis has been used from early times for its properties on the heart and circulation. Its first action is to increase blood pressure due to contraction of the heart and arteries. In toxic doses it causes disturbances of the senses, blurs the visual field. Low dose poisoning leads to slow and irregular pulse. Higher concentrations of poisoning leads to rapid heart beat and arrest.

Poplar, Poppy, Cinquefoil, Smallage, Parsley, Wild Celery (Apium graveolens), Almond Oil, Mandrake, Flag, Water Lilies are also known ingredients.