Our ancestors endured the toughest of times while being captured and enslaved in America. Their resourcefulness and resilience ensured their survival through it all. As a black woman, I have always been interested in herbs and the properties in which they heal. Capitalism in medicine is a large reason why black people of today still hold on to “Big Mama’s Kitchen Remedies”.
Roots have always been our magic and as a writer and fellow researcher, I believe it’s a duty to continue to shed light on what our ancestors learned and discovered for our health and well-being.
The Delta Arrowhead
Sagittaria platyphylla
Characteristics and Uses
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , KS , KY , LA , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA
Native Habitat: Still water, Marshes
Uses
The Delta Arrowhead is a swamp plant that our ancestors made into necklaces to be worn by teething babies to relieve pain and fever.
Web Reference
Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Working with my local land more has taught me to source local plants and connect with them. By properly taking care of it and working the land. That also means connecting with local plant spirits.
The Fern is one of those species of plants. This wonderful herb is abundant, protective and hold much wisdom for they are very old. With some dating back to 360 million years (or so they say). It is known some species can live up to a hundred years.
They are full of wisdom, you might just learn something from them if you actively work with them as a spirit.
Scientific Name:
Family: Pteridophyte
Parts used: For species of Fern it varies
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
CAUTIONS: ALWAYS check with your local herbalist and doctor before consuming any medicinal medicine as they will be able to direct you on proper dosages. Some medications can also interact and so can some conditions with certain herbs.
IMPORTANT: Some Ferns are harmful (like the Pteridium genus aka Bracken Fern) to the airways and can let off spores that can harm or cause death in immunocompromised people. Always be wary of Fern species around pets as well. Source and research responsibly.
Uses in Herbalism and Healing:
Certain Fern species are used to treat different ailments. Ex. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) used for arthritis while Maidenhair Speenwort (Asplenium tricomanes) is used for coughs.
Always check which fern species is used as some can counteract and aren't always used for the same ailment.
On a fun note, Fiddlehead Ferns are used from a culinary standpoint and are quite delicious when prepared correctly.
Uses in Magic:
When placed in the home, it is said to hold protective properties, and when planted at the doorstep.
Dried Fern, when burned, carries exorcism properties.
Some folklore speaks that when Fern is burned outside, it causes rainfall.
When carried or worn, Fern has the power to guide to treasure.
Some Celtic and Irish legends speak of Ferns being used in from healing to magic.
A Slavic folk tale speaks of a flower on a fern that blooms for a very short time on the eve of the summer solstice. It is said it brings fortune to the person who finds it. In some tales, it allows humans to understand animals talking. It is guarded by malevolent entities. Though the one who succeeds in gathering it can receive earthly riches, that attainment has always brought unlucky energy to the poor soul, so some leave it alone.
Recipes:
A very yummy recipe using Fiddlehead ferns. Check it out!
Simple and delicious sauteed fiddleheads, plus directions on how to safely prepare and cook them and where to find these edible ferns!
Sources and extra reading material:
Please remember while I provide sources, some content is my own UPG from working for years intuitively with this herbal ally. What you do not see from my sources assume it is my UPG and take what information you will. Always cross-reference and research yourself. All medical knowledge will be sourced.
Medical Links:
Cao, H., Chai, T., Wang, X., B. Morais-Braga, M. F., Yang, H., Wong, C., Wang, R., Yao, H., Cao, J., Cornara, L., Burlando, B., Wang, Y., Xiao, J., & M. Coutinho, H. D. (2017). Phytochemicals from fern species: Potential for medicine applications. Phytochemistry Reviews, 16(3), 379-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-016-9488-7
There are multiple species of ferns and all have many different medicinal uses. Nathaniel Whitmore explores the Native American medicinal us
iscover the rich history and cultural significance of fiddleheads in culinary traditions. Get tips on sourcing and cooking with Foraged!
Spiritual:
Books:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Links:
Ferns! FERNS! I love ferns. If you want to feel like you live in some kind of magical woodland glade, get some ferns, a pack of Triloka Ench
Want to check out my other posts? Here’s the Masterpost
It is genuinely one of my most used herbs, I use tumeric in my tea, soups, and curries for it's vibrant colour and tremendous medicinal benefits. Making golden milk from scratch is an especially peaceful and rewarding experience for me. It grounds me with each sip, as I visualize the root rising from the earth and blossoming into a beautiful flower.
Golden Milk Recipie 💛
1 tsp tumeric
Coconut milk/oat milk/whatever milk you'd like actually
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tbsp coconut oil
Heat in a small saucepan on medium.
While heating this mixture, stir clockwise while infusing the milk with your intent. For example, if I'm making this for protection, I might visualize a golden circle around me while stirring.
Draw a pentagram 3 times over the sauce pan and call your intent into being (e.g. say "I am divinely protected" or "I am healthy"). Once the mixture is sufficiently heated, serve in a cozy mug and share with friends/family 💛
I would love to hear some suggestions for using tumeric in other spell work and recipies!
When allergies start to hit, like today, I usually add a pinch of cayenne pepper to my food as a nasal decongestant, and use my garlic infused honey to soothe my sore throat caused by post nasal drip.
The honey can be taken alone or mixed into an herbal tea. (It's recommended that you eat the garlic cloves, particularly when you have a cold, but it's not 100% necessary if you don't want to.)
Garlic Infused Honey Recipe
1 clean and dry jar with lid
1 head of garlic, peeled and crushed or minced
Honey
I hate mincing garlic, so I usually just crush it with the flat side of my knife and add it to the jar. A garlic press can also be used.
Add enough honey to cover the garlic.
Screw the lid on tight and store it in a dark, cool place. Mix the honey once a day (I usually just turn the jar upside down).
Should be ready to use in a few days. Honey will be thin and amber in color.
Use to soothe sore throat caused by cough, illness, or allergies.
Welcome to my Herbalism Masterpost. Here you will find all of my posts relating to herbs in one place and general plant magic. You'll be seeing educational posts on herbal allies along with recipes for powders, oils, and many other items. All upcoming scheduled posts will be labelled with an *.
All medical knowledge will be directly sourced on their respective post. Always consult your local herbalist and doctors before you consume anything. I am not yet a licensed herbalist. Use your own wisdom.
Herbal Education
Blackberry - The Mundane and Magical 101*
Ferns - The Mundane and Magical 101
Rosemary - The Mundane and Magical 101
Pine - The Mundane and Magical 101
Recipes
Infused Oils - What are they and how to craft them?
All About Crafting Tinctures - What is a Tincture? How can I use it?*
What are Salves? How to craft?*
Looking for the rest of my posts? Check out the Masterpost
"HEKATE (Hecate) was the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy." - Theoi
I work with Mother Hekate to heal generational trauma, dream work, introspection, and my clairsenses. I venerate her on Saturdays as the planetary correspondences of Saturn fit her well.
She's been with me for over a decade, since the start of my practice. She took on the mother figure role when I personally did not have anyone.
This blog is actually dedicated to her for helping others learn about witchcraft and the occult.
She's a stern teacher, who will take off your training wheels on your bike and push you. However, she'll help you up when you fall. She's kind and nurturing when you need it.
I made an oil for her to call upon her. I use it to carry her with me, to wear for certain purposes and as a candle-dressing. It helps me with my intuition, clairsenses, protection, spiritual communication and divination.
You will need
A clean and cleansed jar
Myrrh - The moon, introspection, protection, spiritual connection, she just loves myrrh (UPG)
You can either do the folk method or the hot method. You can find my post on infused oils here to learn how to make infused spell oils. I suggest if you are an animist or someone who wants more power from your oils. Speak to the herbs kindly, treat them less like an ingredient and ask them respectfully for their aid and the purpose they'll have in your oil. Use intention. The same goes for the Olive oil.
You can sub any of these, however, Cypress is historical for her. So is Olive Oil among the Greeks. Try to keep within the theme of the underworld, death, spiritual connection and psychic work.
Blessings!
Looking for all of my posts in one place? Check out the Masterpost
This is one of my favourite oils to use to cleanse and banish within the home. It is used to bring in positive energies as well while cleansing. I anoint windows and doors with this oil. I also anoint a white candle with it and walk around my home, placing it on the hearth when I'm done in each room.
Here is the recipe
Frankincense - Purification (Can be substituted with Cedar or Rue)
You can substitute whatever you wish to make it your own. Remember though substitutions can only go so far. I work with a few of these plant allies and that's why it's so powerful for me. Take inspiration and make your own if this does not resonate with you. Sometimes a personally made oil works best.
Blessings!
Looking for all of my posts in one place? Check out the Masterpost
Need help finding all of my personal posts on my blog? Look no further! Here is everything collected in one place for you.
If a link is not working please let me know and I'll fix it immediately. If you do not see a link and it's just text* those are upcoming posts scheduled.
Spiritual Hygiene and Beginner Work - The foundations of witchcraft and spiritual upkeep
Grounding and Centering - How-Tos and Methods
Cleansing - The How-Tos and Methods
Banishing - The How-Tos and Methods
Protection - The How-Tos and Methods
Warding - The How-Tos and Methods
Low Energy Practices - Spoonie Edition*
Basics in Witchcraft - The basics of witchcrafting
Intention
Visualization
Energy Manipulation*
Safety in Witchcraft
Spell Crafting Basics - The basics of spellcrafting
"How do I create a spell? Spell reversals?"*
"What is casting a circle? Do I need to?"*
"How do I Power my Spells?"*
"Planetary Timing? What’s that?"*
"My Spell Backfired! Help!"*
"I Think I Was Cursed. What Do I Do?"*
Wheel of the Year Masterpost - Spoonie Witch-Friendly
Intermediate/Advanced Witchcraft - Types of more advanced practice
What is Intermediate and Advanced Witchcraft?*
What is Energy Work?*
Divination*
Cursing, Hexing and Jinxing*
What is Ancestor Work? Breaking it down and how to start + extra
Types of Magic - Different categories of witchcraft
Lunar magic*
Glamour magic*
Hearth magic*
Chaos Magic*
Sympathetic Magic - History and Explanation
Infused oils are herbal components or spices placed in a jar of carrier oil like Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Avacado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, etc. Can be used in cooking, herbal ailments and skincare.
Are they essential oils?
No. Short answer, no. Long answer? I'll give you an explanation. Essential oils are distilled using Steam Distillation, Solvent Extraction, CO2 Extraction, Maceration, Enfleurage, Cold Press Extraction, and or Water Distillation. Lotta words huh? It takes a lot of work to make essential oils. Unfortunately, it also takes quite a bit of that plant to make even those tiny 10ml bottles you purchase. Of course, each plant varies. However, it still can lead to a larger environmental impact.
For instance, one pound of essential oil can be extracted from approximately 250 pounds of rosemary leaves, or from 150 pounds of lavender buds, or say 50 pounds of eucalyptus leaves. This is why you see some as more expensive than others. Unfortunately, you can see where the problem lies in plants that are more threatened or endangered. If you must use essential oils, source responsibly (and not from a Pyramid scheme but I'm not opening that can of worms)
Can I use infused oils in my practice?
Yes! Absolutely! All these oil recipes you see for spell oils are exactly that. You can even use the elemental correspondences of the carrier oils you use for spell oils. As an example Olive Oil is traditionally known for the fire element and Coconut Oil is water. The possibilities for your personal correspondence are endless!
Now I'll stop rambling. Here are a few methods I learned to infuse oils in my courses and through self-herbalist study.
Method One:
The Folk Method - The most common
Directions
Place DRIED herbs in a clean, dry jar. Leave at least 1 to 3 inches of open space above your herbs to cover with oil.
Fill the remaining space in the jar with the oil of your choice, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1 inch or more. If the herbs emerge above the surface of the oil at any point while infusing, pour more oil on top to ensure the herbs remain covered.
Cap the jar tightly and shake well.
Place the jar in a sunny, warm windowsill and shake once or more per day.
After 2 to 3 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Or you can leave it in but straining is recommended if you are using dropper bottles as it clogs the caps.
Pour into clean glass bottles.
Remember to label your jars with the date, type of oil, and herbs used! You WILL forget! Trust me.
Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year.
Method Two:
The Heat Infused Method - Quick Infusion
Directions
Place herbs in the crock pot or double boiler. Cover with extra virgin olive oil (or other carrier oil of choice), leaving at least an inch or two of oil above the herbs.
Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (preferably between 100° and 140° F for 1 to 5 hours, until the oil takes on the colour and scent of the herb. Some recommend heating the oil for 48 to 72 hours at a controlled temperature of 100° F. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool. I personally prefer letting it sit in a crock pot for 72 hours as I feel like I get all of the benefits out of the herb.
Once oil is cooled, strain using cheesecloth.
Bottle in dry, sterilized glass bottles. LABEL your bottles with the date and contents before storing them.
Store in a cool, dark, dry place for up to six months.
Best herbs to infuse in oil
There are a countless number of herbs, spices and resins that can be infused into the oil. Please make sure these herbs are free from pesticides and chemicals (not found on the roadside). Dried herbs work best as you don't want your mixture spoiling sooner. Here are some great examples of herbs to use.
Pine needles
Calendula flowers
Chamomile flowers
Lavender
Lemon balm
Peppermint leaf
Rosemary leaf
Thyme leaf
There you have it! Now have fun and source responsibility.
Happy witching!
Want to read more?
On sustainability and impact:
Links:
ARE ESSENTIAL OILS ACTUALLY SUSTAINABLE? When I switched to a more sustainable, non-toxic lifestyle, I suddenly realized how popular
Dangers of essential oils and pets:
Link:
Browse our collection of informative pet health blog posts, offering valuable insights and tips for your cat or dog's well-being from our To
Want to check out my other post? Look at my Masterpost
Nettle is such a gift from nature and by far one of my favorite herbs. It has so many uses and is such a nutrient dense powerhouse of an herb. Infusions are my go to way to use this herb but the possibilities are truly endless. 🌿
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