DIY: Brews and Potions
Witches standing over an open fire while stirring up potions in a cauldron is one of the many romanticized views of witchcraft. Today, witches brew many things for love, luck, health, wealth, and etc. Potions are a widely regarded instrument for witches. Potions are simply liquid spells that can be taken internally or applied externally to the body. Teas, enchanted perfumes, tinctures, and washes are the many forms these spells can come in. Some are used for healing, others are used in ritual or magickal work.
Kitchen Herbs and Common plants for Brews
Back in the day, homemade teas and salves were the only medicine available. Using these things today is still very popular and a holistic approach to health that treats the mind, body, and soul together. What you use does not have to be expensive, it can come from your back yard or your home. Many of what you already have you can use to make tinctures, teas, and decoctions. Also, syrups, tonics, waters, and vinegars. If you work with the herbs you have at home already on hand, you will be able to create your own remedy with a distinct local flavor.
The Power Behind the Plants
It is believed that many spiritual forces animate the world; called animism. When working with a plant or crystal, or performing a spell or ritual at a specific place, witches work with the spirits behind those plants or crystals, and call upon the spirit of that location to help them in their work. There is a special partnership and alliance between the witch and spirit, manifesting in forms of animals (familiars) or in the form of other plants, crystals, and locations. Over time, working with these spirits on various projects will deepen the relationship and the witch will gain information on magical associations, properties, and lore. These things often come through dreams, inspirations, or visions. The spirit will gain energy, attention, and physical shelter as animals or plants or crystals carried as a talisman.
Teas and Decoctions for Health
Using teas and decoctions (herb-and-water remedies in the form of conceited potions that your drink) is a very easy homeopathic way to get started. They are made with dried or fresh herbs, roots, or flowers infused in hot water. Cold infusions is used for tinctures, where the herbal properties are absorbed and released into liquids over time.
Decoction Method
For plants woody and seedy such as root and bark, use this method
Once the plant parts are boiled, place on a low heat and set to simmer for 15-20 minutes
After simmered, cool them and strain them, pressing the herbs through a cheesecloth or strainer
Ready to drink
Tea Method
For flowers, leaves, fruits, and/or stems of plans, use this method
Start steeping the herbs in the water before it reaches full boil
Once the water begins to steam or boil, remove it from heat
Steam for no more than 5-10 minutes
While hot, strain into a container
Drink right away or follow the cold tea method
Cold Tea Method
Following all the preparations of the tea method, after straining, pour into a container and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Herbs for Teas and Decoctions
If using a tea ball, only use a pinch of each plant or spice. If using an infusion pot, or something similar, use approximately ¼ teaspoon of each ingredient. If you use root, seeds, or bark, use the decoction method. If you use flowers, leaves, fruits, or stems, use the tea method. If you use a combination of plant matter, use the decoction methods but then drink it iced following the cold tea method.
Angelica Root: Soothes colds and flu, reduces phlegm and fever; expectorant (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Basil: Eases headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, insomnia, earaches; reduces stress and tension, improves skin
Blackberry (leaves or roots): Reduces diarrhea (note: blackberry roots are used as decoction, while blackberry leaves are used for tea)
Catnip: Soothes teething pain, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives)
Calendula (marigold): Reduces fevers and diarrhea; soothes indigestion, gastrointestinal gramps, flu; antiseptic (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Cayenne Pepper: Soothes coughs, colds, arthritis, nerve pain, fever, flu; expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with theophylline)
Camomile: Reduces insomnia, anxiety, stress, fever, arthritis, indigestion; aids with sleep and pain relief (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Cinnamon Bark: Soothes sore throats and coughs, anti-inflammatory (avoid taking with diabetes medications)
Dandelion Root: Detoxifying, aids digestion, relieves constipation, laxative (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills)
Dandelion Leaf: Mild diuretic, potassium rich (discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Elderberry Berry: Wards off colds and flu
Elderberry Flower: Reduces fever (avoid taking with medications that decrease the immune system)
Garlic (for syrups): Antiseptic, eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid or medications used for HIV/AIDS, or with medications used to slow blood-clotting)
Ginger: Eases morning sickness, nausea, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, fever, sore throats (avoid taking with medications that slow blood-clotting)
Ginkgo: Relieves anxiety, vertigo, tinnitus; improves circulation, helps concentration; helps vision and premenstrual syndrome (avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo; discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Ginseng: Aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, boosts the immune system (do not take with medications that slow blood-clotting, and avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)
Goldenrod: Relieves gout and cramps
Lavender: Relieves anxiety, headaches, tension, stress, indigestion, irritable bowl syndrome; antibacterial; antiseptic; disinfectant (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Lemon Balm: Relieves anxiety, cold sores, colic, insomnia restlessness, indigestion; boosts memory (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Nettle: Relieves hay fever and arthritis; diuretic (avoid taking with diabetes medications, medications for high blood pressure, sedatives, medications that slow blood clotting, and lithium)
Onion (for syrups): Helps lower systolic blood pressure, relieves colds, antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Parsley: Helps with iron deficiency, anemia, fatigue; diuretic (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics)
Peppermint: Relieves nausea, anxiety, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colic, diarrhea, fever, coughs, colds; anesthetic (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver)
Pine Needles: Expectorant; antiseptic; relieves coughs, colds, fever, congestion
Rosemary: Improves focus, memory, concentration, blood pressure, circulation; antiseptic, antidepressant; eases indigestion
Thyme: Antibacterial, antiseptic, eases coughs and colds, expectorant (do NOT take with medications that slow blood-clotting)
Tea and Decoction Health Blends
The amounts listed here are for dried herbs, flowers, and spices. Dried ingredients are preferred for teas. If you wish to use fresh ingredients for decoctions, and they are available, double the amount.
Anxiety Relief
¼ teaspoon chamomile
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
Cold Relief
¼ teaspoon elderberry flower
¼ teaspoon thyme
Mood Booster
¼ teaspoon lavender
¼ teaspoon catnip
¼ teaspoon rosemary
Gastrointestinal Cramp Relief
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)
¼ teaspoon goldenrod
Arthritis/Joint Pain
¼ teaspoon goldenrod
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
(Note: after the tea cools, apply it by rubbing the liquid into the affected area)
Diarrhea Relief
¼ teaspoon blackberry root
¼ teaspoon catnip
Circulation
¼ teaspoon ginkgo leaf
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon rosemary
Energizing Tea
¼ teaspoon ginseng
¼ teaspoon peppermint
Indigestion Relief
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
¼ teaspoon peppermint
Expectorant
¼ teaspoon pine needles
¼ teaspoon nettle leaf
¼ teaspoon angelica root
Sleepy Time
½ teaspoon chamomile
¼ teaspoon catnip
¼ teaspoon lavender
Fatigue Relief
¼ teaspoon ginseng
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
Fever Break
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon angelica root
Flu Relief
¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)
¼ teaspoon lemon balm
Headache Relief
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon lavender
Immune-System Booster
½ teaspoon dried elderberries
¼ teaspoon nettle
¼ teaspoon calendula (marigold)
Sore Throat Relief
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ginger
(Note: add honey after steeped)
Stress Relief
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon chamomile
¼ teaspoon lavender
¼ teaspoon peppermint
Cleansing
¼ teaspoon dandelion leaf
1/8 teaspoon goldenrod
1/8 teaspoon parsley
Herbs for Magickal Teas
Follow these steps to empower your tea:
As you steep the potion, envision yourself covered in either a blue or green light (whichever color represents healing to you)
As you drink the potion, visualize a blue or green light coming from the liquid.
Once you drink , the light will start radiating from within throughout your whole body and then out into the world around you
See it reach heaven (as above) and into the earth (so below), extending your will and desire into the universe
if you are the kind of person who likes affirmations and chants, try saying: “Herbs grown naturally, health and wellness come to me” (Robbins & Bedell, 2017)
Angelica Root: Angel work, protection, hex removal, exorcisms, health, meditation, divination (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Basil: Loves exorcisms, wealth, astral travel, rituals for the dead, house blessings, ancestral work, calling on and working with dragon spirits, calling draconic or dragon spirit–based energy into your spell, protection, attracting money
Blackberry: Healing, money, protection, exorcism
Catnip: Love, beauty, happiness, calling on the energy of cats, working with cat spirits, used as an offering for cat spirits, breaking spells, fertility, psychic powers (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives)
Calendula (marigold): Money, prosperity, health, psychic development, protection, prophetic dreams, legal matters, psychic powers, healing (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Cayenne Pepper: Fidelity, hex breaking, protection, removal of blocks and negative energy, overcoming obstacles, fire, strength, passion (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting an with theophylline)
Camomile: Protection, luck, money, sleep, peace, purification (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Cinnamon: Sexuality, lust, wealth, money, consecration, purification, love (avoid taking with diabetes medications)
Dandelion (both root and leaf): Purification, manifestation of wishes, enrichment, money (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Elderberry: Exorcism, protection, healing, prosperity, sleep, protection against witchcraft (avoid taking with medications that decrease immune system)
Ginger: Love, money, success, power, protection (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Ginkgo: Healing, mental clarity, fertility; avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Ginseng: Fertility, sexuality, lust, manifestation of wishes, healing, beauty, protection (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting; avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)
Goldenrod: Money, divination (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Lavender: Love, protection, purification, happiness, peace, healing, meditation, psychic abilities (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Lemon Balm: Love, success, healing, cleansing (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Nettle Leaf: Protection, exorcism, healing, jinx-breaking, lust (avoid taking with sedatives, lithium, or medications for diabetes, for high blood pressure, or that slow blood clotting)
Parsley: Healing, fortune, success, lust, protection, purification, ancestor veneration, working with the dead, traveling to the land of the dead, calling upon the energy of death and decay (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics)
Peppermint: Purification, love, healing, psychic powers, (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver)
Pine Needles: Cleansing, drawing the aid of spirits, love, mental focus, protection, lust, exorcism, healing
Thyme: Health, healing, sleep, psychic powers, love, purification, courage, good luck (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting)
Magickal Tea Recipes
Attract and Protect Money
¼ tsp goldenrod
¼ tsp chamomile
¼ tsp basil
Exorcism
¼ tsp angelica root
¼ tsp nettle leaf
¼ tsp elder flower
Spirit Aid
¼ tsp parsley
¼ tsp rosemary
Love and Lust
1/8 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp catnip
¼ tsp ginseng
Cleansing
¼ tsp dandelion
¼ tsp lemon balm
¼ tsp thyme
Protection
¼ tsp pine needles
¼ tsp elderberries
¼ tsp blackberry leaf
Divination
¼ tsp goldenrod
¼ tsp peppermint
Psychic Development
¼ tsp calendula (marigold)
¼ tsp ginkgo leaf
¼ tsp lavender
Tinctures and Tonics for Health
A tincture is a traditional herb infusion made with an alcohol base. A tonic usually uses either vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar as the base. The alcohol used in tinctures must be at least 100 proof, or 50%, alcohol, which is why most vodkas and gins are used. Tinctures can also be made with vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar for those with alcohol issues, although less potent and yet still effective.
Crafting Tinctures and Tonics
Tools needed:
Two mason jars
Cheesecloth
The herbs/plants/spices
Measuring cups
An herb grinder
Alcohol/vegetable glycerin/apple cider vinegar
Tool to measure the dosage such as droppers for infant medication
Steps for recipe creation:
When preparing a tincture, the rule of thumb is you want a 1:4 ratio of herb to alcohol. If your herbs start to float, your ratio is good. Allow them to settle, and add a little more alcohol until the mixture is fully saturated.
Prepare the ingredients
Fill the mason jar with the herbs/plants/spices
Add the alcohol or alcohol substitute (If using apple cider vinegar as your base, you will need to take the additional step of laying wax paper on top of the jar lid)
Keep in a cool, dark place for a month (some may require refrigeration, and that will be noted)
Shake twice daily
After 1 month, strain the herbal matter from the liquid into the second jar using a cheesecloth (squeeze the cheesecloth to get out as much of the liquid as you can)
After straining, fill the remainder of the jar with distilled water–this dilutes the alcohol, allowing you to ingest it directly
Ready for use
Herbs and Plants for Health Tinctures and Tonics
Many of these will not taste good, but will work:
Alfalfa: Energy booster, laxative, cleanser (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting or suppress the immune system and with birth-control pills)
Allspice: Stimulant; eases indigestion, colds, coughs; reduces hives and swelling (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Aloe Vera Juice (liquid): Soothes the skin, antiseptic (external use only)
Angelica (fruit or seeds): Eases indigestion, gas, gout; balances nervous system (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Bay Leaf: Eases indigestion, coughs, colds, fevers (do NOT take with any narcotics or sedatives)
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Antiseptic, eases symptoms of urinary tract infections (do NOT use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have stomach irritation or kidney disease; avoid taking with lithium)
Bergamot: Soothes colds, fevers, coughs, nausea, indigestion, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with photosensitizing medications)
Black-Eyed Susan: Soothes swelling, back pain, earaches; immune booster
Black Peppercorn: Anti-fungal, heals ulcers, relieves arthritis
Burdock Root: Detoxifying, soothes colds and skin issues (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Cedar (freshly dried leafy twigs): Soothes gout, naturally antiviral, boosts immune system (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Clover (red): Soothes coughs, colds, bronchitis (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with tamoxifen; may decrease effectiveness of birth control pulls and medications that are changed by the liver)
Cloves: Soothes nausea and indigestion; antiseptic, expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Comfrey Leaf: Ease arthritis, rheumatism, coughs, colds, diarrhea, asthma; antibacterial (do NOT take with medications that can harm the liver)
Coriander Seeds: Aids in digestion; aphrodisiac; boosts immune system
Cramp Bark: Eases arthritis, rheumatism, menstrual cramps
Echinacea: Eases colds, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, boosts immune system (interacts with various medications, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Garlic: Antiseptic; eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, symptoms of urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid, medication used for HIV/AIDS, or medications used to slow blood-clotting)
Goldenseal (roots and leaves): Aids digestion; eases colds, hay fever, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver)
Horseradish: Antiseptic; antibacterial; expectorant; soothes flu, colds, coughs, symptoms of urinary tract infections; diuretic; appetite stimulant (avoid taking with thyroid medications)
Hyssop: Soothes colds, fevers, sore throats, asthma, rheumatism, indigestion; expectorant
Lemon: Boosts immune system, helps prevent kidney stones, eases indigestion and constipation, relieves toothaches
Lemongrass: Supports healthy cholesterol; antibacterial; detoxifies; relieves constipation, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, coughs, colds, fevers, anxiety, stress, fatigue; boosts immune system
Mugwort: Eases menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, fevers, colds (do NOT take if pregnant)
Mullein: Relieves asthma, coughs, colds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids; expectorant; diuretic
Nutmeg: Stimulates digestive system; relieves diarrhea, nausea, anxiety (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver)
Orange: Lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, relieves arthritis and anxiety, stabilizes mood, boosts immune system; laxative (do NOT take with celiprolol, ivermectin, or pravastatin)
Onion: Helps lower systolic blood pressure, eases colds; antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Skullcap: Eases headaches, stress, menstrual tension, insomnia, anxiety, sedative
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Valerian Root: Eases insomnia (do NOT take with alcohol, sedatives, or anti anxiety medications)
Witch Hazel Bark: Relieves pain, diarrhea, colds, fevers, ulcers, colitis; antiseptic
Wormwood: Eases indigestion and stomach disorders; aphrodisiac (avoid taking with anticonvulsant medications)
Yarrow: Antiseptic, relieves pain, hay fever, colds, fevers, menstrual cramps (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting, avoid taking with lithium or sedatives)
Yellow Dock: Laxative; reduces anemia, relieves fatigue, aids digestive system (do NOT take with digoxin, diuretic medications, or medications that slow blood clotting)
For tincture recipes, there are many books and sites that can be used for reference.
Magickal Tinctures
When making a tincture for use magickally and spiritually, shake the tincture two times a day to direct your energy into the jar and activate the magick within the herbs.
Tincture-Charging Spell
Materials:
1 green candle (herb spirits)
1 white candle (spirit and magick)
1 candle to charge the tincture (color depends on spell)
1 mixing bowl
Herbs and alcohol for the tincture (or alcohol substitute)
2 Mason jars
Cheese cloth
Ritual:
Place the three candles in a triangle on your altar or workspace. The white candle should be the top of the triangle (facing away from you to direct the energy out into the universe). The green and other candle form the base
Place the bowl at the center of the altar, and place your containers of herbs and alcohol on the floor
Light the white candle while stating: “For the power of spirit”
Light the green candle while stating: “For the herbal spirits”
Light the colored candle for your need, and state your need
Place an herb in the bowl, state a thank-you blessing to the herb, and explain why you are using that herb. Repeat for each herb, and as you add each herb, stir the mixture of herbs clockwise for increasing or bringing something to you and counterclockwise if you are trying to remove or decrease something in your life
Once you have mixed all the herbs in the bowl, hold your hands over the mixture and state your intent
Visualize a light coming out of your hands for that need (red for love and passion or power; green for money, success, growth and fertility; blue for healing; yellow for success; etc)
Pour the mixture into one of the mason jars and add the alcohol (do this at a safe distance form the lit candles)
Place the lid on the jar
Remove the mixing bowl from the alter and put the mason jar with the tincture blend in its place, in the center of your candles. Keep the mason jar there until the candles have finished burning
Shake the tincture, focusing your mental, emotional, and physical energy into the jar. As you shake, chant: “I can upon the powers green, Release the powers unseen. Herbs awakened on this day, Blessings in this tincture stay.”
Shake the jar twice daily for one month, each time visualizing the need behind the tincture
Once the month has passed, strain the mixture into the second jar using the cheesecloth.
Now the tincture is ready to be used in magickal work
Herbs for Magickal Tinctures
For magickal uses, the following herbs, spices, and plants are only for external use in tincture blends:
Angelica Leaf: Angel work, protection, removing hexes, exorcism, health, meditation, divination
Alfalfa: Money attraction (drawing money to you), prosperity, protection
Allspice: Money, luck, healing
Aloe Vera: Protection, peace in the afterlife, prosperity, success, love
Bay Leaf: Protection, purification, enhancing psychic powers, strength
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Victory, protection, money, power, strength
Bergamot: Money, clarity
Black-Eyed Susan: Cleansing, releasing, grounding, integration, mediumship, connecting with the dead
Black Peppercorn: Protection, exorcism
Burdock Root: Protection, uncrossing (removing hexes or curses)
Cedar: Healing, purification, money, protection
Clover: Protection, money, fidelity, love, exorcism, success
Cloves: Enhancing psychic powers, astral travel, protection, exorcism, love
Comfrey Leaf: Money, safe travel, protection
Coriander Seeds: Love, health, healing, lust, fidelity
Cramp Bark: Protection, luck
Echinacea: Strengthening spells, offerings to spirits
Garlic: Protection, exorcism, lust, antitheft
Goldenseal: Healing, money
Horseradish: Purification, exorcism
Hyssop: Purification, protection, cleansing
Lemon: Purification, love, friendship, justice
Lemongrass: Repelling snakes, lust, enhancing psychic powers
Mugwort: Strength, psychic powers, protection, prophetic dreams, astral projection
Mullein: Courage, protection, love, divination, exorcism
Nutmeg: Gambling luck, money, fidelity, prosperity, luck
Orange: Love, divination, luck, money
Saint John’s Wort: Health, protection, strength, love, divination, happiness
Skullcap: Love, fidelity, peace
Turmeric: Purification
Valerian Root: Purification, cleansing, peace, love, protection, breaking hexes and curses
Wormwood: Summoning spirits, working with the dead, enhancing psychic power, protection, love, prophesizing, breaking hexes and curses
Witch Hazel: Protection, chasteness (less likely to give into temptation and sexual desire)
Yarrow: Psychic development, courage, love, exorcism, protection
Yellow Dock: Money attraction, customer attraction, love attraction
Source
Robbins, Shawn, and Bedell, Charity. The Good Witch’s Guide. New York: Sterling Ethos, 2017. Print.
Homeopathic tinctures, teas and potions
