Plant Magic: Betony

In Nature, Practical Magick by Brittany3 Comments



Description:  Found in meadows and forest edges in Europe, this perennial is known as a well-rounded herb in general medical use. It stands between 6 and 24 inches tall at full maturity. It has hairy leaves that grow opposite.

Element: Fire

Gender:  Masculine

Astrology: Jupiter in Aries

Lore: Betony was thought to be a protective herb, and it would keep one safe from nightmares, travelling at night, and even against the things that go bump in the night. Betony was planted on grave stones to help the newly departed rest in peace. Lore also says that Betony will lose its energy when it comes into contact with iron.

Parts Used: All

Magical Uses:
•    Burn to purify a place or item
•    Burn to banish disharmony in a relationship
•    Fill a dream pillow to banish nightmares
•    Grow around the house to aid in protection against harmful magic
•    Sachets will draw love and strengthen the body
•    Sachets or Amulets will banish hostile magic or spirits
•    Scatter around the perimeter of your home to ward against harmful energies

Medical Uses:
(This is an herb that works slowly over time, but has good results)
•    Drink tea for:
      ○ Anxiety
      ○ Circulation
      ○ Diarrhea
      ○ Headache
      ○ Joint pain
      ○ May lower blood pressure
      ○ Nasal congestion
      ○ Sleep issues
      ○ UTI
•    Gargle tea for sore throat
•    Compress for cuts & bug bites
•    Tincture to be used for nasal congestion

Resources: Encyclopedia of Natural Magic by John Michael Greer, Witchipedia.

Brittany

BrittanyI am a practicing Elemental Witch and a dedicant of The Morrighan and Cernunnos. Church of the Earth has been my spiritual family since 2016.

Comments

  1. Can you cover Rue? One online article said it has a disagreeable smell, repels cats. Yet Kristen knows someone who is growing the live plant on her deck.

    1. Hi Dorothy,
      I would be more than happy to cover rue, but I will ask for your patience. I have another herb article scheduled for our summer installment which will be about the dandelion, but I will cover rue for our fall set.

      1. Some point in near future is absolutely fine. I didn’t know how much knowledge was out there among members.

        I recently came across a recipe requiring rue. Rue is out-of-stock at my 3 favorite online suppliers! Must be a popular ingredient for summer rituals, so that piqued my curiosity.

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