Jonathon Earl Bowser - Used with permission

(See Healing Herbs and Herbs for uses)

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The Basics

Caution: Just because you can buy herbs over the counter it does not necessarily mean that you can consume unlimited quantities of the stuff.  Please bear in mind that most recipes only call for a pinch of the ingredient and that all herbs WILL have some kind of effect on the body (eg. a Mugwort potion for astral travel will stimulate menstruation).  Familiarise yourself with the medicinal properties of the herbs before you commit to using them - seek the advice of your local medical practitioner if necessary - and be extra careful if you suffer from any medical condition.  A final word - dispose of any brews swiftly (preferably down the drain) so that they are far from the inquisitive hands or paws of children and pets.  The medicinal effects of any brew would be greatly exaggerated in such small creatures - and the possibility of them drinking any of the toxic brews is unthinkable.  PLEASE take precautions and act sensibly.

1.  Type of Water

The type of water used in brewing is of some importance. Well, Spring & Distilled waters are preferred over that which pours from the tap. You can buy these bottled or collect them from the source, so long as it's unpolluted & free running. Rain water is ideal for use except when gathered in smoggy areas. Tap water can be used as a last resort, but consider purchasing the bottled variety in the future.

Distilled water is definitely better than chlorinated, fluoridated, bacteria-filled tap water. If it's all you have - use it.

Sea water & Mineral water aren't recommended due to their high mineral content.

2.  Heating

Fire, gas flame or stove coils will do for heat source. No microwave. If old-fashioned, try making the brew in a fireplace or outdoors over a blaze.

3.  Vessel

No Metal! They're few exceptions in Herbalism. One is Cauldron brewing. Herbal products prepared with double broilers may also require metal pots. But in general, avoid metal. Clear glass jars work well for solar infusions. Simply place the herbs & water into the jar & set this in direct sunlight, preferably outdoors. Leave it there for most of the day. Some brews included here are made with glass jars of various colours.

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Types of Brews

Potion -- A herbal tea prepared during the appropriate lunar phase and made with herbal ingredients possessing the correct magickal properties. Potions concocted for love magick are called philtres.

Infusion -- A strong tea. Many recipes will call for a full oz. of herb to one pint of water. Scott Cunningham called for one teaspoon dried herb for every cup of water, and I've taken his advice on just about everything else!  This is simply the process of soaking the herb in water. Heat water until just boiling, pour it over the herb, cover the cup, let sit undisturbed for 15-30 minutes. Drink it. Wash with it. Pour it in your bath or anoint yourself with it.

Solar infusions -- Place fresh or dried herbs in a jar with cool water and place in the sun for 1-2 days. Solar infusions seem to have more plant spirit.

Lunar infusions -- These are the same as solar infusions, but placed under the moonlight. Choose the best moon signs and phases to match the purpose of the infusion.

Decoction -- A decoction is made like an infusion, but here it is usual to boil
the herb. Usually decoctions are made from roots or other herbs with constituents that are not easily extracted. Roots, seeds, and stems make good decoctions. Begin with cold water, and add the toughest roots, etc., first. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes covered. Then let cool completely. If adding leaves or dried herbs to a decoction, you can take the decoction off the stove and steep your less hardy herbs as you would an infusion. Be sure to cover throughout the process so your volatile oils don't boil away. Strain. Some recommend one oz. of herb to one pint water. Others use one part herb to 20 parts water.

Tincture -- If long term storage is required, you will probably want to make a tincture. A tincture contains alcohol. Into a mason jar with lid, place 4 oz. of herb and 8 oz. of alcohol (brandy, gin, vodka, etc). Seal the jar and keep it out of sunlight for two weeks. Begin this process on the new moon and finish on the full moon. Be sure to swish the herbs around in the jar daily. Strain and store in dark bottles.

Wash -- A weak tea or infusion that is used externally. A mild wash -- 1/4 oz. herb to one pint boiling water -- can be used to cleanse magickal tools, crystals, or other magickal uses.

Aspurger -- A weak tea (wash) put in a watering can or spray bottle used for spraying an area or thing. Many witches like to use the more natural tree limb with leaves still attached. Dip it in the wash and shake it through the area. Especially good for cleansing spells or exorcism when working with rooms, houses, or large areas.

Ointments/Balms -- Simply melt lard/vegetable shortening/or any fatty substance to a liquid form over low heat. Pour in herbs and let them simmer for about nine minutes. Strain out the herbs and store in an airtight jar. One cup fatty substance to three tablespoons powdered herb. For external use.

Perfumes -- These are made by blending essential oils together to create a fragrance. Choose oils to match your magickal intention, then add them to 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup witch hazel tincture, and 1/2 cup water. Shake well, then dab on pulse points. Aromatic herbs work best here.

Oils --Many of the essential oils you find in herbal shops have been distilled with steam. You can make oils at home by crushing herbs and placing them in a jar. Cover them with warmed oil (virgin olive, safflower, and almond are all good). Steep for 48 hours in sunlight. Strain and repeat, adding fresh herbs. You might do this several times until the oil smells good and strong like the herb. Store in dark bottles. Can be used to anoint candles and other magickal tools, yourself, just about everything.

Flower essences -- Pick the flower and place them and/or gems in your crystal bowl full of water in full sunlight for several hours. This process will extract the life essence and energy matrix from the materials. This is known as your Mother Essence. Add brandy as a preservative. From this essence will come your stock bottles.

Gem elixirs -- Made like flower essences, but using crystals and gems instead of flowers.

Syrup -- Boil tea for 20 minutes, add 1 oz glycerin, and seal in bottles.

Poultice -- These are used (medicinally) to apply moist heat to draw or soothe.  Fresh leaves of the particular herb called for are bruised and steeped in boiling water (only enough to moisten) for a short time.  The leaves are then spread between two pieces of cloth and applied as hot as possible, then, covered with a dry cloth to retain heat.  A second poultice is prepared while the first one is still being used.  It is to replace the first poultice the moment it begins to noticably lose heat.  The powdered herb of a plant may be substituted for the fresh leaves.  Use enough of the powdered herb to make a paste.  The paste is then spread between two pieces of cloth, applied and renewed, several times.

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Brew Recipes

Aphrodisia Tea

(for passion)

1 pinch Rosemary
2 pinches Thyme
2 tsp. Black Tea
1 pinch Coriander
3 fresh Mint leaves (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
5 fresh Rosebud petals (or 1 tsp. dried)
5 fresh Lemon tree leaves (1 tsp. dried lemon peel)
3 pinches Nutmeg
3 pieces Orange peel

      Place all ingredients into teapot. Boil three cups or so of water & add to the pot. Sweeten with honey, if desired. Serve hot.

Clairvoyance Brew

3 Parts Rose petals
1 Part Each: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Bay, Mugwort

       Place in a teapot, fill with boiling water, let steep, covered, for a few minutes. Remove cover, sniff steam - (not so that you burn your nose) for a few moments, visualize the mystic scent opening your psychic awareness, then lie down & prophesise. If you wish, drink a bit of the brew as well, & let the steam continue to rise as you stretch your psychic awareness.

Cauldron of Cerridwen Brew

1 part each - Bay, tobacco, Damiana, Mormon Tea & Broom (Non-toxic)

-or-

Equal parts each: Acorns, Barley, Honey, Ivy, Hellebore, Bay (caution) – Do Not Drink!

      Boil water in a cauldron over an open fire. Place all ingredients in the cauldron. Sit before it & entrance yourself by watching the flames. Smell its mystic scent & receive wisdom.

 Dream Tea

2 parts Rose Wheat
1 part Each: Mugwort, Peppermint, Jasmine flowers, Cinnamon

      Mix, add one tsp to a cup. Pour boiling water over this & let steep, covered, for a few minutes. Drink before going to bed to promote psychic dreams.

Psychic Tea

3 parts Rose petals

2 parts Thyme

2 parts Yarrow

1 part Cinnamon

1 part Clove

      Brew in boiling water for about ten minutes. Strain and add honey for taste if needed, do not add cream or milk. Use before divination psychic work, and astral travel to enhance the awareness.