I wrote the following piece to help anyone who wishes to use natural materials to improve their lives by using them as medecine, healthy diet and for spiritual purposes find suppliers that are honest and provide quality products.
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The use of herbs, essential, and fragrance oils to naturally improve one's sense of well being and help ensure good health has surged in popularity in recent years. While there are many excellent suppliers that offer high quality products free of harsh and even dangerous additives many companies aren't so trustworthy.
Unfortunately there is never a shortage of shady businesses willing to take advantage of consumer demand for products; the problem is exacerbated by the ease of opening and running Internet businesses. Consumers looking for herbs, essential, and fragrance oils must take care when choosing suppliers to ensure the quality of the products they purchase.
When choosing suppliers the most important aspect to focus on is the quality of the materials wanted to purchase. Good bargains are attractive... but it is not worth it if the quality of the product is not up to standard. The quality of your materials is of the utmost importance, especially if they are for ingestion. Consumers should be wary of suppliers that offer bargains that seem too good to be true, or suppliers who do not have enough information available about their product.
Consumers can safeguard the quality of the items they purchase by asking potential suppliers a few simple questions.Some questions to ask when purchasing herbs:
*Where did the herbs originate from? Regional differences are often very apparent in harvested herbs; their scent, strength, and even color can vary by region. The potential supplier should be willing and able to state what country, or at the very least what region, the herbs originated from.
*Are the herbs pesticide and herbicide free? This question is of particular importance since those chemicals are not something a person wants to ingest, burn, bathe in, or fragrance their home with. This is also important to environmentally conscious consumers since roughly 90% of pesticides and herbicides run off into the ground water leading to increased pollution. If the supplier can not guarantee that the herbs are pesticide and herbicide free then consumers should not buy them.
* Have the herbs been irradiated? This is important because irradiation can leave chemical traces in the product that are unwanted. If the supplier can not state that the herbs have not been irradiated then consumers should not buy them.
Questions to keep in mind when buying oils:
*Where did the oils originate from? Just like herbs the essential oils home region can affect its scent, potency, and even color.
*How were the oils extracted? Oils that have been extracted using solvents are called absolutes and are not suitable for ingestion. Distilled and expeller pressed essential oils are suitable for ingestion. This is very basic information; if a supplier can not give this information consumers should most certainly avoid them.
*Are the fragrance or essential oils pure and uncut? Consumers should make sure that the oils have not been cut with DPG or Carrier oils. Cut oils, while suitable for wearing on the skin, are not suitable for crafting purposes because they do not smell strongly enough. These oils are also not meant for consumption.
* Are the oils fragrance or essential? Each type of oil has its uses and both can be beneficial, but it is very important that the consumer knows what they are buying. The strength of the oil determines how much of it they should use, and whether or not they can get any alleochemical benefits from the oil. Fragrance oils are also not meant for ingestion; they are synthetic renditions of essential oils and are only suitable for use as fragrance.
One way a consumer can find potential suppliers is to spend some time on aromatherapy or herbal message boards and forums and read through any existing threads about suppliers. Consumers can also start their own topic listing all of the materials that they need. If they pick a well populated board they will get lots of responses. These responses will be particularly helpful because of the responders' personal experience with the suppliers they are recommending. Consumers can also check their local health food, and crafting stores for materials.
The last, but very important, step that a consumer can take is to check every potential supplier's record with the Better Business Bureau. Suppliers who have numerous unresolved complaints should be regarded as not trustworthy enough to purchase herbs or essential and fragrance oils from. With a little caution and inquisitiveness it is easy for the average consumer to find a trustworthy supplier for all of the herbal needs.
I have found Mountain Rose Herbs to be an excellent source of high quality herbs and essential oils. www.mountainroseherbs.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The difference between essential and fragrance oils
I wrote this peice to help laypersons learn about the differences between essential and fragrance oils. In addition to the many differences they have, they also have different uses that they are suited for. The jury is still out over wether essential or fragrance oils will suit the making of ritual oils. Many purists claim that essential oils are neccessary. I tend to think that unless the oil, or preperation will be ingested, a high quality fragrance oil will do nicely. I believe this because the use of oils and herbs in rituals and spellwork is primarily a form of sympathetic magic and its real power is the effect that it has on the practitioner. Scents have profound effects on our bodies due to our sense of smell being hardwired to many parts of our brains. A high quality fragrance oil that smells true to the scent it is attempting to emulate effects our psyche just as much as an essential oil. With that said enjoy the rest of the piece!
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What is the difference between essential and fragrance oils? This question is frequently posed by those new to aromatherapy and herbalism. There is a lot of debate surrounding this subject.
Fragrance oils and genuine Essential oils have many similarities but they also differ in fundamental ways. Genuine essential oils are pure distillations of a flowers, herbs, roots, or resins that have not been cut with any kind of carrier oil. These oils are often expensive, and they are prized for their potent fragrances as well as their medicinal benefits.
Plants and the essential oils derived from them contain alleochemicals-chemicals that have affects on the human body. Sometimes these effects are good and sometimes they are bad depending on the plant matter used. This is why it is particularly important to familiarize yourself with the herbs and oils that you use. Those new to the art should take the time to use additional resources, and speak with their doctor before using any herbal preparation that they are not familiar with.
Some of the prized effects of certain essential oils are: skin and hair softening, skin moisturizing, rash / eczema / psoriasis relief, youthful looking rejuvenation, anxiety dissipation, tension relief, stress relief, pain relief, migraine relief, and enhancement of overall feeling of well being.
Essential oils have drawbacks as well as benefits. Many essential oils are incredibly expensive - an example of this is Rose Otto Essential oil. It is said that it takes a thousand Rose petals to make a mere drop of this oil. A fluid ounce costs, on average, $200 dollars. The pure scent of the oil is heavenly, and a small amount of the oil will go a long way. However, the expense is something that few can afford to indulge on a regular basis. This reason alone is often enough for many people to choose fragrance oils which are much less expensive.
Another drawback of some essential oils is that both their quality and scent varies depending on the crop. Essential oils can also vary by region due to variations in the plant matter used, conditions grown in, etc.
This makes it difficult for craft makers to keep their finished products consistent. For people simply making items for personal use this is not usually significant unless the person is very particular about their fragrances, but for crafters making items for sale this can pose a very large problem. Many crafters opt for fragrance oils instead to keep their finished product consistent.
Finally, sometimes an essential oil that smells really good, is not so good for health if the plant matter is poisonous or an irritant to the human body. This extremely limits the oils aromatherapy applications. Fragrance oils provide a way to avoid any unpleasant side effects of but still benefit from the scent of normally dangerous, or irritating herbs.
Those characteristics: the definition, benefits, and disadvantages of essential oils along with information about why fragrance oils are a viable alternative are a good start but its important to define what a Fragrance oil is.
Fragrance oils are almost always synthetic; they do not contain the true floral essence so their contribution to aromatherapy is simply fragrance. Some fragrance oils aren't synthetic, these oils are blends of essential oils cut with a carrier oil. If you plan to use fragrance oils for crafting incense, bath and body products, etc. it is important to use concentrated, synthetic oils.
Fragrance oils that are really essential / carrier oil blends have been diluted too much and their scent is not strong enough to be used for crafting purposes. Save the essential / carrier oils blend for use directly on the skin, hair, or candles.
Finally, Fragrance oils are beneficial even though they are synthetic because their aroma can help encourage peace of mind, and alleviate the blues. However, they are never to be taken internally unlike genuine fragrance oils. They are also much more affordable with the average person being able to use some every day.
Ultimately whether a fragrance or essential oil is appropriate depends on the application, and the crafters budget.
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What is the difference between essential and fragrance oils? This question is frequently posed by those new to aromatherapy and herbalism. There is a lot of debate surrounding this subject.
Fragrance oils and genuine Essential oils have many similarities but they also differ in fundamental ways. Genuine essential oils are pure distillations of a flowers, herbs, roots, or resins that have not been cut with any kind of carrier oil. These oils are often expensive, and they are prized for their potent fragrances as well as their medicinal benefits.
Plants and the essential oils derived from them contain alleochemicals-chemicals that have affects on the human body. Sometimes these effects are good and sometimes they are bad depending on the plant matter used. This is why it is particularly important to familiarize yourself with the herbs and oils that you use. Those new to the art should take the time to use additional resources, and speak with their doctor before using any herbal preparation that they are not familiar with.
Some of the prized effects of certain essential oils are: skin and hair softening, skin moisturizing, rash / eczema / psoriasis relief, youthful looking rejuvenation, anxiety dissipation, tension relief, stress relief, pain relief, migraine relief, and enhancement of overall feeling of well being.
Essential oils have drawbacks as well as benefits. Many essential oils are incredibly expensive - an example of this is Rose Otto Essential oil. It is said that it takes a thousand Rose petals to make a mere drop of this oil. A fluid ounce costs, on average, $200 dollars. The pure scent of the oil is heavenly, and a small amount of the oil will go a long way. However, the expense is something that few can afford to indulge on a regular basis. This reason alone is often enough for many people to choose fragrance oils which are much less expensive.
Another drawback of some essential oils is that both their quality and scent varies depending on the crop. Essential oils can also vary by region due to variations in the plant matter used, conditions grown in, etc.
This makes it difficult for craft makers to keep their finished products consistent. For people simply making items for personal use this is not usually significant unless the person is very particular about their fragrances, but for crafters making items for sale this can pose a very large problem. Many crafters opt for fragrance oils instead to keep their finished product consistent.
Finally, sometimes an essential oil that smells really good, is not so good for health if the plant matter is poisonous or an irritant to the human body. This extremely limits the oils aromatherapy applications. Fragrance oils provide a way to avoid any unpleasant side effects of but still benefit from the scent of normally dangerous, or irritating herbs.
Those characteristics: the definition, benefits, and disadvantages of essential oils along with information about why fragrance oils are a viable alternative are a good start but its important to define what a Fragrance oil is.
Fragrance oils are almost always synthetic; they do not contain the true floral essence so their contribution to aromatherapy is simply fragrance. Some fragrance oils aren't synthetic, these oils are blends of essential oils cut with a carrier oil. If you plan to use fragrance oils for crafting incense, bath and body products, etc. it is important to use concentrated, synthetic oils.
Fragrance oils that are really essential / carrier oil blends have been diluted too much and their scent is not strong enough to be used for crafting purposes. Save the essential / carrier oils blend for use directly on the skin, hair, or candles.
Finally, Fragrance oils are beneficial even though they are synthetic because their aroma can help encourage peace of mind, and alleviate the blues. However, they are never to be taken internally unlike genuine fragrance oils. They are also much more affordable with the average person being able to use some every day.
Ultimately whether a fragrance or essential oil is appropriate depends on the application, and the crafters budget.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
All about Gum Arabic (acacia)
Gum Arabic is an amazing substance, and though most do not know it nearly everyone either ingests or wears some of it every day because it is included in so many products. The resin is popular among pagans and other pursuing holistic lifestyles due to its use for many natural products and in herbal medecine. I wrote the following peice to highlight its history, harvesting process and uses.
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Gum Arabic is a highly prized resin used for a variety of purposes such as adding to cosmetics, lotions, paint, adhesives, soda, candy and marshmallows.
Gum Arabic resin is harvested from two species of Acacia trees, specifically Acacia seyel and Acacia senegal. The Acacia trees grow in several African countries, however the majority of Gum Arabic is harvested in Sudan. Sudan harvests roughly 60 % of the world's Gum Arabic. This figure represents a significant decline of Sudan's harvests since the 1990's.
Oddly enough Gum Arabic resin is produced by sick and or wounded trees. This happens because Acacia trees' production of resin is a defensive measure. When the trees are ill and their protective bark is damaged the trees produce a thick sap which fills the damaged portion of the bark. The sap oozes out and soon dries in teardrop shapes becoming quite hard.
The resin protects the tree from insects and pathogenic fungus that might otherwise invade the injured part of the tree bark.Gum Arabic is a precious commodity and materialistic owners of the trees are not content to wait for the trees to emit Gum Arabic resin naturally. Owners generally speed up the process by deliberately injuring the trees. This is done by workers who gouge holes in the trees' bark and or remove strips of bark from the tree forcing the tree to protect itself by producing sap.
Once the sap hardens into tears it is manually harvested by workers who hand-pick it. Legend has it that the Moor's who used to harvest the tears could subsist on nothing but the very nutritious resin. After harvesting workers sort the tears according to quality. The quality of any piece of the resin is readily discernible from its color. White gum Arabic is considered to be the most potent and pure. Yellow and Red Gum Arabic resins are considered to be of medium quality, while brown resin is the lowest quality available.
Much of Gum Arabic's value comes from its nutritional content. Its nutritional value makes it a very desirable food additive. The resin is also useful for manufacturing food and cosmetics due to its ability to emulsify oil and water. Its ability to emulsify makes it a useful ingredient in creams, lotions and confections such as frosting. The resin is also used in the adhesive on the back of many stamps.
The availability of Gum Arabic has been reduced in recent years by the instability in Sudan resulting from the conflict occurring in Darfur. Many of the very valuable Acacia trees have been cut down by desperate, indigent people who sell the trees for firewood and timber. In 2007 Sudan's President also threatened to stop export of Gum Arabic in response to the threat of sanctions from the United States. At this time the future of Gum Arabic is very much in question.
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Gum Arabic is a highly prized resin used for a variety of purposes such as adding to cosmetics, lotions, paint, adhesives, soda, candy and marshmallows.
Gum Arabic resin is harvested from two species of Acacia trees, specifically Acacia seyel and Acacia senegal. The Acacia trees grow in several African countries, however the majority of Gum Arabic is harvested in Sudan. Sudan harvests roughly 60 % of the world's Gum Arabic. This figure represents a significant decline of Sudan's harvests since the 1990's.
Oddly enough Gum Arabic resin is produced by sick and or wounded trees. This happens because Acacia trees' production of resin is a defensive measure. When the trees are ill and their protective bark is damaged the trees produce a thick sap which fills the damaged portion of the bark. The sap oozes out and soon dries in teardrop shapes becoming quite hard.
The resin protects the tree from insects and pathogenic fungus that might otherwise invade the injured part of the tree bark.Gum Arabic is a precious commodity and materialistic owners of the trees are not content to wait for the trees to emit Gum Arabic resin naturally. Owners generally speed up the process by deliberately injuring the trees. This is done by workers who gouge holes in the trees' bark and or remove strips of bark from the tree forcing the tree to protect itself by producing sap.
Once the sap hardens into tears it is manually harvested by workers who hand-pick it. Legend has it that the Moor's who used to harvest the tears could subsist on nothing but the very nutritious resin. After harvesting workers sort the tears according to quality. The quality of any piece of the resin is readily discernible from its color. White gum Arabic is considered to be the most potent and pure. Yellow and Red Gum Arabic resins are considered to be of medium quality, while brown resin is the lowest quality available.
Much of Gum Arabic's value comes from its nutritional content. Its nutritional value makes it a very desirable food additive. The resin is also useful for manufacturing food and cosmetics due to its ability to emulsify oil and water. Its ability to emulsify makes it a useful ingredient in creams, lotions and confections such as frosting. The resin is also used in the adhesive on the back of many stamps.
The availability of Gum Arabic has been reduced in recent years by the instability in Sudan resulting from the conflict occurring in Darfur. Many of the very valuable Acacia trees have been cut down by desperate, indigent people who sell the trees for firewood and timber. In 2007 Sudan's President also threatened to stop export of Gum Arabic in response to the threat of sanctions from the United States. At this time the future of Gum Arabic is very much in question.
The history and uses of Myrrh resin.
Myrrh resin is highly prized. The resin has a rich history and has many uses both in mundane and in Pagan circles. This versatile herb is in many ways a staple of a witch's herbal. I wrote this peice to highlight the resins many uses.
Myrrh is a valuable resin produced by Commiphorra myrrha tree. Myrrh like all tree resin is actually hardened sap. The sap is secreted by the Commiphorra myrrha tree when its bark has been removed or penetrated. The sap protects the tree from invasion by fungus and insects. The sap leaks out of the damaged spots on the tree and hardens into oblong shapes generally referred to as tears.
Myrrh resin has been used in religious rituals both Pagan and Christian for millenia. It is perhaps most well known for its inclusion in the story of Jesus of Nazareth's birth. According to the Christian bible Myrrh, along with gold and frankincense, was one of the gifts brought to the child Jesus by three wise men. The time indicated in the account coincides with the height of Myrrh's heyday because the resin was widely used in Pagan religious practices.
The Commiphorra myrrha trees are native to parts of Somalia and Ethiopia. During its peak Myrrh resin sales helped Ethiopia flourish, thrive and become a great kingdom that sharply contrasts the famine stricken, third world Ethiopia of modern times.
Myrrh's decline, and also Ethiopia's, began with the advent of Christianity. As Christianity spread and many Myrrh loving Pagans were converted demand for Myrrh dropped dramatically. While not entirely responsible for Ethiopia's decline the drop in Myrrh sales contributed to it greatly.Myrrh is still used by some Christian sects in certain services. Demand for the resin is also rebounding slightly due to the rise of Wicca and other neo-pagan religions.
Myrrh resin is quite hard and is reddish brown in appearance. It is often ground and then used in incense blends. Small unground chunks of Myrrh resin are also used in incense, usually burned on charcoal discs. When Myrrh is burned it has a very smoky, earthy scent with a hint of sweetness. It is said to add depth to incense blends and perfumes.
Finely ground myrrh can be used a natural colorant in many personal care items. The resin is used in many bath products. It is antiseptic in nature causing it to be used in items such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and salves for wounds. The resin is used in both Chinese Medicine and Modern Herbalism.
Myrrh is not hypo-allergenic, however it has an excellent safety record and allergies to it are uncommon. However, the resin should not be used by pregnant women. One should consult a doctor before using any herb or resin.
Myrrh is a valuable resin produced by Commiphorra myrrha tree. Myrrh like all tree resin is actually hardened sap. The sap is secreted by the Commiphorra myrrha tree when its bark has been removed or penetrated. The sap protects the tree from invasion by fungus and insects. The sap leaks out of the damaged spots on the tree and hardens into oblong shapes generally referred to as tears.
Myrrh resin has been used in religious rituals both Pagan and Christian for millenia. It is perhaps most well known for its inclusion in the story of Jesus of Nazareth's birth. According to the Christian bible Myrrh, along with gold and frankincense, was one of the gifts brought to the child Jesus by three wise men. The time indicated in the account coincides with the height of Myrrh's heyday because the resin was widely used in Pagan religious practices.
The Commiphorra myrrha trees are native to parts of Somalia and Ethiopia. During its peak Myrrh resin sales helped Ethiopia flourish, thrive and become a great kingdom that sharply contrasts the famine stricken, third world Ethiopia of modern times.
Myrrh's decline, and also Ethiopia's, began with the advent of Christianity. As Christianity spread and many Myrrh loving Pagans were converted demand for Myrrh dropped dramatically. While not entirely responsible for Ethiopia's decline the drop in Myrrh sales contributed to it greatly.Myrrh is still used by some Christian sects in certain services. Demand for the resin is also rebounding slightly due to the rise of Wicca and other neo-pagan religions.
Myrrh resin is quite hard and is reddish brown in appearance. It is often ground and then used in incense blends. Small unground chunks of Myrrh resin are also used in incense, usually burned on charcoal discs. When Myrrh is burned it has a very smoky, earthy scent with a hint of sweetness. It is said to add depth to incense blends and perfumes.
Finely ground myrrh can be used a natural colorant in many personal care items. The resin is used in many bath products. It is antiseptic in nature causing it to be used in items such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and salves for wounds. The resin is used in both Chinese Medicine and Modern Herbalism.
Myrrh is not hypo-allergenic, however it has an excellent safety record and allergies to it are uncommon. However, the resin should not be used by pregnant women. One should consult a doctor before using any herb or resin.
The history of the Mandrake plant
another popular baneful herb, Mandrake also has a very rich history. I wrote this article to show all of the neat things about this interesting herb.
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The Mandrake plant is popular these days as a way to showcase the occult. Few witchy or even just fantasy stories are complete without incorporation of this plant. Mandrake's association with the occult, however, is not a new trend.
The plant has long had ties to superstition and witchcraft. These ties were brought about by Mandrake's eerie and disquieting resemblance to the human form. It was called the Witches' Umbrella.
What is perhaps the most well known superstition concerns the legendary scream of the mandrake. According to folk lore Mandrake plants scream when they are uprooted and this scream is deadly to those that hear it.
The old tales go so far as to explain one of the few "safe" processes for harvesting Mandrake. The process reportedly involved starving a dog until it was nearly feral from hunger. Then the dog was tied with a rope to the exposed parts of the Mandrake plant.The harvester then placed a steak or other raw meat a bit out of the dog's reach. The person reportedly had to either quickly leave the vicinity or adequately block their ears to avoid death. The dog would then strain so hard to get to the meat that it would rip the Mandrake plant out of the earth.
The Mandrake's scream would kill the dog but then the harvester would be free to take the plant once the screaming stopped. This process was supposedly carried out by witches who allegedly used the Mandrake for spells, potions, poisons and other sorceries involving prophecy and protection.
It is not immediately clear where this legend came from. It is possible that it arose simply due to superstitions regarding the Mandrake's similarity to the human form. During this time period even the violin was considered evil because of its uncanny resemblance to the human voice. It is more likely that Mandrake's poisonous nature inspired the tale. The legend could simply have been a way to frighten children away from a plant that could kill them or an explanation for an accidental poisoning.
The Mandrake plant is also known as Mandragora and belongs in the nightshades family. It is cousins with two other well known baneful herbs: Deadly Nightshade and Belladonna which also belong to the nightshades family.
Mandrake is rarely used in medicines. The plants many toxic compounds have caused the United States Food and Drug Administration to rate the Mandrake plant as UNSAFE. The Mandrake plant is an exceedingly strong purgative. Ingestion of it will cause incredible nausea and vomiting. It also can cause fatal inflammation of the digestive track
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The Mandrake plant is popular these days as a way to showcase the occult. Few witchy or even just fantasy stories are complete without incorporation of this plant. Mandrake's association with the occult, however, is not a new trend.
The plant has long had ties to superstition and witchcraft. These ties were brought about by Mandrake's eerie and disquieting resemblance to the human form. It was called the Witches' Umbrella.
What is perhaps the most well known superstition concerns the legendary scream of the mandrake. According to folk lore Mandrake plants scream when they are uprooted and this scream is deadly to those that hear it.
The old tales go so far as to explain one of the few "safe" processes for harvesting Mandrake. The process reportedly involved starving a dog until it was nearly feral from hunger. Then the dog was tied with a rope to the exposed parts of the Mandrake plant.The harvester then placed a steak or other raw meat a bit out of the dog's reach. The person reportedly had to either quickly leave the vicinity or adequately block their ears to avoid death. The dog would then strain so hard to get to the meat that it would rip the Mandrake plant out of the earth.
The Mandrake's scream would kill the dog but then the harvester would be free to take the plant once the screaming stopped. This process was supposedly carried out by witches who allegedly used the Mandrake for spells, potions, poisons and other sorceries involving prophecy and protection.
It is not immediately clear where this legend came from. It is possible that it arose simply due to superstitions regarding the Mandrake's similarity to the human form. During this time period even the violin was considered evil because of its uncanny resemblance to the human voice. It is more likely that Mandrake's poisonous nature inspired the tale. The legend could simply have been a way to frighten children away from a plant that could kill them or an explanation for an accidental poisoning.
The Mandrake plant is also known as Mandragora and belongs in the nightshades family. It is cousins with two other well known baneful herbs: Deadly Nightshade and Belladonna which also belong to the nightshades family.
Mandrake is rarely used in medicines. The plants many toxic compounds have caused the United States Food and Drug Administration to rate the Mandrake plant as UNSAFE. The Mandrake plant is an exceedingly strong purgative. Ingestion of it will cause incredible nausea and vomiting. It also can cause fatal inflammation of the digestive track
The history and uses of Wormwood
Wormwood is a very popular herb by pagans and non-pagans alike. I wrote this peice to further understanding of this amazing herb. It serves a variety of purposes but it is a baneful (poisonous) herb and as such requires special care when using. This article includes this information as well. Enjoy!
Wormwood is an herb that belongs to the artemisia genus and is cousin to both Sage and Mugwort herbs. The herb is surrounded by superstitions due to its baneful nature and the conditions in which it grows. The plant often grows in cemeteries, lich yards and other places of waste. This characteristic is responsible for the plant being named wormwood.
Wormwood is one of the ingredients in the original formulations of the neurologically devastating liquor Absinthe. That original version is banned in many countries replaced by a version free of wormwood and mistletoe.
Many absinthe adorers claim that wormwood's prescience in the original formulation of the liquor caused a psycho-active response in the brain of the drinker.The main chemical present in wormwood, coincidentally also the one to cause wormwood's famed hallucinogenic effects is called Thujone.
Thujone is a very close cousin to THC, the main mind altering chemical found in marijuana. However, Thujone, differs markedly from THC in terms of safety.Thujone, depending on the recipient of the chemical can be deadly when ingested. The effects the chemical will have on a person vary; they are dependent on the recipients liver function. A safe amount of thujone for one person may constitute a deadly dose for another.
Wormwood is mentioned in the book of Revelation in the Christian bible. According to the text wormwood is the substance that falls to earth and poisons all sources of fresh water.
Wormwood is often used as a natural pesticide. Gardeners often brew a tea with the herb and then use the tea to water their plants. The tea, heavy in thujone will kill insects and when used correctly will not injure the plants. If brewing wormwood tea for use on plants, steep the herb in warm water and cover the pan so what little steam there is will not escape. DO NOT add boiling water to wormwood for steeping. Water this hot will cause the wormwood's thujone laden volatile oil to vaporize. This weakens the tea's potency and could prove irritating to your eyes, nose and throat.
Wash your hands carefully after making and using the tea. Also be sure to clean and sterilize the utensils, pans, or containers you used to make the tea.
Wormwood is also used for religious purposes, mainly by neo-pagans who use the herb for cleansing divination tools such as scrying mirrors and pendulums.
Tea made from wormwood is sometimes used to treat patients suffering from stomach parasites. Use of this herb is a tricky business. No one should attempt to self-medicate with wormwood. A doctor is the only one qualified to determine a safe dose of wormwood for medicinal purposes.
Avoid burning wormwood; its fumes are toxic. Also be wary of any herbal incense mixture that contains even a small amount of wormwood. Even a small amount can cause smoke that is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. Also do not use wormwood oil for aroma therapy purposes.
Store wormwood herb and any unused wormwood tea in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
Wormwood is an herb that belongs to the artemisia genus and is cousin to both Sage and Mugwort herbs. The herb is surrounded by superstitions due to its baneful nature and the conditions in which it grows. The plant often grows in cemeteries, lich yards and other places of waste. This characteristic is responsible for the plant being named wormwood.
Wormwood is one of the ingredients in the original formulations of the neurologically devastating liquor Absinthe. That original version is banned in many countries replaced by a version free of wormwood and mistletoe.
Many absinthe adorers claim that wormwood's prescience in the original formulation of the liquor caused a psycho-active response in the brain of the drinker.The main chemical present in wormwood, coincidentally also the one to cause wormwood's famed hallucinogenic effects is called Thujone.
Thujone is a very close cousin to THC, the main mind altering chemical found in marijuana. However, Thujone, differs markedly from THC in terms of safety.Thujone, depending on the recipient of the chemical can be deadly when ingested. The effects the chemical will have on a person vary; they are dependent on the recipients liver function. A safe amount of thujone for one person may constitute a deadly dose for another.
Wormwood is mentioned in the book of Revelation in the Christian bible. According to the text wormwood is the substance that falls to earth and poisons all sources of fresh water.
Wormwood is often used as a natural pesticide. Gardeners often brew a tea with the herb and then use the tea to water their plants. The tea, heavy in thujone will kill insects and when used correctly will not injure the plants. If brewing wormwood tea for use on plants, steep the herb in warm water and cover the pan so what little steam there is will not escape. DO NOT add boiling water to wormwood for steeping. Water this hot will cause the wormwood's thujone laden volatile oil to vaporize. This weakens the tea's potency and could prove irritating to your eyes, nose and throat.
Wash your hands carefully after making and using the tea. Also be sure to clean and sterilize the utensils, pans, or containers you used to make the tea.
Wormwood is also used for religious purposes, mainly by neo-pagans who use the herb for cleansing divination tools such as scrying mirrors and pendulums.
Tea made from wormwood is sometimes used to treat patients suffering from stomach parasites. Use of this herb is a tricky business. No one should attempt to self-medicate with wormwood. A doctor is the only one qualified to determine a safe dose of wormwood for medicinal purposes.
Avoid burning wormwood; its fumes are toxic. Also be wary of any herbal incense mixture that contains even a small amount of wormwood. Even a small amount can cause smoke that is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. Also do not use wormwood oil for aroma therapy purposes.
Store wormwood herb and any unused wormwood tea in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
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