Wisdom Brews Apothecary

06/09/2024

Hello everyone 🌾, so if you have ever heard me speak before on anything regarding herbs whether that’s been lives, via DMS, in person etc you’ve probably heard me use a term known as “herbal action”, we’re gonna talk about this now a little bit to translate what the hell I’ve been saying this entire time.

An herbal action in the most simple terms is basically explaining how an herb and its chemical constituents within the plant itself (we are so NOT getting into phytochemistry in this post, I don’t have enough coffee for that) could affect the human body.

Here are some examples of herbal actions, please note there are many more BUT these are some pretty common ones and many herbal actions can be very complimentary to each other but always do some deep digging/studying.

Adaptogen: Herbs that may support the body’s response to a remedy when administered but can also be used to support the body’s response to stress, these can also be used to aid in wellbeing and balance, all the while support regulation/organ system function on a broader basis.

(Common examples include Ashwaganda and Ginseng)

Nervine: An easy way to remember what this supports is by glancing within the word itself aka “nervine” and “nerve”, herbs within this spectrum can have effects on the nervous system whether that be soothing, stimulating or in a more tonic way.

(Common examples include Passionflower, Lavender and Chamomile)

Tonic: This one has similarities to a nervine but also a smidge different, it’s more used to restore and strengthen the nervous system.

(Best example that always come to mind in this regard is Oatstraw)

Nutritive: While simple on its face these are the herbs you want to befriend and get better acquainted with to keep the day to day going, these are the herbs that contain nutrients to better nourish, sustain and build the body up.

(Common examples are Chickweed, Nettle, Oatsraw, and Alfalfa)

May the language of the herb people begin to make more sense 🤣😉

24/08/2024

Would y’all like a little exercise/something to ponder from your resident herb charmer/herbalist?

Here is something I do for grounding since this may be a shocker or rather not, I tend to live deep within in my head it has its benefits for certain but naturally that means I struggle heavily with overthinking as well as being present, but thankfully plant allies have been a huge help.

I turn to a specific area of plants aka roots, so think burdock, marshmallow root, dandelion root, chicory root etc the list goes on, since what does a root do? Burrows deep within the earth and grips tightly taking in nutrients to keep everything above alive, almost like a vein.

Now what I do is typically drink dandelion root or burdock (sometimes both) and as I’m slowly intentionally sipping, visualizing a root under the earth just digging and becoming firmly “rooted”, picture yourself doing the same within your environment.

Say you don’t have access to said herbs above? Get creative use a plant you feel a strong bond with, or even just sip water/breathe.

I hope this helps 🌿🌱🌾

(If you noticed I didn’t mention leaves or flowers, don’t worry that was intentional 😉)

-artists unknown

20/08/2024

It’s been a minute hasn’t it, well it’s time for another plant ally and this has been one I’ve associated with a friend or two in my life, that ally being “Yarrow” or as its botanical name “Achillea millefolium”. Yarrow is a member of the aster/daisy family, it’s often recognized by its cluster of white flowers and feathery fern like leaves but do be careful as it does have a few look alikes by the means of Queen Anne’s lace and of course Hemlock.

While reading about Yarrow I came upon a beautiful article by a fellow herbalist I deeply respect aka RowanandSage (follow her instagram if you don’t already) who mentioned a quote form a book by Mary Siisip Geniusz (the book being “plants have so much to give, all we have to do is ask”)

“There is a grave in Iraq, dating to 60,000 years ago, of a Neanderthal who was laid to rest by his people on a bed of medicinal flowers. One of those flowers, identifiable because of the pollens in the grave, was yarrow.”

It always gets to me on a deeply human level thinking about what plants have gone along side us as we humans have grown and evolved, makes me emotional.

Now I must admit I overlooked yarrow in a sense, it wasn’t an herb I felt initially connected with but came to slowly realize was very present within my own life in a variety of ways, its famous for its properties in aiding stopping bleeding but it has also been a triple threat in the fact it cleans the wound and has pain relief properties, needless to say it’s a fighters ally in my opinion (plus with its name having a connection to the famous Achilles). Yarrow across spiritual traditions has been associated with banishing of evil or keeping evil either completely out/keeping it at bay which is what I tend to use it for but on the defensive side (Nettle tends to be the offensive for me), but fascinatingly yarrow has been used within love spells and love charms, but has also been used for intensifying dreams or other more clairvoyant angled things.
Yarrow planetary wise is a plant of Venus and element wise is connected with water.

And of course the beautiful article I linked below incase anyone is curious 🌿🌱
https://www.rowanandsage.com/blog/2019/12/6/plant-profile-yarrow

13/08/2024

Hello everyone the apothecary has some fantastic offerings for you, we’re also sweetening the pot if you will!

Between now and August 20th, with any order made there will be some kind of gift thrown in, perhaps it’s a mini spell oil, a powder, a bonus tea? A one card tarot reading? It’ll be a surprise 😉

All teas are $10 with $5 for shipping since we’ve got to make sure they make it safe to their new homes.

The teas available are

🌙Sweet Slumber🌙: A mixture of passionflower, chamomile, skullcap, and catnip

🔥Pick Me Up!🌞: Feeling a bit foggy and overwhelmed? This blend contains nettle, peppermint and oatstaw to help take a pause before getting back into the game!

💋Xoxo🌹: Originally intended to be called “Need a hug?” Which is exactly what this tea is meant to be a sometimes very needed warm hug in a jar, this tea contains chamomile, rose, lemon balm and soothing lavender.

💜Heart to Heart💜: Sometimes connecting to the muscle the size of our fist is rather difficult or maybe needs a gentle touch, this tea may be a great companion for you. Heart to heart contains Roses, red clover, and of course hawthorn leaf/flowers

The apothecary is also offering a super well known Rose sugar scrub containing rose essential oil as well as rose petals, as we know I’m extremely selective with rose anything as she is one of my most precious plant allies so much work and love went into making this scrub, a Jasmine sugar scrub is also up for requests 🌹🌹

As always customs are open and if you have any herb questions, the apothecary is open! 🫖☕️

30/07/2024

Altering sweating and sweating most of the day, we did it folks! :))

16/07/2024

Good evening and to some good morning, it’s time for an herb ally of mine that I’ve felt a push/pull draw towards for awhile but I’d argue we’re bonding quite well, that herb being Comfrey.

Comfrey’s botanical name is Symphytum officinale, but some of its folk names are “knitbone”, “knitback”, “bruise wort” and “wound wort” but fun fact it was also called boneset at another time but there is also a whole other plant that is also called Boneset (name evolution of plants will forever be fascinating)

I couldn’t fully tell you lot why but I felt intensely drawn to it just like with my beloved chamomile as well as Motherwort (guess you’d call them my trifecta, but naturally we’d need to add the rose so nullifies that point). What fascinates me about Comfrey is when we breakdown its name it means to “mend together” or “knit”, which if you’ve ever heard of this plant is it’s commonly used within something called a poultice (a mass of herbal matter moistened down then wrapped around a wound then with bandages wrapped around to make sure it stays in place) around sprained muscles and at one point in time used for broken bones (PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF EIR DO NOT USE HERBS TO REPLACE MEDICAL CARE.) but Comfrey is also great for inflammation and the soreness that is caused by said inflammation.

A small warning with Comfrey, it’s best used topically as it’s typically not safe for oral consumption at least on a regular basis due to concerns of liver damage.

Now if we switch gears into the magical I don’t think it’s a surprise that Comfrey would be used for the intention of “healing” or “mending” a strained situation that may need a hand with being set right, naturally it makes sense some sources site it as being an herb for protection and also fascinatingly protection of travelers.

09/07/2024

As you all may have noticed there has been a name change, The Lavender Moon Apothecary has now become Wisdom Brews, change has been on the horizon for awhile.

You will still get the warm, informative cozy herbalist content you’re used to from me with a dash of magic, those things never change, just now I’m happily preparing infusions for you all.

☕️🫖

05/07/2024

Hello everyone many of you have come to know me for my herb series and while that will continue its time for something new, lets color this new chapter shall we?

As that joke may suggest we are discussing color magic but also a sprinkling of color psychology as both things can be incredibly things to have within your arsenal.

We are starting off with red, such an intense shade that will never be not announce its presence, the color of blood, danger, rage/anger, confidence, violence, s*x but also warmth/heat, flirtation and romance naturally also power (different than say purple or black), exciting energy huh?

When I think of red I think of energy itself in terms of the raw physical even primal sense, the very thing thats pumping through our veins and causes our faces to flush, is a shade of the very same color, the color that unabashadly screams “I am alive”. If we lean into color psychology (which will naturally shift depending on the shade we are discussing of said color) red is heavily linked with catching attention but in terms of causing excitement or clearly showing confidence such as muscle cars or statement pieces of clothing/makeup, but red is also heavily linked with danger or action think fire and rescue etc. There is no surprise then when we link red with the more physical in terms of anger going so far into fury but interestedly the theme of “aggression” can carry over into its connection with s*xuality, however on the lighter end of the spectrum also the more romantic passionate feelings of love.

Now switching over to the magic side of things, naturally I have used red in workings involving lust but also attraction in general or to feel that confident fire surrounding my energy (it can be intensely healing in its own right), however as many there is a flip side I use red within more baneful workings in the sense of inflicting pain, or plainly sending someones anger or hot headed behavior to them, in general working with red as an energy for getting in tune with ones primal senses, rage, passion but of course confidence carrying ourselves like the badasses we truly are, s*x (we are a s*x and hex positive coven over here), lust, playfulness, romance and flirtation.

(Mini Playlist)
D is for Dangerous by Arctic Monkeys
Kiss me you animal by burn the ballroom
Ready Aim Fire by Blue Stahli
RUN RUN RUN by Dutch Melrose
VAN by Bad Omens
WHATS UP? By Kuma The Third
Devils Work by Freddie Dredd
Ergot by Grim Salvo

(Scents)
Cherry
Red Apple
Red rose
Red sandalwood
Cinnamon

(Stones)
Carnelian
Garnet
Red Jasper
Ruby

16/06/2024

Hello everyone it is herb time once more, this lovely Sunday afternoon lets talk about two plants that are related to my most beloved plant ally aka chamomile, those two herbs are chickweed and feverfew. Feverfew and Chickweed similar to their sibling Chamomile are very under appreciated for the things they are able to do, first lets begin with Feverfew as its name suggests this herb has been used to support those who may be recovering from a fever or may be in the beginning stages of dealing with one (please note none of this is medical advice, illnesses kill people especially prior to the invention of life saving care, if s**t is getting bad I can not stress enough GO TO THE HOSPITAL) however Feverfew has been shown to also be an ally for those of us who suffer from migraines, its common to chew the flowers themselves but I could also see it being fantastic as a tincture.

Following up with Chickweed, the first thing I found fascinating about chickweed is how it tends to nourish and “water” especially due to its emollient (its softens or soothes the skin) qualities as well having demulcent (soothes irritation of mucus membranes so the throat or lungs etc) , chickweed is also a nutritive (you know this one cmon now) and works fantastic as a tonic (tends to be a restorer) herb, this is also one of those plants say you have chickens or rabbits? they will also greatly benefit and enjoy it.

Some folk names for Chickweed are stitch wort, tongue grass and adders mouth while it’s botanical name is Stellaria Media

Whereas for Feverfew some of its folk names are feather fowl, flirtroot/flirtwort, white wort, nosebleed, mother herb and midsummer daisy, and its botanical name is Tanacetum Parthenium.

16/06/2024

Hey friends so of course while listing this on Facebook marketplace naturally I had to share here, meet one of the teas that will become a main blend for future plans of the apothecary.

“Heart to Heart”

This blend contains herbs commonly used to support affairs of the heart but also opening ourselves up (it also in general tastes amazing), “Heart to Heart” contains Rose, Red Clover and Hawthorn leaf/flowers ☺️

27/05/2024

Hello loves it is herb time once more, this morning we shall be discussing an herb that has been on the brain for awhile but finding the words to describe her? Well that’s the fun bit, meet White/Red Clover we’re talking about both varieties since genuinely couldn’t decide between the two (same plant just different colors after all, but I tend to use Red more)

Red Clover is such a gentle plant but its impact is felt deeply when it’s worked with, especially when we factor in across sources it shows how clover has been used to improve soil and enrich farmlands it’s similar to Chamomile in that regard, if chamomile is the soother then Red clover is in charge of nourishment and or the one who aids with replenishing (especially when after we’ve calmed down from feeling raw and it’s time to get back up to keep moving).

Back before we had more research and updated treatments Red clover was used for asthma as well as whooping cough as well as menopause, nowadays there is still research going on with Red Clover and how it may support those dealing with hot flashes.

(Reminder not giving medical advice and WORK WITH A MEDICAL PROVIDER! 🙌🏻)

Red clover is also fantastic as an iced tea, it’s my preferred method of enjoying it 😀

Going to conclude this a bit differently than usual but dropping an article from an herbalist who’s blog has been deeply influential to me :))

Learn about the modern and traditional uses of Red Clover in herbalism as a blood tonic, cleansing herb, for fertility, and more. Red Clover also has long been used in magick for luck and good fortune. A good herb for highly sensitive people.

24/05/2024

This is a transcript from my most recent course with Awaken The North :))

Welcome back to the nine herbs charm my friends we are now in week six, if you are joining us for the first time we are breaking down the nine herbs charm which has massive overlap with the nine sacred herbs of Odin, The goal for this mini series is to go over each herb within this poem, talking about its section but also what this herb does in terms of herbalism, folk magic and perhaps some botanical symbolism to fully flesh them out. There is a method to my madness here so if things here seem a little disconnected, just wait the entire thing will be read at once in its entirety upon our final live together, also if these lives are shorter these are meant to be like a mini lunch break with the herb witch.

This week I am ever so excited about the plant friend we are meeting this week, granted I adore each and every plant we discuss but this one, just holds such a dear and special place within this dryad’s heart and is used practically as a base for all my teas, before we go much further and I spoil it all, allow me to read the stanza for this week 🙂

“Mind you chamomile
What you disclsoed
What you brought to an end
At Alorford.
That never to infection
A mans life be sold
Since for him someone
Chamomile as a meal prepared”

Let’s sit with this for a second before continuing on, what does this bring up into the mind for you? any connections perhaps, maybe something it reminds you of?

Chamomile itself belongs to the asteraceae family or sometimes called the daisy family to make it a bit easier, some of its siblings are other herbs I have a soft spot for aka Yarrow, Chickweed, Feverfew, Chicory, Dandelion, Marigold, Daisies and of course Sunflowers, needless to say its a very large plant family. Some of Chamomile’s other names are “ground apple” (the essential oil can have a somewhat apple scent, its wild), and mayweed.

Chamomile is well known for its aid in teas when one can’t sleep or is attempting to sleep, however its equally amazing for upset stomachs (pair this with ginger for nausea its fantastic) and migraines. Chamomile within herbalism has a wide array of uses and is one of the few herbs that is gentle enough it can practially work well with most age groups ranging from small children to the elderly, which as we know are two very sensitve groups. Speaking on this lovely small white flower and senstivity, many moons ago I happened upon an herbalists blog called “Worts + Cunning Apothecary” how she described Chamomile was indeed an ally of the sensitive but sensitve in all regards, but in especially those of us who are sensitive to anger (but also irritability or tension we hold within ourselves) in regards to that is what they primarily tap into during moments of distress either as protectors or perhaps how they signal something is wrong in order to protect themselves, it really makes you think doesnt it?

We will circle back to this idea as we go on, Chamomile is primarily known for being a nervine which there is a word within it that tells you what it affects, nerve = nerves/nervous system, however it should known that nervines aren’t just for relaxing the nervous system such as with Chamomile, Lemon Balm or Passionflower, it can stimulate it IE like Ginseng, Black Tea, Coffee but there is nervine Tonic which more so acts to restore/strengthen the nervous system so think Oatstraw/Milky Oats, Lavender, Skullcap and Kava. Now coming back to Chamomile and sensitivty, think about how on edge/frayed we become when our nerves are on edge every single thing is going to send us off like a broken fire alarm at the smallest thing, confusing incense burning with a house fire, fascinatinly ties in with its energetic (the easiest way to describe this, is how a plant “feels” and how it may affect whatever its being used for, for example cinnamon is warming, mint is cooling etc, its a very big topic) which is “cooling” aka this is a plant ally for those of us who need to “calm the hell down” (calling myself out here) or in general when something is inflamed and upset then needs to be dealt with, on that note chamomile fascinatingly also has been used to help those who have eszema flair ups or sensetive skin (theres that word again), so from upset stomachs, tension headaches, as a mouth wash for upset gums, frayed nerves and now sensetive skin? This herb is one hell of a restorer and soother, fun fact if you plant chamomile near other plants it may also help those plants if they are struggling, so it’s a great companion too.

(As usually said please don’t try to replace professional help with herbal support!!! None of this is medical advice)

Now lets get into the more magical side of Chamomile while many assoicate this plant with the moon due to its aid with sleep its traditionally assoicated with the sun, this herb has been linked with money magic as some folks who gamble would make a wash out of this herb then wash their hands with it before going out. However my favorite usage of Chamomile has to be for purification but also in the aftermath of hex breaking (its also been used for hex breaking on its own), since everything at that rate is raw due to being completely exposed to banish away whatever it was that needed to go.

23/05/2024

From my nine herbs charm live with Awaken The North :))

Welcome back to the nine herbs charm my friends we are now in week five, if you are joining us for the first time we are breaking down the nine herbs charm which has massive overlap with the nine sacred herbs of Odin, The goal for this mini series is to go over each herb within this poem, talking about its section but also what this herb does in terms of herbalism, folk magic and perhaps some botanical symbolism to fully flesh them out. There is a method to my madness here so if things here seem a little disconnected, just wait the entire thing will be read at once in its entirety upon our final live together, also if these lives are shorter these are meant to be like a mini lunch break with the herb witch.

Let’s begin with the stanza and then see which herb we are meeting this week shall we?

“Put to fight now attorlothe
That less the more.
That the more the less
Until for him both are remedied”

Now take a guess what herb Attorlothe is, also is you like what does this stanza make you think of?

Wood Betony is the plant friend we are discussing this week!

OE attorlaðe, whose name means 'poison-hater', is obscure. It is sometimes identified as betony (stachys betonica, betonica officinalis), also known as bishopswort or woundwort, once widely used in preparations to treat headache and palpitations. Another identification of Attorlothe is with black nightshade (solanum nigrum), whose berries may safely be consumed by adults, and whose leaves may be used in a sophoric preparation (in some parts of Germany it is known as Schlafbeere 😊'sleep-berries'))

upon first glance while researching this plant friend as I am more familiar with its mentions in more magic based spaces over the more medicinal ones, Betony is an aid for tension headaches (this will be added to my home apothecary immediately after the move is settled seeing as this is my chief complaint) its also been known to be an aid for the digestive system so think great for an upset stomach or easing tensions within this area, which already lends credence to the harmonizing (if you will) thats alluded to within the stanza itself, needless to say Betony was kind of used as a way to bring the body back to balance when tension or strife started to begin within it. A fellow herbalist described Betony as being a great ally for those “who’s thoughts wont stop churning”, as well as a follow up statement “Betony is a fantastic herb for when you feel off but do not know why”

Betony within magic is fantastic at warding off the evil eye as well as bad spirits, It was also used as a sort of amulet to ward off harmful spirits, nightmares and delusions. Its odour may well produce a calming effect which suggested its use against nightmares and evil spirits.

18/05/2024

It’s herb time darlings, this one is a bit 18+ so if you aren’t completely down with that it’s time to scroll on, zero shame at all and I’ll catch you in the next post 🫶🏻🌿

Now with that being said let’s talk about Damiana shall we? 😉

Damiana has a reputation as an aphrodisiac and also helping with issues involving nervousness/exhaustion which personally I can see why it aids in the first department, since if you can mentally let go and relax then everything else falls into place. This lovely yellow flower also helps with headaches (which is where I originally found it believe it or not), it also acts as a stimulant for the mind as well as the body (😉😏).

Now if we switch over to the more magic side of things, I think it’s not a surprise at all that Damiana is fantastic for love and of course lust workings but I’ve found it to be a powerful ally in the terms of allowing oneself to experience pleasure and or euphoria when that may be a foreign concept to some of us, especially for those of us with trauma that’s caused us to become disconnected from the body

Reminder please please and I mean PLEASE don’t use herbs as a substitute for other forms of necessary healthcare such as therapy or medication my loves! I may work with this plant ally but I’m also in therapy there’s no shame in it.

Damiana I’ve also seen heavily recommended for trance work as well as involving dreams (also had some great results from this area)

18/04/2024

The last exert from my class back in October 😉🌿💜🕯️

Now for our final poisonous baddie who’s nickname is the “Queen of Poisons” and has been used to coat weapons and may have possibly killed Alexander The Great (interesting theory some also wonder if it was Hellebore), I introduce Aconite otherwise called Monkshood. Aconite and the specifically the Aconitum Napellus variety, hails to us from the (I s**t y’all not) the buttercup family, so the same family that gave us Ranunculus flowers and Anemone gave us this (if you think plant family’s are weird please let me infodump about the rose family). Aconite contains a deadly toxin as, aconitine which can send someone into cardiac arrest which makes this extra considering so much as touching it can begin to cause some form of a reaction IE numbness in whatever touched it, did I mention it also is a neurotoxin? Aconite poisoning is also known to cause facial paralysis, hypotension (low blood pressure in a bad way), irregular heart beat which then can become a rapid slowing of the heart rate, while also causing vomiting and oh yeah diarrhea (is there further reason why the disclaimer above was mentioned). Now unpacking the name Wolfsbane there are actually many plants with an animal name followed by the word “bane” meaning it may have sadly caused many deaths of said anima IE henbane, dogbane, baneberry (this one was just funny), and cowbane, meaning the name moat likely came about due to it being used to kill wolves mostly being smeared on various weapons prior to hunting, also at the time of Medieval Europe there was a massive fear of werewolves so that was an added factor of its namesake which an adds an interesting association with lycanthropy. What makes this plant all the more interesting but albeit scary is as recently as 2022 in Toronto Canada, upwards of twelve people were hospitalized with a mysterious sickness after eating at a restaurant in the area, later they were admitted into the local hospital it was later discovered they had all been poisoned with Aconite, officials later stated that the substance was mixed into ginger powder by accident. Wolfsbane is fascinating as an ally of battle but unlike Belladonna whereas she fights in a more hands off way with subtly that later ensares the victim, Wolfsbane is far more by the throat with its attack, whats also interesting as well is within the language of flowers it can also be a further example of this fury “treachery” “misanthropy” but also “caution” so it also sends a warning.

14/04/2024

Last of the exerts from my class in October (for now at least) 🌿🥀🕯️🕸️

This third plant will conclude the last plant from the nightshade family for this evening (we have one more after this don't worry) and this one will you have also have seen commonly in media if you grew up with Harry Potter (shame the author is dead, died in a gorey accident I heard torn to shreds) this would be the Mandrake, the most common types being “Mandragora Officinarum” and “Mandragora Autumnalis” (a small thing to note is Mandrake found here is gonna be a smidge different its also referred to as May Apple, whats interesting when ripe IE when its yellow it can be safely eaten) as its Latin name means “Man-Dragon”.

The Mandrake root is also mentioned within the Bible twice the first being Genesis 30; 14-16 “Then Rachel said to Leah, Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes” and also within Song of Solomon “The mandrakes give forth fragrance, and beside our doors are all choice fruits, new as well as old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved” it seems this root has quite a repuation already, what if I told you this root was so treasured at another time and was so sought out that fakes of it were sold? As like many other members of the nightshade family Mandrake can be a very powerful narcotic (a plant or drug that causes pain relief but also commonly causes stupor or sleep) its said Plyny The Elder had patients chew on the root prior to treatment, while having some hypnotic (herbs or plants that can cause very deep sleep or loss of consciousness) effects, while it can cause symptoms similar to Belladonna it can also cause vomiting and headaches if ingested which unfortunately unintentional ingestion is very common, while also having hallucinogenic properties.

However Mandrake becomes interesting when you learn it was mentioned in the bible due to the fact it was later used to help with a woman’s infertility in order to conceive, meaning its zlong been associated with s*xuality but in many cases love magic in general, Mandrake root has also been long associated with good fortune which means many have gone looking for this dangerous root so naturally others took advantage of this hence the market of fakes that formed.

Another reason Mandrake stands out is the fact its root’s look almost like a figure of a human being and of course the legend on if the Mandrake root is harvested then it may scream so loudly it may kill the harvester, and legend also states according to the Medieval Ages the only way it could be found is if a dog uprooted it during a full moon and the sign it was found is if the poor thing collapsed dead.