Copal

from Terri Paajanen

This week's 'herb' is copal. This is the first resin I've covered, though more will be coming in upcoming weeks. I've included some general information about working with resins, since this is the first one that has come up.

What is Copal?

Copal is actually a resin, not an herb. Resins are solidified pieces of plant sap, and they are very fragrant when burned. Copal comes from various species of the Bursera tree, in Mexico and South America. There are 3 varities of copal: white, gold and black. Each has its own subtle differences in scent.

Other Names
Latin: Bursera species
Common names: copal

Magickal Properties Copal ( like most resins ) are burned or smoldered as incense during ritual. But it needs to be burned on charcoal blocks because it's notflammable on it's own. Don't overdo it! Resins can produce a lot of smoke, so only burn a small amount at a time.

Use copal in rituals for spirituality, purification or cleansing. You can utilize the cleansing energy of copal by keeping a few pieces of resin in with your crystals to ward off negative energy.

A tincture made with copal has a wonderful aroma, but can leave a sticky residue on surfaces. You can use it for various consecration and annointing purposes.

Copal was particularly sacred to the Mayan and Aztec peoples, and was often burned during their ceremonies. If you are unable to find copal, frankincense would make a fine substitution.

More Correspondences:
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire

Disclaimer: No information within this newsletter should be considered medical advice. Please do further research or check with a physician before using any of these herbs in a medical fashion.

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Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceous

MEDICINAL:

• Astragalus strengthens metabolism and digestion,
• raises metabolism,
• aids in strengthening the immune system,
• and is used in the healing of wounds and injuries.
• It is often cooked with broths, rice, or beans for a boost to the healing energies during those illnesses that prevent one from eating normally.

Apple

Pyrus spp.

MEDICINAL:

• Apples are used to treat constipation.
• The pectin in fresh apples can help to lower cholesterol levels, an aid in treating heart disease.
• Crushed apple leaves can be rubbed on a fresh wound to prevent infection.

RELIGIOUS:

• Apple blossoms are used in love and healing incenses.
• An apple should be given to a lover as a present - you should eat one half, the lover the other.
• It is given as an offering on Samhain to the dead, since it is a symbol of immortality.
• Apple wood is used to make magickal wands.
• Pouring apple cider on the ground in your garden before you plant gives the earth life.

GROWING: Apple trees grow over most of North America. They need a cool winter period, making them unsuitable for low desert or tropical regions. Check with your local nursery for varieties best suited to your area and growing conditions.

Anise

Pimpinellaa anisum

MEDICINAL:

• Another good herb for colic, gas, and indigestion.
• It can also be used in herbal remedies for coughing, as it aids in loosening phlegm.
• It is the mildest of the herbs used for these purposes.

RELIGIOUS:

• Anise mixed with bay leaves provides an excellent bath additive prior to ritual.
• Using anise in potpourri around the house wards off evil,
• and anise in your sleeping pillow at night will chase away the nightmares.
• The essential oil is used in ritual baths prior to any divination attempts.
• It is believed that hanging an anise seed head on your bedpost will restore lost youth.

GROWING: Anise likes warm, sunny areas with well-drained, rich sandy soils. It is suitable for all areas of North America. It is an annual, and grows 1-2 feet high. It needs 120 days to produce fully ripened seed heads.

Angelica

Angelica archangelica

MEDICINAL:

• Angelica is a good herbal tea to take for colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn.
• It is useful to add in remedies for afflictions of the respiratory system,
• as well as liver problems
• and digestive difficulties.
• Promotes circulation and energy in the body.
• It is often used to stimulate the circulation in the pelvic region
• and to stimulate suppressed menstruation.
• Angelica should not be used by pregnant women or diabetics.

RELIGIOUS:

• Grow it in your garden as a protection for garden and home.
• The root is often used as a protective amulet,
• and has been used to banish evil by burning the leaves.
• It is also used to lengthen life,
• and is used in protection against diseases,
• as well as to ward off evil spirits.
• Adding it to a ritual bath will break spells and hexes.
• It has often been used to ward off evil spirits in the home.

GROWING: Angelica needs rich, moist garden soil in partial shade. It prefers wet bottomlands and swamps, and prefers the cooler northern regions to grow best. It is a perennial that can reach up to 6 feet tall.

Amaranth

Amaranthus spp.

MEDICINAL:

• Amaranth is used to battle stomach flu, diarrhea, and gastoenteritis.
• It was used by Native Americans to stop menstruation and for contraception.
• Applied externally, it can reduce tissue swelling from sprains and tick bites.
• Not to be used by pregnant or lactating women.

RELIGIOUS:

• Amaranth is used to repair a broken heart.
• It is also associated with immortality,
• and is used to decorate images of gods and goddesses.
• It is sacred to the god Artemis.
• Woven into a wreath, it is said to render the wearer invisible.
• Also used in pagan burial ceremonies.

GROWING: Amaranth is an annual, whose varieties grow from one to five feet tall. It does not transplant well, so sow it where you want it to grow. It is generally not picky about soil type, and tolerates heat and drought well.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, Aloe spp.

MEDICINAL:

• The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf is used to treat burns, skin rashes, and insect bites,
• as well as chafed nipples from breastfeeding, when applied to the affected area externally.
• Internally it can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly, or when there is an impaction, although it can cause intestinal cramping when taken internally, and there are other herbs that do this job better.
• It aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection, and preventing infection from starting.
• The fresh gel is best to use, rather than "stabilized" gels found in the stores. The fresh gel was used by Cleopatra to keep her skin soft and young.

RELIGIOUS:

• Growing an aloe vera plant in the kitchen will help prevent burns and mishaps while cooking.
• It will also prevent household accidents, and guard against evil.
• It is reported that aloe was used to embalm the body of Christ.

GROWING: Best grown indoors in pots. Those living in the deep South, as in southern Texas or southern Florida, can grow aloe outdoors. Remember that Aloe is a succulent, not a cactus, so it needs water to keep the leaves fleshy and juicy.See the article about Aloe Vera in the Articles section of this site.

Allspice

Pimenta dioica

MEDICINAL:

• Allspice is used as a paste to soothe and relieve toothache,
• and as a mouthwash to freshen the breath.

RELIGIOUS:

• Allspice encourages healing,
• and is used in mixtures to ask for money and good fortune.

GROWING: Allspice comes from a tree that grows in Central and South America and the Caribbean, and prefers those climates.

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

MEDICINAL:

• Eliminates retained water,
• relieves urinary and bowel problems,
• helps in treating recuperation of narcotic and alcohol addiction.
• Used in treating anemia, fatigue, kidneys, peptic ulcers, pituitary problems, and for building general health.

RELIGIOUS:

• Placed in a small jar and kept in a pantry or cabinet, it protects the home from poverty and hunger.
• Burn alfalfa and scatter the ashes around the property to protect it.

GROWING: Alfalfa is cultivated in many regions of the world. It is not picky as to soils, prefers full sun, and regular waterings, although it will tolerate dry spells. It is a perennial that grows to 1 to 3 feet tall, depending upon growing conditions. See the article about Alfalfa in the Articles section of this site.

Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria

MEDICINAL:

• An infusion of the leaves is used to treat jaundice and other liver ailments,
• and as a diuretic.
• It is also used in treating ulcers, diarrhea, and skin problems.
• Externally, a fomentation is used for athlete's foot, sores, slow-healing wounds, and insect bites.

RELIGIOUS:

• Agrimony is used in protection spells,
• and is used to banish negative energies and spirits.
• It is also used to reverse spells and send them back to the sender.
• It was believed that placing Agrimony under the head of a sleeping person will cause a deep sleep that will remain until it is removed.

GROWING: Agrimony is grown throughout much of the United States and southern Canada. It is a perennial that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall, prefers full sun and average soils. Agrimony tolerates dry spells well.

Burdock

Arctium lappa

MEDICINAL:

• Burdock Root is used to treat skin diseases, boils, fevers, inflammations, hepatitis, swollen glands, some cancers, and fluid retention.
• It is an excellent blood purifier.
• A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is also used for indigestion.
• Very useful for building the systems of young women.
• Helps clear persistent teenage acne if taken for three to four weeks.
• Used with dandelion root for a very effective liver cleanser and stimulator.

RELIGIOUS: Used to ward off all sorts of negativity, making it invaluable for protective amulets and sachets. Add to potpourri in the house.

Borage

Borago officinalis

MEDICINAL:

• Used for treating bronchitis,
• rashes,
• and to increase mother's milk.
• The infusion is used as an eyewash.

RELIGIOUS: Carrying the fresh blossoms brings courage. The tea will induce your psychic powers.

GROWING: Borage was once widely planted in gardens throughout Europe. It was brought to the United States, and now grows wild in much of the eastern half of the nation. It is an annual that grows in most soils, tolerates dry spells, and prefers full sun, reaching to 2 feet in height.

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

MEDICINAL:

• Used for treating severe fevers, as well as flu and catarrh conditions.
• One to two tablespoons of the tincture in hot water is used for sweat therapy to break fevers.

RELIGIOUS: An infusion sprinked around the house will drive away evil spirits and negativity.

GROWING:Boneset prefers damp to moist rich soils. It is a North American native perennial that reaches 2 to 4 feet high, and grows in partial sun.

Blue Cohosh

Caulophylum thalictroides

MEDICINAL:

• Blue Cohosh is used to regulate the menstrual flow.
• It is also used for suppressed menstruation.
• Native Americans used this herb during childbirth to ease the pain and difficulty that accompany birthing, as well as to induce labor.
• This herb should not be taken during pregnancy, and should be taken in very small amounts in conjunction with other herbs, such as Black Cohosh.

GROWING: Blue Cohosh grows best in deep, loamy, moist woodlands. The berry of this plant is poisonous, and the plant itself can irritate the skin. The root is the part used in herbal medicine. It has a range from southern Canada, as far south as the Carolinas, and as far west as Missouri. This herb is best purchased from the stores, rather than cultivated.

Blessed Thistle

Cnicus benedictus

MEDICINAL:

• Blessed Thistle is used to strengthen the heart,
• and is useful in all remedies for lung, kidney, and liver problems.
• It is also used as a brain food for stimulating the memory.
• It is used in remedies for menopause and for menstrual cramping.
• Often used by lactating women to stimulate blood flow to the mammary glands and increases the flow of milk.

GROWING: Blessed Thistle is generally found along roadsides and in wastelands. It is an annual, and reaches to 2 feet tall. Most folks consider this a pesky weed, so cultivation is not common. Try gathering some for yourself from the wild, if you dare the stickers - buying commercial is best!

Black Cohosh

Cimcifuga racemosa
MEDICINAL:

• Black Cohosh is useful in all conditions dealing with arthritis.
• It improves blood circulation,
• and is used in treating delayed and painful menstruation,
• and is often used in conjunction with other herbs in treating menopause symptoms.
• It should not be used during pregnancy.
• Black Cohosh can be poisonous in large doses. It contains a chemical much like estrogen, so those advised by their doctor's not to take the Pill shoud avoid using this herb.

RELIGIOUS: Black Cohosh leaves laid around a room is said to drive away bugs, and to drive away negativity.

GROWING: Black Cohosh grows in open woody areas. It needs good soil and partial to mostly shade to do well. It has been grown as far south as Georgia, and as far west as Missouri. It is a perennial which reaches 3 - 8 feet tall.

Blackberry

Rubus villosus

MEDICINAL:

• A syrup made from the root is used to treat diarrhea and upset stomach (good for treating children).
• An infusion of the leaves is good for treating diarrhea and sore throat.

RELIGIOUS: Blackberry leaves are used in money spells, as are the berries.

GROWING: Blackberries are perennial vines that grow in many areas, depending on the variety. They require full sun, very good air circulation, fertile soil that is kept moist, not soggy.

Do not grow where you have grown other fruits or vegetables, to avoid transferring diseases to the young vines. Some varieties need pollinators, so check with your local nurseries to find a variety best suited to your needs and climate.

Bistort

Polygonum bistorta

MEDICINAL:

• Bistort root, when ground and mixed with echinacea, myrrh, and goldenseal, is a great dressing for cuts and other wounds.
• It is also a powerful astringent, used by mixing a teaspoon in a cup of boiled water,
• and drunk several times a day, as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery.
• The same mixture can be used as a gargle for sore throats.
• Bistort is good to drive out infectious disease,
• and is effective for all internal and external bleeding.

RELIGIOUS:

• An amulet fashioned of the root of Bistort is carried when one wishes to conceive.
• Sprinkle an infusion of bistort around your home to keep out unwanted visitors of the mischievous variety, such as poltergeists, sprites, etc.

GROWING: Bistort prefers damp soils, such as in cultivated fields. It is native to Europe, but has been grown in Nova Scotia and as far south as Massachusetts. It is a perennial that reaches up to 30 inches tall.

Bergamot

Monarda citriodora

MEDICINAL: Also known as Oswego tea and Bee Balm.

• It is used to treat nausea and vomiting, and cold and flu relief.
• The essential oil is used to treat acne, coughs, fevers, tension, stress, and depression.

MAGICKAL: Used in money and success spells and rituals.

GROWING: Bergamot grows to 2 feet tall, and is a member of the mint family, so grow it as you would a mint.

Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilis

RELIGIOUS:

• The leaves are burned to enhance psychic powers and to produce visions.
• Worn in an amulet, it will provide protection from evil and negativity.
• The leaves are used as decorations during the Yule season,
• and placed in your window it will protect against lightning striking your house.
• Write a wish on a bay leaf and then burn it if you want the wish to come true.
• Sprinkling the crushed leaves in your cupboards will keep out cockroaches and other insect pests.

Bayberry

Myrica cerifera

MEDICINAL:

• Bayberry, taken in small doses, increases the vitality of your total body systems, improving circulation.
• It can also be used as a poultice over varicose veins to strengthen the blood vessels.
• A douche made of the tea is used for vaginal infections.
• Tea made of Bayberry is a good gargle for sore throat and tonsillitis.

RELIGIOUS: The oil of Bayberry will bring prosperity and luck

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

MEDICINAL:

• Basil is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains.
• It is also used to reduce stomach acid, making it a valuable part of any treatment for ulcers, and a valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes for those with sensitive stomachs.
• Externally, it can be used for insect bites, to draw out the poisons.
• It has been used in other countries to eliminate worms from the intestines,
• and the oil from basil leaves is applied directly to the skin to treat acne.

RELIGIOUS: Basil protects from evil and negativity, and aids in attracting and keeping love. It is used for purification baths, and in wealth and prosperity rituals.

Carrying a basil leaf in your pocket brings wealth, and if powdered basil is sprinked over your mate while they sleep, it is supposed to eliminate infidelity from your marriage.

GROWING: Basil will grow in any well-drained, fairly rich soil, and full sun. It can be grown throughout most of North America. It is an annual, which reaches 2-3 feet tall. Pinch off the tips to promote bushiness and flower buds to maintain growth.