E is for Elderberry of course : known best for its ability to support the immune system. It can help to shorten the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms and if taken as a preventative it can help you avoid it altogether. But did you know it’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins and contains high levels of phenolic acids which suggest Elderberry is also great for supporting heart health? But it’s not just the berries that are used medicinally. Its leaves and bark are often overlooked while the berries steal all the attention. Traditionally the leaves and bark are used to relieve joint and muscle pain and swelling. It’s also been used to treat headaches, fever, skin conditions, constipation, and more. Like many seed bearing fruits and berries, the seeds, bark and leaves of the Elderberry plant contain tiny amounts of cyanide and should be prepared properly. When prepared properly it is safe in general for adults and children, but there are some contradictions. Because Elderberry stimulates the immune system it can flare certain autoimmune conditions or reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant medications as well as diuretic and laxative medications. So, Elderberry is a level 2 in my apothecary and here’s why. 👍Pros : Very effective at boosting the immune system It’s sweet berry flavor makes it easy to integrate into herbal mixes Grows well in most home gardens Not at high risk of being over harvested Safe in small amounts for semi-long term use 👎 Cons : Several contraindications Mid level experience needed when preparing the raw plant

We’re all on it friends! Let’s talk about it. How is it affecting you and your family? How do you explain these patterns to your kids and help them through the cycle?

I want to know what you think. Have you ever had a supernatural experience? Anything weird or wonderful? Please tell me about it!

I haven’t added anything to the spells or rituals lately so here’s something quick and simple. Did you know that turning to the right or clockwise is called deosil. What a crazy word no? It means to turn sunwise and this is also done in many native traditions. It shows that we are in balance with the rising and setting of the sun and to honor and acknowledge its natural cycle and flow. Turning counter clockwise is called widdershins. It means moving against the sun and is meant for undoing, making the unwanted go away. To banish or reverse. So here’s the ritual. When you make a cup of medicine tea use a special cup, one that you only use for magical medicine teas. Keep your cup on your altar until you need it, then cleanse it before use. You can cleanse it with smoke 💨 But if you’re a little witch it’s safer to cleanse it with salt water. Just put some salt and some water in it, rub it around and then hold it under running water for a minute to rinse it. 🫖 Next make your tea, fill your cup. Sit with it, ground yourself and begin your prayer and affirmation. Let’s say you are making a cup of tea to help you sleep. Tell the tea you need its help with sleep. Tell it and yourself you will have the most restful peaceful sleep and your body will be so grateful. As you speak this, either out loud or to yourself, stir your tea to sunwise, deosil. Attracting and stirring in the rest you need. Now say you are making an upset belly tea. Follow the same steps as above, but when you begin your prayer say this stomach ache will go away. Tell the tea this is what you need help with. Stir your tea counter sunwise, widdershins. Banishing the bellyache. When done stirring, affirm your work by saying whatever phrase feels best to you. Here are some examples starting with one of my ending affirmations. Because I speak it so it will be. It is done, it will be so. My work is done, may it move in peace. And so it is. I hope you find this useful in your magical medicine journey Loves!

Bear Medicine! Also known as Osha. Her scientific name is Ligusticum porteril. 🐻 Did you ever wonder how people learned about the medicine of plants before there was science to teach us about them? Well, ancient people were so much more closely connected with the earth. They were observers. 🌲 In my harvesting classes I teach about this connection, or disconnection as it has become. How humans have invented means of protection and convenience like shoes to protect our feet and cars to get us from one place to another. Our climate controlled on demand environment, that has dulled our senses and separated us from our survival instincts. It has made us weak and unaware. But ancient people were not only aware of nature, they were part of it. They lived in balance with their animal relatives and knew how to survive. They learned from those like the great Bear nation, who taught us humans about their medicine Osha. So they are honored by its name Bear Medicine, and we use it the way they taught us to. I’m building a course all about this plant and it’s one of my favorites to talk about. Check it out with premium if you want to know more! Much Love and always always BE WELL!!! 🧿✌️ ❤️ Tia Cruzita