A traditional remedy adapted from Christopher Hedleys by merging it with one my grandad used to make whenever I had #anemia These are now in the post and off to two friends who need them. #herbalmedicine #herbalist #herbalism #naturalliving

Red clover is a plant many people see growing in fields, yards, and roadsides without realising the medicine sitting right there in front of them. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a member of the pea family, and its pink-purple flower heads have been used for generations as food, tea, animal forage, soil repair, pollination source for bees, and medicine. Traditionally, red clover has been known as a blood-cleansing and lymph-moving herb. Old herbalists turned to it when the body needed help moving waste, clearing the skin, and supporting the natural drainage systems. It was often used for skin eruptions, eczema-type skin complaints, psoriasis-type dryness, boils, sluggish lymph, and other chronic skin complaints. This is why red clover became one of the classic herbs in old “spring tonic” formulas. It was not because the plant magically cleans the blood overnight, but because it supports the natural routes of elimination and detoxification— primarily the lymph, liver, kidneys, skin, and bowels. Red clover has also been traditionally used for the lungs and as a cough remedy. The blossoms were made into teas and syrups for dry coughs, irritating coughs, bronchial discomfort, and lingering chest congestion. It has a gentle soothing quality and was often paired with herbs like mullein, marshmallow, violet, plantain, elecampane, and licorice depending on the need. It is not a harsh herb. It works more like a gentle helper. One of the biggest reasons red clover became famous in modern herbalism is because of its connection to women’s health. Red clover contains natural plant compounds called isoflavones, including compounds such as genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin. These are often called phytoestrogens because they can lightly interact with estrogen pathways in the body. Because of this, red clover has been studied for menopause support, especially hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and bone health. Some studies show benefit, some show mixed results, but there is enough research behind red clover that it cannot be dismissed as just an old wives’ herb.

The Warrior’s Herb • The Witch’s Shield • The Seer’s Companion. Yarrow is one of those plants that feels like it has always belonged to witches, healers, warriors, and diviners. Botanical name: Achillea millefolium Common names: Yarrow, Woundwort, Soldier’s Herb, Bloodwort, Nosebleed Plant, Thousand‑Leaf Family: Asteraceae Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, pastures, wild fields across Europe, Asia, and North America Appearance: Feather‑fine leaves (“mille‑folium” = thousand leaves), flat-topped umbels of white (sometimes pink) flowers, strong aromatic scent Yarrow is a plant of thresholds — between life and death, war and peace, body and spirit, sight and prophecy. Myth & Folklore Greek Myth Yarrow is sacred to Achilles, who was said to have used it to staunch the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War. Hence its name: Achillea. Celtic & British Isles Carried as a love charm; young women placed it under their pillow to dream of their future spouse. Burned to banish fear and protect against wandering spirits. Hung over cradles to protect infants from the Fae. Used in weather magic — especially to call or calm winds. Norse Tradition Associated with Odin, especially in matters of: battle, divination and runic sight Chinese Tradition Yarrow stalks were used for I Ching divination — considered the most spiritually potent plant for contacting the unseen. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yarrow is known as “ai yao” and has been used for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have cooling and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat conditions like fevers, wounds and skin issues, among other health concerns. Indigenous Americans: Yarrow has a long history of use in Native American traditional medicine. Various Native American tribes used yarrow for its medicinal properties. It was employed to treat a range of ailments, including wounds, fevers, digestive issues, and respiratory conditions. The plant’s leaves and flowers were often prepared as infusions or poultices for medicinal use.

BURDOCK (Arctium lappa & Arctium minus) Also called: Beggar’s Buttons, Burr, Cocklebur, Sticky‑Willie, Clot‑bur, Gobo (Japan) Essence: A plant of tenacity, purification, grounding, protection, and ancestral strength. Nature: Earthy, stubborn, persistent — a plant that clings, endures, and draws out what is hidden. Folklore & Myth European & British Isles Burdock burrs were believed to catch evil spirits, preventing them from following a person home. Children sometimes wore them on clothing as accidental amulets. In rural English lore, burdock was a witch’s herb of binding — its clinging burrs symbolised spells that “stick” or intentions that cannot be shaken off. In Scottish tradition, burdock was used to protect cattle from faery mischief; burrs were hung in barns to repel “elf‑shot”. Some old charms used burdock root as a ward against envy and ill‑will, especially from neighbours or rivals. Slavic Traditions Burdock was considered a plant of resilience and survival, associated with ancestors who endured hardship. It was used in banishing rituals to remove curses, illness, or lingering negativity. In some regions, burdock leaves were placed on the forehead to “draw out” fevers or bad spirits. East Asian Lore In Japan, burdock (gobo) is a symbol of strength, longevity, and nourishment. It is associated with family lineage, deep roots, and the ability to thrive in adversity. Symbolic Themes Clinging → Binding, attachment, persistence Deep roots → Ancestral memory, grounding, endurance Bitter root → Purification, detoxification, truth‑revealing Magical Associations & Uses Primary Magical Virtues Protection (especially from envy, malice, and spiritual intrusion) Purification & cleansing Grounding & stabilising energy Banishing negativity, illness, or harmful influences Breaking hexes or bindings Strengthening willpower and resilience Shadow work & ancestral healing Magical Uses in Ritual & Spellcraft Protection & Warding Scatter dried burdock around the home to repel harmful energies.

Why I regret my tattoos…from someone that used to tattoo others for a living; Back then, it was about art, self expression and creative identity. Now I know the ingredients and risks however I see it differently and regret the tattoos I have on myself and have given to others over the years. Here’s what they don’t tell you when that needle touches your skin… 💉Red ink often contains mercury sulphide (cinnabar) - a toxic heavy metal linked to allergic reactions, skin inflammation and systemic toxicity. Many people will say ‘that’s old ink, the new ink doesn’t contain that’ and yet a study done in 2023 showed that a shocking 30% of UK tattoo studios were using ink that DID contain mercury. 💉Black ink, the most commonly used, contains carbon black, which may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - classified as Group 2B carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 💉Many tattoo pigments also include lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminium…heavy metals with known neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. 💉Tattoo ink particles don’t stay in the skin. They travel through your bloodstream and often accumulate in the lymph nodes, where they can disrupt immune function and remain for life. 💉When exposed to UV light or laser removal, these inks can break down into even more dangerous substances, including formaldehyde, benzene, and hydrogen cyanide…all linked to cancer. This isn’t just about what’s in the ink… it’s about what happens to it after it’s in your body. Studies have shown that tattoo pigment doesn’t just sit harmlessly in your skin. It’s actively transported through the lymphatic system and stored in your lymph nodes… the very part of your body responsible for filtering toxins and supporting your immune system. Over time, those nodes can become discoloured, inflamed and overloaded… and nobody can tell you what that does to your health over 10, 20, 30 years, because the long term data simply isn’t there. This is a global industry worth billions and yet long term human safety data is incredibly limited. You are essentially part of a long term experiment the moment you get tattooed.