Nice to Meet You Nalie Agustin | Herbs Moon Celebration Interview Series by Naná Moon Oyå

Photos: Courtesy of Nalie Agustin

Nalie Agustin is a Montreal-based warrior mermaid who swam out of breast cancer in her early twenties. Her blog is an extension of her bright, sweet, and candid personality. She is a fearless girl boss who has left an indelible impression on me. I just love how she has met her challenges and came through with flying colours. She is the living proof that there is always hope and faith in yourself will always pay off. Always F.L.Y. darling. Always First Love Yourself. Here's to our last interview as part of our Dare to D.R.E.A.M, Herbs Moon series. 

The Interview

What is your favorite juice recipe?

I love my ABCs. Apple, Beets and Carrots with a little bit of ginger is my miracle drink.

What herbs do you regularly use in your cooking? 

I love to play around with herbs, but my all time obsession is coriander! 

For you, a girl boss is... 

A woman who knows her worth and has full control of her life, emotionally, financially and spirituality.

Tell us one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 24 years old!” Gets people every time!

What are your two favourite quotes of the moment?

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” - Charles R Swindoll

“Find your silver lining and paint it gold.” - Nalie

Tell us two things that make you smile.

Two things? That’s not enough! But 2 things that instantly make me smile are puppies and anything purple!

What are you thankful for?

My supportive family, boyfriend and friends.

What are the three destinations of your dream? 

My dream destination was Thailand! But I knocked that off my bucket list last December. I’d have to say Italy, Brazil and Hawaii are my next destinations. But my dream is to visit every country in the world.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I like to switch it up! As long as it makes me feel 3 ways; comfortable, classy and sexy!

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

I believe we are all born to make a difference in this world in our own special way. Find your passion and put it to work!

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On the first of each month, Aile Rėve is joining Nalie's movement: #feelitonthefirst and we encourage you to join us as well. This fun and fearless movement is to encourage women to get closer to their body and truly connect. To FLY is to first love yourself and on the first of each month, be your own healer. Here's how to help Nalie spread the good vibes: 

1. Post a selfie of you feeling your tatas. (Have fun with your clever creativity)
2. Hashtag #feelitonthefirst
3. Tag three of your gals to do the same, and most importantly, love yourself. You're worth it. 

Should you have any questions or comment, feel free to connect with Nalie HERE. 

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DARE TO D.R.E.A.M. SERIES 

The Nice to Meet You Interview is Aile Rėve's signature. It is a way to soulfully connect with the artist and visionary. The N.T.M.Y allows us to take off for a voyage into the furthest reaches of their mind, with love, confidence, humility, and poetry. 

Naná Moon Oyá

@ailereve 

Facebook 

Working with Coriander | Travailler avec la coriandre #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

Coriander (also known as cilantro) has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin-C), minerals and vitamins, each having a number of beneficial properties.The health benefits of coriander include its use in the treatment of skin inflammation , high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, indigestion, menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care. The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections. 

Coriander is also increasingly popular as a means of preventing nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disorders. Its wealth of bioactive compounds means that new health benefits are always being discovered in this power-packed plant. In addition to these health aspects of the stomach, fresh coriander leaves are excellent appetizers to get your bowels prepared for a large meal. Consuming coriander has been shown to positively reduce blood pressure in many patients suffering from hypertension. As a rich source of calcium, coriander is of great value for people who want to protect the integrity of their bones. Coriander, due to the rich aroma from its essential oils, helps in the proper secretion of enzymes and digestive juices in the stomach, thereby stimulating digestion and peristaltic motion. It is also helpful in treating eating disorders like anorexia. 

En consommant la coriandre quotidiennement, l’on obtient, une amélioration marquée des symptômes abdominaux attribuables au syndrome du côlon irritable. Il semble qu’elle soit en mesure de retarder le passage des aliments de l’estomac à l’intestin. Au niveau des troubles digestifs, la coriandre est considérée comme une épice sûre et efficace dans le traitement de la perte d’appétit, de ballonnements, d’indigestion, des flatulences et des maux d’estomac et crampes. L’huile de coriandre aide dans les cas d’eczéma, de psoriasis et de rosacée également.La coriandre est capable de mobiliser le mercure, le cadmium, le plomb et l’aluminium tant dans les os qu’au niveau du système nerveux central. Les puissants antioxydants de la coriandre protègent le foie et stimulent sa capacité naturelle de se régénérer : bonne nouvelle pour les malades atteint d’alcoolisme et d’hépatite C.

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Mr Plantes et les plantes médicinales

Organic Facts

Nice to Meet You Marika Marie-Christine Jeanty | Herbs Moon Celebration Interview Series by Naná Moon Oyå

"I hate to be in the spotlight and I don't like to create waves... A wise friend once told me that you can't call yourself an artist and not want to make waves! He then added stop wanting to please everyone just be yourself. I am working on myself to stop the auto censure process."

- Marika Marie Christine Jeanty

What city do you represent? 

Definitely the one I was born and where I have lived so far for about 32 years Montreal. Im a proud Montrealer of Haitian Descent.

What is your dream in life? 

I am a dreamer you know...that the Fine Arts Museum in Montreal presents a Haitian Art exhibit. To open a place to create links between generations, between individuals of various backgrounds through art and culture...I could go on.

What are you thankful for? 

To be alive. To have core family members in good health. That my son is growing up so well.

Tell us two things that make you smile. 

Only two? I love to smile. Smiling is major cure and it helps bring sunshine to others and in reverse the fact that you illuminated someone else's day will cheer you up. On top of the list my son, my nieces, and my nephews. Also to hear good news concerning someone I care about.

How would you describe your fashion style? 
Classy, comfy, colorful.

What are the three destinations of your dream? 
Well there are many (laughs) but cities in my ancestors countries that I have yet to visit:  I have been to Haiti but not everywhere, I have been to only 2 cities in France and I have yet to go to Spain; There's also Portugal, Indonesia, Australia, Argentina, Brazil...

What music have you been listening on repeat lately? 
Oh wow hard to pick but mostly Jean-Claude Martineau's retrospective album with Ti-Corn and Beethova Obas called Zanmi Nou; Jowee Omicil's 2 recent albums Roots and Groove and Naked; Cecile Mcloran Salvant' Woman Child; Rossa Passos, Luz Casal, Ariane Moffat 22:22... I am a music junkie!




For our Herbs Moon Celebration, we'd like to know what herbs do you regularly use in your cooking? 
Basil, thyme, chives, parsley.

Two things you could never leave home without. 

Actually there's 3 (laughs): my pen, my notebook and my music.

What are your favourite quotes of the moment? 

• "Most importantly I stay away from negative energy and surround myself with positivity. Creators have to create in a proper environment." -Steve Pageot

• "Surround yourself with people that illuminate your path" -Kristen Butler

• "Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values"  -Dalaï Lama

and well my motto is Live, Love, Laugh and Learn.

Can you recall one of the realest thing you’ve heard your child say? 

That child never ceases to amaze me. I would say (I do not remember the exact wording) when he told that he had a friend that was going through something and he felt that as a friend he needed to provide moral support.

According to you, what is the purpose of life? I think we each have a mission on Earth. I believe mine is to help others and to create links between people. I think the purpose of life is to do our part to create a better world. 

Connect with Marika 

@simplementmarika x Blog: Vues par Rika 

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DARE TO D.R.E.A.M. SERIES 

The Nice to Meet You Interview is Aile Rėve's signature. It is a way to soulfully connect with the artist and visionary. The N.T.M.Y allows us to take off for a voyage into the furthest reaches of their mind, with love, confidence, humility, and poetry. 

Naná Moon Oyá
@ailereve 

Facebook 

Working with Vervain | Travailler avec la verveine #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

La Verveine officinale, c'est l'herbe à tous les maux, le guérit-tout, l'herbe aux sorciers, l'herbe du sang. Elle a été, partout et longtemps, la plante magique par excellence. La Verveine officinale, à ne pas confondre avec la Verveine odorante, est une plante vivace, inodore et digestive. Elle stimule l'estomac, combat les vertiges et les migraines. Elle est surtout recommandée pour son importante action contre les rhumatismes, les douleurs, les suites de coups et de chocs, les ecchymoses, et les foulures qu'elle soulage. 

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The Vervain is a good plant for a wildlife garden because both bees and butterflies find it attractive. Vervain likes a sunny spot and is not picky about soil provided it does not allow standing water. Plant the seeds in the spring with a very light covering. They may take a few weeks to germinate but will come back year after year.

Kitchen Witchery

The Vervain is recommended for healing. Vervain tea is bitter but relaxing. It is a good nerve tonic and may help with mild insomnia. It is also useful for people suffering from work related stress. Women who are experiencing problems with menstruation due to stress may also find some relief from taking vervain tea. This tea may also help with bladder problems and acts as a diuretic. It can help with gall bladder issues and stimulates the liver.

Excessive use of vervain tea may lead to nausea.

Vervain flowers may be placed in a dish with salt for several days to flavor the salt and add its unique energy to foods seasoned with the salt. Strain out the verbena flowers before using the salt.

Vervain can help to overcome anxiety and negative emotions. It's also linked to poets and can help you to tap into your creative side. 

Vervain in Magick

The magic of vervain is said to be the strongest when it is gathered after sunset or before dawn on the dark of the moon. A libation of milk or honey should be left after gathering the plant. Leaves should be harvested before the flowers are open. The root may be dug up after the plant dies back in the fall. The herb is best used fresh but may be hung to dry in a dark, well ventilated place.

Governed by Venus, the scent of this herb is thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac. Associated with the summer solstice, it is sacred to druids, and is used in protection spells and to cleanse an area or magical tools before a ritual. 

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Le Grimoire des Herbes Magiques

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

Witchipedia

Working with Thyme | Travailler avec le thym #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

Thymus veut dire "parfumer" à cause de l'odeur agréable que la plante dégage. Le thym pousse spontanément dans les pays du pourtour méditerranéen et est connu depuis la plus lointaine Antiquité. Les Égyptiens et les Étrusques le faisaient entrer dans les préparations servant à l'embaumement de leurs morts; les Grecs en brûlaient devant l'autel de leurs dieux et en mettaient aussi dans leurs plats, les Romains faisaient de même, quant aux femmes, elles l'employaient en eau de toilette et onguent pour entretenir leur beauté. Les feuilles de thym sont riches en huile essentielle dont les propriétés sont mises à profit en phytothérapie. Elle est très antiseptique et utilisée à ce titre pour soigner les infections pulmonaires. Mis à part son activité pulmonaire, le thym s'utilise aussi pour les problèmes intestinaux et soigne les ballonnements. Le thym a des vertus stimulantes et antivirales et peut à ce titre être utilisé pour prévenir les récidives d'herpès ou de zona. 

Kitchen Witchery

Small amounts of this herb are sedative, whereas larger amounts are stimulant. Thyme is used against hookworm, roundworms, and threadworms.

Thyme also warms and stimulates the lungs, expels mucus, and relieves congestion. It also helps deter bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Thyme aids in the digestion of high fat foods, and has been used to preserve meat.

Known topical applications include its use as a gargle and mouthwash for dental decay, laryngitis, mouth sores, plaque formation, sore throat, thrush, tonsillitis, and bad breath.

Thyme has been used as a compress for lung congestion such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu, and as a poultice for wounds, mastitis, insect bites and stings. It has also been used as an eyewash for sore eyes, and as a hair rinse for dandruff. The essential oil is added to soaps and antidepressant inhalations.

Thyme is Magick

This herb has a long tradition of being used in sacred rites, and is popular in midsummer rituals. It promotes psychic development and helps us to connect to the spiritual plane. Thyme is also used in love spells and is popular with fairy spirits. Ruled by Venus and linked to the element water, it makes a great magical tea. 

Thyme can be used in magick spells to increase strength and courage.

When working hard to achieve a goal that seems un-achievable, thyme can be used in spells to help you keep a positive attitude.

Smudge your home with thyme to dispel melancholy, hopelessness and other mellow but negative vibrations, especially after a family tragedy or during a long sickness.

Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent nightmares.

Faeries love thyme. Its addition to your garden will attract them and it can be used in spells to communicate with faeries.

Thyme is excellent in ritual baths and smudging for early spring festivals when we seek to leave the old behind and begin anew.

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Le Grimoire des Herbes Magiques

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

Witchipedia

Working with Rosemary | Travailler avec le romarin #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

Le romarin c'est aussi la rosée de mer et l'herbe aux couronnes, une plante masculine dédiée au soleil. Cette herbe aromatique émet des ondes purificatrices de très haute puissance lorsqu'on la brûle. Les feuilles de romarin renferment une huile essentielle à laquelle il doit ses propriétés intéressantes sur le système digestif. Le romarin stimule le fonctionnement de la vésicule biliaire. Il s'utilise pour soigner les bronchites grâce à son huile essentielle antiseptique. Placées sous l'oreiller, ou mieux encore mélangées au duvet qui bourre cet oreiller, quelques sommités fleuries assurent un bon sommeil paisible, réparateur, exempt de cauchemars. 

Beauty Care

- An infusion of rosemary makes an excellent hair rinse, gradually covering gray hair, and adding strength and shine to any color hair. It also helps reduce dandruff and stimulate hair growth. Rosemary oil rubbed into the ends of hair will also help reduce split ends.

- Rosemary oil massaged into the scalp is believed to prevent baldness and stimulate hair growth. 

- Massaging the body with rosemary oil will increase circulation, relieve aches and pains and warm the limbs.

- Used as a toner, rosemary will help bring blood to the surface of the skin and acts as an antiseptic and astringent.

Nota: Rosemary should not be used medicinally by pregnant women, but it is okay for them to use it as a food seasoning.

Kitchen Witchery 

Rosemary has one of those distinctive, strong flavours that convinces the palate that herbs aren’t just delicate things reserved for dainty soups and sprinkling on baby vegetables. It takes hold of the taste buds with a woodsy flavour, somewhat piny, mint-like yet sweeter, with a slight ginger finish.

It can also be used as a subtle accent, using just a hint of the flavour lightening the mood of an otherwise mundane sauce or pastry. Its flavour harmonizes with those of poultry, fish, lamb, beef, veal, pork, and game, particularly in their roasted forms. Rosemary enhances tomatoes spinach, peas, mushrooms, squash, cheese, eggs, lentils, and complements the herbs chives, thyme, chervil, parsley, and bay in recipes.

Rosemary branches are wonderfully easy to work into wreathes when fresh and hold their fragrance and color well when dry.

Sprigs of Rosemary can be placed in your dresser drawers to protect your clothes from moths.

Rosemary in Magick

Rosemary means "dew of the sea". This powerful herb, ruled by the sun, is often used in love spells. It is used in rituals for healing power, protection and strength, and to maintain focus. It's believed that if you're struggling to concentrate, sniffing a sprig of fresh rosemary will give you clarity and focus. Rosemary should not be taken internally in large doses. 

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Le Grimoire des Herbes Magiques

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

Witchipedia

Working with Sage | Travailler avec la sauge #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

La sauge, le bon génie, l'herbe des cuisinières, ou encore le thé sacré... le nom vient du latin salvarer, "sauver / guérir". La sauge est la plus grande plante médicinale (bronchite, asthme, maux de gorge, acné et gerçures, rhumatisme, douleurs articulaires, maux de dents et plaies de la bouche...) Pour purifier une habitation ou une personne brûlez de la Sauge sur un charbon ardent comme de l'encens. Ses fumigations sont aussi censées éclaircir l'esprit et améliorer la mémoire. 

Kitchen Witchery

The oils sage have antiseptic, astringent, and irritant properties. This makes sage useful in treating sore throats, mouth irritations, and possibly cuts and bruises. 

Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion, soothing nerves, and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, excessive sweating, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea.

It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes and treats dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, rosemary, and wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy.

It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to cleanse and purify the air. In a carrier oil, it makes an excellent deodorant.

Sage also contains terpene, camphor, and salvene. An essential oil is extracted from freshly harvested leaves by steam distillation and this is used in seasonings for pork sausages, processed foods, perfumes, confectionery, naouthwashes and gargles. Sage tea has antiseptic qualities and makes a good gargle for sore throats.

Sage may boost insulin action, and therefore, a daily cup of tea may be helpful for those with diabetes. Use one or two teaspoons of dried sage leaves to one cup of boiling water.

Sage in Magick

Ruled by the element air, sage is a great herb for healing and for cleansing the aura. Natives Americans traditionally use sage in smudge sticks, which they burn to cleanse themselves. 

Sage is used in magical workings for immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection and the granting of wishes.

To make a wish, write your wish on a sage leaf and sleep with it under your pillow for three days and then bury it.

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Le Grimoire des Herbes Magiques

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

Witchipedia

Working with Parsley | Travailler avec le persil #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

Le persil est une plante potagère et un aliment alcalinisant, nutritif et tonifiant. Cette herbe aromatique est très riche en vitamine C, en carotène (Provitamine A), en oligoéléments, et en sels minéraux. Ses vertus sur la santé ne sont pas à prouver surtout s’il est ajouté cru à l’alimentation. Il aide à abaisser la tension artérielle élevée, il a une action anti-anémique, il ouvre l'appétit et favorise la digestion gastrique. En hygiène bucco-dentaire, mâcher un brin de persil fait disparaître la mauvaise haleine rapidement. Il provoque, facilite et régularise le flux menstruel et c'est aussi un stimulant utérin. Il possède aussi une importante action antiscorbutique. En outre, il stimule la fécondité et aide à lutter contre la dépendance à l'alcool et contre les tumeurs cérébrales Le Persil n'est pas un condiment ordinaire, c'est plutôt un aliment médicament qui doit, au même titre que l'ail et l'oignon. De Plus le persil est parfait pour stimuler le désir sexuel car il a une action directe sur la circulation de l'organisme. Il favorise également la production d'hormones et vous permet d'être plus résistant et plus vigoureux. 

Kitchen Witchery

Parsley Root has been used medicinally since ancient times for digestive disorders, bronchitis, and urinary tract problems. 

The volatile oil increases circulation to the digestive tract. Parsley juice has been used to treat toothache, and as a hair rinse or as a facial steam for dry skin. Other uses for Parsley Root have been to tone the urinary tract reducing the possibility of infections, alleviate painful menstruation, lowering blood pressure and improving asthma, allergies and bronchitis by drying excessive mucous.

Parsley is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A and C, and compounds that clear toxins from the body. It also reduces inflammations, contains histamine inhibitors and is a free radical scavenger. Because of the high clorofil content, it acts as a great breath freshener. 

Parsley is believed to promote lust and spice up a flagging sex drive. Introduce it into your life by adding it to salads, stews, and soups. 

Parlsey in Magick

A good medicinal herb and easy to grow, parsley is most often used in protection spells. Parsley can be used in a ritual bath and in ritual incense associated with communication with spirits of the dead. Wearing or eating parsley is supposed to protect against drunkenness and increase strength, vitality and passion. Parsley is also supposed to protect food from contamination.

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Femme Zoom

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

Witchipedia

Working with Oregano | Travailler avec l'origan #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

L'Origan, le sentibon des prés, l'herbe du tonnerre, la marjolaine bâtarde, cette plante liée à l'élément Air apporte l'harmonie et facilite la communication entre les gens, avec les esprits et avec la nature. L'Origan est particulièrement efficace pour rétablir la paix lors des conflits. L’origan facilite la digestion et aide lutter contre la constipation. Elle est également idéale en cas de toux, coqueluche, asthme et bronchite.  Les fines herbes ne sont habituellement pas consommées en grande quantité. Utilisées comme assaisonnements, elles ne peuvent alors pas procurer tous les bienfaits santé qui leur sont attribués. Privilégier l’origan frais est un bon moyen d’ajouter des antioxydants dans votre assiette! L’origan moulu est une excellente source de vitamine K pour la femme, mais seulement une bonne source pour l’homme. L’origan moulu est aussi une source de manganèse, de calcium, et de vitamine E. 

Kitchen Witchery 

Oregano has a warm, aromatic flavor and scent and is slightly bitter in taste. It is a member of the mint family with characteristic labiate flowers in pink or lavender. Linked to the element air, oregano is popularly used in cooking and can help to promote peace and harmony. Indispensable for Italian cuisine, oregano is a popular flavoring for tomato dishes, and other acidic vegetables. It's also great on various meats. It is a natural partner to basil and tomatoes. Add oregano near the end of cooking. If oregano is cooked too long, it turns bitter. 

You may have seen a bottle marked "oil of oregano" in a health food store. There are good reasons why! Oregano contains numerous phytonutrients that have also been shown to function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based damage to cell structures throughout the body. Additionally, on a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries. Oregano is a good source of fiber. Fiber works in the body to bind to bile salts and cancer-causing toxins in the colon and remove them from the body. This forces the body to break down cholesterol to make more bile salts. These are just some of the reasons that diets high in fiber have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of colon cancer. Oregano is an excellent source of vitamin K, a very good source of manganese, iron and calcium. 

Oregano in Magick: It is used in spells for happiness, tranquility, luck, health, protection and letting go of a loved one. It can also be used in spells to deepen existing love. Oregano symbolizes joy. Use it for rituals celebrating joyful occasions, or in spells to bring joy into one's life. It is also suitable decoration for a grave to ensure the deceased finds happiness in their next life. 

Oregano in Magick

It is used in spells for happiness, tranquility, luck, health, protection and letting go of a loved one. It can also be used in spells to deepen existing love.

When worn on the head during sleep, it is said to promote psychic dreams.

Oregano symbolizes joy. Use it for rituals celebrating joyful occasions, or in spells to bring joy into one's life. It is also suitable decoration for a grave to ensure the deceased finds happiness in their next life.

_______________________

Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Le Grimoire des Herbes Magiques

Passeport Santé

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

The World's Healthiest Foods

Witchipedia

Working with Mugwort | Travailler avec l'armoise #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

L'Armoise, l'absinthe sauvage, l'herbe aux cent goûts, voire le sourcil de lune, une plante féminine aphrodisiaque en infusion, en décoction, avec ou sans miel, parfois poivrée ou mélangée avec de la cannelle. Toute la plante contient des substances digestives, vermifuges, emménagogues, anti-hystériques et sédatives. Portée sur soi, rien ne peut vous nuire. Le suc sert également à nettoyer les boules de cristal et les miroirs magiques. Le médium qui pose ses supports (cartes, tarot, marc de café, boule de cristal, etc.) sur une couche de feuilles d'Armoise accroît ses pouvoirs psychiques. Un oreiller bourré d'Armoise fraîche assure des rêves intuitifs ou prophétiques.

Kitchen Witchery

Mugwort has a bitter taste. Mugwort is a powerful herb part of the daisy family. It is a topical anesthetic with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Fresh, crushed mugwort leaves applied to the skin relieves burning, itching and pain and, with continued application, can help get rid of warts.

It is said that chewing fresh mugwort leaves will help relieve fatigue and clear the mind. A decoction of the roots was used also for this purpose.

An infusion of fresh leaves can be used for chronic stomach complaints and to stimulate the appetite.

Mugwort has also been used in Europe to induce abortions. It helps strengthen contractions and it is used in a compress to promote labor and help expel the afterbirth. It is also used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease painful menstruation and the onset of menopause. Use in combination with ginger in a tea to soothe difficult menstruation.

On the other hand, mugwort has also been used in China to prevent miscarriage and ease excessive menstrual bleeding.

Mugwort has been used for centuries for disorders and epilepsy, as it has mild sedative and antispasmodic properties.

An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers helps expel pin worms.

Mix the dry herb with honey and apply to bruises to fade them.

An infusion of mugwort, or mugwort oil is a good all-purpose cleaner and insect repellent.

Mugwort in Magick

Mugwort can be used as a sacred smoking or smudging herb for protection or divination. It is safe to smoke (as safe as smoking anything is) by itself, mixed with tobacco, or other smokeables in a ritual context and is said to enhance astral projection, lucid dreaming and other altered states of consciousness. Some say that simply keeping mugwort under your pillow or in your bedroom will encourage prophetic dreams. Try making a dream pillow stuffed with mugwort. If you do keep it in your bedroom, remember that it is closely related to ragweed and the flowers may trigger some allergies.

Others say you must burn it or smoke it in order to utilize its conscious-altering affects. Burn mugwort in an incense burner as you use divination tools to help open your mind to any messages coming in; or consider using it to make a smudge stick.

Some witches use mugwort stems as wands. Linked to the moon, mugwort will increase psychic powers and and is also a great herb to carry for protection. 

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Decoction is a method of extraction of herbal constituents from stems, roots, barks and rhizomes through boiling. The hard plant parts are covered with water, brought to a boil for about 10 minutes and then cooled and strained. Similar to, but not to be confused with infusion or tisane.

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Le Grimoire des Herbes Magiques

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

Witchipedia