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Friday, April 10, 2009

Articles in Llewellyn's Publications


I am a freelance writer and have had a few articles published in past editions of Llewellyn's yearly almanacs and other publications. Here is a list of those articles, and which year they were published.

Llewellyn's 2004 Herbal Almanac
The Story of the Edible Herbal Flower - pp 83-100
Medieval and Renaissance Strewing Herbs - pp 233-246

Llewellyn's 2005 Herbal Almanac
Monastic Herb Gardens - pp 9-22
Herbal Thanksgiving Celebration - pp 99-114

Llewellyn's 2006 Herbal Almanac
Red Herbs of Chinese Medicine - pp 133-144

Llewellyn's 2007 Herbal Almanac
Thanks for the Memories - pp 145-154

Llewellyn's 2007 Magical Almanac
Magic Wands & Wizards Staffs

Llewellyn's 2007 Witches Datebook
Making Magical Inks

Llewellyn's 2008 Herbal Almanac
Organic Gardening Practices - pp 49-58
Breakfast & Brunch Delights - pp 89-98
The Herbal Alchemist - pp 251-260

Llewellyn's 2008 Witches Calendar
Common Scents

I am thinking of rewriting and/or expanding all of these articles and publishing them as a book. I'll have to put together a book proposal when I get a chance, and see if Llewellyn is interested in publishing it, or I just might go the self-publishing route.

I'll keep you updated on my progress with this project.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA Herb Witch

Friday, August 29, 2008

Blessings Page


This charm was written by my good friend Michelle White Willow. She created the words contained in this blessing to be used as a dedication to her personal book of shadows, which she refers to as her book of light. Michelle has generously allowed me to share this blessing with you. Other terms may be used to describe your own personal book of spells and magical information such as Grimoire, book of shadows, or my personal favorite; book of illuminations.

Book Blessing
I dedicate my “Book Of Light” to the beauty of the old ways. May Earth Mother and Sky Father bless the contents herein and protect against any who would turn these pages with dark intent.
Should ever this book come to be in the hands of those who would do ill with it, Heed These Words:

Let Ink Fade and words disappear, Spells be lost so none may hear Pages crumble and turn to dust, So none may break the sacred trust Of the magic held within.

Earth Mother and Sky Father, direct my course so that I may learn the wisdom of the ancient ways. As I travel the Pagan path, guide my thought and deeds So that I may evolve into all that I can in this lifetime and thus prepare for my next life journey.

Keep me mindful of humility as I grow in power and understanding. Let love be the governing force that leads me forward. May I always work in harmony with the Earth and all her creatures.

With free will to all and harm to none, As I will, so shall it be done.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Herb Gardens blog



Hello,

I guess I haven't posted to the Herbal Apothecary site in awhile. I've been doing TONS of writing for my other sites.

I just started a Herb Gardens blog on the Today.com site. The blog went live a couple of days ago so there are only a few posts on the site so far.

I'll be adding lots of herb profiles and pictures of herbs to the site. Please stop by and visit my Herb Gardens site when you get a chance.

Take care,
Lynn

Monday, March 24, 2008

Health Tonics


Tonics
A substance that stimulates or restores your system to a state of balance. Tonics are meant to be drunk and are for internal use only. Tonics have the consistency of water.

Daily tonic:
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
12 ounces spring water

Add the cider vinegar to a large glass. Add the honey and stir until the honey is thoroughly dissolved. Then stir in the spring water. Drink one glass of this tonic everyday, preferably first thing in the morning before breakfast.

Bladder tonic:
1 tablespoon honey
Juice from 1 lime
12 ounces cranberry juice

Add the lime juice to a large glass. Add the honey and stir until the honey is thoroughly dissolved. Then stir in the cranberry juice. Drink a glass or two of this tonic, as needed, to help get rid of a bladder infection.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Homemade Tinctures


Tinctures
A powdered or finely chopped herb is added to either alcohol, cider vinegar or glycerin and left to soak or macerate for up to 4 weeks. The herb is then strained from the liquid and discarded. The resulting liquid is stored in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.

The ratio for making a traditional tincture is usually 4 ounces of powdered herb, 4 ounces of water and 12 ounces of alcohol. A layer of glycerin may be added to the top of the filtered and strained tincture to act as a preservative.

Basic tincture method:
Fill a quart size canning jar with coarsely chopped fresh herb
Fill the jar with 100 proof alcohol
Place the lid on the jar
Place the jar in a dark cupboard for 1 month
Shake the jar every few days
Strain out and discard the herb
Store the tincture in dark glass bottles
To administer the tincture add 20-30 drops to 1 cup water

Herbs to tincture:
Echinacea for cold and flu season
Red clover for woman’s complaints

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Natural Beauty Products Vendors

Supply Sources
The vendors listed below offer a variety of bulk herbs & spices, essential oils, base ingredients, bottles and containers for sale which you can use when creating your own natural beauty formulas.

Essential Wholesale
PO Box 33761
Portland, OR 97292
503-722-7557
E-mail: customer service@essentialwholesale.com
Website: www.essentialwholesale.com

Mountain Rose Herbs
PO Box 50220
Eugene, OR 97405
800-879-3337
E-mail: customer service@mountainroseherbs.com
Website: www.mountainroseherbs.com

San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co.
47444 Kato Road
Fremont, CA 94538
800-227-2830
E-mail: customer service@herbspicetea.com
Website: www.herbspicetea.com

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Lavender, Lemon & Lemon Grass Essential Oils

Image: morgueFile
Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia - this is a harmonizing and rejuvenating oil. It blends well with most citrus and floral scents in addition to clover, patchouli and rosemary.


Planet=Mercury
Element=air
Magical uses=dream work, healing, love.

Lemon - Citrus limonum - this is a energizing and refreshing oil which blends well with lavender, tea tree and ylang ylang. This essential oil can be used in moderation in your culinary creations to add a light and refreshing scent and citrus taste to your food.

Planet=sun
Element=fire
Magical uses=healing, leadership, mood elevator, prosperity, purification.


Lemon grass - Cymbopogon citratus - this essential oil blends well with lavender, tea tree and ylang ylang.


Planet=Mercury
Element=air
Magical uses=mood elevator, prosperity, purification.