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Herbs @ PathWalkers.Net - A Sunwheel Herb Garden: The Nine Sacred Herbs of Wisdom
Considering that Gerard’s Herbal was published in 1597 C.E., one thousand years
from the estimated date of Lacnunga (587 C.E.), this name may have been
commonly attributed to a different herb during that time. However, Gerard’s one
thousand year gap is certainly preferable to Storm’s fourteen hundred year gap.
Watercress is a perennial but is typically grown as an annual, prefers a moist
habitat, and naturally occurs near springs, creeks and rivers. It is cultivated by seed,
sown directly in the garden or in flats indoors, and then transplanted after the last
frost. Watercress is a small, creeping plant, so place near the rim of the Sunwheel,
in front of taller plants. Gather the seeds in the fall for replanting in the spring, or
allow to re-seed itself. Water it daily in summer.
Watercress is commonly eaten in salads and soups, and is the primary ingredient in
that favorite English Tea-time snack, Watercress sandwiches. Although not in
common use medicinally, Grieve reports its use against tuberculosis during her
time. Culpeper advises the bruised leaves to be placed directly on the skin
tocombat freckles, pimples and other skin ailments. Watercress is an excellent
diuretic, rivaled only by the Dandelion.
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Other Herbs of Note
Houseleek Also known as Thor’s Beard, Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)
planted in a pot and placed on the roof will protect a house from lightning. This
plant is known as Hens and Chicks in the United States.
Cowslip or Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is associated with Freya, and it is said to
open the door to her hall or mound. A wash of Cowslip water will improve the
complexion.
Woodruft A sprig of Sweet Woodruff (Asperula odorata) steeped in Rhine Wine
for a few hours is all it takes to make May Wine, a common beverage at Walpurgis.
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is the plant that gives us linen and linseed oil, and has
been used since ancient times. The fiber is traditionally spun and woven for
clothing. Flax is under the dominion of Holda, possibly another name for Frigg,
who taught us the art of growing Flax, of spinning, and of weaving it.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) was said to be revealed by the Archangel
Michael as a cure for the plague. More interestingly, Grieve recounts the remnant
of an old Lithuanian Pagan custom of the peasants marching into towns carrying
Angelica flower stems and offering them for sale. Angelica is associated with
Heimdall, used in warding, and the stems are still commonly boiled in sugar-water
for a confection.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor), the “Joy of the Ground”, was used against witchcraft
and sorcery in Medieval times, and therefore is of excellent protection against
ill-meaning wights of all kinds (including people). The contradiction, and perhaps
explanation, is that it was also called Sorcerer’s Violet. What better to fight sorcery
with than sorcery?
Sources:
Culpeper, Nicholas. Culpeper's Complete Herbal and English Physician, reprint of
1814 original publishing. Meyerbooks, Greenwood, IL, 1990.
Freeman, Margaret B. Herbs for the Mediaeval Household for Cooking, Healing
and Divers Uses. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1948.
Gerard, John. Gerard’s Herbal, reprint of the 1597 original publishing. Crescent
Books, Crown, New York, 1985.
Grieve, Mrs. M.. A Modern Herbal - Volumes I-II. Dover Publications, Inc., New
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