The dark side of healing herbs

 

While October is the season when the veil lowers, when the nights get longer and days turn colder, we're encouraged to eat healthy healing foods with medicine qualities to boost immune system during this spooky time of year. I don't disagree with that. I've been mentioning the importance of good edibles and nice berries, flowers and herbs for ages. However, some of these medicines don't work for some people. I will mention some of the plants of Halloween/Samhain/Winter nights healing and darkness.

1. Garlic. This helps increase blood circulation and gives strength to hydrogen sulphide within the body. A bad smelling bulb rich in goodness. It also acts as a protection against evil spirits, especially vampires. However, its harmful to people with blood conditions like porphyria. Garlic won't be kind to all.

2. Mugwort. This perfume flower has used as an ingredient in food and drinks for centuries. It was often used to repel insects, including moths. Mugwort has been used as a medicine across Europe and Asia for a long time. There is a dark side to it. It's a poison. Some of the dried leaves of the plant was used to create teas that have caused miscarriages and allergic reactions. 

3. Hawthorn. This edible plant flowers and grows fruit made into wine or sometimes as food dressing. Medicines using hawthorn is part of traditional healing remedies. It's also another plant that protects against vampires. There is a dark side also to the plant. Hawthorn can bring on a heart attack, and it's an extremely dangerous herb. A tiny amount used with professional and medical guidance is essential. 

4. Winter Rose. This herb is also mainly called Hellebore. There are different types, including hybrids, but mostly the oldest includes the Black Hellebore and the White Hellebore. Since ancient times, the "Winter Rose" Hellebore has been medicine to treat arthritis and mental illness. It has also treated kidney diseases and included in medicine. However the dark side is too much darkness for this is a toxic plant and can kill. This is a dangerous herb if not taken properly.

5. St. John's wort. This is a hardy seed and grows into thick branches in the wild, or cultivated. Its a medicine and has been used for centuries to treat wounds, as an oil, and herb. The dark side of this plant is that it can kill other plants, sickness in patients and even poisons animals. It can undo the benefits of other medications. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid taking St. John's wort, and people who are sensitive to the sunlight should also avoid St. John's wort. 

I hope that my scary plant warnings was enough to make you understand that you should be careful when seeking natural herbs and remedies. Always seek medical expert advice first from your doctor. Never take it upon yourself to try these age-old herbal medicines. 

Storm Valkyrie