Sheptucha

"Also Known As: Herb of Grace, Herbygrass, Herb of Repentance, Ruta, Rewe, Garden Rue, Bashoush, Hreow, Mother of the Herbs.

Folklore: The use of Rue dates back thousands of years � the ancient Greeks used it as part of one of their general poison antidotes, one that went by the name of 'mithridate'. The latin name 'Ruta' comes from the Greek 'reuo', meaning 'to free', probably referring to the plant's long history as a healing agent.

A 9th century monk by the name of Walahfrid Strabo liked to grow Rue in his garden but was under the impression that it was safe to pick in the morning, but when picked any later in the day the plant became poisonous. The plant was also a part of the infamous 'four thieves vinegar', used by the four French thieves who liked to steal from the bodies of plague victims. The plant's reputation continued up till fairly recent history � a rumour broke out in 1760 that plague had appeared at a London hospital, and as a result the price of Rue on the markets shot up. It was used as a strewing herb to protect the general public from infection.

As with many herbs, Rue has a long association with witchcraft, and was apparently used in a lot of different potion recipes. One interesting story concerning this is the two differing opinions on why it was associated with witchcraft. The Greek theory stated that it was used against the witchcraft of strangers. Aristotle had a much more rational opinion on this, and decided that as the Greeks were not good at eating with strangers, they ate too quickly and became flatulent as a result. The Rue calmed flatulence, and made them think that therefore it cancelled the spells that any strangers cast on them.

As with many of the herbs associated with witchcraft, Rue can be used to both enhance spells and to deflect them. Rue hung over doorways supposedly prevents witches from entering, and was the herb given to Odysseus as a protection from Circe's spells and to counter the effects of her potions.

Rue roots apparently give a red dye, particularly useful in the creation of solar or martial spells or fabric used in temples to solar Gods or Mars."

Source: eldrumherbs.co.uk

As some of you might be aware, I have been a consultant for a company called "tianDe" since 2017.
The company that sells cosmetics, supplements, and everyday products. Products based on herbalism, natural active ingredients and ancient Chinese medicine.
This is where my passion to holistic medicine/ healing began.
Products with so much herbs, oils, active ingredients that helped many people with e.g. eczema, psorisis, lady parts problems, hair loss, burns, acne... and many many more.
I might share some real life stories with you.
In the meantime, you can have a look on my tianDe profile
but I'm thinking to share some top healing products on here.
I will also add them to my etsy shop and website that I'm hoping to launch soon.
Thank you for your continuous support 🙏🏻

Chamomile is now available 🛒

Lammas Blessings 🌾🥖🌻
"Apples are beginning to ripen in the trees, our summer vegetables have been picked, corn is tall and green, waiting for us to come gather the bounty of the crop fields. Now is the time to begin reaping what we have sown, and gathering up the first harvests of grain, wheat, oats, and more.
This holiday can be celebrated either as a way to honor the god Lugh, or as a celebration of the harvest.
Celebrating Grain in Ancient Cultures
Grain has held a place of importance in civilization back nearly to the beginning of time. Grain became associated with the cycle of death and rebirth. The Sumerian god Tammuz was slain and his lover Ishtar grieved so heartily that nature stopped producing. Ishtar mourned Tammuz, and followed him to the Underworld to bring him back, similar to the story of Demeter and Persephone.
In Greek legend, the grain god was Adonis. Two goddesses, Aphrodite and Persephone, battled for his love. To end the fighting, Zeus ordered Adonis to spend six months with Persephone in the Underworld, and the rest with Aphrodite.
A Feast of Bread
In early Ireland, it was a bad idea to harvest your grain any time before Lammas; it meant that the previous year's harvest had run out early, and that was a serious failing in agricultural communities. However, on August 1, the first sheaves of grain were cut by the farmer, and by nightfall his wife had made the first loaves of bread of the season.
Honoring the Past
In some Wiccan and modern Pagan traditions, Lammas is also a day of honoring Lugh, the Celtic craftsman god. He is a god of many skills, and was honored in various aspects by societies both in the British Isles and in Europe.
By celebrating Lammas as a harvest holiday, we honor our ancestors and the hard work they must have had to do in order to survive. This is a good time to give thanks for the abundance we have in our lives, and to be grateful for the food on our tables. Lammas is a time of transformation, of rebirth and new beginnings."
Source: learnreligions.com

Sheptucha's library 📖📚
Grow your own drugs by James Wong

"The bay tree was sacred to Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, poetry and healing.
His prophecies were communicated through his priestess at Delphi, who, among other rituals, ate a bay leaf before expounding her oracle.
As bay leaves are slightly narcotic in large doses, they may have induced her trance state.
Apollo's temple at Delphi had its roof made entirely of bay leaves for protection against disease, witchcraft and lightning.
A wreath of bay leaves became the mark of excellence for poets and athletes and, to the Romans, bay was a symbol of wisdom and glory. The Latin laurus means "laurel" and nobilis "renowned".
Bay has been used against disease, especially the plague, for many centuries. "
-DK pocket encyclopedia of herbs

Herbalism continued...
People have used herbs for thousands of years, relying on powdered supplements, teas, tinctures, and skin creams to help treat everything from skin rashes to mild depression. Herbal supplements, also known as botanicals, are made from the leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of plants.
An herbalist is someone who uses plants for healing. These practitioners are not medical doctors, though some practitioners are also referred to as medical herbalists.
What Does an Herbalist Do?
Herbalists attempt to find the root cause of illness. Practitioners will choose herbs based on the symptoms or ailments a patient describes during the consultation. They will also perform a clinical exam, inspecting certain areas of the body and create a personalized prescription. Patients may use just one herbal treatment or a combination of herbal supplements.
Common forms of treatment include:
•Teas
•Capsules containing liquids or powdered herbs
•Bath salts
•Oils
•Skin creams and ointments.