Herb Lore

Well technically every plant has a property which would have been appreciated by those who specialised in the art of wortcunning but I supose for magical uses i'd say 'anything baneful'. Yup, anything which is most likely to poison you if you so much as nibble at it. As mentioned before, wormwood and mandrake, also bella donna and henbane not to mention other variations are prized for their magical properties. The reason for this is not only the chemistry (spirits, connection to gods etc.) of the plants but also their medicinal value. Such plants can kill, yes but with the right amount, as tiny as that may be, they can save lives. I think there is an attraction in something which can kill but also cure.

Sun Ritual Biscuits

6 oz Flour
6 oz Butter/Marg ['Pure' range of vegan margarine is ideal]
3 oz Sugar
1 teaspoon ground Ginger
1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
grated zest of 1 Lemon
splash of Lemon Juice

Add the flour, sugar and ground spice and zest s into a large mixing bowl and mix together. Now rub the butter into the flour, sugar and spices - creating a breadcrumb texture. When you have an even breadcrumb style mix pour in the lemon juice (enough to help the mixture bind together - but not enough to make it too sticky!) and mix together gently - start pressing the mix together and kneading lightly. Now roll the mixture out (onto a floured board / work-surface) and cut out circular shapes and place them on a greased baking tray. Place in a pre-heated oven at Gas Mark 4 (180C) for about 15 - 20 minutes (until just golden). Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tray.
If you prefer a chunkier biscuit press the mizture into a shortbread tray (baking tray with sides), gently mark into squares, and leave in the oven for a bit longer. Cut into squares after removing from the oven and leave in the tin to cool for 5 minutes.

elfwyne
1 bottle of good red wine
2 oranges
cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of allspice
1/2 centimetre piece of fresh ginger
1 1/2 cups of water
2 tablespoons sugar or honey,

Stud the oranges with cloves and put in a hot oven until golden in colour and aromatic. Leave to cool. In to a large sauce pan add water, sugar, and spices,cook on low heat until sugar has melted and all ingredients are well combined. Slice oranges , add to pan. Finally add the wine stir over low heat until warmed through, then serve.
Can also be served chilled witha dash of ginger ale or lemonade , for a cool summer drink.
The red wine can be substituted for milk for an interesting and relaxing drink.

Am I right in thinking cookie and spiced wine recipes doesn't technically fall under the category of 'herb lore'. I'm confused now.

ok well this was taken from a wiccan herb lore festival in america where they cook with spices and zesty fruits to the god of nature.( the green man)

Mugwort also known as worm wood is another plant that was used by midwives in the the 16th century for abortions.  It is widely known today as a plant that is useful in the treatment of gastric problems.  I've been interested herbal medicine for years.

Also things like 'white willow bark' is like asprin and can be used for pain and bowel problems
Camomile is not just used for nervous disorders but also as a muscle relaxant for pain and for bowel issues.

a few years ago my sister bought me a great shamanic herb lore book and its really informative, if anyone interested i can post the name and author