M

Marjoram

Origanum majorana
MEDICINAL: Marjoram is useful for treating asthma, coughs, and is used to strengthen the stomach and intestines, as well as used with other herbs for headaches.

RELIGIOUS: Marjoram should be added to all love charms and sachets. A bit in each room will aid in protection of the home. If given to a grieving or depressed person, it will bring them happiness.

GROWING: Marjoram is a perennial herb growing 1 - 3 feet tall. It likes all kinds of soils, and prefers full sun and rich soil. It is grown as an annual or wintered indoors in cold regions.

Althea officinalis
MEDICINAL: Marshmallow aids in the expectoration of difficult mucous and phlegm. It helps to relax and soothe the bronchial tubes, making it valuable for all lung ailments. It is an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory for joints and the digestive system. It is often used externally with cayenne to treat blood poisoning, burns, and gangrene.

GROWING: Marshmallow needs marshes and swamps to grow. It is a perennial growing to 4 feet tall.

Artemisia vulgaris
MEDICINAL: Mugwort is used in all conditions dealing with nervousness, shaking, and insomnia. It is used to help induce menses, especially combined with cramp bark. Often used to stimulate the liver and as a digestive aid. It should not be used by pregant women. Fresh juice form the plant is used to treat poison ivy.

RELIGIOUS: Add to divination incenses. It is carried to prevent poisoning and stroke. Fresh leaves rubbed on magickal tools will increase their powers. An infusion made of mugwort is used to cleanse crystals and scrying mirrors. Placed beneath your pillow, or in a dream pillow, it will promote astral travel and good dreams.

GROWING: Mugwort likes dry areas in full sun. It is a perennial shrubby plant that grows 1 - 6 feet tall, depending upon growing conditions.

Verbascum spp.
MEDICINAL: Mullein is a terrific narcotic herb that is not addictive or poisonous. It is used as a pain killer and to bring on sleep. It loosens mucous, making it useful for treating lung ailments. It strengthens the lymphatic system.

RELIGIOUS: Mullein is worn to give the carrier courage. The leaves are also carried to prevent animal attacks and accidents when in the wilderness. In a sleeping pillow it will guard against nightmares. Use as a substitution in old spells for "grave dust".

GROWING: Mullein is adaptable to many soils. It prefers full sun. It is a biennial plant growing to 8 feet tall. It is a prolific self-sower.

Commiphora myrrha
MEDICINAL: Myrrh is a powerful antiseptic, being a remedy second only to echinacea. It is a strong cleaning and healing agent, soothing the body and speeding the healing process. It is often used with goldenseal. It is most often used in mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes for fighting and preventing gum disease.

RELIGIOUS: Myrrh is burned to purify and protect. It is used to consecrate and purify ritual tools and objects needing to be blessed. It is a standard magickal herb to be included in the tools of everyone.

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