P

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata
MEDICINAL: Passionflower is used to treat hyperactivity, insomnia, Parkinson's disease, nervous tension,and the infusion is used to treat eye infections and eye strain. Native American tribes used it as a poultice for bruises and injuries, as well as for an overall tonic.

RELIGIOUS: Passionflower will calm a troubled household when placed inside the home. Spanish missionaries believed the flowers were a symbol of Christ's crucifixion, and the crown of thorns of Christ's passion, giving this plant its name.

GROWING: Passionflower grows best below zone 7 outdoors, so grow indoors in the north. It prefers partial shade and a fertile soil with good drainage. It grows to 25-30 feet as an outdoor vine. Prune old growth in the winter or very early spring to encourage flowering.

Pogostemon cablin, P. patchouli
MEDICINAL: Patchouli is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, colds without fevers, vomiting, and nausea.

RELIGIOUS: Patchouli is a powerful oil worn to attract the opposite sex. It is a sensual oil, and it can ward off negativity and evil. It is also burned in incenses to aid divination and clairvoyance.

Mentha pulegium
MEDICINAL: Pennyroyal herb removes gas from the digestive system. It is also used as a tea, taken a few days before menstruation to aid a suppressed flow. It is used in treatments for colds, upset stomach, and to stimulate blood flow to the pelvis area. It's strong minty smell makes its essential oil useful for externally repelling insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and flies. It should not be taken or used by pregnant women. Large internal doses have been known to cause convulsions and coma. Pennyroyal oil is an effective insect repellant. Pennyroyal oil should NEVER be taken internally!

RELIGIOUS: Pennyroyal placed in a shoe will prevent weariness on long walks and hikes, or journeys. It is also added to protection and exorcism incenses. It aids in making favorable business deals. It is given to arguing couples to cease their fighting and restore harmony in the relationship.

GROWING: Pennyroyal is a perennial that grows to 1 1/2 feet high. It tolerates most soils, and prefers direct sun. Grow as you would any member of the mint family.

Mentha piperata
MEDICINAL: Peppermint cleans and strengthens the body. It acts as a sedative on the stomach and strengthens the bowels. It is also mild enough to give to children as needed for chills and colds. Used with bitter herbs to improve their taste.

RELIGIOUS: Peppermint is used in charms to heal the sick, as well as in incenses in the sickroom of the patient. It is burned to cleanse the home, and is used in sleep pillows to aid in getting to sleep. Placed beneath the pillow, it can bring dreams that give a glimpse into the future. The essential oil is used in spells to create a positive change in one's life.

GROWING: Peppermint is a perennial grown in full sun, is tolerant of most soil types, and grows to 3 feet tall.

Plantago lanceolata, P. major
MEDICINAL: Plantain is used to clear mucous from the body, and to neutralize poisons. As a mild tea it is used to treat lung problems in children, and as a stronger tea is used to treat stomach ulcers. It is also used for diarrhea, bladder infections, and for treating wounds.

RELIGIOUS: Plantain is hung in the car to guard against evil spirits.

GROWING: Plantains are common weeds, some varieties being annual and some perennial. They are found in all soil types, and prefer full sun.

Papaver spp.
MEDICINAL: Poppy is used for pain, insomnia, nervousness, and chronic coughs.

RELIGIOUS: Poppy seed pods are used in prosperity charms. The seeds are added to food to aid in getting pregnant. To find the answer to a question, write it in blue ink on a piece of white paper. Place the paper inside a poppy seed pod and put it beneath your pillow. The answer will come to you in a dream.

GROWING: Poppies are perennials that like poor to average soils that tend toward dryness. There are varieties that will grow most anywhere in North America. Their foliage tends to die off by July, after a spectacular showing of flowers in the spring, but the foliage begins rejuvenation around September, which waits until spring to begin growing again. There are many annual varieties, but the perennial ones are most commonly used for healing.

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