BOTANICALS
We are abundantly blessed by the gifts of nature- her seemingly infinite resources from which we build our lives. But her greatest gift, the foundation of all life on planet earth is to be found in the realm of plants. Science does not know exactly how many species there are. Estimates range from 1.5 - 3 million species - an unfathomable number. Every culture of every region throughout the world has spent thousands of years exploring and co-evolving with the myriad of plants and animals with which we share our living space. We have learned how to use them for food, for medicine or for magic as well as dozens of other, practical uses. Thus evolved the great body of plant lore and wisdom from which we benefit to this day.

Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.

Star Child’s range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.

USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. What follows is merely a brief outline of some of the most important and commonly used methods of therapeutic and magical application.

CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one’s own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply.

If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.

Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother’s milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don’t risk regret.

AMULETS & TALISMANS:
Today Amulets are pretty much restricted to magical purposes although up until the Middle Ages it was common practice to carry amulets or talismans made of herbs, such as mandrake or ginseng root Such amulets not only served the purpose of attracting love, prosperity or the protection of good spirits, but were also thought to impart good health and to alleviate certain physical symptoms. A remnant of those old traditions is the practice of carrying horse chestnuts in the pocket to ease the pain of rheumatism and arthritis. Magical amulets are usually ‘purpose specific’. The herbs are individually chosen for their spiritual powers to suit an individual and the situation for which they are created. They are in a way a spiritual remedy in which the herbs act as transmitters of particular energies. They can never be bought ready made ‘off-the-shelf’ - they must be individually composed and consecrated and charged with intent to unfold their true potential power.

HERB PILLOWS:
Herb pillows are basically small pillows stuffed with herbs. They can be used as a sleeping aid, or, placed among the lingerie as a way to impart a subtle scent, and to keep moths and insects away. In the old days it was customary to stuff a large pillow or mattress with herbs to easy childbirth. In magical practice herb pillows can be used to facilitate astral travel or to induce prophetic dreams.

TISANE:
A tisane is simply another word for herb tea or infusion. They can be made with just one (“simples”) or a combination of herbs. To make a herbal tea, warm your tea pot first, put the recommended amount of your chosen herb into the pot and add boiling water. Cover and brew for 3-5 minutes, strain and enjoy. Covering the pot or mug while the herbs are brewing prevents their volatile oil component to fly off with the steam. Honey may be added for taste. The recommended quantity of herbs will depend on their relative strengths and the degree of processing they have undergone. Finer ground herbs infuse much more readily in the water. It is recommended to crush whole leaves and seeds or chunky bits of bark to a smaller size. Generally speaking about 1 dessert spoon of herbs per mug can be used as an average dose. Many sources recommend 1 oz of herb per pint of water for a therapeutic effect, but this amount may be too strong. It is always better to start with a lesser quantity and increase the amount if necessary. Many herb teas can be enjoyed simply for pleasure or as an alternative to more harmful beverages such as tea or coffee. Some can be used for their magical powers, to open the gate to other dimensions and take their effect on the psychic plane. (see our range of herbal teas)

DECOCTION:
This term usually refers to herbal teas made from tougher plant parts such as seeds, roots or barks, which do not infuse as easily as leaves or flowers. To make a decoction place the seeds, roots or barks in a saucepan with about 1/3 more liquid than needed for the required dose and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. By that time the liquid will be reduced to the required quantity. Though many barks are aromatic, most also tend to be quite bitter. To make the decoction more palatable add honey to taste. Liquorice root or Stevia are natural sweeteners that can help to mask the taste of bitter brews whilst adding their own healing properties. Most roots and barks are quite strong in flavour and action; few are used purely for pleasure.

HERBAL SMOKES:
In recent years smoking has lost much of its previous prestige. Yet, it is a practice that dates back thousands of years and is still practiced for religious and ritualistic purposes in many traditional cultures throughout the world. Smoking releases the essential spirit of a plant, which is offered to the devas. It is also considered highly protective and no self-respecting shaman would ever consider undertaking a spirit journey without the protection of pure tobacco smoke. Closer to home, where tobacco does not have such a long history, various herbs have been smoked for medicinal purposes, especially as an expectorant, to help bring up phlegm. Not all herbs are suitable for smoking. Consult a good herbal to determine the most appropriate smoking herbs. (see our range of herbal smoking mixes)

HERBAL PILLS:
Simple herbal pills can be made by mixing finely powdered herbs with honey to form quite a solid sticky mass. Break off small amounts and roll them into shape. Slippery Elm powder may be used as a drying agent to dust their surface and thus reduce stickiness. Alternatively, empty capsules are available. These can be filled with powdered herbs to individual requirements. Store herbal pills and caps in a cool, dark and dry space.

STEAM INHALATION:
Certain fragrant herbs are used in steam inhalations for their soothing and cleansing effects on the respiratory system, or as a facial sauna for a skin cleansing cosmetic treatment. To make a steam inhalation, take 1 - 2 handfuls of your chosen herb and place in a bowl. Infuse with very hot (but not quite boiling) water and cover your head and the steaming bowl with a large towel or blanket. Try to remain covered for about 10 -15 minutes. Keep tissues handy. Afterwards, keep wrapped up and warm to avoid getting chills. Do not use this application for asthmatic conditions.

SWEATLODGES
A variation on this theme are sweat lodges or saunas, which constitute an extremely ancient method of purification. According to Herodotus the Mongolian Scythians used to burn Cannabis in their sweatlodges for spiritual and physical cleansing. In Native American tradition sweatlodges are held as a sacred purification ritual in which aqueous herbal infusions are often poured over the hot stones to create steam and intensify the sweat. The herbs in the infusions are chosen for their spiritual importance and/or to induce particular physiological or psychological effects.

HERBAL BATH OR WASH
A herbal bath or wash is like making a very large batch of tea. The infusion is added to the bathtub, or used as a sitzbath. Sometimes only a particular part of the body is submerged in the infusion, as for example in the case of a footbath. The choice of herb depends on the intended effects. Care should be taken with herbs that can potentially be irritating on sensitive skin. Herbal baths and washes are also popular as magical applications. They can be used in cleansing rites, to purify the body and mind prior to ritual, or to cleanse a magical space. A potent herbal wash attracts good spirits and banishes negative energies.

STREWING HERBS
These days we only tend to strew herbs and flowers at weddings, though the tradition is ancient and has survived to this day in a somewhat adulterated version, as confetti - a far fling from the petals and herbs that once served the purpose of blessing a sacred union or consecrating a ceremonial space.

COMPRESS:
Hot or cold compresses are very effective external applications usually used to treat pain. Make a strong herbal infusion with the herb of your choice. Submerge a cloth or towel in the infusion and wring out excess water. Apply directly to the affected area and leave in position until the towel has reached body temperature. Repeat if required. Hot compresses are mainly used for inflammatory conditions such as muscle aches, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and abscesses. Cold compresses are generally used for nerve pain, headaches and to reduce swellings.

LINIMENT:
Refers to a preparation made by adding herb extracts to an alcohol or oil base for external application.

POULTICE:
These work on the same principle as compresses, except the herbs themselves are applied to an affected area. Make a mushy paste by mixing a small amount of hot water with the chosen herbs. Wrap the paste in gauze or muslin and apply topically to the affected area.

TINCTURE:
Herbal tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. To prepare a tincture macerate the chosen plant material in a high percentage alcohol for a period of time, strain and bottle. Tinctures are becoming more and more popular in herbal medicine, as they can be more easily standardised and keep for long periods of time. They require less involvement with the actual plants and are thus considered a convenient to use. They are particularly useful for botanicals which require alcohol to extract the active principles and for herbs with particularly strong or bitter flavours. (See our range of tinctures)

OILS & OINTMENTS
Some constituents of herbs are better soluble in oil than in water. To extract them it is necessary to macerate the herbs in an seed/nut oil base for about 3 weeks. After they have been strained and filtered they can be used topically as healing oils. To make a simple ointment, melt a little beeswax or cocoa butter and stir into the warm oil. Stir until it sets. (see page our range of infused oils and raw materials)

HERBAL WINE
In the 17th century medicated herbal wines counted among the most popular of remedies. They were extensively administered for everything from arthritis to dropsy. Essentially, herbal wines are a form of tincture, except that the herbs were macerated in wine instead of vodka or rum for a period of time. They were given in small doses (a glassful, rather than a teaspoon) as remedial tonics. A variation on the theme are the cordials, which are made by choosing specific herbs, fruits or roots for their medicinal properties and ferment these into a herbal wine.

SYRUPS
Due to their high sugar content herbal syrups have become unpopular among modern herbalists though they are still a big hit with children who tend to prefer them to herbal teas or tinctures. They are especially soothing for coughs and sore throats and also help to mask the taste of bitter herbs such as Horehound. To prepare a herbal syrup make a strong infusion with the herbs of your choice. Add half its volume in sugar and simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is reduced to half the original amount. Fill into sterilized glass bottles or jars. Although sugar is an excellent preservative the syrup should be kept in the fridge and used within 7 days once the bottle has been opened.

FLOWER WATERS
Usually a by-product of making essential oils. The water used in the distilling process captures some of the fragrance of the plant material. Flower waters can be made at home by adding a few drops of essential oils to spring water. Steep for 24 hours, then strain through coffee filter paper and keep in a cool dark place. A little clear alcohol can be added as a preservative. (See our range of Flower Waters)

CARE FOR HERBAL PRODUCTS
All herbs and herbal products should be kept in a cool dark place. Exposure to light, air or heat deteriorates their quality. Powders, offering more “surface area”, are more prone to lose their powers and