What exactly is folklore?
And how does folk lore relate to plants?
Folklore represents the culture and traditions of various people around the world. It represents their belief systems, their music and dance, their healing practices, tales, stories, art and many other aspects of life past and present.
The term “ethnography” to describe the study of a particular culture.
It is the umbrella term under which many other definitions may appear.
Ethnobotany is used to describe the study of plants.
So the enthnobotany of any particular cultural , geographic or even spiritual group may be referred to as part of their "folklore" .
For example Italian folklore covers their healing beliefs about plants, recipes, remedies and their stories of creation etc.
Stregheria and Santeria may be described as "folk"religions in that they combine their Gods/Orishas/Lare/with the Catholic Saints.
Many people walking these paths of faith consider themselves Catholic, yet they combine their ancestors ancient spiritual and healing practices as well. There are many Catholic witches and healers.
You may find, for example, 7 day candles with the Madonna on one side and a Full Moon on the other.
Folk religion and lore exist everywhere, as do medicinal and magical botanicals.
There are a plethora of books, stories, and ancient texts outlining the cultural, magical, and medicinal plant practices of people, both modern and ancient, from all over the worlds.
From my study, travels, pondering,musings and practice, I have created a Book of Shadows , partially presented here.
My ancestors are from Sardegna, herself a most mysterious Mediterranean Island, still home to many healers , much folklore, and my favorite herbs .
Rue- Ruta Graveolens
Planetary affiliations: Mars, Leo
Rue has been used since recorded time by many different cultures.
Italians and Italian healers hold her most sacred.
Known as The Herb of Grace or Blessed Herb, Rue has found favor in healings and herbal craftwork.
Rue was able to fend of the black plague by virtue of her pungent oils. Rubbed on the floor or a person, the oil in the leaves dispersed and repelled the plague infested fleas that were sickening Europe by the hundreds.
Also one of the ingredients in the original Four Thieves Vinegar.
Rue is frequently used in Latin folklore as well and is grown with rosemary to ward off evil and bring blessings to a house when planted by the outer doorways.
The pungent oil was used to treat nervous disorders of the mind and to calm hysteria. Rue is very well known for her ability to heal all disorders of the womb and to prevent miscarriages when the baby is being carried to low.
In magykal potions Rue,by virtue of her bitter principles, is said to”fix” or “hold” a spirit to earth. This is used in cases where depression separates an individual from himself or herself or where the person feels “outside “ of themselves and is need of grounding.
The bitter volatile oils also act as an aperitif when made into liquor and a digestive tonic similar to gentian.
Rue has small, blue green leaves and bright yellow flowers.
Rue an excellent choice for perennial borders where its unusual color provides contrast to other, brighter flowers. Rue grows about 12 to 15 inches tall and is hardy in cold climates. The fragrant leaves can be used as a garnish.
In the world of herbal medicine, rue does not have a sad image, but it is associated with astringency and fortitude. This is possibly because this stubborn herb will grow anywhere, but seems to grow best in the poorest soil in the garden. Makes a good hedgerow, likes full sun but will tolerate shade.
Recipes:
Rue Oil
Take a quart jar of an amber color and stuff with fresh rue leaves.
Cover the leave with olive oil and store in a dark cool place for a week.
The pungent oils will give off into the oil turning a beautiful jade green color.
Pour off into smaller bottles and use a few drops for visualization and meditation.
Topically, the oil may be rubbed lightly over the womb during pregnancy or menstruation for cramps and colic.
Aperitif:
Take a quart jar and fill it with fresh rue leaves.
Pour over this sweet liquor such as blackberry brandy and let sit for 24 hours.
The bitter principles will give off into the brandy, making a digestive tonic to be taken by the tablespoon full before meals.
Four Thieves Vinegar:
To a quart jar of red wine vinegar add:
A handful of fresh, peeled garlic cloves, a tablespoon of fresh rue leaves,
A ½ cup of fresh honey
Handful of chopped onions
A few whole black peppercorns
And a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Let all the herbs steep.
You do not have to strain them out if you do not desire to.
Add a teaspoon to your food before you eat it as you would any other condiment.
It is said to restore digestive fire and fortitude to the body, make the meek bold and prevent infections.
Parsley-Petroselium Lativum
Planetary Affiliation-Moon and Venus
Element -Water
Parts Used:
Seeds, Stem, Leaves and Root,
Virtues:
Tonic, carminative and diuretic.
Parsley is one of the best known and loved of the culinary herbs. .
The medicinal and nutritional virtues of this plant are many and vary from culture to culture.
All parts of this humble herb are used making it a valuable food source and medicine.
Cultivation:
Both flat and curly leaf Parsley likes partial shade and moist soil. Seeds may be sown in worked soil in pots or direct in the ground when the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and slightly covered with soil or mulch a few inches apart.
Culinary:
Parsley has worldwide notoriety as a flavoring and spice. To this end the leaves are most commonly used both fresh and dried. Parsley can be found in soups, stews, breads, teas, sauces and salads.
In both ancient and modern times many folks would not be without a pot of parsley growing near the kitchen.
Medicinal:
.
Being of the water element, the plants strongest healing virtues have to do with the water regulation and blood tonification. It is invaluable as kidney tonic and diuretic. It improves the appetite, relives colic and congestion of the kidneys and blood.
Being rich in vitamin c and iron, it is a perfect tonic for anemia, fatigue or in any case where there is wasting of the body or mind.
To regulate water distribution in the body, the stem and leaves are employed as tea.
To dispel poisons, worms and venom from the body, the seeds are taken whole or crushed and eaten in that manner.
Parsley is very kind to the stomach and is helpful in breaking up colicky pains. It is an aid to the digestive organs and process.
Folklore tells us that hanging bunches of parsley throughout the house will attract true love and beauty therein.
Parsley was held as one of the sacred earth to the ancient agrarian cultures of the Mediterranean.
In the Herbal Tarot, Parsley is THE LOVERS, (number 6 in the deck)
Recipes:
Tonic:
For anemia, fatigue or a general spring cleaning:
Two cups of root stem and leaves chopped fine. Pour a pint of boiling water over this and let stand 10 minutes. Strain, cool, and drink 4 ounces twice a day. The slight bitter and aromatic flavor are nourishing to the bodies many organs and uplifting to the spirit.
It may be flavored with a bit of sea salt.
Tea:
To regulate water in the body
1 tablespoon fresh chopped leaves to one cup boiled water. Pour over herbs and steep for 3 minutes. Strain.
Take 2 ounces on an empty stomach before meals.
This gentle tea may be used by the teaspoon full to treat colic in infants and young children.
To Dispel worms and poisons:
½ cup seeds. Simmer covered in fresh water for 30 minutes. Do not bring to a rolling boil or the medicinal oils will be lost.
Strain; take 1 tablespoon before meals until results are achieved.
To dispel kidney stones:
A strong decoction is made form the chopped roots and seeds.
Take 2 full cups of chopped roots ands simmer gently in 16 ounces of water.
Take 4 ounces 6 times a day.
An old remedy for the Black Plague consisted of parsley seeds and roots both taken internally and applied topically.
Parsley Pesto:
2 cups fresh parsley.
Add 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil, a tsp of sea salt and a handful of pine nuts. Chop fine in a blender.
Use by the tablespoon full to flavor, pasta, mashed potatoes, salads and sauces.
Healing and edible virtues of parsley are long and many. A pot or two will add beauty, peace, flavor and healing to your home and palette.