Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Sunday, 30 September 2018

WW: Pumpkin Spice Mix: Magickal Properties, Health Benefits and Possible Side Effects.


Disclaimer:  I wish to dedicate and reference that the majority of this blog post was directly copied, pasted and altered from http://www.witchipedia.com of whom I’m issuing full credit for this particular blog post.  That said all the facts: including the additional sourced information from other sites, google, my personal library and information from my personal Book of Shadows and my experience all coincide and backup the information from witchipedia as well as enhance and compliment their information with further information which I have shared blelow.  - I always credit my sources when possible.  The purpose of this blog entry is not for profit, it is not to steal their information but it is to bring knowledge and information to you.  I hope this helps!!
-        Imogen xo


Magickal, Health Benefits and Negative Side Effects of Pumpkin Spice Mix.

Assuming you didn’t think pumpkin spice was made from actual pumpkin then you may or may not know that it is is a blended mix made up of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice and Ground Clove.  So I thought I would look at SOME of the health benefits, magickal properties and real possible side effects:

Cinnamon

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:cinnamon

Magickal properties:
  • Cinnamon is associated with the element of fire and the sun. 

  • Cinnamon is commonly used in incense.

  • Cinnamon can be burned to cleanse, smudge and/or sanctify an area, room or object.

  • Burning cinnamon can increase the spiritual "mood", aid in healing spells or in healing in general.

  • Cinnamon oil (inc diluted essential oil) may be used to anoint objects during blessing and protection rituals.

  • Cinnamon can be used in love spells and to make charms to draw love, happiness, and money.

  • Cinnamon can be used in any fire spells or to add heat.

  • Cinnamon can be used in money spells.


Health properties:
  • Cinnamon is one of the go to spices for upset stomachs and stomach problems, including car sickness and morning sickness.  Also for digestive problems, including gas, vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Cinnamon can be used in teas and other beverages when a warming affect is desired such as in the Autumn/Winter months.

  • Cinnamon is also useful in combination beverages as it stimulates the action of other herbs and spices.

  • A cup of cinnamon tea after dinner is said to stimulate digestion and help regulate blood sugar.

  • Cinnamon oil (not essential oil) can be applied to a toothache to deaden the pain (much like clove oil; but it is not as effective as clove oil).


Negative side effects / warnings:
  • Women who are pregnant should not ingest large amounts of cinnamon as it can endanger the pregnancy.

  • Over-chewing of cinnamon gum can deaden the nerves of the mouth and cause inflammation.

  • Cinnamon should not be applied topically (to the skin) as it is considered a dermal toxin and it is extremely irritating to mucus membranes in particular.

  • Eating / drinking too much cinnamon may cause liver damage.  May Increase the Risk of Cancer. May Cause Mouth Sores. May Cause Low Blood Sugar. May Cause Breathing Problems. May Interact With Certain Medications.



Ginger

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:ginger

Magickal properties:
  • Ginger is associated with the element of fire and the sun.

  • Ginger is energetic and fiery and adds power to any magical activity.

  • Ginger is used in spells to "speed things up" or to cause plans to come to fruition quickly.

  • Ginger can also be used in spells to add passion to an existing relationship.
Health properties:
  • Ginger is a great boost for the immune system and is great for any cold conditions associated with shivering. Such as low grade fever or walking home from the bus stop in the rain. Or those Autumn/Fall months.

  • The most common use for ginger in healing is the treatment of upset stomach. Ginger tea, ginger ale, candy, tablets, and the curiously strong ginger Altoids are often kept on hand for sour stomachs, morning sickness and car sickness. It is also used to help combat nausea associated with chemotherapy. Studies have shown similar results between ginger and over the counter medicines for treating nausea. (These contain sugar and phosphoric acid and coloring, which is pretty much Caffeine Free Coca Cola. You decide.) People who tend to have sensitive stomachs and indigestion may find relief by developing the habit of drinking a cup of ginger tea after each meal.

  • Ginger is also a noted anti-inflammatory agent. You can eat ginger candy or apply fresh slices of ginger directly to the affected area.

  • Ginger has also been rumoured to help fight cholesterol and to prevent blood clots. Some research also suggests that ginger has cancer fighting properties.

Negative side effects / warnings:
  • Too much Ginger can stimulate your stomach too much and lead to indigestion and gassiness, so moderation is advised.

  • Blood thinner and should not be taken by anyone on blood thinning medications or with bleeding disorders.

  • Pregnant women shouldn't use huge amounts of ginger for a long period of time because it can irritate the abdominal area. To reduce danger, use only fresh ginger rather than dried ginger.



Nutmeg

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:cinnamon

Magickal properties:
  • A whole nutmeg seed can be carried to bring luck during all games of chance from cards to Bingo to roulette. This effect is greatly enhanced by creating an amulet of the seed by drilling a hole in the nutmeg and filling it with Mercury and then stopping up the hole with wax or glue or by carrying the seed wrapped in green cloth (or both).

  • Nutmeg can also be carried as a charm to encourage a favorable decision in court cases and success in other legal matters. Wrap it in a purple cloth or string it on a purple string for this purpose.

  • A Nutmeg in the pocket will also help to ensure good luck while traveling.

  • An old Creole spell suggests that sprinkling nutmeg in a woman's shoe at midnight will encourage her to fall madly in love with you. Other ways of using nutmeg to encourage another's love is to share a beverage flavored with nutmeg with them, or to wear a fragrance featuring nutmeg oil.

  • Nutmeg can be added to beverages drunk before meditation and divination to enhance clairvoyance and clear sight and to encourage visions. A massage oil containing nutmeg essential oil or nutmeg butter may also be rubbed into the temples for the same purpose.

  • Nutmeg essential oil is an ingredient in Money Drawing Oil which can be used to anoint candles and other items during spell work aimed at bringing money to the household. Powdered nutmeg can also be added to money drawing powders which can be sprinkled over coals, candles and other items during money drawing spells.

Health properties:
  • For the stomach: Nutmeg encourages the appetite and aids digestion. It reduces gas and excess acid and eases cramping associated with diarrhea, relieving many sources of stomach discomfort.

  • Nutmeg is calming and can help ease you into a gentle sleep. Try it sprinkled into a cup of warm milk sweetened with honey.

  • Nutmeg butter may be added to salves for the relief of minor skin irritations and for rheumatic rubs.

Negative side effects / warnings:
  • Use caution with nutmeg as it can cause hallucinations if used in large amounts and can be toxic. Doses larger than 1 tsp are not recommended. Pregnant women should not use nutmeg medicinally.
  • Fatal.
  • Not to be taken with antidepressants.


Allspice

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:allspice

Magickal properties:
  • Allspice is associated with the element of fire and the planet Mars. It is masculine in nature, very manly. Use to honor very virile and powerful male archetypes.

  • Allspice is very uplifting and increases energy and determination making it useful in many different types of spells, especially healing spells.

  • The dried berries, oil, or allspice incense can be burned to aid in spells for attracting money and/or luck. The berries can also be added to sachets for attracting the same.

  • Allspice is useful in all healing mixtures.
Health properties:
  • Allspice can be used in a paste to soothe toothache (much like cloves) and a mouthwash to freshen breath. It stimulates the gastro-intestinal tract, so it can be used in teas to encourage the appetite or aid in digestion. Allspice can also be added to tonics and purgatives. Two or three drops of the essential oil with some sugar has been used to cure flatulence.

  • Allspice is also listed as a rubefacient, which means that it increases circulation to the skin, so it can be used in treating acne and cold limbs. Allspice contains tannins, which provide a mild anesthetic making it useful for the treatment of arthritis and sore muscles either in a soak or a poultice.


Negative side effects / warnings:
  • Insufficient evidence suggests that Allspice may cause Intestinal gas, Indigestion, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, Flu, Colds, Heavy menstrual bleeding.



Cloves

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:cloves

Magickal properties:
  • Cloves are masculine in nature and aligned with the planet Jupiter and the element of fire.

  • Used in magick to attract good luck and prosperity, to keep good friends close, and to help stop malicious gossip. Burn to prevent people from spreading rumors about you or push the cloves into a red candle and burn that.

  • To keep friendships strong, make each friend a cloth bag with seven cloves inside. Wear always.

  • Cloves can be added to money drawing and good luck mojo bags for gamblers and clove oil can be added to oils for similar purpose.

  • Cloves have been used as an aphrodisiac. Simply infuse cloves into wine or apple cider to enjoy its effects.


Health properties:
  • Clove oil (not essential oil) has long been an essential part of the herbal first aid kit. It is both antibacterial and anesthetic. Rub the oil directly on your gums to numb a toothache.
  • Clove oil helps stimulate circulation to the skin. It can be added to warming massage oils and dabbed on acne to encourage healing.
  • Use clove buds in a tea to improve digestion, prevent and relieve flatulence and relieve nausea and diarrhea. It is also lovely steeped in milk, wine or juice with a cinnamon stick for these purposes.
  • Test a drop of clove oil on the inside of your elbow to ensure you are not sensitive to it.



Negative side effects / warnings:
  • Common side effects of topically applied clove may include: erection problems, trouble having an orgasm (delayed ejaculation), itching, rash, mild skin irritation, sore gums, mouth irritation, bleeding or swollen gums, or tooth changes after using clove inside the mouth.

  • Inhaling smoke from clove cigarettes or injecting clove oil into the veins unsafe and can cause side effects such as breathing problems and lung disease.

  • Dried clove can also cause mouth sensitivity and irritation, as well as damage to dental tissues.
  • In children, clove oil is likely to be unsafe for use. It can cause severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.
  • Shouldn't be used by women who are pregnant and/or breast-feeding despite it's said to be safe there is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking clove in medicinal doses if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

  • Bleeding disorders: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. There is a concern that taking clove oil might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

  • Surgery: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it might cause bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using clove at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.




Sunday, 29 April 2018

BoS Prompt 22: Shadow Work / Self Love




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Prompt 22. Sunday 29th April 2018 - The 22nd prompt will be..  
 Shadow Work / Self Love

Following the success of the last 2 blogs regarding getting you practicing magick by – “Breaking the fear of practicing & writing your own workings.” and also “Magickal Housekeeping And Everyday Practical Magick.” Both aimed at newer practitioners especially those still in the closet.  Today’s blog is about ‘Shadow Work’, a term which most people shy away from as it sounds dark possibly even evil and not this airy fairy “light” magick everyone seeks to attain to be “good”.  Well I’m here to tell you you’re wrong (and a little bit right)..!  Today’s blog is open to the world it’s not necessarily Witchy or Pagan based at all but leans more towards mental health!  - I’m striving to prove that even the most mundane of people do magickal acts without even realising like that morning ritual of a brew or their get home after work routine.  Mental health is no joke and hopefully we can touch on some points here to help improve everyone’s path in life..  And raise awareness.  Everyone has been through something and it's those something we're looking to explore starting here today!!

Shadow Work.

First of all what is the shadow?  Well the Shadow is the 'dark side' of our personalities, our character, ourselves even our personas (that we put on as a show for others).  It's those primal primitive instincts and negative emotions and reactions.  It is our very core self that we suppress into the darker corners of our inner selves. 

What is Shadow Work?  It’s basically us looking at those deeper darker aspects of ourselves in order to understand ourselves and perhaps evolve and improve ourselves on all levels including mentally and physically.  It is literally looking at those parts of us we have buried deep down, locked away in the back of our minds, that be push down, suppress and burry all being brought out into the light and being exposed and explored, being unpicked and unravelled to really see if we can get a better handle on what makes us tick, what drives us, what is that darker side of our character that we hide away (almost like we’re Dr.Jekyll and we’re looking at the Mr.Hyde parts of ourselves or in some cases vice versa).

Shadow Working is usually done in the darker aspects of the year typically mid-late Autumn (Fall) through to early Spring time; although of course it can be practiced all year round.   In fact I prefer to do it mid-late Spring through to early Autumn (Fall) simply because the sun helps keeps me positive and balanced and is the light when I try to cope with the dark.

So how is it we even have a darker self?  Well this inner self that's hiding in the shadows of our very being is caused by suppressed thoughts, emotions, actions..  Most of us dwell upon being seen in the most positive light and so our personalities, our interests, hobbies, self-image, the things we do and say etc..  We craved to be well liked and respected even loved and desired!  We have learnt that society prefers the most beautiful, the perfect and well-loved forms and so we take all the negative aspects and hide them away..  We cover our imperfections with makeup, body flattering clothing, locked journals, secrets behind closed doors..  We suppress the bad as we’ve always been taught from birth the difference between right and wrong and it's those wrong parts that we hide in our shadows that eat away at us.  We were taught certain behaviours are not acceptable nor tolerated such as crying or throwing a tantrum because you can’t get your own way being met with a firm hand to the backside or weeks of being grounded in our rooms with no niceties which we want so we learn not to cry or throw tantrums even though we want too.  – On this note I'm definitely not saying to go out and murder some people, rape, steal, or do other unspeakable things or act of terrorism.  What I'm saying is to explore why you feel you want to do those things to relieve yourself of them, get a better understanding of why you think and feel those things in the first place so that you can deal with and defeat them and overcome those feelings not just burry them inside ourselves.  Shadow work is also what can be explored through various forms of counselling and therapies, with trusted friends/family or alone by ourselves.  Thought it's important to note that you shouldn’t go into this lightly or jump in with both feet to the very deepest parts alone.  Everyone has their own demons and you need to be able to be in control so as not to endanger yourself and/or others.

However if done correctly it's nothing to be feared!!  Exploring your shadow can lead to a much better fulfilled life of self-worth, wellbeing, creativity, energy, happiness, personal awakening, personal power and development..  It can truly open our eyes to see who our friends are and the people who don't add value to our lives (ie the people who leech off of you and just take).  It can open your eyes to understand anger issues, depression, anxiety, other suppressed emotions, feelings and values.  It can help you to be the best you on all levels.  But it’s not some miracle that’s going to fix years of torture, torment, negativity, depression, medical conditions especially in mental health but it will help you on the road to recovery..

Speaking of the dangers though..  In some cases the shadow part lashes out consciously or subconsciously which then leads to people who do more wrong because they don’t know how to control or can no longer continue to suppress and that’s when the bad things happen.  This is when you get those over all bad eggs.  Throughout history when you look at every serial killer, psycho or sociopath the majority of them when you look at their past clearly have a tormented history.  Even those who had it all: perfect parents, friends, money it was not enough!  And in some circumstances was even the cause of their downfall being that one day they just snapped.  Or some psychotic break is made which is when we delve into schizophrenia and other psychological takeovers.  – So while exploration can be dangerous it could be equally or more so dangerous not to explore those hidden depths.  Which again brings us back to the Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde situation where Jekyll being the well-respected Doctor who was all round good but couldn’t control the Hyde aspect who was definitely not ‘good’ or lived up to Jekyll’s idealistic morals.

By now you’re probably on the fence torn between wanting to explore that inner self, the inner child, those suppressed memories and feelings to become a better all-round person and also not wanting to become some psycho killer, rapist, narcissists, depressed loser, suicidal maniac.. 

So let’s look at some of the benefits of doing Shadow Work.  Improved mental and physical health and wellbeing - accepting ourselves inc' ache, scares, weight, love handles, limp, hunch etc etc..  It's all a part of you and if people can't accept that of you they're not real friends or people you should strive to keep in your life.  Speaking of..  It also improves your relationships..  You're able to not envy others and be your own person and in turn strive to achieve as opposed to that living in everyone else's shadow of never being as good as or better than X person.  In turn this true self-confidence will win you better relationships.  And also help you see that even those perfect people are suppressing a lot within their inner shadows.  Plus dealing with your issues helps you all round.  You're able to truly know yourself and your passions the things you like and be able to do them as opposed to that fear that was holding you back.  So untimely more self-confidence and able to be your own person and not live up to other people’s expectations or even criticisms..  The list of positivity is endless..


Regardless of how magickal or mundane you are doing the following will greatly improve your Shadow Working experience:


1.  Center yourself, it's important before engaging in shadow work be be well balanced and centered.  With a positive outlook - which is one of the reasons I prefer to work in the summer times as the light literally helps to pull me out of the dark.  Being calm, open minded and in a neutral or safe space literally and figuratively.  Sometimes prior knowledge in Mindfulness is helpful here too alongside meditation and/or grounding in order to be centered and balanced.


2. True awareness is important as it is important to know the difference between who you are NOW and what you feel and who you were and what you felt.  It's important to be aware as we look at self-reflection to remain outside and observe than to get pulled back in to those emotions, feeling, thoughts, behaviours and actions.


3. Have respectful empathy for yourself and self-compassion as you're going to be digging up some deep dark emotions; some of which may be a little harder to forgive or accept than others but it's important to show yourself the compassion and kindness to keep positive while dealing with these negative emotions.  Accept that you're only human.


4. Will power and courage to accept and deal with what was in order to improve and change what is.  It's often very uncomfortable looking at who we were regardless of if you're looking at the abused child, yobful youth, bolshy teenager, young delinquent, misguided young adult, that snobby rich kid, the school bully or one being bullied, that anxious vulnerable child, the shy bookworm, or the person you were yesterday!  Reality is it might not actually be as pretty as you think!


5. Honesty and realism.  If you go into this thinking you don't need to change you're perfect the way you are and you had an amazing life.  Maybe this isn't for you..  If you're seriously truly happy then perhaps the skeletons in your closet and demons under your bed are perhaps best left alone; at least for now.  But if you truly want to improve your life no matter who you are or where you're at then being honest and real with yourself is very important.  - Own your shit!


6. The actual practice of Shadow Work.  It's important to write everything down, in fact some of the best practices are to just write and write and write until your hand bleeds - write everything and anything; don't think just do.  Then read back and highlight or underline anything you feel that stands out.  - I know for a fact there's some YouTube prompt videos out there which may help if you struggle with this exercise.  But record everything in writing.  Or read over some of them journal and make notes on anything you feel you want to revisit.  Don't try unpicking the deepest darkest manifestations start on the outside with the little things.  Other exercises may be to mind map thoughts and triggers write them down on paper.  Or create a moodboard of images you feel represent those things lurking in your shadows.


7.  Detach!  Sometimes it's important to detach yourself from these aspects so you can truly deal with them.  Think of it more of you're helping a friend with their problems..  What would you say to them?  Now apply this to yourself..  Sometimes it's simply easier to deal if we detach ourself but remember we have to reattach ourselves in order to progress after process.




This blog post particularly hasn't been aimed at the witchy/pagan community persay.  However I found this practice to be helpful to us all.  It's something I encourage everyone to do.  For more information an amazing magickal UK YouTuber who talks about shadow work a lot is Kelly-Ann Maddox




Self-love.

Yes the title of this blog also mentions self love, well if you haven't got that from the shadow working part then I thought I'd inject (here) some information on why we would practice self love!!

Self-love is important aspect but one a lot of us find very hard to do.  Through Shadow Workings this can be achieved but it can also be achieved in many other ways including to just decide to be confident, love yourself and strive to only have the best.  I'm not necessarily talking about having better material things, job, skills or education than the person next to you but to strive to have those things not to be better than anyone other than yourself.  It's a long and difficult road for some (especially those like myself that struggle with depression, anxieties and/or medical impairments) but it's not impossible.  I look at some amazing people in the witchy and mundane communities who use their downfalls as their unique positivities to enrich their lives and love themselves.  You'll no doubt at some point in your life hear people say "How can you expect someone to love you if you don't love yourself first?" 


So these are some of the parting food for thought I pass onto you.  Next week is the conclusion to this Book of Shadows blog prompts series.  At this time I am considering bringing this series back come winter-ish time however anything can happen between now and then so I make no promises.



Activity..

  • Practice.

Book Activity..

  • (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. and/or any further information you find out.

Interact with me Activity..


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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Sunday April 29th's BoS Prompts Part 1 Conclusion.