One of the most medicinal foods found in the modern kitchen is ginger root. Ginger root is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant and can have flesh that is yellow, white or red, depending upon the variety. The yellow variety is what is commonly found in North American supermarkets.
Ginger is widely known for its healing properties, especially its anti-inflammatory properties and effect on inflammation based pain such as that from arthritis and menstrual cramps.
At this stage of my life I do not use prescription or OTC drugs (with the exception of vitamins and supplements) so ginger tea has become my "drug" of choice in relieving menstrual cramps. It takes about an hour to kick in but its effects last at least 3 or 4 hours. Having a cup or two the day prior to your cycle will get the ginger into your system possibly preventing the cramps from becoming as severe.
There have been tests conducted on the effect of ginger extract on cancer cells but I won't get into that here. For more information visit the World's Healthiest Foods article on Ginger here.
Ginger's other medicinal uses include: relieving nausea and vomiting (including motion and morning sickness- see below cautions), reducing intestinal gas, relaxing/soothing the digestive tract, detoxification and boosting immunity.
For nausea - Steep one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger root in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes.
For inflammatory pain (arthritis, menstrual cramps etc.) - Peel a 2 inch piece of ginger root and slice into thin slices. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the ginger. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. If it's too spicy, dilute with a little fresh water until tolerable.
To store unpeeled: Wrap in paper towel and store in its own plastic bag in your fridge's crisper drawer for up to 3 weeks. It can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Magickally speaking ginger is associated with power, love, money, healing, and success (including enhancing the success of spell work). It can be used in an amulet, mojo or medicine bag to promote healing and protection. Eating some ginger before working magickally with ginger helps to slightly raise your energy level in turn helping the spell.
In aromatherapy the uplifting and energizing scent warms the heart and cold, dull or fearful emotional states. It helps to open up feeling and improve communication, improve memory, sharpen the senses and stimulate energy.
Cautions:
Ginger in all forms is usually very safe however it should not be taken in the 4 days prior to surgery as it can make blood platelets less sticky, affecting bleeding time. It's fine to take the day after. Those on blood thinners should also consult with their doctor.
Do not take ginger for the first 2 months of pregnancy.
Ginger increases bile flow so people with gallstones should consult their doctor prior to taking.
250g or 1 cup of tea, 4x a day is the safe recommended dose.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This information is not intended to be medical advice. As with all herbs and drugs, research is a must and consult with your health care professional before using medicinally.
November 14, 2009
Ingredient of the Day - Ginger
November 02, 2009
Mourning Moon
November 1 was considered the beginning of a new year by the early Celts because November is a month of endings and new beginnings. It is a time of transformation; transitioning from Autumn to Winter and entering the dark half of the year. It is also a month of in-between because it is no longer autumn (weather wise) but not yet winter. Pagans recognize in-between times to be very magickal and powerful- the transition from the light half to the dark half, from season to season and even dawn to dusk. November is like the year's twilight and the Mourning Moon's energy lends itself to delving deep within in preparation for the changes ahead.
Correspondences:
* Colors: Gray, blues
* Gemstones: Lapis lazuli, Turquoise, Topaz
* Trees: Cypress, Alder, Hazel
* Gods: Bastet, Isis, Kali, Hecate, Astarte
* Herbs: Thistle, Betony, Verbena, Fennel, Cinquefoil
* Element: Water
*Workings for: New beginnings, Letting go of past baggage, bad habits, toxic relationships, Strengthen connection with Deity, Prepare for the coming Winter.
*Affirmation: I learn and grow from the past.
Bright Blessings
~City
October 28, 2009
Samhain
October 31 brings us Samhain which is traditionally considered the Wiccan New Year (We must be on year 20,000+ by now).
It is on this night that the division between the material world and spirit world grows thin and increasing paranormal activity leading up to it is not unheard of. Due to this phenomenon, Samhain is a great time to remember and connect (responsibly!) with our loved ones who have passed on to the other side.
People started dressing up on Samhain because because by dressing up like spirits, we would trick them into thinking we were spirits too. and wouldn't be bothered.
Samhain's energy lends itself to traveling between the worlds, to gaining courage to face darkness and changes in our lives, turning negative experiences into opportunites to learn and grow. It is a time to remember the cycle of death and rebirth and that after darkness comes light.
Correspondences:
Customs/Activities: Rituals to honor the dead, Halloween festivities/ trick or treating, Carving Jack-o-Lanterns, Divination
Colors: Black, Orange
Decorations: Jack-o-Lanterns, Apples, Photos of deceased loved ones, Fallen leaves, Autumn flowers, Divination tools, Candles shaped like witches, ghosts, cats, skulls etc, Statue of Goddess in Crone aspect
Food: Apples, Pumpkin, Nuts, Cider, Cranberries, Pomegranates, Ale, Cakes for the dead
Herbs: Thistle, Crysanthemum, Broom, Oak leaves, Sage, Mandrake
Incense: Apple, Nutmeg, Sage, Mint, Heliotrope
Gemstones: All black gemstones ie: Jet, Obsidian, Onyx
October 26, 2009
A Pagan Child's ABCs
B is for Beltaine, when partners we choose.
C is for Circle where we all are one.
D is for Deosil, path of the Sun.
E is for Esbat, when we gather round.
F is for Fire and its crackling sound.
G is for the Goddess in beauty and love.
H is the Horned One, our Father above.
I is for Imbolg, candles light the way,
J is for June when it's Midsummer's Day.
K is for Karma, the things that we do.
L is for Lammas, harvest's almost through!
M is for Moon, riding way up so high,
N is for Nighttime, which darkens the sky.
O is for Ostara, when we hunt for eggs,
P is for Pan, with hairy goat legs.
Q is the Quarters and there are just four,
R for the Rites when we open the Door.
S is for Samhain, end of the year,
T is for Tarot cards, futures to hear
U is Undines from the watery West,
V is Vervain for protection and rest.
W is Widdershins, the path of the moon.
X is the sign that's the sign of the God.
Y is for Yule and the sun's return,
Z is the Zodiac, 12 signs to learn.
Copyright 1989, Breid Foxsong
October 17, 2009
Witches Next Door
A great episode of the TLC series My Unique Family.
I'm only able to embed the first part but the rest of the parts are linked below.
Enjoy!
~City
Part 1
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXTnZiGN-h8
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HXBOQ9jMP0
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avR7TftsB0I
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM30cr4jwX0
Part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx_L-EEJjaI
***
I just learned that Kendra has closed the First Church of Wicca and has recently converted to Christianity which is causing quite a stir in the Pagan community. Opinions galore!
Regardless of her beliefs, I still think the episode is great and was really good PR for the Wiccan community in general.
If you're interested in more information about Kendra's change of faith, find it here:
http://mosmaiorum.lefora.com/2009/01/30/rip-the-first-church-of-wicca/page1/
September 22, 2009
Mabon
Today we celebrate Mabon, also referred to as the Autumn Equinox, the second harvest and pagan thanksgiving among others.
Like Ostara, it is once again a time of balance, when the day and night are of equal length, but this time the darkness grows as Winter approaches.
On Mabon we give thanks for the bounty we have received, in all aspects. We strive for balance in our lives, and to set things right. Now is the time to tie up loose ends; completing unfinished tasks before Samhain and the winter months.
Mabon Activities: Celebration of the Second Harvest, Thanksgiving, Complete unfinished business, De-clutter your environment, Walking in wild places, Gathering leaves, seeds etc to decorate your home and/or altar.
Workings/Rituals: Balance, Protection, Gratitude, Prosperity, Security, Self confidence, Harmony, the Mysteries, Equality
Colors: Dark red, Orange, Yellow, Gold, Brown, Purple, Forest and Earth tones
Decorations: Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty), Dried leaves, seeds & flowers, Vines such as Ivy, Apples, Pomegranates, Acorns, Indian corn, Wine, Gourds, Pine cones, Grains, Grapes
Food: Breads, Grains, Seeds, Nuts, Dried fruit, Legumes, Corn and corn bread, Squash, Apples and cider, Pomegranates, Roots, Carrots, Onions, Potatoes, Stews, Wine
~City
September 04, 2009
Full Moon
Happy Casting!
