Allium cepa
Avena sativa
Citrus aurantium
Groats
Oak
Oats
Onion
Orange
Oregano
Origanum vulgare
Quercus robur
Tanner's Bark
Wild Marjoram
Oak Quercus robur and others
aka: Tanner's Bark
The leaves are well known. The male flowers hang in catkins, 1-3 inches long.
Oaks are very slow growing, but they reach a large size, sometimes with trunks
more than 30 feet in thickness.
The acorns (seeds) are edible when properly prepared, usually involving soaking
in water or salted water to blanch out the tannin.
Bark from the oak is used to tan leather.
Medicinal: Oak bark is astringent and is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and
bleeding. For external use the bark and/or leaves are boiled and then applied to
bruises, swollen tissues, wounds that are bleeding, and varicose veins.
Magical: The oak is the most sacred of all the trees. The most powerful
mistletoe grows in oaks. The leaves are burned for purification, and the
branches make powerful wands. The acorn is a fertility nut. It is carried to
promote conception, ease sexual problems, and increase sexual attractiveness.
The leaves and bark are used in binding spells. Planting an acorn in the dark of
the Moon will bring you money. Oak wood carried will protect from harm, and hung
in the home it will protect the home and all within.
Oats Avena sativa
aka: Groats
There are over 20 different kinds of oats. Oats do not have as much nutritive
value as other cereal grain. Oats have smooth stems up to 4 feet high. The
leaves are veined and rough.
Medicinal: Oats are a traditional food for those recovering from an illness. It
also supplies necessary fiber in the diet. Oats made into packs and pastes clear
up many skin disorders, such as acne. Oats reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Magical: Oats are used in prosperity and money spells, and in rituals to the
harvest. Oats are Nervine, stimulant, and antispasmodic.
A tincture is made by permeating 4 OZ. of ground oatmeal to 1 pint diluted
alcohol, keeping the first 5 1/2 OZ. (fluid), and evaporating the remainder down
to 1/2 fluid ounce, and adding this to the first 5 1/2 fluid ounces.
Growing: Oats are an annual grass that grows up to 4 feet tall. Easiest to
purchase from a health food store, as much is needed to be beneficial, and takes
up more room than the average gardener has available. It does make a pretty
ornamental grass in the garden and around foundations.
Onion Allium cepa
Medicinal: Onion is used externally as an antiseptic. Internally, it can
alleviate gas pains, reduce hypertension, and reduce cholesterol. Onion juice
made into a syrup is good for colds and coughs.
Magical: Has been used as a charm against evil spirits. Halved or quartered
onions placed in the home absorb negativity. An onion under your pillow will
give you prophetic dreams. Magical swords and knives are purified by rubbing
them with an onion half.
Growing: Onion is a perennial herb that grows from a bulb. It prefers rich
garden soils and plenty of water. The greens above ground can be used alone, and
the bulb harvested by pulling from the ground, and allowing the tops to dry
before storing in a dry location, with temperatures between 35 and 50 degrees F.
Orange Citrus aurantium
The fruit, flowers, and peel are used medicinally. Oranges are small trees with
gray brown bark. The leaves are oval and pointed, glossy dark green on top and
lighter underneath. The leaf is used fresh or dried.
Medicinal: The oil is used for bronchitis. An infusion of the leaves are used as
a mild nerve stimulant.
Magical: The dried peel is added to love charms. The fresh or dried orange
flowers added to the bath makes you attractive. The fruit itself hinders or
banishes lust. Orange juice is used in rituals in place of wine.
Growing: Oranges prefer a rich, sandy soil, and warm year-round temperatures.
For most of us, that means Growing them indoors as house plants.
Oregano Origanum vulgare
aka: Wild Marjoram
Oregano is a perennial herb with creeping roots, sending up tough stems 1-2 feet
tall. Leaves are opposite, about an inch long. The flowers are reddish bracts
blooming in late June through August. (Some varieties have been developed that
have difference is leaf and flower color.)
Medicinal: Oregano is used to promote perspiration as a treatment for colds,
flu, and fevers. A tea of oregano is often used to bring on menses and relieve
associated menstrual discomfort. It is also used in baths and inhalations to
clear lungs and bronchial passages. Oregano is a stimulant, carminative,
diaphoretic and mildly tonic; a useful emmenagogue. Externally, a fomentation is
used for swellings and rheumatism. An infusion or tea from the fresh plant will
relieve nervous headache.
Magical: Oregano is used to help forget and let go of a former loved one, such
as a former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. Burn in incenses or drink the
infusion to aid in spells for letting go.
Growing: Oregano is a perennial that prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline
soil and full sun. It is propagated by seed, root division, or cuttings. Harvest
just as the plant is about to bloom for Medicinal use. The plant is easy to
grow, and can render fresh leaves even in cold weather.