Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Mardi: Herbal-Wise

Time once again to focus on the helpful properties of herbs which have been used throughout history to help make human life a little more comfortable. Today our subject is comfrey, which has come down to us from our ancient ancestors as a healing, prosperity drawing and protective plant.

Comfrey has also been known as boneset or bruisewort since Medieval times. In the British Isles it was simply called Healing Herb. In fact the juices from comfrey leaves will help heal bruising and sooth minor burns. The quick disappearance of a bruise treated with comfrey gave people the impression that the herb also helped to knit up broken bones. This led to comfrey leaves being packed into bandaging. Of course we know that is not entirely the case but decoctions of comfrey are used in modern ointments marketed to help minor wounds and bruises heal more quickly.

In hoodoo, comfrey is a money drawing herb favored in particular by gamblers. They will wrap their gambling cash in fresh comfrey leaves while concentrating on winning. Be certain to fold the leaf toward you and then stash the whole bundle away where no one else will touch it until you take it out again. To increase the potency of this work, first dab some Money-Drawing Oil on the leaf. To simply insure your wallet will never be empty, sprinkle dried comfrey onto the money that is already in it. Repeat this process whenever you put new bills in your wallet.

Some people swear by the root of a comfrey plant to keep them safe while traveling. Carry the dried root in a red flannel bag when on the road to keep you safe and worry free. To add protection for your home while you are away, dress the root with Peaceful Home Oil before you leave. This is also said to keep your spouse faithful while you’re gone. Scott Cunningham even recommends tucking a little comfrey into your suitcases, particularly if you plan to check them, to keep them safe and make sure they get to the same destination you do.

Comfrey is a pretty plant although I personally am not too fond of its scent. If you gamble, though, or travel a good deal, it might be worthwhile to consider its cultivation in your garden or window box. Bon chance ~

Header: Medea by Evelyn de Morgan

2 comments:

Timmy! said...

This is good to know in case I ever decide to become a professional gambler... j/k. Unfortunately, my wallet is usually devoid of cash, but I can definitely put this to use since I have to travel later this week. Thanks, Pauline!

Pauline said...

Well, I don't gamble but the travel issue is, as you say, fairly pervasive. Forewarned is forearmed after all...