ediblecentraloregon.com | 11 Witches understood how to identify plants and prepare them into effective remedies to help people heal. They also guided women with fertility, childbirth, and abortion. The oppression and elimination of witches goes hand-in-hand with the suppression of female power. The Green Witch archetype is particularly fluent in plant medicine. As a green witch, I practice other witchy things like tarot reading, reflexology, and storytelling, but the foundation of my work is built upon nourishment and is grounded in the wisdom of the plants. What is a common issue you see in the summer and how do you alleviate it? I have three teenage boys, so gashes and wounds are common in the summer. One of my favorite go-to herbs for summer season is yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Yarrow is antiseptic and astringent, so it is an incredible wound healer. It not only keeps a wound clean of bacteria, but also helps to tighten and mend the broken tissue. FRESH YARROW POULTICE: Pick yarrow flower or leaf (look for the native white variety because the colorful garden versions are more closely related to tansy). Chew the leaf or flower until you have a wet mound of plant material, then place on your owie. YARROW TINCTURE: Use 100-proof vodka. Pick the flowering tops and leaves of yarrow in late June or early July and fill a jar, adding vodka to the top. Label and let it brew for six weeks away from sunlight. Strain. Uses include: aftershave, face spray to clear acne, tick and mosquito repellent (reapply often), antiseptic. Yarrow stops bleeding, so keep it nearby in the kitchen for knife mishaps. Use on a toothbrush slightly diluted as a wonderful tooth and gum wash. Dilute in water and use as a mouthwash anytime, especially after dental work. e Photo: Adobe Stock greenwitchnextdoor.com
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