Hoodoo History

I wanted to share the cheat sheet that I will be passing out today at Urban Foraging 4 Rootworkers: Summer Gathering. While these are plants that I particulary scouted out for the area we will be foraging at in Chicago, you can find these plants within the Chicago-land area and some even across North America. This of course is not every plant within the area. Just those that will be found in the most abundance and during the summer season. You can find a downloadable version of this, within The Library as well.

Urban Foraging for Rootworkers

Cheat Sheet

Blue Violet

Holistic Properties: Traditionally used for its mild laxative properties and is believed to support respiratory health. It has also been used to treat skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Non-toxic.

Spiritual Purposes: Blue Violets are another amazing Venusian herb. Blue Violets are particularly great in romantic love work and attracting a new partner. Great in teas in small amounts.

Chamomile

Holistic: Aids in sleep, calms anxiety, settles stomach pain, used to help colic Non-toxic.

Spiritual: Protection; money drawing; good luck in gambling; protects children from bad dreams; love drawing

Clover

White Clover - 

Holistic: When used topically, can help treat eczema, psoriasis and acne Non-toxic.

Spiritual: Helps promote peace and clarity; used to cleanse and banish

Red Clover - 

Holistic: Help reduce menopause symptoms Non-toxic.

Spiritual: Used for passion, love and fertility work

Daisy Fleabane 

Holistic Uses: Stops bleeding; used for wounds; Astringent; Antimicrobial; helps menstrual cramps. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT

Spiritual Uses: Use to banish negative spirits and energy. 

Goldenrod 

Holistic Uses: Reduces inflammation; used topically for pain related to arthritis; yeast infections; treats cold, flu and coughs Non-toxic.

Spiritual Uses: Hang over your front door to bring in prosperity and success. Is said to be used as a dowsing rod to lead you to true love.  

Ground Ivy

Holistic Properties: Traditionally used for respiratory issues, including bronchitis and asthma.  It also has properties that may support the kidneys and soothe digestive disturbances. Non-toxic.

Spiritual Properties: Helps to enhance mediumship, claires and divination practices. Assists connection to ancestral messages and spirit.

Lavender

Holistic: Aids in sleep, calms anxiety; relieves joint pain; can treat eczema, acne, fungal infections Non-toxic.

Spiritual: Love drawing; purification; protection; peace

Mulberry

Holistic: good source of anti-oxidants and vitamin c Non-toxic.

Spiritual: Mulberry is said to help with dreams and self awareness (shadow work)

Mullein 

Holistic Uses: helps respiratory issues, coughs, colds, pain rashes, earaches, inflammation Non-toxic. Do not ingest seeds.

Spiritual Uses: Often used as a substitute for graveyard dirt; used for courage, protection, and love drawing; wards of nightmares and negativity; helps with divination when ingested.

Okra

Holistic: aid in childbirth; fertility; libido Non-toxic.

Spiritual: removes negative energy; healing; cleansing

Sage

Holistic: Can help promote mental clarity; can stop bleeding (for open wounds) Non-toxic.

Spiritual: Ward off evil eye, banish, cleanse, protection. This is consider a “mother plant”

Wild Carrot (Queen Anne’s Lace) - 

Holistic Uses: It is said that Wild Carrot can be used as a form of contraceptive. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT

Spiritual Uses: Bring peace within a home; aids in strengthening pre-marital relationships