WOTC Extra – Baneful Herbs & How To DealWith Them

Whatare Baneful Herbs?

The dictionary definition for the word Baneful reads:

“(adj) Archaic destructive; poisonous or fatal.”

This neatly sums up the effects of these particular herbsand plants.

In most cases, they are the more dangerous and lesscommonly cultivated plants – however there are commonly sold herbs and rootsthat fall into this classification which may surprise some people.

What link all these plants together is the adverseeffects they can have – ranging from severe allergic reactions to death.

What follows isn’t an extensive list of all Baneful Herbs– merely some examples. When dealing with any herb or root work – should it befor handling, burning or ingesting – the practitioner should always conductthorough research into the properties of the plants and any adverse reactionsthey may produce.

Examples of Baneful Herbs:

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria Canadensis):
Also known as Bloodwort, Red Puccoon Root and Pauson.

In Americait is also known as Tetterwort – which should not be confused with the Britishuse of this name for the Greater Celandine (Chelidonium Majus).

Used for family and home protection, as well as luck –this herb, when used, is typically powdered and sprinkled around the perimeterof the family home. Due to the bright red colour it produces, this plant hasalso been associated with Venus and love spells. It is also purported to havebeen used by some tribes as warpaint – and gained an association with Mars.

When slicing the root of the plant, a reddish sap wellsup and is used as a natural red dye. It is said to be especially popular withNative American artists.

The plant produces (primarily) the toxin ‘Sanguinarine’.In the 1800′s, tincturesand poultices were made from Bloodroot and in the 1900′s it was used as a ‘mole remover and curefor cancer. However, since the Sanguinarine toxin kills animal cells –application onto the skin may result in the formation of large scabs (eschar)and can cause extreme disfiguration.

In the 2000′s, Sanguinarine was approved by the United States FDA to be included intoothpastes – however, it is believed by some that this causes a pre-malignantoral lesion (leukoplakia).

Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea) :
Also known as Digitalis, Dead Men’s Bells, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Gloves, Lion’sMouth, Ladies Glove, Finger Flower.

The leaves, and occasionally the flowers are used forpsychic awareness and protection. It is most commonly associated with theelement of water and the planet Venus, as well as the Deities Brigit, Morriguand Dagda.

A folk myth pertaining to foxglove warns users that itcan bring life to the dead, but take the life from the living. It is alsosometimes said that the spots on the flowers are caused by elves and fairieslaying their fingers on the petals.

It is said that the Foxglove is at its most powerfulunder the light of a full moon, and that if its left to grow around a person’shome – it will drive away malign influences that seek to breach the boundaries.However, this is not recommended if there are children or animals living in thehome or nearby.

Foxglove is one of the most difficult plants to usesafely – the effects of its toxins vary from person to person with extremeseverity, and for this reason it has been widely dropped from use by practicingherbalists.

Known side effects from Digitalis Intoxication(poisoning) include: anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite,xanthopsia (yellowed vision) and blurring of the sight – especially around theoutlines of objects and people, giving them a ‘halo’ effect.

Every part of the Foxglove is poisonous to humans andanimals (including all livestock, poultry, felines and canines) alike – andalthough fatalities caused by this plant are rare, there are documented cases.This has been especially common when the plant has been confused for theComfrey (Symphytum) plant and brewed into tea, which the person has thenconsumed.

Drying the plant does not reduce its toxicity.

In the 1700′s, extracted parts of the Digitalis were first used in heart-medicine, andin the 1990′s the‘Digoxin’ was approved for clinical trials in regards to heart failure.However, despite its status – the use of Digoxin and Digitalis is on thedecline; this is attributed to safety concerns and a potentially loweredmortality rate – especially in women.

High John the Conqueror (Ipomoea Purga):
Also known as: John the Conqueror, John de Conquer

The roots of this plant are used in various hoodoospells, and are generally placed in mojo or gris-gris bags. It is said to bringgood fortune, success, sexual virility and happiness; as well as protectionfrom all hexes and curses. The effects of the root are determined by the spellwork and other ingredients used with it.
The name of the root is said to come from an African Prince who was sold as aslave in the Americas – despite his situation, his spirit was never broken byhis captors. In other tales, he becomes a type of Trickster, mainly due to themethods he is supposed to have used to avoid those who sought to re-capturehim.

One story states that he is not dead, but waits for hispeople to call him again – leaving his power behind in the plant so those withthe knowledge and the root could summon him.

This plant is poisonous, and the root has a stronglaxative effect when ingested. Some members of this plant genus have stronghallucinogenic properties.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria Majalis):
Also known as: Lily Constancy, Our Lady’s Tears, Jacob’s Ladder, May Lily,Ladder to Heaven.

This plant is often linked with the element of Air,Mercury and Gemini and is used for summoning and divination. It is also linkedwith the Deities Ostara, Apollo and Aesculapius.

In folklore, this plant is believed to beloved by the Faefolk, and it is believed that the cup shaped blossom act as bells that ringwhen the Faeries sing. It is also said that these plants form ladders for themto reach the reeds they need to weave their cradles.

When used in the Victorian style language of flowers –the Lily of the Valley signifies the return of happiness.

All parts of the plant are highly poisonous – and ifconsumed, even in small amounts – it can cause a variety of severe reactions –including abdominal pain, vomiting and a reduced heart rate. In larger amountsit can cause death.

Despite the toxic nature of the plant, it has been usedin some folk remedies in very small amounts and some herbalists do continue touse it as a restricted herbal remedy.

Mandrake (Mandragora Officinarum):
Also known as: Mandegloire, Mandragloire, Devil’s Testicles, Satan’s Apple,Alraun

The plant is linked with the element of Fire, the planetsMercury and Earth (not as often) as well as the Deities Diana, Hathor, Hecateand Aphrodite.

This raw root of this plant is mostly used as an amuletor talisman – promoting love magic (working as an aphrodisiac). The plant isalso said to aid good fortune in business endeavours and gambling – as well ascounter magic protection and warding off evil spirits or intentions.

The folklore that mainly surrounds this plant comes fromthe shape the roots take when grown – with their tendency to split off; theytake on what appears to be a humanoid shape. In the past, it was believed thatdigging up a Mandrake plant would cause it to scream – killing the gardener; tocombat this – the Alchemists and Herbalists of the time would tie a rope aroundthe plant and attach it to the dog – believing that when the dog removed theplant from the ground, the scream would kill it – and they would be free toharvest the exposed bounty without harm.
Because the plant can cause a hypnotic state in people, it is believed theMandrake was one of the first date-rape drugs as well as being an earlyanaesthetic.

The root – fresh or dried, contains highly poisonousalkaloids and as well as being a hallucinogenic, it is also known to be anarcotic. In large quantities, it induces a state of oblivion – however someherbalists used to juice small amounts from a finely grated root and would useit to relieve rheumatic pains.
However, too much exposure to this plant is believed to cause delirium andmadness.

Mistletoe (Viscum Album):
Also known as: European Mistletoe, Common Mistletoe, Devil’s Fuge, GoldenBough, Holy Wood, Witches Broom.

Associated with the element of air, the sun and the male gender(the white berries have been linked to male potency) this plant is also linkedwith the deities Apollo, Venus, Freya, Odin and Balder.

A potent drawing herb, the plant are often added to spellwork for good fortune and an increase in finances. It is also placed directlyupon a place where protection is needed – in this respect it is sometimescarried as an amulet for personal safety. It is said that wearing a sprigaround the neck will also encourage invisibility.

Mistletoe is commonly associated with Druids and druidicrites – lore states that the plant is more powerful when cut with a goldensickle on Midsummer’s Day, and that it must not touch the ground when beingharvested.

The Yuletide ritual of kissing under the mistletoe stemsfrom the belief that if two lovers share a kiss beneath the plant, it willstrengthen their connection and keep their love strong.

In the 16th and 17th Centuries, Mistletoe was used forthe treatment of epilepsy and other nerve disorders that caused convulsions.The plant is a narcotic and can have a profound effect on the nervous system.

Some herbal practitioners use mistletoe to make teasdesigned to slow the pulse and lower blood pressure, treat arthritic pain andprevent snoring. However, due to the toxic nature of the plant, it is not ascommonly used as there are other herbs available which can achieve the sameresults without the risk of poisoning.
Mistletoe has also been studied with a view to becoming a supplement in somemethods of cancer treatment.

The leaves, stems and berries of this plant are poisonousif ingested. The effects of eating the plant (especially the berries) can rangefrom a mild stomach ache to severe abdominal distress and diarrhoea. Cases ofpoisoning in humans is rarely serious (although factors such as age, size andweight play a part) – but pets are at risks, with recorded cases of fatalitiesin animals such as dogs.

Monkshood(Aconitum Variegatum) :
Also known as: Aconite, Wolf’s Bane, Leopard’s Bane, Woman’s Bane, Devil’sHelmet, Blue Rocket.

A feminine associated plant; it is linked with Saturn,Capricorn and the element of Water as well as the deities Hecate and Medea.

Used for protection and invisibility magic, it is oftenused to consecrate areas – removing (banishing) negative or harmful areas; tothis end Monkshood is sometimes burned as an incense.
Folk lore tells of Monkshood being carried as a talisman to protect againstwerewolves – or to cure one who had been turned by one.

It is also said that the Goddess Hecate created the plantfrom the foam produced by the mouths of the guardian dog Cerberus.

Medically, this plant was used commonly until the middleof the 20th Century, when it was replaced with treatments that were consideredsafer and more effective. Because of the paralysing effects of its poisons, theplant was used in anaesthetics. However it was also used internally to slow thepulse, and when diluted – reduce feverishness in those suffering from colds,pneumonia, laryngitis and asthma.

The effect of taking Monkshood can range according to thedose taken – symptoms will appear almost immediately in most cases, but havebeen recorded as appearing up to an hour later. Poisoning can result invomiting, diarrhoea, tingling / numbness or burning in the mouth and face,abdominal cramps and burning sensations and motor weakness. Large doses willcause an almost instantaneous death, however a large dose could see the personsurviving for two to six hours before dying.

The plant is so poisonous that the toxin can easily beabsorbed through the skin after having touched the plant with bare hands. Theeffects are almost the same as ingesting the plant.

The poisoning can be treated if discovered in time –patients are monitored for changes in their blood pressure and cardiac rhythm,and they are given activated charcoal to decontaminate the gastrointestinalfunctions (within one hour of ingestion). Substances such as atropine,lidocaine, amiodarone, bretylium, fecainide, procainamide and mexiletine havealso been used in varying cases as antidotes.

Dealing with Baneful Herbs.

If dealing with these plants, roots and flowers – it isextremely important that safety precautions are taken, as many of the poisonsand toxins are directly absorbed through the skin.

Care should also be taken when deciding to grow any ofthese plants – they should be kept away from areas where pets or other peoplecould inadvertently come into contact with them.

As with any herb and root work – erring on the side ofcaution is a must. If the gardener or practitioner is not certain what they aredoing, or what plants they are dealing with – they should leave them aloneuntil they can make a positive identification of the species and the possibleramifications of dealing with them. Baneful herbs are not for novice, new oruninformed practitioners, the potential powers of these plants should berespected by all and approached in a sensible and safe manner.

Source:
Pagan Magic