Middle Earth Magic: Inspired Ideas and Seasonal Spells for Your Enchanted Life
I grew up on a farm in West Virginia and learned much about herbs, trees, animals, gardening, foraging and so much about nature. I incorporate this wisdom I learned from elders in my family into my spellwork. When I finally left the farm, I majored in Medieval Studies, my attempt to emulate my idol, J.R.R. Tolkien. All these influences led me to my own blended brew which I call "middle earth magic," containing a mix of the modern and the time-tested "old ways."
Make Your Own Herbal Vinegar
If you love everything about lavender, you may well want to create your own lavender vinegar. Many herbs make for excellent vinegars so pay attention to which ones are especially appealing with you as you go about your gardening. The more herbs you pack into the jar, the higher the mineral content in your vinegar which makes it more flavorful and healthful. Once you have your own apple cider vinegar or a premade organic kind you and your family love, pick an herb you know works for you and pack a quart canning jar as full as you can. Pour room temperature apple cider vinegar to cover and seal with paper and bands and pop back on the dark corner shelf for six weeks, giving a shake once a week. At the end of the infusion period, strain out any remaining compostable twigs or stems that remain, if any and store in colored bottle and add a pretty label. These make wonderful gifts so I recommend you get a set of labels for all your herbal brews. Nearly any plant or herb can used in homemade vinegars. Check this list for your next batch of brew:
Anise Seeds & Leaves: soothes cramps and aches
Caraway Seeds: aids in romantic issues, helps with colic
Catnip Leaves: makes women even more attractive
Chamomile Flowers: helps with sleep, good for abundance
Dandelion Leaves: makes wishes come true
Echinacea: makes the body strong
Ginseng Root: increases men’s vigor
Nettle Leaves: lung function, hex breaking
Peppermint Leaves: rids tummy discomfort, cleansing
Pine Needles: increases skin health as well as financial health
Rose Hip Fruit: packed with vitamin C and can halt colds and flu
Sage Leaves: purifies energy, antibiotic
Skullcap Leaves: prevents insomnia and soothes nerves
St. John’s Wort: antidepressant
Thyme Leaves: antiseptic, a protectant
Yarrow Flowers: reduces fever, brings courage and good luck
Comments
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Tuesday, 20 November 2018
That asounds delightful and I wish we were neighbors so we could exchange preserves and such. Your pickles sounds yummy and your family is lucky to have you! Blessed be and thanks for the great idea!
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Wednesday, 21 November 2018Thanks and you're welcome!
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Sunday, 25 November 2018You say, 'seal with paper and bands.' What kind of paper and bands are you using? And won't the liquid evaporate if you don't use a real lid? Also, how do you shake without spilling?
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Sunday, 25 November 2018
Hi Tyger,
Thanks for your excellent questions and I guess that's what I get for blogging while I have the flu. I use rubber bands and butcher paper. Wax paper works nicely and I shake gently. Trying to use less plastic in our household due to the negative impact on the environment, thus the paper. -
Monday, 26 November 2018
Thank you. That makes sense
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I make lavender vinegar and also rosemary vinegar from my garden. I usually make salad dressing or marinade with my vinegars but this year I used my lavender vinegar to pickle Armenian cucumbers from my garden.