Herbal Remedies: Bring Peace and Tranquility to Your Home

For those of you that are big on natural herbal use to cleanse, purify, consecrate, and even protect, I've got some ideas on how to create a good environment in your home.

I am a self-taught herbalist, and I have been using these techniques for years. Aside from the usual teas and herbal baths, there are numerous ways to use herbs in everyday use. In this article I will go into some ways to clear your home of negative energies, bring peace and harmony, and create a sanctuary like no other.

First, let me tell you some of the things you will need: A small bowl, censer or incense burner (make sure it can withstand a hot coal inside), non-iodized salt or sea salt, and a package of charcoals. I would suggest anything not made of wood, plastic, or metal for the object you want to use to put the charcoal on or in. You don't want the bowl to melt, burn, or become to hot to the touch. You can find the charcoals at any metaphysical shop, or some natural health and/or herb stores carry them too. These charcoals come in a small package, usually about 10 of them in a pack. Fill your bowl or burner to about 1/4-1/3 full of the salt. Place the charcoal in the middle of the salt and light it. It is self-igniting, meaning you hold the flame to it for a few seconds, and it will ignite and get warm slowly; it will take a few minutes to ignite and get warm. If you want to speed the charcoal up, blow on the glowing charcoal to expedite the process. When the charcoal is glowing and ready, this is when you add the herbs and/or incense on top of the charcoal.

Here are some herbs to use, and what they can do for you:

Frankincense and/or Myrrh- They are commonly used together, but can be used separate. They both are used for protection, cleansing, and have been used during exorcisms. They bring peace, protection, and create sacred space. It is mainly found in resin form, and all you do is set a few pieces of the resin on the charcoal at a time, and they will melt down and create a very nice aroma.

Dragons blood- Used for purifying, protection, consecration, cleansing, and virility. This also is found in resin form, and a little goes a long way. It has a wonderful warm aroma.

Copal- Found in resin form again, it comes in two forms- white and black. White copal is best used for cleansing and purifying, while black is used mainly for consecration, clearing negative energies and has been used for exorcisms. Both are used for inspiration, happiness, and aids in meditation.

Sweet grass- Usually found in braids or packaged in small bags, this herb is the best for any house cleansing. It rids the air of negative energies, and is used to cleanse and purify people, objects, and pretty much anything else. It has a distinct sweet smell to it. It was used in the early days of Native Americans, and is sacred to them. Put a little bit in your closet or dresser to give your clothes a nice, fresh, sweet smell.

Angelica Root- Cleansing, protection, and has been used in healing circles.

Benzoin- Usually found in resin form, this has been used to bring prosperity, but mainly it is used for purification and clarity.

Horehound- Protection, healing, and is used to bring mental clarity.

Mistletoe- Did you know it is used for things other than to hang up in a doorway and kiss those that walk under it? Here's some of its attributes: protection, love, good hunting, fertility, health, and has been used during exorcisms.

Passion flower- Want something to help you sleep that is natural? Use a little of this, and if you want to make it a little more potent try mixing in some vervain and valerian root. Not only do all three of these work wonderfully for sleep, they all bring peace, harmony, purification and protection to your home. Use sparingly; a little goes a long way.

Lastly (for this article), St. John's Wort- It works wonderfully to bring health, prosperity, strength, protection and happiness to you and your home. It has also been used to treat depression, but before you try, consult your physician. It has been known to not interact with some medications very well. It grows wild, and it is just as potent as the stuff you buy in the drug stores. This plant can be put in gel cap pills or made into a tea, and taken internally for promoting good health just like the pills you buy in the store. The most potent part of the plant is the fresh flowers and tops. The stems and leaves may be used also, but they aren't as potent as the flower itself. As with all herbal remedies, consult your doctor to see if you run the risk of an adverse reaction to the use of any of these herbs. Also, it doesn't hurt to consult an herbal guide or book to look up all the other properties these wonderful herbs have.

I will be posting different herbal remedies for you and your home every now and then, so check back often for more good tips for better health.