Jersualem Sage - Phlomis fruticosa (Labiatae)

Description: Aromatic evergreen shrub with branching stems that grows up to 10 ft. Silver-green oblong leaves are wrinkled and covered with yellow hairs. Clear or yellow flowers appear in summer.

Uses: Use leaves fresh or dried in the sun. Mainly grown as an ornamental plant, though a sage-flavored tea can be made from the leaves.

Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.

Sage - Salvia officnalis (Labiatae)

Description: Evergreen perennial shrub with square woody branching gray and wooly stems that grow up to 3 ft. Leaves are gray-green, soft and oblong. Bears whorls of blue flowers in summer.

Uses: Use leaves fresh or dried in shade picked before flowering. Infusion used to treat depression, liver disorders and nervous anxiety. Leaves are known for antiseptic properties and used in gargles for tonsillitis and laryngitis, and to freshen mouth and clean teeth.

Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.

Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1½ cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Medicinal uses: depression, anxiety, liver disorders, laryngitis, tonsillitis, menopause

Used in spells relating to: Protection, Wisdom, Wishes, Longevity, increase Lust.