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The common cooking herb caraway has alot of folklore built around it. It was said to prevent lovers from straying, serve well in attracting a lover, and to aid in the capture of thieves by "holding them in custody." According to Grimm, a wood wife after being given caraway bread ran into the forest screaming, "They've baked me caraway bread, it will bring that house great trouble." Whether this was because caraway is poisonous to wood wives, or they just hate its taste is not known. Caraway is said to be good for stomach cramps and to help digestion.
Chamoline/Maythen/Stime Anthemis noblis
This herb shares its Latin name with Baldersbrow, a situation which has often caused confusion between the two. Many believe Anthemis noblis to be the "Maythen" of "The Nine Worts Galdor," although it is not native to the Saxon homelands, but an import. In many parts of Europe, it is made into a tea, and used to stop or ease vomiting. Brewed in vinegar, the Germans once used it as a mouthwash. It makes a good pathway plant, and helps prevent erosion caused by the trampling of human feet. Wynn may be a good rune to use with maythen.
Chamoline/Baldersbrow Matricaria chamomilla
Often confused with Maythen (Anthemis noblis), because of the same Latin name, this wort was considered hallowed to the hero Balder. Its properties are similar to those of maythen, adding to the confusion, and it too can be used as a tea for the upset stomach. An extract of it is said to make an excellent shampoo for blondes or light red heads. Both chamolines can be used in recels or perfume, and baldersbrow is good at reducing swelling and itching such as that cause by poison ivy when used as an oil or in a poultice (the chamoline lotion one buys in stores contains baldersbrow). Perhaps this is why baldersbrow was once used in steam bathes to clear stuffy heads as well. It could well be that Matricaria chamomilla and not Anthemis noblis is the "maythen," mentioned in "The Nine Worts Galdor." The Anglo-Saxons were well acquainted with Matricaria chamomilla on the continent, and did not encounter Anthemis noblis until they had settled England. Considering the healing powers of both, either is a likely candidate.
Carrot/Queen Anne's Lace Dacus carota
The wild and tame carrot are two varieties of the same plant, the difference being in the color and taste of the root. The yellow root of the wild carrot is stronger in odour and taste. Both can give one the equired amounts of carotin which is believed to improve eyesight and prevent night blindness. Carrot juice was once dissolved in oil to treat burns and frostbite, and the juice was said to fight worms. Magically, the carrot was considered a bain to the most evil of wights, and was often used to repel them. On a lighter note, and taking modern traditions in mind, one might want to leave a carrot out in the yard for the Easter bunny, to protect him from wights that might interfere with his giving out of Easter eggs,and to give him a snack on his rounds. Laugu, Sigel, and Daeg may be good runes to use with carrots.
Cherry Genus:Prunus
Related to the rose, cherry trees share much of the same properties as a symbol of love and fertility. The blossoms may be used in perfume or incense, and a syrup made from the juice of the fruit has been used as flavoring for years. Cherry trees were wassailed along with apple trees during Yule tide in England during the Middle Ages in order that there be a good harvest. Giefu and Eh are good runes to use with cherry.
Clover/Bloodwort White: Trifolium alba Red: Trifolium prastense
Both common varieties of clover have much folklore associated with them. Any kind of clover, but especially white clover was attributed with bringing wealth, happiness, and good luck. Clover was also thought to give one second sight and to scare off most evil wights. Farmers once believed, and many still do, that clover was a sign of fertile soil. Clover can be used in love divination, incense, and in treating ailments of the skin. Clover tea was once used as a cough remedy. féoh, Sigel, and Wynn are good runes to use with clover.
Cowslip/Freya's Key Primula officinalis
This flower is said to provide Freo (Freya), and her followers the key to Folkwang, and therefore hallowed to her. The nightingale is said to be fond of this flower also, although that it is also said the nightingale prefers the rose and hops as well. Cowslip has much in common with its goddess, and is a flower of lover and sexual energies. Unlike the rose, which symbolizes undying love, the cowslip is the first fling of passion, the lust of young love. Cén, Wynn and Ing are good runes to use with cowslip.
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
Coltsfoot is not mentioned throughout the folklore, but its names, horsehoof, horsefoot, foalswort, and coltsfoot all link it to the horse, an animal hallowed and holy to the Germanic Heathens. This link may deem it hallowed and holy to Woden (Odhinn) or Frea (Frey) as well as the horse was hallowed to those two gods. While Coltsfoot is not mentioned in folklore often, it has been thought to have medecinal uses over the years. The leaves have been used in cough syrups, and have been crushed to treat sores.In World War II, coltsfoot was used as a substitute for tobacco, and it does make for very aromatic recels. Eh may be a useful rune with coltsfoot.
Dandelion/Cankerwort/Swine-Snort Tarax a cum officinale
Thought of as a troublesome weed by many, the dandelion has seen numerous uses throughout time. dandelions gathered on W`lburges was thought to keep evil witches away, and was thought to be hallowed to the goddess Sunne (Sunna), perhaps because of its bright yellow bloom. Dandelion tea was once thought to remove kidney stones and was also used as a laxative. The leaves can be used in salads or cooked with greens, while a wine can also be made from the blooms. Sigel and D‘g are good runes to use with dandelion.
Daisy, English Bellis Perenis
The Daisy has long been used in love divination with the "She loves me, she loves me not" formula and were used to decorate graves in the Middle Ages as a symbol of rebirth. The English daisy, along with its namesake, the ox-eye daisy were once used extensively in Midsummer decorations. The English daisy is hallowed to Sunne as its flower only opens when she shines. Good runes to use with the Daisy are Giefu, Eh, Sigel, and D‘g.
Daisy, ox-eye Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Also called the moon daisy, the ox-eye daisy is hallowed to Thunor (Thor), and like all plants hallowed to the thunder god is said to keep away lightning. Like the English daisy it can be used for love divination. The leaves of the ox-eye were once used on bruises while the dried blossoms were once boiled and used as a lotion for chapped hands. A good tune to use with the ox-eye daisy is Thorn.
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