77 1/2 Herbs — Silver Birth by Ronesa Aveela

77 1/2 Magical Healing Herbs — Silver Birch

by Ronesa Aveela

Venture into the magical, healing world of herbs and embrace the power of nature. This article is taken from the book 77 ½ Magical Healing Herbs, which is an introduction to herbs found in a special Midsummer’s wreath. This is an especially enchanting time of year. Among the Bulgarians, the day is called Eniovden. You may think herbs are only for spicing up food and healing the body and mind, but they have other uses, as well. This unique herbal book is an essential guide for tapping into the power of herbs. It highlights centuries of lore and historical facts about healing and magical uses of herbs from Slavic and other traditions. Please see the medical and magical disclaimers before you try any of the recipes from the book. ***

Betula pendula Silver birch

Description: The silver birch grows around 82 feet (25 meters) tall. The tree’s thin, papery bark peels off in layers, its tender shoots are bumpy, and its triangular-shaped leaves are coarse and doubletoothed. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. The silver birch bears catkins, slim, cylindrical flowers that form in clusters and produce small winged seeds. History and Traditions: The genus name is Latin for “birch,” and the specific name comes from the Latin pendere for “to hang.” The word “birch” derives from the Proto-Indo-European root bhereg-, which means “to shine, bright, white.” This definition appropriately defines the silver birch’s bark, which is bright white with black fissures. Betula pendula is often confused with the similar Betula alba (white birch), whose bark is a grayer color. Birch is called a pioneer species, because it’s often one of the first plants to re-grow in fire-ravaged locations and has been said to be among those that first repopulated rocky land when Ice-Age glaciers receded. The tree has an important role in many cultures. In Slavic folklore, it’s the tree of sorrow and new life. Ancient Romans, among others, worshipped the sacred tree as a goddess. During Samhain, Celts drove away the spirits of the old year with birch twigs. Other cultures thought of birch as the tree of the dead. Habitat and Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia and introduced to North America. The tree is often found on mountains and along crags. In Bulgaria,

you can find it in forests at the base of foothills. Growth: Tree. The plant thrives in cool climates but requires plenty of sunlight. It has shallow roots, so it does best in dry, sandy soil. Harvesting: Leaves and bark are used. Leaf buds are collected in April and May before they burst. Leaves are harvested in spring, both before the tree flowers and afterward, and the bark is gathered in early spring. All of its products should be stored in dry, ventilated areas. Medical Use: Substances in birch bark have antiinflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties and are being studied by medical professionals for possible treatment. In folk medicine, components of birch are remedies for many ailments, such as improving metabolism, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol. The leaves and sap help dissolve kidney stones, but this remedy also irritates the kidneys, so use it only under professional medical supervision. Ointments made from the sap treat skin problems (eczema, warts, psoriasis) but are likely to irritate dry skin. The bark, applied externally, is believed to ease muscle pain. Birch has also been used for rheumatism, gout, and leprosy. People drink an infusion made from young birch leaves to treat things such as nervous disorders and colic, and drink it as a stimulant, anti-inflammatory agent, antiseptic, and for vitamins. Rituals and Magical Use: Since it is one of the first plants to come into leaf in spring, birch is symbolic of purification, innocence, and renewal of life as nature awakens. Many traditions use birch to ensure health, love, and happiness for those with new beginnings, such as births, weddings, and new home constructions. Birch is made into a dousing rod to find minerals, buried treasure, and water. Even more magical is the belief that birch energizes people and can prolong youth and slow aging. Merely being near a birch tree can make a sick

person feel better. Birch protects people against physical and spiritual misfortunes. Its newly sprouted twigs are strong talismans that can not only cure diseases, but also break spells. People put babies in swings made of birch to protect the infants from evil charms. Having a birch grow near your home is welcome, because it will chase away nightmares. Other Use: Sap from the tree is made into a drink, similar to the process of extracting sap from maples. Fragrant birch twigs are tools to lightly beat one’s body in Finnish saunas. Furniture, plywood, skis, window frames, broom handles, kitchen utensils, and more are made from the wood, and bast shoes from the bark. An extract from birch is found in bath oils, face creams, shampoos, and shaving creams. The bark is applied decoratively to floral bouquets. Ground birch bark was a staple in Sweden for making bread during famines. Other Names: Warty birch, European white birch, East Asian white birch. Aromatic: Ground leaf buds have a pleasant aroma but tart taste. The leaves have no smell and are slightly bitter. The bark also lacks an odor and is bitter.

CAUTION: Children or pregnant or lactating women should not use. Birch products can also hurt kidneys and irritate dry skin.

How to Make an Infusion

Chop 2 Tablespoons of birch leaves or 1 Tablespoon of birch buds and boil in 0.5 liter of water. Let the liquid stand for an hour before straining. Drink 150 ml before meals, four times a day. You can add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to alkalize the liquid (Petrova).

Boil 1 Tablespoon of birch bark for 10 minutes in 0.5 liter of water before straining. Drink 150 ml before meals four times a day. You can also use the decoction in a bath to treat chronic skin rashes, eczema, and psoriasis. Or wash your hair with it to help prevent hair loss and dandruff.

Herbs are powerful, but they can also be dangerous. MEDICAL LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: The information in this article, in the book and on our website is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it claim that the herbs listed are safe or effective to use in the manners described. It is not meant to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. It is merely a brief summary of various herbal folk remedies and how they have been used in the past and may still be used today. With the exception of a few personal recipes, we have not tried any of these remedies and cannot verify their effectiveness or safety. MAGICAL DISCLAIMER: Magical ingredients and spells are for entertainment only. We have not tried any of these remedies, nor do we make any claims as to their effectiveness or safety.

77 and a Half Herbs?

The wheels in your mind have probably been turning as you think, “77½ herbs is an odd number.” And you’re right. But it’s a special, magical number, referring to herbs gathered on Eniovden, June 24, when Bulgarians celebrate Midsummer’s Day. If you want to find out the secret of the half herb, you’ll have to read the book.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesaaveela/77-1-2-magical-healing-herbs-the-secretpower-of-herbs

Ronesa Aveela is “the creative power of two.” Two authors that is. The main force behind the work, the creative genius, was born in Bulgaria and moved to the US in the 1990s. She grew up with stories of wild Samodivi, Kikimora, the dragons Zmey and Lamia, Baba Yaga, and much more. Her writing partner was born and raised in the New England area. She has a background in writing and editing, as well as having a love of all things from different cultures. She’s learned so much about Bulgarian culture, folklore, and rituals, and writes to share that knowledge with others. https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/ronesa-aveela/

The Golden Age of Hollywood

by Hannah Howe

Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint was born on July 4, 1924. Her ancestors were Quakers. In a career spanning over 70 years, she won numerous awards and appeared in countless movie, television and theatre productions. Eva often rejected prominent movie roles. Instead, she preferred to focus on her family – she and her husband Jeffrey Hayden were married for 64 years –and roles she found creatively satisfying. One of Eva’s most notable roles was Eve Kendall in North by Northwest. Alfred Hitchcock, director of North by Northwest, reckoned that Eva should have concentrated on ‘glamorous’ roles, not ‘kitchen sink’ roles. She could certainly do glamour, but I think she found the down to earth roles more satisfying. A personal favourite of mine is her performance as Anna Hedler in 36 Hours, a psychological World War Two drama, which also starred James Garner. Now aged 98, Eva Marie Saint can be regarded as the last link with the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Must see Eva Marie Saint movie, On The Waterfront, 1954, her stunning debut starring opposite Marlon Brando.

Hannah Howe is the author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series, the Ann's War Mystery Series and the #1 international bestseller Saving Grace. Hannah's books are published by Goylake Publishing and distributed through Gardners Books to over 300 outlets worldwide. Her books are available in print, as eBooks and audiobooks, and are being translated into ten languages. Discover more on Mom's Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/hannah-howe

CHESS ANSWER: (1) Qa7 Qxa7 (2) Bb5#