The magic of plants
In the case of Venezuelans, we have used plants to feed ourselves, but we have also known how to take advantage of their clearly proven medicinal and magical properties. In this post we will not talk about the healing characteristics of them, but we will talk about the powers and secret forces attributed to them. It must be made clear that the use of some plants is advised by witches or shamans, and that in some cases, they are the ones who recommend, according to the problem we have and want to solve, the dose and way of consuming them.
At the beginning of the last century, it was still believed in Europe that in the Venezuelan jungles there were monstrous plants, such as the so-called "Devil's Kill", which, according to some Spanish chroniclers, was a carnivorous plant, specifically a killer orchid that exhaled a poisonous perfume and attracted men to then devour them. Similarly, the Venezuelan writer Giovanna Merola speaks in her book Botanica Fantástica of a plant capable of breastfeeding, since its sap is lactic in appearance and can be consumed. According to Alexander Humboldt classified it as Brosimum Galactodendrum, but the natives call it "Cow Tree".
Giving plants human and supernatural powers is very common in Venezuela and the use of these in magic rituals, ointments, potions, filters and concoctions is very frequent. For example, it is common that an aloe vera bush is planted in every house, since it is believed that it traps bad energies. Some people even place aloe vera behind the front door of the house or their business, for their protection. The same happens with some types of ferns, which although they are very decorative, are used more because they work as cleaners of bad vibrations and to attract prosperity.
Another of the best known plants in Venezuela is the purple Cariaquito, which is a lilac colored wild flower, which is recommended to ward off bad luck. People often make infusions with which they can bathe and even, there are already soaps and creams made with its essence. It is usual to see that if someone has bad luck, he is advised to take a bath with purple Cariaquito.
There are other plants better known in the world that, beyond its use as a condiment for some foods, are also used for rituals and concoctions, as is the case of thyme, which can be burned and used as incense to purify spaces and bring good health. It is believed that if you place a bag full of dried thyme under the pillow, nightmares can be chased away. There is also rosemary, which is used to preserve youth. If you use rosemary water when bathing, you can prevent hair loss and gray hair. An interesting case is that of rue, which is said to make a bundle of branches and wet it with water and salt to splash the spaces and thus protect them. Some people usually carry a twig of rue in their wallet to avoid envy and gossip.
I've always thought it was fantastic what they do with basil. There are two types of basil: the white stem and the purple stem. The white stem is the one we use to make delicious pastas, creams and salads, but the purple has other uses. It is recommended that if you know someone who might be of interest to you, you give them a sheet of basil; if they wither immediately, the person is not reliable. You can also ensure a love by spraying dried basil on his body while he sleeps. There is a well-known love ritual that many people do, especially when they are young. The ritual consists of taking a flower pot , a basil bush, and a piece of paper. The idea is that you write the name of the loved one on the paper and bury it in the flower pot with the basil bush, while saying: Just as the scent of basil attracts goblins, that person is attracted to me.
In particular, I believe in the healing power of some plants. Nature is made to provide us with many benefits. When I was a girl, my grandmother had an immense garden where she cultivated interesting spices and each one had, according to what she told me, some healing powers. But as I told you at the beginning, many of these plants can be toxic and it is recommended that they be used only on the advice of experts. As for their use to attract luck or love, I believe that faith moves mountains and believing is power. There is nothing more powerful than what we believe, so our conviction will be medicine that restores our longed-for well-being and gives us what we want.
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BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE
http://letrasllaneras.blogspot.com/2019/02/leyendas-y-cuentos-cortos-venezolanos_6.html
https://www.rohelsantacruz.com/hechizos-y-rituales-de-magia-blanca/plantas-para-el-amor/
Written by: @nancybriti
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The world of the general healing and beneficial properties of plants is quite broad; they may also have harmful properties, but those do not interest me personally. You renew to us some known or illustra applications on others ignored, like that relation of the basil with the couples and the love. I know that some plants are used for the ensalms; I believe that the so-called "pasote" is one of them, and peppermint. The seeds of dividive are carried in the pocket to attract luck. Interesting topic, @nancybriti.
Some plants, unfortunately, were left out. In Venezuela, as a result of our economic crisis, we have had to investigate the curative properties of some plants, since we cannot buy some medicines because they are expensive or because they are simply scarce. Thank you for your comment, @josemalavem.
For sure plants have many medicinal and other benefits that human use to derive. Reading your post I have discovered few new things about "Cariquito Purple" which is also a wild flower in India , we call them Putus but never knew about the so called practices of bathing to get rid of bad luck. Very interesting to know.
On the other hand "Basil" is a holy plant in India which are worshipped. It has some special mention and references in our Vedas and shastras. An important ayurvedic medicine too. Every Indian must have a Basil plant in their home due to the various medicinal benefits. We also use to have Tea made up of Basil and use it in other purposes.
Great to find so many new things about other plants. We have common name but have different uses.
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That's right, @steemflow, in some countries these plants have other names and surely other uses. The ideal would be to know all the benefits and thus take advantage of all their properties. Thank you for your comment!
That's true @nancybriti nature have given so much abundance, different names but same quality....we call basil holy tulsi for its so much advantages
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A publication that I like very much, I am a lover of plants, especially ornamentals. However, I also know of some plants that have great healing power and should not be missing at home, such as the Llantén, Malojillo, Menta, Manzanilla, Sábila or Aloe Vera, among many others. are many benefits that bring us prepared in tea or compresses on the skin, in the case of Aloe.
As for the uses and powers that are given to some herbs in rituals, I do not know much, but I know that in Venezuela was practiced, I do not know yet, the santiguado that consisted of making prayers with rue branches to remove the "evil eye".
Very interesting this publication @nancybriti. Thanks to @adsactly for spreading quality content.
Really interesting, I definitely add this post to my favourite and will be back to some information. Love to learn new things.
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That's good! It's always interesting to know something new every day. I hope the information is useful to you. Greetings, @anaerwu
interesting informative post