Book Review Wellness Witchery

Wellness Witchery: A Magickal Approach to Nourishing the Body, Mind & Spirit

by Laurel Woodward

Llewellyn Publications, Inc. 2023

This herbal book took me by surprise.  I always knew the history of herbalism is intertwined with shamanism and witchcraft.  But I wondered if this book would be useful to a general audience.    It is written by an experienced witch and tarot reader of twenty years.  And you would think the book would only be for those into witchcraft or paganism, but that isn't the focus of the book.  The focus is on the plants and how you can use them to help heal.  There are recipes for boosting immunity, empowering relationships, relieving stress, improving self-esteem, as well as delightful baths, treats, drinks and essential oils that support wellness.  A few spells are thrown in for good measure as well as how to meditate and do a little crafting. 

It is easy to read, has easy to try recipes and is a comforting guide to helping you heal yourself of minor ills by making simple brews at home.  The layout is well thought out, with a list of healing essential oils and what they do, in the back.  Part two is a favorite of mine; dealing with formulas and exercises to improve mood disorders.  

In chapter nine, Sadness, there's an interesting recipe I'll share here.  

Mimosa Flower Essence for banishing sadness:

You will need:

2 parts spring water

1-part fresh mimosa flowers

2 parts brandy or gin that is at least 80-proof alcohol

Pour the spring water into a glass bowl and add the flowers so that they float on the surface.  Place the bowl in a sunny spot so that the solar energy can warm the liquid.  Keep in mind there is lore that states no shadow should fall over the bowl during this time.  After 4 or 5 hours, strain the flowers from the liquid.  Pour the liquid into a clean bottle to fill halfway.  Feill the bottle the rest of the way with alcohol and label it.  Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.  

To alleviate sadness, take 2 to 4 drops by opening your mouth and dropping them onto your tongue.  Add a spoonful of essence to a bottle of water and shake to mix.  Take a sip up to 4 times a day to balance emotions and restore a positive outlook.

I love energetics and anything flower essence, so I am going to try this recipe. 

*And for one of our lucky readers, we are having a Halloween 2023 giveaway!  It is open now until Nov. 22, 2023, so hurry to enter for a chance to win a new copy of Wellness Witchery!  It is free, if you sign up for our free monthly newsletter.  Simply enter your email and at 6 pm on Nov. 22nd, we will randomly draw a name.*  

A name has been drawn as well as a runner-up since we had such a lovely abundance of names!  Thank you to everyone who participated and I hope the winners enjoy!