by Day of Greenleaf, Yaiyr
(An excerpt from Day’s book, Magdalene the Wizardess)
In The Holy Megillah: Nasarean Bible of The Essene Way, Magdalene spoke two long sermons that were centered on herbal topics. Those sermons contain lists of herbs and herbal products such as cleansing teas, aromatherapy oils, body-care products including massage oils and recipes for facials, recipes for medicinal sachets and pot-pourris, and more.
The first of those two herbal-oriented sermons will be the topic of this fifth chapter, and the second will be the topic of our next – and last – chapter.
I will be intentionally presenting the material in Magdalene’s own words, with very little commentary on my part. By doing so, I hope to give these last two chapters of this book the feel of a ‘Magdalene Herbal’. Together, these last two chapters – based on those two Magdalene sermons on herbal topics – constitute a distinct unit of this book, a unit I have named: Part Two: ‘The Magdalene Herbal’.
Even if a person has not read the rest of this book in its entirety, they can open the book to this ‘Part Two’ and look up information that they can put to immediate use! And those that do read the whole book – highly encouraged! – can return repeatedly to this ‘Part Two’ for ongoing consultation.
The first of the two long sermons by the Magdalene that are devoted to herbal topics appears as Chapter Fifty-Five in the New Testament portion of The Holy Megillah: Nasarean Bible of The Essene Way. In the introduction to that sermon on Herbal Cleansing Practices, the Magdalene gives what she calls ‘The First Premise’ of Nasarean Herbal Cleansing.
The First Premise of Nasarean Herbal Cleansing According To Miriam the Magdalene: We Each Must Choose Our Own Herbs For Cleansing After Seeking Expert Advice
Miriam said:
36. “Today, I will provide teachings on some aspects of herbal cleansing and related topics.
37. “Behold: Nasarean herbal cleansing is based on the following first premise: We each must choose our own herbs for cleansing.
38. We consult with Nasarean herbalists, as well as study the best herbal texts; from that accumulated wisdom, we learn that certain herbs are known to promote cleansing, wellness, and radiant beauty.
39. But each of us must develop a living relationship with herbs to truly know which herb is appropriate in any given moment for our well-being.
40. Each person has a unique constitution.
41. The same is true of each herb.
42. Wherefore, each of us must carefully choose what herbs we use for cleansing or for any other purpose.
43. The decision of what will enter our body is our own.
44. Never force your herbal interventions on others.
45. We are each our own primary caregiver.
46. Never give that authority over to another, for none can know your body as well as you.
47. Others – even the greatest healers and experts – can give advice, but you are ultimately your own chief doctor.
48. Seek good advice but know that you are responsible for your own wellness practices and herbal interventions.”
That sounds like good advice! I intend to follow it! How about you?
Miriam makes clear that in addition to the intellectual study of herbs – which should not be neglected – we can have an intuitive relationship with herbs. She even teaches a Nasarean method of working with Raphah’el, the Angel of Peace and Healing, to intuit herbal wisdom.
Intuitive Wisdom On Herbs: Seeking The Help of Raphah’el, The Angel of Healing: A Technique Given by The Magdalene
Miriam said:
49. “In addition to the intellectual study of herbs – which is not to be neglected – Nasareans work with Raphah’el, the Angel of Peace, who was personally trained by her teacher, Ishshah, to become the Ziqnah (Eldress) of the Tribe of Healers, to intuit when to use one herb or another.
50. The Tribe of Healers – Shevet Raphaim – takes its name from Raphah.
51. One way that we work with Raphah to intuit herbal wisdom is as follows.
52. Hold an herb in your hand and place it in turn over each of your seven primary chakras.
53. Then, recite or sing these words: ‘Raphah’el, Angel of Peace and Healing, I am open to the wisdom of this herb, here and now.’
54. After reciting the words, be silent and receive intuitively the inner guidance from the Angel of Peace and Healing, Raphah’el.”
Herbal Cleansing Must Be Adapted To Fit The Needs of Different People: Miriam Gives ‘The Foundation Stone of The Healing Way’
1. While the Lord and Lady and Their Companions visited the Nasareans of Mount Carmel, Magdalene was asked by The Guild of Nasarean Herbalists of Carmel of The Raphaim to teach a class on herbal cleansing.
2. When that day came, dozens of Nasareans gathered in the circle in the center of the orchard to hear Miriam speak.
3. A portion of that talk now follows.
4. Miriam said, “Converts to the Nasarean religion generally need cleansing.
5. Unlike long-term Nasareans, newcomers often have not eaten a vegetarian diet for very long.
6. They are often still filled with filth.
7. So, herbal cleansing must be adapted to fit the needs of different sorts of people and situations.
8. For, many will come to you and beg that you heal them of their various illnesses.
9. Tell them this: Hippocrates visited Nasareans at Mount Carmel and learned the Essene proverb that his countrymen now quote: ‘Let your food be your medicine.’
10. That is why we call our religion the Nasarean Religion of the Essene Way.
11. The Essene Way is the Healing Way, provided that we live that Way.
12. The proverb Hippocrates learned from Nasarean healers is the foundation stone of the Healing Way.
13. Our diet, exercise, and spiritual practices are a wellness-lifestyle that is part of ‘Essene Yoga’.”
Nasarean Herbalists Recommend The Least Obtrusive Herbal Intervention Needed To Be Effective
Miriam said:
15. “Beyond our normal diet, which is wellness promoting, Nasarean herbalists will intervene to prescribe specific herbal treatments when appropriate, beginning with mild herbal interventions.
16. “The most primary form of herbalism – the plants we eat as food – can cure many people who are unwell, provided they also abstain from unhealthy practices.
17. Tell them, ‘Now go and repeat not your unhealthy practices, else the same unwellness may return.’
18. Of course, depending on the severity and type of unwellness, some will need greater intervention.
19. Wherefore we, Nasarean Herbalists, occasionally recommend other inter-ventions, always the least obtrusive as possible.
20. Some will need additional cleansing besides the conversion to a healthy vegetarian diet.
21. The Nasarean diet itself provides a gentle herbal cleanse.
22. Wherefore we taught Hippocrates: ‘Let your food be your medicine.’”
Miriam Emphasizes The Use of Herbs That Are Not Only Effective But Also Very Safe
Miriam said:
55. “When it comes to herbal cleansing, I recommend herbs that are not only known to be effective for that purpose – cleansing – but also are known to be very safe.
56. Some herbs are used for cleansing because they are toxic and will induce vomiting or sweating and thus promote excretion.
57. I prefer milder treatments unless extreme intervention is required.”
Nasarean Herbalists Should Also Be Herbal Gardeners
Miriam said:
58. “When at home in my own herb garden – or otherwise in the best herb garden available wherever I am visiting or traveling – I commune with herbs before harvesting them.
59. I commune with herbs in the following manner.60. “To ‘commune’ with something means to come into union with it.
61. Of course, in Yah Consciousness, we are already at union with the All and every part of the All.
62. But in the practice of The Sacred Art of Communion, one places one’s attention on the object of communion.
63. By doing so, we come into union in the manner of friends sharing a sacred moment together in shared awareness of one another in Yah Consciousness.
64. I commune with the herbs in the garden not only at the time of harvest, but every day when I walk through the herb garden.65. “Behold: The best herbs for your own enchantments, diet, and cleansing or healing practices, are those grown by your own hand.
66. The next best are herbs grown by dear friends that are Nasarean Green Wizards.
67. When at home, each day I take a walk through My herb garden and, whatever need I feel, I eat or sniff or harvest whatever is appropriate to treat that need.
68. Both My intellect and intuitional faculties are stimulated by this practice.
69. On the road, I visit the best herb gardens in the area, as I have been blessed to do both at Mount Hermon and Mount Carmel, and as I will soon do in Alexandria….92. “When you feel the need to cleanse, walk through an herb garden and smell the herbs.
93. Commune with them.
94. Let the herbs speak to you, and you speak to them.
95. Usually, if you are a healthy Nasarean, you need only a mild cleanse.
96. For, Nasareans eat a healthy vegetarian diet that is naturally cleansing.97. “When you are inwardly called to do a cleanse, whether a mild cleanse or one of stronger intervention, try to use only herbs that were grown by you or a trusted Green Wizard, if at all possible.
98. Otherwise, get them from the best source available to you.99. “Though I am now on the road – which I call being ‘in the wind’ – Jah-Jah nevertheless pampers Me!
100. Imagine My pleasure in experiencing the best gardens wherever I go!
101. From the amazing herb garden of the Green Lions on Mount Hermon to these truly wonderful gardens at Mount Carmel, most days, even on the road, I am blessed to take a walk in the herb garden of a Green Wizard!
102. But even when I sleep in the wilderness, the herbs surround Me.
103. For Mother Nature is a Green Wizardess too!
104. But if you are not on the road, the most important step toward becoming an herbalist is to plant an herb garden!105. “Some preliminary study is good because then you will be wiser about which herbs to plant.
106. And a wise herbalist will continue to be a student of herbal wisdom for the rest of his or her life.
107. But that study of herbal wisdom should supplement and empower our herb gardening, not replace it.
108. I say to you, if you would teach about herbs, remain an active gardener of herbs.
109. Then, when people come and ask you to help them cleanse or heal with herbs, you can walk them through your garden!
110. Tell them that you will guide them in a study of herbs so that they may learn to cleanse and heal themselves.
111. Teach them what I just taught you: The study of herbal wisdom should supplement and empower our herb gardening, not replace it.
112. Be herbal gardeners!”
Mild Herbal Cleanses With Emphasis On Herbal Teas
Miriam said:
113. “Today, I will be speaking mostly on herbal teas for cleansing, but will also briefly describe other cleansing practices.
114. Hot herbal drinks – like the rare Chinese T’e that we shared this morning; our thanks go to the Alefim sailors that bring us such rare herbs – and the seasonings and vegetables of our soups, broths, and tonics, along with eating salads featuring cleansing herbs, all these are common examples of gentle herbal cleanses, as long as the featured herbs are very safe.115. “If not grown in your own Enchanted Herb Garden or by another Green Wizard, at least try to obtain your herbs from a pleasant, happy gardener.
116. I tell you truly, the personality – and the overall vibrations – of the gardener interacts with the herbs.
117. If you purchase herbs, support Nasarean herbalists when possible….129. “I thank The Guild of Nasarean Herbalists of Carmel of The Raphaim for this opportunity to speak on the topic of herbal cleansing.
130. Now, I will give some examples of Mild Herbal Cleanses.
131. I will begin by describing some of My favorite Herbal Cleansing Teas.
132. I will explain the difference between ‘Simple Teas’ and ‘Complex Teas’, and give examples of each.
133. Then I will give some examples of cleansing tonics, broths, soups and salads.
134. I will end with information on fasting as a cleansing practice, both water-fasting and juice-fasting.”
Water and Nasarean Dietary Cleansing Practices
Miriam said:
148. “Herbal teas, along with juices, broths, tonics, and light soups, are the most watery of the Nasarean Dietary Cleansing Practices.
149. A drink of water will always be our primary internal cleansing agent!
150. Water is cleansing when we drink it and urinate, cleansing when we sweat, cleansing when we bathe!
151. Various herbs have various effects by themselves and when combined.
152. Though teas, broths, and juices are watery, the herbs added can introduce fiery elements.
153. The same is true of a soup, though it is not quite as watery, having bigger chunks of herbage than a broth.
154. Our body is made of water, air, fire, soil, and the products and parts thereof, and those are the chief elements for cleansing and healing the body, along with movement.”
The Difference Between Infusions and Decoctions
Miriam said:
155. “It should be noted that the practice of placing herbs in heated water to extract properties from the herbs into the water to make a drink that is still mostly water – Herbal Teas – is divided into two categories by Nasarean Master Herbalists.
156. Those two categories are called Infusions and Decoctions.
157. Infusions only slightly differ from Decoctions.
158. An Infusion is prepared as follows.
159. An Infusion typically consists of the above-ground parts of a plant, often the leaves and/or flowers.
160. You bring water to a boil and then pour it onto the herbage and let it steep away from the fire.
161. It needs no additional fire.
162. A Decoction, on the other hand, does need a period of contact between the herbage and the boiling water over the fire.
163. That is because, unlike the Infusion that deals with softer parts of the plant, the Decoction typically consists of ‘tougher’ plant-parts such as roots, twigs, extra-tough leaves, and barks.
164. Though twigs and barks are above-ground parts of the plant, like roots they typically need a longer period of heat than soft flowers and leaves.
165. Though seeds are generally associated with flowers and Infusions, some larger, tougher seeds are prepared by Decoction, due to their need of prolonged high heat.
166. If the finished liquid is consumed as a drink, Nasarean Herbalists call it an Herbal Tea, whether or not the herbage was prepared by Infusion or Decoction.
167. Some non-Nasarean Herbal traditions only consider an Infusion of herbage to be a ‘tea’; they consider a Decoction to be other than a tea.
168. That difference is not important; it is just a difference in categorizing and naming things.”
The Difference Between A ‘Simple Tea’ And A ‘Complex Tea’
Miriam said:
169. “In regard to Herbal Cleansing Teas, if but one herb is added to the water, that drink is called a ‘Simple Tea’.
170. If two or more herbs are combined in the water, behold: you have brewed a ‘Complex Tea’.
171. When you make a Simple Tea, you are practicing simple alchemy.
172. You are practicing more complex alchemy when you combine two or more herbs to brew a complex tea.”
An ‘Essene Tea Master’ Does Not Combine Herbs Without Knowing The Reasons
Miriam said:
173. “Another precept of the Raphaim is: ‘A wise tea maker does not combine one herb with another without reason.’
174. Lo: learning those reasons is part of the wizardly path of the Essene Tea Master.
175. Every Essene Herb Master of the Raphaim is also an Essene Tea Master.”
Miriam Shares Some Favorite Simple Teas For Cleansing
Miriam said:
176. “Some of My favorite Simple Teas for cleansing are as follows.”
Stimulating Chinese T’e: Miriam Prefers ‘Green Tea’ Over ‘Black Tea’
177. The Magdalene gestured to the teapot near the morning fire and said, “Behold: The Chinese T’e that we drank this morning is a stimulating Simple Tea that is an excellent cleanser when not overused.
178. It will not retain its stimulating, cleanse-promoting quality if overused.
179. I prefer Green T’e rather than black because it is easier on the kidneys.
180. Not everyone – overly nervous people for example – should drink such a stimulating herb.
181. A stimulating tea fires-up the nervous system and promotes cleansing.
182. But if you fall into the habit of firing-up your nervous system on a daily basis, there are unpleasant repercussions.
183. It is difficult to establish a balanced daily energy level if we keep firing-up the body with stimulants.
184. I do not recommend drinking stimulating herbs like t’e on a daily basis without good reason.
185. Generally, I do not recommend having a strongly stimulating tea more than three days per week, and just once or twice per week is better for most folks.186. “If you overdo Chinese T’e – or other stimulants – it can be debilitating rather than healing.
187. Stimulants fire-up the nerves and kick your body into higher speed.
188. That can induce cleansing and thus wellness if done now and then.
189. T’e is relatively mild and safe but not if used in excess.
190. Overuse of any stimulating tea can be hard on the liver and kidneys.
191. The liver and kidneys are the most likely organs to be harmed by the misuse or overuse of strong herbs or essential oils.
192. But the very same herbs and oils, if used only when appropriate and in appropriate doses, can help the liver and kidneys do their cleansing work.
193. “Now that I have properly warned you not to get chained to the daily use of any stimulant without good reason, behold: I will praise the cleansing properties of Chinese T’e and describe some of its qualities.194. “Coming from China, t’e is among the rarest of the herbs in the medicine bag of the Raphaim.
195. But when available, it is a good tea with which to begin a cleansing regime.
196. For, if you have not been overusing it, t’e will likely promote a healthy initial bowel movement if you drink it on the morning that you launch your cleanse.
197. When you feel clogged-up, that is a good time to try a cup of t’e!
198. If you have overeaten the past day, a cup of t’e in the morning will move things through your intestines.
199. One of the primary causes of sickness is a stuffed-up – and thus slowed-up – intestine!
200. T’e promotes the flushing-out of toxins through your skin and urine.
201. “When a female needs to touch her masculine, assertive side, Chinese T’e is a good choice.
202. And when a man or woman needs to stimulate his/her intellect for a period of intense thinking, t’e is a good choice.
203. That is another reason that I recommend launching a cleanse with t’e: It will stimulate positive ideas and realizations that will enhance and guide the physical cleansing, unless you have already built up a tolerance by overuse.”
Mint Tea
Miriam said:
235. “A good Simple Tea for cleansing is mint.
236. But there are a couple of cautions.
237. Mint is a stimulant.
238. Too many cups over a several day period, and you can find yourself feeling over-stimulated.
239. Wherefore, My mother Zibiah taught Me, ‘Miri, two cups of Mint Tea in a day is enough to induce and support a mild cleanse.
240. But do not drink it for many consecutive days as its stimulating effect on the nervous system builds and may become unpleasant and interrupt sleep.’
241. “Another caution with the mint family and many other herbs is that they should be steeped, not boiled.
242. To ‘steep’ means to let an herb sit in water that is hot but not boiling.
243. It is okay to first bring the water to a boil, but only add the herbage after it is done boiling.
244. Mint, used properly, is one of the most common and effective Simple Teas in support of a mild cleanse.
245. Mint has aided My own cleansing.
246. Mint has a stimulating vibration – it tingles – and causes the very organs of our body to vibrate in such a way that induces the action of expulsion from the body.
247. But when I, as a teen, disregarded Zibiah’s advice and drank too many cups of Mint Tea for several consecutive days, that tingling sensation grew too intense and disrupted My sleep.
248. Sometimes the young choose to learn the hard way!249. “So, mint excites and promotes elimination through the pores.
250. It loosens mucous.
251. Like many good things, moderation is important.252. “I do not recommend using teas with strong oils like the mint family while pregnant.
253. They are labor-inducing and can also over-stimulate the unborn child.
254. Women who take too many stimulating herbs while pregnant often give birth to babies that are overly excitable.
255. Do your cleanse prior to pregnancy, not while pregnant or nursing.
256. During pregnancy, focus your dietary practice on ‘nutritive herbs’ that build strong bodies, rather than the eliminative stimulants with strong oils that can negatively impact the fetus.
257. The prophet Isaiah taught truly that there is an appropriate time for each natural thing under the sun.
258. That teaching of Isaiah should be applied to herbal practices.
259. What is right for one man or woman in one situation may be completely wrong for another person in other circumstances or with a different constitution.
260. If you are pregnant or are asked to help a pregnant woman, always err on the side of caution when advocating particular herbs.
261. The best herbalists are cautious with themselves and others.”
Catnip Tea
262. Miriam continued listing some favorite Simple Teas for cleansing.
263. After describing the properties of mint, She next spoke of catnip and how it and other herbs are alternated over the course of a cleanse of more than one day.
264. Miriam said: “If you start a cleanse with a day or two of t’e – preferably Green T’e – as a morning stimulant and chamomile as the evening emotional cleanser, a good follow-up is a day or two with mint taking the place of t’e, while letting catnip replace the chamomile.
265. Oh Essene herbalists, I tell you truly, mint in the morning and catnip in the evening is a wonderful mild cleanse, not just for the physical body but also the emotional body.
266. The emotional body and our entire subtle anatomy interpenetrates the physical body and interfaces with the soul.
267. Thus, the men and women who are the Master Healers of Shevet Raphaim, the Tribe of Healers, treat not only the physical body but also the subtle bodies.
268. “The effect on humans by catnip is not the same as with cats.
269. Cats react to a particular element of catnip in a way that humans do not.
270. For humans, it is calming of the nervous system.
271. I describe it as the feeling of ‘the calm in the center of the storm’, not a sleepy calm, but a very ‘centered’ and peaceful calm.
272. Catnip is cleansing and calming for both the physical and emotional bodies, and is an aid in spiritual ‘centering’.
273. “One quality of catnip is that it aids physical cleansing by being mildly sweat-inducing.
274. Another quality of catnip, like mint, which is of the same family, is that in moderation it aids digestion.
275. “Catnip is an excellent tea for cleansing of the whole being.
276. It is best experienced in the evening or any time that you can sit and be reflective awhile.
277. Drinking it two or three times per week is not too often.”
Ginger Tea
278. Next, Miriam described Ginger Simple Tea for cleansing.
279. “A good replacement or alternate for garlic in a simple cleanse is ginger.
280. Ginger Tea is fiery and increases elimination via sweat.
281. It opens the pores so that we can cleanse more effectively.
282. It is also an expectorant, helping to remove congestion from the respiratory system.
283. Like garlic, ginger is anti-parasitic, which is an important element in a cleansing regime.
284. Both garlic and ginger, though safe enough to include on a mild cleanse, are strong enough to be included on a strong cleanse.
285. Ginger, though fiery, is soothing to the stomach.
286. It is a delicious, cleansing tea by itself, and can be used in harmony with other herbs.”
287. Miriam said: “My mother taught that Ginger Tea is a great remedy for gas.
288. Of course, I have not had to test that remedy, having never had gas!”
289. Miriam laughed good-naturedly, and all the women giggled.
Horehound Tea
290. Miriam said: “Another herb of the amazing mint family is horehound.
291. Horehound is a favorite of the Alefim sailors.
292. They drink it as a Simple Tea with honey, but also combine it with anise, cloves, cinnamon and marshmallow, in teas and other mediums, even making a lozenge that they suck while sailing the ocean!
293. As a Simple Tea, horehound is not the most delicious of the mints, and thus we often add a bit of honey.
294. I do not usually use honey in My own tea – so as not to overdo sugar – but I make occasional exceptions when appropriate, and Horehound Tea is one of those.
295. I only use honey that is gathered by, or at least vouched for by, the good gatherers of Yesar’el, who love bees and treat them well, or other trusted beekeepers of high integrity.
296. “Horehound is not without reason called the Seed of Horus by the Egyptians and Eye of the Star by sages.
297. Horehound is a very wizardly herb!
298. “Like other mints, do not use Horehound when pregnant.
299. Heed the midwives!”
Olive Leaf Tea
300. Miriam said, “You all know that olive oil is a blessing and, as a dressing on salad, is healthful in moderation.
301. The reason to be moderate in use is simply that it is fattening.
302. But did you know that tea made from the leaf of the olive is wonderfully cleansing?
303. It is that and more!304. “Olive leaf is at or near the top of My favorite cleansing teas!
305. It is so well-rounded that it is an effective cleanse in and of itself, as a Simple Tea.
306. Just drinking a cup in the morning, one in mid-day, and one before bed is an effective, mild, and very simple cleanse.
307. Olive Leaf Tea is an effective treatment for various kinds of parasites.
308. It is also helpful to drive away fevers.309. “Although I am still listing Simple Teas – one-herb teas – I feel called to declare right now that one of My favorite teas made of two herbs is olive leaf combined with hibiscus!
310. I mention that now because I will serve it at the conclusion of this talk.
311. And because I want to treat you sweetly, lo: I will include honey!
312. That is appropriate at a group celebration such as this.”
313. The gathered herbalists smiled!
Marshmallow Tea
314. Miriam said, “Marshmallow is a powerful healing plant.
315. Both the leaves and the root can be used to make tea.
316. Because it has a softening property, it is good for intestinal inflammation.
317. That property also makes marshmallow a favorite ingredient in treatments for respiratory illnesses.
318. It is used medicinally for many conditions.
319. On a cleanse, it is used to soften tissues so that they can let go of poisons, and also to soothe tissues that have been disturbed by irritants or coughing.320. “Unlike aloe vera, which has similar softening qualities, marshmallow can be well used in a dry form.
321. We can harvest the plant, dry it, and then use it later in a tea or other preparation.322. Marshmallow’s softening properties are enhanced when fresh, but a tea is often more convenient.
323. Wherefore, I emphasize again the importance of growing fresh herbs.
324. You will not be able to grow every kind of herb in your climate, so you will use some that have been dried and kept in jars.
325. And even the herbs that you grow yourself in season, when out of season, you will use dry.”
Hibiscus Tea
326. Miriam said: “Hibiscus Tea aids a cleanse in a variety of ways, and I love the unique taste!
327. At the top of my list as an ingredient in a ‘sun-tea’ – tea heated in the sun – is hibiscus.
328. It is a tasty, nutritive, cleansing, and magical tea by itself as a Simple, and combined with other herbs it is the basis for some of My favorite Complex Teas – teas of two or more herbs.”
Red Clover Tea
329. Miriam said, “Red Clover Tea assists in general cleansing and also is good for coughs and congestion.
330. On a cleanse, one of its many uses is as an expectorant.”
Pleurisy Root Tea
331. Miriam said: “Pleurisy root is not so much a general cleanser like red clover but, if congestion is so bad as to manifest as pleurisy or pneumonia, this is a strong yet very safe Simple Tea to cleanse the respiratory system of mucous.
332. “It should not be used during pregnancy because it can induce premature labor due to its stimulating nature.”
Hyssop Tea
333. Miriam said: “Like Nasarean Green Wizards, the Greeks call hyssop a holy herb.
334. It is used in temples and homes because of its subtle properties.
335. It centers us spiritually and cleanses us emotionally.
336. Hyssop is perfect for a cleanse that is intended as a spiritual and emotional healing experience.
337. Add a handful of hyssop to a pot of boiling water at the same time you remove the pot from the heat.
338. A reminder: that method of making tea is called an Infusion.
339. “Hyssop purges negativities from your subtle and physical bodies.
340. Thus it is a holistic expectorant.
341. Lepers have been cleansed at the touch of a Hyssop Wand wielded by a powerful Green Wizard.
342. But only those leprosies that are caused by subtle negativities of a certain kind will be healed by this touch.
343. “Hyssop Wands are used by Green Wizards of the White Rose to ward off evil vibrations.
344. Green Wizards often put hyssop sprigs, pre-flowered hyssop tops, or hyssop flowers on their home alter.”
Anise Tea
345. Miriam smiled and said, “Just thinking of the delicious taste of anise is enough to make Me smile!
346. But it not only tastes so good that it is used to make treats, it also is good medicine, very helpful on a cleanse!
347. “Anise breaks up congestion and eases coughing by making it more productive.348. Stay away from supposed ‘remedies’ that relieve coughing by suppressing the urge, for coughing serves a purpose!
349. If you suppress a cough, the lungs build up too much mucous; the coughing is useful in breaking-up the mucous, loosening it so it can be removed from the body.
350. Anise breaks up congestion and enables coughing to complete its job sooner, which is to expel excessive mucous.
351. Anise also relieves intestinal gas and has happy vibrations!”
Mullein Tea
352. Miriam said, “Another good expectorant is Mullein Tea.
353. It is a safe and effective treatment for the respiratory system.
354. On a cleanse, Mullein Tea helps move excess mucous out of the body.
355. Like anise, mullein makes coughing more productive, which means coughing will not last as long.
356. Once coughing serves its purpose, it departs.”
Burdock Tea
357. Miriam said, “Burdock Tea is a great blood cleanser.
358. It is also helpful in cleansing the liver.
359. Burdock Tea is helpful for the swelling and aches sometimes associated with old age.”
Milk Thistle Tea
360. Miriam said: “Milk thistle is the most important tea for liver cleansing and liver support.”
Hawthorn Tea
361. Miriam said: “Hawthorn cleanses the circulatory system.
362. Not only does it purify the blood, it supports the heart in various ways.”
Nettle Tea
363. Miriam said, “Nettle Tea is beneficial both for an occasional cleanse and as a general tonic.
364. It has long been known to have cleansing properties.
365. It is so beneficial that it is worth risking getting stung harvesting it!
366. It is one of those herbs that is best fresh-picked and used the same day.367. “My mother, Zibiah, taught Me that it is anti-inflammatory.
368. Nebiyah the Prophetess taught Me that nettle rhizomes – the shoots that first emerge from the roots – also make a powerful cleansing tea for men’s prostate and urination problems.”
Rose Petal Tea
369. Miriam said, “I end this brief listing of Simple Teas that are good for cleansing with one of My favorites, Rose Petal Tea.
370. A delicious delight as a sun-tea if the petals are fresh, or by infusion if the petals are dried, Rose Petal Tea cleanses the emotional body.
371. “I often simply soak the rose petals in water and drink Rose Water.
372. Even without hot water an ample dose of rose essence will permeate a jug of water and petals left to sit for a day or two.373. “And who can resist a Rose Petal Bath!
374. Bathing is essential to cleansing, and certain herbs benefit the bath.”
One Example Of A Simple And Mild Cleanse
Miriam said:
204. “Here follows one basic outline of a simple cleanse.
205. The herbal teas that I mention could be alternated with others of similar characteristics.
206. You replace herbs with others that have similar purpose, trading one expectorant for another, one anti-parasitic herb for another, and so on.
207. Keep that in mind as you reflect on this outline of one example of a simple cleanse.
208. “In the evening before bed, drink garlic tea or other anti-parasitic teas.
209. The next morning, drink Chinese T’e or another bowel-movement-promoting beverage.
210. During the day eat cleansing foods and drinks.
211. Juice, pure water, teas and tonics are the likely drinks.
212. I recommend including juicy fruits and salads that feature cleansing herbs; do not overdo sweet roots.
213. Cucumbers and leafy greens are excellent salad ingredients.
214. In the evening, drink Chamomile Tea or another calming tea that is supportive of cleansing; lemon balm or catnip are good choices.
215. The next morning have another cup of t’e to again purge the system with a powerful bowel movement.
216. I don’t recommend having t’e for a third consecutive day as you will begin to build up a tolerance and require larger doses that can be hard on the kidneys and liver.217. “Chamomile is a good Simple Tea for the evening of your cleanse, because, after having had t’e or another stimulating tea in the morning, it – chamomile – promotes relaxation from stimulation so that you can sleep.
218. Whereas t’e is fiery and stimulating, chamomile is calming.
219. It cleanses us of stress, even stress that is beneath our conscious awareness.
220. Lo: Nasareans cleanse not only our physical bodies, but also our mental and emotional bodies, and chamomile does that while relaxing our nervous system for a peaceful sleep.
221. Chamomile Tea also promotes physical cleansing.222. “I mentioned using garlic as an anti-parasitic ingredient in a cleanse.
223. It is safe.
224. All herbs have certain cautions associated with them.
225. The relatively safe herbs are those with fewer cautions.
226. Those herbs can be ingested without fear of dangerous side effects, even in rather large amounts.
227. Garlic has a long history of safe use for a variety of purposes, including as an anti-parasitic ingredient in dietary cleansing practices.
228. It can be used as a tea or as an ingredient in cleansing foods such as broths and soups.
229. When sick, suck on a raw garlic clove, chewing it a bit as able.
230. “While I am on the topic of garlic, I will share one way that My mother, Zibiah, used it to cure women of vaginal yeast infections.
231. She taught them to insert a peeled garlic clove as a suppository in the vagina and leave it overnight.232. “Any ‘Simple Tea’ can be combined with one or more additional herbs to form a ‘Complex Tea.’
233. Remember that a ‘Simple Tea’ consists of just one herb, while a ‘Complex Tea’ consists of a combination of two or more herbs.
A note from Day: In regard to Miriam’s sharing that her mother, Zibiah the Herbalist, used peeled garlic clove as a suppository left overnight in the vagina to heal women of vaginal yeast infections, lo and behold: modern research has shown that method to be more effective – and safer – against yeast than mainstream drugs!
Now that Miriam has shared her list of ‘Favorite Simple Teas For Cleansing’ – teas with only one herb – she is going to share her list of ‘Favorite Complex Teas For Cleansing’. Remember: a ‘Complex Tea’ is a tea that combines two or more herbs. But as a lead-in to that list, Miriam first – in her sermon – gives a list titled ‘Seven Qualities Of Herbs Related To Cleansing’. Let us carefully study this list.
Seven Qualities Of Herbs Related To Cleansing Example One of a Complex Tea: Mullein, Nettle, Garlic, Marshmallow, Ginger, Red Clover, Clove
392. Miriam said, “Mullein is an Absorbent, nettle an Eliminator, garlic an Anti-Parasitic, marshmallow a Soother, ginger a Perspirant, red clover a Blood-cleanser, and clove an excellent Loosening Agent.
393. So, in this example, all seven categories of cleansing qualities are represented in one cup of tea.
394. While I have given one example of an herb for each of those seven categories, there are many herbs that qualify for each category.”
Example Two of a Complex Tea: Mullein, Nettle, Pumpkin Seed, Milk Thistle, Ginger, Red Clover, Clove
395. Miriam said, “Our second example of a Complex Cleansing Tea is the same as the first example except that we replace garlic with pumpkin seed, and replace marshmallow with milk thistle.
396. Whereas in example one garlic served as our chief Anti-Parasitic Agent, in example two that role is served by pumpkin seed.
397. And whereas in example one marshmallow served as our chief Soothing Agent, in example two that role is served by milk thistle.398. “A variation of this second example that is instructive in regard to a topic I want to touch on – that topic being the fact that some herbs qualify to be listed in more than one of the seven categories of cleansing qualities – is to drop nettle from the ingredients and let the garlic serve as both the Anti-parasitic and Eliminator.
399. That variation – and many like it – is possible because some versatile herbs qualify to be listed as possessing the properties associated with more than one of the seven categories of cleansing qualities; in this case, garlic is both a renowned Anti-Parasitic and a renowned Eliminator.
400. That sort of versatility is not uncommon and makes possible many variations.
401. For example, one more variation on our second example is to let red clover double as both the Blood-Cleanser and the Eliminator – it has both those properties – and drop nettle.
402. We need not limit ourselves to just one representative of a particular quality; indeed, sometimes we double-up or triple-up on a quality that we believe the drinker of the tea most needs.403. “When you want to use a part of a plant like the root of ginger that needs the extended heat of decoction in combination with soft herbage like nettle that prefer the lesser heat of infusion, you brew them separately initially and then combine them to steep together.
404. “While it is not a rule, Nasarean Herbalists generally do not combine more than seven herbs in any one Complex Tea.
405. One reason is that, since we always use the safest herbs possible to achieve any given purpose, many of the herbs we most often recommend are so mild that at least two or three pinches are needed for an effective dose, and doing that with any more than seven herbs at a time becomes a lot of pinches for one batch of tea.”
Example Three of a Complex Tea: Cinnamon, Clove, Anise
406. Miriam said, “Examples three through six are examples of Complex Teas that consist of three herbs each.
407. In each of those four examples, the three particular herbs that are used differ.
408. But each is an example of the strategy called ‘tripling-up’ for a given purpose; each consists of three herbs that share a given cleansing quality.409. “Our third example of a Complex Tea consists of the following three herbs: cinnamon, clove, and anise.
410. Among their other diverse qualities, each of these three herbs are considered to be a great Loosening Agent, each particularly effective in loosening lung congestion.
411. Because we are limiting this Complex Tea to three herbs, each cup will contain a reasonably large dose of each herb.
412. So, let’s say that we began the day by drinking several cups of this Complex Tea to loosen congestion in the lungs.
413. This could be our own lungs, or the lungs of a patient.
414. This tea would most likely be chosen when one has noticed that he/she – or another person – is experiencing excessive congestion of the lungs that would be benefited by loosening.
415. Having spent the morning loosening the congestion, the next logical step is to spend the middle of the day drinking a powerful Eliminator, specifically an Eliminator known to remove – ‘eliminate’ – congestion from the lungs.
416. One great choice for this Eliminator Tea is given in example four.”
Example Four of a Complex Tea: Marshmallow Root, Mullein, Rose Hips
417. Miriam continued: “Among their other diverse qualities, each of these three herbs are considered to be great Eliminators of congestion from the lungs: marshmallow root, mullein and rose hips.
418. If you drink a Simple or Complex Tea for the purpose of loosening congestion, it is important to follow that by drinking a tea intended to remove that now-loosened congestion – mucous – out of the body.419. “A variation on this tea is to replace either the mullein or rose hips with horehound.
420. “Because moving lung congestion out of the body is typically accompanied by an appropriate amount of ‘productive’ coughing, one might wisely choose to follow the midday tea described in example four with an evening tea intended to soothe the tissues that get irritated by coughing.421. See example five.”
Example Five of a Complex Tea: Parsley Root, Milk Thistle, Marshmallow
422. Miriam continued: “Among their other diverse qualities, each of these three herbs are considered to be great Soothers: parsley root, milk thistle and marshmallow.
423. Although marshmallow was included in example four as an Eliminator, we include it again here because it is the best of the Soothers.
424. Because marshmallow is also a great Eliminator, our evening Soother Tea while ‘tripling-up’ on soothing will also continue to remove mucous from our body.”
Example Six of a Complex Tea: Wormwood, Garlic, Ginger Root
425. Miriam said, “If one has a problem with parasitic worms, the following tea ‘triples-up’ on that problem: wormwood, garlic, and ginger root.
426. “If you add another Anti-Parasitic to those three, you have ‘Squared-Up’ on the problem.427. “Many herbs used for taste or aroma in Complex Teas also have therapeutic benefit.
428. For example, two herbs commonly used in teas for aromatic purposes are mint and chamomile; both also have therapeutic qualities.
429. Licorice, anise and ginger, are often used as taste enhancers, but also have therapeutic benefits.
430. So, the naming of the herb in a particular recipe as ‘aromatic’ or ‘taste enhancer’ or ‘therapeutic’ depends on the main purpose of the tea brewer for including a given herb.431. “Because this talk is on cleansing – especially mild cleansing – the sample recipes have been related to that purpose.
432. But you can use Simple Teas and Complex Teas for many different therapeutic purposes, and also for non-therapeutic purposes.
433. The teas you choose will depend on your purpose.
434. One time, you might drink Licorice Tea for its taste, and another time to aid a sore throat.
435. Another time you might use licorice because it is an excellent blood cleanser, and another time because it is a great general tonic.
436. Yet another time you might use licorice to treat a cough.”
A quick note from Day: When you hear warnings about people having a problem with licorice, it is not Licorice Root Tea that is the culprit; rather, it is products that include too much concentrated licorice extract. People have made the mistake of extracting licorice oil and putting it in products at a much higher dosage than happens in Licorice Root Tea. That is why, after learning the hard way, the American version of licorice candy now contains the similar tasting anise, not concentrated licorice oil. The ancient Nasareans knew this, though moderns had to rediscover that wisdom. Now back to Miriam’s sermon.
Miriam continued:
437. “I stress that, in brews of just one or two herbs, we get more of those specific herbs than when we drink them in a more complex combination.
438. So, you might try drinking one type of Simple Tea – a one herb tea – in the morning, switch to a different Simple Tea for the middle of the day, and a third type of Simple Tea in the evening.439. “An advanced student will come to know the synergistic and additive effects of the herbs involved in any recipe, and will thus know which herbs do combine well, and which do not.
440. For example, the therapeutic value of one herb might be lost or hindered when used in combination with some other herb.
441. And one herb might enhance a particular quality of another herb.
442. The more complex the tea – the more ingredients it includes – the more the likelihood increases of significant interactions between the herbs.
443. While the study of complex tea combinations is thus itself ‘complex’, there is a simple, helpful guideline taught to Me by Zibiah; it is: ‘If an herbal tea recipe has been used for a particular purpose down through the generations with evident success and safety, that is good evidence both of the safety and efficacy of that recipe.’
444. Nevertheless, we do not accept the ideas of previous generations without carefully examining them in the light of current knowledge.”
Example Seven of a Complex Tea: The Sore Throat Treatment Given to the Child Miriam by Her Father: Anise, Horehound, Clove, Cinnamon, Marshmallow Root, Honey
445. “I want to share with you one last example of a Complex Tea.
446. I am ending with this one because it is especially significant to Me.
447. Though My father, holy Zemira, was killed while saving My life when I was a child, I still remember the tea he made whenever I had a sore throat.
448. Though he gave it to Me when I had a sore throat, this same recipe is also a good cleansing tea, though you might skip the honey.449. I honestly confess: as a child I greatly appreciated the honey!
450. Since Zemira said that he got the recipe from his Grandmother, wise Yishrah, that makes this a recipe from previous generations of My family line.
451. In the light of My current knowledge, this old recipe stands-up!
452. That family recipe is: anise, horehound, clove, cinnamon, marshmallow root and – at least for the children – honey!”
Day: Immediately after giving the above ‘Sore Throat Remedy’, Miriam is asked for her favorite recipe for Chai Tea. She makes clear that it can be made with water or milk.
Magdalene’s Favorite Recipe for Chai Tea
453. A woman in the assembly asked Miriam, “Can You give us the recipe for the Chai Tea that You learned to make in India?”
454. Miriam replied, “I try variations on the recipe, according to what is available at the time.
455. My favorite recipe for Chai Tea was given to Me by Beten-Jahlah the Wizardess after I arrived at the Nasarean encampment outside Benares.
456. The recipe is as follows.457. “If you want it to be extra stimulating, include Chinese T’e in the recipe.
458. Whether or not you include stimulating tea, the other ingredients are: Coriander, Cardamom, Clove, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cinnamon Sticks, Black Pepper.
459. If you are a milk drinker, include some.
460. Otherwise, you can substitute water for the milk.
461. The water-version is best when on a cleanse.”
Day: After providing the recipe for Chai Tea, Miriam shifts from her focus on Herbal Teas to describe other aspects of dietary Herbal Cleansing that she will address before concluding this sermon. She leads into that transition with the following words:
462. “I will next share some examples of cleansing tonics, broths, soups and salads.
463. I will not treat those topics in the lengthy way I did teas.
464. I will then end by sharing My thoughts on fasting as a cleansing practice.
465. In regard to fasting, I will speak on both water-fasting and juice-fasting.”
Three Tonic Drinks for Cleansing
466. Miriam said: “A tea can be a tonic, but not every tonic need be a tea, and not every tea is a tonic.
467. Likewise, the juice of fruits or vegetables can be a tonic, but not every juice is a tonic.
468. Also, not every tonic is intended to be drunk.
469. By the word ‘tonic’, Nasareans refer to various vibrational interventions intended to raise the vibrations of the recipient to a higher tone of well-being where health is dramatically enhanced.
470. So, a Tonic Drink is a particular type of tonic that, as the name declares, is a beverage.
471. While many teas qualify as Tonic Drinks, I will now describe three Tonic Drinks that are not typically considered teas.
472. Because this sermon is on the topic of cleansing, these three drinks are from the specific sub-category of Tonic Drinks called Tonic Drinks For Cleansing.”
Diluted Vinegar Tonic Drink for Cleansing
473. “Vinegar has long been considered a good tonic to aid digestion.
474. It is supportive of general health and well-being, and is helpful on a cleanse.
475. Just before drinking, I prefer to dilute the vinegar by adding some to a cup of water; thus I call it Diluted Vinegar.
476. If you drink vinegar without adding water, just have a few sips.
477. Vinegar can be combined with other ingredients to form a Complex Tonic; alone or with water, it is a Simple Tonic.478. “Nasarean Tonics, like our other herbal products, can be empowered by wizardly enchantments.
479. The enchantments are chanted at the time of the adding of each ingredient.”
Green Water Tonic Drink for Cleansing
480. “Crush – there are various methods – green herbage and collect the green water.
481. Add that green water to a cup of water and drink.
482. Green Water is perhaps the best general Tonic Drink, enhancing well-being in so many ways, just one of those ways being that of cleansing.
483. It can be included with other ingredients in a Complex Tonic, but even alone it is powerful.”
Green Water Tonic Drink Combined with Rose Water: ‘Magdalene’s Elixir of Heavenly Delight’
484. “Try combining the Green Water Tonic Drink with Rose Water for a Transcendental Tonic that I call, The Elixir of Heavenly Delight.
485. Yes, it is cleansing, but also so much more!
486. Not every Flower Water is a tonic, but many, including Rose Petal Water, are excellent tonics.
487. While Green Water Tonic alone is a Simple Tonic, combined with Rose Petal Water it is a Complex Tonic.”
Broths For Cleansing
488. “Broths are watery soups, but do not think that a watery soup is without power!
489. I tell you truly, Cleansing Broths are a powerful mix of water and the vibrations of Cleansing Herbs and Cleansing Spices.”
Cleansing Soups
490. “Cleansing Soups are soups that include as key ingredients herbage and spices known to have cleansing properties.
491. Heavier and more nutritive than broths, soups are excellent meals on longer cleanses where more nutritive food is desired than on short-term tea, juice or water fasts.”
Magdalene on Stirring the Cauldron of Enchanted Cleansing Soups and Other Enchanted Brews
492. “When affirming an enchantment in the present for a future good outcome, stir in one circular direction, from right to left, all the way around the cauldron at least three times for each ingredient.
493. Keep stirring in the same spiral motion for the duration of the words of the enchantment for each ingredient.
494. When affirming an enchantment of understanding, forgiveness, healing, or blessing on past experiences for yourself or others, stir the cauldron in one circular direction, from left to right, all the way around the cauldron at least three times for each ingredient.
495. As in the previous example – future outcomes – keep stirring in the same spiral motion for the duration of the words of the enchantment for each ingredient, but this time – past experiences – that direction is left to right.496. “But after adding the ingredients, when stirring the cauldron for the practical purpose of mixing the seasonings and ingredients, stir from right to left, left to right, back and forth in alternating directions, for the purpose of better mixing.
497. You can turn even that practical mixing into a magical practice by affirming positive enchantments on the dispersal of blockages within and around.498. “On a cleanse, the words of the enchantment are linked to that purpose.
499. “Know this: there is a sacred tradition called ‘Stirring the Cauldron’.
500. Green Wizards of the White Rose teach it to our students.501. “Also know this: When a Wizardess makes soup, lo: every movement has meaning.
502. Behind even the most practical movements are deep alchemical meanings.
503. Of course, that is true in all aspects of life!”
Raw Cleansing Salads
504. “Salads are a great main meal on a cleanse.
505. By the word ‘salad’ is meant a bowl of raw vegetation.
506. On a cleanse, the salad should include vegetation that is known to have cleansing properties.
507. Green leafy vegetables are at the top of the list.
508. Parsley is excellent.
509. Cucumbers are excellent.
510. Many Nasareans eat a salad almost every day, when available, whether on a cleanse or not.
511. That is one reason that long-term Nasareans typically are not as needful of an intense cleanse as the non-Nasarean population.
512. Our daily diet is itself mildly cleansing, especially if we include a daily salad.”
The Magdalene on Fasting as a Cleansing Practice
513. “Teas and Tonic Drinks are the most watery of the Nasarean Dietary Cleansing Practices, unless we consider ‘fasting on water’ as a dietary practice.
514. But fasting on water seems more like an un-dietary practice!”
515. Miriam laughed and so did the assembly.
516. Miriam continued: “Yahshua and I believe and teach that fasting is an inner calling.
517. Nobody should tell another person to fast.
518. Although there are potential health and spiritual benefits, water fasting is not without risk.
519. I have personally known persons that died before they reached their pre-ordained day to end their fast!
520. Rather than listen when their body told them that it needed to be fed, they starved their body to death!
521. “Behold: Long water fasts are risky, and no one should tell another to fast.
522. But if you are called inwardly to fast, fast.
523. But do not declare in advance the length of your fast.
524. Or, if you have chosen to fast a certain number of days, at least listen carefully to your body and end the fast if it so advises!
525. Better you fast less days than you set out to accomplish, than to drop your body due to not listening to it!
526. “When I, on occasion, feel called to fast on water, I choose a sunny day and place the water in the sun before drinking.
527. I sunbathe a good portion of that day not only because it promotes cleansing, but because it provides a subtle sort of energy that empowers the fast.
528. “Another liquid fast that I have on occasion enjoyed is to drink tea of whatever herbs that intuition, coupled with ongoing herbal studies, advises for each day of the fast.
529. One can also fast on watery broth.
530. “The other common liquid fast is juice, or juice diluted in water.
531. It is better to drink the juice of green, leafy herbs combined with watery cucumbers – I call that formula ‘Greens and Cucumber Juice’ – than to drink the juice of sweet fruits and thus overdo sugar.
532. Wherefore, My warning on juice fasting is this: be wary of overdoing sugar.
533. “One of My favorite drinks for a fast – or any other time – is to combine the ‘Greens and Cucumber Juice’ with Ginger Tea.
534. “If you have worms, a portion of your liquid fast should include teas with anti-parasitic herbs in conjunction with a daily enema.
535. The enema water must first be boiled; otherwise, you might intake parasites into the very region from which you are attempting to expel them!
536. The enema can include anti-parasitic tea water.537. “If you have been an unhealthy eater for many years – and this includes all meat eaters – I suggest eating only raw herbage for seven daysinstead of a fast.
538. In fact, because a liquid fast is so stressful for many people – and is not without danger – most folks are better off cleansing on raw herbage.
539. Yahshua recently advised a group of men suffering from worms to do a raw herbage cleanse for the duration of one day per year of life; a thirty-year old man would do the cleanse for thirty days, a forty-year old for forty days, and so on.
540. But for those without worms, a seven day raw herbage cleanse is long enough for a safe, mild cleanse.
541. And, of course, you can include cleansing teas and juices.542. “Raw herbage is a featured part of a Nasarean ‘cleansing diet’.
543. Even when not on a cleanse, I recommend that Nasareans eat one meal of raw herbage – a salad – each day, when available.
544. That way, one does a bit of cleansing all the time and is less likely to need many major cleanses.545. “Only when doing a cleanse should you limit your diet to cleansing foods.
546. Do it permanently and you may waste-away and become a very clean corpse!”
