WEBVTT 1 00:00:02.200 --> 00:00:15.519 You see something's going to happen. What's gonna happen? What? 2 00:00:24.640 --> 00:00:29.160 Welcome to the Occult Rejects. This episode will be continuing 3 00:00:29.199 --> 00:00:31.280 off from Part one of the Magical Herbs and the 4 00:00:31.320 --> 00:00:34.960 Cranial Nerves. I do expect this series to be a long, 5 00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:38.880 ongoing series, probably five parts or maybe even more so. 6 00:00:39.399 --> 00:00:42.200 I hope you all enjoy it, and let's get right 7 00:00:42.240 --> 00:00:47.759 into it first. We're gonna start off with sage. It's masculine. 8 00:00:48.039 --> 00:00:51.079 It's associated with the planet Jupiter, and the element air 9 00:00:51.799 --> 00:00:54.960 can be associated with the god Zeus. In Jupiter. It 10 00:00:55.000 --> 00:01:01.119 is used for wisdom, longevity, protection, and wishes. Sages arguably 11 00:01:01.159 --> 00:01:05.000 the prominent herb of purification in North America and European 12 00:01:05.040 --> 00:01:10.400 traditions alike. In particular, white sage Salvia apiana, used by 13 00:01:10.439 --> 00:01:14.079 many indigenous peoples of the Americas in smudging ceremonies, has 14 00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:18.599 become famous for its ability to drive out negativity, evil spirits, 15 00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:22.599 and malign influences. When bundles of sage are burned, it's 16 00:01:22.640 --> 00:01:26.000 believed the smoke cleanses persons, objects and spaces, making them 17 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:29.879 sacred and ready for ritual. This practice has been adopted 18 00:01:29.879 --> 00:01:33.400 widely many whiches begin a spell by smudging with sage 19 00:01:33.439 --> 00:01:39.040 to banish any lurking energies. In European folklore, garden sage 20 00:01:39.159 --> 00:01:43.480 salvia officionalies holds similar power. It was burned to avert 21 00:01:43.519 --> 00:01:47.000 the evil eye and hung in doorways for protection. One 22 00:01:47.040 --> 00:01:50.439 old rhyme said he who will live for a must 23 00:01:50.439 --> 00:01:56.319 eat sage in May, highlighting its connection to longevity and immortality. Metaphysically, 24 00:01:56.359 --> 00:01:59.760 sage was thought to grant wisdom and long life, hence 25 00:02:00.079 --> 00:02:04.840 calling an elder a sage. Magically, sage is not only 26 00:02:04.879 --> 00:02:08.240 for cleansing, but also to promote wisdom, clarity of thought, 27 00:02:08.319 --> 00:02:12.560 and decision making. It is associated with sages wise people 28 00:02:12.919 --> 00:02:16.800 for a reason. Lord claims carrying sage or drinking sage 29 00:02:16.800 --> 00:02:22.159 tea enhances mental powers, memory, and even prophetic dreams. In 30 00:02:22.199 --> 00:02:26.599 Santarea and Caranderismo, sage, often withdrew, is used in spiritual 31 00:02:26.639 --> 00:02:31.439 bats for cleansing and removing malefic attachments. The Latin sage 32 00:02:31.520 --> 00:02:36.240 salvia comes from salvare to heal, and magically, sage is 33 00:02:36.319 --> 00:02:39.319 used in spells for wellness and to speed up recovery. 34 00:02:40.039 --> 00:02:42.560 A sick room might be fumigated with sage to clear 35 00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:46.280 out illness, spirits and purify the air. Indeed, burning sage 36 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:50.520 does kill bacteria, as known now. In some witchcraft traditions, 37 00:02:50.879 --> 00:02:55.000 sage is considered gender neutral to masculine, aligning with Jupiter 38 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:58.360 or the Sun, which gives it an expansive benevolent force 39 00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:02.159 for growth and truth and others. Sage is lunar because 40 00:03:02.199 --> 00:03:04.919 of its silvery leaves and its link to feminine wisdom, 41 00:03:05.159 --> 00:03:09.319 the crone aspect of the goddess. One should note, however, 42 00:03:09.800 --> 00:03:12.240 that white sage in particular is a sacred plant to 43 00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:15.759 Native Americans and has been over harvested due to popularity. 44 00:03:16.280 --> 00:03:19.840 Respectful use and sourcing is a must some which is 45 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:23.240 substitute garden sage or other salvius for smoke cleansing, which 46 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:28.120 still carry the magical essence, if not identical aroma. Additionally, 47 00:03:28.400 --> 00:03:31.520 sage is said to improve psychic ability. When burned, it 48 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:35.520 clears the mind's eye by removing chaotic energy. It's often 49 00:03:35.560 --> 00:03:38.759 burned along with CedarA or sweet grass. Sage kicks out 50 00:03:38.800 --> 00:03:43.759 what doesn't belong. Then theeda sweet grass invite blessings. An 51 00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:46.680 old European belief is that where sage grows strong in 52 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:50.159 the garden, the owner's business will thrive, connecting it with 53 00:03:50.240 --> 00:03:54.080 prosperity as well. However, if sage plants begin to wither, 54 00:03:54.360 --> 00:03:58.280 it portends misfortune. This ties into the idea that sage 55 00:03:58.319 --> 00:04:02.400 not only protects, but also senses negativity. It withers in 56 00:04:02.479 --> 00:04:07.599 the presence of strong evil, thereby warning the owner. The 57 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:10.719 effects of sage on the human body are remarkable, especially 58 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:14.800 on cognition and mood. A growing body of scientific research 59 00:04:14.840 --> 00:04:18.160 has found that sage can enhance memory and cognitive function, 60 00:04:18.680 --> 00:04:24.519 validating its age old reputation. For instance, controlled trials and 61 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:28.120 healthy adults showed that consuming sage extract or even inhaling 62 00:04:28.160 --> 00:04:32.759 stages aroma, improved word recoll and intention compared to placebo. 63 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:37.480 One study in two thousand and three found that salviaficionalyis 64 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:41.879 and Salvia lavenduleae Folia common sage species, inhibited the enzyme 65 00:04:41.959 --> 00:04:47.360 acetocholon esteris, which breaks down acetacholine, a key neurotransmitter for 66 00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:52.600 learning and memory. By inhibiting this enzyme, sage allows acetacholine 67 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:57.360 levels to remain higher, thereby improving cognitive performance, a mechanism 68 00:04:57.439 --> 00:05:01.959 similar to certain Alzheimer's drokes. Indeed, small trials and patients 69 00:05:01.959 --> 00:05:05.160 with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found that sage essential 70 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:09.120 oil extract led to better cognitive test scores over several 71 00:05:09.160 --> 00:05:14.879 weeks than placebo. Additionally, compounds in sage such as camphor 72 00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:20.360 sinile likely contribute to its stimulating effect. Thudrone, present in 73 00:05:20.399 --> 00:05:23.959 some sage species, is a GABBA antagonist in high doses 74 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:29.720 famously in wormwood, causing excitation and hallucinations, but in the 75 00:05:29.720 --> 00:05:33.399 microdoses from burning or mild consumption of sage, it might 76 00:05:33.519 --> 00:05:38.560 gently boost neural activity. Sage aroma via the olfactory nerve 77 00:05:38.800 --> 00:05:42.639 tends to produce an alert yet calm state. Interestingly, a 78 00:05:42.720 --> 00:05:46.959 twenty thirteen study showed that an essential oil blend including 79 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:53.040 sage caused EEG changes indicative of relaxation, increase in alpha waves, 80 00:05:53.360 --> 00:05:58.680 but also improved test performance requiring focus. So sage might 81 00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:05.759 modulate multiple neurotransmitters, including sucholine memorye alertness, and possibly modulating 82 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:11.079 GABBA glutamate balance, calm, and focus. On the mood side, 83 00:06:11.319 --> 00:06:15.240 sage has insiolytic effects. People given sage report feeling more 84 00:06:15.279 --> 00:06:19.720 content and less anxious. Animal studies also show sage extracts 85 00:06:19.720 --> 00:06:24.480 have antidepressant like effects via serotonin and dopamine pathways, so 86 00:06:24.560 --> 00:06:28.160 as a nerving sage is both uplifting and anxiety reducing, 87 00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:32.160 a precious combination for any scenario where one needs clear 88 00:06:32.160 --> 00:06:36.959 thinking without panic. Physically, burning sage or smudging has been 89 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:41.079 measured to reduce airborne bacteria by a significant percentage. One 90 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:44.319 study showed a ninety four percent reduction of bacterial counts 91 00:06:44.319 --> 00:06:47.439 in a room after a sage smudge, and the effect 92 00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:52.759 lasted for days. This microbiocleans might translate to fewer airborne irritants, 93 00:06:53.079 --> 00:06:57.879 indirectly benefiting respiratory health and comfort less irritation for trigeminal 94 00:06:57.959 --> 00:07:01.759 and vagus nerve in lungs. Some message's smoke components, like 95 00:07:01.800 --> 00:07:06.800 sinial also act as expectorants and broncho dilators, making breathing 96 00:07:06.879 --> 00:07:11.240 feel easier. Hence, many smudge rituals also subjectively feel like 97 00:07:11.360 --> 00:07:15.959 fresh air afterwards. As for the senses, the strong aromatic 98 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:19.360 smoke of sage definitely engages the trigeminal nerves in the 99 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:23.800 eyes and nose. Many find sage smoke intents even irritating 100 00:07:23.839 --> 00:07:28.120 to the eyes, causing tears. This trigeminal activation can trigger 101 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:32.199 the lacrymal reflex tearing and perhaps a mild endorphin release, 102 00:07:32.519 --> 00:07:37.639 the body's way to counter irritation. On the subtle neurological plane, 103 00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:41.800 one could speculate that sage resets certain neural oscillations, much 104 00:07:41.920 --> 00:07:45.600 like hitting a reset on a thermostat. People often claim 105 00:07:45.639 --> 00:07:50.240 the atmosphere feels lighter in their mind quieter after smudging. Scientifically, 106 00:07:50.439 --> 00:07:53.360 it could be that sage's mix of stimulation via smell 107 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:59.040 and calming via biochemicals changes reduces mind wandering, default activity, 108 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:04.040 and increases present focused attention. Perhaps more beta and alpha waves, 109 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:12.000 less random delta. Another fascinating aspect electromagnetic There are claims 110 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:16.079 that burning sage releases negative ions, which help neutralize positive 111 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:20.480 ions from electronics and etc. Contributing to a sense of 112 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:24.920 mental clarity. Negative ions have been linked to improve mood 113 00:08:25.040 --> 00:08:28.759 in some studies. While the ion release from burning is plausible, 114 00:08:29.079 --> 00:08:32.240 its direct effect on our cranial nerves is hard to quantify, 115 00:08:32.679 --> 00:08:35.720 but if true, it adds a subtle layer to Sage's cleansing, 116 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:39.519 not only chemical cleansing, but also electrical air cleansing that 117 00:08:39.639 --> 00:08:44.879 might reduce headache or tension for sensitive individuals. Summing up 118 00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:49.120 sage's physiological profile is that of a mind body purifier 119 00:08:49.159 --> 00:08:53.519 and enhancer. It kills germs and likely some allergens. It 120 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:57.919 stimulates cognitive neurotransmitters for sharper thinking, It calms anxiety for 121 00:08:57.960 --> 00:09:03.879 emotional balance, and it possibly resets environmental electrical balance. Put together, 122 00:09:04.360 --> 00:09:08.000 this offers a convincing explanation for why people feel as 123 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:11.720 if a weight was lifted after a thorough sage smudging. 124 00:09:12.159 --> 00:09:17.039 The negativity, whether microbile, emotional, or mental, indeed has been 125 00:09:17.080 --> 00:09:24.039 lifted on multiple levels from a neurobiological standpoint. Next, we 126 00:09:24.200 --> 00:09:29.000 have lemon balm, folk name Melissa or be balm. It 127 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:32.480 is feminine associated with the moon and the element water, 128 00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:35.879 and the goddesses Artemis and Diana, and can be used 129 00:09:35.879 --> 00:09:43.240 for love, success, soothing, calm, and healing. Often called Melissa 130 00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:47.519 Greek for honeybee, our hearts. The light lemon balm carries 131 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:51.600 a light bright energy. In magic, this lemony mint herb 132 00:09:51.720 --> 00:09:54.360 is famed for its ability to soothe emotional pain and 133 00:09:54.440 --> 00:09:58.399 attract gentle love, which is used lemon balm and spells 134 00:09:58.399 --> 00:10:01.679 to heal from grief or heart break, for example, brewing 135 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:04.080 a tea of lemon balm and rose petals to drink 136 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:08.559 during a waning moon ritual, releasing sadness and inviting self love. 137 00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:12.600 It is said to gladden the heart and was historically 138 00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:15.720 used in potions to cheer the mind and dispel melancholy. 139 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:20.080 In folk magic, lemon bam is associated with positive energy, 140 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:24.240 success and friendship. Adding it to sachets or baths is 141 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:29.039 believed to draw in good luck and affectionate vibes. Healing 142 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:32.840 and health are also part of its domain. Paracelsus, the 143 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:36.360 famous physician alchemist, claimed and a lixir of lemon bamb 144 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:42.240 could rejuvenate in prolonged life. Consequently, magical practice includes lemon 145 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:45.440 balm and healing charms to increase vitality and chase away 146 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:49.240 illness on an energetic level, Some which is plant lemon 147 00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:52.360 bam around their home or bee hives to promote prosperity 148 00:10:52.679 --> 00:10:56.720 and healthy pollinators. Bees adore the plant, hence its name. 149 00:10:56.799 --> 00:11:01.759 Melissa as a lunar herby the moon and water element. 150 00:11:01.879 --> 00:11:07.200 In many correspondences, lemma bomb has a subtle psychic aspect. 151 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:10.279 It can be used to enhance intuition and calm the 152 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:14.320 mind for divination. A cup of lemon bomb tea before scrying. 153 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.799 Or meditating under the moonlight is thought to open the 154 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:22.000 third eyes softly, allowing gentle visions or intuitive feelings. It's 155 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:24.960 a common ingredient in dream pillows or psychic vision oils, 156 00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:28.519 pairing with things like mugwart and lavender, because it raises 157 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:32.000 the vibration but in a soothing way. In Hudu and 158 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:35.799 Latin American carand aismo, lemon balm is used in spiritual 159 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:39.600 bats for love, joy and to attract admirers. It sweetens 160 00:11:39.639 --> 00:11:44.360 one's or much like sugar in a jar spell. Also notable, 161 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:47.600 lemon balm appears in some old grimois as an herb 162 00:11:47.799 --> 00:11:50.840 for success in all matters of the heart and mind, 163 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:54.879 including success in core cases, probably because it promotes a 164 00:11:54.960 --> 00:11:59.320 positive ore and calm demeanor. As a magical summary, a 165 00:11:59.360 --> 00:12:03.000 contemporary source puts it, lemon balm is a herb of light, 166 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:07.519 love and renewal. Its bright, uplifting energy makes it perfect 167 00:12:07.559 --> 00:12:13.399 for emotional healing, purification, and attracting positivity. Indeed, lemon balm 168 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:17.080 seems to carry sunshine in its leaves. It dispels darkness 169 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:21.919 and invites optimism. Lemon balm is well known in herbal 170 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:25.559 medicine for its calming and mood lifting effects, which correlates 171 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:31.759 strongly with its magical uses for emotional healing and positivity. Pharmacologically, 172 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:36.879 lemon balm contains compounds such as rosemarinic acid, citrol, and geranial. 173 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:42.039 These constituents contribute to its anzuolitic, anxiety reducing and mild 174 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:46.919 sedative effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that lemonbalm extract can 175 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:51.039 significantly reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in people with 176 00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:55.799 anxiety disorders. It appears to work on modulating GABA receptors 177 00:12:55.840 --> 00:13:01.639 in the brain. Rosemarinic acid inhibits gabber transmitase, increasing GABBA availability, 178 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:07.879 which promotes calmness, similar to how benzodiazepine drugs increase gaba's effects. Therefore, 179 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:11.840 consuming lemon balm tea or tincture directly soothes the nervous system, 180 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:16.480 lowering feelings of stress and agitation. One trial with healthy 181 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:21.039 volunteers found that lemon balm not only reduce subjective anxiety, 182 00:13:21.159 --> 00:13:26.039 but also improved cognitive task performance. Interestingly, this alert calm 183 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:28.360 is likely due to a balance of its cholinergic and 184 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:32.480 gabaurgic effects. Yes, like its relative stage, lemon bomb also 185 00:13:32.559 --> 00:13:36.639 has some acytylcholine receptor activity. It's been observed to enhance 186 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:40.200 memory and alertness in small doses. In fact, a controlled 187 00:13:40.200 --> 00:13:43.440 study in Northumbria University in two thousand and four found 188 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:46.720 improved the memory and attention participants who took lemon balm, 189 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:51.600 along with increased calmness. So Lemonbaum's effect on the brain 190 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:54.919 is adaptogenic in a sense. It can reduce anxiety. Why 191 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:58.399 boosting cognitive function up to a point, very high doses 192 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:02.159 might cause slight sedation a mental slowing. This is a 193 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:05.559 rare combination that justifies its historical use for uplifting the 194 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:10.679 spirit without overstimulation. Lemon balm also raises serotonin levels in 195 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:15.240 animal studies, which can explain its mood brightening properties. Many 196 00:14:15.279 --> 00:14:18.960 people simply feel happier after lemon balm, hence it chases 197 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:23.279 melancholy On a sensory level. Lemon Balm's bright lemony scent 198 00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:28.080 via the olfactory nerve is invigorating yet not harsh citral. 199 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:31.519 The lemon scent compound is known to be moon enhancing, 200 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:36.360 used in aromatherapy for depression. Inhaling, lemonbamb essential oil can 201 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:40.519 thus produce a quick sense of refreshment and slight euphoria. 202 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:45.240 Citrus smells tend to spike dopamine. Meanwhile, the undertone of 203 00:14:45.320 --> 00:14:48.279 mint it's in the mint family, adds a gentle cooling 204 00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:53.960 aspect through the trigeminal nerve, so lemonbalm aroma might simultaneously 205 00:14:54.039 --> 00:14:59.759 calm via trigeminal cooling and uplift via olfactory citrus. Regarding 206 00:14:59.799 --> 00:15:03.639 the heart and body, lemon balm has mild cardiotropic effects. 207 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:07.600 It's traditionally used to slow an over rapid heartbeat and 208 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:12.360 lower blood pressure and anxious states. Scientific research supports that 209 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:15.480 lemon bomb can cause a modest reduction in blood pressure 210 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:19.679 and heart rate by calming sympathetic nervous activity, likely through 211 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:25.120 barrel receptor reflex by reducing anxiety. It's also anti spasmodic 212 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:29.159 on smooth muscles, so relieves stomach cramps and menstrual cramps. 213 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:33.080 Tying to its nuturing aspect, comforting physical pain as well 214 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:37.840 as emotional. These effects are mediated by peripheral nerves, including 215 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:42.679 the vagus nerve. By increasing vagal tone parasympathetic activity, lemon 216 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:46.360 bomb helps relax the gut and uterus. It's no wonder 217 00:15:46.399 --> 00:15:48.960 a warm lemon balm tea is a folk remedy for 218 00:15:49.039 --> 00:15:53.120 tummy aches and a calming tonic before bed. It gently 219 00:15:53.200 --> 00:15:58.080 encourages digestion via vagel stimulation, often relieving indigestion that's due 220 00:15:58.120 --> 00:16:03.679 to stress. Other notable effect, lemonbam has some anti viral properties, 221 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:08.480 especially against herpieviruses and topical use, as well as antibacterial 222 00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:12.879 due to citral and other compounds. Applied as salvae, it 223 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:17.320 can help cold source heal. Lemon bomb also reduces the 224 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:21.080 time to fall asleep and improves sleep quality, likely by 225 00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:25.759 its gabberurgic sedation and anxiety relief. This complements its lunar 226 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:30.960 association and magic, aiding RESTful sleep and possibly encouraging good dreams. 227 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:34.399 Some users report more vivid but pleasant dreams on lemon balm, 228 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:39.759 fitting its reputation for promoting positive psychic visions. As for 229 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:43.840 cognitive dream states, lemon bam likely doesn't induce the vivid, 230 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:47.679 intense dreams that mugwort might, but rather softens nightmares and 231 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:53.279 allows more peaceful dream narratives, reflecting its gentle positivity. Summarizing 232 00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:58.279 lemon bomb's neurological impact is largely tranquilizing and mood normalizing 233 00:16:59.080 --> 00:17:02.840 it gently slow an overactive mind, lifts a depressed mind 234 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:08.920 and sharpens a foggy mind, essentially restoring balance. Biochemically, it's 235 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:13.240 doing this by influencing gabba for calm, acetocholine for memory, 236 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:18.319 and possibly serotonin or dopamine for mood. It's quite elegant 237 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:21.480 that an herb used for emotional healing and love literally 238 00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:25.160 causes your brain to feel safe, lowered anxiety, and feel 239 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:31.640 content elevated mood, which are prerequisites for embracing love and joy. 240 00:17:31.759 --> 00:17:34.559 The way A lowers stress markers would correspond to magical 241 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:37.839 thinking to banishing dark influences from the heart, and the 242 00:17:37.839 --> 00:17:41.319 way it improves cognitive clarity would equate to bringing light 243 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:46.359 and understanding. It's also gentle enough not to cause radical shifts, 244 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:50.559 fitting for an herb of gentle renewal rather than drastic transformation. 245 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:54.880 Lemon Balm is the subtle friend that over time rebuilds 246 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:58.440 a battered spirit by quieting the fear centers migdala and 247 00:17:58.519 --> 00:18:02.799 nudging the pleasure centers nucleus occumpans. Thus, the nerves literally 248 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:06.559 find relief from tension and can resume normal, healthy function, 249 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:12.880 which we perceive as hope and cheerfulness. Returning. Next, we 250 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:17.839 have Hyup, which is masculine, associated with the planet Jupiter 251 00:18:18.119 --> 00:18:21.079 and the element fire. It's a biblical and temple right 252 00:18:21.160 --> 00:18:25.759 herb and is used for purification, protection, and spiritual cleansing. 253 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:30.640 Purge me with hyesup, and I shall be clean, says 254 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:35.079 Psalm fifty one, encapsulating Hyup's millennia old reputation as the 255 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:40.359 premiere herb of spiritual purification. In Biblical and folk tradition, 256 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:44.359 Isup is used to cleanse and consecrate. It was referenced 257 00:18:44.359 --> 00:18:47.000 as being dipped into holy water or blood to sprinkle 258 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:50.319 door posts in the Old Testament in Exodus, protecting the 259 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:54.519 Hebrews during Passover. Thus, Hyup became a symbol of purification 260 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:59.599 from sin or evil. Today, magicians and root workers rely 261 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:03.359 on high Up in rituals of uncrossing, hext breaking and 262 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:07.559 ritual cleansing. In Voodoo, Hiesup is the main ingredient in 263 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:12.400 the famous thirteenth her bath for spiritual purification, especially after 264 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:15.720 one has engaged in negative deeds of performed chorus of magic, 265 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:19.079 one bathes in highes up infusion, praying Psalm fifty one 266 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:24.759 to remove spiritual dirt and regain God's favor. Hysup can 267 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:27.839 be added to scrub water to literally and spiritually clean 268 00:19:27.880 --> 00:19:31.279 floors and walls of a temple. It's common to use 269 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:34.160 high sup and water to wash magical implements or to 270 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:37.640 add to laundry for ritual garments, believing it infuses them 271 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:41.839 with holiness. Likewise, burning hys up as an incense or 272 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:44.680 carrying a high sup sachet is thought to ward off 273 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:50.079 evil and negativity, almost akin to his spiritual disinfectant. Because 274 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:53.720 hysup has strong religious connotation, it is often used when 275 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:57.640 one seeks forgiveness or blessing. Practitioners might take a hyup 276 00:19:57.680 --> 00:20:01.680 bath after casting a nasty spell to cleanse any comic residue. 277 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:05.720 Wickens may use hysup to ritually purify a circle, or 278 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:08.839 if they feel a malevolent presence needs to be banished gently. 279 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:14.119 Hysup being seen as both protective and uplifting. Some sources 280 00:20:14.119 --> 00:20:16.119 state highs up as good for protection of the home. 281 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:19.000 Growing it around the property or hanging dried high sup 282 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:22.559 in sachets by windows is said to keep out unclean spirits. 283 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:28.160 Paul Beryl, a well known herbal author, is quoted emphasizing 284 00:20:28.200 --> 00:20:31.359 Hysup's use in personal cleansing bats and how it brings 285 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:36.839 purification to the spiritual, emotional, and physical selves. It is 286 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:40.920 also suggested for spiritual healing, driving away negative influences that 287 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:44.759 can cause illness, and also protecting the healer from absorbing sickness. 288 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:49.920 In the Solomonic magic tradition, hysup, along with rue and 289 00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:53.440 other consecrated herbs, are used to sprinkle lustril water to 290 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:57.880 sanctify the altar and circle, again highlighting that theme as 291 00:20:57.920 --> 00:21:02.759 pure as hysup. It's worth noting historically the high Sup 292 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:05.920 of the Bible might have been a different plant, possibly 293 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:10.359 Syrian oregano, but the occult tradition has long identified Kimon 294 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:13.920 high Sup with the biblical one, and the energetic signature 295 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:19.680 is considered similar. Aromatic and cleansing magical correspondences list hys 296 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:23.440 up as a Mars herb due to its disinfectant banishing quality, 297 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:28.720 but with a Jupiter overtone spiritual grace and forgiveness, perhaps 298 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:33.000 explaining why it both casts out uncleanliness Mars and invites 299 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:39.000 divine blessing Jupiter. Astrologically, some align it with Sagittarius, the 300 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:43.400 sign of spiritual principles in cleansing fire. Many covens add 301 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:46.240 high up oil to their holy water or incorporate hyesup 302 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:50.960 in the espergillum sprinkler to consecrate circles. While high sup 303 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:54.440 is less study than many common herbs, it shares properties 304 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:58.599 with other aromatic Mediterranean herbs like sage time and oregano 305 00:21:59.000 --> 00:22:03.960 that allow some educated guesses and a few known facts. Chemically, 306 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:11.279 high SUP contains volatile oils, including pinalcamphone, isopino camphone, thudrone, camphor, 307 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:15.480 and siniole, among others. These components suggest high sup as 308 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:19.160 a stimulant in small doses and potentially convulsant in very 309 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:23.519 high doses. Pinal camphone and thu drone are slightly neurotoxic 310 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:28.400 if overused. Historically, high sup oil caused seizures in animals 311 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:33.279 at high concentrations. However, in the mild forms it's used bathing, 312 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:36.440 in incense and tea, hysup's effect is to act as 313 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:40.559 a mild nerving and decongestint. The scent of hyesup is 314 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:45.119 herbaceous and camphorus. Inhaling, high sup via incense or steam 315 00:22:45.160 --> 00:22:47.920 inhalation can clear the sinuses and give a sense of 316 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:52.000 easy breathing and alertness, similar to how eucalyptus or camphor 317 00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:56.680 perks one up. This would stimulate trigeminal nerve endings in 318 00:22:56.720 --> 00:23:00.559 the nasal cavity strongly menthol like action, which has the 319 00:23:00.599 --> 00:23:04.599 effect of sharpened attention and a feeling of freshness. If 320 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:07.480 one is fatigued or the mind is clouded, high supceerroma 321 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:11.160 can cut through the mental fog, momentarily increasing heart rate 322 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:15.359 and blood flow. Camphor and thudrome can cause slight adrenergic effects. 323 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:20.200 This correlates to the idea of clearing away negativity. Physically, 324 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:23.920 it's clearing brain fog and maybe mild headaches, as camphor 325 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:28.039 often relieves tension headaches via its counter irritant action on 326 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:32.599 the trigeminal nerve on the limbic system. High supceerroma may 327 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:36.400 not be universally pleasant. It's a bit medicinal, but to 328 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:39.240 those who like it, it could evoke feelings of cleanliness 329 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:44.960 and safety, which could reduce amigduala hyperactivity less fear less anxiety. 330 00:23:45.880 --> 00:23:49.000 No direct studies on high sephar anxiety exist to my knowledge, 331 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:52.079 but many herbs in the same family mint family do 332 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:57.640 have antiolytic properties. High set was traditionally used for respiratory issues. 333 00:23:57.880 --> 00:24:01.319 It can help suppress cofts and loosen flight, So drinking 334 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:04.559 high sup or breathing it not only symbolically cleans your lungs, 335 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:08.640 it literally does. To some extent. This lung clarity can 336 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:11.880 translate to a subjective feeling or relief in more oxygen, 337 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:17.839 improving brain function and mood. Pinacamphone is somewhat anti spasmodic 338 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:21.880 in moderate dose, which could help relieve muscle tension, again 339 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:25.799 contributing to an overall sense of release, complementing its use 340 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:31.680 to release bad energy physically releasing muscle tightness. High Sup's 341 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:36.279 anti microbio qualities are notable. It's effective against certain bacteria 342 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:39.559 and fungi. Using high sup in a floor wash or 343 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:43.640 as a skin wash likely genuinely reduces microbio load, thus 344 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:47.599 purifying in a literal sense. This could reduce sources of 345 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:51.720 infection which can cloud the mind via inflammation. In modern terms, 346 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:57.160 lowering chronic pathogen load can improve mood and cognitive clarity. Now, 347 00:24:57.240 --> 00:25:00.799 if we think neurotransmittershesup hasn't been st studied for direct 348 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:04.799 receptor interactions like some herbs, but given it's in the 349 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:08.480 mint family, one might speculate some gabberurgic effect is mild 350 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:13.680 or adrenaline modulation. Its effect profile mildly stimulating but also 351 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:18.480 relieving when used in warmth, suggest by phasic action. At 352 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:22.079 first a bit of stimulation increasing alertness may be mild 353 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:26.119 adrenaline release from the trigeminal jolt, followed by relaxation as 354 00:25:26.160 --> 00:25:32.240 the body acclimates and peripheral circulation improves, perhaps then parasympathetic rebound. 355 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:36.480 This is similar to how a cleansing cry or brisk 356 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:41.359 shower can invigorate then relax you deeply fitting thysup, which 357 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:45.319 is used in water for the exact emotional dynamic. First 358 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:49.079 you might tremble as negativity is confronted adrenaline rush. Then 359 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:53.160 you feel deeply calm as it washes away parasympathetic relief 360 00:25:54.599 --> 00:25:59.160 hyeseps psychological actions aligned with its cleansing vanishing magical persona. 361 00:26:00.119 --> 00:26:05.480 It clears away banishing congestion, stimulates alertness, banishing mental cloud 362 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:11.359 kills germs, banishing impurity, relaxes muscle and smooth muscle, banishing 363 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:15.119 physical tension or negativity held in the body, and possibly 364 00:26:15.160 --> 00:26:19.240 calms after stimulation granting peace if the sin is banished. 365 00:26:20.359 --> 00:26:24.039 The ritual aspect of sprinkling or bathing likely leverages the 366 00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:27.640 fact that cool water and hyes up on skin trigger 367 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:31.480 nerve endings that induce a slight shock followed by calm, 368 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:36.519 essentially resetting the nervous system, much like a baptism's cold 369 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:41.480 water might. Indeed, from a sensory perspective, being sprinkled by 370 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:45.119 hys up in cool holy water would activate a lot 371 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:49.680 of cutaneous nerves. Suddenly, the initial shock could momentarily blank 372 00:26:49.680 --> 00:26:52.039 out your thoughts, much like a splash of water to 373 00:26:52.079 --> 00:26:55.720 the face interrupts whatever you were thinking, providing a clean slate. 374 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:58.720 And then, as you feel the water trickling and the 375 00:26:58.759 --> 00:27:03.039 scent of hyes Up, take a deep breath, naturally transitioning 376 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:08.480 into a calmer state. This mole psychological mini reset of 377 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:12.599 the nervous system is perhaps one reason such rituals subjectively 378 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:17.319 feel effective. They harness an involuntary nerve reflex to symbolically 379 00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:21.960 achieve the desired mental state. Thus, Hyup's power is partly 380 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:26.920 a suggestion yes, but underpinned by real sensory and neural triggers. 381 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:30.759 It's fascinating, a poetic that the pleas of ancient texts 382 00:27:30.839 --> 00:27:33.960 to be cleansed with Hysup coincide with an herb that 383 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:39.039 truly can cleanse the body and mind immeasurable ways. In conclusion, 384 00:27:39.359 --> 00:27:42.960 Hysup engages our nerves in a purging and resetting process, 385 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:48.119 a quick stimulation than a clearing calm, analogois to spiritual 386 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:53.240 purifications arc effacing the negativity, then expelling it and finding stillness. 387 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:58.200 The result is a person who literally feels lighter, breathes easier, 388 00:27:58.440 --> 00:28:02.240 and has a clearer mind, paralleling the spiritual feeling of 389 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:06.400 being absolved and protected. Hysup is a sterling example of 390 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:10.440 an herb whose legendary magical effects align uncannily with its 391 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:14.480 neurophysical action. The herbs of the Bible knew their stuff. 392 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:22.599 And next we have Saint John's ward folk name Rufuga daemonium. 393 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:26.759 It is masculine, associated with the sun and the element fire, 394 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:31.400 also associated with Baldoor or Saint John, and is used 395 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:36.880 for protection, health, strength, and divination. Saint John's ward has 396 00:28:36.880 --> 00:28:40.039 a long history of use in folk magic, especially for 397 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:43.799 protection and banishment of evil. In European folklore, it was 398 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:47.440 often hung above doorways or icons to ward off malign spirit. 399 00:28:48.359 --> 00:28:51.319 One Latin nickname for it is few good Daemonium, meaning 400 00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:55.400 demon flight, reflecting its reputed power to drive away devils. 401 00:28:56.000 --> 00:29:00.200