WEBVTT 1 00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:15.519 Something's going to happen. What's going to happen with it? What? 2 00:00:24.320 --> 00:00:27.920 Welcome to the occult Rejects. In this episode, we will 3 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:31.359 be continuing off the Magical Herbs and Cranial Nerves series. 4 00:00:32.039 --> 00:00:34.119 I hope you all enjoying them and getting something out 5 00:00:34.159 --> 00:00:36.840 of it. And in this episode we'll be starting it 6 00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:42.399 off with cedar. Cedar is masculine associated with the sun 7 00:00:42.479 --> 00:00:46.719 and the element fire, associated with wooden or odin or Jupiter. 8 00:00:47.399 --> 00:00:52.399 It is used for protection, purification, prosperity, and healing. Cedar 9 00:00:52.520 --> 00:00:56.320 is a name applied to several aromatic evergreen trees, famously 10 00:00:56.600 --> 00:01:00.479 the true cedars, genius seed dress like cedar of Lebanon, 11 00:01:00.640 --> 00:01:04.719 Dierderi cedar, and also many Cypress family trees cold cedar 12 00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:08.319 like Eastern red cedar actually a juniper. All of these 13 00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:11.840 have similar resinous wood known for spiritual purification and protection. 14 00:01:13.280 --> 00:01:17.239 Among Native American traditions, cedar, especially western red cedar in 15 00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:20.040 Eastern white cedar, is one of the sacred smudge herbs, 16 00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:24.159 along with sage, sweet grass, tobacco, used in purification ceremonies. 17 00:01:24.680 --> 00:01:27.599 Burning cedar throwing cedar needles on a fire is believed 18 00:01:27.599 --> 00:01:30.840 to cleanse the negative energies and invite positive healing spirits. 19 00:01:31.719 --> 00:01:34.519 The rising cedar smoke is often wafted around people or 20 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:39.000 spaces to banish evil influences and protect against harm. This 21 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:43.319 use spans many cultures. The Scottish Highlanders burn juniper red 22 00:01:43.319 --> 00:01:45.719 cedar in their homes as a New Year's cleansing to 23 00:01:45.799 --> 00:01:49.480 ward off illness, and in Appalachian folk magic, cedar hung 24 00:01:49.519 --> 00:01:52.879 in the home guards against lightning and storms. Cedar is 25 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:57.560 strongly associated with preservation, longevity, and integrity. Its wood resists 26 00:01:57.640 --> 00:02:00.519 rot and was used to build temples. Solomon's Temple was 27 00:02:00.519 --> 00:02:04.879 built of lebanon cedar, thus symbolizing spiritual strength and permanence. 28 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:09.479 Cedar is also commonly used in blessing rituals. For example, 29 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:11.879 a floor wash or bath infused with cedar can be 30 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:15.120 used to cleanse a person of hexes or negative attachments 31 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:19.919 and impart a shielding effect. In neopagan practice, cedar is 32 00:02:19.960 --> 00:02:23.800 associated with the north and Earth element stable protective, but 33 00:02:23.960 --> 00:02:26.879 also has a fiery mars aspect due to its incense use. 34 00:02:27.919 --> 00:02:31.400 It's often invoked in money drawing magic as well. Some 35 00:02:31.439 --> 00:02:34.840 traditions consider cedar an herb of prosperity. Perhaps through its 36 00:02:34.840 --> 00:02:39.120 protection and luck bringing reputation. Notably among the es Saalish 37 00:02:39.120 --> 00:02:42.560 peoples of the Pacific Northwest, cedar trees are sacred and 38 00:02:42.680 --> 00:02:46.039 ritual etiquette is observed when using them. There would embark 39 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:49.680 provide not just material but spiritual sustenance and special prayers 40 00:02:49.680 --> 00:02:53.800 accompany the harvest. Magic involving cedar can thus tap into 41 00:02:53.879 --> 00:02:57.479 its ancestral wisdom and generosity. One might burn cedar to 42 00:02:57.560 --> 00:03:01.560 honour for spirits or ancestors. The impact of cedar on 43 00:03:01.599 --> 00:03:04.280 the nervous system is scented on its aromatic compounds, which 44 00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:08.240 interact with our sensory and autonomic nerves. The scent of cedar, 45 00:03:08.759 --> 00:03:11.919 familiar from cedar wood shavings or essential oil, has a 46 00:03:11.960 --> 00:03:16.719 warming grounding quality In terms of cranial nerves, Cedar's volatile 47 00:03:16.719 --> 00:03:20.680 oils stimulate the olfactory nerves strongly. This smell is pungent 48 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:24.479 and pine like upon inhalation. Studies have found that one 49 00:03:24.520 --> 00:03:29.680 component sedral, produces measurable sedative and antiolytic effects. For example, 50 00:03:29.879 --> 00:03:33.080 research in humans and animals demonstrated that inhaling siedrol can 51 00:03:33.120 --> 00:03:38.240 increase parasympathetic activity and decrease sympathetic activity resulting in lowered 52 00:03:38.240 --> 00:03:42.280 heart rate and blood pressure. In one study, sedril inhalations 53 00:03:42.319 --> 00:03:47.520 significantly reduced motor activity and prolonged sleep timon rats, indicating 54 00:03:47.520 --> 00:03:52.719 a direct sedative influence. Interestingly, this effect persisted even in 55 00:03:52.800 --> 00:03:56.680 smell impaired rats, suggesting seedral may act via the trigemulal 56 00:03:56.719 --> 00:04:01.199 nerve or systemic absorption rather than olfaction alone. Thus, burning 57 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:04.000 cedar or diffusing its oil could literally calm the nerves 58 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:07.840 by engaging the vagus nerve, consistent with cedar's traditional use 59 00:04:07.919 --> 00:04:13.000 to soothe the spirit and relieve anxiety and cleansing ceremonies. Indeed, 60 00:04:13.159 --> 00:04:16.560 many cultures find the smell of cedar deeply relaxing and reassuring, 61 00:04:16.839 --> 00:04:22.399 which aligns with its parasympathetic activation. Beyond relaxation, cedar oil 62 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:26.120 is also described as a nerve tonic in aromatherapy, meaning 63 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:30.279 it can stabilize mood, likely by balancing effect on neurotransmitters. 64 00:04:30.680 --> 00:04:34.480 We speculate that sedrol and related compounds modulate gabba or 65 00:04:34.519 --> 00:04:39.360 agenergic systems, slightly producing calm without heavy sedation. Ceda does 66 00:04:39.399 --> 00:04:42.800 at knock one out like Valerian, but gently relaxes on 67 00:04:42.839 --> 00:04:46.279 the trigeminal nerve. Cedar's volatile compounds can have a mild 68 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:50.680 analgesic and decongestined effect. Cedar leaf oil contains some thudrone 69 00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:54.240 and related compounds that, when inhaled, can create a cooling, 70 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:58.360 stimulating sensation in the nose. This may explain why cedar 71 00:04:58.360 --> 00:05:01.759 smoke was used in sickroom's history. It clears the head, 72 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:06.720 opening nasal passages, and perhaps dulling pain. However, cedar leaf 73 00:05:06.759 --> 00:05:11.079 oil in large doses is neurotoxic due to thusrome, which 74 00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:14.800 is why one months differentiate true cedarwood oil from cedar 75 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:17.759 wood is rich in sedral and is safe and calming, 76 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:22.600 whereas cedar leaf thuja oil can cause over excitation and 77 00:05:22.720 --> 00:05:27.360 even convulsions if misused. In folk usage, red cedar smoke 78 00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:31.480 was used to prevent nightmares and fend off night spirits. Interestingly, 79 00:05:31.920 --> 00:05:34.920 modern understanding might say the smoke's sedative effect on the 80 00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:39.399 brain could improve sleek quality and reduce spontaneous waking, hence 81 00:05:39.519 --> 00:05:43.439 fewer nightmares remembered. Cedar scent also has an effect on 82 00:05:43.480 --> 00:05:47.120 the limpic system that lightly underpins its comfort factor. It 83 00:05:47.199 --> 00:05:50.959 is associated with warmth and safety, perhaps an evolutionary memory 84 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:54.120 of shelting in cedared forests or using cedar lined closets. 85 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:58.519 Cedar's aromatic influence lowers arousal in the central and autonomic 86 00:05:58.560 --> 00:06:03.279 nervous system, fuying wir. It feels grounding and protective. One 87 00:06:03.319 --> 00:06:07.279 scientific article noted that cedar essential oil inhalation decreased the 88 00:06:07.319 --> 00:06:11.160 sympathetic fight or flight markers in all tested subjects, regardless 89 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:15.000 of cultural background. A powerful testament that cedar universally tells 90 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:18.360 our nervous system to be at ease. This deep calm 91 00:06:18.360 --> 00:06:22.120 in safety signal is exactly what is intended in magical usage. 92 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:26.000 The person feels secure, no fight or flight response and 93 00:06:26.079 --> 00:06:31.040 negativity stress, evil is repelled. In essence, cedar smoke engages 94 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:34.240 the brain and nerves to shift into a protective, RESTful state, 95 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:40.560 just as the spiritual law of cedar indicates. And next 96 00:06:40.639 --> 00:06:44.759 we have star anise. It is masculine, associated with the 97 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:47.920 planet Jupiter, the element of air, and the god Jupiter, 98 00:06:48.399 --> 00:06:51.560 and can be used for psychic power, luck, protection, divination 99 00:06:51.639 --> 00:06:55.639 and aid, star and ease. The star shaped seed pod 100 00:06:55.680 --> 00:06:58.720 with a licorice ly aroma is cherished in witchcraft for 101 00:06:58.759 --> 00:07:01.800 its powers of psychic and had dance luck and protection, 102 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:06.279 and in many traditions, star nise is associated with divination 103 00:07:06.360 --> 00:07:09.519 and astral travel. It is common to burn star nise, 104 00:07:09.720 --> 00:07:12.360 often combined with frank incense or mug ward, as an 105 00:07:12.399 --> 00:07:16.199 incense before scrying sessions or two readings, because its sweet 106 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:20.160 spice is believed to heighten one's psychic awareness and intuitive insight. 107 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:25.000 Some folk recipes advise simmering star nise in water to 108 00:07:25.040 --> 00:07:28.519 perfume the air during meditation before sleep in order to 109 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:33.959 produce prophetic dreams and even facilitate hedge writing shamanic journey. Indeed, 110 00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:36.480 placing a whole star nise under the pillow is a 111 00:07:36.560 --> 00:07:40.839 known charm to prevent nightmares and encourage lucid dreaming. Starnie 112 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:45.399 also has a strong protective reputation. One old spell suggests 113 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:48.480 carrying a star and nise with more than a points Rarely, 114 00:07:48.560 --> 00:07:51.160 a star nie might have nineer ten points as a 115 00:07:51.160 --> 00:07:54.839 powerful talisman against the evil eye and bad luck. The 116 00:07:54.959 --> 00:07:58.040 unique star shape lends itself to symbolism as a protective 117 00:07:58.040 --> 00:08:02.040 pentagram or charm. This spice is frequently used in mojo 118 00:08:02.079 --> 00:08:05.279 bags and witch bottles for luck and prosperity. For example, 119 00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:08.120 gamblers might carry a star niece in their pocket to 120 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:11.519 draw a good fortune, just as they might camomeal and 121 00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:14.000 households might hang star niece in a sachet by the 122 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:17.879 door to invite well being and balance into the home. Additionally, 123 00:08:18.160 --> 00:08:21.199 star niece's pleasant aroma is said to sweeten the energy 124 00:08:21.279 --> 00:08:24.920 in any spell, meaning it can amplify the positive aspects. 125 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:27.879 Hence it appears in spells for love to bring sweetness, 126 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:31.480 for harmony in relationships, and for healing to add a gentle, 127 00:08:31.560 --> 00:08:36.279 uplifting energy. In Hudu practices, star nise might be added 128 00:08:36.279 --> 00:08:40.080 to a spiritual bath for uncrossing or clearing jinxes, relying 129 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:44.679 on its purifying yet benign nature. Astrologically, some corresponded to 130 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:48.759 Jupiter luck and expansion due to its prosperity uses. The 131 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:52.159 star shape naturally also links it to cosmic influences, hence 132 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:57.000 the astratravel connection. A simple witches use, threading several star 133 00:08:57.120 --> 00:08:59.320 niece on a cord and hanging in one's car or 134 00:08:59.399 --> 00:09:02.120 workspace is thought to ward off gossip and ill intent 135 00:09:02.240 --> 00:09:07.159 while drawing in good vibes. Furthermore, starnie is sometimes used 136 00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:09.799 as a pendulum. The seeds are strong and used as 137 00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:12.519 a divine pendulum, as the spice is believed to be 138 00:09:12.600 --> 00:09:17.679 tuned to subtle energies. Overall, magically, Starnie is a little 139 00:09:17.720 --> 00:09:22.440 star of blessings, bringing good fortune, psychic vision, and spiritual protection. 140 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:26.480 In a gentle, fragrant way. It carries a warm, positive 141 00:09:26.519 --> 00:09:30.039 vibration that which is harnessed to sweeten, protect, and illuminate 142 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:33.320 their workings. The influence of Starnese on the nervous system 143 00:09:33.399 --> 00:09:36.960 is subtle, but noteworthy, largely owing to its vital chemicals 144 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:40.320 like anethyl. Anethol is also found in an e seed 145 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:46.080 and phenyl, and interestingly it documented neurologic effects. It possesses enciolytic, 146 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:50.039 into convulsiont and even memory improving properties in research settings, 147 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:53.840 as a gabber receptor modulator, anethol can have a mild 148 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:57.919 tranquilizing effect, So the traditional use of Starnee to calm 149 00:09:57.960 --> 00:10:00.399 down a space or ward off nightmare it might be 150 00:10:00.440 --> 00:10:04.600 partially explained by anethol's ability to reduce anxiety and neural 151 00:10:04.679 --> 00:10:09.039 over excitation. For instance, studies in mice and rats have 152 00:10:09.080 --> 00:10:12.559 shown that anathol and extracts of starin ease produce anti 153 00:10:12.600 --> 00:10:17.639 anxiety and zoolitic and antidepressant like effects, likely by enhancing 154 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:22.039 monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in the brain. This correlates with 155 00:10:22.120 --> 00:10:27.080 starnase being used to promote well being and positive energy. Physiologically, 156 00:10:27.120 --> 00:10:30.000 it may be literally elevating mood and reducing stress in 157 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:34.159 those who inhale its aroma or consume it. Additionally, anethol 158 00:10:34.200 --> 00:10:38.240 as an anti convulsant aspect menia can help stabilize neurons. 159 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:42.480 This might underpin folk beliefs that starinise prevents evil spirits 160 00:10:42.799 --> 00:10:47.159 like epilepsy or tremors. In terms of cranial nerves, the 161 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:52.080 olfactory nerve is strongly stimulated by starne's sweet fragrance. The 162 00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:55.000 immediate result of sniffing starnise is often a feeling of 163 00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:59.159 clear headedness or mental invigoration. Indeed, one magical claim is 164 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:02.840 that starnese is the mind and enhances focus, which is 165 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:06.879 supported by aromatic science. Pleasant spice to aromas can increase 166 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:10.360 alertness by mild stimulation of the trigeminal nerve as well 167 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:14.039 as old faction, leading to a sharpened mental focus and 168 00:11:14.120 --> 00:11:19.080 opening of nasal passages. Meanwhile, through old faction limbic pathways, 169 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:22.080 it can bring a sense of comfort and optimism, hence 170 00:11:22.120 --> 00:11:25.399 why it's used to uplift mood. On the gustatory side, 171 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:29.039 star Nise engages the glassopharyngeal in vegas when used in 172 00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:33.039 culinary or medicinal teas at a set liquors and star 173 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:35.679 in ease tea have a carminative effect. They soothe the 174 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:39.519 gut by reducing bloating and easing muscle spasms, actions likely 175 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:43.320 mediated by the vagus nerve singling relaxation in the GI tract. 176 00:11:44.039 --> 00:11:48.240 In fact, the digestive benefits of starnise anti flatulence anti 177 00:11:48.320 --> 00:11:51.279 ulcer are well documented and relate to its mild anti 178 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:55.360 spasmodic effect on smooth muscles. A calm gut often translates 179 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:58.919 to a calm mind via gut brain access, so starnise 180 00:11:58.960 --> 00:12:01.360 is digestive soothing mud might in turn promote a sense 181 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:05.080 of ease less visceral stress signals to the brain via vegas. 182 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:09.200 Also noteworthy, starnise is a major source of sha chemic acid, 183 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:12.799 a compound used to produce anti viral medications like tamiflu, 184 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:16.879 and thereby indirectly benefit the nervous system by reducing fever. 185 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:21.480 But focusing on direct effects, anethol from Starnise has been 186 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:25.480 found to bind to certain neurotransmitter receptors, including GABBA and 187 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:30.480 certain serotonin receptors to produce a tranquil yet clarifying effect. 188 00:12:30.840 --> 00:12:33.679 This mirror is the magical notion that starinise can open 189 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:38.799 psychic pathways while keeping one protected and balanced. Scientifically, it 190 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:41.840 may help achieve a relaxed, focused state of mind conducive 191 00:12:41.919 --> 00:12:47.559 to intuitive thinking. Finally, Starnise's antimicrobial properties can relieve infections, 192 00:12:48.039 --> 00:12:51.200 like its use in coarse and bronchitis, which means less 193 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:54.440 irritation of cranial nerves like the vegas which triggers coorf 194 00:12:54.519 --> 00:12:58.679 reflex and the glassopharyngeal sore throat. By alleviating a coref 195 00:12:58.799 --> 00:13:03.039 or throat irritation, Starnie indirectly prevents successive vagual firing that 196 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:06.720 a severe cough can cause. Heavy coughing can sometimes trigger 197 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:10.200 fainting via vagus nerve by preventing that, starr and Nie 198 00:13:10.320 --> 00:13:15.639 protects in a physical sense. In summary, starine gently modulates 199 00:13:15.639 --> 00:13:20.720 the nervous system, reduces anxiety, stabilizes neural activity, and lightly 200 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:24.399 stimulates the senses, aligning perfectly with its use for safe 201 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:29.000 astill travel calm in focus and luck, confident and uplifted mood. 202 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:34.000 It is indeed a spice of serene brightness, neurologically calm, 203 00:13:34.320 --> 00:13:41.000 clear and positively oriented. And next we have juniper. It 204 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:44.320 is masculine, associated with the sun and the element fire 205 00:13:45.039 --> 00:13:49.600 associated with thor and juno, and is used for protection, exoricism, health, 206 00:13:49.720 --> 00:13:53.840 and love. The juniper tree, often cold cedar in some 207 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:57.960 American traditions, have been considered powerfully protective and purifying in 208 00:13:58.039 --> 00:14:02.559 magic since ancient times. Juniper berries, the small blueberries of 209 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:06.600 the juniper, are especially revered for warding off evil. In 210 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:09.919 European folklore. During the plague years, juniper was burned to 211 00:14:09.960 --> 00:14:13.039 fumigate homes, which evolved into the belief that juniper smoke 212 00:14:13.159 --> 00:14:17.919 drives out malicious spirits and disease demons. To this day, 213 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:20.600 a common use in witchcraft is to burn dry juniper 214 00:14:20.679 --> 00:14:23.519 berries of wood to cleanse a space of negativity and 215 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:27.559 establish a protective barrier. The pungent, piny smoke is called 216 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:31.360 upon in exorcism rituals as well. Similar to cedar and frankincense, 217 00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:35.080 Juniper is also known for breaking curses and guarding against 218 00:14:35.159 --> 00:14:38.279 theft or accidents. One practice has been to carry a 219 00:14:38.320 --> 00:14:40.600 sprig of juniper or few berries in a charm bag 220 00:14:40.639 --> 00:14:44.759 when traveling to prevent accidents in wild animal attacks, reflecting 221 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:47.279 an old lore sighted in the Carpathians and Alps that 222 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:51.639 juniper on your person keeps you safe on journeys. Juniper 223 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:55.799 is also used in rituals of purification for people. For example, 224 00:14:55.960 --> 00:14:58.600 juniper infusion can be used as a wash to cleanse 225 00:14:58.600 --> 00:15:03.039 the body and ore. Historically, some indigenous cultures of North America, 226 00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:06.919 like certain Salish and dying communities, use juniper mountain cedar 227 00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:10.399 in sweat large ceremonies to purify participants and as a 228 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:14.320 smudge for cleansing ours. Another major aspect of juniper magic 229 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:19.039 is prosperity and luck. Ironically, given its protective focus, medieval 230 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:22.200 grimoires list juniper berries as ingredients and money drawing incense 231 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:25.519 or sachets, likely because of their reputation to open the 232 00:15:25.559 --> 00:15:31.080 way by removing negative blockages. Also, juniper's hardy, evergreen nature 233 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:34.440 is seen as symbolizing vitality and longevity, so it's used 234 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:37.759 in spells for health and longevity. The fragrance of juniper 235 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:41.600 is said to attract positive, helpful energies, while repelling foul ones, 236 00:15:41.879 --> 00:15:45.000 making it a classic double duty herb, cleansing out the 237 00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:49.279 bad and inviting the good. In practical folk uses, juniper 238 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:51.679 hung at the door protected the home from evil spirits. 239 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:55.919 The famous witch's Sabbath ointment sometimes included juniper for its 240 00:15:56.039 --> 00:16:00.519 entheogenic smoke and protection during spirit flight. Juniper contains thujone 241 00:16:00.519 --> 00:16:04.840 in some species. Magically, juniper corresponds to the fire element 242 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:07.840 due to its sharp scent and use in smoke, and 243 00:16:07.960 --> 00:16:11.159 to mars for protection and defense, or sometimes the sun 244 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:14.679 cleansing light. It is a main ingredient in the Old 245 00:16:14.840 --> 00:16:18.600 Four Thieves vinegar formula, a protective brew, emphasizing its use 246 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:22.879 against pestilence and malafica. Juniper's sharp and bsomic aroma exerts 247 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:26.840 stimulating yet cleansing effects on the nervous system. The essential 248 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:31.799 oil of juniper bary contains components like apenine, sabinine, and myersinine, 249 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:35.679 which act on both the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. When inhaled, 250 00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:39.399 The immediate sensation of smelling juniper is often a clearing 251 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:43.240 of the sinuses and a feeling of alertness. This corresponds 252 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:47.159 to trigeminal stimulation similar to smelling salts, though far gentler. 253 00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:51.200 The volatile oils trigger trigeminal nerve endings in the nasal mucosa, 254 00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:54.440 which can cause reflex opening of airways and a slight 255 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:58.000 increase in heart rate and blood pressure, a sympathetic response. 256 00:16:59.279 --> 00:17:03.360 In moderation, this is experienced as increased vigor or courage, 257 00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:08.720 which matches Juniper's magical bracing quality. Interestingly, sidrol, which is 258 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:12.279 present in juniper oil, especially in cedar variants of juniper 259 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:16.319 as discussed earlier, has a sedative effect, but juniper oil 260 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:20.079 is a mix of sedative and stimulating components. Small doses 261 00:17:20.119 --> 00:17:23.640 tend to revive and clarify the mind, whereas prolonged exposure 262 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:27.599 leans into calm focus. Modern studies have noted that juniper 263 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:30.839 essential oil romatherapy can lead to a decrease in sympathetic 264 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:34.119 nervous system over activity. One study found it reduced a 265 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:38.799 stress indicator in HRV measurements, implying a balancing toward parasympathetic. 266 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:43.279 This suggests that after the initial breadth of fresh air stimulation, 267 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:47.640 juniper actually helps lower stress responses, promoting a clear but 268 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:52.720 calm state. On a biochemical level, Juniper's terpenes may interact 269 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:57.559 with gabber receptors or adrenaline pathways to produce an antiolytic effect. Notably, 270 00:17:58.079 --> 00:18:02.519 juniper bery oil has documented analgesic and anti inflammatory effects. 271 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:05.920 When applied topically, it can soothe muscle aches and joint 272 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:10.240 pain by increasing local circulation and perhaps modulating pain signaling, 273 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:14.799 possibly via the trigeminal nerve branches in the skin. There 274 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:18.440 are accounts of juniper oil or smoke helping neualgia nerve pain. 275 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:22.079 One source suggests it calms the nerve pain and damage. 276 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:26.799 This is plausible because juniper's constituents have mild anesthetic effects. 277 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:30.599 They can cause a slight numbness, much like clover eucalyptus, 278 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:34.839 though weaker. For example, juniper was historically used in a 279 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:38.799 warm compressed to reduce siatic pain, indicating and likely interacts 280 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:42.920 with peripheral nerves to dampened pain signals. The vagus nerve 281 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:46.319 might also be influenced by juniper. Consuming juniper bery t 282 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:50.440 is diuretic and aids digested via the vagal stimulation of 283 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:54.039 renal and digestive function, and if one is less bloated 284 00:18:54.119 --> 00:18:58.640 or carrying less water, one feels lighter and calmer, so indirectly, 285 00:18:58.680 --> 00:19:01.599 Juniper's diuretic cleansed ca can relieve physical stress that would 286 00:19:01.599 --> 00:19:07.240 otherwise signal the brain. Additionally, Juniper's potential effect on respiratory 287 00:19:07.319 --> 00:19:11.279 centers is worth noting. Burning juniper and sickrooms was not 288 00:19:11.400 --> 00:19:14.640 just to kill germs. Inhaling, its smoke or vapor can 289 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:17.960 open the lungs. Some of its turpenes are broncho dilatory. 290 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:22.359 By easing respiration, juniper could reduce the sensation of breathlessness 291 00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:26.039 and panic, which involve the vagus and glassopharyngeal in sensing 292 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:29.640 blood CO two. This ties to the magical notion of 293 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:36.359 juniper providing breath of life protection. Another neurological facet emotional memory. 294 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:40.319 The scent of juniper, once associated with safety, can through 295 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:43.519 the limbic system, trigger feelings of security each time it smelt. 296 00:19:44.599 --> 00:19:49.279 This conditioned response hippycampus migdala might make a person truly 297 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:52.720 feel less fear when Juniper is around due to past 298 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:57.200 associations of being safe while smelling Juniper, effectively a placebo 299 00:19:57.279 --> 00:20:02.359 that is neurologically real. Summing up Juniper's neural impact is 300 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:07.559 to stimulate, clarify, then fortify. It heightens alertness initially via 301 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:12.039 trigeminal adrenergic activation, then steadies the nerves by reducing excessive 302 00:20:12.079 --> 00:20:16.960 sympathetic stress responses and mild analgesic action. It engages primal 303 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:20.759 brain regions through scent two signal all clear, which aligns 304 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:23.279 with its use to instill courage and ward or fear. 305 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:27.160 No wonder. A medieval proverb claim that demons flee from 306 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:30.200 the house that smells of juniper, One could say that, 307 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:34.480 on a neurological level, fears anxiety and demons flee from 308 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:38.319 the brain bathed in juniper's aroma. Science backs this up 309 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:42.680 by showing juniper decreases anxiety and improves ordonomic balance. Truly 310 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:45.200 a protector for our nervous system as much as for 311 00:20:45.319 --> 00:20:51.839 our spirit. And next up we have Palo santo folk 312 00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:56.119 name holywood. It is masculine, associated with the sun and 313 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:59.960 the element of air, associated with Inti and pacha mama, 314 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:06.279 and used for purification, blessing, protection, and luck. Palo santo 315 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:09.519 Spanish for holy wood is a sacred wood from South 316 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:13.359 America or often burned like incense. It has become beloved 317 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:16.519 in spiritual practice for its ability to cleanse heal and 318 00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:21.440 attract positive energy. In indigenous traditions, Palo santo is used 319 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:24.640 much like sages in North America, to smudge in clear 320 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:29.160 negativity from people or places. When burned, it produces a sweet, 321 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:33.119 citrusy smoke that is believed to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, 322 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:37.079 and bad energy. Practitioners will light a stick of palosanto 323 00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:39.880 and walk through a home, allowing the purifying smoke to 324 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:43.359 bless each room and chase away any stagnant or harmful vibes. 325 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:48.039 Palosanto is particularly associated with bringing in good fortune and 326 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:51.920 creativity after cleansing. For example, many use it at the 327 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:53.880 start of the day or a work session to clear 328 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:58.079 mental blocks and invite inspiration. Indeed, it's often said to 329 00:21:58.160 --> 00:22:02.720 raise your vibration and enhance creator to focus. In ritual settings, 330 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:07.440 palo was burned to set a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. Its 331 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:10.440 presence is thought to invite to spirits of light and benevolence. 332 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:14.079 Some say the spirit of the palosanto tree itself aids 333 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:19.039 in healing. Notably, Palo santo is frequently used in sound cleansings, 334 00:22:19.119 --> 00:22:22.799 meditation circles, and yoga studios, where its gentle aroma helps 335 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:28.160 participants relax and concentrate. Shamans use palosanto and ceremonies to 336 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:31.480 help people let go of grief, anger, or sticky energies 337 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:35.240 that cling to the ore. By smudging with palosanto while 338 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:38.559 setting an intention to release these emotions, one is thought 339 00:22:38.599 --> 00:22:42.279 to be freed from spiritual burdens. It's also common to 340 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:46.680 see Palosanto recommended for protection during ceremonies, much like Frankensnse. 341 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:50.480 Its high vibration is believed to keep malicious entities away 342 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:55.000 while sacred work is done. Astrologically, Palo Santo might be 343 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:58.119 aligned with mercury for clarity or the sun for positivity 344 00:22:58.119 --> 00:23:01.359 and warmth. Palo santa thos impact on the nervous system 345 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:05.319 is primarily soothing and mood elevating, mediated through its aromatic 346 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:09.240 compounds like limanine and mental furine. When palosanto is burned, 347 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:12.599 the olfactory nerve carries its distinct sweet citrusy wood he 348 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:15.200 send to the limpic system, where it has been noted 349 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:18.119 to cause reduced stress and a sense of calm focus. 350 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:21.960 In fact, limanine, which can comprise a large percentage of 351 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:28.000 palosanto resin, is known to have antiolytic and antidepressant effects inhaling. 352 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:30.960 Limanine rich aromas has been shown in studies to raise 353 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:34.319 serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which correlates with 354 00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:38.640 improved mood and stress resilience. Therefore, the traditional claim that 355 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:42.000 palosanto smoke promotes a feeling of relaxation and inner piece 356 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:46.599 isn't just subjective. It likely reflects neurochemical changes such as 357 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:51.000 increased availability of serotonin, the neurotransmitter of well being, and 358 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:57.240 perhaps activation of gabba areceptors. Limanine has some gabba modulating activity. Additionally, 359 00:23:57.640 --> 00:24:01.880 palosanto often induces a gentle warm ring sensation Mentally, this 360 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:04.720 could be due to slight simulation of the trigeminal nerve 361 00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:09.160 via mental furence subtle minty cooling followed by dilation, which 362 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:11.839 can lead to muscle tension release in the face or head. 363 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:15.759 People with tension headache sometimes fine relief when exposed to 364 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:19.279 palosantal's smoke or oil hinting. It may cause mild vassal 365 00:24:19.319 --> 00:24:23.359 dilation and muscle relaxation in the scalp, possibly through trigeminal 366 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:28.119 reflex pathways. The vagus nerve is also likely engaged indirectly, 367 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:33.160 as one relaxes. On a Palosanto's influence, parasympathetic tone increases. 368 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:37.279 One might notice deeper slower breadths during a Palo Santo cleansing. 369 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:42.440 Some breathwork practitioners incorporate its use. This deeper breathing is 370 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:45.359 a sign of vaguel activation, which lowers heart rate and 371 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:51.440 signals calm. Indeed, anecdotally, healers mentioned palosantal reduces heart palpitations 372 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:57.279 of anxiety and eases the gut, both functions under vagal control. 373 00:24:57.440 --> 00:25:01.480 On another front, Palo Santo's essential oil has anti inflammatory 374 00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:05.599 properties thanks to compounds like a topinyl, which can reduce 375 00:25:05.640 --> 00:25:09.519 pain and swelling. Applying diluted Palo Santo oil to temples 376 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:13.480 or neck might relieve tension via local action on sensory nerves, 377 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:17.839 which can reduce pain and swelling. Applying diluted Palo santal 378 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:21.240 oil to temples or neck might relieve tension via local 379 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:26.960 action on sensory nerves, trigeminal and cervical nerves. Summarizing Palo 380 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:30.160 Santo's neurological magic is that it quiets the fear centers 381 00:25:30.160 --> 00:25:34.799 amiglia and uplifts the mood center's limbic reward circuits, leading 382 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:39.200 to reduced anxiety and heightened clarity. Likely achieves this by 383 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:43.079 boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABBA, while also engaging the 384 00:25:43.119 --> 00:25:48.920 parasympathetic nervous system vagel response to relax the body. The result, 385 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:52.119 as mystical as it sounds, is a brain state conducive 386 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:56.119 to both tranquility and inspiration, which perfectly mirrors the wood's 387 00:25:56.160 --> 00:26:00.000 reputation for bringing in love, creativity, and spiritual connected inness 388 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:04.279 after cleansing away the negative. The science and the spirituality 389 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:07.759 thus agree that Palo Santo calms the mind and gliddens 390 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:13.839 the heart, a fitting description of its neuromagical effect. And 391 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:18.480 next we have sweet grass, folk name Seneca or vanilla grass. 392 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:21.640 It is feminine, associated with the planet Venus and the 393 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:25.400 element air. Is associated with the Earth Mother and used 394 00:26:25.400 --> 00:26:31.119 for purification, calling spirits, blessings and peace. Sweet grass is 395 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:34.400 a sacred herb in many Native American traditions, often called 396 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:37.039 the holy grass or braid of Mother Earth. It is 397 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:40.839 typically dried and braided, then either burned, smoldered, or simply 398 00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:43.960 carried to imbue the surroundings with its sweet vanilla like scent. 399 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:48.400 In ritual use, sweet grass attracts positive energies and spirits. 400 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:51.200 Its smoke is often referred to as the breath of 401 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:55.599