tranquility
prosperity
protection

Basil, also known as Saint John's Wort, has a myriad of uses. Basil calms the mind, attracts love, can attract customers and wealth to business-owners, brings peace after quarrels, can be used in fragrant oils, and is used in making pesto, noodle dishes, lemonade, cheese, herbed butters and dipping oils.

protection
strength
confidence

Black pepper is one of the most popular and commonly-used spices in the world, seasoning pretty much any food you could imagine. When used in incense, black pepper is invigorating. It can be used for protection, strength and influence attack-magicks.

healing
happiness
love

Cinnamon is associated with the sun and the element of fire. It can fill a room with warmth and comfort when burned or cooked. Cinnamon can be used to sanctify an area and aid in healing. When ingested, cinnmon is good for easing stomach ailments, especially when made into a tea or chewed as gum. It's a mulling spice for cider and wine, good in hot cocoas, and also pairs well with poultry.

ward against evil
aphrodisiac
good luck

Other than repelling vampires, garlic braids can also keep thieves at bay and and attract lovers. Garlic can be used to break spells, fill poppets and mojo bags, and its juice can protect from negative energy. Garlic can thin blood and has antibiotic properties. Its culinary uses include seasoning pastas, root vegetables, breads and cheeses.

cleansing
purification
ward

The uses for salt are nearly endless, from preserving food to creating holy water to absorbing psychic energies. Salt can be drawn in a circle protecting those within or keeping other out. Salt water is used for cleansing both people and ritual objects. In cooking, salt can season or preserve.

attraction
summoning

Sugar sweetens food and drink and it vital in creating tasty desserts. Sugar can be used in spells to attract elemental entities, energy or wealth. But, the desserts may work just as well.

healing
protection
purification

Burdock, also known as Cockle Buttons, is generally considered a weed, growing almost anywhere with fruits that easily stick to almost anything. Boiled with water, its roots, fruits or leaves can be drunk to purify the blood and ease indigestion. The seeds can be extracted as tinctures that smooth and soothe skin. Burdock flowers can be eaten, but are naturally bitter. Stems can be candied and roots can be prepared similarly to carrots or other root vegetables.

antiseptic
calming

With a pungent aroma, Caraway Seeds can spruce up everything from breads to casseroles. The seeds are said to strengthen respiration, soothe upset stomachs and can be made into a poultice to fight off infection and calm burns.

communication
toxin

Also known as Dead Men's Bells or Witches' Gloves, Foxglove is a beautiful but deadly flower. Handled carefully and prepared with precision, it can be used in medicines to heal the heart and kidneys. However, it's much easier to poison and stop the heart with Foxglove. Juice from the plant can open up lines of communication with faeries. The leaves can help one break free of faerie enchantment. Take care not to touch Foxglove to the skin, inhale the smoke from burning Foxglove, and never eat it. Unless, of course, your aim is to use up a cove.

fertility
protection

Lotus tastes mild and semi-sweet. Depending on how long it’s cooked, the texture can range from crisp celery to soft cooked potatoes. Lotus root grows underwater, hanging from floating pods on the water’s surface. Packed with good minerals and vitamins, lotus is said to boost lung health.

cooling
astringent
soothing

Kokum is rare, with a sour and sweet flavor. Often found in curries, kokum also pairs well with lentils and even sweet creams. Topically, kokum soothes burns, allergic rashes and chaffed skin. It can also help with stomach issues and heart problems.

calms blood humors
inhibits tumor growth

Machalepi’s first use may have been in perfumes and shampoos, but it has since become a baking staple. Its delicious taste, reminiscent of almonds, cherries and a hint of rosewater, also pairs well savory meats and cheeses. There’s really not much machalepi can’t enhance - apricots, pistachios, honey, pancakes, breads... Take note, once ground, the kernels lose flavor quickly. It’s best to keep them as a kernel until you need the grounds.

astringent
antiseptic

Avoid white sumac and you’ll be safe. Red sumac, on the other hand, has a myriad of helpful uses - from tanning hides and basket weaving, to antiseptics and relieving chest pain. Most commonly, its a tart spice that pairs with most meats, and can stand-in for lemon. Sumac can be sprinkled on an onion for a snack or mixed with water for a refreshing drink. With a little more time, gin-soaked sumac berries can go into mint sauce. Delicious on beef!

luck
fertility

Prunus dulcis, or almond, is one of the oldest nuts and makes the second most popular extract. Extremely common in all variety of desserts, like cake and cookies, such as macaron and biscotti, but almond extract can be very interesting in savory dishes. A perfect use of almond extract is in rice, alongside raisins, saffron and slivered almonds. You might also enjoy it in your coffee.

purification
protection
decongestant

Anise is sweet but has licorice undertones, and is commonly found in jams, puddings and other desserts. Although often associated with the winter holiday meals and treats, anise has uses outside of cooking and baking. It can soothe sore throats, relieve coughs, and lessen stomach pain. Sleeping with anise in your pillow keeps bad dreams and nightmares at bay.

pain relief
power
circulation

Ginger grows like a root, but is actually a rhizome. It can be ground, crystallized or candied, or made into an extract. Healers have used ginger to treat almost every ailment, and adding it to tea assauges cramps, nausea, and migraines. It can be added sparingly to baths to ease pain and increase circulation. Cloths soaked in ginger tea can be applied directly to parts of the body experiencing pains and discomfort. Ginger pairs well with both root vegetables and pastries.

purification
detoxification
peace

Lavender has a soothing aroma that can ease one into sleep. It can be used to treat several ailments, from digestion problems to chills to burns. Lavender can also be used in desserts, drinks and, if not left for too long, marinades for meats. The delicate flowers can be used as decorative garnish.

aphrodisiac
soothing

The vanilla bean is part of the orchid family and one of the most valuable spices in the world. Finicky and hard to grow, people’s love for the flavor and benefits have kept them alive through hand-pollination. Vanilla can be used to flavor cakes, rice puddings, oatmeal, cookies and chocolates. Applied directly to the skin, vanilla works as an aphrodisiac perfume.

Know a cove or mot in need of a heave, a chat or maybe tea with the pigs? Lost your uncle or piece man? Bring your yellow tin to the Curiosities Counter when it's clean and let's get the flags waving.