Witchy Wednesday - Agapanthus
Witchy Wednesday - Agapanthus Agapanthus, more commonly known as Lily of the Nile is a species of the flowering plant family Amaryllidaceae and are herbaceous Perennials. They grow to around 60cm in height with often purple or white tubular flowers and leathery alternating leaves along the stem. The name comes from the Greek for love flowers. They are native to warmer climates and particularly America. The leaves of a Lily of the Nile contain a component that acts as an oxytocic, meaning that it causes the uterus to contract, therefore it is put to use to induce childbirth and therefore should be avoided by anyone who wishes to stay pregnant. Xhosa women use the roots to make antenatal medicine, and they make a necklace using the roots that they wear as a charm to bring healthy, strong babies. The Zulu use Agapanthus to treat heart disease, paralysis, coughs, colds, chest pains and tightness. It is also used with other plants in various medicines taken during pregnancy to ensure healthy children, or to augment or induce labour. It is also used as a love charm and by people afraid of thunderstorms, and to ward off thunder. The long, strap-like leaves also make an excellent bandage to hold a dressing or poultice in place, and winding leaves around the wrists are said to help bring a fever down. Magickally we use this plant as an aphrodisiac, or charm in a mojo bag to be fertile or protect a growing baby in the womb, ensuring its good health. It’s also used as offerings to the Goddess to fall pregnant under a full moon or Goddess tree. Burn dried flowers in open to bring confidence, and knowledge. Agapanthus is used as an aphrodisiac in some African tradition, and may also be used as a fertility charm and carried by pregnant women to protect and ensure the health of a growing fetus.
