Above the refrigerator in that almost useless cabinet that we are supposed to store those dishes or appliances we least use I store my herbs, resins, and recipes. Well spells more than recipes but they read like recipes and are written on index cards.
For me being a kitchen witch means that I love using my herbs and spices for more than what most folks would use them for. I make incense to burn, potpourri to scent the house, herbal combinations for soaps, tonics and teas for when I'm ill. Some common herbs when combined with others can be quite toxic. My knowledge of herbs recently came in handy. With the poor air quality issue I've had as a resident of WA state my asthma has had a flare up leaving me with a red throat, swollen gland, and hurting ears. I mixed together lavender, chamomile, rose hips, hibiscus, and echinacea for a tea. It does the trick every time. Just two mugs of the tea and my throat is already feeling better. Although this is my decoction I wouldn't prescribe it to everyone as different bodies have different responses. It's more a science.
Science has usually been a male pursuit where I grew up. Most women aspired to be married and pregnant in the back woods area. However,I've always had a pull towards the stars. Even as a small child my brother and I would take nights of observations from his telescope and make notes of when certain events were to occur again in the night sky. I went one step further with the stars and dreamed of Embry Riddle school. Those dreams never came to fruition as I was a girl and was expected to stay near home to attend college. Live at home or with another family member as some sort of protection.
Still to this day I long to travel to the stars. I dream of discoveries and keep hope that one day I just might make it up there. Until then I can be found in my kitchen making herbal recipes for colds, diuretics, and incense.
Inspired by a real-life murder that threatened to topple the powerful Hapsburg dynasty in the 17th century, The Bloodletter's Daughter imagines how one young woman holds more power than she thought possible. Join From Left to Write on September 25 as we discuss the The Bloodletter's Daughter. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
