The Shamanic Herbal: Tyr's Herbs


Wolvesbane

[Monkshood](Aconitum napellus)

Names: Aconite, Monkshood, Tyr's Helm, Aulde Wife's Hood, Dumbledore's Delight, Leopard's Bane, Wolf's Hat
Medicinal Uses: Extremely poisonous, this plant can be used externally in very small doses as a numbing anesthetic rub for arthritis and muscle pain. Use with care, and preferably only under the tutelage of someone who knows what they're doing.
Traditional Magical Uses: Once an arrow-tip poison and an execution method for condemned criminals, Wolvesbane has long been used as a spell of binding and protection.
Shamanic Magical Uses: This extremely poisonous plant has a special relationship with Tyr, the warrior god of honor, whose bravery chained the great wolf Fenris. Use it to find him, call him, or make offerings to him. To do the latter, lay it on an altar out of the reach of children, pets, and irresponsible housemates, and bury it when it was withered. (Don't burn or eat it.) Carry it when traveling in Jotunheim, especially in the area of the Iron Wood, to keep were-creatures and other aggressive folks away from you. This plant also helps with folks who are shapeshifters and are having trouble with the shifting getting out of control; carrying a small pouch of wolvesbane with keep you human. It also works well as a charm for those humans with Jotun bloodlines who have anger-management problems from lack of self-control in managing their own internal beast; it can be used in binding spells for this purpose.

Mustard

(Brassica juncea, nigra, and hirta)

Names: Mostarde, Mustus Ardens,
Medicinal Uses: A poultice of the powder, laid on the chest, relieves congestion. It also relieves aching joints and is good in a footbath.
Household Uses: Make mustard sauce by mixing water with ground or powdered seed in the following proportions: 3 parts brown mustard, 2 parts white mustard, 1 part black mustard. Add just enough oil to make it smooth. If you can't get all three kinds, it's all right.
Traditional Magical Uses: Throwing the seed into the air can supposedly help you fly, and sprinkling it over your doorstep will keep out unwanted visitors.
Shamanic Magical Uses: One of the herbs found in the Oseberg burial, Mustard is much liked by Tyr, and can be used in conjunction with his rune Teiwaz/Tyr. You can make a Tyr rune on the ground out of mustard seeds, or eat a few while invoking the rune.