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Juice from the stems of sunflowers is used as an ointment to increase one s integrity and
virtuousness in magical spells. [Fire +++]
Sweet Potatoes are the tubers of a climbing plant that grows in the southern United
States. Yams are the club-shaped rhizomes of an entirely different plant that grows in the
West Indies. Both foods look and taste similar and represent gentle nurturing that adds a
softening influence to meat dishes. [Earth ++]
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- T -
Tarragon is a pungent bright-green perennial related to wormwood. The leaves have
been used as a pickling spice since the Middle Ages, when people believed it dispelled
negative influences. [Fire ++]
Tea was considered an elixir of immortality by Chinese Taoists in 500 BC, and Asians
have always treated its preparation as part of a sacred ceremony. Tea is thought to
combat drowsiness while encouraging a Zen-like meditative state that allows one to
"return to the Source." The typical Asian tea is made from the leaves of a white-flowered
evergreen plant, though the green tea is thought to be more beneficial than darker
roasted varieties. It is known that green tea contains antioxidant polyphenol compounds
that prevent cell damage. [Water +++]
Thyme is the leaf of a bushy, low-growing perennial that promotes good health on all
levels of being. The Greeks associated it with vigor and recognized that it helped elderly
people think better. Thyme is an antibiotic, cures indigestion, encourages deep breathing,
ensures recuperative sleep, and enhances psychic powers by calming the nervous
system. The delicious tea is often drunk after a meal. [Fire ++]
Tomatoes were called Love Apples when they were first introduced into Europe from the
New World and were used to solicit romantic attention. Europeans also placed them on
windowsills to repel negative energies. It seems that nobody thought of cooking with
tomatoes until the nineteenth century, and today, the once lowly tomato is the basic
ingredient of many sauces, soups, and salads worldwide. [Water ++]
Truffles are fragrant, round fungi that grow entirely underground. Dogs and hogs are
trained to sniff them out, and the delicacy commands a high price when it can be found. It
was once believed that truffles were created when lightning hit the ground, and they
became prized for their aphrodisiac powers. [Earth +++]
Turkey meat carries a proud energy that can be adapted by the knowing cook. The bird
is associated with family traditions and holiday celebrations. Turkey meat is rich in the
amino acid tyrosine, which increases motivation and levels of attention. [Fire ++]
Turmeric is the root of a plant related to ginger that was used for centuries by Hawaiian
priests in purification rituals. In Europe, it was associated with magical power because of
its deep golden color and peppery flavor. Turmeric has been used since the Middle Ages
to treat jaundice and liver infections, and it also contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient
that fights arthritis and heart disease. [Fire ++]
Turnips are used to ward off unwanted presences. In Europe, carved-out turnips with a
burning candle inside were used to scare off evil spirits on Halloween. Similarly, serving
someone turnips will cause them to leave you alone. Parsnips taste similar to turnips,
though they have a more slender bulb. Kohlrabi is a type of turnip that grows above
ground. Rutabagas are also related to turnips. [Earth +++]
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- U -
Uva ursi is a low-growing evergreen with dark green leaves. The name is Latin for
"bear's grape" and refers to the small red berries that bears love to eat so much. But it is
the leaves that humans use for their therapeutic action. Uva ursi acts as a diuretic and
urinary tract antibacterial agent, and has been used to treat disorders of the spleen, liver,
pancreas, small intestine, and prostate. [Water ++]
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- V -
Vanilla is a bean that comes from the pod of a tropical orchid that was first cultivated by
the Aztecs. The flower has almost no odor, but its seeds give off a wonderful fragrance
that can actually be intoxicating in high concentrations. Vanilla is used to increase the
midrange or "loving" vibrations both in cooking and in aromatic sachets and has been
called the "Middle C" of spices. At one time, just carrying a vanilla bean was thought to
tune one s consciousness to a higher level. [Air ++]
Vinegar is made by fermenting and then distilling dilute alcoholic beverages such as
cider and wine. Its mild acidic properties add fiery energy to dishes. [Fire +++]
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- W -
Waffles and pancakes carry the amiable energies of the grain or nut out of which they
are made. They incorporate the essences of a variety of flavorings and syrups. [Earth
+++]
Walnuts bestow heightened faculties and invite the dark powers of earth. In the Middle
Ages, the walnut tree was once called the Tree of Evil, because witches liked to conduct
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