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Saffron
Scientific name: Crocus sativus

Medicinal value
This herb is prevents heart disease, build-up of cholesterol, soothes membranes of the stomach and colon. Pregnant women should not take it.

Religious importance
It is believe that Saffron cleans the hands before rituals, heals when used in mixtures and is an essential oil used to induce clairvoyance.

Habitat
Saffron is a perennial and prefers well-drained soil with plenty of water and sun.

Sage
Scientific name: Salvia spp.

Medicinal value
This herb relieves excess mucous buildup, eases mental exhaustion, strengthens concentrating abilities, treats sores and skin eruptions, stops bleeding in all cuts, soothes mouth sores and sore throats, is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu, colds, rinses hair and removes dandruff. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aid in treating hot flashes and is used as a deodorant.

Religious importance
It is believed that sage in healing amulets, incenses and sachets bring prosperity and if burned at the altar or in sacred space it consecrates the area.

Habitat
This evergreen perennial with an height of 2 feet does best in sandy, limey soil and full sun.

St. Johnswort
Scientific name: Hypericum perforatum

Medicinal value
This herb for treating bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wounds, septic wounds, to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, shingles, symptoms that occur during menopause and is useful in swellings, abscesses, and bad insect stings. Recent research proves that St. Johnswort is effective in combating AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body.

Religious importance
It is believed that St. Johnswort if hung around the neck it prevents fevers and wearing the herb aids in war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. St. John if hang in the bedroom makes the person dream of the future husband.

Habitat
St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall that grows throughout North America and prefers rich to moderately rich soils and full sun.

Sandalwood
Scientific name: Santalum album

Medicinal value
This herb is used to cool the body during fevers and heat stroke, to aid in passing of kidney and gall- stones and for infections in the urinary tract.

Religious importance
It is believed that Sandalwood oil if massaged on the forehead and between the eyes, calms the mind. It is also used in healing oils and sachets and if burned as a purifying agent in every room of the home it protects.

Saw Palmetto
Scientific name: Serenoa repens, S. serrulata

Medicinal value
This herb is used for all wasting diseases, diseases of the reproductive glands and organs, for the mucous membranes as well as for treating bronchitis and lung asthma. For treating enlargement of the prostate gland this is an effective treatment.

Scullcap
Scientific name: Scutellaria laterifolia

Medicinal value
This herb is food for the nerve, it relieves from all chronic and acute diseases that affect the nerves, regulates sexual desires, lessen the affects of epilepsy, aids in easing insomnia and restlessness, is a remedy for feminine cramps and menstrual troubles and reduces fevers.

Religious importance
It is believed that Scullcap is used in spells that bring peace, tranquility and relaxation.

Habitat
Scullcap is a perennial, prefers moist well-drained soils, grows to 3 feet in full to partial shade.

Senna
Scientific name: Cassia Senna

Medicinal value
This herb is an effective laxative, often used as a cleanser during a fast and is not to be used for prolonged periods to avoid the bowel becoming dependent.

Religious importance
It is believed that Senna is used in love sachets.

Habitat
Senna is a shrub native to North Africa, India and China that grows to 3 feet.

Slippery Elm
Scientific name: Ulmus fulva

Medicinal value
This herb neutralizes stomach acids, boosts adrenal glands, draws out impurities and heals all parts of the body. It is most useful for the respiratory system and can be externally used to heal burns, skin cancers, poison ivy and wounds.

Religious importance
It is believed that Slippery elm is burned to stop gossip.

Habitat
This deciduous tree grows to a height of 50-80 feet tall and needs full sun and good soils preferably the type found in Canada, Florida, west of Dakotas and Texas.

Solomon's Seal
Scientific name: Polygonatum officianale

Medicinal value
This herb is effective for treating tuberculosis, diabetes, wasting diseases and is used as a kidney tonic and as a healer of broken bones.

Religious importance
It is believed that this herb is used in protection sachets and incenses. It is also used for exorcisms and cleansing mixtures.

Habitat
Solomon's Seal is a perennial herb that grows from 1 - 3 feet high and prefers moist woods, thickets, roadsides and full to partial sun.

Spearmint
Scientific name: Mentha viridis

Medicinal value
This herb help stopping vomiting during pregnancy and is gentle enough to use for colic in babies while aiding in curing colds, flu and gas.

Religious importance
It is believed that Spearmint is added to healing incenses and sachets to aid in healing lung diseases and other afflictions.

Habitat
This perennial form the mint family grows to 3 feet and can tolerate different growing conditions.

Squawvine
Scientific name: Mitchella repens

Medicinal value
This herb is most beneficial in childbirth as it strengthens the uterus, helps prevent miscarriage and relieves congestion of the uterus and ovaries. Its antiseptic properties make it valuable for treating vaginal infections.

Habitat
This is a perennial evergreen creeper that grows on forest floors.