Metaphysical Properties Of Centaury Root
Official Name: Erythraea centaurium
Other Names: Christ's Ladder, Feverwort
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Metaphysical Powers: Snake-Removing
Common Magickal Uses and Folklore of Centaury Root
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The smoke from burning or fuming Centaury drives off snakes.
Centaury has been considered one of the most useful bitter herbs. It works on the kidneys and liver, purifies the blood, strengthens digestive function, increases stomach secretions to assist with the breakdown of food, stimulates the appetite, and increases bile production. Centaury has an intriguing history of uses, and according to legend, it was named because of the mythical centaur Chironia who cured a poison arrow wound with the herb. Because it is so bitter, the ancient Romans called it the 'bile of the earth' (fel terraae), and the Anglo-Saxons named it feverwort because they utilized it to treat fevers and snake bites.
In folk medicine, Centaury was employed to strengthen the bladder and prevent bedwetting, constipation, colic, anemia, gas, heartburn, delayed menses, lose weight, destroy head lice, gout, and digestion. Centaury was considered a panacea and was recommended for virtually any medical condition or disorder. Farmers historically added this herb to the fodder of their sick or emaciated cows, horses, and chickens and washed their wounds with a cooled infusion.