The most common inquiry I receive from fellow Brauchers is for referral to charms related to Alcoholism. While our central grimoires are lacking in charms directly addressing the disease of addiction, or more specifically, Alcoholism, Braucherei is an art, and it is up to us as Brauchers to be creative in choosing the most appropriate charms and remedies from our source materials and other available resources to get to the root of our client's needs.
It is important to remember when trying for addictions such as Alcoholism, you recognize the complex nature of the disease with its compulsion emanating from psychological trauma; dependency itself conjures up feelings of unworthiness and shame, and the physical effects of alcohol on the body can be deadly. Though our craft of Pennsylvania Dutch Powwow is one of simplicity, we do have the tools and ability to tackle complex, holistic maters.
Here is a charm from The Long Lost Friend, and herbal remedy from Albertus Magnus, The Egyptian Book of Secrets, and an herbal regimen from a book entitled Herb Talk which was put together by a late herbalist from Centre County where I live. The charm and herbal remedy from our grimoires are best performed on a Monday when the Sun is in Mars during the waning gibbous moon phase. The herbal regimen from Herb Talk should be taken consistently in line with permission and recommendation of a physician. It is also important to note that the client should be under care of a mental health professional, as well, while undergoing any program or attempts toward sobriety.
The first charm is from the Long Lost Friend. Given the nature of Alcoholism as a repetitive, compulsive behavior that renders the sufferer powerless to the feeling of an outside force having control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions, even leaving one spiritually empty, and feeling hopeless, I choose to use this charms from Hohman's book:
TO RELEASE SPELL-BOUND PERSONS
"You horseman and footman, whom I here conjured at this time, you may pass on in the name of Jesus Christ, through the word of God and the will of Christ; ride ye on now and pass."
The herbal remedy I would pair with that charm from our grimoires is one taken from Albertus Magnus: Egyptian Book of Secrets. This particular remedy is to be taken after a person has consumed too much alcohol. The client surely can use this remedy anytime they relapse and consume alcohol; however, I would recommend this remedy be used in conjunction with the above oral charm, and repeated during the waning gibbous moon phase each month, for cleansing purposes, and with intention of releasing and letting go of the deeper roots of the issue. Here is the remedy...
WHEN A PERSON HAS IMBIBED TOO MUCH
"Take fungus of a linden tree, one half quart of old wine (substitute non-alcoholic wine for recovery), one half quart of water, pour the latter on the fungus, let it draw for twenty-four hours, and drink morning, noon, and evening thereof, one teaspoon full. It is a sure cure"
Bonus: from Albertus Magnus: Egyptian Book of Secrets, there is another method that is a little more difficult to execute, and very much on the morbid side of things. It is, however, an option:
TO WEAN A TIPPLER FROM DRINKING WINE
"Take an apple, put it into the hand of a dying man, and let the apple remain there till the person dies. If you desire the tippler to drink only half the quantity he usually takes, give him one-half of the apple to eat; but if you wish him to abstain totally from strong drinks give him the entire apple to eat. But the drunkard must not be aware of your designs."
Alcohol is toxic to the physical body, and deadly to the liver. Nutrients are not retained by the body, and quickly flushed from the system of the sufferer. When a person makes a decision to reach out for help, herbal supplements are an important piece of the complex recovery process. My favorite reference book when dealing with more serious conditions is called HERB TALK: The Book That Grows, a Practical A to Z Guide to Health Using Herbs and Supplements. This book was written by the late Herbalist, Annie Marie Wishard, of Centre County, Pennsylvania. She was well-known, and revered for her knowledge and skill. Annie owned an herb shop in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania for years, and her products are still sold on shelves throughout the State College area. I recommend herbal supplements and always advise to proceed until a physician approves. Here are her recommendations:
Bee Pollen: Use as directed. Alcoholics are usually B- vitamin deficient. Bee Pollen is complete nutrition and contains free form amino acids.
L- Glutamine: Use as directed. Decreases the need and desire for alcohol. Aids in depression.
Kudzu: 2 - 3 cups daily. This tea helps decrease the desire for alcohol with no side effects.
Royal Jelly: 1 - 2 grams daily. A rejuvenator. Provides nutrition and improves one's metal outlook.
B Vitamins: Use as directed. Use in lieu of Bee Pollen, or in addition to it.
Free Form Amino Acids: 500 mgs 3 times daily. Aids the brain and liver and assists withdrawal symptoms. Protein helps regenerate the liver.
Quassia Chips: Use as a tea 2 times daily. Decreases the pleasure of drinking alcohol and makes one feel ill if they DO drink.
Wishard went on to recommend red beet root powder capsules 2 - 4 times per day to help purify the blood, as well as antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, and coenxyme Q10. She related that these would work to protect cells and provide oxygen to assist the body on healing. Also, she added that Lecithin before meals would help the brain and liver.
As you can see, there is no simple solution when trying for a complex disease such as alcoholism which has many layers and deep roots beyond the manifesting symptoms the Braucher sees on the surface. This is where our simple tradition becomes an art, and the Braucher must be intuitive, resourceful, and willing to go deeper. I must also repeat here the necessity of proper medical and psychological care in conjunction to Powwow work when dealing with the complexity of Alcoholism, as there is high risk of serious medical and mental health issues during detoxification, which can be fatal or lead to death. As a Braucher, I feel our role in these complex issues is the most meaningful, as we are there to connect the sufferer to the grace of God, who can restore their hope... the most powerful pathway toward healing.
by Gretchen Swank; 12/12/2022
Resources: Pow-Wows: Long Lost Friend- A Collecton of Mysterious and Invaluable Arts and Remedies. (1820). To Release Spell-Bound Persons. Page 47. Health Research, Pomeroy WA
Albertus Magnus: Egyptian Secrets. (2019). To Wean a Tippler from Drinking Wine (Page 115). When a Person Has Imbibed Too Much (Page 124). Public Domain.
WIshard, A. (2000). Herb Talk. Alcoholism. Annie Marie Wishard.
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