Botanicals and Preparations Nightshades and hemlock, Opium and Cannabis. These are the suspected fare of the Necromancer. Though I have used many a varied Nightshades, found wild across thousands of miles, I have yet to happen upon henbane, and I really would have liked to. Water hemlock I have an acquaintance with and must say the roots there of make for powerful charms. And of the Mushroom Amanita Muscaria, brightly orange, flecked with white, glistening with dew on an autumn morn. These I class with the Nightshade, "Datura" as to use, virtually interchangeable. Cannabis has been useful as a protection herb. To be used when having to endure physical extremes. However it is destructively distracting and must not be used during deep trance work, lest the work be wasted. And it is the matter of deep trance work that I must address here. Such a drain it is on ones physical resources, that one must constantly look to their health. Consciousness commutation with even a lesser being for one night, could take up to a month to physically recover from. So the wise Necromancer will become acquainted with natures remedies for a number of reasons. First and foremost, to be able to operate with complete autonomy in all avenues of life. Needing to call a Doctor and rely on the aid of an unwashed ungulate, polluting your atmosphere would be most egregious As to a curiosity, Nicotiana Glauca, or Tree Tobacco. An infusion of the root causes paralysis of the large muscles only. Excellent for inducing trance states, or rendering an enemy helpless. Salt is the universal antiseptic for all wounds external. The juice from many cacti have healing properties as well. The desert plant, Ephedra, once ground to a dust like powder and placed under the tongue, increases mental alertness and physical stamina. Herbal Preparations Herbal preparations tend to be somewhat of an art form when it comes to getting them right. A weak infusion of Hops removes the aromatic properties. A strong infusion destroys some of the aromatic properties but removes the bitter tonic principals. A decoction removes the astringent properties and a mistake will turn it into compost fodder. Let's start with "Infusion". Usually about ½ oz. of leaves or flowers is used for every pint of water. Other than this it is the same as common tea. The water is brought to boiling and poured over the herb in a non-reactive container with a tight fitting lid (remove the lid before pouring the water) and allow it to stand for a short time. Strain and use. Infusions do not store well and should be used immediately. They may be sweetened if necessary. The "Decoction" is the basic method for removing the virtues of harder materials such as barks, seeds, roots and wood chips. The difference is the Decoction is boiled for a short time. The longer the boil the deeper the extraction. In some cases the fluid can be make stronger by straining out the material and adding fresh material and re-boiling. Other methods of preparation: Essence: An oz. of the essential oil of an herb dissolved in a pint of grain alcohol (Ever clear). Fomentation: Dip cloths of heavy towels in the infusion or decoction. Wring out and apply locally to the area to be affected. Ointment: In a non-reactive pot (never use aluminum with herbs) combine a quantity of olive oil with the infusion or decoction. Experience is the best teacher here as you have to simmer off all the water. The herbal may be still in the infusion / decoction at the time, thus it gets heated with the olive oil as well. My youth saw many a sleepless nights slowly simmering away. Plan your week around this process. Once all the water has evaporated, strain if necessary and add Beeswax a little at a time while heating and stirring to thoroughly mix them. Periodically, like making candy, place a drop or two into a near by glass of cold water to check it's solidity. Allow to cool in separate containers for later use. Tinctures: Can be made by simply adding 4 oz. of water to 12 oz. grain alcohol for every 1 oz. to 4 oz. of herb (depending on desired strength). Allow to sit in a dark cool place for two weeks, agitating Periodically. Then strain bottle and store. Oils: Are usually pressed from Botanical’s but a weak oil can be made by soaking the herb in light olive oil for two weeks. Same instructions as for the tincture.