The Spellcaster's Source Hoodoo and Voodoo Witchcraft Blog of Talia Felix

Kyphi was the name given to a style of sacred incense, rather than to a specific blend. The name is derived from the Greek rendering of the Egyptian word kapet, which simply means “fumigation” or “incense.” Whether due to the limited number of fragrant herbs available at the time, or due to some requirement dictated by the way it would be used, kyphi recipes do have certain things in common and do not seem to be a totally random combination of herbs. Honey, cinnamon and mastic appear to always be included, and raisins or wine are very typically added. The total number of ingredients might be fewer than ten or they could number more than seventy. A much simplified version of the recipe can be found in my book The Conjure Cookbook. Here is a fairly easy version of kyphi from the 12th century BC. palmarosa cinnamon sweet flag mint pine resin mastic raisin wine (preferred -- red wine from grapes is an acceptable substitute) honey The herbs can be used fresh or dried. A proper kyphi should ...

A Capital Remedy Against the Plague. Take a vial or another kind of glass vessel, and fill it one third with fine molasses, and the next third with Aqua Vitae, and the final third with the urine of a male baby who is clean and in good health. Combine these together well and give one glass of this to the patient to drink upon awakening each morning, for three days. This has been proven in the city of Venice, in the year 1504. -- from "Les Secrets du Seigneur Alexis Piedmontois." (On Mariani Wine or Vin Mariani: a concoction of wine and cocaine that was once much beloved for its, ahem, "stimulating properties.") Mariani Wine quickly restores health, strength, energy and vitality. Mariani Wine fortifies, strengthens, stimulates and refreshes the body and brain. Hastens convalescence, especially after influenza. His Holiness the Pope writes that he has fully appreciated benificent effects of this tonic wine, and has forwarded to Mr. Mariani as a token of...