Herbs are an essential part of all cultures and traditions, as they’re often used in various spiritual practices internationally. From the smudging rituals of Native tribes to the burning Khypy balls in Egypt. Variety cleansing practices in Arabia to Okayōdō ceremonies in Japan. Not to mention the lost herbal rites of the historical European pagan tribes.
It is no secret that herbs have medicinal healing powers, are through folklore related to certain ailments, deities, and spirits, and a lot of them are genuine super-foods.
In witchcraft, herbs are used in diverse paperwork, spell jars, smoke blends, herbal remedy, services, and many more. Magical herbs are a must in every witch’s craft. Not only they taste and smell great but they’re also handy in spells. If there is a spell, there is a magical corresponding herb for it. This guide will show you couple of mandatory and versatile herbs you should have to start your journey.
ROSEMARY
Magical Properties: This herb’s magic properties are used for love spells, protection, and as an aphrodisiac. In ancient times, it was favored for purification and cleansing rituals.
Non-Magical Properties: A more recent study has found that rosemary can be used to improve retention and recall facts. Rosemary oil is good for increasing circulation and relieving aches and pains. This is also a popular culinary herb deliciously paired with chicken, lamb, vegetables, or potatoes.
How to Use in Magic: In Old World magic, rosemary was burned to purify a room or ritual space before performing magic. Rosemary put into a bath or tea can help with removing anxiety and invigorating and cleansing the spirit. To ensure a faithful husband, married women would keep a sachet of rosemary near the entrance of their homes. It is also used in spells for fidelity and ridding jealousy. Like lavender, rosemary is placed under the pillow to promote peaceful sleeping and ward off evil spirits and nightmares.
LAVENDER
Magical Properties: Lavender is known to ward off evil spirits, promote a long life of peace, and used for purification.
Non-Magical Properties: Lavender has been used for its medicinal properties dating back to 77 AD by the Greek Physician Dioscorides during the Roman Empire. It was recorded that lavender relieved indigestion, headaches, and sore throats. When taken internally, lavender even helped with wounds and burns.
Ancient Egyptians used lavender in their mummifying process and as a perfume on their clothes. In modern times, lavender is used for ailments such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, exhaustion, digestion, nervousness, and more. It is also used as a culinary herb to add aroma and flavor.
How to Use in Magic: The plant can be burned to promote sleep and rest, and the ashes are scattered around the home to bring peace and harmony and purify the space. The flowers are also placed under pillows or made into a tea to heal depression and induce peaceful sleeping. Dried lavender is also hung outside the house to ward off evil spirits.
SAGE
Magical Properties: Stemming from European traditions, sage is said to ward off evil, and it is often used in traditional cleansing ceremonies when dried and smudged. It is associated with wisdom, good luck, and even mortality. Sage builds emotional strength and can help to heal grief.
Non-Magical Properties: Sage was used for medicinal purposes by the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. It was used to cure snake bites and enhance memory and cognition. More recently, sage is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has a sweet and savory aroma that makes it a popular culinary herb used in autumn dishes such as roast turkey, sausage stuffing, and pumpkin soup.
How to Use in Magic: Sage is often burned for cleansing ceremonies. Burning sage is meant to purify the space of bad energy or spirits. Some examples of when sage should be burned include after a death in the family, when you move into a new home, after a negative presence in your home, or during the changing of seasons.
MUGWORT
Magical Properties: This herb, also known as a psychic/lunar herb, is said to enhance divination and psychic dreaming. It is purported to have protective properties. In European folklore, Mugwort shields against injury, fatigue, and poisons. Romans would put this herb on their shoes to ward off fatigue on long journeys.
In modern magic, mugwort’s main use is for psychic visions and prophetic dreams. This herb does have psychoactive properties that induce lucid dreaming and astral traveling. Mugwort is said to help confront difficult truths.
Non-Magical Properties: Its non-magical properties include regulating menstruation and calming the digestive system, especially with the digestion of fatty foods.
How to Use in Magic: Mugwort can be ingested, smoked, or applied to the skin. It is also used in divinatory incenses or psychic teas.
MINT
Magical Properties: Mint is used frequently in magical rites and spells. It is meant to draw wealth, lure love, keep out evil, and enhance overall well being.
Non-Magical Properties: It is used in cuisines to add aroma and flavor. Mint is also a useful herb for adding flavor to beverages and desserts. Mint aids with digestion issues and is used in aromatherapy for healing purposes. In oil form, it can relieve sore and fatigued muscles when applied topically.
How to Use in Magic: Drinking mint tea can bring you good luck and protection throughout the day. Sometimes the herb will be placed under a pillow to induce a vision of the future in dreams and to protect against attacks of evil magic, nightmares, and evil spirits of the night. Keep it dry and near your workspace to promote prosperity and financial success. Mint is also kept over a sickbed to drive off negative energy during sickness.
