Amaranth
Amaranth is related to quinoa with edible seeds and leaves, so it’s perfect for witches who like to cook up magical dishes. Due to its ability to grow quickly, some consider amaranth a weed, but it’s highly nutritious. It has been a traditional source of food for thousands of years. Bake amaranth into bread or add it to a stew to help get over heartbreak. Magical Uses: Healing, heartbreak, protection, and invisibility Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lowers blood sugar and blood pressure
Angelica
An herb from the carrot family, angelica has been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. It got its name from the belief that it was an archangel who revealed angelica’s uses to treat illnesses. During the Middle Ages, angelica was thought to cure the plague and protect children from dark witchcraft. Be careful consuming angelica since some parts of the plants can be toxic when ingested. Magical Uses: Cleansing, banishing, and protection Medicinal Uses: Mildly toxic when eaten, treats aches, pains, sores, and cuts
Basil
Related to mint plants, basil is a commonly used kitchen herb that grows in temperatures above 50°F. Commonly used in Italian cooking, basil has a pleasant aroma and a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Basil is also thought to be one of the lesser-known herbs used by witches in their flying ointments. Use basil in love spells and charms to attract money. Magical Uses: Attracts money, love, and protection Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, helps prevent cancer, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, improves blood sugar levels, and boosts mental health
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves have been associated with the supernatural since antiquity as the herb used to assist the oracle of Delphi in making her prophecies. Often used to flavor soups, stews, and roasted meats and vegetables, bay leaves have a sharp, bitter taste when eaten alone. They can also be used as a natural insect repellant. Write a word about wealth onto a dried bay leaf, then burn it to draw abundance into your life. Magical Uses: Success, love, wealth, abundance, protection, clairvoyance, and creativity Medicinal Uses: Improves digestion, helps manage diabetes, fights fungal infections, reduces stress, and lowers inflamation
Bee Balm
Bee balm’s unique lemony-mint flavor, makes it the perfect way to add a little magic to your tea. Also known as bergamot (not to be confused with the citrus fruit of the same name), horsemint, or monarda, bee balm has bright blossoms and a lemony citrus scent that makes it a good flower for attracting pollinators. These large plants can grow up to 4 ft (1.2 m) tall and 3 ft (0.91 m) wide and have long blooming seasons. Brew tea with bee balm to promote meditation and mental clarity. Magical Uses: Abundance, clarity, dreams, friendship, and meditation Medicinal Uses: Treats digestive and respiratory complaints and colds, and supports the immune system
Bladderwrack
A type of seaweed, bladderwrack grows in the Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans and the Baltic Sea. It was instrumental in the discovery of iodine in 1811 and has been used as a supplement ever since. Whether you use it for magic or medicine, bladderwrack is more suitable for topical application due to high concentrations of iodine. Use bladderwrack in spells to promote smooth sailing, both literal and metaphorical. Magical Uses: Money, protection, psychic powers, and sea and wind spells Medicinal Uses: Treats thyroid conditions and gastrointestinal issues and promotes wound healing
Calendula
This bright yellow or orange flower is part of the daisy family and has been used for hundreds of years in cooking and medicine. Originally from southern Europe, calendula is now cultivated around the world. Use it in magical cooking and to create topical healing salves. Magical Uses: Protection, cleansing, promoting inner peace, and attracting positive energy Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antiviral, controls bleeding, relieves menstrual cramps, and treats stomach upset
Chamomile
Chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times in Egypt, Rome, and Greece. Two main types of chamomile are used today: German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. Brew up a cup of chamomile tea to bring more prosperity into your life. However, choose German Chamomile for use in teas because it is less bitter than Roman Chamomile. Magical Uses: Money, prosperity, and combating curses Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-anxiety, treats digestive issues, mouth sores, and mild skin conditions
Cinnamon
At one time in history, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. It was even used in religious rites in Ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe. Today, you’ll likely see it flavoring desserts rather than in religious practices. Use cinnamon to add a little extra kick to your spells for love, protection, and abundance. Magical Uses: Protection, prosperity, love, abundance, and success Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, and promotes heart health
Clary Sage
Clary sage (not to be confused with cooking or smudging sage) was included in 17th-century botanist Nicholas Culpeper’s herbal The English Physitian. He recommended that the seed of the clary sage be placed in the eye to clear moats and red spots. While we don’t recommend putting seeds in your eyes, clary sage is a perfect addition to spells for second sight and clarity. Magical Uses: Meditation, opening the third eye, clairvoyance, and promoting understanding Medicinal Uses: Antibacterial, antidepressant, stress reduction, alleviates menopause and reduces menstrual cramps
Comfrey
Used as a healing herb since at least 400 BC, comfrey has been made into teas and poultices to treat wounds, skin ailments, and digestive problems. The Ancient Greeks and Romans even used it to treat breathing problems and broken bones. Because comfrey contains toxic substances, it’s no longer used for open wounds or internal issues. Use fresh comfrey leaves to symbolize money, or add dried leaves or oil to a good luck charm. Magical Uses: Magical healing, safe travel, money, luck, and divination Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, topical pain management for arthritis, sprains, muscle strains, and bruises
Daisy
Daisies are one of the most popular, colorful, and cheerful flowers cultivated in gardens worldwide. They’ve been used to make daisy chains and to help divine whether a potential romantic partner loves you…or loves you not. Decorate your home with daisies to welcome blessings and love into your life. Magical Uses: Love, protection, innocence, and blessings Medicinal Uses: Expectorant, antimicrobial, pain relief, treats cuts and bruises
Dandelion
Most people think of it as a common weed that needs to be pulled out of your lawn by the roots, but the humble dandelion has been used for everything from making teas and wines to spice up salads. There haven’t been any definitive scientific studies on the medicinal uses of dandelions, but they are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Blow on a dandelion puff to make your wishes come true. Magical Uses: Protection, making wishes, luck, and psychic powers Medicinal Uses: Diuretic, mild laxative, improves liver and gallbladder function, normalizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, and fights inflammation
Eucalyptus
Native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands, eucalyptus is a well-known ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines to relieve muscle pain and congestion. You most often find it in one of these products or the form of an essential oil. Do not take eucalyptus oil by the mouth, as it can be toxic. Burn or stuff fragrant eucalyptus leaves into magical sachets to purify your space. Magical Uses: Divination, dream work, healing, and purification Medicinal Uses: Oil can be toxic when consumed. Antibacterial, relieves congestion, throat pain, and arthritis pain, treats wounds, prevents plaque and gingivitis
Evening Primrose
As the name suggests, the evening primrose blooms at night, featuring vibrant yellow flowers and a lemony fragrance. Clinical trials have shown that evening primrose may be useful in treating various ailments. Plant evening primroses around your home to attract the blessings of the fairies. Magical Uses: Increasing inner beauty, love, and attracting fairies Medicinal Uses: Treats heart disease, arthritis, eczema, diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammation, PMS, breast issues, and multiple sclerosis
Fennel Seed
Fennel seeds are kitchen herbs with a licorice-like flavor. During the Middle Ages, people would hang fennel seeds over their doorway to protect their homes from evil. Later, people pushed fennel seeds into keyholes to keep out ghosts. Add a few fennel seeds to a protection spell or medicine bag for extra power. Magical Uses: Purification, protection, money, and healing Medicinal Uses: Aids appetite and digestion
Garlic
Famous in folklore for its power to repel vampires, garlic can be found in nearly every kitchen witch’s arsenal. Garlic is also one of the ingredients in Bald’s Eye Salve, an Anglo-Saxon remedy from the 9th century that is still used as an effective treatment for MRSA infections. Add garlic to any meal to encourage healing and protection. Magical Uses: Healing, protection, courage, and exorcism Medicinal Uses: Reduces inflammation, protects the heart, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and fights germs
Ginger
You’ve probably heard about using ginger tea or ginger candies to help with an upset stomach. As an edible root, ginger is a good choice for spells to draw love, money, and success that you can incorporate into food or drink. Ginger is already used in so many recipes. Just add a little intention to make magical gingerbread or tea to draw love or money. Magical Uses: Love, money, power, and success Medicinal Uses: Eases nausea and motion sickness, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant
Hawthorn
In the UK, hawthorn trees have been a part of May Day celebrations for hundreds of years, with young people carrying hawthorn branches and weaving hawthorn wreaths. The hawthorn is also seen as a home for fairies. It was even said if you fell asleep under a hawthorn tree, you might wake in the Realm of Faerie. Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers are edible and can be made into teas, syrups, or elixirs, but do not eat the seeds as they are toxic. Use caution (or speak to your doctor) when consuming hawthorn for medicinal or magical purposes since it can interact with medications. Magical Uses: Change, rebirth, protection, emotional healing, and happiness in relationships Medicinal Uses: Can interact with some medications. Treats heart failure, chest pain, and high blood pressure
Heather
Heather has been used to make fermented beverages in Scotland for thousands of years. During the Victorian Era, white heather became a sign of good luck, with some believing it grew on the final resting place of faeries. The Scots also used heather to treat coughs, arthritis, and rheumatism. Use it in spell for peace and protection or pin a sprig to your shirt as a good luck charm. Magical Uses: Immortality, luck, peace, and protection Medicinal Uses: Treats urinary tract infection and inflammatory disorders
Henbane
Henbane has long been associated with witchcraft in the US and the UK and has had the reputation of a hexing herb since before Shakespeare’s time. Henbane contains narcotic substances and causes heart palpitations, hallucinations, delirium, and, if the dose is high enough, coma and death. Because of this, it’s best to leave henbane to the ancients and find other herbs to use in spells. Magical Uses: Love, consecration, flying, and hexes Medicinal Uses: Highly toxic, do not consume. Used in the past as an analgesic
Horehound
Horehound has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the 1st century BC when it was mentioned in the medical treatise De Medicina by Roman medical encyclopaedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus. He recommended using the herb for ulcers or a dry cough. Horehound is still used in the formulation of candies and some cough drops. Use horehound in protection charms and spells to bring balance and clarity. Magical Uses: Protection against evil, mental clarity, creativity, and balance Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, treats cancer, diabetes, and liver diseases
Hyssop
With a long history of being used in cooking and remedies, hyssop was also used in the Middle Ages to make the dead speak. These days, hyssop is used to cleanse your aura, banish negativity, and protect your home. Use it in the bath, in sachets, or as an incense to bring healing and protective energy. Magical Uses: Banishing, protection, healing, and purification Medicinal Uses: Antifungal, antimicrobial, expectorant, treats nervous disorders and toothache
Juniper
Made from juniper berries, gin was originally used as a medicinal tonic that helps reduce fluid buildup in your body. Use juniper in protection spells or love charms. However, juniper is a common allergen, so be careful when ingesting or applying it to your skin. Magical Uses: Protection and love Medicinal Uses: Common allergen, diuretic and urinary antiseptic, treats arteriosclerosis
Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant flower that is commonly used in perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and sachets. Some people also use lavender in baking or as a flavoring for beverages. That means it’s a good choice for magical cooking. Steep it into a tea to bring restful sleep and emotional peace. It’s also a well-known sleep aid used in sprays and bath bombs for relaxation. Magical Uses: Sleep, peace, healing, love, and long life Medicinal Uses: Skin conditions, nausea, and stress relief
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm’s bright, citrusy fragrance gave this herb its name and makes it a great choice for spells to help ease emotional distress. Before the Middle Ages, it was steeped in wine and drunk to lift your spirits. Later, people used it to improve their appetite and reduce stress. Crush fresh lemon balm to enhance fertility and soothe emotional pain. Magical Uses: Love, fertility, anti-depressant, and soothing emotional pain Medicinal Uses: Antibacterial, heals cold sores, improves cognitive function, and treats indigestion
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena has a pleasant fragrance and is used to add a lemon flavor to food and beverages. Make a refreshing herbal tea or add dried leaves to a sachet for a cleansing bath. Include it when doing spells to help you break a bad habit, like chewing your nails. Plus, it’s a natural insect repellent. Magical Uses: Love, beauty, youth, and breaking bad habits Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, treats asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation
Mandrake
Mandrake was one of the most important medical and magical plants of the Middle Ages. It was used as a cure-all to foretell the future and to protect soldiers in battle. The roots of the mandrake plant often resemble a human. There’s a folk belief that the mandrake screams when its root is pulled from the earth and that hearing those screams can drive a person mad. This plant is extremely toxic. Do not handle or ingest mandrake. Magical Uses: Strengthens spells, protection, fertility, and courage Medicinal Uses: Highly toxic, do not ingest. Narcotic, sedative, and hallucinogen
Marjoram
Marjoram is a member of the mint family and has a sharp, woodsy flavor. Use it to add a touch of healing magic to soups and stews or brew an herbal tea to draw love and happiness. Avoid using fresh marjoram and essential oil directly on your skin, as it can cause irritation. Magical Uses: Healing, love, protection, and happiness Medicinal Uses: May cause skin irritation if not diluted. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, treats irritated skin around the nostrils and indigestion
Marshmallow
In ancient times, marshmallow root was seed as a symbol of spiritual protection and healing. Use it to make a protective amulet or in a spell to soothe spiritual ailments. Marshmallow root can sometimes cause skin allergies, especially when it’s fresh. Magical Uses: Protection, cleansing, psychic power, love, sex, and fertility Medicinal Uses: May cause skin irritation. Treats asthma, bronchitis, common colds, sore throats, coughs, inflammatory bowel diseases, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and skin inflammation
Meadowsweet
This sweet herb is commonly brewed into a delicious tea but can also be used as a substitute for almond flavoring in baking. The Anglo-Saxons used meadowsweet as a flavoring for mead, beer, wine, and vinegar. In British folklore, you gained the power of second sight and the ability to speak with fairies simply by smelling meadowsweet. Drink meadowsweet tea or inhale its fragrance to bring peace and balance. Magical Uses: Love, balance, peace, and protection Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial
Mugwort
Mugwort is one of the nine herbs that make up the Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm, a healing spell from the 10th-century medical text titled Lacnunga. This spell refers to mugwort as an ancient plant that defeats venom, air illness, and the horror who stalks the land. Make a tincture, use it in the bath, or burn it to develop psychic power or draw protective energy to you. Magical Uses: Protection, energy, astral projection, and psychic power Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, improves digestion, relieves itches, manages painful periods, and lowers blood pressure
Myrrh
Mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts of the magi, myrrh is used as an incense and anointing oil, frequently during the Christmas season. Burn myrrh incense to purity and consecrate your ritual space. Additionally, use myrrh to help soothe and overcome the grief you experience after a loss. Magical Uses: Purification, consecration, and protection, overcoming grief Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, treats minor mouth sores and inflammation, minor wounds, and small boils
Nettle
Another plant mentioned in the Nine Herbs Charm, nettle (called stune) was said to defeat venom and grind away pain. The nettle plant is known for its sting but is a powerful addition for healing, protection, and breaking curses. Tuck it into a sachet to make a healing talisman, or sprinkle it around your home to dispel negative energy. Magical Uses: Courage, breaking curses, healing, protection, crossing thresholds, and renewal Medicinal Uses: Treats muscle and joint pain, eczema, arthritis, anemia, gout, hay fever, and urinary tract infections
Patchouli
Many cultures value patchouli for its earthy aroma and magical properties. It’s also used to make fragrances and essential oils due to its strength and longevity. Use patchouli oil to anoint candles for love spells and charms to attract money. Magical Uses: Connecting with spirits, attracting money, increasing fertility, love, and seduction Medicinal Uses: Treats fungal infections, dandruff, eczema, and rheumatism
Poppy
With their vivid red petals and black centers, poppies are some of the most recognizable plants in nature. The Ancient Greeks associated these flowers with Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and poppies growing in grain fields were a sign of a healthy crop. Carry poppy seeds or sprinkle them on food to bring luck and prosperity into your life. Magical Uses: Luck, prosperity, pleasure, mourning, and fertility Medicinal Uses: Soothes coughs, treating angina, asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough
Rose
Roses are popular symbols of love or purity depending on the color, with white symbolizing innocence and red meaning passion. Rose flavorings are commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, so they’re suitable for teas and cooking magical foods. Use roses in love magic by burning dried petals or adding rose oil to your bath, whether attracting the love of another person or learning to love yourself more. Magical Uses: Divination, healing, love, lust, and increasing psychic power Medicinal Uses: Treats inflammation, diabetes, depression, stress, and seizures
Rosemary
Another edible kitchen herb, rosemary is a fragrant plant used in recipes, brewed into teas, or floated in a purifying bath. It’s a traditional symbol of memory and fidelity between lovers. Substitute this versatile herb for another in any spell. Use rosemary in spells for memory, protection, and healing. Magical Uses: Memory, mental power, protection, purification, and healing Medicinal Uses: Oral disinfectant, treats epilepsy, headaches, and dandruff
Rue
Traditionally, rue has been used to stimulate menstruation and as an herbal abortifacient, but it’s not effective and can be extremely toxic in high concentrations. Its bitter flavor means it’s rarely used in cooking except in a few Mediterranean countries. Use rue incense in purification and protection spells. Magical Uses: Protection, health, clarity, and purification Medicinal Uses: Not recommended for medicinal uses
Sage
Aside from being a delicious flavoring for savory dishes, sage has been used as an herbal remedy since ancient Greece and Rome. It’s also commonly used to smudge or purify a space, a practice that originated in Native American traditions. Incorporate sage into protection and cleansing spells by burning or adding to magical dishes. Magical Uses: Health, protection, wisdom, wishes, and longevity Medicinal Uses: Treats headaches, hoarseness and cough, sore throats, and laryngitis
Solomon’s Seal
This plant often serves as ground cover for shady spots in flower gardens. Animals love to eat Solomon’s seal berries, but they can be toxic to humans. However, the leaves and stems are often used in Chinese medicine and cuisine. It has previously been used to treat pain, fever, inflammation, and allergies. Infuse it in water to sprinkle around your home for cleansing and protection. Magical Uses: Protection, cleansing, binding, and success Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Spearmint
Spearmint is often used as an essential oil, flavoring, or herbal tea. The refreshing qualities of this herb make it a good choice for purification spells. Add spearmint to wash water to cleanse surfaces around your home to remove dirt and negative energy. Magical Uses: Love, healing, money, granting wishes, purification, and protection Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, treats digestive issues, osteoarthritis, and nausea and vomiting after surgery
St. John’s Wort
Associated with Midsummer (also known as St. John’s Day) celebrations, St. John’s Wort’s bright yellow flowers represented the sun. People believed the plant protected them from demons and that smelling its leaves could cure madness. Place a St. John’s Wort flower under your pillow to bring prophetic dreams. Magical Uses: Preventing colds and fevers, banishing, protecting against hexes, prophetic dreams, and increasing courage Medicinal Uses: Anti-depressant
Star Anise
Star anise gets its name from the shape of its seed pod. This spice is used in sweet and savory dishes, giving them a strong licorice flavor. The lucky star shape makes the star anise perfect for attracting good fortune. Carry a seed pod for protection or string several together for a decorative charm to hang over your door. Magical Uses: Happiness, curse breaking, protection, consecration, luck, and psychic awareness Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory
Thyme
Used by the ancient Egyptians in embalming, you’ll find thyme in most modern kitchens. In the Middle Ages, people placed a sprig of thyme under their pillow to ward off nightmares and promote restful sleep. Use thyme in any edible spell for courage or purification. Magical Uses: Courage, purification, healing, and psychic power Medicinal Uses: Treats a cough that comes with a cold
Valerian
An ancient remedy for insomnia, valerian is still used to help people with mild insomnia to fall asleep faster. Witches call valerian by the name cat’s paw and use it during a new moon to add extra power to spells. Try adding valerian to your love spells or purification rituals. Magical Uses: Purification, love, rest, and serenity Medicinal Uses: Sedative and antianxiety treatment
Vervain
Vervain, also known as verbena (and not to be confused with lemon verbena), has been associated with the supernatural world since antiquity. In Egypt, it was known as the tears of Isis in Egypt and the tears of Hera in Greece because they believed the flowers grew where the goddesses’ tears fell. Use vervain to attract love and money, or create protective charms to hang around your home. Magical Uses: Cleansing, love, luck, protection, and wealth Medicinal Uses: Cold and cough remedy and treating shortness of breath
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a common ingredient in natural skincare products due to its natural astringent properties. Native American cultures used forked witch hazel branches to dowse for water, a practice adopted by early European settlers in North America. Carry witch hazel blossoms or leaves in a pouch to soothe heartache or other emotional wounds. Burn the bark to ward off negative energies. Magical Uses: Protection, chastity, easing grief over a lost love, and warding off evil Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Wormwood
Wormwood is used to make alcoholic beverages like absinthe and vermouth. Its name comes from its use as a medication to treat people with parasitic worm infestations. Use wormwood to bring extra power to your protection spells. Magical Uses: Dispelling anger, protection, clairvoyance, and divination Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and treating digestive problems
Yarrow
In the ancient world, yarrow was a military herb used to stanch blood flow from wounds. Yarrow stalks were also used in the ancient Chinese divination practice, I Ching. Include yarrow in spells to help you find true love or make it last. Magical Uses: Love, serenity, healing, courage, psychic power, and divination Medicinal Uses: Hay fever, treats wounds, cuts, scrapes, and bruises
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