Herbs And Spices

Here is your starter guide to the common herbs and spices that all witches should have in their cabinet, or should at least be aware of. This is not a definitive list but more of an introduction to help you begin learning about and using your herbs and spices to the best of your abilities. Remember, these are you tools; take good care of them.

Blackberry Leaf

Blackberries, the fruit, have a long history in witchcraft, mostly associated with European pagans. According to Celtic lore, blackberries were the fruit of the fae (fairies) and was unlucky to eat. However, many used blackberries to cure illnesses and in rituals. Just as blackberries were magical, their leaves also contain their own magical and healing properties as well.

What It Looks Like: Found on top of a blackberry, these leaves are typically light green in colour, with each leaf consisting of three or five oval leaflets.

Flavour Profile: Fruity.

Magical Properties: Healing, Money, Protection.

Health Properties: Eases sore throats, heals mouth sores and ulcers, rich in antioxidants.

Medical Warnings: Do not consume if you have any type of liver disease.

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a bright, cheerful little flower with a mild taste, but it packs a magical punch. Known as the sun herb, calendula is one of the oldest known herbs in herbalism. It was used throughout ancient Greece, Egypt, India, and Arabia for various purposes, from making the skin look renewed to serving as an antidote to poisoning. During the American Civil War, doctors carried dried calendula petals in their pockets to stop the bleeding of war wounds. On the magical side of things, calendula was used in love potions, its petals were scattered under beds for protection, and upset lovers would wear a garland of the plant to show their jealousy.

What It looks Like: Pot marigolds are tall plants with bright orange petals that are straight and long, similar to the daisies. The flower is used in teas, often dried first.

Flavour Profile: Slightly bitter but earthy and floral.

Magical Properties: Protection (especially in iligal matters), spiritual powers, wealth, healing, stability, dreamwork, love, marriage.

Health Properties: Nourishes skin, hair and nails; rich in antioxidants, relieves sore throats; regulates the menstrual cycle, relieves sore muscles; anti-inflammatory.

Medical Warnings: Do not use if you have an allergy to other plants in the Asteraceae family (such as chamomile), are pregnant, or are on blood-pressure medication.

Chamomile

One of the most popular ingredients to add to tea, chamomile has been used in nighttime teas for ages as it's the perfect relaxer. Chamomile tea is made from the flowers of dried chamomile and has been used as medicine for centuries.

What It Looks Like: With its white petals and cone-shaped yellow center, chamomile looks similar to a daisy but is much smaller.

Flavour Profile: Sweet, floral.

Magical Properties: Love, banishment, purification, calming, prosperity, healing, peace.

Health Properties: Reduces anxiety, reduces menstrual pain, lowers blood sugar, reduces inflammation, prevents osteoporosis, treats cold symptoms.

Medical Warnings: Avoid using chamomile if you have severe ragweed allergies or are allergic to chamomile or chamomile products. Keep away from young children.

Cornflower

The patron herb of herbalists, cornflower is a beautiful flower to add to any tea for both its potent magical abilities and aesthetic appeal of it vibrant blue petals, worthy of any instagram picture. Another name for cornflower is bachelor's button because young men used to wear the flower on their lapel to let people know they were single and ready to go courting.

What It Looks Like: You can easily identify cornflower by the bright blue colour of its papery petals. The flower heads are surrounded by bracts, giving them their full shape. They also attract butterflies.

Flavour Profile: Slightly spicy with a touch of sweetness.

Magical Properties: Protection, love, fertility, sex, psychic abilities, abundance, self-knowledge, spirituality, growth, creativity.

Health Properties: Lowers fevers, decreases bloating, relieves chest congestion, helps with weak eyes.

Medical Warnings: Avoid if you are pregnant, are breastfeeding or have Allergies to ragweed or daisies.

Dandelion

Long the villain to many lawn care fanatics, dandelions have gotten a bad rep by being labeled a "weed". However, every part of this lovely yellow flower has been used in herbalism for centuries, with the root being especially prized for its healing and magical properties. So put away your weed killer and start saving your dandelions.

What It Looks Like: While the dandelion has a bright yellow head, its root it found deep in the earth and is shaped like a long, white carrot. The root can be cut up, dried, or ground into a powder. The leaves can also be dried and used in teas.

Flavour Profile: Toasty and nutty

Magical Properties: Divination, wish-granting good luck, psychic powers, dream magic, spirit work, cleansing, air magic.

Health Properties: Can be used as a diuretic, reduces inflammation, reduces cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, reduces constipation, boosts the immune system.

Medical Warnings: Do not take if you have a weed allergy, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking antidepressants, diuretics, estrogen-based contraceptives or antibiotics.

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