Selected for their magical properties, medicinal qualities, and culinary use, these thirteen herbs are worthy of a permanent place in any witch’s garden.
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
Growing Your Own Herbs
Before we dive into the list of herbs for this post, I’d like to take a moment to talk about why you should consider growing your herbs. With so many herbs readily available at the local grocer’s or farmer’s market, there’s a solid argument for not growing them. Not to mention, many simply don’t have access to enough growing space or sun.
If that’s you, by all means, buy your herbs! This article isn’t to make you feel like you have to grow your own herbs, it’s simply encouragement for those with an interest or desire. After all, it’s intention that makes magic work. Plenty of successful spells have been cast using dried herbs from the grocery store.
However, if you do have the space and the means, I encourage you to give growing herbs a go! Because when you grow the herbs yourself, you build a relationship with them — you begin working with the plant’s energy, and in return, that energy begins working with you.
The result is truly magical!
Why These Herbs?
There are a lot of fantastic herbs that didn’t make it on this list. It’s not that these herbs are better than other herbs, but they did meet a few key criteria:
- They’re easy to grow and therefore excellent for beginner gardeners.
- They’re common enough to be easily acquired as seedlings (plant starts) so you don’t have to grow them from seed — which is loads easier.
- They’re incredibly diverse, making them useful in magic, medicine, and the kitchen.
Okay, are you ready? Let’s meet these magical plants, in no particular order, and discover how why they might be a good fit for your witch’s garden.
Basil
This heat-loving herb has a plethora of practical applications. Though widely associated with Italy and the Mediterranean region, basil is native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions spanning Central Africa and Southeast Asia. It’s widely believed that basil was first cultivated in India and introduced to the Mediterranean region via the Spice Route and Maritime Silk Road.
Overview
- Other Names: St. Joseph’s Wort
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Mars
- Element: Fire
- Zodiac: Aries, Scorpio
Magical
- Love
- Wealth/Prosperity
- Protection
- Purification
- Peace/Tranquility
Medicinal
Basil is useful for settling indigestion, calming a fever, and easing cramps and constipation. It’s also great for the skin.
Culinary
Basil is incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite recipes for fresh garden basil.
Calendula
Calendula is also known by the name “pot marigold,” but don’t be fooled! Calendula and the common marigold flower (same family, different genus) are two very different plants. One of my favorite things about calendula is that it’s nyctinastic, meaning it opens every morning to greet the sun and closes at nightfall. Calendula is an all-around power plant considered indispensable to witches and herbalists alike!
*Caution: Allergic reactions may occur in those sensitive to ragweed.
Overview
- Other Names: Pot marigold
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Sun
- Element: Fire
- Zodiac: Sagittarius
Magical
- Happiness
- Prosperity
- Love
- Harmony
- Prophetic Dreams
- Psychic Powers
Medicinal
Calendula is one of the most common medicinal plants cultivated by family herbalists due to its remarkable ability to help with burns, cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
Culinary
With its edible bright-orange leaves, calendula makes an excellent garnish for everything from salads to beverages. It’s also stunning when frozen in ice cubes!
Chamomile
Chamomile has long been a staple in tea cupboards around the globe thanks to its highly regarded calming quality, aiding in sleep, nervousness, and irritability. There are two types of chamomile: Roman and German. While both share the same medicinal properties, most herbalists grow German chamomile because it’s a perennial, while Roman chamomile is a self-seeding annual.
Overview
- Other Names: Camomile
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Mars
- Element: Water
- Zodiac: Cancer, Leo
Magical
- Security
- Prosperity
- Patience
- Balance/Harmony
- Psychic Powers
- Dream Work
Medicinal
Chamomile is best known for its calming properties, but did you know it’s also great for gut health and digestion? It’s sometimes referred to as a “Band-Aid for the stomach1.”
Culinary
Chamomile is for more than just tea! From cakes and cookies to ice-cold beverages and popsicles, what can’t chamomile do?
Dill
Dill has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The folklore surrounding dill is an interesting one, especially for practicing witches: it’s thought to ward off witchcraft. Talk about irony! Dill is a common ingredient in money and protection spells.
Overview
- Other Names: Dill Weed (leaves)
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Jupiter, Mercury
- Element: Fire
- Zodiac: Cancer, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Virgo
Magical
- Beginnings
- Communication
- Guidance
- Money
- Protection
- Travel
Medicinal
Many don’t think of dill as a staple for the home apothecary, but it is a surprisingly useful medicine during cold and flu season and invaluable for aiding upset tummies.
Culinary
Dill is a favorite culinary herb for a lot of people. And for good reason! It’s fantastic in salads, on fish, in dips, and of course, all things pickled.
Lavender
While there are many varieties of lavender, English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common variety used in herbal medicine. In addition to being one of the most powerful nervines (calming to the nervous system), lavender has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it a staple in the home apothecary. Lavender essential oil is equally as important in the witch’s cupboard, where its magical properties are used for everything from happiness spells to love potions. Lavender is easily one of my favorite herbs!
Overview
- Other Names: None
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Mercury
- Element: Air
- Zodiac: Aquarius, Gemini, Leo, Pisces, Virgo
Magical
- Purification
- Attraction
- Happiness & Peace/Harmony
- Love
- Healing
- Protection
Medicinal
Lavender is so incredibly versatile that it begs the question: What can’t it be used for? Lavender essential oil can be rubbed on minor skin abrasions to help fight infection and aid healing, while lavender tea can help support one through grief. It truly is a wonderfully diverse herb!
Culinary
Lavender is one of my favorite flowers to bake with as it seems to infuse everything with magical cottage charm. The flavor is unmistakable and the purple buds are divine.
Lemon Balm
Cultivated as a medicinal plant for over 2000 years, lemon balm is one of the distinguished herbs to have earned the “officinalis” name — a qualifier reserved only for those plants with an extensive history in the healing arts. As a member of the mint family, lemon balm is hearty and resilient. With its bright green, velvety leaves and white flowers thick with nectar, lemon balm is excellent for attracting beneficial pollinators, specifically bees.
Overview
- Other Names: Melissa, Sweet Balm
- Dominant Energy: Receptive (Feminine)
- Planet: Moon
- Element: Water
- Zodiac: Cancer
Magical
- Creativity
- Money
- Healing
- Love
- Success
Medicinal
Often overlooked by better-known chamomile and lavender, lemon balm is excellent for helping with nervous tension, fever reduction, and is used eternally as an effective aid for treating cold sores (HSV-1).
Culinary
Lemon balm has a light and pleasant flavor. It pairs especially well with herbs like lavender and chamomile and makes an excellent garnish for sun tea and other beverages.
Mugwort
Perhaps the most “witchy” herb on this list, mugwort has a history rich in folklore and superstition. Known as the “mother of herbs” mugwort is strongly associated with feminine energy and female reproductive issues, including easing menstrual cramping and ushering in delayed menses. Mugwort is an invasive species that’s illegal to grow in many locations. Look into your local and state laws before planting mugwort in your garden and, perhaps most importantly, consider planting it in a container to keep it from spreading.
*Caution: This herb should not be used by people who are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant. Allergic reactions may occur in those with hayfever allergies.
Overview
- Other Names: Artemis Herb, St. John’s Plant, Common Mugwort
- Dominant Energy: Receptive (Feminine)
- Planet: Venus
- Element: Earth
- Zodiac: Cancer, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, Taurus
Magical
- Protection
- Purification
- Divination
- Dream Work/Prophetic Dreams
- Astral Travel
- Strength/Power
Medicinal
Mugwort is a nervine commonly used to calm trembles and nervousness, and aid sleep. It’s supportive of stomach and liver health and helps to ease menstrual cramps. Taken internally, it can induce menses and therefore should not be taken by those who are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.
Culinary
Mugwort is beloved for its medicinal and magical properties, but as a culinary herb, it’s often overlooked. However, just like any herb, mugwort is excellent (even a little exotic) as both a main ingredient and a garnish.
Oregano
Oregano is a staple in Italian cooking and oregano essential oil is considered essential in the apothecary of aromatherapists worldwide. Native to the Mediterranean region, ancient Greeks credited the goddess Aphrodite with creating oregano for happiness.
Overview
- Other Names: Wild Marjoram
- Dominant Energy: Receptive (Feminine)
- Planet: Venus
- Element: Air
- Zodiac: Taurus
Magical
- Happiness/Joy
- Protection
- Love
- Health
- Prophetic Dreams
- Psychic Powers
Medicinal
Oregano is a tasty little powerhouse of health. It’s anti-fungal, anti-viral, and is loaded with antioxidants2. Oregano is commonly used for its antimicrobial properties and to help with gastrointestinal issues.
Culinary
It’s no secret that oregano is a staple in Italian cuisine, but did you know it’s also commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines?
Parsley
Poor parsley has earned a reputation as a useless food garnish to be picked off and tossed aside to make room for the yummy part of the meal. This reputation is so strong that many avoid parsley altogether thinking it serves no real purpose. But parsley is a powerful medicine, an excellent magical spell ingredient, and an integral element of many delicious dishes!
*Caution: This herb should not be used by people who are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant.
Overview
- Other Names: None
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Mercury
- Element: Air
- Zodiac: Gemini, Leo
Magical
- Gratitude
- Protection
- Cleansing
- Knowledge/Ancestral Wisdom
- Success
- Prosperity
Medicinal
Parsley is excellent for digestion, as a breath freshener, and is a well-known diuretic. Toss parsley into any dish to reap the benefits of this incredibly beneficial herb! Parsley is used to regulate menses and can stimulate uterine contractions — don’t use it medicinally when pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.
- Parsley Soap
- Parsley Tea
- Parsley Tincture (YouTube Video)
Culinary
Parsley is a nutritious herb rich in antioxidants, iron, and potassium. While it’s rarely the culinary star, many dishes wouldn’t be the same without it.
Mint
Probably one of the easiest herbs to grow, common mint is a favorite in the home garden. Common mint and spearmint are the same and not to be confused with peppermint, which is a stronger mint containing more menthol than common mint. Mint is aggressively invasive. Grow it in a separate container to keep it from choking out other plants.
Overview
- Other Names: Garden Mint, Spearmint
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Venus
- Element: Air, Water
- Zodiac: Libra
Magical
- Money
- Healing
- Travel
- Protection
- Purification
- Security (home)
Medicinal
Mint is mildly antispasmotic and has a long history of use for soothing an upset digestive tract, including gas and bloating as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Any time a recipe calls for peppermint, you can substitute with common mint.
Culinary
Common mint has a more subtle flavor than peppermint making it the preferred choice for many culinary creations.
Rosemary
A witch’s garden without rosemary is incomplete. It has so many magical and medicinal properties that it would be difficult to grow too much. Known as “the herb of remembrance” for friendship and fidelity, rosemary has a litany of medicinal benefits too numerous to list here.
*Caution: Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding can consume rosemary in culinary dishes but should not drink rosemary tea or use rosemary essential oil.
Overview
- Other Names: Elf Leaf, Dew of the Sea
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Mercury, Moon, Sun
- Element: Fire
- Zodiac: Aquarius, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Virgo
Magical
- Banish/Bind
- Concentration/Focus
- Healing
- Protection
- Purification
- Love
Medicinal
Rosemary is a strong anti-inflammatory with a seemingly neverending list of medical uses, but some of Rosemary’s more common uses include brain health and scalp/hair health.
Culinary
Rosemary is a strong flavor that most people either love or hate. I find rosemary to be perfect for roast chicken and love how it pairs with lemon.
Sage
Also known as broadleaf sage, common sage is a frequent ingredient in spellwork and culinary dishes alike. Common sage is not the same as sacred white sage traditionally used for smudging and energy clearing, however, it can be used as a replacement for white sage in a pinch.
*Caution: Medicinal use of sage is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Medicinal sage should also be avoided for those living with epilepsy, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
Overview
- Other Names: Garden Sage, Meadow Sage
- Dominant Energy: Projective (Masculine)
- Planet: Jupiter, Mercury
- Element: Air, earth
- Zodiac: Aquarius, Pisces, Sagittarius, Taurus
Magical
- Balance
- Purification
- Protection
- Blessing/Consecration
- Wisdom
- Immortality
Medicinal
Well regarded for supporting cognitive health, sage is also known to lift moods and support healthy circulation.
Culinary
Sage is a complex flavor with woody, earthy notes. It makes a delicious sauce and is a common ingredient in Thanksgiving stuffing.
Thyme
Thyme has a storied history from the ancient Greeks and Romans throughout the Middle Ages. It has a light, fresh flavor and goes wonderfully with nearly everything. Thyme’s versatility has made it a staple in many home apothecaries.
*Caution: Thyme has been linked as a uterine stimulant and therefore should not be used as an herbal remedy by those who are pregnant.
Overview
- Other Names: Common Thyme, Garden Thyme
- Dominant Energy: Receptive (Feminine)
- Planet: Venus
- Element: Water
- Zodiac: Aries, Capricorn, Libra, Taurus
Magical
- Courage
- Protection
- Purification
- Health/Healing
- Sleep/Nightmares
Medicinal
A strong antibacterial and antioxidant, thyme is good for supporting respiratory health, digestive health, and women’s reproductive health. Thyme has been linked as a uterine stimulant and therefore should not be used as an herbal remedy by those who are pregnant.
Culinary
Thyme is one of the easiest herbs to use. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on salads, soups, pasta, and anything else you can think of!
- Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D., The Way of Herbs, Pocket Books, 1998 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152729/ ; retrieved 5/15/2024 ↩︎
