Herbs

Herbs are plants which are used for their medicinal, culinary, or aromatic properties. Herbs should also be seed producing, have no woody tissue, and die down at the end of each growing season. Botanicals are anything coming from plants.

Herbs and other botanicals are frequently used in magic spells. In each spell the herbs to be used are quite specific. Sometimes the exact part of the plant or just when and how to harvest it are essential to a spell's success. Witches may have used herbs more and more because they noticed and recorded the healing properties of many plants. The Witchcraft practice of casting a spell, and recording the outcome in a book is ideal for the scientific study of any substance. Today, many Witches and non-Witches alike are recognizing the healing power of herbs.

Artemisia absinthinum or Wormwood is a large perennial. It is called for in many spells. It is also said to repel moths and mice.

Atropa belladona or Deadly Nightshade is an extremely dangerous plant. It is said that eating more than seven of the berries can prove fatal. Centuries ago Witches made "flying ointment" from fermented berries of this plant. The Witches would rub a cream made with these fermented berries and other ingredients onto their bare skin. The resulting hallucinogenic feeling made the Witches feel as if they were flying.

Echinacea or coneflower is a beautiful perennial flower that is quite easy to grow. It is renowned to both Witches and Holisticly minded Medical Doctors for its beneficial effect on the immune system. Echinaca in the flower garden will help to attract butterflies and bees. It's flowers are usually pink, but white varietys exist.