Before the days of pharmaceuticals and mass production, herbs served an important role in the healing process. Even now they are used to improve one's health. Likewise, they can be used in magic as well. Many spells require herbs to channel the energy in the environment and mix it with personal energy to create magic.

Herbal Magic

Herbs can be used in many different capacities. Depending on the herb, they may be ingested directly, or steeped into tea. They can be rubbed on the skin or smoked. What effect you desire from the herb has a lot of influence on the proper preparation method. When possible, use fresh herbs—the less time spent between picking the herb and using it in the spell, the better. If you can grow the herbs yourself, all the better. Many of these herbal magic herbs can be grown at home. Simple is best—though I have heard of commercially made herb mixtures I have observed no difference between them and carefully tended gardens of one's own making. Trust your abilities and go for it!

Magical Herbs

A number of magical herbs have healing properties, some of which are even statistically tested and acknowledged.

For instance, aloe vera is known for healing burns and restoring dry cracked skin to a smooth and youthful state. Its leaves guard against natural accidents such as fires, and a potted aloe plant brings fortune in the workplace. (aloe is also a very easy plant to grow and keep, requiring little care. The buds it produces make a great gift for friends too)

Catnip is famous for its effect on cats, but less known are its other spiritual properties. Along with cats, they attract spirits of good fortune. Left within a book of magic, a catnip bookmark psychically charges the pages before you pick it up again, improving the absorption of magical knowledge.

Chamomile is usually used for warding off sickness in tea, but it can also increase luck in gambling if you bathe in it before a big game. It can also be used to attract a lover.

Other herbs are common but their magical uses have fallen out of favor.

Star Anise wards off negative energy and nightmares if placed within a pillowcase. However it is also an important plant for psychic development. Burning the seeds aids one in magic rituals for protection and meditation, focusing your mind for spells further ahead. Drinking anise tea over a long period of time improves your connection to the spiritual world. Other herbs that may be mixed with it for added effect include bay, borage, lemongrass, and marjoram.

Parsley is another commonly overlooked herb. When burned, it is useful for communing with magical spirits or the spirits of the departed. A wreath of it worn on the head protects one against hasty decisions and can act as a ward against inebriation. It is a popular decoration for food because it protects against contamination.

Carefully grown herbs can give luck in love as well. Herbs that are often used this way include ginseng, dill, and coriander. Use them in talismans along with red or pink cloth cut into heart-shaped sacks, and carry them around with you to attract a lover.

Herbs and Spells

Using herbs in spells is a renewable, eco-friendly way of ensuring that more plants stay around. In addition to their distinct magical properties, all herbs—and plants in general--infuse your everyday environment with vitality, bringing greater happiness and fortune. The potted plants circulate oxygen in the air which enhances your life energy. This is especially important in an urban environment which is normally disconnected from the natural cycle of life.