Herbs have been revered for centuries for their medicinal and magical properties. Herbs have been used in ancient pagan religious traditions and were used extensively by the Celtics as medicine and offerings to the Gods in sacred rituals. Herbs for protection are an essential part of a witch’s grimoire or apothecary, they can be used for clearing negative energies, to ward off evil and in protection spells or rituals. Let’s take a look at the top 7 protection herbs to have in your witch’s toolkit.
Sage
White sage is commonly used by witches and spiritualists to cleanse the air of negative energy, the practice of burning dried sage bundles is known as smudging. Smudging can be used to cleanse rooms, houses and people of negative energy by performing certain rituals. Smudging is an essential tool for witches and tarot readers to cleanse the energies before beginning spells or readings. Sage was known to the Celtics who used it during the plague, believing it to have healing and magical qualities.
Lavender
Lavender has been used since medieval times and grows plentifully in the UK climate. It is known to be a relaxing and calming herb that soothes troubles of the mind. Lavender can be easily dried by gathering and tying strands together and then hanging them around the house. Lavender can be made into herbal teas, lavender bags, creams or salves. It is one of the essential herbs for protection spells, it can be added to protection charms, jars or as an offering to candle magic altars. Lavender essential oil blends can also be used to dress protection candles as an anointing oil.
Mugwort
Mugwort is an essential add to your herbs for protection, it has been used for thousands of years and is known to be a very spiritual herb that provides protection from negative energies and psychic attack. Mugwort grows wild in the hedgerows of the UK and has traditionally been dried and used in much the same way as sage to cleanse sacred spaces. It is also believed to help with divination practices, dream work, astral projection and enhance intuition.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a common staple in any witches’ herb garden, it has a pungent aroma and is known as the “protector herb”. It originates from the Mediterranean and grows well in UK gardens. Rosemary has been used as herbs for protection and cleansing for centuries; it was used as early as medieval times to ward off evil spirits. Rosemary provides protection from unwanted negative attachments, helping to shield the aura, it is also very cleansing and purifying. It is believed to help enhance focus and provide clarity, sharpening the senses.
Thyme
Thyme is a fundamental plant to add to your protection herbs list. It has long been revered for its magical properties and originates from the Mediterranean; growing well in UK herb gardens or window pots, it is often used in British cooking. Thyme was traditionally believed to increase courage, bring luck, good fortune and abundance. It’s also known to be a strong purifier and was used as a way to cleanse and purify spaces, dried Thyme can be used as a smudge stick. Thyme is known to have powerful protective qualities, warding off negative energies and evil spirits.
Nettle
Nettles have lost their value in many cultures today due to being regarded as a weed, however nettles are significant herbs for protection to have in your witch’s apothecary. Nettles were traditionally used as protection charms to protect the wearer from black magic and banish dark energies. They were believed to have the power to break curses and keep evil spirits away. Dried Nettles were worn on the person in protection bags or amulets, hung in doorways or planted around houses to provide a protective barrier.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm comes from the mint family and is named after its citrus aroma. Lemon Balm originated from Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean but can now be found all over the world. Lemon balm has been used for over 2000 years and is known to be a very calming herb that promotes a sense of relaxation.
In folklore, it was believed to help attract a love partner and was used in love spells and charms for its magical properties. It is also known for its ability to cleanse and provide protection from negativity. When used in candle magic protection spells or ritual baths, Lemon Balm cleanses the aura from negative attachments and helps you to let go of emotional baggage that no longer serves you.
Where to Find Protection Herbs for your Witchcraft Practice
These 7 herbs for protection have been revered in folklore and used for centuries because of their magical properties. They can be used in protection rituals, candle magic spells, protection bags or charms and ritual baths to ward off evil spirits. Many of these herbs can be found growing naturally in hedgerows, woods or even your own garden! These 7 magical herbs are inexpensive and can easily be grown in a window boxes, windowsills and pots on patios. For more information check out this useful guide on how to harvest and preserve your herbs.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a green thumb, many websites sell dried herb packets designed for ritual use House Witch Herbs is one of my personal favorites! Stay prepared and consider adding these magical herbs for protection to your witch’s apothecary to complement your witchcraft practice.
Disclaimer: Herbs should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. All medical and psychiatric issues should be treated by a qualified doctor or medical health professional. Some ritual herbs are not suitable for human consumption, please check with your doctor before consuming any herbs.