7 Herbs You Need In Your White Witch’s Apothecary

White witch Patricia Weston gives us a masterclass in herb magic… 

“Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s sting; Lizard’s leg, and howlet’s wing…. For a charm of powerful trouble, like a hell-broth boil and bubble.”

So goes the famous quote from the wild witches in Shakespeare’s magical play Macbeth. Interestingly enough, the ‘wyrd’ sisters were not adding actual animal parts to their bubbling cauldron – they were brewing up a magical concoction of herbs. Eye of newt is another name for mustard seed, which when placed under your front doorstep keeps intruders away, while toe of frog refers to a type of buttercup which is used in healing spells. Adder’s fork is another name for a fern that’s helpful in healing bruises. When used in magical spells, herbs and botanicals are very powerful.

When sourcing herbs for spells, make sure you keep your kitchen and magical herbs separate. Most dried and fresh herbs can be easily sourced from your local supermarket, or you can grow your own from seeds. Here are some of my tried and tested magical herb spells…

Sage

Sage herb is great for cleansing, clearing and banishing. Mix equal parts of dried sage and sea salt. Sprinkle the mixture in a clockwise direction outside your home to keep negative energy out.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful calming herb that can also be used in spells for protection, purification and harmony. Add to sleep sachets containing a Rose Quartz crystal to hang over your bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Mint

Mint is a money drawing herb – sprinkle some dried mint around a green candle dressed with patchouli oil for increasing your wealth.

Garlic

Garlic is great for warding off evil and negativity, too. It guards against the jealousy of others.  Keep a tied-up bunch in your kitchen when you have guests around so that they don’t become jealous of you.

Thyme

Thyme is a wonderful herb to help overcome grief. Wearing a sprig while grieving will help you through the mourning process.

Rosemary

Rosemary is great for the memory. Students can carry a sprig during exam time to help with memorising. It’s also great for interviews, so carrying some to an interview will ensure you recall all your strengths for the job.

Basil

Basil is recommended to use in prosperity spells. To attract wealth, soak some dried or fresh basil in water for three days, then drain and wash all your floors and the front doorstep to bring in more money to your household.

Start your witch garden!

• Many of the above herbs will grow well in pots on sunny windowsills. If you have a large south facing windowsill, this is ideal.

• Herbs need a lot of light. Temperature is an important consideration, too.

• Be careful not to overwater your indoor herbs. Placing pebbles at the bottom of the pots will help with drainage. Water in the morning so the excess water evaporates throughout the day.

• I like to ‘Reiki’ my plants to give them an extra growth boost, and I place Rose Quartz crystals in the pots to help them thrive and bloom.