Herbs for Magic: Complete Guide to Magical Herbalism & Plant Properties
By Nicole, Founder of Mystic Ryst
Herbs have been used in magic for thousands of years across every culture and tradition. Each plant carries unique energetic properties and magical correspondences that can be harnessed for spells, rituals, healing, and spiritual work. From protection and love to prosperity and psychic abilities, there's an herb for every magical intention.
Magical herbalism is the practice of working with plants' spiritual and energetic properties rather than just their physical medicinal qualities. When you understand herbs' magical properties, your kitchen spice rack becomes a powerful magical apothecary. The plants are your allies, ready to lend their energy to your magical work.
This is your complete guide to herbs for magic—essential magical herbs, their properties, and using herbs in your practice.
What Is Magical Herbalism?
Magical herbalism is the practice of using herbs and plants for their spiritual, energetic, and magical properties in spells, rituals, and spiritual work.
How Herbs Work in Magic
- Each plant has unique energetic signature
- Herbs carry specific magical correspondences
- Plant spirits can be called upon
- Physical form + intention = magical power
- Used in spells, sachets, oils, teas, incense
Ways to Use Magical Herbs
- Spell ingredients (jars, sachets, mojo bags)
- Incense and smoke cleansing
- Magical oils and waters
- Ritual baths
- Altar offerings
- Teas and potions (if safe to ingest)
Essential Magical Herbs
Protection Herbs
Rosemary
- Properties: Protection, purification, memory, love
- Uses: Protection spells, cleansing, remembrance
- Element: Fire
Basil
- Properties: Protection, love, prosperity, purification
- Uses: Protection jars, money spells, love magic
- Element: Fire
Sage
- Properties: Cleansing, wisdom, protection, longevity
- Uses: Smoke cleansing, purification, wisdom spells
- Element: Air
Bay Leaf
- Properties: Protection, wishes, success, psychic powers
- Uses: Wish magic, protection, success spells
- Element: Fire
Love & Attraction Herbs
Rose
- Properties: Love, beauty, divination, healing
- Uses: Love spells, self-love, beauty magic
- Element: Water
Lavender
- Properties: Love, peace, healing, sleep, purification
- Uses: Love sachets, peace spells, sleep magic
- Element: Air
Jasmine
- Properties: Love, money, prophetic dreams
- Uses: Love attraction, dream work, prosperity
- Element: Water
Prosperity & Money Herbs
Cinnamon
- Properties: Money, success, passion, protection
- Uses: Money spells, success magic, passion
- Element: Fire
Mint
- Properties: Money, healing, travel, protection
- Uses: Prosperity spells, healing, travel safety
- Element: Air
Clover
- Properties: Luck, money, protection, success
- Uses: Luck spells, prosperity, protection
- Element: Air
Psychic & Spiritual Herbs
Mugwort
- Properties: Psychic powers, prophetic dreams, protection
- Uses: Dream pillows, divination, astral travel
- Element: Earth
Star Anise
- Properties: Psychic powers, luck, purification
- Uses: Psychic development, divination, luck
- Element: Air
Wormwood
- Properties: Psychic powers, protection, spirit communication
- Uses: Divination, calling spirits, protection
- Element: Air
Healing Herbs
Chamomile
- Properties: Healing, sleep, money, peace
- Uses: Healing spells, sleep magic, calming
- Element: Water
Eucalyptus
- Properties: Healing, protection, purification
- Uses: Healing magic, cleansing, protection
- Element: Water
Banishing & Cleansing Herbs
Black Pepper
- Properties: Banishing, protection, exorcism
- Uses: Banishing spells, protection, breaking hexes
- Element: Fire
Salt
- Properties: Purification, protection, grounding
- Uses: Cleansing, protection circles, grounding
- Element: Earth
How to Use Herbs in Magic
Spell Jars & Sachets
- Choose herbs for intention
- Add to jar or cloth bag
- Charge with intention
- Seal and use
Magical Oils
- Fill jar with carrier oil
- Add dried herbs
- Let infuse 2-4 weeks
- Strain and use for anointing
Incense & Smoke
- Burn dried herbs on charcoal
- Or bundle and burn like sage
- Use smoke for cleansing and magic
Ritual Baths
- Add herbs to muslin bag
- Steep in bath water
- Soak with intention
Storing & Preparing Magical Herbs
Storage
- Keep in airtight glass jars
- Label with name and properties
- Store in cool, dark place
- Use within 1 year for best potency
Preparation
- Dry fresh herbs by hanging
- Crush or grind when ready to use
- Charge herbs before using
- Thank plant spirits
Safety Notes
Important
- Not all magical herbs are safe to ingest
- Research before internal use
- Some herbs toxic (wormwood, etc.)
- Pregnant/nursing: extra caution
- Allergies: test first
- When in doubt, external use only
Your Magical Herbalism Practice
Start today:
- Start with 5-10 basic herbs
- Learn their magical properties
- Create herb grimoire/journal
- Use herbs in spells
- Build relationship with plants
- Expand knowledge gradually
Final Thoughts
Herbs are powerful magical allies that have worked with humans for millennia. When you learn their properties and work with them respectfully, they lend their energy to your magic and amplify your intentions. Your magical apothecary is waiting—start building it today.
Welcome to magical herbalism. The plants are your allies.
What magical herbs do you work with? What's your favorite? I'd love to hear!
