The use of herbs for medicinal purposes has been in practice for centuries; however, the creation of the English Elizabethan Witchcraft Act in 1562 restricted the practice of herbal medicine, as those who used herbs for medicine were deemed to be part of a witch cult. Over the years, many plants gained a true association with magic and, most recently, magical plants were popularized in the Harry Potter books; today some plants are still used in modern day love spells.
Basil For Love Spells
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a valued herb for medicinal purposes; however, basil leaves are burnt and used in many love spells and love potions. Basil is native to tropical Asia and Africa and has been widely used in Far Eastern medicine, especially that of Ayurvedic medicine; holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is held sacred by the Hindu religion and is grown outside Hindu temples for protection.
In Far Eastern medicine, basil is used for bronchitis, coughs, asthma, flu, colds and emphysema; it is also used as an antidote to poisonous snake or insect bites. In the Western world, basil is used for rheumatic pain, nerves and irritable skin conditions; as basil spread throughout the Mediterranean region, it became popular to use as a culinary herb, especially in Italy and France.
Basil is a member of the Lamiaceae plant family and has a warm, balsamic aromatic fragrance; it is an annual herb flowering throughout the summer. Basil has pink-white flowers and green, shiny leaves; it grows up to two feet in height. There are up to 160 species of basil worldwide including exotic basil and French basil.
Fennel for Love Spells
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is another aromatic, medicinal herb; in love spells, the seeds, leaves and roots of fennel are used for many kinds of love alchemy, including love rituals to awaken love. Fennel was also used in the past to ward off evil spirits and neutralize poisons; it was an ancient medicinal herb believed to strengthen and encourage.
Fennel is a member of the Apiaceae plant family and has a sweet, earthy aroma; it is a perennial or biennial herb, native to the Mediterranean region, which grows up to six feet in height. It has feathery leaves and yellow flowers and is similar in appearance to dill (Anethum graveolens); there are two main varieties of fennel – sweet (also known as Roman, French or garden) or bitter (also known as common).
Lovage for Love Spells
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is an ancient medicinal herb; the roots and seeds of lovage are said to be used for erotic love alchemy. Medicinally, lovage has been used for digestive complaints, skin problems, fever and menstrual difficulties; according to Wicca literature, lovage is used to attract a lover who accepts a person as they are, with no hidden intentions.
Lovage is a member of the Apiaceae plant family; it is a perennial herb which grows up to six feet in height. Lovage has green-yellow flowers and dense foliage, with a strong, aromatic fragrance; it is native to western Asia and southern Europe. Lovage is also known as Maggi herb.
Other Herbs Used in Love Spells
There are many herbs associated with the ancient art of love spells; these include:
- Cinnamon – for aphrodisiacs, for sexual love and passion and love mediations
- Bay – burnt in love potions
- Dill – for sexual longing
- Mint – for sexual desire
- Thyme – for courage.
References:
Lawless, Julia 1999 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK: Thorsons
Lawless, Julia 2001 The Aromatherapy Garden UK: Kyle Cathie Limited
Wood, Jamie 2003 The Wicca Herbal USA:Ten Speed Press
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