MM All!

Soon will be planting time for many of us and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the must have herbs for their cupboard? Like the top 10 or 20 herbs for spells and rituals. There are so many out there and tons of books on it, but I would love to hear your opinions and views on the subject!

After all, I'm sure that for many of you elders and newbies alike, have found some particular favs and probably have some great opinons on why certain herbs are favorites for you over others.

Thank you and BB!

In no certain order I don't want one herb to feel or more important then the others. LOL

Aloe Vera
MEDICINAL: The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf is used to treat burns, skin rashes, and insect bites when applied to the affected area externally. Internally it can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly, or when there is an impaction, although it can cause intestinal cramping when taken internally, and there are other herbs that do this job better. It aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection, and preventing infection from starting. The fresh gel is best to use, rather than "stabilized" gels found in the stores. The fresh gel was used by Cleopatra to keep her skin soft and young.
MAGICKAL: Growing an aloe vera plant in the kitchen will help prevent burns and mishaps while cooking. It will also prevent household accidents.
GROWING: Best grown indoors in pots. Those living in the deep South, as in southern Texas or southern Florida, can grow aloe outdoors. Remember that Aloe is a succulent, not a cactus, so it needs water to keep the leaves fleshy and juicy.

Astragalus
MEDICINAL: Astragalus strengthens metabolism and digestion, raises metabolism, and is used in the healing of wounds and injuries. It is often cooked with broths, rice, or beans for a boost tot he healing energies during those illnesses that prevent one from eating normally.

Basil
MEDICINAL: Basil is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains. It is also used to reduce stomach acid, making it a valuable part of any treatment for ulcers, and a valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes for those with sensitive stomachs. Externally, it can be used for insect bites, to draw out the poisons. It has been used in other countries to eliminate worms from the intestines, and the oil from basil leaves is applied directly to the skin to treat acne.
MAGICKAL: Basil protects from evil and negativity, and aids in attracting and keeping love. It is used for purification baths, and in wealth and prosperity rituals. Carrying a basil leaf in your pocket brings wealth, and if powdered basil is sprinked over your mate while they sleep, it is supposed to eliminate infidelity from your marriage.
GROWING: Basil will grow in any well-drained, fairly rich soil, and full sun. It can be grown throughout most of North America. It is an annual, which reaches 2-3 feet tall. Pinch off the tips to promote bushiness and flower buds to maintain growth.

Blessed Thistle
MEDICINAL: Blessed Thistle is used to strengthen the heart, and is useful in all remedies for lung, kidney, and liver problems. It is also used as a brain food for stimulating the memory. It is used in remedies for menopause. Blessed Thistle should never be taken alone, nor should it be used during pregnancy.
GROWING: Blessed Thistle is generally found along roadsides and in wastelands. It is an annual, and reaches to 2 feet tall. Most folks consider this a pesky weed, so cultivation is not common. Try gathering some for yourself from the wild.

Cayenne
MEDICINAL: Cayenne, also called capsicum, is very effective added to liniments for all sorts of arthritis and muscle aches. It benefits the heart and circulation when taken alone or added to other remedies. It is also used to stimulate the action of other herbs. It will stop bleeding both externally and internally, making it excellent for use with ulcers.
MAGICKAL: Cayenne pepper scattered around your house will break bad spells. Adding it to love powders will ensure that your love will be spicy, and can inflame the loved one with passion.
GROWING: Cayenne pepper plants like a good, rich soil, plenty of water, and full sun. The peppers are dried after ripening. For herbal use, the peppers are usually ground into a powder and mixed with other powdered herbs in capsules.

Comfrey
MEDICINAL: A poultice of comfrey heals wounds, sores, and bruises. It is a powerful remedy for coughs, ulcers, healing broken bones and sprains, and is used in treating asthma. Large amounts or dosages can cause liver damage, but there are no problems with using it externally. Used internally, it is best and safest to use a tea, rather than capsules.
MAGICKAL: Carrying comfrey during travel will ensure your safety. Put some in your luggage to prevent it being lost or stolen. It will also bring luck to the carrier.
GROWING: Comfrey prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. It grows from Canada to Georgia, as far west as Missouri, in the wild. It is a perennial that grows to 3 feet high. It can be started form seed, but you wil be more successful with cuttings. Once established, it will spread vigorously. Harvest leaves when the flowers bud, and roots in the autumn after the first frost.

Echinacea
MEDICINAL: Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower, is a natural antibiotic. It increases the production of white blood cells, and improves the lymph glands. The tea from this herb should be used in all infections.
MAGICKAL: Echinacea is used as an offering to the spirits or gods and goddesses to strengthen a spell or ritual.
GROWING: Echinacea likes the prairies and other open, dry places. It adapts to most soils, in full sun, except wet ones. It grows over most of North America. It is a perennial, and reaches to about 2 feet tall. The root is used ground, and the leaves are used for teas

Garlic
MEDICINAL: Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. It can stimulate cell growth and activity. It reduces blood pressure in hypertensive conditions. A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not destroy the body's natural flora. It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body.
MAGICKAL: Peeled garlic cloves placed in each room is said to ward off disease. It is hung in new homes to dispel negativity and evil, and (don't laugh!) to ward off vampires. It is a strong protective herb. Place a clove under the pillow of sleeping children to protect them.
GROWING: Garlic is a perennial herb that likes moderate soil and lots of sun and warmth. The plant grows to 2 feet tall. The bulb is the most common used portion, although the greens are often used in salads.

Ginger
MEDICINAL: Ginger is an excellent herb to use for strengthening and healing the respiratory system, as well as for fighting off colds and flu. It removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves headaches and body aches. Combined with other herbs, it enhances their effectiveness. It is also very effective in combatting motion sickness.
MAGICKAL: Ginger is used in passion spells, to "heat up" the relationship. It is used in success spells, and to ensure the success of spells.
GROWING: Ginger grows through most of North America. It reaches to 6 inches high, and is a perennial. The dried ground root is the part used for heali

Ginseng
MEDICINAL: Ginseng stimulates the body to overcome all forms of illness, physical and mental. It is used to lower blood pressure, increase endurance, aid in relieving depression, and is a sexual stimulant. The dried root is used for healing purposes. It has been used throughout ancient times to the present day for use in conjunction with most herbs in treating all sorts of illnesses.
MAGICKAL: Ginseng is carried to guard your health and to attract love. It will also ensure sexual potency. Ginseng can be a substitute for mandrake.
GROWING: Ginseng can be very difficult to grow. Germination of disinfected seeds (to kill mold, which plagues ginseng at all stages of growth) can take up to a year or more. Plant in early autumn in raised beds of very humus-rich soil. Plants must be shaded at all times. Roots are not harvested until the plants are at least 6 years old. Take care during harvesting and drying not to break off any of the "arms" of the root. Dry for one month before use.

Lavendar
MEDICINAL: Lavendar tea made from the blossoms is used as an antidepressant. It is used in combination with other herbs for a remedy for depression and nervous tensions. It is also used as a headache remedy.
MAGICKAL: Lavendar is used in purification baths and rituals. It is used in healing incenses and sachets. Carrying the herb will enable the carrier to see ghosts. The essential oil will heighten sexual desire in men. Lavendar water sprinkled on the head is helpful in keeping your chastity. The flowers are burned to induce sleep, and scattered throughout the home to maintain peaceful harmony within.
GROWING: Lavendar likes light sandy soil and full sun. It grows to 18 inches. It should be mulched in colder climates for winter protection for this perennial.

Mugwort
MEDICINAL: Mugwort is used in all conditions dealing with the nervousness, shaking, and insomnia. It is used to help induce menses, especially combined with cramp bark. It should not be used by pregant women. Fresh juice form the plant is used to treat poison ivy.
MAGICKAL: Add to divination incenses. It is carried to prevent poisoning and stroke. Fresh leaves rubbed on magickal tools will increase their powers. An infusion made of mugwort is used to cleanse crystals and scrying mirrors. Placed beneath your pillow, it will promote astral travel and good dreams.
GROWING: Mugwort likes dry areas in full sun. It is a perennial shrubby plant that grows 1 - 6 feet tall, depending upon growing conditions

Rosemary
MEDICINAL: Rosemary is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, and is used to regulate the mentrual cycle and to ease cramps. Mix the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish, potato salads, etc. at your next picnic to prevent food poisoning.
MAGICKAL: Rosemary in all of its forms is used for protection and banishment. Rosemary leaves under your pillow do away with evil spirits and bad dreams. It is hung on porches and doors to keep thieves out. Rosemary is grown to attract elves.
GROWING: Rosemary is a perennial that prefers mild climates, so it needs to be grown indoors where the winters are harsh, or very heavily mulched. It reaches 2-4 feet in height, and is tolerable of poor soils. Cut back after flowering to keep it from becoming leggy

Sage
MEDICINAL: Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, rosemary, and wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy.
MAGICKAL: Sage is used in healing amulets, incenses, and sachets, and is also used in the same manner for bringing prosperity. Sage burned at the altar or in sacred space consecrates the area. Burned in the home, it removes impurities and banishes evil, as well as providing protection.
GROWING: Sage is an evergreen perennial, growing to 2 feet tall. It does best in sandy, limey soil in full sun.

St. Johns Wort
MEDICINAL: St. Johnswort is useful for bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wonds, and for dirty, septic wounds. It is used to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, as well as symptoms that occur during menopause. It is useful in swellings, abcesses, and bad insect stings. Studies are showing that it may be effective in combatting AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body. DO NOT GO INTO THE SUN if using this herb, as it causes blistering sunburns, especially in fair-skinned people.
MAGICKAL: St. Johnswort is hung around the neck to prevent fevers. Wearing the herb aids you in war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. Burnt it will banish evil and negativity. Hung in the home or carried, it will prevent spells of others from entering, and it is used in exorcisms. If you pick the plant on the night of St. John and hang it on your bedroom wall, you will dream of your future husband.
GROWING: St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall. It is grown throughout much of North America. It prefers rich to moderately rich soils, and full sun. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as they bloom and store in air-tight containers.

i love sage, and lavender

Rosemary, Chamomile and Lavender. I have always had these three growing (the Chamomile I can never grow indoors ). I have soooomany uses for these three herbs, I can;t see being without any of them.

Blessings Bright and Dark,

— Bear

Avalon, this was a good question and I'm curios to see what others post for there are quite a few fabulous gardens on Odss!

But, my question is...What does your garden grow?

Blessings!

Good question to ask in return Bear! Hehe!

I actually am not growing anything at the moment, sadly it's still on the winter side here. Although I am itching to do so. The one problem I have is how, what and where. I live in an apartment, with luckily my own little patio. Unfortunately it is north facing and on the corner, so it gets extermely windy or shady at times. So whatever I grow will have to be in pots. Also the other unfortunate thing, everything will need to be watered by sprinkling can, no outside faucets. So alas its back and forth from the bathroom, lugging the dang gigantic wating can.

Right now I'm scouting out some pretty big and nice plant pots. Today I bought a bunch of herb seeds which I have posted down below. Whichever ones caught my fancy. These are the ones I picked out today, if anyone has any feedback on them, let me know. Hopefully these babies will sprout really good for me. Fingers crossed! But alas, I still have a bit of a wait yet before I can start planting.

Herb seeds bought today in no particular order:

Sweet Marjoram
Common Sage (2 packets of seeds on this one, lol)
True Lavender
Lady Lavender
Honeyleaf Stevia
Summer Savory
Rosemary
Common Thyme
Spearmint
Mediterranean Oregano
Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) (For my two wonderful babies!)
Fernleaf Dill
Extra Curled Dwarf Parsley
Purple Ruffles Basil
Sweet Basil
Alaska Nasturtium
Common Chives
Borage


(Eeek, looking at that list up there, I just realized I bought a lot of little seed packets! I must start hunting for plant pots! *giggle*)

I love some of the other suggestions people have made, thank you Lyme for all the detail and info! Awesome! And coyote what a wonderful stock pile you have going!! Bows down to you!

I really want to do some further herb digging and chamomile and aloe verra are two to add to the list for sure....I just really want to have a wonderful little garden growing. I'm hoping that this will inspire me not with just cooking (something...I tend to lack in doing! lol) but also inspire me in my spirituality.

OOH and guess what, if it ever was a sign that my little planned garden is the right move, right next to the herb packets I bought, I found a little seed packet for Giant White Moonflowers....Oh they are going to be so lovely!

Oh dang it....I wish it was planting time already...sigh.....

I just planted a bunch of seeds in little pots this weekend. I have Cilantro already growing, but I planted more because I love it and can't buy it in the grocery stores here (I love cooking with it). I also planted basil, thyme, rosemary, chives, oregano, mint, parsley, sage, and lavender. Lavender is probably my favorite though. I want to plant more, but I'm limited to space in our apartment because we're still under heavy renovation. At least I finished the bedroom floor yesterday (on my hands and knees with the polyurethane, yes I'm patting myself on the back now ) and can use the nice big windows to put my new herbs in.

Great lists! I have and agree with most of them.

My absolute essentials are the 4 native american sacreds: Sage, Tobacco, Sweet Grass and Cedar.

Then my personal favorite, that I keep pounds of all the time - Lavender!

Yes, I know this is an older thread ..but had to add my 2 cents worth!
I love Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile and Lemon Balm.  I tried to raise the Rosemary in a pot, and killed about 4 plants.  On the 5th try I dug a hole, stuck the small plant in it, and forgot about it for quite some time, sure that it, too, would turn to dust.  A year later I went out and there was this huge bush almost as tall as I was!  Needless to say, other than the necessary clipping of branches, I leave the fella alone these days, he does quite well without any intervention on my part!  (flowers)

I love sage.  I smudge everything.  Everything.

Well I love sage for smudges. I start it in the house so I can have some earlier than most people around here.  As a matter of fact, I think I need to get my window boxes going this weekend... anyways, then I transfer it outside once frost danger has passed.  
I find mint very soothing, and it's one of my favorite flavours, so it gets used in a lot of my cooking, I toss it into tea, and include it in my magick whenever possible.  it's my favorite herb.  I have no luck growing it indoors, usually the pot I keep it in is too small for it to grow big enough to keep up with the demands I put on the poor little plant, but I've got peppermint and spearmint in the garden now and it only seems to double every time I clip it!
Lavender is a big one for me... does anyone have any tips for bringing back lavender that's gotten too woody though? I've got one bush that came from my grandma's garden before she had to move into a home, so it means a lot to both of us, but right now it seems to be all thick woody sticks and very few usable parts.  Lavendar is relaxing, I love crushing up some buds in the mortar so their scents are all released and it smells nice and strong then throwing them in my bath water.
other than that, most of my herbs tend to be just for cooking, I like to keep chives on hand, I had a tiny bush one year and it's just kept itself going strong since then, I just ignore it, it tends to be very hardy... and I can always come up with some use for it! Parsley and basil and tyme get used in this place alot, so we've got a bunch of that, and I've usually got garlic on the go, I've discovered that I like eating the greens of the garlic in things as well as the bulbs.

I don't know much about gardening but could you prune some of the woody parts out of the lavender?  If not or if you don't know I'd say leave it be and buy another plant.

Hi,
    In my cold climate, sometimes my lavender will die back to the ground, so I wonder, Kathartica, if you can cut your lavender back to the ground also?  Another of my favorite's not mentioned yet is calendula.  It's great for the skin and brings alot of color to a herb garden, if I wasn't making soap with the flowers all the time.  
                                                                 Marigold

It's an old thread but I'll add my thoughts as well.  If I could only have two herbs, I would chose Rosemary for spellwork and Yarrow for medicine.

Rosemary is a wonderful herb to incorporate into spells, as it energetically works for just about any need one person could think of.

Yarrow is a wonderful medicinal herb.  It's great for fevers, chest colds, is a mild digestive bitter, it's astringent, it helps stop bleeding, is a universal regulator for the female reproductive system by helping regulate Qi, painful menses, fallow periods, need I say more?  I have a great love for this plant.

Wow, I just totally worte this long thing here and had my session time out. �GUess I'll take that as a lesson in patience and change LOL.

What I was saying is that I keep rosemary, though I've always had a really hard time keeping it from getting woody. �It's not a big plant; the potted part can fit in a tea cup. �Honestly, I've never used it much in spells, even though it's renowned as a witch's herb.

I use to have beautiful huge indoor sage and basil plants, but these tiny white mites invaded them, and I had to throw the plants away before the mites killed all of my other house plants--I was sooo angry.

Herb wise, I keep a couple of small plants that aren't necessarily healthy, but they're alive. �I have my rosemary, a basil plant on it's last leg, catnip, and chives. �Since the great mite invasion, I have to keep them segregated from teh rest of my plants, and they don't seem to like it much.

So, since I can't have the herb plants I want, I focus on basic house plants. �I live in an apartment, so I can't have some gorgeous witch's garden. �Also, to be perfectly honest, I am just not an outdoor person. �I am, like, the least natural witch you will ever meet, though I am trying to get better.

I never considered house plants as my hobby until I realized I had over fifty of them in my one bedroom apartment. �My pride and joy is my aloe vera plant. �It was one of those small mug sized plants you buy at the grocery store. �I spent years struggling to keep it alive, but when I moved into my new apartment, it just took off. �It is now 4 feet tall. �I think that it may eventually evolve into a sentient being and eat me. �I don't even have the heart to cut pieces from it.

Another of my favorite plants is my jade plant. �Like the aloe vera, it was tiny and dying until I moved into my new apartment. �I repotted it a few days ago because it had gotten so big. �I used the repotting to caste a prosperity spell by adding a piece of paper with the spell and a dollar bill to the soil.

I really enjoy trying to find ways to use common houseplants in spell work. �People concentrate so much on herbs and flowers, that they forget the magical uses for corn plants, palm trees, and the average philodendron. �I also keep tons of african violets and pansys, which are great for spell work on top of providing fresh flowers year round to my altars. �Also, since the willow trees around my apartment have started to bloom, I am going to take some cuttings to grow as house plants. �Willow trees are some of the easiest plants I have rooted.