Plants have been used to heal for centuries. As an aromatherapist, I often use the term plant magic to explain how the properties and scent of a plant are captured in the form of essential oils. Essential oils are the heart and soul of a plant, tree or flower. It’s plant magic!
In addition to using aromatherapy to heal, there is also an alternative derived from centuries of traditions and folklore. This is often referred to as the Magickal Associations of Plants, where certain plants are believed to possess magical properties and protective qualities. Maybe you also saw magic as magic. This is an ancient way of spelling the word and is often used to refer to spiritual intentions.
After studying botanical folklore for several years, I have discovered that much of the folklore surrounding these plants often contains some truth.
In this article I want to share with you how aromatherapy, folklore and magical associations often come together. Read on and discover the magic, mystery and healing power of plants.
The magic, mystery and healing power of plants
Angelica Magickal Properties: Healing, physical abilities, house blessing, purification
One of Angelica’s magical associations is healing. Legends say that a holy monk dreamed of talking to an angel, who showed him an herb that could cure the bubonic plague, and it happened to be angelica. As an essential oil, Angelica Root is not only healing for the skin, but helps heal the immune system and is a wonderful tonic for stress and nervous tension.
Basil magical properties: Mental abilities, love, trust, abundance, prosperity, courage, discipline, protection, purification, happiness.
In the Middle Ages, basil was believed to be good for ‘cheering the spirit’ and ‘purifying the brain’. Perhaps this is why mental abilities are one of the associations of basil. In aromatherapy we often use Basil essential oil to purify the mind! The spicy top note aroma can be used for headaches, lack of concentration and fatigue.
Chamomile magical properties: Soothes anxiety, gently cures bad luck, calms children.
In the Middle Ages, monks realized that chamomile had the ability to soothe digestion and nerves. Today, these are just two of the chamomile varieties the promotion is known for. Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis) is a wonderful essential oil to help soothe nerves, anxiety and insomnia. It is also a nice, safe oil for children.
Magical properties of cinnamon: lust, love, success, purification, sleep, prophetic dreams, purification.
This fragrant and one of the oldest known spices is believed to evoke love or lust. It has an exotic and intoxicating aroma. The essential oil of cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Clove magical properties: Comfort, mental powers, attraction, purification.
In ancient times in China and India, cloves were chewed to soothe toothache and today, Clove bud essential oil can also be used to relieve toothache by adding a drop of oil to a cotton swab and applying it to the affected tooth. If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how painful it can be. Therefore, perhaps one of the magical properties of cloves came from the knowledge of how to soothe toothache.
Fennel magical properties: Courage, strength, cleansing.
The ancient Romans believed that drinking fennel tea before a fight would give them courage. While fennel essential oil is more commonly used to aid digestion or support the menstrual cycle, its earthy aroma can help increase mental strength and courage.
Geranium magical properties: Love, healing, fertility.
Geraniums are linked to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, as it was believed that the flowers could attract love. Geranium essential oil is beautifully healing for the skin and is extremely beneficial for those of us who suffer from perimenopausal symptoms such as anxiety, irregular periods and mood swings.
Hyssop magical properties: Purification, protection.
Hyssop is another herb that has been used for cleansing for thousands of years. It will come as no surprise that it is often used for purification in plant magic. Hyssop’s actions include antiviral and antimicrobial properties, making it one of the best essential oils for cleansing the digestive system.
Jasmine magical properties: Attraction, love, prosperity, tranquility
The scent of jasmine is both seductive and mysterious. Among many other names, it is known as the Queen of the Night, because it only blooms at night. This special flower is thought to attract love. In aromatherapy, Jasmine Absolute is often used to support people with sexual problems.
Lemon magical properties: Protection, love, happiness.
The Romans drank and used lemon to protect themselves from colds and flu. Lemon is one of the best essential oils to fight colds and flu as its antibacterial and antiviral properties help boost immunity.
Rose magical properties: Self-love, love, attracts love.
Rose is synonymous with love. From Cleopatra and Isis to Aphrodite, rose has been steeped in folklore for centuries. In plant magic, many of its uses are also reflected in love. Rose essential oil is one of my favorites to use for self-love because it has an affinity with the endocrine and reproductive systems.
Rosemary magical properties: Cleansing, improves memory and concentration.
Rosemary essential oil is probably best known for promoting concentration, boosting memory and mental focus, and in plant magic it is used in the same way. The ancient Greeks tied rosemary to their hair as a reminder!
Sage magical properties: Longevity, good health, healing, psychic awareness, protection
The scientific name for Clary Sage essential oil is Salvia sclarea. Salvia is translated as ‘cure’. In folklore, sage is used for many remedies. The Romans saw sage as a brain stimulant and a symbol of wisdom, hence the saying ‘wise advice’. It is often used to dispel negative energy and physical consciousness. In aromatherapy it can be used to help with nerves, anxiety and depression due to its calming properties.
Yarrow magical properties: Protection, courage, love, friendship, psychic abilities, hex breaking.
Yarrow is known as Achillea millefolium and, as the name suggests, is associated with the Greek myth of Achilles. Achilles asked the gods for protection; they grabbed him by the ankle and dipped him in yarrow tea. His ankle was the only part of him that was not submerged and therefore unprotected. Yarrow essential oil can be used to heal inflammation and pain, even on the ankle!
Recipes for plant magic and aromatherapy
Anxiety Diffuser Mixture: Diffuse 1 drop of Kamille Roman, 2 drops of Clary Sage and 2 drops of Angelica, in water, in an electric aromatherapy diffuser or in a candle burner in your chosen room for up to 20 minutes.
Self-love bathing: Mix 1 drop of Rose Damascena, 2 drops of Geranium and 2 drops of Patchouli with 15 ml of bath oil and mix with 50 g of Epsom and Himalayan pink salts. Add to a warm bath and enjoy the ultimate self-care blend.
Aphrodisiac massage mixture: Add 2 drops of jasmine, 2 drops of Rose Centifolia and 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil to 15 ml of jojoba oil. Mix and massage slowly.
I hope you enjoy the benefits and magic of plants.
Kirsty Zomerbel
Advisor Aromatherapist
Disclaimer and safety advice