For centuries, plants have been used to heal. As an aromatherapist, I often use the term plant magic to explain how the properties and smell 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!
As well as 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, in which certain plants are believed to possess magical properties and protective qualities. You may also have seen magic spelt as magick. This is an old way to spell the word and is often used to refer to spiritual intentions.
Having studied botanical folklore for several years, I have discovered that many of the folklore surrounding these plants often have an element of truth to them.
In this article, I want to share with you how aromatherapy, folklore and magickal associations often come together. Carry on reading to 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 magickal associations is healing. Legends say a holy monk dreamed of talking with an angel, who showed him an herb that could cure the bubonic plague, and it just so happened to be angelica. As an essential oil, Angelica Root is not only healing for the skin but helps to heal the immune system and is a beautiful tonic for stress and nervous tension.
Basil Magickal Properties: Mental abilities, love, trust, abundance, prosperity, courage, discipline, protection, purification, luck.
In medieval times, it was believed basil was good for ‘cheering the spirit’ and ‘clearing the brain’, perhaps this is why mental abilities is one of basil’s associations. In aromatherapy we often use Basil essential oil for clearing the mind! Its herby top note aroma can be used for headaches, lack of concentration and fatigue.Â
Chamomile Magickal Properties: Soothes anxiety, gently heals bad luck, soothes children.
In the Middle Ages, monks realised chamomile had the ability to soothe digestion and nerves. Today, this is just two of the action’s chamomile is known for. Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis) is a wonderful essential oil to help soothe nerves, anxiety and insomnia. It is also a beautiful safe oil for children.
Cinnamon Magickal Properties: lust, love, success, purification, sleep, prophetic dreams, purification.
This fragrant and one of the oldest known spices is believed to invoke love or lust, it has an exotic and intoxicating aroma. Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Clove Magickal Properties: Comfort, mental abilities, attraction, purification.
In ancient times in China and India, cloves were chewed to help ease toothache and nowadays Clove Bud essential oil can also be used to ease toothache, by adding a drop of the oil onto a cotton bud and applying it to the affected tooth. If you have ever had toothache, you will know how painful it can be, therefore perhaps one of clove’s magical properties of comfort came from the knowledge of comforting toothache.
Fennel Magickal Properties: Courage, strength, cleansing.
The ancient romans believed that drinking fennel tea before a battle would give them courage. Whilst Fennel essential oil is more commonly used to help aid digestion or support menstrual cycles, its earthy aroma can help increase mental strength and courage.
Geranium Magickal Properties: Love, healing, fertility.
Geraniums are connected to the Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, as it was believed the flowers could attract love. Geranium essential oil is beautifully healing to the skin and is extremely beneficial for those of us who are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms such as anxiety, irregular periods and mood changes.
Hyssop Magickal Properties: Purification, protection.
Hyssop is another herb which has been used for millennia for cleansing. It will therefore come as no surprise that it is often used to purify in plant magic. Hyssop’s actions include anti-viral and anti-microbial which makes it one of the best essential oils to cleanse the digestive system.
Jasmine Magickal Properties: Attraction, love, prosperity, tranquillity
The aroma of jasmine is both seductive and mysterious. Amongst many other names, it is known as the Queen of the Night as it only blooms during the night. This special flower is thought to attract love. In aromatherapy Jasmine Absolute is often used to support people experiencing sexual problems.
Lemon Magickal Properties: Protection, love, happiness.
The Romans would drink and use lemon to protect themselves from colds and flu. Lemon is one of the best essential oils to use to fight colds and flu as its antibacterial and antiviral properties help to boost immunity.
Rose Magickal 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 represented in love. Rose essential oil is one of my favourites to use for self-love, as it has an affinity with the endocrine and reproductive systems.
Rosemary Magickal Properties: Cleansing, improves memory and concentration.
Rosemary essential oil is probably best known for aiding concentration, boosting memory and mental focus, and in plant magic it is used in the same way. The ancient Greeks would tie rosemary to their hair as a memory aid!Â
Sage Magickal Properties: Longevity, good health, healing, psychic awareness, protection
The scientific name for Clary Sage essential oil is Salvia sclarea. Salvia is translated to ‘heal’. In folklore sage has been used for many remedies. The Romans saw sage as a brain stimulant and symbol for wisdom, hence the saying ‘sage advice’. It is often used to expel negative energy and physic awareness. In aromatherapy it can be used to help with nerves, anxiety and depression due to its calming abilities.Â
Yarrow Magickal Properties: Protection, courage, love, friendship, psychic abilities, hex breaking.
Yarrow is known as Achillea millefolium, and as the name suggests it is associated with the Greek Myth of Achilles. Achilles asked the gods for protection; they picked him up by his ankle and dipped him in Yarrow tea. His ankle was the only part of him which wasn’t immersed and therefore unprotected. Yarrow essential oil can be used to heal inflammation and pain, even on the ankle!
Plant magick and aromatherapy recipes
Anxiety Diffuser Blend: Diffuse 1 drop of Chamomile Roman, 2 drops of Clary Sage and 2 drops of Angelica, in water, in either an electrical aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner into your chosen room for a maximum of 20 minutes.Â
Self-Love Bath Soak: Mix 1 drop of Rose Damascena, 2 drops of Geranium and 2 drops of Patchouli with 15ml Bath oil and blend into 50g of Epsom and Himalayan Pink Salts. Add to a warm bath and enjoy the ultimate self-care blend.
Aphrodisiac Massage Blend: Add 2 drops of Jasmine and 2 drops of Rose Centifolia and 2 drops of Sandalwood essential oil to 15ml of Jojoba Oil. Mix and massage in slowly.
I hope you enjoy the benefits and the magick of plants.
Kirsty Summerbell
Consultant Aromatherapist
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