According to popular tradition, some herbs are more “powerful” than others, to the point of being considered sacred. We present to you 7 that you surely know, which have always been used to heal, protect, attract luck or chase away bad influences. Whether you believe in their powers or not, knowing their symbols is fascinating in any case.
St. John’s wort
We could only start with St. John’s Wort, or St. John’s Wort, the great protagonist of the night of the same name and of the propitiatory bundle which every year, according to tradition, should be hung on the entrance door after having burned the one from the previous year. St. John’s wort is rich in beneficial properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing, antidepressant. Furthermore, it has always been considered a “devil-repelling” herb because, according to popular tradition, it is able to ward off the forces of evil. That’s why we hang it on the front door!
Rosemary
Another plant that popular tradition holds in high regard is rosemary. It also boasts numerous beneficial properties: it is antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, helps memory (and in fact is nicknamed the herb of memory), and is digestive. Furthermore, look, it is also part of the St. John’s bunch. It keeps devils and witches away, serves to purify the home and is considered protective. While – a sprig of rosemary under the pillow or under the bed avoided bad dreams and protected from lightning during storms – explains M. Cristina Bertonazzi in the text “The herbs of St. John: myths, legends and curiosities of some species present in our territory”.
Sage
Sage also boasts countless beneficial properties. Furthermore, in popular tradition, it was used as a defense against night terrors, while its healing smoke was used to purify environments and bless people, purify sacred spaces and environments intended for carrying out ceremonies. In ancient times it was also considered an aphrodisiac plant.
Verbena
According to popular tradition, verbena is a plant that purifies and at the same time protects from evil forces. It also has anxiolytic, calming and anti-stress properties.
Artemisia
We then come to mugwort, a plant that witches used to interpret dreams, connect with the invisible world, and promote clairvoyance. In popular tradition it was used to ward off bad luck. Furthermore, in traditional Chinese medicine, mugwort is used as a remedy in case of fever and gastrointestinal problems. Pliny also talks about it, suggesting travelers to always carry it with them as an amulet against fatigue.
Lavender
Here is another plant that enjoys great popularity, lavender, used in the preparation of ointments capable of bringing calm and stability. Naturally, the therapeutic properties in this case too are innumerable: it is considered antiseptic, diuretic, antirheumatic, purifying, purifying. In addition to being one of the plants used in the St. John’s bouquet, as it is considered a talisman against evil, it is often used in the preparation of smudge sticks: its scent has the ability to ward off negative energies.
Mint
Mint conquers with its pungent scent and is rich in digestive, pain-relieving, healing and disinfectant properties. In popular tradition, in addition to being one of the herbs of St. John, it was used as a remedy against poisons and to ward off snakes.
SOURCES: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs /Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani/ogliosud