Herbs and Spices in Magic: Meanings, Uses and Safety

Rosemary

Associated with protection, cleansing, memory and remembrance.

Read: Three Kitchen Spices I Use in Almost Every Spell

Safety: The ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Bay leaf (bay laurel)

Associated with wishes, success, victory and protection.

Writing a wish on a dried bay leaf and keeping it, or burning it safely, is one of the best-known folk practices.

Read: Three Kitchen Spices I Use in Almost Every Spell

Safety: The ASPCA lists bay laurel as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, and eating many whole leaves can cause an obstruction. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA))

Cinnamon

Associated with prosperity, success, warmth and attraction.

Read: The First-of-the-Month Cinnamon Doorway Ritual · Three Kitchen Spices I Use in Almost Every Spell

Safety: The ASPCA lists cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The NCCIH notes that cinnamon is likely safe in the amounts used in food, that cinnamon oil or powder on the skin may cause irritation, and that the "cinnamon challenge" internet dare is unsafe. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health)

Lavender

Associated with calm, peace, sleep, love and purification.

Safety: The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs such as nausea and vomiting. The NCCIH notes that lavender on the skin may cause allergic reactions in some people and that it may interact with sedatives. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health)

Sage (garden sage)

Associated with wisdom, cleansing and protection.

Garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is a kitchen herb. White sage is a different plant with its own cultural significance; I write about using smoke respectfully in my smoke cleansing guide.

Read: Smoke Cleansing Your Home, Respectfully

Safety: The ASPCA lists sage as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The NCCIH notes that sage is likely safe in food amounts but may be unsafe in high doses or during pregnancy because of a component called thujone. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health)

Chamomile

Associated with calm, sleep, luck and gentle money work.

Safety: The ASPCA lists chamomile as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs including vomiting, diarrhoea and allergic reactions. The NCCIH notes that people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies are more likely to react to chamomile, and that it may interact with some medicines. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health)

Mint

Associated with money, freshness, communication and travel.

Safety: The ASPCA lists mint as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with vomiting and diarrhoea after large amounts. The NCCIH notes that peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health)

Basil

Associated with money, love, harmony at home and protection.

Safety: The ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic to dogs and cats. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Thyme

Associated with courage, strength and purification.

Safety: The ASPCA lists thyme as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Rose

Associated with love, romance, self-love and beauty.

Safety: The ASPCA lists roses as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Thorns can still injure paws and mouths. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Jasmine

Associated with love, dreams, intuition and the moon.

Many plants are called jasmine. This entry refers to true jasmine (Jasminum species).

Safety: The ASPCA lists jasmine (Jasminum species) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Calendula (pot marigold)

Associated with the sun, joy, protection and success.

Safety: The ASPCA lists pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) as non-toxic to dogs and cats. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Lemon balm

Associated with calm, healing of the heart and success.

Safety: The ASPCA lists lemon balm as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Sunflower

Associated with the sun, happiness, creativity and success.

At my table: My creativity ritual uses a sunflower, with a yellow candle and a quill on the table.

Safety: The ASPCA lists sunflower as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Yarrow

Associated with courage, protection, love and divination.

Safety: The ASPCA lists yarrow as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs including vomiting, diarrhoea and dermatitis. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

Eucalyptus

Associated with healing, cleansing and protection.

Safety: The ASPCA lists eucalyptus as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs including drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control)

St John’s wort

Associated with protection, courage and the summer sun.

Safety: The ASPCA lists St John’s wort as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, causing sensitivity to sunlight. The NCCIH warns that St John’s wort can weaken the effects of many medicines, including some antidepressants and birth control pills, and may cause severe skin reactions after sun exposure. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health)

Garlic

Associated with protection, banishing and strength.

Read: Simple Home Warding with Salt

Safety: The ASPCA lists garlic as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; it can damage red blood cells. The NCCIH notes that fresh raw garlic can cause severe skin irritation and chemical burns, and that garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health)