Herbal Witchcraft: Growing Your Practice

A wall of herbs greets you, a lush expanse of organic matter filling your vision. The air is rich with sweet and spicy aromas. You step forward, pondering which plant will aid you most. Herbal witchcraft is not about kitchen staples. We’ve used herbs for centuries across cultures as conduits for healing, growth, protection, and manifestation. 

How do you know which herbs to choose—and when? Today, we’ll explore ways to incorporate herbs into your practice and deepen your connection with the plants around you.

Herbal Witchcraft for the Modern Practitioner

For millennia, traditions have incorporated herbal medicine, from ancient Egyptian temples to bustling Chinese apothecaries. Today, herbs remain one of the most accessible and versatile tools in a witch’s practice. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also offer a natural way to connect with the earth. We can tap into the abundance of possibilities that lie ahead.

How you choose to work with herbs is entirely up to you. You can brew them into teas, infuse them into baths, place them in spell jars, or even burn them for their essence. You might use the whole plant or just the stems, leaves, or flowers—fresh, dried, or powdered. The beauty of herbal magic is in its adaptability, allowing you to craft a practice that feels personal and powerful.

Common Herbs and Their Magical Uses

Herbal Witchcraft in Practice

I encourage you to experiment with your herbs when using them in your practice. How does the energy change when using the herb in different forms? Does it change? Do you prefer to use the herb in morning, noon, and night? 

Lighting Herbs: Releasing energy through air.

Air is an expansive channel of possibility. When we burn herbs, we release their energy and intentions into the surrounding space. The herbs you choose, paired with your intention, shape the outcome. This practice is perfect for protection, meditation, cleansing, or as an offering—but these are just a few possibilities.

There are many ways to burn herbs. You can place loose blends on charcoal, or use pre-made incense sticks tied to specific herbal associations. You can burn dried bundles tied with twine, or, sometimes, you can even smoke herbs. However, it’s crucial to research any plant before igniting it. Ask yourself: How flammable is it? Will it release toxins into the air?

Teas: Drinking herbal infusions for internal magic.

A warm lavender elixir kisses your lips. You welcome the calm that washes over you, feeling it in the flush of your face before it cascades through your body and into your toes. Herbal infusions are a powerful way to work with the energy and physical properties of an herb.

Whether you seek relaxation, focus, or healing, each sip is an act of intention. You can stir your tea clockwise to manifest, or counterclockwise to help release certain feelings, thoughts, or emotions.

Bath Rituals: Herbal soaks for relaxation and energy work.

Steam rises, and flowers float atop the surface. Warm water hugs your body, and a hint of rose drifts to your nose. A self-love bath is in the works. When you drop in the flower petals, you’re infusing the water with your own love and light, letting your intention flow in harmony with the plants’ natural properties.

Beyond their magical uses, herbs also offer physical benefits. Some, like ginger, have anti-inflammatory effects, while others can soothe the skin or relax the mind.

Spell Jars–Creating personalized herbal witchcraft blends for specific intentions.

You’ve intuitively chosen your herbs—now it’s time to awaken their magic. Spell jars serve as a powerful way to channel and preserve your intentions, offering a tangible reminder of your spell. Since we seal the herbs, their energy remains intact, making this an ideal option for long-term workings.

As you layer in your ingredients, visualize them radiating their unique properties and blending together in harmony with your intention. Each addition strengthens the spell, anchoring it to your purpose.

Spell jars are a deeply personal and effective magical tool, and we’ll explore specific recipes in a later post.

Working with Herbs Intuitively

The surrounding plants dance in harmony with our spirit. Following your intuition when choosing herbs is a journey that begins with one step. It’s recommended to choose one herb to start with when tapping into your intuition. Take this herb with you, sleep with it under your pillow, and meditate with it. Notice which feelings come up. Where do you feel relief?

Whether you follow traditional correspondences or create your own, it’s a good idea to keep track of their meanings using a magical text like a Book of Shadows. When you sleep with it, keep a dream journal. How has the plant interacted with your subconscious? Read your findings.  

An entry in a Book of Shadows can include:

1. Plant Name
2. Physical Uses
3. Elemental Associations
4. Metaphysical Uses

Final Thoughts

How do you practice herbal witchcraft? Let me know in the comments below! Subscribe to my newsletter to stay up-to-date and catch the next post in the series, all about Crystal Magic. Join the community on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Feeling curious? Book a reading today!