Best Herbs To Use In Protection Spells and Rituals

Protection is part of spiritual hygiene. Having wards and other protection charms can shield you from other peoples' jealousy, envy, and even malicious magic sent your way. Herbs are a simple, yet powerful, way for you to defend yourself and your home from harm. Here are some of the best herbs to use for protection:

Angelica

Angelica roots are so good at guarding, they can sometimes be too protective. Brew pieces of the root into a tea, and sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home to keep evil away. You can also carry the whole roots as protective charms.

Basil

It is said that "where basil grows, no evil goes." You can grow basil in your garden or in pots in your home, or crush the dried herb into a fine dust and sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home or workplace. Pay particular attention to the area in front of your front door.

Bay

Bay leaves are wonderful when used as a protective incense. Light a single leaf and place it in a fireproof bowl, then waft the smoke into all of the corners of your home. If you like, you can also crumble the leaves with sandalwood powder, then burn on charcoal.

Bloodroot

To protect against hexes sent your way, fume yourself with bloodroot smoke. You can also place a few pieces of the root in a pouch with other protective stones or herbs, and carry it with you. Refresh the herbs regularly.

Butcher's Broom

Butcher's broom is an evergreen shrub that can help keep evil at bay. Boil some fresh water, and steep dried butcher's broom in it to make a tea. Sprinkle this tea on the floors of your home and ground surrounding your property, or use it to wipe down your floors, front steps, and windowsill.

A similarly-named variety of sorghum, broom corn, can be used the same way. Boil broom corn tops with salt and fresh water, and wash floors, doors, and windows to keep evil spirits away.

Cacti

Cacti protect through sympathetic magic. Their needles are like tiny swords, which help ensnare and pierce malevolent energy sent your way. For best results, keep live cacti near your front door. If you live in a warm, dry climate, you can plant them directly in your yard. If not, keep them potted indoors in a bright, sunny spot. If you like, you can also decorate the pots with protective symbols, or place protection stones like obsidian near their bases.

Caraway

Caraway seeds are said protect against thieves. Historically, farmers would feed their animals some caraway in order to keep them from being lost or stolen. (Some say they work the same if you feed them to a lover you do not want to stray!) They are also a good addition to protection jars and bags.

Dragon's Blood

Dragon's blood is a deep red tree resin used for everything from incense to magical inks. It is very commonly added to magical recipes in order to increase their power, or placed in pouches for luck. It is also an effective protection herb. Burn some resin on charcoal, and fumigate the area you wish to protect. You can also add small pieces of the resin to protection spell jars along with other herbs.

Hawthorne

Hawthorne is a tree known for its berries (called "haws") and thorns. As a thorny plant, it is often used for protection. Historically, its thorny branches were woven together to create prickly fences to keep out intruders. Place some dried hawthorne leaves, thorns, or berries in a red cloth pouch, and bury it in the front yard. As you do this, say, "Thorny hawthorne, guardian tree. Guard well my home, my loves, and me."

Rosemary

Rosemary is a plant no home should be without. It is used as a cleansing herb, for love, for healing, and for protection. Burn dried rosemary and carry through your home. As you do this, chant, "Rosemary, rosemary, protect my home and all within. Cleanse this place and ward it well, guard us from those who would do wrong."

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a valuable asset for any sacred space. It raises energy, enhances meditation, and protects against negativity. Burn it as incense, keep a few pieces in a protection pouch, or add it to jar spells.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is a protection herb for very specific purposes: guarding against gossip and slander. If you need to protect yourself against other people's words, burn a pinch of the bark as incense. You can also keep a bit in a pouch and carry it with you when you are in the presence of gossipers.

Thyme

Thyme is helpful for protecting against other people's negative energy. Even if they do not direct this energy at you, it can still have an impact on your well-being. Burn the dried leaves as incense in areas where you receive guests, or steep the herb into a tea and use it to sprinkle or wash your floors.

Throughout history, protection workings have been one of the most popular (and necessary) forms of magic. Herbs all over the world have been pressed into service to help guard against thieves, anger, hexes, envy, or just plain negative energy. With these protection herbs, you can help make sure that you and your loved ones are guarded against spiritual harm.