Herbs and Other Plants to Guard Against Witchcraft and Magic

Maybe witches can’t really brew up a herbal potion to bewitch and ensnare the unwary, perhaps there’s no such thing as the devil and maybe vampires are no more than fiction. Even so, you might like to grow the plants credited with the power to defeat them and other misfortunes.

Prevention is better than cure, so it might be best to avoid growing henbane deadly nightshade and mandrake as these are all important herbs for casting spells. There’s no point providing ammunition to be used against you and your family. If you grow parsley be sure to only plant it on Good Friday, otherwise it will visit with the devil before it germinates and it’s just possible he’ll expect that hospitality to be repaid.

Yew trees should only be grown in churchyards, otherwise the devil will sit in the branches. If you already have a yew tree though, you mustn’t cut it down or you’ll anger the devil who rests within and he’ll strike down a loved one in retaliation. It’s best to weed out nettles too as the vicious leaves are a plaything to the devil.

Rowan trees are said to ward of witches so you could encircle your house with these. One at the front isn’t sufficient as the crafty witch can simply climb or fly in over the back fence. An elder might be more convenient as just one, if planted close to the home, will protect everyone who lives their from evil spells. Even more space saving are houseleeks (sempervivum) as a clump of these growing on the roof or in a pot by the front door will not only deter witches but also protect against lightning strike.

You could try encouraging the forces of good by growing sacred herbs around your home. Meadowsweet was important in druid rituals, whilst Rosemary was used by early Christians. Angelica attracts the angels which it is named for and can be used as an antidote to spells and poisons. Marshmallow is another good plant to grow close to a house as, if it thrives, the inhabitants will be happy.

In case your defences prove inadequate, keep plenty of garlic to hand. It easily wards of vampires and may also repel other evil spirits. Cinnamon banishes unwanted spirits, wormwood guards against bewitchment and caraway protects from harm so these are all useful for defence. If there is a beautiful woman in the home, she could grow basil which will have the ability to transform itself into a scorpion. Witnessing that should scare off all but the most determined of witches.