Many plants have curative as well as harmful properties and were used by healers of long ago for beneficial ointments, love potions and at times instruments of revenge.
Long ago (and still today), women were lay healers and midwives. Many may have considered themselves to be witches, linked to the healing powers of the earth through plants and herbs. These plants and herbs were used to relieve pain, attract a lover or ward off evil. The term witch took on a nefarious tone when fearful folk tried to account for their misfortunes by attributing those losses to the work of witches.
Here are a few of the plants that one might find in a witch’s garden.
- Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) - A beautiful plant with purple hued flowers blooming along a tall spike. It is the source of digitalis, used in the treatment of heart disease.
- Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) - This plant grows best in the shade in chalky soil. It can grow to two to four inches tall, with purplish, bell shaped flowers that bloom in June. The berries that appear in September are highly poisonous.[1] According to Herbal Lore in Witchcraft, (Herbal lore in witchcraft http://www.occultresearch.org/herbal-lore-in-witchcraft.htm) it was believed that Belladonna was the devil’s plant with the root the main source for important potions. It was used as an antispasmodic and a pain reliever. The berries contain atropine which is now used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Solamum Dulcamara (Woody Nightshade) - this plant was used to treat fever, inflammation and ward off evil.
- Aconite (Monkswood) – this poisonous plant could be used for nefarious purposes. It grows along the edges of woods in partial sun thriving on the fallen leaves and other organic material. The blooms, which grow along a long stem, are blue, purple or white. Conium Maculatum (Hemlock) – Hemlock is poisonous when ingested in large amounts. This plant was used as a sedative. It is recognizable by the blood red markings on the stems and roots. It is found growing in sunny spots, in meadows and on river banks. It was often used as a sedative.
- Chrysantheum parthenium (Feverfew) – Feverfew was used to treat migraines. It grows in sunny areas and blooms from spring to first frost. The flowers resemble daisies, with white petals surrounding a yellow center.
- Atropa mandragora (Mandrake) – The root of this plant which can grow to three or four feet into the earth can resemble a human form, albeit one with a twisted torso and limbs. The leaves are large and dark green. The root was used as an anesthetic, sleep aid or an emetic.
These are just a few of the plants that could be found in a witch’s garden. Many are highly poisonous and should not be planted without careful consideration of children and pets.
1) Mrs. M. Grieve Botanical.com A modern herbal
The copyright of the article Plants From Witches' Gardens in Theme Flower Gardens is owned by Michele Dane. Permission to republish Plants From Witches' Gardens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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