HERBS
Many people like to refresh their home with herbs, especially after a busy week, an argument, a move or a change of season. It's a gentle way to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Here's a beginner-friendly guide to the most popular herbs and how to use them safely.
Before any ritual, open the windows, tidy up and give your home a proper clean. A fresh, clear space feels better before you add anything else. Many people think of the herbs as the finishing touch.
These associations come from folklore and tradition. Herbs are used here for ritual and fragrance, not as medicine.
Add a few herbs, such as rosemary, orange peel, a cinnamon stick or star anise, to a pan of water. Heat gently and keep it on a low simmer. Never leave it unattended, and top up the water so it doesn't boil dry. It fills the house with a lovely fragrance.
Fill small cloth bags with dried lavender, chamomile or other herbs. Tuck them in drawers, wardrobes, under pillows or beside your bed.
Layer dried herbs and a small crystal in a jar. Write an intention, such as "peace in this home", and keep the jar somewhere you can see it.
A small dish of dried flowers or star anise pods looks beautiful and adds a touch of ritual to your space.
Light a candle, hold a pinch of herbs and set a simple intention. Put the herbs in a dish near the candle, never in the flame. Our guide to getting the most from your candle has tips for a safe, clean burn.
Many people like to add a crystal to a herb ritual. Amethyst with lavender for calm, or smoky quartz for grounding, are popular pairings. To keep your stones fresh, see how to cleanse your crystals. If you want to go deeper, our beginner's guide to the magic of herbs covers the folklore behind each herb.