Sacred herb facts for kids
Herbs have been important in many religions for a long time. For example, in Christianity, plants like myrrh and frankincense were used. The old Anglo-Saxon people also had a special "Nine Herbs Charm." In Hinduism, a type of basil called tulsi is seen as a goddess. People have honored tulsi for its healing powers since ancient times. Many Hindu families even have a tulsi plant outside their homes.
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Sacred Herbs in Europe
People in Europe long ago, who followed pagan beliefs, also thought certain herbs were very special and sacred.
The Magic of Mistletoe
One of the most famous sacred plants in Europe is mistletoe. The European mistletoe (Viscum album) was very important in Greek mythology. Some stories say it was the famous "Golden Bough" that Aeneas, an ancestor of the Romans, found. In Norse mythology, the god Baldur was even killed by a weapon made from mistletoe.
Mistletoe grows its berries around the Winter Solstice, which is when the new year begins. Because of this, ancient druids in Britain might have used it in their winter ceremonies as a sign of never-ending life. In Celtic mythology and Druid rituals, people believed mistletoe could help animals have babies and protect against poison. However, it's important to know that the berries of many mistletoe types are actually poisonous if eaten!
Vervain: A Plant of Power
Verbena or Vervain has long been linked to gods and other supernatural powers. In ancient Egypt, it was called "tears of Isis." Later, it was known as "Juno's tears." The ancient Greeks dedicated it to the goddess Eos.
During the early Christian era, a folk story said that Common Vervain (V. officinalis) was used to stop Jesus' bleeding wounds after he was taken from the cross. Because of this, it was sometimes called "Holy Herb" or "Devil's bane." The plant's scientific name, Verbena, comes from an ancient Roman word for very powerful herbs used in sacrifices. The Roman writer Pliny the Elder wrote about verbena being placed on altars for the god Jupiter.
People also believed vervain could protect them. An old saying goes:
- "Vervain and Dill / Hinder witches from their will."
Vervain flowers are even carved onto cimaruta, which are Italian charms used to ward off evil.
Other Sacred European Plants
Other plants considered sacred in Europe include valerian, yarrow, hemp, and mugwort.
Sacred Herbs in the Americas
In Native American rituals, some non-psychoactive plants are widely used and considered sacred. These include sweetgrass and white sage. These plants are often used for cleansing and spiritual ceremonies.
Herbs in Pop Culture
In the popular young adult book series The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith, the author uses vervain as a way to protect humans from vampires. This idea builds on vervain's old reputation for having magical powers that can stop witches.
In one of the books, The Struggle, Volume II, the vampire Stefan tells the human Elena that vervain can "protect you against bewitchment, and it can keep your mind clear if someone is using Powers against you." He explains how to prepare and use it: "Once I've extracted the oil from the seeds, you can rub it into your skin, or add it to a bath. And you can make the dried leaves into a sachet and carry it with you, or put it under your pillow at night." He even gives her an unprepared sprig for immediate protection.
