10 Everyday Herbs with Spiritual and Sacred Significance

Though most herbs are commonly used for cooking, they are also incredibly healing with amazing spiritual, holistic, and medicinal benefits when used in remedies or in ritual. Across so many cultures and traditions throughout time, certain herbs have been noted to have spiritual and sacred significance.

If you have these herbs sitting in your spice cabinet, you might discover new spiritual uses and meanings for them that you weren’t aware of before.

If you’re thinking about growing your own herbs, this blog can help you understand the spiritual significance of common household herbs and make more informed choices for your plant practice.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner of herbalism or just curious about the mystical side of these plants, here’s a look at ten common household herbs to start growing and incorporating into your holistic practice.

1. Sage

Sage has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support the mind, body, and spirit. Traditionally, it helped with digestion, calming the nerves, and clearing negative energy. Whether burned to cleanse a space, sipped in tea, or used in oils, sage carries a deep connection to ancient wisdom—reminding us to slow down, breathe deep, and find balance.

Sage also used to smudge and purify spaces and individuals, cleanse your space, and invite positivity while creating a shield of protection.

Growing Sage

If you’re growing your own sage for your practice, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, as sage thrives in these conditions. Regularly trim the plant to encourage fresh, healthy growth and to prevent it from becoming too woody. Harvest the leaves when they’re vibrant and before the plant starts to flower for the most potent energy! Consider planting sage or potting + keeping near other herbs with complementary spiritual properties to create a harmonious space and a balanced, beautiful vibe for your home or garden.

If you’re looking to make sage bundles, you’ll want to completely dry out first. To make sage bundles, fully dry the sage leaves by hanging them upside down in a well-ventilated area before bundling and securing them with string and other decorative herbs. Get creative!!!

2. Lavender

Lavender isn’t just a soothing scent; it’s also cherished in a wellness practice. Lavender is used for its calming and protective properties. It’s awesome when placed in bags, bundles, satches, and even infused into products, salves and elixirs for beautiful healing benefits. Lavender brings peace and relaxation when burned as an incense to promote tranquility and enhance meditation. Lavender seed is also commonly used in spells and rituals for love and healing!!

Types of Lavender to Grow

There are so many different types of lavender, but some common ones you might plant and grow in the US might be:
English lavender: known for its sweet fragrance and versatility
French lavender: has a distinctive, ruffled appearance and thrives in warmer climates
Spanish lavender: unique, pineapple-shaped flower heads and resilience in diverse conditions.

Each type of lavender has its own unique characteristics, so consider your climate and garden space when choosing the best type for your needs.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary has been associated with memory and protection for centuries. In ancient Greece, students would wear rosemary garlands to improve memory during exams. It’s commonly used today in holistic wellness practices to improve mental clarity and provide protection. Rosemary is often burned or used in teas to invigorate the mind and spirit. Just like lavender, rosemary can be infused in different ways to enjoy its benefits.

Growing Rosemary

Rosemary can be grown in pots or directly in the garden, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor settings. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, as rosemary thrives in bright light and won’t tolerate being over watered very well. Start with seeds, cuttings, or young plants, and ensure the pot or space gives your plant enough room to grow. Water your rosemary sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.

4. Mint

Mint is not just a refreshing herb for teas and cooking, it also holds spiritual significance. Mint is often used for purification and healing. The fresh smell of mint or spearmint infused in practice can clear mental blockages, rejuvenate and renew. Mint is often linked to prosperity and abundance, making it a popular choice for manifestations and attracting success & setting goals for our future selves.

Growing Mint

Mint is vigorous and can spread rapidly, so consider planting it in a container or using garden barriers to contain your plant. You’ll want your mint to get partial to full sunlight, and ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. You can start with seeds, cuttings, or young plants. Water mint regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Harvest mint leaves as frequently as possible to make room for new growth and utilize it’s beautiful properties. You’ll be so happy to have fresh mint in the home for desserts, cooking, teas, self care, and all around wellness.

5. Thyme

Thyme has a long history of use in both culinary and spiritual contexts. Thyme was always placed under pillows to promote restful sleep and ward off nightmares. It’s also associated with courage and strength, and is often used in rituals to build inner courage, confidence, and self-love. To use thyme in your spiritual practice, place dried thyme under your pillow or in a small sachet. You can also create a thyme-infused oil or tea for use in rituals. Additionally, burn thyme as incense during meditation, or add it to a ritual bath.

Growing Thyme

Thyme thrives in full sunlight and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so choose a bright and sunny spot for your thyme plant. It’s honestly best to plant thyme in raised beds or containers to ensure proper drainage. You’ll want to regularly trim and care for your thyme plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent that woodiness. Thyme is relatively low-maintenance and can handle a range of temperatures, but be mindful of frost in colder parts of the country! If your herbs are outdoors, mulch around the base in colder climates to protect it.

6. Basil

Basil is SO much more than a delicious topping on an Italian dish! Though that may be where your mind first goes, basil has significance beyond its punchy flavor. It’s a symbol of protection and sanctity. In Hinduism, basil is considered a sacred plant and is often grown near homes to attract positive energy and divine blessings. Basil is also used in spells and rituals for prosperity and love, and its energy attracts success and deepen emotional bonds.

Growing Basil

Basil can be really easy to grow! When growing your own basil, choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, as basil thrives in warm, bright conditions. Plant basil in well-drained soil, enriched with compost to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, as basil prefers moist but not soggy soil. To encourage a bushier plant, pinch off the top leaves regularly and remove any flowers that appear. Basil can be grown in garden beds, pots, or containers, making it a versatile choice for both outdoor and indoor gardening.

7. Chamomile

Chamomile is renowned not only for its soothing qualities but also for its spiritual significance. Chamomile is primarily used for its flowers. The dried flowers are commonly used in teas, tinctures, and essential oils. While chamomile seeds can be used to grow the plant, the flowers are where you’ll find the most potent benefits for relaxation and spiritual practices. Often enjoyed in calming teas and herbal blends, chamomile’s reputation as a relaxation aid is well-earned. Beyond its role in promoting restful sleep, this gentle herb is embraced in magical practices for its ability to foster peace, purification, and good fortune. Its serene energy is thought to soothe the soul and provide a comforting embrace for both body and spirit.

You can use chamomile to enhance your own practice. Incorporate chamomile flowers it into your daily routine in meaningful or soothing ways. Brew a calming chamomile tea to unwind before bed or to create a peaceful atmosphere during meditation. You could even make shower steamers with chamomile that release fragrance as you shower, creating a relaxing spa-like experience. If you’re looking for one herb to romanticize life + shape your routine in the most soothing ways, this is your herb!

Growing Chamomile

When growing chamomile, select a sunny spot with well-drained soil, as it thrives in bright conditions and doesn’t like soggy roots. You can start chamomile seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, using seed trays or pots with good drainage. For indoor growth, place the plants in a south-facing window or under grow lights to ensure they receive enough light. Space seedlings about 8-12 inches apart when transplanting them. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and deadhead flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

8. Dandelion

Though often seen as a weed, dandelion holds a place of honor in spiritual traditions. It is associated with wishes and the ability to manifest desires. Dandelion root is used in rituals for growth and transformation, while the bright yellow flowers are symbols of hope and renewal. Tea with dandelion root supports liver function, aids digestion, and acts as a mild diuretic. It’s rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells and promote clear skin. Dandelion tea’s detoxifying properties also assist with reducing bloating and supporting overall health.

Growing or Harvesting Wild Dandelion

If you plan to harvest dandelion in the wild, pick leaves before the plant flowers and try to dig up roots in the fall or early spring to avoid any areas treated with chemicals.

For home cultivation, grow dandelions in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and harvest leaves and roots when the plant is young and vibrant. At home, you can start dandelion from seeds or transplants, and ensure they have enough space to spread. Regularly water the plants and keep them free from weeds to maximize their health and herbal benefits.

9. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is known for its soothing effects on the nervous system, but it also has spiritual significance. Often used to bring joy and positive energy, lemon balm is incorporated into rituals for happiness and emotional balance. Its lemony fragrance is thought to uplift the spirit and bring clarity.

Growing Lemon Balm

To grow lemon balm, choose a sunny/partially shaded spot with well-drained soil, as the plant thrives in a range of light conditions but prefers consistent moisture. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow them directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Lemon balm can spread quickly, and I mean quickly, so space plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for its spreading growth. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Harvest the leaves as needed for teas, herbal remedies etc. You’ll want to be trimming your lemon balm consistently to prevent it from become too leggy, and encourage that bushier upward growth.

10. Fennel

Fennel is commonly used for culinary or digestive benefits but also has spiritual  benefits as well. In ancient times, fennel was associated with strength and protection. It’s often used in rituals for personal empowerment and to promote mental sharpness. Fennel seeds are also believed to attract prosperity and abundance!

Growing Fennel

To grow fennel, choose a container with enough space and good drainage, about 12 or so inches. Place in a sunny spot, as fennel needs full sunlight to thrive. Start with seeds directly sown into the pot or transplant young seedlings, Water your fennel plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not overly waterlogged. Harvest the fennel bulb when it is firm and of a good size, and trim the feathery leaves for fresh use as needed.

Using your Herbs for Tinctures + Products

Once you grow your herbs, the fun doesn’t just stop at beautiful plants, fresh leaves, and dried plant matter for medicine and ritual. Start infusing your herbs into various types of tinctures and products!

To infuse herbs into a tincture, you’d start by placing the dried herbs in a jar and covering them with a high-proof alcohol, like vodka. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.

This creates an ideal herbal elixir—mix a lavender tincture with honey or another sweetener, then dilute it with water or tea to craft a delicious and beneficial concoction.

To make a lotion, you would infuse any herb in a carrier oil, like olive or coconut oil. You’d do this by gently heating them together for a few hours and then straining the oil before mixing it into your lotion base. Then you have natural products made from your own herbs! Imagine the scents and combinations you can make for the added benefits and amplified energy!

Most Common Ways to Use Your Herbs

Here are some of the most common ways you may find yourself using your dried plant and herbal matter:

Spell Jars: Infuse herbs for magical intentions.
Herbal Teas: Brew for soothing, health benefits.
Tinctures: Extract herbal properties into alcohol or vinegar.
Sachets: Fill small pouches with herbs for scent and protection.
Bath Soaks: Add to bathwater for relaxation.
Pillow Sprays: Create calming sprays with herb-infused water.
Natural Incense: Burn herbs in natural incense for purification/meditation.
Salves: Make healing topical applications with herbs like lotions or oil rubs.
Herbal Capsules: Encapsulate powdered herbs for supplements.
Herbal Extracts: Create concentrated extracts for various uses.
Facial Steams: Use herbs in steam baths for skincare.
Herbal Syrups: Combine herbs with honey for herbal-based, earthy syrups.
Essential Oils: Extract oils for aromatherapy and wellness.
Cooking: Add to dishes for flavor and health.
Herbal Vinegars: Infuse vinegars for culinary or health benefits.
Hair Rinses: Use herbal infusions for conditioning or cleansing.
Herbal Compresses: Apply hot or cold for soothing aches.
Home Cleaners: Add herbs to homemade cleaning solutions like white vinegar-based solutions.
Art/Creativity: Incorporate herbs in floral arrangements, bouquets, or repurpose in art/projects
Home Decor: Accessorize the home with dried herbs + flowers to curate cute herbal collections.

Happy Gardening!

From growing these herbs in your garden to using them in your own tinctures and products, integrating these plants into your daily life can enhance your life in a natural way. Whether you’re drawn to the protective qualities of sage or the calming presence of lavender, craft your own herbal garden and let your intuition speak! Each herb offers a unique path to enhancing your wellness and self-care routines. Nurture your plants, show gratitude as you harness their energies, and find healing in their presence in your life. Happy gardening!