Herbs Associated with Halloween

Halloween is a masquerade celebrated on October 31st. This holiday dates back to a pagan ritual called Samhain by the ancient Celts. For them, this day marked the end of summer and the harvest, as well as preparations for the dark and cold winter, which they often associated with human death.

For the Celts, November 1st was the beginning of the new year, and they believed that on October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead disappeared. This, in turn, allowed spirits to return to the earth. They celebrated the day by wearing scary clothes to protect themselves from frightening spirits.

Today, Halloween is celebrated with children wearing scary costumes, carrying jack-o’-lanterns, and going door to door asking for candy, warning that if they don’t receive any, they will “play a trick” on the homeowner.

You might be wondering how herbs are connected to Halloween. At the core of this day is driving away evil spirits, and we will present a few creative ways in which herbs can help you banish negative energies.

Sage – a plant associated with many attributes: wisdom, protection, purification, and immortality. Many use it to encourage wisdom and attract luck. There is a belief that carrying a sage leaf in your pocket will bring you wealth! This herb appears in many spells and is considered a useful ingredient for cleansing and purifying magical tools. An excellent herb for driving away negativity and attracting positive energy.

Chamomile – an excellent herb for purification and protection. It is believed that planting chamomile around your home will prevent psychic and magical attacks, as well as block negative energy. Chamomile also promotes dreams and is used as a calming aid for sleep and meditation. Known as a “Lucky Flower,” a chamomile garland can help attract a suitor or bring good luck!

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum) – well known for its healing properties, also valued as protection against evil spirits and bad luck. It is said that wearing St. John’s Wort around the neck prevents fever and brings luck. Young women, during the Feast of St. John, hang the herb on the bedroom wall or place it under a pillow to dream of their future spouse. Combined with other powerful herbs, St. John’s Wort is added to amulets and talismans for protection.

Here’s a great essential oil blend from these herbs for a diffuser:

Diffuser Blend “Frightened Demon”:

• 3 drops of sage essential oil
• 1 drop of chamomile essential oil
• 1 drop of St. John’s Wort essential oil

And here’s a fun recipe for creating a “monster repellent” spray for your child:

• 1 drop of lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of St. John’s Wort essential oil
• 100 ml of distilled water

Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and help your child drive away the bad spirits for calmer and sweeter dreams.