Best Plants for Fantasy Nerds

Greetings lovely Fantasy Nerds! This week we have a treat for you, we will be discussing some plants that were used in the olden days and thought to have magical properties, and how they can be useful for your health today! We hope you enjoy our list, and find a new plant friend to help you in your everyday life!

Vervain

Known as the Enchanter’s Herb, vervain has long been linked to magical practices. This herb was used by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Celtic Druids to protect against evil spells and negative energy. This may be because vervain is known to treat depression and insomnia. Vervain has long been used in folk medicine as a relaxant. It has anti-anxiety effects comparable to diazepam, acts as a sedative, and is an anti-convulsant. As you can see, many practical uses for this herb could lend to it being seen as protecting from evil, especially since seizures and mental illness were seen as signs of an evil spirit or curse in the olden days. 

Vervain is a hardy herb that can survive in drought conditions and often grows wild, but doesn’t tolerate extreme temperatures. It grows best in full sun, but also in partial shade. Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly for about a month to get it started.

Sage

In medieval times sage was used to cleanse the body, often to cleanse poison. It was also chewed to whiten teeth and for use in cooking. Indigenous people used sage to prepare people for ceremonies or teachings, as it is known to clear the mind and disperse any negative energy. An antioxidant in healthy adults, sage was shown to improve memory in low doses. Higher doses also elevate mood and increase alertness, calmness, and contentedness. Commonly used nowadays for smudging to get rid of any negative energy in a space or person. 

Sage can be grown indoors, but needs roughly 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day and does need to be watered fairly regularly, if the soil feels dry to the touch then it needs water, just be careful not to overwater sage as this can harm the plant.

Lady’s Mantle

In the Middle Ages, alchemists used the dew found on the leaves of Lady’s Mantle because they believed it had magical properties and was said to have been used to create the famed Philosopher’s Stone. The plant’s common name came from a word meaning “universal cure for disease”. This is likely because Lady’s Mantle has demonstrated antimicrobial and antiviral properties against various diseases, as well as having anti-inflammatory effects. The plant was traditionally used in both wound healing and cosmetics, due to its mild astringent properties. It would tighten skin, reduce oiliness, and lessen bleeding from minor scrapes and bruises. Though this plant won’t give you eternal life, it would still be fun for a Fantasy Nerd to have a plant associated with the Philosopher’s Stone. 

This plant needs minimal care, but is prone to spreading, so you may need to pluck it regularly. It can be planted in ordinary garden soil and grows in both full sun or shade, but shade is best if you live in a hot climate. 

Lavender

Lavender is known to ease tension, calm, and help with anxiety. Lavender is commonly used in herbal remedies, teas, and anything with a scent, especially essential oils. In medieval times it was placed between linens to make them smell better, and placed in bags and hung as a form of air freshener, because as we know people did not bathe often back then! Romans would use lavender in their bathwater and use it to wash their clothes for the lovely scent. Lavender is used for protection, sleep assistance, and to invoke peace and happiness.

Lavender blossoms during spring. It needs to be watered regularly and requires about 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. It’s best to plant lavender during April or May, as it requires warm and well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. Pruning is also essential for the lavender plants’ health, if you take good care of it it can bloom for a few years! 

Rosemary

Rosemary was often worn by Greek scholars around their heads to improve performance on exams. In witchcraft, it was hung in bundles on the door of a home to keep burglars or those with evil intentions out and also worn in amulet bags around the neck to help with forgetfulness. This likely came about because rosemary is known to improve memory. You can diffuse rosemary essential oil or burn it as incense to help with studying or forgetfulness. Not to mention rosemary is a great herb to use in cooking. In medieval kitchen gardens, rosemary was said to represent the dominance of the lady of the house. 

Rosemary is one of the sturdiest herbs. You can dig it up during the winter and bring it in a pot inside, easily re-planting it in spring without harming it. You will want to plant it somewhere with lots of sun and well-draining soil. 

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel got its name because its twigs were used by witches as a divining rod to find sources of water. Witches also used the plant to guard against evil and as a cure for broken hearts. Native Americans introduced it as a poultice to settlers to help with wound swelling or irritation. This is because witch hazel has many healing properties for the skin. It helps relieve bug bites, sunburn, poison ivy, and skin irritation in general. Witch hazel is also used in many face products today because it is great for toning and tightening the skin and preventing acne. 

This shrub needs regular watering, but once it gets going it is maintenance-free. You’ll want to plant it fully in the sun, or filtered shade if you live in a hot climate. The beautiful flowers will bloom in the middle of winter.

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What do you think of our list? What plants do you use and how do they apply to you? Let us know in the comments below!

If you liked this post, you might enjoy reading our short story, “The Spell Merchant”. The main character uses some of these plants in her potions and spells!

Thank you so much for reading!

-Clever&WTF