It's fall, Halloween is coming, so what do you do with your garden?
There are herbs associated with Halloween and along with other pumpkins and gourds, you can use them to have a spooky good time, mwahaha.
The use of these plants goes back into the mists of time, enhanced by a rich history and folklore.
The types of plants used are often associated with our ancestors and these vary by culture.
Artemisia (Mugwort) is an herb that was believed to protect a person from evil spirits. John the Baptist was said to have worn a girdle of mugwort when he went into the wilderness. Mugwort is considered a visionary herb, so it can improve dreaming. It is considered the perfect herb to provide additional protection and ward off demonic possession.
sage
Sage is a plant associated with many attributes and used by many to promote wisdom and good fortune. It is believed that keeping a sage leaf in your pocket will attract money!
It is associated with wisdom, protection, purification, protection and immortality.
Sage is associated with witchcraft and is supposed to be a useful tool in purification. Sage is often burned to cleanse the home as part of the cleansing process.
Rosemary
Rosemary is known to boost memory, so bathing in rosemary water is one way to improve memory. It can help remember and make connections with ancestors. Ritual baths were also used for blessing and purification. Rosemary protects against evil spirits, especially on Hallows Eve, and repels negative energy.
camomile
Chamomile is an herb associated with cleansing and protection. Planting it or sprinkling it around the house is believed to prevent negativity from entering. Chamomile can also induce dreams and is used as a sedative to help with sleep and meditation.
St. John's Wort
This is an herb known for its medicinal qualities, especially for helping depression.
St. John's wort worn around the neck is believed to prevent fever and encourage good luck.
During the feast of Saint John, young women would hang the herb on the bedroom wall or place it under the pillow to dream of her future husband.
If you have these herbs in your garden, one way to use them is in a tea. They can also be used in the bathroom, hung in parts of the room or placed under the pillow. Be sure to clean up dead or rotting grass in the garden and fertilize as needed. Some herbs can be potted and brought indoors as long as there is a sunny window where they can get enough light.
October in the herb garden can still be a fun time of year to enjoy your garden before winter sets in.
Make the most of it and decorate your garden for Halloween. Or enjoy the herbs described above in different ways.
