Cornflower

Centaurea cyanus

The Eye of Clarity

Parts used: Flower
Element: Air & Water
Energetics: Cooling, light, calming
Planetary ally: Mercury

Cornflower is a delicate yet potent ally traditionally used to soothe tired, strained, or inflamed eyes and skin. In folk herbalism, it is associated with clarity, vision, and gentle cooling.

Its light, airy energy makes it ideal for calming excess heat and tension in the upper body. Cornflower also carries emotional medicine for mental fatigue and overwhelm, helping clear mental fog and restore calm perception.

Cornflower reminds us to soften our gaze—both inward and outward.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

The Golden Healer

Parts used: Flower
Element: Fire & Water
Energetics: Cooling, drying, gently cleansing
Planetary ally: Sun

Calendula is a sun-bright flower with deep healing magic. In folk herbalism, it is known as a great wound healer and protector of the skin, both externally and internally. Calendula has long been used to soothe inflamed tissues, support skin regeneration, and assist the lymphatic system in moving stagnation from the body.

Traditionally, calendula has been used to support digestive comfort, ease sluggish lymph, and bring warmth and light to areas of stagnation. Energetically, calendula works where there has been damage; physical, emotional, or energetic, by offering gentle repair and renewal.

Calendula carries solar medicine: it restores confidence, vitality, and warmth where things have grown dull or wounded.

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

The Gentle Peacemaker

Parts used: Flower
Element: Water
Energetics: Cooling, drying, calming
Planetary ally: Sun & Moon

Chamomile is one of the great comfort herbs, beloved for its calming influence on the nervous and digestive systems. Traditionally used for restlessness, digestive upset, and tension, chamomile offers gentle relief when the body is in distress.

Folk herbalists often turn to chamomile when emotions are tightly held in the gut, emotions like worry, frustration, or suppressed anger. It soothes both the physical belly and the emotional one.

Chamomile teaches softness in moments of overwhelm and invites the body back into safety.

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

The Bone Weaver

Parts used: Leaf (root in historical use)
Element: Earth
Energetics: Cooling, moistening, deeply grounding
Planetary ally: Saturn

Comfrey is a powerful plant spirit associated with repair, knitting, and restoration. Folk traditions have long revered comfrey for its ability to support the body’s natural regenerative processes, particularly in tissues, skin, and structural systems.

Historically known as knitbone, comfrey was used externally to support bruises, sprains, strains, and skin trauma. Energetically, it teaches boundaries and repair—helping the body and spirit mend what has been broken.

Comfrey reminds us that healing takes time, rest, and deep nourishment. It is a plant of patience, reconstruction, and grounded recovery.

Dandelion Leaf

Taraxacum officinale

The Cleansing Rebel

Parts used: Leaf
Element: Earth
Energetics: Cooling, drying, cleansing
Planetary ally: Jupiter

Dandelion is a powerful ally of release and renewal. Traditionally used to support fluid balance and gentle detoxification, dandelion leaf has long been associated with liver and kidney support in folk traditions.

Energetically, dandelion helps clear stagnation—both physical and emotional. It is often called upon when the body feels congested, heavy, or burdened.

Dandelion teaches us how to let go and thrive anyway, even in harsh conditions.

Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

The Joy Bringer

Parts used: Leaf
Element: Air
Energetics: Cooling, uplifting, calming
Planetary ally: Moon & Venus

Lemon balm is a beloved nervine herb traditionally used to lift the spirits and calm the heart. In folk medicine, it has been used for nervous tension, digestive discomfort linked to stress, and emotional overwhelm.

With its bright scent and gentle action, lemon balm supports emotional resilience and brings comfort during times of grief, anxiety, or restlessness. It is often associated with heart healing and gentle protection.

Lemon balm teaches joy as a healing force and reminds us that lightness is medicine.

Liquorice Root

Glycyrrhiza glabra

The Great Harmoniser

Parts used: Root
Element: Earth
Energetics: Warming, moistening, nourishing
Planetary ally: Jupiter

Liquorice root is a deeply revered tonic herb, traditionally used to restore vitality and harmonise herbal blends. It has long been associated with resilience, endurance, and support during times of depletion or stress.

In folk medicine, liquorice is used to soothe irritated tissues, support respiratory comfort, and nourish systems that feel dry or exhausted. It acts as a mediator by bringing balance where systems feel out of sync.

Liquorice root teaches sweetness after hardship and reminds the body how to receive nourishment again.

Plantain

Plantago major

The Wayside Healer

Parts used: Leaf
Element: Earth
Energetics: Cooling, drying, drawing
Planetary ally: Mars

Plantain is one of the great folk first-aid plants, growing wherever humans tread. Traditionally used to draw out heat, toxins, and irritation, plantain has been relied upon for bites, stings, splinters, and inflamed tissues.

Internally, plantain has been used to soothe irritated mucous membranes, calm inflammatory patterns, and support respiratory and digestive comfort. It has an affinity for places where tissues feel raw, inflamed, or overworked.

Plantain teaches resilience. It thrives under pressure and offers steady protection to those who need grounding, strength, and quiet endurance.

Rose

Rosa spp.

The Heart Priestess

Parts used: Petals
Element: Water
Energetics: Cooling, moistening, harmonising
Planetary ally: Venus

Rose is sacred medicine. In folk and mystical herbalism, rose is the great balancer of the heart, soothing emotional wounds while gently supporting physical systems tied to heat, inflammation, and tension.

Traditionally, rose has been used to calm the nervous system, cool excess heat, and support digestion, especially when emotions are held in the belly. Rose medicine softens grief, invites self-compassion, and restores trust in love.

Energetically, rose teaches boundaries with softness. It opens the heart without leaving it unprotected.

Roselle Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

The Heart Refresher

PartParts used: Calyx
Element: Water
Energetics: Cooling, moistening, uplifting
Planetary ally: Venus

Hibiscus is a plant of joy, sensuality, and circulation. Traditionally enjoyed as a vibrant herbal infusion, it has been used to cool excess heat in the body, support hydration, and encourage healthy flow of blood and fluids.

In folk traditions, hibiscus is associated with heart vitality, both physically and emotionally. It is often used to uplift the spirit, gently support circulation, and encourage emotional openness after grief or heaviness.

Hibiscus teaches pleasure as medicine. Its bright colour and tart taste remind us that healing does not need to be bitter.

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum

The Catalyst

Parts used: Peppercorn
Element: Fire
Energetics: Hot, drying, stimulating
Planetary ally: Mars

Black pepper is a classic activator herb, traditionally used to stimulate digestion, enhance circulation, and improve the assimilation of nutrients and herbal compounds.

In folk herbalism, black pepper is used to wake up sluggish systems and help other herbs reach deeper layers of the body. Energetically, it breaks through inertia and encourages decisive action.

Black pepper teaches momentum and the power of a small spark to create change.

Black Assam Tea Leaves

Camellia sinensis – Assamica

The Grounded Awakener

Parts used: Leaf
Element: Fire & Earth
Energetics: Warming, stimulating, grounding
Planetary ally: Sun & Saturn

Black Assam tea is a strong, earthy tea traditionally used to stimulate focus, circulation, and endurance. It offers grounding energy while awakening the mind.

Energetically, it supports structure, discipline, and sustained effort.

Assam tea teaches presence and steady strength.

Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

The Sweet Breath of Balance

Parts used: Seed pods
Element: Air & Fire
Energetics: Warming, aromatic, uplifting
Planetary ally: Mercury & Venus

Cardamom is a spice of clarity and gentle stimulation, traditionally used to support digestion, reduce heaviness, and refresh the breath and mind. In folk medicine, it has been used to ease digestive discomfort, especially when sluggishness or dampness is present.

Energetically, cardamom brings lightness where things feel dense. It supports emotional openness, clear communication, and the release of old stagnation held in the chest or belly.

Cardamom reminds us that warmth can be gentle and that sweetness can coexist with strength.

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum / cassia

The Sacred Fire Keeper

Parts used: Bark
Element: Fire
Energetics: Hot, drying, stimulating
Planetary ally: Sun & Mars

Cinnamon is a powerful warming spice long used in folk traditions to ignite circulation, kindle digestion, and warm cold or stagnant systems. It has been used to support metabolic fire, encourage blood flow, and awaken vitality throughout the body.

Energetically, cinnamon strengthens boundaries and protection. It is often associated with prosperity, courage, and spiritual fire. Cinnamon moves what is stuck—physically, emotionally, and energetically—and is called upon when life force feels dim or depleted.

Cinnamon teaches activation, confidence, and warmth from the inside out.

Cloves

Syzygium aromaticum

The Guardian of the Gate

Parts used: Flower buds
Element: Fire
Energetics: Hot, drying, penetrating
Planetary ally: Mars

Cloves are a deeply protective spice traditionally used to ward off decay and stagnation. In folk traditions, cloves have been used to support oral health, digestion, and immune defence, particularly when infection or corruption is suspected.

Energetically, cloves act as a guardian—strengthening boundaries and clearing unwanted influences. They are often associated with protection magic, banishing, and energetic cleansing.

Cloves teach discernment and the importance of strong boundaries.

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

The Elder Mother’s Shield

Parts used: Berries
Element: Water
Energetics: Cooling, drying, protective
Planetary ally: Venus & Saturn

Elderberries are deeply protective fruits traditionally used to support immune resilience and recovery. In folk traditions, elder is considered a sacred guardian plant, offering protection during times of vulnerability.

Elderberries support warmth and strength during seasonal challenges and are often used to help the body recover after illness.

Energetically, elder offers wise protection, ancestral support, and deep nurturing.

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

The Root of Vital Heat

Parts used: Rhizome
Element: Fire
Energetics: Hot, drying, stimulating
Planetary ally: Mars

Ginger is one of the great circulatory and digestive allies in folk herbalism. Traditionally used to warm the body, stimulate digestion, and support immune resilience, ginger is called upon when coldness, stagnation, or weakness is present.

Ginger has long been used to support nausea, digestive sluggishness, and respiratory comfort. Energetically, it restores momentum and courage, helping the body move forward after illness or exhaustion.

Ginger teaches forward motion, strength, and inner fire.

Green Tea Leaves

Camellia sinensis

The Clear Path

Parts used: Leaf
Element: Air
Energetics: Cooling, drying, clarifying
Planetary ally: Mercury

Green tea has long been used to support mental clarity, gentle detoxification, and metabolic balance. Traditionally associated with longevity and mindfulness, green tea supports alert calm.

Energetically, it clears excess and sharpens awareness.

Green tea teaches simplicity, clarity, and mindful living.

Honeybush

Cyclopia spp.

The Sweet Restorer

Parts used: Leaf & stem
Element: Earth
Energetics: Neutral, moistening, soothing
Planetary ally: Venus

Honeybush is a gentle, sweet herbal tea traditionally used to support digestion, respiratory comfort, and overall vitality. It is often associated with rest, nourishment, and recovery.

Energetically, honeybush offers comfort and softness, particularly during times of depletion or stress.

Honeybush teaches rest as medicine.

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

The Clear Mind

Parts used: Leaf
Element: Air
Energetics: Cooling, drying, stimulating
Planetary ally: Mercury

Peppermint is a refreshing herb traditionally used to soothe digestion, relieve tension, and sharpen mental clarity. It has long been used for headaches, digestive discomfort, and nervous tension.

Energetically, peppermint clears confusion, lifts mental fog, and restores alertness.

Peppermint teaches clarity, freshness, and energetic reset.

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

The Red Earth Nourished

Parts used: Leaf
Element: Earth
Energetics: Neutral, nourishing, grounding
Planetary ally: Earth & Venus

Rooibos is a deeply nourishing herbal tea traditionally used to support mineral balance, digestion, and gentle detoxification. Naturally caffeine-free, it is often used for long-term nourishment and daily support.

Energetically, rooibos grounds and stabilises, offering steady support to the nervous system.

Rooibos teaches patience, nourishment, and quiet strength.

Star Anise

Illicium verum

The Celestial Compass

Parts used: Star-shaped fruit
Element: Air & Fire
Energetics: Warming, aromatic, stimulating
Planetary ally: Jupiter

Star anise is a spice of direction and clarity, traditionally used to support digestion and respiratory comfort. Its licorice-like flavour soothes while gently stimulating internal warmth.

Energetically, star anise is associated with guidance, intuition, and spiritual alignment. Its star shape reflects its role as a navigational ally, helping one find direction during uncertainty.

Star anise teaches trust in the path and clarity of purpose.

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

The Golden Alchemist

Parts used: Rhizome
Element: Fire & Earth
Energetics: Warming, drying, cleansing
Planetary ally: Sun & Jupiter

Turmeric has been revered for centuries as a cleansing and protective root. Traditionally used to support joint comfort, digestion, liver function, and systemic balance, turmeric is associated with purification and renewal.

Energetically, turmeric clears stagnation and restores harmony. It is often used in rituals of protection, healing, and blessing.

Blue Lotus

Nymphaea caerulea

The Dream Weaver

Parts used: Flower
Element: Water
Energetics: Cooling, relaxing, expansive
Planetary ally: Moon & Neptune

Blue lotus is a sacred flower traditionally associated with relaxation, altered states, and heart-opening. Historically revered in ancient cultures, it has been used to calm the nervous system and support meditation, dreamwork, and emotional release.

Energetically, blue lotus softens the boundaries between worlds, inviting intuition, sensuality, and spiritual insight.

Blue lotus teaches surrender and sacred stillness.

Herbal Materia Medica