by: Sam Steven
The late Cuban singer and queen of salsa, Celia Cruz, said it clear in her classic salsa “El Yerbero Moderno” (the modern herbist). The rhythmical song names some herbs and their better use: “…I bring Basil, for the skinny one; I bring Vetivert, for the blind one…” and so on. Ok, it's true, the original lyrics are more fun as they rhyme in Spanish, but the idea to pick up there is that “with this herb you can get married.”
Other herbs she sings about are Holy Grass, Jechimon, Abre Camino, Garden Rue, Basil, Apazote, and Vetivert which are normally used for their medical healing properties.
But what her music says not only has the approval of Afro and Latino descendents, it has also the recognition of many of us who practice Santeria, which is a combination of Afro magical ritual and Spaniard religion. Santeria was born in Cuba and Brazil. The use of plants and herbs are part of their magical ritual of worshiping spirits.
We have explained before the methods in which plants, herbs, and roots should be used to attract and maintain the love you are seeking. But since then, Wiccan masters have found more herbs possessing love properties as well as their common uses for helping psychic powers, prosperity, protection, and other human realms.
For instance, spiritual healers recommend different ways in which these herbs may convey natural energy and love. You may carry the plant material on your person, take an infusion bath, and boil it in water or just eat it as an aphrodisiac meal. To achieve the first option, make a tiny talisman by putting one to three leafs in a small hand-made mojo bag; these are easy to take with you as they can be placed into your bag, wallet or pocket. You may try boiling the herb you've bought into water; then, after cooling it, splash it onto your body in the shower. Another option would be to use the magical powers that many know surrounds their kitchen. It means you should concentrate on the person of your desire as you prepare a love potion which then can be drunk (i.e. tea, chilled beverage and cocktails) or eaten (mixed with the fish, soy, meat, chicken, grains, etc.).
For those who don't know, some of these herbs may taste bitter, sour, salty, spicy, and sweet. On this, I always remind of what my mentor once told me: “Well, at least try to sweeten yourself with a Vanilla ice cream instead of bittersweet potions.”
Herbs with other properties than love
Abre Camino
Protection, Love (It is NOT for human consumption).
Arrowroot
Love, Psychic Powers
Chamomile
Money, Sleep, Love, Purification
Clove Powder
Protection, Exorcism, Love, Money
Clove Whole
Protection, Exorcism, Love, Money
Clover Red
Protection, Money, Love, Fidelity, Exorcism
Cohosh Black
Love, Courage, Protection, Potency
Colts Foots
Love, Visions
Black Copal
Love, Visions
Deer's Tongue
Lust, Psychic Powers
Dragon's Blood
Love, Protection, Exorcism, Potency
Elecampane
Love, Protection, Psychic Powers
Ginger
Love, Money, Success, Psychic Power
Henna
Love, Protection
Peppermint
Purification, Sleep, Love, Healing, Psychic Powers
Galangal, Mugwort, Lemongrass
Lust, Psychic Powers
Rose Hips
Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Love Divination, Luck, Protection
Rose Petals
Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Love Divination, Luck, Protection
Garden Rue
Healing, Health, Mental Powers, Love
Safflower
Love, Healing, Happiness, Wind Raising
Thyme
Psychic Powers, Love
Vanilla
Love, Lust, Psychic Powers
Vervain
Love, chastity, Healing
White Willow
Love, Healing
Wormwood
Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits
Yarrow
Love, Psychic Powers