The Best Herbs for Protection Magic You Already Have

Many witches, pagans, Wiccans, and spiritual practitioners use herbs for protection in their spells and ritual magic. Protection herbs can cleanse, banish evil energy, and serve as a barrier to prevent negative intentions from entering your sacred space.

In this article, I’ll discuss the best herbs to use for protection that are also easy to find. You probably have them in your kitchen already. I’ll explain why you want to use certain herbs and how to include them in your spiritual practice.

Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout OR at the bottom of this article.

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Best Herbs For Protection

Here are 10 of the best inexpensive and easy-to-find herbs for protection. Under each protection herb, I listed its spiritual intention and why you’d want to use it.

I typically use Wiccan author Scott Cunningham’s book, Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, as a reference for herbal intentions and uses. Although I have a few issues with this book, it’s a great reference tool overall. You may also be interested in Best Herbalism Books for Beginners.

Witchy Tip: When purchasing dried herbs, I’ve had the most luck shopping at grocery stores with bulk bins. It’s been much cheaper for me to buy bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, etc. Plus, you get a lot more!

Why Witches Use Protection Herbs in Spells

Herbs carry their own spiritual energy and vibrations. Energy is a mental, spiritual, and physical life force. Many witches believe this energy is where our spiritual power resides. In addition to herbs, it can be found in humans, animals, crystals, numbers, plants, colors, etc.

Adding herbs to spells and rituals infuses their energy into our spells. When choosing witchcraft herbs that correspond correctly with my spell or ritual’s intention, I consider how the herb interacts with our bodies on a medicinal level.

For example, lavender is excellent for relaxation and stress relief, so it would be excellent in spells for peace, love, and happiness.

Learn more about who assigned the elements, gender, and planet associations to witchcraft herbs here.

Safety and Storage Tips for Protection Herbs

Keep dried herbs in sealed glass jars, metal tins, or airtight containers to preserve their freshness and prevent moisture from causing mold or deterioration. Store your herbs in a cool, dark place. Avoid exposure to light and heat, which can weaken their effectiveness.

If you’re adding your own labels, include the herb name, spiritual use, and storage date. Some witches and spiritual practitioners store herbs in a cabinet or shelf with protective crystals to preserve their spiritual energy and effectiveness. Be mindful of potential allergies and reactions to pets or young children.

Quick Protection Method with Salt and Pepper

Grab salt and black pepper to cast a quick and effective protection spell. They’re both associated with protection and banishing. Together, they create a quick yet powerful defense.

Take a pinch of salt and pepper and place it in your hand. Visualize a protective barrier around you or your intended target (home, car, person, etc.).

Speak out loud a quick incantation:

Circle ’round, protect and hold,
Block all harm, both new and old.

Blow the salt and pepper mixture off your hand to send out to activate its protective intentions. This incantation is quick and easy to remember, making it ideal for a swift burst of protection when needed.

Good Alternatives to Spiritual Protection Herbs

You may not have protection herbs on hand, or you may want to add a bit of kitchen magic protection to your cooking. Here’s a list of everyday plants, flowers, and foods you can use instead.

Each one brings intense protective energy you can use as a barrier against negative energy. These natural allies will easily support your rituals and spells. Great for witchy holiday recipes for Beltane, Samhain, Winter Solstice, or any Pagan Holiday!

DIY Spiritual Protection Candle Spell

A lit candle joins the physical world with the spiritual, creating a powerful ritual. After cleansing and dressing the candle, you can use herbs, oils, witchcraft symbols, and symbolic candle color meanings to create a shield of spiritual safety.

Candle magic is very versatile, and you can customize it to include any additional intentions for home protection, cord-cutting, personal safety, energy cleansing, etc.

If you’re interested in creating your DIY protection candle spell, I’ve written a detailed guide and a video that walks you through a step-by-step tutorial.

How To Dispose of Protection Spell Ingredients

Once your protection spell is complete, remember to dispose of the ingredients in ethical and environmentally friendly ways. Respectful disposal honors Nature and the spiritual energy of your spellwork.

1. Return to Nature: If the materials are biodegradable (like herbs, flowers, or paper), consider burying them in the ground. This can be done in a garden or a designated outdoor compost area.
2. Burning: If it’s safe, burn leftover spell ingredients. Allow the ashes to cool completely, then scatter them outdoors in a respectful location, like a compost or near a tree or river.

Note: If you want to include glitter in your spells, please use biodegradable glitter to avoid polluting the environment. Repurpose or recycle spells ingredients (like glass or mason jars) whenever possible.

Sources

Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications. 1 October 1985.