Another round of potions on me
though not every witch uses plants or herbs in their craft, it is a common question for beginner witches, “where do i get herbs for spells/potions?”
the short and simple answer is, wherever is most important in your craft.
- do you feel it is important the herbs you acquire commune with nature?
- or is it important that these herbs are close in energy to you from time spent growing them?
- or are all herbs are good as each other, and you prefer where they are most accessible?
all of these are equally valid choices in one’s craft.
however, the answer is not as simple as this.
we are dealing with plants, which have the potential to cause harm. merely being a witch does not give one a degree in botany or make one a master in herbalism. the way you procure your herbs/plants does not so much depend on your skill as a witch, but your knowledge of plants. though there may be a spiritual reason for where you would like to get your herbs from, you may want to work your way up to that first, and do the appropriate amount of research and training before you dive into unknown and dangerous territory.
🌿 Finding Herbs at the Grocery Store
as this is the safest and easiest way to acquire herbs. for the most part, you are unlikely to be hurt by your average spice cabinet of kitchen herbs, spare for certain medical conditions, like allergy or pregnancy. the herbs bought from stores are already prepared to be consumed in recommended amounts, and though you may not find anything particularly exciting at the store, you’ll never run out of rosemary and thyme.
🌿 Using Homegrown Herbs
this is the middle ground. you have control over the herbs you plant, and it’s up to you to research them before buying/using seeds, which includes on how to handle the plant as well as its edibility.
however, there is still the possibility of mistake. outdoor gardens are susceptible to whatever seeds get carried in by wind and animals, as well as whatever pesticides and general pollution that is in your area. how edible the plants you grow varies from area to area, and requires individual research.
🌿 Finding Edible Wilds
this is the most dangerous way to get your herbs, as there is the most room for error. there are many plants that can be easily mistaken for their poisonous counterpart, and others that though they are edible, are harmful to touch/harvest. using edible wilds is something only people high experienced with plants should consider themselves able to do, and even then they still put themselves at some amount of risk.
tl;dr: unless you’re a professional don’t go looking for random shit in the woods for your spells, there’s poisonous shit out there
this is not to say the odd dandelion found in a field can’t be used for your craft, but if you find a white carrot, and can’t remember which poisonous plant it could be, “was it belladonna, nightshade, or hemlock, i wonder?” or if it’s even safe to touch it, you want to take a pass on picking it, for your own safety.
