Herbs 101 with Laurie Barraco

Herbs are so much more than kitchen staples — they’re allies from the Earth, each carrying a unique vibration and energetic blueprint, much like crystals. Just as you can feel the difference when you hold a piece of rose quartz versus a piece of black tourmaline, herbs hold their own energetic signatures, too. Some soothe, some protect, some ignite passion or psychic clarity — and when we use them consciously, they add layers of intention and sacredness to our everyday lives.

We already know that herbs can completely transform the taste of a dish — but what if we take it a step further? What if we infused our meals, our rituals, and even our homes with herbs not just for flavor, but for their energetic properties as well? Cooking and living with herbs then becomes a sacred act — a form of earth magic that helps us align with our goals, desires, and spiritual well-being.

Let’s explore some of the beautiful, simple, and powerful ways you can work with herbs in your spiritual practice.

Different Forms of Incense

There are two main types of herbal incense:

1. Incense sticks and cones – easy, convenient, and great for daily use. You can find a wide variety of blends crafted for specific intentions like love, protection, or prosperity.

2. Loose herbal blends and resins – handcrafted by you with a mortar and pestle, then burned on a charcoal disk in a heat-safe container. These are incredibly powerful and customizable — perfect for rituals and ceremony.

Neither method is “better” — it all comes down to what resonates with you and the type of work you’re doing.

Other Uses for Herbs

Candle Magic – Anoint your candle with oil and roll it in a sacred blend of herbs to amplify your intention. You might use cinnamon for abundance, rosemary for clarity, or rose petals for love. This is a beautiful way to craft your own spell candles or simply add deeper meaning to a devotional candle.

Bath Rituals – Salt baths infused with herbs are one of my favorite self-care practices. I begin with a base of sea salt, Epsom salt, Himalayan salt, or Dead Sea salt, then add herbs aligned with my purpose. Chamomile and lavender for relaxation, or rosemary and mugwort for psychic clarity. Always test new herbs on a small area of skin first!

Tea Blends – Creating your own tea blends is a sacred ritual in itself. When we choose our herbs with care, we’re not just sipping tea — we’re aligning with intention. A calming tea with lavender, lemon balm, and chamomile is beautiful for winding down or supporting dream work, while a blend of peppermint, ginger, and nettle may energize and cleanse. Always use organic herbs when possible, and do your research — not all herbs are safe for internal use. Some herbs, like mugwort or comfrey, may not be safe to ingest and should only be used externally or as incense. If you're unsure, consult a qualified herbalist.

Mojo Bags – A powerful form of folk magic. Blend herbs together with an intention in mind, and place them in a small pouch to carry or place in a sacred space. After 21 days, your aura absorbs the vibration, and the intention anchors more deeply into your energy field.

Home & Space Protection – Hang mojo bags in the four corners of your home or workspace with your custom herbal mix. Add a protective charm, like an evil eye or pentacle, and be sure to change the herbs every six months or so to keep the energy fresh. You can also safely tuck them into drawers or behind furniture — just keep them away from children and pets.

Perimeter Protection – If you own your home or rent with permission, create a ring of light and protection by mixing sea salt, black salt, and cedar shavings. After smudging or cleansing your home, sprinkle this blend around the edges of your property while visualizing a dome of light and love sealing in your sacred space.

Cook With Intention – Ever added lavender to baked goods? Not only is it fragrant and delicious, but it carries calming energy. Cooking becomes a ritual when we choose herbs aligned with our goals — like basil and oregano for abundance, or cinnamon and nutmeg for luck. Stir clockwise to bring things in, and counterclockwise to release what no longer serves.

⚠️ Always research herbs before ingesting or burning them — not all herbs are safe in every form. And be sure your tea herbs are organic and ethically sourced for the highest energetic and physical integrity.

Herbs by Intention

Abundance – Patchouli, clove, peppermint, jasmine, bayberry, cinnamon, date, spearmint
Love – Rose, hibiscus, patchouli, basil, yarrow, rue, orange, ginger, catnip, lavender
Psychic Development – Yarrow, wormwood, angelica, frankincense, rosemary, dandelion, anise
Protection – Copal, cedar, sage, pine, rosemary, benzoin, dill, dragon’s blood, mugwort

DIY Protection Blend & Ritual

Supplies:

• Copal, sage, and rosemary

• Mortar and pestle

• Charcoal disk

• Heat-safe container

• Sand or dirt as a buffer in your container

Steps:

1. Sage yourself before any ritual work to clear your field.

2. Grind the herbs together using your mortar and pestle, focusing on your intention.

3. Place a charcoal disk in your container (buffered by sand) and light it until it begins to spark.

4. Sprinkle your herbal blend on the charcoal and watch the smoke rise.

5. As the smoke wafts, visualize it cleansing and protecting your space. Feel the energy shift.

🔥 Note: Never burn herbs indoors without ventilation and be cautious with toxic herbs like wormwood, which should never be burned in closed spaces.

Herbs are a gateway to working with nature, spirit, and your own inner alchemist. Whether you're creating sacred smoke, preparing an intentional bath, sipping herbal tea, or stirring purpose into your meals, you’re not just doing — you’re beingwith intention. That’s where the true magic lives.

Blessings and Light,

Laurie Barraco