By Carly Amarant

The word conjures a variety of meanings for different people. Does it refer to superstitions? Do you see an image of a witch riding on a broomstick in your mind? Does it describe something wonderful and exciting, or does it allude to supernatural forces at play? It is, in essence and in meaning, a powerful word.

In medieval Europe, many plants were considered to have magical virtues, and were thus used in daily life, aiding in everything from healing and love to conjuring courage and invoking protection. Some common names that are still used today reflect this historical relationship to plants. For example, it was thought that Viola tricolor could help heal a broken heart, hence one of its old names, “heartsease.”

Or did you know that the word “mannequin” came from a trend in the early 1500s based around a magical belief about mandrakes? “Mannekins” were little dolls made from mandrake roots (or imitations of them) that were widely sold throughout Europe. They were to be carefully washed, dressed, fed, and cared for to invoke protection against evil and were thought to bring good luck and fortune.

Have you ever carried or worn something special to keep you safe or bring you luck? Since antiquity and throughout the Middle Ages, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) was considered a friend of travelers, and it was placed into shoes to relieve aching feet and protect against evil spirits during long journeys. The famous 16th century English herbalist, John Gerard, reported “Pliny saith, The the traveler or wayfaring man that hath the herbe about him feeleth no werisomeness at all; and that he who hath it about him can be hurt by no poysonesome medicines, nor by any wilde beast, neither yet by the Sun itself.” Christians in medieval Europe associated mugwort with John the Baptist, saying that the saint wore a girdle of it to ward off evil when he went into the wilderness.

Have you ever felt the ache of unrequited love or struggled to get over an ex? Hildegard of Bingen, the 12th century Benedictine abbess and herbalist, would suggest you find some betony (Betonica officinalis, syn. Stachys officinalis). Specifically, she instructed that anyone bewitched by a love spell find a betony plant that had not been used for magic or medicine before, place a few leaves in each nostril, under the tongue, in each hand, and under each foot—then look at betony intently until the leaves become hot on their body. “Do this often until the person is better and thus released from the insomnia of love.”

I love studying the historical magical lore of plants, because it gives us clues about how people related to the green world around them; what shaped their worldviews; and with a little reading between the lines, how people would teach each other how to use and respect the plants in their communities. The notion of “magic” in this context provides a fascinating lens with which to study anthropology, history, and ethnobotany.

I often—and you may, too—use the word “magical” to describe when I am enchanted by something in the garden. The way a flower smells, invoking a pleasant emotional sensation. Or the way a few plants have woven themselves together, just so, in a way that is so mesmerizing, especially in early morning light, that one simply must pause to admire. So, too, are the special flowers that seem to attract all of the pollinators, from bees to hummingbirds, as you crouch beside them, sometimes all at once! To me, in this way, the word “magic” playfully describes the rich power of full presence in the moment. Anyone who has spent time working in a garden, surely and delightfully, knows what I mean.

Join me for my presentation about magical plants, ones you may or may not be familiar with, to view them through a new and exciting lens, as well as explore a few of my personal favorites to conjure enchantment and delight in the garden.

Carly Amarant will present a fascinating webinar, Herbal Magic in the Garden, on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 1 p.m. Eastern, during which she will cover some of her favorite plants, not only for their beauty and functionality, but also for their historical and magical lore. Discover how plants were used in medieval Europe for food and medicine, as well as for magical rituals concerning love, protection, and creation. Our webinars are free to The Herb Society of America members and are available for viewing after signing into the Member Login page. Webinars are $20.00 for guests. Become a member today, and enjoy all of our webinars for free along with access to the webinar library with over fifty program titles.

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1) Harry Potter classroom of potions (Karen Roe, Creative Commons); 2) Mandrake (Mandragora sp.) (ancientartpodcast.com); 3) Hildegard of Bingen (Britannica.com); 4) Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) (nccih.nih.gov).

Carly Amarant is a Horticulturist at The Met Cloisters in New York City, a museum that specializes in medieval European art, architecture, and gardens. After earning a bachelor’s degree focusing on medical anthropology at Manhattan College, she completed a three-year herbalism apprenticeship with Sacred Vibes Apothecary in Brooklyn, NY and a two-month conservation apprenticeship with United Plant Savers in Rutland, OH.  After graduating from the New York Botanical Garden’s School of Professional Horticulture, she worked on several private ornamental vegetable and herb gardens, including at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Virginia and the Iroki Estate in New York. In her current role at The Met Cloisters, she is passionate about sharing the horticulture, historical lore, and medicinal qualities of plants.