Herbal Magic for Headaches: an introduction to Esoteric Herbalism

We’ve all had days when things just seem to conspire against us, or when bad news leaves us feeling isolated and vulnerable. All too often we reach for comfort food, or pour a drink, and though that can make a small difference at the time it usually makes us feel worse in the long run. Magical herbalism treats both immediate symptoms and the way we feel deep inside, and can work remarkably well.

Magical (or Esoteric) herbalism can help to get you through those times of crisis. Esoteric herbalism looks at more than just the medicinal or aromatherapy qualities of a herb or oil and allows us to also take account of the symbolism tied up with a plants habit, shape or folklore. On the subconscious level this can have dramatic effects and makes the remedy very much more than just the sum of its parts. In some cases items which have no directly measurable physical effect may be added to the mix, to help reinforce the symbolic potency. Coloured glass storage jars can also help this effect.

Some of the attributes associated with certain plants have been known about for centuries, the Doctrine of Signatures for example is a medieval belief that each plant is ‘signed’ with an indication of its properties, the concept of the four humours also played a part in how these attributes were recognised, allowing for the concept that cold, wet disorders, such as the common cold, could be treated with hot , dry remedies like cinnamon. Others are older again, and many herbs associated with purification date back to their use in early funeral rites.

With a little knowledge of these principles you can see how many remedies which tread the border between medicine and magic remain both effective and popular, and you can use this knowledge to prepare oil blends or herbal brews which can genuinely help to bolster a fragile emotional state.

The following recipe is easily prepared and is offered as an example of how to combine current herbal thinking with the more intangible esoteric principles. If you find yourself preparing these remedies for a friend, remember that the most magical ingredient of all is love, and if you truly care about their well-being then this will make all the difference.

Splitting Headache blend

Easily made and kept handy in a jar, the essential oils in this mixture combine with the concept of wholeness represented by the hazelnut. This reminds you of the relationship between your aching, physical head and the inspiration generated within.

5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil
20ml jojoba or sweet almond oil
1 hazelnut in its shell.

Choose a beautifully formed one, as this represents your brain as a seat of inspiration housed within a casing which whilst tough, can still be vulnerable. (An alternative to a hazelnut could be an appropriate crystal if you are used to working with them) To use, massage a few drops into your temples, or, if more appropriate, fish out the hazelnut and roll it round between your palms, inhaling the healing vapours and imagining the pain being flushed out..

The important thing here is the visualisation as well as the active, immediate relief of the oils. One works on the physical level, the other on the emotional and psychological. The combination m ay not be measurable or testable scientifically, but for a significant proportion of people it does work.

You can apply this principle to other preparations, be creative, and plan both sensible, sound healing remedies plus a more creative, intuitive symbolic addition that will give you something to focus on when using the remedy.