Herbs are used in many religions, such as in Christianity (myrrh), ague root (Aletris farinosa) and frankincense (Boswellia) and in the partially Christianized Anglo-Saxon pagan Nine Herbs Charm. In the Bible story of Jesus Christ's Birth, the three wise men brings gold, frankincense, and myrrh as highly-expensive and esteemed gifts for the child's birth. In Hinduism a form of Basil called Tulsi is worshipped as a goddess for its medicinal value since the Vedic times. Many Hindus have a Tulsi plant in front of their houses. Herbs have been used in religion for centuries.
Herbs were also considered sacred in European pagan beliefs.The best known example is the mistletoe. The European mistletoe, Viscum album, figured prominently in Greek mythology, and is believed to be The Golden Bough of Aeneas, ancestor of the Romans. The Norse god Baldr was killed with mistletoe. Mistletoe bears fruit at the time of the Winter Solstice, the birth of the new year, and may have been used in solstitial rites in Druidic Britain as a symbol of immortality. In Celtic mythology and in druid rituals, it was considered a remedy for barrenness in animals and an antidote to poison, although the fruits of many mistletoes are actually poisonous if ingested as they contain viscotoxins.
Another example is, Verbena. Verbena or Vervain has long been associated with divine and other supernatural forces. It was called "tears of Isis" in Ancient Egypt, and later on "Juno's tears". In Ancient Greece, it was dedicated to Eos Erigineia. In the early Christian era, folk legend stated that Common Vervain was used to staunch Jesus' wounds after his removal from the cross. It was consequently called "Holy Herb" or "Devil's bane". The generic name is the Ancient Roman term for sacrificial herbs considered very powerful. Pliny the Elder describes verbena presented on Jupiter altars; it is not entirely clear if this referred to a Verbena rather than the general term for prime sacrificial herbs.
Basil Traditionally in India, basil has been used to treat colds and flus, because its pungent qualities are believed to purify and cleanse the respiratory tract of toxins. Taken as a tea, tincture or glycerite, it very effectively removes excess phlegm from the lungs and nasal passages. Adding tea made from fresh or dried leaves to a bath will enhance your recovery from a cold, flu or lung congestion.
Betony Appears as the fourth herb in later versions of the Nine Herbs Charm. Atterlothe of the original listing defies translation. Betony, however, serves well as a substitute, for it was anciently regarded as a cure for all ills of the body and the soul.
Camomile Never fails to lift the spirits with its sweet scent. Maythen, as it was known to the Saxons, is the “plants’ physician,” as it revives ailing plants when set near them. Humans enjoy it’s benefits as well.
Chervil May posses a powerful brain stimulant. It was once the sovereign remedy to restore the will to live. Thyme,Thymus serpyllum , occurs in other lists of the Nine Sacred Herbs, and is said to cheer melancholy.
Fennel Conveys longevity, gives strength and curage while its pleasant aroma discourages evil spirits. Fennel is the diet promotes good eyesight and fights obesity.
Nettle Serves many useful purposes. The leaves staunch bleeding and soothe burns. Its seed stimulate appetie. Nettle juice is an excellent hair lotion.
Lavender Lavender's scent is known to help with depressive feelings, negative thoughts, emotions, and to drive out negative spirits.
Mugwart Believed to guard against the unseen power of evil. The dried leaves stuffed in a pillow brings sweet dreams, lend vigor when steeped in bath water, and prevent fatigue on a long journey.
Plantian In the Saxon waybroad in old herbals, for it thrives beside roadways. Fresh leaves draw out infections, halt bleeding in minor wounds, and ease discomfort from burns and stings.
Watercress Supplies a generous amount of Vitamin C. It’s juice added to water is a tonic to erase listlessness.