Herbs, waxes and accessories
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Sage, lavender, rosemary, waxes, wicks and smudging accessories: traditional uses, precautions and responsible sourcing.
HerbWhite sageWhite sage (Salvia apiana) is a shrub from California, central to Indigenous rites and heavily harvested for the trade. Here is what to know before you buy or burn it.HerbCommon sageCommon sage (Salvia officinalis) is the kitchen and garden sage. Here is its history, what its essential oil contains (thujone), and why caution is needed.HerbLavenderLavender is a Mediterranean plant grown mainly for its scent. Here are the species to tell apart, its history, its home uses and the precautions around its oil.HerbRosemaryRosemary is a Mediterranean shrub, now classed among the sages. Its history, its symbolism of remembrance, its resinous scent and the safety points to know.HerbMugwortCommon mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a wild European plant linked to St John’s Day. Its history, folklore, thujone, allergies and precautions before you burn it.HerbThymeThyme is a small aromatic shrub from southern Europe, rich in thymol. History, scent, decorative uses, drying and precautions, especially for its essential oil.HerbMintMint covers many species and hybrids. Here is how to tell peppermint from spearmint, the Greek myth of Minthe, decorative uses and precautions with menthol.HerbChamomileRoman or German chamomile? The two plants are different. Origin of the name, history, decorative uses, possible allergies and precautions, with no health promises.HerbVerbenaTwo plants are called verbena: common vervain, an ancient sacred herb of Europe, and lemon verbena, from South America. History, uses and precautions.HerbRoseThe rose is the most symbol-laden flower in the West. Fragrant varieties, history, uses of dried petals, the pitfalls of treated roses and precautions.HerbBay laurelBay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is the tree of Apollo and of victory wreaths. History, household uses and, above all, the two toxic “laurels” not to be confused with it.HerbCedar“Cedar” covers very different trees: true cedars, thujas, junipers. History of the cedars of Lebanon and the Atlas, conservation status and safety.HerbJuniperCommon juniper is one of the most widespread shrubs in the world. History of fumigation in Europe and the Himalayas, use of sprigs and berries, and toxic species to avoid.HerbEucalyptusEucalyptus comes from Australia and decorates bouquets and wreaths. Origin, introduction to Europe, decorative uses, the danger of the oil for children and animals, and fire.HerbPalo santo“Palo santo” refers to two very different trees: Bursera graveolens from tropical America, and Bulnesia sarmientoi from the Chaco. How to tell them apart and buy without causing harm.HerbSoy waxSoy wax is a plant-based wax made by hydrogenating soybean oil. How it is made, its properties, common defects, ecological questions, and what “clean” claims are really worth.HerbBeeswaxBeeswax is produced by worker honeybees. How it forms, its melting point, its qualities in candles, bloom, and adulteration.HerbRapeseed waxRapeseed wax is made by hydrogenating rapeseed oil, a crop widely grown in Europe. Properties, blends, variable melting points and questions of origin.HerbParaffinParaffin is the most common candle wax. Here is what it is (a mixture of alkanes from petroleum), its history, its properties, and what emission measurements really show.HerbCandle wicksThe wick controls the flame, the smoke and the safety of a candle as much as the wax does. Wick types, how to choose and trim them, and what to know about lead and metals.HerbIncense charcoalIncense charcoal discs heat resins and herbs. Here is what they are made of, how to light them safely, the risks (sparks, carbon monoxide) and the alternatives.HerbIncense burners and bowlsA well-chosen incense burner prevents burns, cracks and fires. Materials, types (censer, mabkhara, koro, bowl), sand bed, and what to avoid.HerbFire safety and ritualsA candle, a charcoal disc or a burning herb is a fire. Simple rules for lighting, watching over and putting out flames safely, at home or in ritual, with animals and children.HerbEssential oils: cautionEssential oils are concentrated products, not harmless fragrances. Risks for skin, airways, children and animals, and rules of caution, with no dosage given.HerbDrying and storing your herbsHow to pick, dry and store culinary, sachet and decorative herbs: the right time, methods, signs of dryness, mould, and how long they keep.HerbToxic herbs not to burnSome plants are dangerous to swallow, touch or burn. A cautious list of plants to set aside, common mix-ups, and what to do after exposure.
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice.