Herbs of Death

[seekerofknwoledge]

I'm looking for some herbs that either symbolize death (by their use or just associations) or more generally the Day of the Dead. I'm going to be sewing up a little dolly to be stuffed with herbs, yet I don't seem to have a great listing of death related herbs. I'd prefer things with a musky scent if possible, but pretty much anything reasonable (and non poisonous) with the above connotations would be nice. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Theres]

most herbs associated with death are poisonous (go figure!).

however there are always options... anything naturally black will work, as will herbs associated with remembrance, etc, such as rosemary.

basil has been used to help support the courage of those facing death, and margoram used to be planted on the graves of loved ones.

Paul Beyerl claims that a chervil tea can help in rituals to communicate with the dead, and that parsley was stewn before the funeral procession.

yew is a tree that is connected to death in a number of ways. because it grows SO slowly and lives SO long, it was often planted near graveyards. it also corresponds with Hekate, who is not unfamiliar in the lower realms. but be careful with the seeds, as they are poisonous.
on a similar note willow (also sacred to Hekate) is associated with both life and death.

perhaps some of the kemetics here can turn you onto the Egyptian funerary herbs used in the imbalming process (which shouldn't be too hard to Google actually)... i know that lotus and myrrh were used this way.

so there are a few... and good luck with your research! :)

[Kendrah]

I'm looking for some herbs that either symbolize death (by their use or just associations) or more generally the Day of the Dead. I'm going to be sewing up a little dolly to be stuffed with herbs, yet I don't seem to have a great listing of death related herbs. I'd prefer things with a musky scent if possible, but pretty much anything reasonable (and non poisonous) with the above connotations would be nice. Any ideas? Thanks!

Patchouli is probably the number on in folk magic around here. Oakmoss is another that comes to mind. Even lavender.

[Theres]

... lavender.

also sacred to Hekate.

[Cindlady2]

Hummm, making a "Dolly" or poppet with death herbs makes me wounder just what you want to do!

Herbs can be used for death in a few ways...
1. To cause death.
2. To avoid death.
3. To help them on their journey to the next world.
4. To protect them from harm in the next world.
5. To 'dress' the body.

The poppet or 'dolly' thing makes me think you wish to kill someone.... to this I will not help. To other matters... I am an herbalist and I have officiated over a few pagan funerals, and could help you there.

[seekerofknwoledge]

Hummm, making a "Dolly" or poppet with death herbs makes me wounder just what you want to do!

Herbs can be used for death in a few ways...
1. To cause death.
2. To avoid death.
3. To help them on their journey to the next world.
4. To protect them from harm in the next world.
5. To 'dress' the body.

The poppet or 'dolly' thing makes me think you wish to kill someone.... to this I will not help. To other matters... I am an herbalist and I have officiated over a few pagan funerals, and could help you there.

Oh, sorry, I should have been a bit more specific!

I don't want to kill anybody. Actually I'm making a dolly to represent the God Thanatos (to help in rituals and as a representation). I wanted to stuff him wiht herbs rather than just stuffing because I feel it empowers the doll more plus I love the scent! Since Thanatos is not usually listed among many of the Greek Gods, I've had a hard time finding herbs associated with him, so I figured that ones associated with Death in general would help. I didn't mean to sound like I was going on a killing spree here...^_^; But I'd be glad to have any help you can offer.

[Dawa Lhamo]

Most of the stronger poisons, such as the poisonous nightshades, would work.

The small pale flowers of asphodel are associated in (Greek) mythology with the underworld and death. "The first region of Hades comprises the Fields of Asphodel, described in Odyssey xi, where the shades of heroes wander despondently among lesser spirits, who twitter around them like bats." The Greeks would plant asphodel near graves.

Good luck!
Tashi delek!
Dawa Lhamo

[Ptah]

Aconitum napellus
(aka) Wolfsbane, Monkshood, Helmet-flower, Old Wife's Hood, The Queen Mother of Poisons, Chariot of Venus, Storm Hat, King's Coach, Friar's Cap, Aconite, Friar's Cowl, Dumbledore's Delight, Cupid's Car.

The derivation of aconite's name is a matter of some dispute. Some think that the generic name is derived from the Greek 'Akontion' meaning 'Dart', referring to the fact that this plant once provided poison for the arrows of some tribes. Others believe it comes from the word 'akone' which means 'cliffy' or 'rocky', one of the plant's favorite habitats. Another possibility is that the name commemorates the hill Aconitus in Pontica, where Herakles fought with Cerberus, guardian of the Underworld. Hecate is said to have created it from the spittle from Cerberus's mouth.

http://www.swampfox.demon.co.uk/utlah/Articles/wolfbane.html

[Dio]

Patchouli and Lavendar.

[Theres]

http://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Thanatos.html

[catphrodite]

cypress is a symbol of death, cemeteries, and mourning.

[seekerofknwoledge]

http://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Thanatos.html

Thanks for the link, I found a lovely hymn there!

[Cindlady2]

Oh, sorry, I should have been a bit more specific!

I don't want to kill anybody. Actually I'm making a dolly to represent the God Thanatos (to help in rituals and as a representation). I wanted to stuff him wiht herbs rather than just stuffing because I feel it empowers the doll more plus I love the scent! Since Thanatos is not usually listed among many of the Greek Gods, I've had a hard time finding herbs associated with him, so I figured that ones associated with Death in general would help. I didn't mean to sound like I was going on a killing spree here...^_^; But I'd be glad to have any help you can offer.


_travolta_ Wheew glad to here that!

Looks like you got enough help now!...LOL

[~*Ginger*~]

And basil.

Basil has long been associated with death in many cultures. It was planted on graves in Persia and Malaysia. Its blossoms were scattered over the tombs on ancient Egypt.