Beginner herbs

[WillowMoon86]

I am totally new to Paganism, so I have no clue about the usage of herbs.
What are some good herbs? Or herbs that every Pagan should have on hand?
I am interested in using them for mainly medicinal purposes.
Well actually... I'd be willing to use them for anything, but like I said I am
brand new to this, so I really have no idea what all herbs can be used for.

[Sollie]

There's lots of info about herbs on the stickies, especially in this forum or (maybe?) the MW Kitchen. Also, some of the other posts below yours. I'm still trying to figure out herbs myself, so I can't give you much information.

If you wanting them for mainly health reasons, just make sure you know how to prepare them right! lol

[omar]

I get my herb knolage from The Herbalist by J E Meyer first printed 1918 last printing 1976. Published by Meyerbooks, P O Box427, 235 W, Main St, Glenwood, Illinois, 60425

[Juniper138]

The best herbs for begininers are the culinary herbs, food herbs. As you can taste them, eat them, make tea, rub them on your skin etc without poisoning yourself (unless you have allergies of course) and many of them are also great for incense and oils and magickal purposes as well.

My 3 favs are rosemary, basil and oregano.

Many of the typical "witchy" herbs can be rather dangerious of not treated with respect or not researched properly. People read magickal herbalism books and then spread valerian on the floor during ritual, the dog eats some and then they have a sick dog *rolls eyes*

[Jesyka_Silverwolf]

I personally like to have Lavendar, Sage, and Rosemary on hand. And Cedar when i can get it.

Lavender is very soothing and makes a wonderful relaxing tea.
Sage and Cedar i use for Cleansing the house.

Rosemary has a variety of uses, one of the most common being a culinary ingredient.

All four herbs have protective properties (which is the main reason i keep them on hand).

[Convallaria]

Unfortunately I can't offer you a herbology class, but I can recommend some good books!

Richard Alan Miller's "Magical Ritual Herbs"

Susan Gregg's "The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants"

And any book on paganism that offers recipes for tinctures, foods, oils, rubs, compresses and teas will give you a good idea of how to use them in magic. Might I suggest "The way of the Green Witch" by Arin Murphy Hiscock?

[Juniper138]

Arin Murphy Hiscock is awesome. She is a friend of my man's and I was able to meet her around Yule. She really knows her stuff.
Though I do think she went a little "light" on her Hedgewitch book and skirted the shamanic side of things a bit.