Valentine Herbs

Valentine’s Day is coming, and it might be time to get out some of your favorite herbs to prepare for the celebration.  For a long time, different herbs had been used to attract a mate, to keep lovers from straying, and to send messages to the beloved.  Here are a few herbs that were once considered helpful in finding (and keeping) that special someone.

First of all, coriander was mentioned in the Arabian Nights as a way to attract a lover.  A certain care was needed with this plant however.  If you mixed coriander with fennel, it could also be used to summon the devil.  Trillium was supposed bring you a warrior, which may or may not be a safe choice.  In any event, if you were to sew yarrow into a linen bag and put it under your pillow, it would allow you to see the face of a future love in your dreams.  That way, you would know who to look for—or avoid, as the case may be.

Some herbs were recommended to make a person more attractive.  For example, an infusion of horseradish in milk was reputed to do wonders for the complexion—at least, according to Hungarian sources.   Apparently, beebalm was once used by members of the Winnebago tribes of native Americans for smooth skin.  Lavender was used by the Greeks and Romans for scenting the bath.  Unhappily, the herb fell into disuse during the Dark Ages when cleanliness came to be considered decadent, but fortunately, bathing has made a come-back since.

Caraway was supposed to keep lovers and doves from wandering off, so it was an ingredient that was traditionally added to love charms and bird feed.  Rosemary was for remembrance and fidelity, and that is always important in a good relationship. If you wanted to send your beloved a secret message, you could give them a small posy of flowers and herbs.  In Victorian times, a special language was invented to “speak” to someone silently through the choice of plant material that was included in the bouquet.

Here are some common herbs and their meanings.

Basil symbolizes both love and hate.  Context is important here, so more information would be necessary.
Chamomile means to have patience.  Be still and keep your nose clean.
Lemon Balm says “I have sympathy with your situation,” or “you should have sympathy with mine.”
Mint means wisdom.  Hopefully, this is an observation and not an admonition.
Pennyroyal says run for it.  All is discovered, escape while you can.
Rue is the herb of grace, though some say it is rather harsh.
Sage denotes high esteem, and it is a lovely thing to see in any posy—or soup.
Marjoram is the herb of happiness. 

May you see much marjoram in your bouquet.