Herbs and their meanings
Herbs have many uses. They can be used for cooking, medicinal purposes, or for aromatic serenity.
For this blog post, we will be focusing on the symbolic meaning of herbs when they are used in the gift giving manner. Herbs have had symbolic meanings behind them for centuries. These meanings have been assigned to them through various religious and cultural reasoning.
In order to package these herbs as gifts in a usable manner, Natures Garden suggests making a bath tea for your herbal gift giving. A bath tea is a tea bag that is stuffed full with various herbs. These tea bags are then used by placing them into a tub filled with hot water and allowed to steep. The steeping of the herbs allows the passing of wonderful aromas as well as the medicinal capabilities of the herbs.
When selecting the herbs for gift giving, it is important to know the meaning behind each one. The herbs listed below offer a generally accepted symbolic meaning. However, please note: This post is just for fun, there may be varying differences in the meanings due to differences in religion and culture.
If considering making symbolic bath teas for loved ones, it is a good idea to also include small card explaining this symbolism. This will add a delightful sentimental aspect to your well thought out gift.
Below is a list of some of the more commonly used herbs for bath teas and their symbolic meaning. This list is by no means a complete herb list.
Acacia, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbana, Peppermint, Turmeric
Herbs for Courage:
Fennel, Mullein, St. John’s Wort, Thyme
Lemon, Passion flower
Herbs for Happiness:
Calendula, Catnip, Dandelion, Lavender, Parsley, St. John’s Wort
Aloe, Barley, Basil, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Mullein, Nettle, Olive, Peppermint, Spearmint
Herbs for Love:
Barley, Basil, Beet Powder, Catnip, Clove, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Juniper, Lemon, Mullein, Orange, Papaya, Peppermint, Red Clover, Rose, Rosemary, Spearmint, St. John’s Wort, Yarrow
Lavender, Olive, Passion Flower
Herbs for Safety:
Aloe, Barley, Basil, Blueberry, Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Juniper, Mullein, Nettle, Olive, Papaya, Red Clover, St. John’s Wort
Chamomile, Passion flower, Peppermint
Herbs for Wealth:
Alfalfa, Chamomile, Clove, Comfrey, Jasmine, Orange, Patchouli, Pomegranate, Red Clover
Chamomile, Mint, Sage
Now, when making tea bags for gift giving; you may add extra scent to your herbs. This can be done with the addition of fragrance oils or essential oils. Just keep in mind of the final blend of aromas (the herbs with the scent oil because many herbs are aromatic in nature).
Place the herbs that you would like to use in a mixing bowl. Then, using a pipette, add a few drops of the scenting oil (whether it is essential oil or fragrance oil). Please note: For best absorption, you will need to have herbs that can soak up the oil. Then, stir using a mixing spoon. Finally, spoon the herbs into a tea bag, and tie shut. Optional: Then add your card explaining the symbolic meaning of the herbs and a cute ribbon.
