ways to use herbs for magic

Burning: To infuse the air with magical intent, toss a bit of dried herb on hot charcoal. Other burning methods include adding herbs to incense or using them to coat anointed candles.

Carrying: Herbs make wonderful charms when carried on you or in your purse. You can even wear them in your hair or lapel if you like. Just a sprig or two appropriate to your purpose will do the trick.

Growing: There's noting quite like living, growing herbs when it comes to magical work. They provide a constant reminder to the Universe that your magical intent is an ongoing process.

Infusion: This is, perhaps, the most versatile way to use herbs. In fact, the infusion process has a magic all its own since it literally changes dry plant material into liquid form. (Unless otherwise directed, one tablespoon of herb steeped in one cup of boiling water generally makes a good infusion. Strain out plant material before use.) This opens many windows of opportunity. You can use them as washes to clean the house, rinse your hair with them, add some to the rinse cycle of your laundry, and even drink some of them as tea. (some herbs are poisonous! Before ingesting any herb, please check a reliable herbal and consult with your health - care practitioner to be sure it's safe for human consumption.) Used in oil form, we use infusions to anoint candles, ritual tools, and the most important magical instrument of all: ourselves.

Powdering: For ongoing magic, try powdered herbs in potpourris and sachets. Sprinkle them on carpets, under rugs, and on closet shelves. To make a great body powder, mix them with cornstarch or unscented talcum powder. (If you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, a patch is advisable. Just rub a bit of the herb you intend to use on a small area of skin, then wait twenty-four hours to see if there is a reaction.)

Seeding: When change is necessary, toss a few herb seeds on the winds while concentrating on the desired results. Transformation will come as the seeds begin to sprout

.taken from The Craft, A Witch's Book of Shadows by Dorothy Morrison.