Lavender has scented the bathwater of ancient Greeks, graced the table of Queen Elizabeth I, and confused witches in Wales. Explore her history, folklore, and magic in this edition of Herb Lore from Wild Thistle Herbs & Alchemy in Waco, Texa

Called the queen of flowers for centuries, rose has perfumed royal courts, graced ancient graves, and carried the language of love across cultures. Explore her history, folklore, and magic in this edition of Herb Lore from Wild Thistle Herbs & Alchemy in Waco, Texas.

St. John's Wort has been chasing demons, blessing Midsummer fires, and guarding thresholds for centuries. Explore her history, folklore, and magic in this edition of Herb Lore from Wild Thistle Herbs & Alchemy in Waco, Texas.

In ancient Greece, basil was once called the royal herb, an honor likely tied to her name itself. The word basil descends from basileus, the Greek word for king. Yet that royal reputation existed alongside a much darker one. In Crete, basil was associated with death and was believed by some to belong to the Evil One. Elsewhere in Europe, she was considered a witch's herb. The Greeks and Romans alike at one point believed she could cause madness. It is a striking contradiction, a plant simultaneously fit for kings and feared as cursed.