the language of herbs
The healing powers of herbs have long been known. And, in addition to their medicinal properties herbs, like flowers, speak a silent, symbolic language. While in recent times, flowers have become the more popular way to convey messages of love and caring, in ancient times, and even as recent as the Victorian era, herbal bouquets were exchanged to express that which words could not. Some herbs have many meanings, even varying in interpretation by different sources. Others have very specific messages, such as Rosemary which symbolizes remembrance says, "Your presence revives me." A considerate nosegay of Chives asks, "Why do you weep?" Verbena's reassuring message is "You have my confidence." Abor Vitae conveys unchanging friendship saying, "Live for me." Mugwort bestows sentiments of happiness and travel, telling its recipient, "Be not weary." Sage speaks of domestic virtues, long life, and good health. Its potent message is, "I will suffer all for you." Alas, not all herbal messages are loving or even uplifting. Borage speaks of bluntness and says, "Your intentions only embarrass me." Lemon Balm begs, "Don't misuse me," and the spiciness of Savory tells it like it is, "The truth may be bitter." Goldenrod offers a little more encouragement while sending a message of indecision, pleading, "Allow me time to decide." Still, the language of herbs can be light-hearted and humorous. The common cooking herb Parsley stands for useful knowledge, festivity, joy, and victory while claiming, "The woman of the house is boss." Sweet Marjoram tells a persistent admirer, "Your passion sends blushes to my cheeks."
Ingredients For the language of herbs
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the following offers the symbolic messages of other herbs:
How To Make the language of herbs
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1Balm - sympathy Basil (sweet) - good or best wishes, love or serious intentions Bergamot (Monarda, Bee Balm) - compassion, sweet virtues Betony - surprise, healing Calendula - sacred affections, joy, remembrance, grief Catnip - intoxification with love Chamomile - energy in adversity Cilantro (Coriander) - hidden worth Cowslip - pensiveness, happiness Dill - good spirits Elder -zealousness Fennel - worthy of praise or flattery Geranium - present preference Gloxinia - a proud spirit Hop - injustice Ivy - friendship, matrimony, fidelity, constancy Lavender - acknowledgment, suspicion, devotion, loyalty Mint - grief, homeliness, wisdom, eternal refreshment Marigold - despair, grief, honesty Nasturtium - optimism, splendor Pennyroyal - flee away Peppermint - cordiality Santolina - protection Sorrel - affection Southernwood - bantering jest Spearmint - warmth of sentiment Tansy (Tannacetum) - resistance, life everlasting, hostile thoughts Thyme - thriftiness, happiness, courage
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2Herbs heal on many levels and offer us a way to convey our sentiments through their beauty and fragrance. Herbs may be combined with other herbs or flowers in a posy or nosegay to convey just the sentiment you wish to express to someone you care about.
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