Caution: All herbal potions will have an effect on you in the mundane.

A catnip potion used for love will make you sleepy....so be careful how much you drink

A mugwort potion for astral travel will stimulate menstrual flow and calm nerves....

A St. John's Wort potion for protection will also lift your mood...useful for depression

It is wise to become aware of the medicinal properties of every herb you ingest. Please take care especially if you have any medical problems...like high blood pressure, allergies, asthma, etc. Don't underestimate the potency and potential dangers of herbs.When in doubt about the effects of an herb, ask your health practitioner.

A word fo advise: more is not necessarily better. Just because they are sold over counter does not mean they are mild and risk free. Be smart and learn about the potential dangerous and counter-productive properities, especially if you are taking certain meds for health or psychiatric care.

There are a lot of terms...which can create confusion: Here are some basics

Potion -- It's an herbal tea prepared during the appropriate lunar phase and made with herbal ingredients possessing the correct magickal properties.

Potions concocted for love magic are called philtres.

Infusion -- a strong tea. Many recipes will call for a full ounce. of herb to one pint of water. I would check the potency of the herb being used...some require less and some a little more Always boil your water first without the herbs in it! Then add your herbs and let them sit for 10 to 25 minutes depending on the type of herbs and what you need them for.. You can Drink it. Wash with it. Pour it in your bath or anoint yourself with it.

Solar infusions -- fresh or dried herbs placed in a jar with cool water and let them sit in the sun for one to two days. You can work with specific astrological signs, to also obtain the full benefits.

Lunar infusions -- same as solar infusions, however the moon light is used. Also can benefit from particular moon stages and signs.


Decoction -- a decoction is made like an infusion, however you boil the herbs. Usually this requires the roots, seeds, stems or herbs that are not so fragile. Start with a pot fo cold water and add your roots, etc. Boil anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

Tincture -- A tincture contains alcohol. Into a mason jar with lid, place 4 oz. of herb and 8 oz. of alcohol. (vodka, brandy, etc). Seal the jar and keep it out of sunlight for two weeks. Begin this process on the new moon and finish
on the full moon. Move the herbs around in the jar daily. After two weeks strain and store in dark bottles.

Wash -- a weak infusion that is used externally. A mild wash -- 1/4 oz. herb to one pint boiling water -- can be used to cleanse magickal tools, crystals, or other magickal uses.

Aspurger -- a weak tea (wash) put in a spray bottle used for spraying. Many witches like to use branches with leaves attach and shake them through the area. You can also use flowers with stems. This is great for house cleansing or creating sacred space

Ointments -- balms are included because the oils used in balms are heated to a liquid state during preparation. Simply melt lard/vegetable shortening/or any fatty substance to a liquid form over low heat. Pour in herbs and let them simmer for about nine minutes. Strain out the herbs and store in an airtight jar. One cup fatty substance to three tablespoons powdered herb. For external use.

Perfumes -- are made by blending essential oils together to create a fragrance. Choose oils to match your magickal intention, then add them to 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup witch hazel tincture, and 1/2 cup water. Aromatic herbs work best here.

Oils -- the essential oils you find in herbal shops have been distilled with steam. You can make oils at home by crushing herbs and placing them in a jar. Cover them with warmed oil (safflower, and almond are all good). Steep for 48 hours in sunlight. Strain and repeat, adding fresh herbs.

Flower essences -- these work on energetic and psychic levels. Pick the flower parts and place them in fresh spring water -- just let them float on the top of the water. This process will extract the life essence and energy matrix from the materials. You can also add brandy as a preservative.


Gem elixirs -- made like flower essences, but using crystals and gems instead of flowers. (I've made chakra elixirs when I used to have my store...real easy to make)

Fluid Condensers -- two handfuls of herb, cold water to cover them, a pot, and gin or vodka. Place herbs and water in a pot with a tight fitting lid. Boil for 20 minutes. Cool for 13 minutes, then strain out herbs. Bring to a boil again and evaporate one-half of the liquid. Take from the heat and cover. When cool, add an equal amount of gin or vodka. Three drops of your own blood from your thumb will personalize the condenser and add energy. To use the condenser, put it in a cauldron or pot and simmer to release the herbal magic.

You can also make one for each of the four elements

These are a few methods for making magickal potions. The thing that lifts these potions from the mundane, medicinal level to a magickal level is your enchantment of them and magickal timing. Enchant your herbs at the
appropriate moon phases and planetary aspects before preparation by running your fingers through the herb while visualizing your need.

You may want to simply enchant the finished potion use the following chant by Gerina Dunwich

Herbal potion, cauldron brew,
Now be charged with magic true.
With intent I speak this charm,
All be blessed and none be harmed.
Ever minding the rule of three,
As I will, so mote it be.
Or how about:


Brew of flowers, Witches' tea,
Filled with magic powers be.

A chant you create yourself will have more power and pertain to the spell you are casting. Remember to visualize and focus your intent into the potion and herbs.