Vervain

This plant has a long history with magical and spiritual practices as far back as the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and the Celtic Druids.

Protection

Vervain's primary role was to protect believers against evil spells or negative energy. When someone prays, they are casting a spell. When Williamson says I'm going to hell, he is casting a spell.

Deadly Nightshade

A highly poisonous plant. This plant was used in ancient times as an effective poison. When used in the right quantity can also be used as an anesthesia.

Atropine an alkaloid derived from the plant. Today, it continues to be used in surgery to control salivation and to regulate the heart rate.

Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis; Alchemilla xanthochlora)

During the Middle Ages people thought that the glassy beads of liquid that form overnight on Alchemilla’s pleated leaves was imbued with a magical essence that was used to create the Philosopher’s Stone. Alchemists believed the Stone could transform base metals into gold, cure all diseases, and prolong life. The name Alchemilla originates with the Arabic word for chemistry, al-kimiya’ and translates to “the little alchemical one”.

Henban

One of the ingredients used in anesthesia by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, Henbane’s leaves are a source of hyoscyamine, atropine, hyoscine, and scopolamine, chemicals that act on the central nervous system. In the Middle Ages, the plant was associated with witchcraft, as it was one of the ingredients used to make flying ointment. Henbane is not to be trifled with—it can cause death due to respiratory and heart failure if ingested.

Aconite, Monkshood (Aconitum nepellus)

In Greek mythology, Aconite was associated with the goddess Hekate and was formed from the caustic saliva of the three headed monster dog, Cerberus, who guarded the gates of hell.

It was listed as one of the ingredients in witches’ flying ointments, but due to its lethal toxicity, this application is in question. It is one of the most poisonous plants from the Old World and was used to poison wolves, as well as human foes.