Many things have been used over the years to ward off “evil” spirits. Most notably is Sage, Palo Santo, and Holy Water, But why?
In a light study I’ve recently conducted, I found one thing in common with all three of these things. Sage, Palo Santo, and Holy Water are all antimicrobials. Meaning they’re antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal.
To answer your question of “how is holy water antimicrobial?”. Well, it’s not. However, salt is. Holy water doesn’t work because it’s blessed by a priest (or whomever). It works because proper holy water contains salt.
To add a little context:
- Antivirals inhibit the replication of viruses
- Antibacterials kill the bacteria itself (both good and bad bacteria mind you)
- Antifungals kill the fungal cells themselves, in the process preventing growth and replication of the fungus
With this research (in theory) all antimicrobials should be effective against negative entities. That being said, here is a small list I’ve put together of effective alternatives to sage, based on my research.
- Sweet and Holy Basil
- Calendula
- Cats Claw
- Echinacea
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Lemon Balm
- Licorice (Root)
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
And Possibly:
- Dandelion
- Fennel
Burning these materials should give you the same effect as Sage or any other similar method.
The supernatural is simply science that we can not explain. If something exists in this world, it is bound by our laws and physics. Meaning it must have strengths and weaknesses. We just have to find them. Because when dealing with magick and the supernatural, Knowledge truly is power.
Oh, and one last thing. I am not a doctor nor your herbalist. If you cut your leg and start shoving oregano and basil in there and tell people someone on the internet told you to do it. They’re gonna look at you like you’re a wack job. Please consult an herbalist before shoving plants into open parts of your body, thank you.
School Of Hidden Magic 