13 Herbs for Litha - Awesome on 20

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Make magick for Midsummer with the abundant plants that are all around you. I've got 13 Herbs for Litha to help you honor the summer solstice.

13 Herbs for Litha with a vase of wildflowers

The earth is at it's most abundant at Litha, the longest day of the year. It's been absorbing the sun's rays as the days slowly grow longer, and this sabbat marks the peak of the sun's power. Because of this, it's one of the most powerful days of the year to collect herbs for your witchcraft practice.

Some say that Midsummer herbs should be collected skyclad (aka naked) and they should only be cut with a consecrated silver knife. Some say metal should never touch the plants. There are all sorts of myths and legends, but your witchcraft practice is your own, so do what's right for you.

To learn more about Litha, check out these posts:

Herbs for Litha

Really, any herb that's growing in summer is a Litha herb, but some are more traditionally tied to this sabbat than others. Don't limit yourself, but if you're not sure where to start, this should give you a good idea. There were nearly 30 herbs I found in just one book which correspond to Midsummer, but I've narrowed it down to some of the more common or easy to find herbs to make things easier for you.

Remember that if you're foraging for herbs and botanicals to only take what you need, and never take more than 10% of a plant. You might also want to consider leaving an offering for the plant or connecting with its energy to thank it for its contribution to your thriving.

Chamomile - With powers of regeneration, protection, and peace, this herb also attracts money and luck, so you definitely want it in your apothecary. Use it in tea or other infusions.
Daisy - Tied to innocence and purity, this flower can be used in spells for true love.
Dill - Can be used for protection and cleansing, as well as clearing the mind.
Elder - Gather leaves on Midsummer morning and use the flowers to make cordials or liqueurs.
Fennel - A plant for courage, purification, and protection.
Heather - Can be used for protection and to draw in luck and money. Also helpful in working with fairies.
Honeysuckle - Use for divination, dreams, and love spells.
Lavender - The classic herb for peace and harmony, it can also be used for purification and cleansing and to enhance meditation.
Lime - Add to spells for healing, love, and protection.
St. John's Wort - Use this herb for protection, especially to repel negativity. Also effecting in clearing and purification spells.
Strawberry - Tied to blessings, love, and fertility, there's nothing sweeter than a freshly picked ripe summer strawberry.
Sunflower - The ultimate symbol of the sun, this flower also brings happiness, blessings, fertility, and courage.
Violet - Use in spells for love, fertility, faithfulness, and luck.

How to Use Your Herbs

There are hundreds of ways to incorporate herbs into your Litha rituals, and if you're a gardener or forager, the simplest spell is simply to harvest your herbs with intention on the summer solstice. Here are a few more ideas to get you started.

Remember that if you are ingesting any herbs, you should double check to make sure that they're safe. Herbs can interfere with medications or may not be safe for pregnant of breastfeeding people. Always know what you're putting in your body and consult a professional if you have even the slightest doubt. Safet first, witches.

Cook or bake with Litha herbs or make jam, syrups, infused spirits or other edible preservations.
Create a Litha wreath to hang on your day or a crown to adorn your pretty little head.
Craft a Midsummer herbal tea blend.
Use flowers in a bath spell.
Harness the power of your herbs in a sacred oil.
Blend dried herb into a loose incense.
Press flowers in a spellbook.
Add dried herbs to charm bags or spell jars.
Use dried herbs and infused oils to dress a spell candle.
Create an herb-infused honey to preserve the sweetness of the season.
Make a Lavender Body Scrub for some shower magick.

Recipes to Use Your Litha Herbs

Cooking with fresh herbs is one of the most awesome things about summer. These tender plants are so flavorful and really bring your cooking to life. Here are a few recipes to make use of some of the Litha herbs above.

Dill Potato Salad - Perfect side dish for summer picnics
Lavender Cake - with fresh lavender buds
Mint Limeade - Prosperity in a pitcher
Flourless Chocolate Lime Cake with Margarita Cream - A gorgeous, gluten-free summer dessert
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad - Summer on a plate
Strawberry Lemon & Basil Infused Water - A truly beautiful way to stay hydrated at the height of summer

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your Litha rituals and celebrations this year. At the very least, get yourself outside and just be with the abundant plants, flowers, and trees that are thriving in this season. Let me bolster your energy so that you can thrive as well.

What will you be doing to celebrate Litha this year? Let me know in the comments.