Return To Sender: Herbs For Returning Negative Energy

In witchcraft and magical practices, herbs have been utilized for their properties and energies for centuries. Some herbs are specifically believed to help return negative energy or ill intentions back to the sender. Here’s a list of commonly used herbs for this purpose, along with their properties and methods of use.

1. Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Properties: Known as the herb of grace and protection, rue is traditionally associated with warding off negativity and betrayal.

Uses: Burn dried rue as incense or create a protective bath to cleanse your space before performing any form of returning work. You can also carry rue as an amulet for ongoing protection.

2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Properties: Basil is considered a powerful herb for purification and protection against unwanted energies.

Uses: Use fresh or dried basil leaves in spell bags, or sprinkle basil around your home to create a barrier that deflects negativity. It can also be brewed as a tea to enhance your protective spells.

3. Black Salt

Properties: While not exactly an herb, black salt is often made with a blend of salt and herbs such as sage or rosemary and is considered a strong protective agent against negative energies.

Uses: Sprinkle black salt around your home or on thresholds to deter negative influences and return harm to the sender.

4. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Properties: Known for its strong protective qualities, wormwood is often used in witchcraft to banish negativity.

Uses: Use wormwood in charm bags or incense blends specifically intended for banishing or returning energy. It can also be burned to cleanse your space.

**NOTE: Wormwood is toxic. Take precautions when handling it. Never handle it barehanded.

5. Sage (Salvia spp.)

Properties: Sage is famed for its purifying properties and is often used for cleansing spaces of negative energy.

Uses: Sage is commonly burned as a smudge stick to cleanse yourself and your environment before returning energy spells.

6. Salt

Properties: Used in many cultures as a protective element, salt symbolizes purification and is used to absorb and return negative energies.

Uses: Create a protective circle with salt, or add it to baths or foot soaks to cleanse your aura and reset your energy before sending negativity back to its source.

7. Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum spp.)

Properties: Known for its heat, cayenne pepper is thought to serve as a powerful agent for sending back negativity and protecting oneself against harmful intentions.

Uses: Sprinkle cayenne pepper in your space, especially on doorsteps, to create a burn effect on anyone sending negative energy towards you.

8. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Properties: Rosemary is a protective herb with strong purifying properties, often used in healing and returning rituals.

Uses: Tie rosemary sprigs into a bundle and burn it as incense, or use it in herbal baths for purification before performing any returning work.

9. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Properties: Yarrow is used for its protective qualities and is believed to help in defending against negative energies and attacks.

Uses: Brew yarrow tea as a ritual drink for empowerment, or carry dried yarrow in a sachet for ongoing protection.

10. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Properties: Ginger is known for its warming and energizing qualities, helping to break up stagnant energy and protect against harm.

Uses: Add ginger to your cooking or drinks, or include it in protection spells to enhance your energetic boundaries.

Incorporating these herbs into your witchcraft practice can be an effective way to return negative energy to the sender and protect yourself from unwanted influences. Whether used in spells, rituals, or daily practices, each herb offers unique properties that can help bolster your defenses against negativity. Remember always to set clear intentions and focus on your desired outcome when working with these powerful plants.