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An Herbal Year: Five Herbs for May Magic (and How to Use Them)
- May 8
- 4 min read
Updated: May 9
There’s something about May. The garden isn’t shy anymore. The sun lingers a little longer. And whether you’ve got acres of beds or a few pots on a windowsill, the herbs are ready to play.
Guardian of the roses and lemon balm.
Welcome to the first post in An Herbal Year—a seasonal wander through the world of herbs.
We’ll meet five favorites each time, share a project or two you can actually do, and—if you want to dive deeper—I’ll point you toward more recipes and rituals waiting in the Book of Light.
Let’s start with five herbal allies I reach for every spring (and, really, all year long): Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Rosemary, Thyme, and Calendula.
Lemon Balm: The Sunniest Plant on the Block
Even her name is a hug. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is pure comfort—bright, lemony, and known for easing anxious minds. If you tend to spiral by Tuesday, she’s your girl.
Magical vibe: Joy, renewal, heart healing
Use it for: Tea, tincture, herbal honey, bath soaks
Grows well in: Pots, garden beds, partial sun
Bonus points: Bees adore her.
Try this: Snip a few fresh lemon balm leaves and steep them with honey in hot water for the gentlest tea you’ve ever had. Call it a “reset potion” and sip slowly.
Chamomile: The Soft-Spoken Star
Don’t be fooled by her dainty daisy looks. Chamomile is the ultimate soother. She’s good for sleep, digestion, nerves, and just about every kind of overwhelm.
You can choose (only if you WANT to choose) between Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile). German is more commonly used for tea and internal remedies; Roman is often used for skin care and aromatherapy.
Magical vibe: Protection, peace, sleep
Use it for: Tea, facial steam, dream sachets
Grows well in: Full sun, well-drained soil
Fun fact: She's been used since ancient Egypt to calm everything from tummy aches to tantrums.
Make this: A dream sachet! Dry a handful of chamomile, tie it in a little cloth pouch with lavender and a pinch of mugwort. Tuck it under your pillow for sweet, magical dreams.
Rosemary: For Clarity and Courage
If herbs had personalities, rosemary would be the smart friend who reminds you who you are. Bold, woodsy, and crisp—she clears the cobwebs and sharpens your focus.
Rosemary's botanical name (Salvia rosmarinus) was formerly classified as Rosmarinus officinalis. But since it's a rather recent change, you might find either at the garden center.
I just found a new-to-me variety called Rosmarinus officinalis "Barbeque," which has long strong stems perfect to use as skewers on the barby!
Magical vibe: Memory, clarity, protection
Use it for: Hair rinses, cooking, energy clearing bundles
Grows well in: Dry soil, full sun, forgetful watering schedules
Historical tidbit: Students in ancient Greece wore rosemary in their hair to ace exams. Just saying.
Thyme: The Unsung Hero of the Herb Garden
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is tiny but mighty. Medicinal, antimicrobial, and magical, she’s an herbal multitasker. Also, smells like summer. My personal favorite is Lemon Thyme. I plant her at the front of my garden borders and wherever I need a plant to fill a gap!
Magical vibe: Courage, healing, faery connection
Use it for: Infused oils, sore throat syrups, faery offerings
Grows well in: Rock gardens, raised beds, or anywhere warm and sunny
Magical folklore: Thyme was said to be a favorite of faeries. Plant it by your door if you're feeling brave.
Calendula: Sunshine in Petal Form
Calendula might be the most magical of them all. With her golden-orange blossoms, she brings both healing and brightness. I grow her every year—and every year she reminds me to keep things simple.
Magical vibe: Healing, light, solar energy
Use it for: Skin salves, oils, teas, bath blends
Grows well in: Just about anywhere with sun
Bonus: Her petals are edible (hello, fancy salad).
Project Time: Calendula-Infused Oil. Gather dried calendula petals and steep them in a carrier oil (like sweet almond or olive) for 3–4 weeks. Strain and use it as a nourishing base for salves, body oils, or even face care.
Want a printable version of this recipe plus more calendula magic? It’s waiting in the May issue of the Book of Light.
A Whisper from the Wild
You don’t need to memorize Latin names or grow the perfect witchy garden. The herbs you’re drawn to are already whispering to you.
Start with one or two.
Make tea. Run a bath. Scribble their names in your Book of Light.
Let your relationship with these plants grow wild and rooted, just like you.
And if you’re curious what else I do with these herbs (including a rosemary rinse that makes you feel like a woodland queen), consider joining the BoL Membership for the full set of downloadable pages and rituals.
Want more seasonal magic in your life? Join my newsletter for exclusive rituals & tips!
Ready to connect deeper? Explore my seasonal candles & magical tools here!
If you're ready to dive more deeply into the magic of plants, don’t forget to download my FREE Mini Guide to Modern Floriography: Your journey into the secret language of herbs & flowers starts here. My gift when you sign up for my email list.
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