What Are the 7 Holy Herbs? A Look at Their Meaning and Legacy
I first came across the idea of the 7 Holy Herbs and was instantly intrigued. I love anything that blends gardening with old-world wisdom — and this felt like one of those fascinating folklore-meets-nature moments. So I dug in to see what it was all about.
While the list varies depending on who you ask (and what century you're looking at), there are a few herbs that show up again and again. Some have religious ties, others are rooted in early medicine or ritual use, and a few are just beautifully practical plants we still grow today.
Here's what I found — plus a few fun ways to celebrate these herbs in modern life, no matter what your beliefs may be.
What Are the 7 Holy Herbs?
There’s no single agreed-upon list, but the most commonly referenced version includes:
- Hyssop – often used in purification rituals and scripture
- Frankincense – a fragrant resin burned in temples and ceremonies
- Myrrh – used for anointing, embalming, and as a healing salve
- Aloe (sometimes Aloe Vera) – tied to burial traditions and skin healing
- Spikenard – a rare oil used in ancient anointing rituals
- Galbanum – a resin with a strong scent, included in sacred incense blends
- Cassia – related to cinnamon, used in anointing oils and temple rituals
This list is often drawn from Biblical and early Judeo-Christian texts, especially those describing sacred incense blends and anointing practices.
That said, you’ll see variations. Some traditions swap in more common herbs like sage or rosemary, depending on the cultural lens. It’s one of those topics where history, symbolism, and spirituality all blend together — which makes it even more fascinating to explore.
Where Did the 7 Holy Herbs Come From?
Most often, when people refer to the "7 holy herbs," they're talking about plants mentioned in the Bible or used in early Judeo-Christian rituals — especially in the making of sacred incense and anointing oils. Herbs like hyssop, frankincense, myrrh, and cassia show up repeatedly in both scripture and historical texts tied to healing, purification, and spiritual ceremonies.
But depending on where you look, the list shifts a little.
In Japan, for example, there's a tradition of eating Nanakusa — the “seven herbs of spring” — in a rice porridge on January 7th for health and renewal. It's more culinary than spiritual, but still deeply symbolic and seasonal.
In Hindu traditions, tulsi (holy basil) is considered sacred — often grown in courtyards and used in daily prayers. And many Native American cultures have long used herbs like sage and sweetgrass for smudging and ceremonial cleansing.
So while the list of seven varies, the idea behind it doesn’t: herbs have always held meaning far beyond the kitchen or garden — they’ve been used to heal, bless, and connect us to something bigger.
The 7 Holy Herbs and What They Represent
Hyssop
Often mentioned in the Bible, hyssop was used for purification rituals — both spiritual and physical. It was sprinkled during ceremonies to symbolize cleansing, especially in times of illness or renewal. Even today, it’s still seen as a plant that “clears out the old.”
Frankincense
Known for its resin, frankincense was burned as incense in temples and sacred spaces. Its deep, calming scent represented prayer rising to the heavens — and was often used in offerings and anointing rituals. It’s earthy, grounding, and full of meaning.
Myrrh
Another resin like frankincense, myrrh shows up in stories of birth and burial. It symbolized healing and preparation — often used to anoint the sick or embalm the dead. It’s bittersweet, really — tied to both endings and beginnings.
Spikenard
A lesser-known but deeply fragrant herb, spikenard was considered a luxury. It symbolized devotion and was used in the Bible to anoint Jesus' feet. In many cultures, it was seen as a symbol of honor and deep love.
Cassia
Closely related to cinnamon, cassia was part of the holy anointing oil mentioned in the Old Testament. Its warm, spicy scent symbolized joy, protection, and sacred celebration. It was often used in spiritual ceremonies for its sweet richness.
Galbanum
This resin has a sharp, musky scent and was one of the key ingredients in temple incense. It didn’t smell amazing on its own, but when blended, it helped balance and deepen the fragrance — symbolizing how even the less pleasant things have purpose.
Aloes (Aloe or Aloeswood)
There’s some debate here — “aloes” may have referred to aloe vera or aloeswood (oud). Either way, it was used for burial preparations and symbolized comfort in grief. It was considered deeply sacred, helping mark moments of loss with care and reverence.
Do People Still Use Holy Herbs Today?
They sure do — though maybe not always in the ways you'd expect.
Some gardeners intentionally grow “holy herb gardens” filled with plants like sage, thyme, or hyssop, not just for the look or scent, but for the symbolism. It’s a way to connect to tradition, whether it’s religious, cultural, or just personal. There’s something grounding about growing herbs that have meant something to people for thousands of years.
Others use these herbs more decoratively — tucking sprigs of rosemary into a holiday wreath, adding dried lavender to a bedside table, or burning frankincense on a quiet winter evening. It’s less about ritual and more about creating meaning at home through nature.
And if you’ve ever reached for a bundle of herbs for love, luck, protection, or even a little extra success, you’re in good company. These themes show up across cultures and centuries — and they still have a place in modern herbal storytelling.
Even if you’re not growing or using all seven, chances are you’ve crossed paths with at least one. That sprinkle of thyme on roasted vegetables? That aloe plant in the kitchen window? These herbs still live with us — not just in history books, but in the little ways we decorate, cook, and care for ourselves every day.
How to Honor Them (Without Needing to Be Religious)
You don’t have to be religious or follow any specific tradition to appreciate the history behind these herbs. One of the simplest ways to honor them is just to grow them. Whether it’s a pot of thyme on your windowsill or a little patch of lavender in the garden, you’re keeping something ancient alive.
You can also bring them into your home in small, everyday ways — cooking with sage, adding dried myrrh or frankincense to a seasonal centerpiece, or using lavender in your bath salts or linen spray. These herbs were part of everyday life for so many generations before us. Using them now can be a quiet nod to that connection.
And honestly? Just learning about their stories — where they came from, what they represented — that’s a way of honoring them too. You don’t need rituals or incense if that’s not your thing. Curiosity, intention, and appreciation go a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no official “list” in the Bible, but the herbs most often mentioned in religious and historical texts include hyssop, frankincense, myrrh, cassia, spikenard, galbanum, and aloes. Some lists swap a few out depending on the source or region.
Not exactly. Different cultures and faiths have their own versions. While the list above is common in Christian tradition, Japan has its own set of “seven herbs,” and other herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme also show up in symbolic or spiritual use depending on the context.
Yes — at least some of them! Herbs like hyssop, thyme, and even myrrh can be grown in the right climate or indoors with some care. Others, like frankincense or galbanum, are a bit trickier to grow but can often be found as resins or oils for home use.
Whether you see these herbs as sacred, healing, or simply fascinating, their stories remind us how deeply connected we’ve always been to the plants we grow. From ancient texts to modern-day gardens, these herbs have traveled through time — carrying meaning, tradition, and a whole lot of curiosity with them.
If you enjoyed this post, you might like exploring other symbolic herbs too. I’ve shared collections on herbs for love, herbs for good luck, herbs for protection, and herbs for success — each filled with stories, traditions, and simple ways to bring those meanings into your own home and herb garden.
Happy Holy Herb Gardening,
