Lavender & Lore: The Plant That Protected Against Evil Spirits

Ashley Place
Oct 24
2 min read

For centuries, lavender has carried an air of calm, but also of mystery. Long before it became a beloved scent for soaps, sachets, and self-care rituals, lavender was a sacred herb steeped in superstition and symbolism. Across cultures and eras, this indigo bloom wasn’t just used to soothe - it was believed to protect.

As the veil between worlds thins this time of year, it feels fitting to revisit lavender’s old folklore and the ways this humble herb once stood guard against things that go bump in the night. 🌙

Lavender field at dusk under a starry sky, with a bright full moon illuminating the purple flowers, creating a serene and tranquil mood.

A Fragrant Shield in Ancient Times

Lavender’s story begins thousands of years ago, winding through ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was burned in temples to purify the air, used in baths for spiritual cleansing, and tucked into robes or homes to ward off bad energy. The name lavender itself comes from the Latin lavare “to wash”- which speaks not only to cleanliness, but to spiritual purification.

Romans believed lavender could chase away evil spirits and sickness alike. During the Black Plague, people wore lavender filled pouches to protect themselves from “evil vapors.” It may sound like superstition, but modern science knows lavender does carry natural antimicrobial properties - proof that old wisdom often had roots in truth.

Lavender: The Herb of Protection

In medieval Europe, lavender found its place in witchcraft and folklore. It was said to repel evil spirits, ghosts, and even the “evil eye.” People hung bundles of dried lavender over their doors to keep unwanted visitors (both human and supernatural) at bay.

Witches and healers used lavender in spells for peace, love, and protection. It was mixed into love potions, burned in rituals, and placed under pillows to guard against nightmares and ensure peaceful dreams. Even today, many herbalists and spiritual practitioners use lavender to cleanse energy or “reset” a space — a tradition that traces directly back to these early beliefs.

Lit candle surrounded by lavender sits on a wooden table, creating a calm, tranquil mood with soft lighting and muted colors.

From Protection to Peace

Over time, lavender’s reputation shifted from mystical to medicinal (though the goal was much the same) to bring peace, protection, and comfort. Today, instead of warding off spirits, we use lavender to soothe anxious thoughts, calm the nervous system, and invite rest. It’s still a protector, just of a different kind. Whether it’s steeped in tea, infused in a balm, or growing wild in a summer field, lavender remains a reminder that care and calm are powerful forms of magic.