The rich cultures and traditions around the globe have many plants that are spiritually symbolic. Here’re the Most Sacred Plants in the World!
From ages, people have strived to bring positivity in their day to day lives. Plants, being the part of nature, play a vital role in different cultures to help people achieve the Divine within. Here are some of the most Most Sacred Plants in the World that hold a lot of significance.
Check out our article on good luck plants here
Most Sacred Plants in the World
1. African Dream Root
Botanical Name: Silene undulata
Native to South Africa, this plant is considered holy by Xhosa people. The roots of this plant are dried and consumed in tea. It improves sleep quality and refreshes the body.
2. Cannabis
Botanical Name: Cannabis sativa
Marijuana has psychoactive medicinal properties. It was considered sacred in ancient China, India, and Rastafari tribe (Israel), whereas some religions prohibit intoxicants.
3. Peyote
Botanical Name: Lophophora williamsii
Peyote is used for spiritual purposes in Native America since ancient times. It is a species of cactus that grows naturally in southwestern Texas and Mexico.
Fact: It can cause hallucinations.
4. Henbane
Botanical Name: Hyoscyamus niger
Henbane is traditionally used in medicines. In ancient Greece, it was related to Apollo. It can be poisonous and can induce hallucinations, speech, and sight defects for a few days.
5. Lotus
Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera
Lotus is the national flower of India and in Hindu traditions, Gods are often depicted sitting on the flower. For the same reason, buddha is also seen sitting on the flower.
Trivia: In ancient Egypt, the blue lotus was considered as a symbol of rebirth.
6. Jimson Weed
Botanical Name: Datura stramonium
Jimson weed has its roots in ancient Indian culture, where it is related to lord shiva. In Ethiopia, it is consumed to enhance creativity with its power of hallucination.
Fact: Marie-Galante tribe use this plant in sacred ceremonies.
7. Buttercup
Botanical Name: Ranunculus
Widely used by American Indians, these flowers are also used to decorate the altars during Holy Week. It is also a symbol of beauty and wealth.
8. Mistletoe
Botanical Name: Viscum album
Mistletoe is extensively used during Christmas, the importance of the plant dates back to Celtic Druids where it represented the sun god Taranis.
9. Holy Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Holy Basil or Tulsi is associated with divinity in the Hindu religion. It brings prosperity if planted in the courtyard and is worshiped as Goddess.
Fact: It also holds a special place in medicines and Ayurveda.
10. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
The herb basil is related to spirituality in ancient traditions and associated with the worship of the cross. It is planted as a blessing in households and churches as well.
11. Shamrock( Check Name)
Botanical Name: Trifolium dubium
Shamrock is the symbol of St. Patrick in Ireland and illustrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. It brings luck and well being in life.
12. Myrtle
Botanical Name: Myrtus
In Talmudic tradition, it is one of the plants used in the Jewish holiday of Sukkoth. It is said that this plant accompanies a person from birth to death.
Trivia: It is auspicious to decorate the baby cradle with it.
13. Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
For ages, Native Americans have been burning sage to ward off negative energy, eliminate stress, purify or bless people, positivity, and fight anxiety.
14. Yew Tree
Botanical Name: Taxus baccata
In the Christian faith, this tree holds a lot of significance and you must have seen them around churches. This ancient tree was considered sacred in Druids in pre-Christian times.
15. San Pedro
Botanical Name: Trichocereus pachanoi
Used popularly in Andean traditional medicine, it is also potent in curing emotional, mental, and physical ailments. It is considered sacred in Moche culture.
16. Syrian Rue
Botanical Name: Peganum harmala
Used to keep the evil forces at bay, it is also used in some cultures as it results in psychoactive effects.
17. Jurema
Botanical Name: Mimosa tenuiflora
Considered a sacred plant in Northern Brazil, it is also used to make a psychoactive decoction that’s also famous as Vinho da Jurema (Jurema Wine).
18. Jasmine
Botanical Name: Jasminum
In Islam, the oil of jasmine holds a lot of significance. Growing it indoors will also keep the atmosphere calm with its intoxicating fragrance!
