Herbalism has long served as the medicine of the people. Before the advent of modern clinics and commercial pharmaceuticals, knowledge of plants was transmitted through generations by midwives, shamans, curanderas, and community elders. These healers utilized wild plants to help alleviate pain, protect the spirit, and care for the land and their communities. However, over centuries, certain herbs have been demonized, banned, or forgotten—not necessarily due to their toxicity, but because of the autonomy and power they conferred upon their users.
When Plants Became "Dangerous"
The prohibition of certain plants often stemmed not solely from their potentially adverse effects but from the empowerment they provided to individuals, particularly women. Herbs that acted as aphrodisiacs, uterine stimulants, dream enhancers, and consciousness-altering agents granted their users access to healing and spiritual practices outside the control of prevailing patriarchal and colonial systems.
Women who employed plants like belladonna or henbane in Europe were often labeled as witches. Similarly, traditional plant medicines were suppressed under Western legal frameworks in colonized regions. These prohibitions persist in various forms today, reflecting historical fears and misunderstandings. When we understand the centuries-old complex history of “witch’s herbs”—plants once feared and forbidden but now being rediscovered and respected—we can move from a place of fear to a place of knowing, separating fact from propaganda in an attempt to reclaim our eternal ancestral connection with all of the living world.
Banned, Restricted + Misunderstood: 9 Herbs with Complex Legacies
1. Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava Kava, native to the South Pacific, has been used for centuries in ceremonial and communal contexts to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, and enhance spiritual connection. Traditionally, the root is prepared as a cold water infusion and consumed in rituals to induce calm and foster communication. Due to its calming effects, kava became popular globally as a natural alternative to anti-anxiety medications.
Its active compounds, known as kavalactones, modulate GABA activity in the brain and have been shown in clinical studies to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety without impairing cognitive function. However, concerns over potential liver toxicity led to bans or restrictions in parts of the EU, the UK, and Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that liver damage may be more closely associated with improper preparation or the use of non-traditional plant parts. Water-based extractions made from the peeled root are considered the safest method, while alcohol-based or commercial supplements pose a higher risk—especially when combined with alcohol or medications.
2. Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Damiana is a small shrub native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, and digestive tonic. Indigenous communities have long valued it for supporting sexual vitality, easing menstrual discomfort, and uplifting the spirit. It was often brewed as a tea or infused into alcohol for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
Modern research on Damiana is still limited, but preliminary studies suggest its flavonoid and terpene content may support libido and mild anxiety. While it remains legal in most regions, some areas regulate its sale due to its stimulating properties. In high doses, Damiana may cause convulsions or other adverse effects, and allergic reactions are possible. As with many potent herbs, caution is advised, particularly when used in concentrated forms or alongside medications.
3. Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.)
Skullcap is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, traditionally used to support the nervous system and promote relaxation. Native to North America, it has been utilized by Indigenous peoples and herbalists for its calming effects, often employed as a remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and muscle tension. It is typically consumed as a tea, tincture, or capsule.
Scientific studies suggest that Skullcap may have mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects, likely due to its flavonoids and alkaloids, which influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain. While it is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately, excessive consumption of Skullcap can cause side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness. In rare cases, allergic reactions or liver toxicity have been reported, particularly when consumed in large doses or with other sedative herbs. Caution should be taken when combining Skullcap with other medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system.
4. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Wormwood has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues, such as indigestion and bloating, and was famously included in the production of absinthe, an alcoholic beverage popular in the 19th century. Its bitter compounds stimulate bile production and support digestive health. Traditionally, it was also used to expel intestinal worms, from which its name originates.
Wormwood contains thujone, a compound that, in large quantities, can have neurotoxic effects, potentially causing symptoms such as seizures, confusion, and hallucinations. Due to concerns over thujone toxicity, the sale and use of Wormwood are regulated in many countries. While small, controlled doses in herbal remedies are generally considered safe, excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent adverse neurological effects.
Look out for an exciting update on how we’re using wormwood in our apothecary very soon!
5. Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe)
Yohimbe, a tree native to Central Africa, has been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and to treat erectile dysfunction. The bark contains yohimbine, an alkaloid that stimulates blood flow, making it a popular ingredient in natural male enhancement products. Indigenous peoples also used it for its stimulating effects on the nervous system.
Scientific research has shown that yohimbine can improve blood circulation and may help with sexual dysfunction. However, it can also cause side effects like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, and dizziness. Yohimbe is banned or restricted in some countries due to these risks, and its use should be approached with caution, particularly in individuals with heart conditions or anxiety disorders. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using Yohimbe, especially in high doses.
6. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Sassafras is a deciduous tree native to North America, known for its aromatic leaves, bark, and roots. Traditionally, it was used in Native American medicine for various ailments, including as a stimulant and diuretic, and to treat colds, fevers, and headaches. Sassafras root was historically used to make root beer.
The main bioactive compound in sassafras, safrole, has been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies, leading to the ban of safrole in commercial food products, including root beer, in the United States. Despite this, sassafras continues to be used in some traditional practices, particularly for its aromatic and antimicrobial properties. Due to safety concerns surrounding safrole, it should be used with caution, especially in large amounts, and avoided in children and pregnant women. It is not recommended for internal use without proper guidance from a qualified herbalist.
7. Ephedra (Ephedra sinica)
Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, is an ancient herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds, asthma, and respiratory issues. The active compounds, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, stimulate the central nervous system, boosting energy and acting as bronchodilators. It has been used historically in various cultures for its medicinal properties, particularly for weight loss and increasing athletic performance.
While Ephedra has demonstrated efficacy in treating asthma and nasal congestion, its use has been linked to serious side effects such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and death. Due to these risks, the FDA banned the sale of Ephedra-containing dietary supplements in 2004. Although the herb remains legal in some regions for medicinal purposes under professional supervision, its potential for adverse reactions makes it essential to use with extreme caution.
8. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
Kratom, native to Southeast Asia, has been used traditionally as a stimulant, pain reliever, and opioid alternative. The leaves of the Kratom tree contain alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act on opioid receptors in the brain. In small doses, it is known to provide stimulating effects, while larger doses are used for pain relief and to manage withdrawal symptoms from opioids.
Scientific research on Kratom is limited, but some studies have shown its potential as a natural pain reliever and mood enhancer. However, it is also associated with addiction, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, leading to calls for regulation and caution in its use. The FDA has issued warnings about the risks of Kratom, including the potential for overdose and death, particularly when used in conjunction with other substances. Its legal status varies by region, with some countries imposing bans or restrictions due to safety concerns.
9. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, historically used in traditional medicine for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Its roots and leaves contain allantoin, a compound believed to promote tissue repair, making it a popular remedy for bruises, sprains, and broken bones. It has also been used for gastrointestinal issues and respiratory ailments.
Despite its long history of use, Comfrey has been associated with liver toxicity and the potential for carcinogenic effects when used internally, due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the plant. As a result, the FDA has issued warnings against using Comfrey for internal consumption. Topical use of Comfrey is still considered safe when applied to unbroken skin, though it should not be used on deep wounds or large areas of the body. Due to its risks, Comfrey should be used cautiously, and internal use is strongly discouraged.
Witches, Healers + Colonial Suppression
Throughout Europe’s witch trials, many women targeted were community healers. Their “crimes” often involved using herbs with the potential to ease pain, bring on menstruation, or induce visionary states. Plants like belladonna (nightshade), henbane, and mandrake were feared for their connection to women’s sexual and spiritual power.
Colonial empires imposed similar restrictions globally. In North and South America, healing traditions that used coca, peyote, or tobacco were outlawed. Many of these laws still exist today, often under the guise of safety, but rooted in the erasure of Indigenous knowledge and cultural autonomy.
The Reclamation: From Censorship to Ceremony
Today, a new wave of herbalists, medicine makers, and cultural keepers are reclaiming the stories of these plants—not to glamorize danger but to restore context and respect. The goal isn’t rebellion; it’s a rightful relationship. These practitioners are returning to ancestral preparation methods, educating on dosage and contraindications, and grounding their work in ecological stewardship.
Plants like mugwort, once feared for its ties to menstruation and dreams, are being used again to support lunar cycles and intuitive connection. Blue lotus, the sacred flower of the Nile, is now widely appreciated for its gentle euphoric and meditative qualities. Both are found in our apothecary—honored for their ceremonial roles and prepared with reverence.
Science, Spirit + Cultural Repair
Modern science is still trying to “prove” and understand what traditional medicine has practiced and passed down through countless generations: Plants can alter mood, memory, immunity, and perception. But isolating these compounds without understanding the plant as a whole often leads to problems—adverse effects, dependency, or ecological harm.
Reclamation means embracing both scientific research and ancestral knowledge. It means defending community access to plant medicine, challenging unjust bans, and preserving endangered species through ethical harvesting and seed-saving.
What We’ve Lost—And What We’re Reviving
In 2011, sweeping EU laws removed countless traditional remedies from circulation unless companies could afford pharmaceutical-style testing. In the U.S., FDA regulations limit claims herbalists can make, even about well-known benefits. These laws disproportionately impact small herbal businesses and marginalized communities. But even in the face of restriction, the knowledge persists. Herbalists are remembering. Communities are restoring. The forbidden plants are finding their way home to us.
These herbs (and many others) have been feared for their chemistry and capacity to challenge systems of control. Yet, when used with caution, reverence, and relational understanding, they reconnect us to something more profound—our ancestors, bodies, and the natural world. We’re not here to glorify risk or ignore science. We’re here to remember that healing was never meant to be sterile or standardized. It was intended to be sacred.
Want to explore these herbs in a grounded, ethical way? Browse our collection of ritual blends, sacred botanicals, and dream allies—curated with the ancient in mind and the present at heart.
