Why Spiritual People Work With Plants: The History Behind One of Humanity's Oldest Relationships

If you've spent any time in the spiritual community, you've probably seen someone talking to their plants, growing herbs with intention, blessing their garden, or adding fresh rosemary to an altar. Maybe you've even rolled your eyes a little.

I can empathize, though I WAS the person who woke up every morning to touch + say hello to every plant I was growing. + that was before my spiritual journey really took off; perhaps it was just a deeeeep knowing that we’re all connected + the plants thrive when they’re given love + attention, just like us.

To someone outside the spiritual world, it can look a little extra.

BUT

Long before pharmacies existed, plants weren't just medicine. They were food, ceremony, protection, storytelling, community, + some of humanity's very first teachers (insert teary-eyed emoji at the beauty of learning from nature).

The relationship between humans + plants is thousands of years old, which means many of the "woowoo" things people do today actually have deep historical roots.

Humans Have Always Looked to Plants

Today it's easy to think of plants as landscaping or home décor.

For most of human history, though, they were survival.

People relied on plants for food, medicine, clothing, shelter, dyes, perfume, cooking, rituals, + religious ceremonies. Communities passed plant knowledge from one generation to the next because knowing which plants healed, nourished, or harmed you could lit-trally save your life.

Plants weren't viewed as objects because they were allies.

When you depend on nature every single day, you naturally begin to develop a relationship with it.

+ if you’ve ever been interested in working with plant oils in a daily ritual as allies that work WITH your body, grab my free guide + masterclass (Aligned by Nature) on using your intuition to create a daily plant oil ritual based on your needs.

When Practical Knowledge Became Spiritual Tradition

Something interesting happened over time.

As people observed the effects certain plants had on the body or mind, those practical uses slowly became symbolic ones.

If an herb consistently helped people feel calm, it eventually became associated with peace.

If another protected food stores from pests or kept homes healthier, it became linked with protection.

Generation after generation, those observations turned into traditions.

Many of the spiritual correspondences we use today actually began as practical relationships with plants.

Fascinating Examples

Rosemary for Remembrance

One of my FAAAAVE examples is rosemary.

In Ancient Greece, students often wore sprigs of rosemary while studying because they believed it strengthened memory + concentration. It eventually became associated with remembrance, which is why you'll still see rosemary used at weddings, funerals, + memorial ceremonies today. Plus, rosemary essential oil is FANTASTIC for studying + memory support for this exact reason.

Even Shakespeare references this tradition in Hamlet when Ophelia says:

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."

Thousands of years later, rosemary is still one of the first herbs people think of when they want to honor memories or loved ones.

That's dope as hell.

Lavender for Peace

Lavender has been cherished for centuries for its calming aroma.

Ancient Romans added it to bath water. Egyptians used it in perfumes + burial preparations. Throughout Europe it was burned or hung inside homes to freshen the air + create peaceful spaces.

Today we know lavender may help promote relaxation + support sleep.

What was once observed through experience is now being explored through modern research + we looooove when the science of today supports the wisdom of our ancestors.

Bay for Victory

Bay laurel has one of my fave histories since I’m a huge Greek mythology gal.

In Ancient Greece + Rome, victorious athletes, poets, scholars, + military leaders were crowned with laurel wreaths as symbols of achievement, honor, wisdom, + personal excellence.

That's why bay leaves are still commonly used in manifestation rituals surrounding confidence, success, abundance, + personal growth.

The symbolism didn't appear out of nowhere! It's been around for thousands of years!

Cedar for Purification

Many cultures throughout history have used cedar during ceremonies of cleansing, blessing, + protection.

Beyond its spiritual symbolism, cedarwood naturally resists insects + decay, making it incredibly valuable in everyday life as well.

Its practical usefulness strengthened its reputation as a protector, eventually becoming part of ceremonial traditions across many different cultures.

Basil for Blessings

Basil has quite the résumé lol.

Depending on the culture, it's been connected with prosperity, blessings, protection, hospitality, love, + good fortune.

In India, holy basil, also called tulsi, is still considered sacred + is often grown outside homes as both a spiritual and medicinal plant.

Throughout parts of Europe, basil was believed to bring abundance + protect households.

One little herb with hundreds of years of meaning.

So... Does Science Support Any of This?

Here's where things get super cool.

While science doesn't study manifestation rituals or energetic intentions, it has spent decades studying what happens when humans spend more time with nature.

Researchers have found that being around plants can:

✨Lower cortisol, our primary stress hormone.

✨Reduce blood pressure.

✨Improve mood.

✨Increase attention span and focus.

✨Support emotional well being.

🌿Gardening itself has also been linked to reduced anxiety, improved mental health, + greater feelings of connection.

🌿Hospitals have even found that patients with views of trees or gardens often recover more quickly than patients looking at brick walls.

Nature affects us!!!!

Whether you describe that effect as biological, psychological, spiritual, or a little bit of all three depends on your own beliefs. But at the end of the day it doesn’t matter what modality lead you to the belief because there is science to back it up!

But... Why Do People Talk to Their Plants?

No, your basil plant probably isn't judging your life choices.

But talking to your plants changes something inside of YOU.

It encourages you to slow down, pay attention, notice new growth, become consistent with care, + practice gratitude.

Researchers have also found that certain sound vibrations can influence plant growth + stress responses, although scientists are still learning exactly how + why this happens. Your voice also releases carbon dioxide as you speak, which plants naturally use during photosynthesis. More than anything, though, regularly talking to your plants means you're spending more time observing them, watering them, + noticing when they need a little extra love.

Whether you're whispering affirmations, expressing gratitude, or simply saying good morning, the practice creates presence. It transforms caring for a plant from another task on your to do list into a relationship.

That’s part of the magic.

Presence is something many of us could use a little more of.

Setting Intentions While Gardening

This is a ritual you’ll see me recommend regularly because it's beautifully symbolic.

When someone plants herbs while holding an intention, buries a written manifestation beneath a flower, or whispers a prayer while watering their garden, they're creating a physical reminder of something happening internally.

As the plant grows, they're reminded to keep nurturing that intention.

It's less about magic happening inside the soil but about allowing nature to mirror your own growth.

Dude… that shit is BEAUTIFUL.

The Bigger Spiritual Lesson

One thing I've noticed throughout history is that people weren't trying to control nature.

They were trying to partner with it.

They watched the seasons, observed the plants, + generally paid attention.

Somewhere along the way, many (read: a majority) of us became disconnected from that relationship.

Working with plants, whether through gardening, herbs, essential oils, or simply sitting outside barefoot, is one small way of remembering that we aren't separate from nature, we're part of it.

I don’t know about you but I dream of living more in alignment with nature; I know when I develop rituals + habits around that, everything else in my life seems to fall into place.

The Big Takeaway

The next time you see someone blessing their herb garden, talking to their monstera, diffusing lavender before bed, or writing an intention before planting flowers, remember this:

They're participating in one of humanity's oldest traditions.

Long before social media, wellness trends, + pharmacies.

Nature was teaching humanity long before humanity started teaching itself.

Wowie.

Crying

Muah muah muah!

Suzy