Virgos are passionate, intelligent, organized people. Sometimes, this is to their detriment — because they’re so good at maintaining their cool externally, they can become nervous wrecks internally.
This often manifests as stomach and intestinal problems that are exacerbated by stress. Luckily for this sign, it responds very well to herbs and oils.
Here are the best plant helpers that will allow Virgos to overcome their anxiety and need for control, while letting them live their best lives:
1. Caraway
Carum carvi is best recognized for its tiny, half-moon shaped seeds. In herbal medicine, these are considered carminative — a type of medicine helpful for easing digestive issues and gas pains.
Since Virgo rules the spleen, liver, stomach, and intestines, this sign tends to experience problems in these areas when their energy is out of balance. Caraway is also ruled by Mercury, Virgo’s ruling planet. Chewing a few seeds after meals can help relieve a nervous stomach.
2. Chamomile
Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis are both called by the common name “chamomile.” While they’re different plants, their properties are very similar. Both help with stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Chamomile is also calming and soothing for the digestive system, so it can help alleviate anxiety and mild stomach complaints. Add the essential oil to anointing, massage, or inhalation blends, or brew the dried flowers into a tea.
You can also create an infusion of chamomile flowers and use it as a base for comforting soups.
See article: Chamomile: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
3. Cypress
The essential oil of Cupressus species is sweet, resinous, piney, and slightly smoky. In aromatherapy, it helps calm overthinking, deepens breathing, and makes transitions easier.
Virgo tends to be resistant to anything that falls outside of their well-thought-out plans, so this essential oil can be an important tool for them.
Magically, cypress is considered to be ruled by Earth, the same element as Virgo. The resin and needles are sometimes used for purification, which also resonates with Virgo’s energy.
Burn the dried resin or needles as incense, or use the oil in anointing blends or aromatherapy jewelry.
4. Lavender
The dried buds and essential oils of Lavandula species are superb at calming nerves. Pretty much any part of this plant is good for adding to Virgo’s self-care routine.
The buds are good in tea and food, the stalks can be burned as incense, and the oil is useful for adding to anointing blends, baths, or aromatherapy jewelry. The fragrance also blends beautifully with lemon.
See article: Lavender: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
5. Lemon
Citrus limon may seem like an odd choice for Virgo at first. In aromatherapy, it’s cleansing, bright, and cheerful. In magic, it’s often used for lunar workings. Nonetheless, it’s this fruit’s cleansing properties that tend to appeal to Virgos.
This sign likes neatness, orderliness, and cleanliness, and lemon aligns with this. It’s also a stimulating scent, which can help Virgo with mental clarity and focus.
For best results, work with the fresh fruit. Add slices to wash water, put a squeeze or two in drinking water, or even just keep them around as a natural air freshener and energy cleanser.
See article: Lemon: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
6. Marjoram
Origanum majorana is a relative of oregano, with a milder, sweeter scent and flavor. In aromatherapy, the oil is used to calm both the nervous and cardiovascular system, so it can be very helpful for Virgos whose tension manifests as tight muscles and spikes in blood pressure.
Magically, some sources list it as ruled by Mercury. It’s often added to workings for harmony, communication, peace, and obtaining knowledge. Use the essential oil for aromatherapy purposes, and the dried herb for culinary or magical pursuits.
7. Patchouli
The smell of Pogostemon cablin is, like Virgo, often polarizing. Most people either really enjoy it, or can’t stand it. Its scent is earthy, spicy, musky, with an almost smoky complexity. To some, it’s the smell of luxuriant sensuality. To others, it smells like potting soil.
In aromatherapy, it’s often used to relieve tension and stress, ease digestive issues, and calm headaches. Interestingly, this herb also often finds itself in spells for lust and attraction — two things that resonate deeply with Virgo’s hidden sensual, passionate side.
You’ll probably have the easiest time working with the essential oil (or soaps, lotions, or oil blends that use it), but may also wish to experiment with the dried leaves in potpourri or bath blends.
8. Peppermint
Mentha piperita is one of the best allies for nervous stomachs. It helps quell nausea, and, in some forms, can even help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. For medicinal purposes, it’s generally better to work with the dried leaves than the oil.
On the other hand, peppermint oil is very good for inhalation blends to help enhance mental alertness and focus.
Use dried peppermint alone or in combination with other herbs, and brew into a tea to help relieve digestive problems. You may wish to avoid it in cases of heartburn, as it can make symptoms worse.
9. Thyme
Thymus species are related to oregano and marjoram. It’s considered useful for alleviating stress and boosting mood, which makes it useful for Virgo. Magically, it’s been used for courage, cleansing, protection, and money workings since antiquity.
Also like marjoram, it’s a common culinary herb, so working with thyme can be as simple as eating more thyme-infused dishes. You can also add the essential oil to blends, but be cautious — a little goes a very long way.
See article: Thyme: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
10. Vetiver
Vetiveria zizanioides is a fragrant grass often used to weave screens and mats. The oil is said to be calming, grounding, and uplifting, and is excellent for promoting restful sleep and inner tranquility.
It has a very comforting, earthy, woody fragrance that meshes well with Virgo energy. (Those who don’t like the smell of patchouli may find vetiver to be an acceptable alternative.)
Use the essential oil in anointing, massage, or inhalation blends, especially while grounding or meditating.
Chances are, you’ve noticed a theme here. The best herbs and oils for those born under Virgo are those that help calm anxiety, relieve stress-related conditions (especially stomach and intestinal trouble), and help boost their powers of focus and clarity.
Virgos are bright, clever spirits who tend to take on more responsibilities than they should. These herbs and oils can help them keep their cool and persist in adverse circumstances.