If you’re an avid follower of astrology, you know the way the planets can help predict your values, personality traits, and even physical appearance and potential health issues. Following that logic, it probably won’t come as a surprise to find out that there are certain herbs and essential oils that can be particularly helpful to people born under certain signs.
Taurus, the bull, covers the period between April 20th to May 20th in western astrology, and May 13th to June 19th according to the sidereal zodiac. Taurus is a very earthy sign, that stands for reliability, honesty, hard work, and material luxury.
Taureans also tend to be very stubborn, perfectionistic, and hedonistic. Oils and herbs for Taurus can bring out the best of these fixed Earth signs, while helping them overcome some of their unique challenges.
Here are some of the best Taurus herbs and essential oils:
1. Ginger
The knobby roots of Zingiber officinale are used both for their sweet, spicy flavor, and their ability to stimulate digestion and calm nausea. As a fixed Earth sign, Taurus is said to frequently experience sluggish digestion.
Ginger can be the perfect remedy to warm up this sign’s somewhat cool, slow constitution and appeal to their desire for comforting flavors. Use ginger in sweet or savory dishes, or grate the fresh root into some boiling water for tea.
See article: Ginger: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
2. Mint
While Mentha species are generally associated with clarity and the element of Air, peppermint has some particular benefits for Taurus. Like ginger, it’s a helpful remedy for digestive maladies — from the symptoms of slow digestion, to the occasional stomach upset from overindulging in rich foods.
Peppermint is also a frequent addition to comfort foods, from peppermint chocolate chip ice cream, to lamb with mint jelly, to a warming mint tea latte.
Mint is also sometimes said to be ruled by the sign of Taurus. In this case, consuming the herb is probably better than using the essential oil. The oil is helpful for focus and clearing the mind, but mint’s bright, clean flavor and culinary versatility are perfect for Taurus’ voluptuary tendencies.
See article: Mint: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
3. Oakmoss
Evernia prunastri isn’t really an herb, but this tree-dwelling lichen is one of the Earthiest aromatherapy oils there is. Even the oil itself has an Earthy appearance — it’s viscous and dark.
Oakmoss generally isn’t used therapeutically, but is strongly associated with the element of Earth, prosperity, and the sign of Taurus.
This oil contains several compounds that can cause sensitization, so its important to either look for one that has had them removed, or work with the whole herb instead of the concentrated absolute. It’s a delightful way to connect with Taurus’ powers of strength and stability.
4. Patchouli
Pogostemon cablin is known mostly for its earthy, almost woody, sensual essential oil. Magically, the oil is frequently used in spells for prosperity and lust — two things that luxury-motivated Taureans are all about.
Patchouli is also a very grounding oil, which can help this fixed Earth sign feel truly in their element (no pun intended). Use patchouli essential oil in Taurus-themed oil blends, wear it in aromatherapy jewelry, or dilute it for use in massage oils.
5. Rose
The essential oils, flowers, and even fruits of Rosa species are perfect for Taurua. Rose oil is often considered the queen of essential oils, and is said to be among the highest-vibrating plant essence.
The petals make a delicious addition to teas, and rose water can be added to all kinds of sweet dishes. Tart rosehips are delightful in teas and jams.
Cut rose flowers also help elevate Taurus’ environment, giving every room a touch of biophilic luxury. It doesn’t matter whether Taureans wear, decorate with, eat, or drink roses, these flowers are in perfect alignment with their desire for sensuality and material comfort.
See article: Rose: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
6. Thyme
Members of Thymus are used as culinary and medicinal herbs. Traditionally, they were used for everything from flavoring wine and food, to warding off nightmares, to ensuring that the dead passed peacefully into the afterlife.
Thyme essential oil is said to help improve mood, alleviating anxiety and stress and increasing feelings of happiness. This oil is also associated with strength and courage, two things that align with Taurus’ nature.
Use this herb in food for a delightful culinary experience, or use the essential oil to unwind, enjoy life, and experience feelings of stability and security.
See article: Thyme: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
7. Vetiver
Chrysopogon zizanioides is a perennial grass with deep-growing, fragrant roots. Vetiver’s roots are often woven together into screens and mats, so they can permeate the area with their sweet, warm, complex fragrance.
It’s a very earthy, sensual herb, which goes beautifully with Taurus’ Earth nature. Use vetiver roots in home décor, or add the essential oil to aromatherapy jewelry, diffusers, or oil blends. Be careful using diffusers around pets or small children — some oils can be toxic to them.
8. Violet
Viola odorata, sweet violet, has a long history of use as a culinary and medicinal herb. The leaves can be used in salads, sandwiches, and sauces like pesto, while the flowers may be candied, turned into syrup, dried and used in tea, or added fresh to salads.
Medicinally, this herb is used to stimulate lymphatic drainage. Its high mucilage content is also helpful for digestion. Many of the best Taurus herbs are sweet ones, which fall in line with this sign’s desire for sensual pleasure and tendency toward hedonism.
Violet oil is also a relaxant, which can help the stubborn Taurus calm down and go with the flow more easily. Use violets in food, or wear the essence as perfume.
The flowers have a strong, sweet, floral fragrance, but its very difficult to find true violet flower essential oil. Many oils claiming to be from violet flowers are synthetic — use the leaf absolute instead.
9. Vanilla
Members of the orchid genus Vanilla produce long pods full of tiny round seeds. These are the source of vanillin, a natural compound that gives its sweet, warm flavor to comfort foods around the world.
Vanilla’s fragrance is also known for its sensuality and libido-boosting properties. It aligns beautifully with Taurus’ desire for luxury and pleasure, while also exerting a gently relaxing effect.
Add vanilla to desserts or beverages, or use the essential oil in aromatherapy jewelry or massage oil.
See article: Vanilla: Magical Properties, Benefits & Uses.
10. Ylang ylang
Cananga odorata oil is known as an effective aphrodisiac and gentle relaxant, and its sensual, floral, slightly musky aroma pairs wonderfully with other Taurus herbs.
Its characteristics appeal to Taurus’ luxurious nature, while also helping this hardworking sign unwind. Ylang ylang oil makes a great addition to bath products, lotion, and massage oils, as well as aromatherapy jewelry.
11. Honorable Mention: Fruits
There are many other herbs that align with Taurus, and they all have something in common: They’re sweet, fleshy, and commonly used in desserts. Apples, pomegranates, apricots, strawberries, blackberries, and grapes, among others, are all considered to have a Taurus nature.
This probably isn’t much of a surprise, since ripe, juicy fruits fall perfectly in line with this sign’s love of pleasure. These generally don’t have essential oils, so it’s best to work with them by adding more fruits or juices to your diet.
People born under the sign of the bull are strong, honest, and lovers of luxury. Herbs for this sign tend to align with these characteristics — from the earthy-smelling scent fixatives like oakmoss, to sweet, juicy apricots.
Some, like ginger and mint, also act as remedies for the physical symptoms that tend to plague those of a Taurean persuasion.
Working with these herbs can help Taurus sun signs emphasize their best qualities, downplay their worst ones, and lean in to living their best lives.