Allspice was used in the Caribbean to cure colds, and cramps. It was part of the Mayans embalming ritual, and is thought to bring good luck and wealth.
Basil, native to Africa and India, was probably brought to Greece by Alexander the Great. It's associated with the Hindu goddess Tulasi, and remains a symbol of love, faithfulness, and eternal life. The name Basil comes from the Greek basileus, which means "king," and in France it is herbe royale. Christians believe basil grew at the sight of the cross, and can be found in the Holy Water at the Greek Orthodox Church.
Coriander was one of the first herbs grown by the colonists in the New World, used to relieve abdominal pain. The Chinese associated it with immortality, and the in the Middle Ages, it was used as an aphrodisiac.
Cumin was thought to ensure happiness, and to keep lovers from straying. It was also a common cold remedy.
Dill was a sign of wealth to the Greeks, and it was used to aid digestion and calm nerves. Europeans hung it about the home and made used it in potions against witchcraft. Bath water with dill was said to make you irresistible to your lover.
Fennel was called marathon by the ancient Greeks, after the battle that took place in a field of fennel. The Romans chewed fennel as an appetite suppressant, and puritans chewed it during fasting to keep hunger at bay. Fennel was hung throughout medieval homes for luck and to keep away ghosts.
Marjoram is believed to induce dreams of one's future mate. A symbol of love and happiness, marjoram wreaths crowned the wedding couple and adorned gravesites. Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic, and the Egyptians used it as a disinfectant. In the Middle Ages, it was chewed to relieve toothaches and indigestion.
Mint is the name of Hades' lover, who was turned into this low-growing herb by his wife Persephone, so that she would be stepped upon for all eternity. It is believed to stir up bodily lust, therefore, soldiers were warned to stay away from it, lest they lose courage and strength from increased lovemaking.
Parsley has a natural ability (chlorophyll) to absorb foul odor, and was put to good use in the stinky Middle Ages, strewn about tables and people. It was also used as an antidote to poison and as hangover prevention.
Rosemary was used by the Greeks to improved memory. Students carried it to examinations, and lovers used it to ensure fidelity. Its smoke warded off sickness and evil demons. Sleeping with rosemary under a pillow was thought to provide dreams of a future mate.
Sage was thought by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Arabs to induce immortality and wisdom. It was used to treat memory loss, as well as fever and stomach disorders. It symbolized domestic virtue and skill, was said to grow around houses with strong-willed woman.
Tarragon is derived from the French esdragon, meaning "little dragon." This is a reference to its serpentine root system, which led to its medieval use as a remedy for snake bites. Also referred to as a banishing herb, tarragon was used as incense while the name of one's nemesis was written on a piece of paper and then burned.
Thyme has long been associated with courage, and was frequently carried by knights in the middle ages. It was a common incense, bath additive, and treatment for shyness and depression. Shakespeare's fairy queen, Tatiana, slept in a bed of thyme, and English recipes use thyme in foods designed to lure fairies into the open.
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