magical herbalism (herbal magic)

Branch of herbalism expounded by freelance writer Scott Cunningham (1956-1993), who defined herbs as "magical substances, infused with the energy of the Earth." For the removal of warts, pimples, and other blemishes, Cunningham recommended a procedure that involves digging a hole, dropping into it a bean for every blemish, and saying something like: "As this bean decays, so my wart will go away." Magical herbalism encompasses clairvoyant diagnosis, absent healing, and the use of amulets.