In pre-Christian cultures sorcecers, most often women, were frequently consulted by individuals who desired a potion or charm that would ward off evil, attract love or heal an illness. Their knowledge of the uses and misuses of plants was renown and many modern writers acknowledge that it is these individuals who developed and retained through history, the herbal lore which has been extensively employed by modern medicine and pharmaceutical companies.

Today, traditional  societies like in Australia, New Guinea, Africa are still often organized around the “Medecine Man”  who knows the secrets of plants and nature cycles.

Foxglove for instance, (also known as Fairyglove and Witchesglove), was the source of Digitalis, the drug which has saved the lives of many people suffering heart conditions. Digitalis was discovered by Dr. William Withering, and in his book, 'An Account of Foxglove and its Uses', (1785), he acknowledges his debt to Witchcraft herbal lore in leading him to the use of Foxglove for assisting those with Heart conditions.

Poplar, Poppy, Cinquefoil, Smallage, Parsley, Wild Celery (Apium graveolens), Almond Oil, Mandrake, Flag, Water Lilies are also known ingredients.

Nights of the full Moon are associated with Witches and as indicated above it was often at these times when plants were collected. Rather than being an obscure magical ritual, the collecting of plants at night-time and when the moon is full has a basis in plant biology. Many of the plants employed by Witches have their highest active drug content at these times.