The question comes up every time we sort through the market bundles. Flat-leaf cilantro, spearmint, peppermint, all green and fragrant. Which one goes into the love sachet, which into the money jar, and can you use both without canceling the magic? The answer is simpler than most practitioners expect.
Cilantro is the herb of passionate love and protection. Mint is the herb of wealth and abundance. For love magic, choose cilantro. For prosperity, mint. The two do not compete. They complement each other, and a skilled worker knows when to reach for each.
What each herb actually does in magic
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum leaves) and mint (Mentha species, especially spearmint and peppermint) are everyday kitchen herbs with deep roots in folk magic. Their uses are not interchangeable.
Cilantro appears in love spells across Mediterranean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern traditions. It is hot, pungent, and associated with desire, fidelity, and protection from envy. The seeds (coriander) are equally potent. Mint, by contrast, runs cool. It attracts money, clears stagnation, and invites success. In Hoodoo, mint is a staple of money-drawing works. In Ayurveda, it is used for prosperity rituals during Diwali.
The planetary associations differ. Coriander is linked to Mars in some grimoires (hot, aggressive, passion) and to Saturn in others (protection, binding). Folk tradition sides with Mars. Mint is ruled by Mercury, the planet of commerce, communication, and quick movement. That makes mint ideal for financial spells that need speed.
Where the magical history of cilantro begins
Coriander seeds have been found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (circa 1324 BCE). The Egyptians placed them among grave goods, likely for protection and safe passage. Pliny the Elder, writing in his Natural History (77 CE), recorded that coriander seeds were used in love potions. He called them a “powerful aphrodisiac.”
The Greek Magical Papyri (second century BCE to fifth century CE) include coriander in recipes for erotic attraction. One spell calls for the juice of coriander mixed with wine and honey, to be spoken over a lover’s name. The instructions are specific: “Take the herb when the moon is full, and say the name of the one you desire.”
In medieval Europe, the Key of Solomon (circa 14th century) lists coriander among the herbs used for protection against evil spirits. The leaves were scattered at thresholds. The seeds were sewn into clothing. The logic was that the plant’s strong smell confused malevolent entities.
Latin American folk magic, especially curanderismo, uses cilantro for love and protection. A common practice: place fresh cilantro leaves in a red cloth with a photograph of the desired person, tie it with a red ribbon, and keep it under the pillow. The scent is said to bind the lover’s thoughts.
Mint’s older claim: prosperity and hospitality
Mint appears in Greek mythology. The nymph Minthe was pursued by Hades, and Persephone transformed her into the plant. This story gives mint an association with the underworld and with transformation. But in practice, the Greeks and Romans used mint for hospitality and digestion, not for death magic.
The Romans scattered mint leaves on floors before feasts. The crushed leaves released a fresh scent that masked odors and invited prosperity. Guests walked on the mint, and the oils were absorbed into their skin. This was a subtle form of blessing: the household’s wealth was shared with visitors.
In the 19th-century Hoodoo tradition, mint became a money-drawing herb. Spearmint and peppermint were added to Money Drawing Sachet Powders and Lucky Mojo formulas. The recipe is simple: mix dried mint with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sugar. Carry it in a green flannel bag. The scent attracts the attention of spirits associated with prosperity.
In Ayurveda, fresh mint is offered to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, during Diwali. The leaves are arranged on a silver plate. The offering is made with the intention that abundance will fill the home as the scent fills the room.
How to use cilantro for love magic
Cilantro works best when the intention is to attract a specific person or to strengthen an existing bond. It is not a generic “love me” herb. It is for directed desire.
For a love bath: Crush fresh cilantro leaves in a mortar. Add a few drops of rose water. Steep in hot water and pour into the bath. Bathe while focusing on the qualities you want in a partner. The heat of the cilantro is said to open the heart to passion.
For a protection sachet: Mix dried cilantro seeds with salt and black pepper. Sew into a red cloth. Wear it under clothing or hang it above the bed. This is used to ward off romantic rivals or to stop a lover from straying.
For a wedding blessing: Fresh cilantro sprigs are woven into the bridal bouquet or the groom’s boutonniere in some Mexican traditions. The leaves are believed to ensure fidelity for the first year of marriage.
Important: Use fresh cilantro when possible. Dried leaves lose some of their volatile oils. The seeds, however, retain potency for years.
How to use mint for prosperity magic
Mint is faster than cilantro. It works on the principle of correspondence: its freshness and speed mirror the flow of money.
For a money-drawing wallet: Place a dried peppermint leaf in the bill compartment of your wallet. Replace it every new moon. The practice comes from Hoodoo, where the wallet is charged with the intention that money will “stick” to the mint.
For a prosperity incense: Burn dried mint with a pinch of cinnamon and a drop of clove oil. Walk through the house with the smoke, focusing on each room. The scent clears financial stagnation. This is especially effective on Thursdays, the day of Jupiter.
For a floor wash: Boil mint leaves in water. Let it cool. Add a splash of vinegar. Wash the kitchen floor with this mixture, starting at the back door and moving toward the front. The idea is that money will enter the house and stay.
For a garden charm: Plant mint near the front door. It is said to attract abundance. But mint is invasive, so plant it in a container. Otherwise, it will take over the garden and the prosperity will be too overwhelming.
Can you combine cilantro and mint?
Yes. The two herbs work well together when the goal is a prosperous relationship. A love spell that includes mint can attract a partner who is both loving and financially stable. The cilantro provides passion, the mint provides abundance.
One traditional blend from Caribbean folk magic: mix fresh cilantro, mint, and basil. Add a brown sugar cube. Wrap in a green cloth and tie with a red ribbon. Keep it under the bed. The three herbs together are said to attract a lover who is passionate, wealthy, and loyal.
But we do not recommend mixing them in a single sachet intended purely for love. The mint can dilute the cilantro’s heat. If you want pure romantic attraction, use cilantro alone. If you want a relationship that includes financial security, mint is a welcome addition.
Common misconceptions about these herbs
Misconception one: cilantro is only for cooking. Many practitioners dismiss cilantro as a kitchen herb too weak for magic. The historical record says otherwise. It appears in the most powerful grimoires of the Western tradition.
Misconception two: all mint is the same. Spearmint and peppermint have different energies. Spearmint is gentler, better for community prosperity. Peppermint is sharper, better for direct money drawing. Always check which species you are using.
Misconception three: dried herbs are useless. Dried mint and cilantro retain their magical properties if stored properly. But the scent fades. If you cannot smell the herb, the spirit of the plant may have left. Replace dried herbs every six months.
Misconception four: more is better. Overloading a sachet with cilantro will not make the love spell stronger. It will create an overwhelming scent that can cause headaches. A few fresh leaves, crushed, are more effective than a handful.
FAQ
Can I use dried cilantro for love spells? Yes, but fresh is stronger. The volatile oils are most active when the leaves are green. If using dried, crush the leaves just before the spell to release the remaining oils.
Which mint is best for prosperity? Peppermint is the most direct for money drawing. Spearmint works better for general abundance and hospitality. Both are effective, but peppermint is faster.
Can I replace cilantro with mint in a love spell? Not directly. They serve different purposes. Mint can attract a partner, but it will not produce the same passionate bond. If you must use mint, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to warm it.
Is cilantro safe for love spells? Yes. It is non-toxic when used externally. Do not ingest large amounts of cilantro essential oil, but the fresh leaves are safe in food. People with cilantro allergy should avoid contact.
The sensible choice
If you are building a magical herb cabinet, both cilantro and mint belong there. They are not rivals. They are two instruments in the same toolbox. For love, reach for cilantro. For prosperity, reach for mint. For a relationship that has both, use them in separate workings and let the energies meet in the middle.
The market bundle is not a problem. It is an opportunity. Smell each leaf, feel the heat and the cool, and choose according to your intention.
Related guides: For a deeper look at the full range of herbs used in love magic, see our love herbs guide. For prosperity rituals, visit the herbs materia vertical hub. And if you are uncertain about the planetary associations of any herb, the glossary entry for coriander clarifies the conflicting traditions.