Deerstongue

Botanical Name: Liatris odoratissima (sweet deerstongue, vanilla leaf, vanilla orchid); sometimes Hierochloe odorata (sweetgrass, vanilla grass) grouped in older folk magic under similar names. Folk Names: Deerstongue, deer's tongue, vanilla leaf, vanilla orchid, sweet deerstongue, hound's tongue, vanilla plant, wild vanilla. Parts Used: Dried leaves (fragrant, vanilla-scented when crushed); occasionally flowering stems or whole plant. Forms Used: Dried leaves for sachets, protective charms, love packets, teas (external magical use), incense, or spell jars; leaves carried or placed under tongue symbolically.

Note on Identity Deerstongue refers primarily to Liatris odoratissima, a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family with tall spikes of purple flowers and long, narrow, vanilla-scented leaves. When dried, the leaves release a strong, sweet vanilla-coumarin fragrance. In occult traditions, deerstongue is a powerful Venusian/Mercurial herb of love, fidelity, eloquence, psychic power, luck, and protection—especially famed for granting persuasive speech, attracting lovers, and ensuring faithfulness. Leaves were carried in the mouth or pocket to "sweeten" words and bind affection. It is non-toxic in moderate external use (leaves used as flavoring in some traditions), though avoid excessive internal use due to coumarin content.

History and Etymology

The name "deerstongue" comes from the leaf shape resembling a deer's tongue and its use in hunting charms (to attract game or ensure accurate speech). "Sweet deerstongue" reflects the vanilla-like aroma from coumarin in dried leaves.

In Native American traditions (especially Southeastern tribes), deerstongue leaves were used for flavoring, medicine, and spiritual protection. Early European settlers adopted it for love charms and to "sweeten" speech in court or negotiations. In 19th-century American folk magic, it was carried to prevent gossip or ensure truthful words.

In Hoodoo and conjure, deerstongue became a key herb for love-drawing (especially fidelity), court case work (eloquence, fair outcomes), and protection—often carried in the mouth or pocket for persuasive speech and binding affection.

Correspondences

Magical Uses

Deerstongue is a Venus/Mercury herb for love, fidelity, eloquence, psychic power, protection, and sweetening—its vanilla scent "sweetens" words and binds affection. Traditional and folk-magic applications include:

• Attracting love, passion, or romantic partners (especially sweet, devoted love)
• Ensuring fidelity and loyalty in relationships (leaves carried by partners)
• Enhancing eloquence, persuasive speech, and clear communication (court cases, negotiations)
• Promoting psychic abilities, visions, and truthful intuition
• Gentle protection from gossip, lies, or verbal harm
• Sweetening situations or people (combined with sugar/honey in jars)
• Luck in legal matters, interviews, or persuasive endeavors
• Binding intentions or relationships (leaves in knot magic)

Sample Spells and Rituals

All rituals are for external use only. Deerstongue is safe externally (leaves used as flavoring in small amounts); patch-test washes or oils.

1. Fidelity & Love-Drawing Sachet

• Fill a pink pouch with dried deerstongue leaves, rose petals, and a small rose quartz.
• Tie shut and anoint with rose oil while saying:

“Deerstongue sweet, love complete, fidelity bind, heart aligned.”

• Carry or place under mattress for lasting loyalty.

2. Eloquence & Persuasion Charm

• Carry a small piece of dried deerstongue leaf in a blue pouch with a clear quartz or blue lace agate.
• Anoint with frankincense oil and affirm:

“Deerstongue true, words come through, speak with power, in this hour.”

• Use before court, negotiations, interviews, or important conversations.

3. Psychic Vision & Protection Incense

• Burn dried deerstongue leaves (with mugwort or frankincense) on charcoal.
• Waft smoke around self/space while saying:

“Deerstongue bright, visions light, protect my sight, truth ignite.”

• Safety note: Ventilate well; avoid heavy smoke inhalation.

4. Sweetening & Harmony Wash

• Simmer dried deerstongue leaves (with cinnamon or rose) in water; strain and cool.
• Use to wash hands/face or sprinkle around space while declaring:

“Deerstongue sweet, harmony meet, anger cool, love rule.”

Cautions and Toxicity

Deerstongue (Liatris odoratissima) is generally safe for external use and moderate culinary amounts.

• External: Safe as sachets, washes, carried dried, or incense. Rare allergic reactions (Asteraceae family—patch-test if ragweed/daisy allergic).
• Internal: Leaves traditionally used sparingly as tea or flavoring; contains coumarin (potential liver concerns in very high doses)—avoid large/prolonged internal use.
• Not recommended during pregnancy (uterine stimulant risk in some traditions) or for those with liver issues.
• Safe around children/pets in external applications.
• Sustainable sourcing: Cultivated preferred (wild harvesting concerns in some regions).
• Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before internal use.