The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches: A Beginner's Guide to Real-Life Herbalism
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a delightfully herb-filled sweet and cozy book. In this story, we meet Mika Moon, a lonely witch who has a special talent for working with herbs. Specifically, she excels at creating instinctive potions and making tasty cups of tea. She does this all with the help of her trusty “Can’t-Do-Withouts”.
pictured: mortar and pestle with herbs
“Can’t-Do-Withouts”: An Herbal Principle
Mika has eight “Can’t-Do-Withouts” in her potion kit. These are essential ingredients (that include herbs!) which she turns to time and again for creating potions and teas. We first encounter these most fundamental ingredients when she moves into Nowhere House and unpacks vials of each from her potion kit. She wields them throughout the book with care and expertise born from her own experience in learning to use her magic.
Did you know that many herbalists have a set of herbs that could be considered their own “Can’t-Do-Withouts”? These are herbs and preparations that are kept on hand for support through life's ups and downs. But why would you want to have something like this as an herbalist?
You see, there is a whole wide world of useful herbs to choose from—it is a world absolutely filled with fascinating, beautiful botanicals! And it is easy as a beginning herbalist to get lost in this world. It is tempting to feel like it is important to know about every herb. Yet, there is a common principle among herbalists: It is better to know ten herbs really well than to barely know one hundred herbs.
Herbs are multifaceted and one herb can be used for a myriad of purposes. These incredible plants also have their own distinctive energetics and when getting to know an herb, a relationship is formed between human and plant. Herbs can become like best friends to rely on and enjoy the experience of life with. Through this relationship, keen use of an herb becomes possible and potential combinations with other herbs can bring about profound effects. This could be considered part of the art or magic of herbalism.
My own “Can’t-Do-Withouts”? They have changed and grown with me through life as I moved from becoming a mother through supporting my young children to now as I grow older. But for the most part lavender, mints (all kinds), chamomile, rose, ashwagandha, elderberry, nettle, betony, and lemon balm have always been some of my favorite, most special herbal essentials. These are herbs I keep on hand as good friends to help me enjoy my life to the utmost.
pictured: lavender blossoms
What is in Mika’s “Can’t-Do-Withouts”?
Mika’s “Can’t-Do-Withouts” are a mix of botanicals and the more magical, witchy moonlight and star shards. Below is a bit of information on each herb mentioned in Mika’s potion kit. You will also find some links shared below for taking a deeper dive into learning.
Cedar
Cedrus libani, Cedrus deodara, Thuja plicata
In this case, cedar could be any of the following species of tree found in England: Cedrus libani, Cedrus deodara, Thuja plicata. Because we do not know the species, we cannot say how cedar is used. However, these three plants do have fascinating properties and uses such as for helping with colds and flus, achy joints, skin health and more. My favorite way to use cedar is as an essential oil. The aroma is grounding and helps to ease stress.
Lavender
Lavandula officinalis, L. latifolia
This beloved herb has a long history of use for helping to soothe an overwrought nervous system and is often used to help ease issues associated with stress such as anxiety, headaches, and sleeplessness. It is a wonderful nervine and smells fantastic. Replete with anti-microbial properties, so lavender is often used to help clean and sanitize. This herb is one of my own favorites. I use the essential oil and the flower buds almost daily for everything from cleaning to making delicious tea blends. Learn more about lavender here.
Mushroom Dust
species unknown
Mushrooms are often used in herbalism for their adaptogenic properties that can help to support the body during times of stress. They can be easily tossed into soups and teas to enjoy their supportive effects. However, we do not know what type of mushroom Mika uses. Mushrooms can be poisonous and even cause death. Do not use any unknown mushrooms.
Peppermint
Mentha x piperita
This well-known tasty herb that is used to help relieve gassy stomach upset while promoting healthy digestion. It is stimulating and uplifting, and makes a delicious addition to teas often used to flavor less tasty herbs. It is also wonderful in honeys, syrups, food dishes, and even used for bathing. We love to make peppermint chocolate chip cookies in our home! Learn more about peppermint here.
pictured in the tea pot: peppermint
Poppy pollen
Papaver rhoeas, Eschscholzia californica
Perhaps the most famous and dubious poppy is the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). However, two species that are used in herbalism, the corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) can be found in England and are used as gentle sedatives. We have California poppy growing around our home and I keep the tincture on hand to help soothe anxieties and restlessness. Corn poppy can be confused with opium poppy.
Mika’s other “Can’t-Do-Withouts”
Included with Mika’s lavender, peppermint and other herbs are the whimsical moonlight, crushed pearl, and star shavings. While we, as mere mortals, cannot directly harvest moonlight or stars (and I personally know of no way to use crushed pearl in an herbal preparation), we can infuse herbal preparations with moonlight to harness the energies there.
You can do this too!
If you are making an overnight herbal infusion, herbal oil, or perhaps even a flower essence, you can leave your preparation out overnight under the light of the full moon. It is thought that this can help to capture that beautiful moonlight energy into whatever is being made.
pictured: close up of a California poppy with pollen
How You Can Start Finding Your Own “Can’t-Do-Withouts”
If you are new to herbalism, you can start creating your own relationship with an herb or two right now! Choose an herb that calls to you and start to get to know that herb by using it in as many ways as you can. I recommend choosing an herb that is generally considered to be safe such as nettle, oatstraw, lavender, chamomile, rose petal, or lemon balm.
To get to know your new herbal friend, use it in a variety of ways such as making it into a tea; using it as a foot soak or bath; make food with your botanical if appropriate; grow it if possible; and of course read about your plant! Make notes about how your experimenting goes. What effects did you notice? How does the plant taste or smell? Did you have any special realizations while using the herb?
Not every herb is safe for every person and it is important to use herbs wisely! For safety information visit this post.
Happy Reading & Herbal Adventuring!
References
Fez. (2025). Corn Poppy (Papaver Rhoeas) Identification. Found at: https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2025/06/24/corn-poppy/
Grieve, Mrs. M. (1973). A Modern Herbal, Random House.
Herb Society of America: Pioneer Unit (n.d.). Papaver rhoeas. Found at: https://www.herbsocietypioneer.org/papaver-rhoeas/
Hoffman, D. (1996). The Complete Illustrated Herbal, Element Books.
McIntyre, A. (1996). Flower Power, Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
