Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork, and blind worm’s sting, Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
~William Shakespeare
“Eye of Newt” is one of the most mysterious and intriguing phrases in history, famously mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. But what does it actually mean?
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of “Eye of Newt,” its role in folklore and herbalism, and its fascinating connection to coded plant names used by witches and healers.

The Origins of Eye of Newt
The phrase “Eye of Newt” is famously associated with the eerie spell-casting scene in Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated tragedies. Written in 1606, the play features three witches chanting an incantation as they prepare a bubbling potion filled with mysterious ingredients.
The witches scene in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” describes a concoction that consists of “Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog…” Luckily, these terms refer to plants, not actual animal parts. Eye of newt is a pseudonym for mustard seed.

This vivid imagery has enchanted audiences for centuries, blending the grotesque with the poetic. By using cryptic names like “Eye of Newt,” Shakespeare tapped into a tradition of coded language used by herbalists and healers. These terms not only protected their knowledge but also added an element of mysticism to their practices, captivating imaginations both then and now.
Why Witches Used Code Names
In the medieval and early modern periods, herbal knowledge was both valuable and dangerous. Healers, midwives, and herbalists—many of whom were accused of witchcraft—guarded their remedies to maintain their livelihoods and avoid persecution.

Using mysterious names like “Toe of Frog” or “Eye of Newt” served two purposes:
- Secrecy: These terms acted as a kind of code to keep others from stealing their recipes or copying their remedies.
- Mystique: Gruesome-sounding names added an air of power and mystery, which made their potions and spells seem more effective to their clients.
The names often described the plant’s appearance, shape, or usage. For example:
- “Eye” typically referred to seeds or round blossoms.
- “Toe” symbolized leaves.
- “Hair” described stringy herbs or dried plant material.
Body Parts as Plant Parts
Body Part | Plant Part Represented |
---|---|
Eye | Blossom or Seed |
Heart | Bud or Seed |
Beak, Bill, or Nose | Seed, Bud, or Bloom |
Tongue or Teeth | Petal or Leaf |
Head | Blossom |
Tail | Stem |
Hair | Dried Herbs or Stringy Parts of Herbs |
Privates, Genitals, or Semen | Seeds or Sap |
Blood | Sap |
Guts | Roots or Stalk |
Paw, Foot, Leg, Wing, or Toe | Leaves |
Plant Names as Animals
Animal | Plant Represented |
---|---|
Toad | Sage |
Cat | Catmint |
Dog | Grasses, Specifically Couchgrass |
Frog | Cinquefoil |
Eagle | Wild Garlic |
Blue Jay | Laurel |
Hawk | Hawkweed |
Lamb | Wild Lettuce |
Nightingale | Hops |
Rat | Valerian |
Weasel | Rue |
Woodpecker | Peony |
This chart demonstrates how coded language was used creatively by herbalists and witches to obscure the true identity of the ingredients in their plant magic spells, making their remedies and spells seem both more mysterious and protected from prying eyes.
Common Witchy Plant Names and Their Meanings
Here are some well-known mystical plant names and their actual meanings:
Code Name | Real Herb | Explanation |
---|---|---|
Eye of Newt | Mustard Seed | Small, round seeds resembling eyes. |
Wool of Bat | Moss | Soft, fuzzy texture like wool. |
Toe of Frog | Cinquefoil | Leaves shaped like a frog’s toes. |
Serpent’s Tongue | Dog’s Tooth Violet | Long, narrow leaves resembling a tongue. |
Crow’s Foot | Wood Anemone | Leaf shape resembling bird’s foot. |
Ass’ Ear | Comfrey | Large, soft leaves resembling donkey ears. |
Bat’s Wing | Holly Leaves | Pointed, wing-like shape of leaves. |
Beard of Monk | Chicory | Thin, hair-like flower petals. |
Bear’s Foot | Lady’s Mantle | Leaf shape resembling a bear’s paw. |
Bird’s Eye | Germander or Speedwell | Small, bright flowers resembling bird eyes. |
Blind Eyes | Poppy | Rounded flowers that seem eye-like. |
Blood From a Head | Lupine | Red or blood-like sap of the plant. |
Blood of Ares | Purslane | Red sap associated with the god Ares. |
Blood of Hestia | Chamomile | Named for its association with the hearth. |
Bloody Fingers | Foxglove | Finger-like flowers with reddish markings. |
Calf’s Snout | Snapdragon | Rounded blossoms resembling a calf’s snout. |
Cat’s Foot | Ground Ivy | Small, rounded leaves resembling cat paws. |
Devil’s Ear | Jack in the Pulpit | Hooded flower shape like an ear. |
Devil’s Plaything | Yarrow | Associated with mischief or witchcraft. |
Dew of the Sea | Rosemary | Literal translation of its Latin name. |
Dog’s Mouth | Snapdragon | Blossoms resemble an open dog’s mouth. |
Dragon’s Teeth | Vervain | Narrow, pointed leaves resembling teeth. |
Elf Leaf | Lavender | Associated with elves in folklore. |
Englishman’s Foot | Common Plantain | Broad, flat leaves resemble a shoe print. |
Fairy Eggs | Nutmeg | Small, round seeds linked to fairies. |
Flower of Death | Vinca | Often used in funeral wreaths. |
Goose Tongue | Lemon Balm | Leaf shape resembles a goose’s tongue. |
Graveyard Dust | Mullein | Powdery texture of dried leaves. |
Hawk’s Heart | Wormwood | Strong, bitter herb associated with hawks. |
Juno’s Tears | Vervain | Associated with the goddess Juno. |
Jupiter’s Beard | Sempervivums | Succulent rosettes that look like a beard. |
Lion’s Foot | Lady’s Mantle | Leaf shape resembles a lion’s paw. |
Little Faces | Viola | Flowers with markings resembling faces. |
Man’s Bile | Turnip Sap | Bitter sap associated with bile. |
Mortification Root | Rose of Sharon | Associated with healing and mourning. |
Nose of Turtle | Turtlehead, Chelone | Blossoms resemble a turtle’s nose. |
Nosebleed | Yarrow | Known for stopping bleeding, including nosebleeds. |
Our Lady’s Tears | Lily of the Valley | Associated with the Virgin Mary’s tears. |
Old Man’s Flannel | Mullein | Soft leaves likened to flannel fabric. |
Ram’s Head | Valerian | Root shape resembles a ram’s head. |
Scale of Dragon | Tarragon | Narrow, scaly leaves. |
Semen of Ares | White Clover | Seeds named for the god Ares. |
Semen of Hermes | Dill | Seeds associated with Hermes’ speed. |
Sparrow’s Tongue | Knotweed | Thin leaves resembling a sparrow’s tongue. |
Tree of Doom | Elder | Associated with death and dark magic. |
Unicorn Root | Boneset | Root associated with mythical unicorns. |
Weasel Snout | Yellow Archangel | Flowers resemble a weasel’s face. |
Modern Uses of Witchy Plant Names
While the days of secret herbal codes are long gone, many of these names have survived in folklore and popular culture. They add a touch of magic to literature, games, and even modern herbalism.
We have made some great witchy herb printable pages that document these plants and their uses. Some modern herbalists even embrace the mystical aspect, using the old names to teach the history and traditions of witch plant use.

Modern witchcraft emphasizes respect for nature. Substitutions like rosemary for Dew of the Sea or dill for Semen of Hermes honor tradition while aligning with contemporary values.
Magical Properties of Eye of Newt (Mustard Seed)
Mustard seeds are fiery little powerhouses steeped in lore and symbolism. Associated with Mars, the planet of courage and action, they embody strength and resilience.
Mustard seeds are linked to the salamander, a mystical creature of fire, symbolizing transformation and protection.
See also: Fire Deities: Gods and Goddesses of Flame and Fury
In folklore, scattering mustard seeds around a home is said to ward off evil spirits, while carrying them as a charm brings courage and determination. Their fiery energy makes them perfect for spells of banishing, protection, and manifesting bold ambitions.
Magical Correspondences of Mustard Seed
Aspect | Correspondence |
---|---|
Element | Fire – Represents energy, transformation, and courage. |
Planet | Mars – Symbolizes strength, protection, and action. |
Zodiac Sign | Aries – Reflecting boldness, initiative, and fiery determination. |
Number | 1 – Represents new beginnings, individuality, and potential. |
Chakra | Solar Plexus Chakra – Associated with personal power, confidence, and willpower. |
Color | Yellow – Symbolizing clarity, creativity, and optimism. |
Conclusion
The late 16th and early 17th centuries were fraught with witch hunts and trials, a time when fear and suspicion ran high. Accusations of witchcraft often included claims of using animal and plant-based ingredients in spells, and terms like Eye of Newt were not just poetic—they were a form of protection. By using coded language, herbalists and practitioners safeguarded their knowledge from prying eyes and shielded themselves from the very real dangers of persecution.
Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan, an herbalist, or just someone who loves a good mystery, the story of Eye of Newt is a window into a world where folklore, history, and survival intertwined. It reminds us that there’s always more to uncover in the rich tapestry of the past.
This is so interesting and I’m excited to try some of these ingredients. 🌿