What is Eye of Newt? More Than Just a Witchy Phrase

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 Three Witches by Daniel Gardner
The Three Witches from Shakespeare’s Macbeth by Daniel Gardner (1775)

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.

Eye of Newt is 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.

List of Witchy Words
See also: List of Witchy Words

Using mysterious names like “Toe of Frog” or “Eye of Newt” served two purposes:

  1. Secrecy: These terms acted as a kind of code to keep others from stealing their recipes or copying their remedies.
  2. 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 PartPlant Part Represented
EyeBlossom or Seed
HeartBud or Seed
Beak, Bill, or NoseSeed, Bud, or Bloom
Tongue or TeethPetal or Leaf
HeadBlossom
TailStem
HairDried Herbs or Stringy Parts of Herbs
Privates, Genitals, or SemenSeeds or Sap
BloodSap
GutsRoots or Stalk
Paw, Foot, Leg, Wing, or ToeLeaves

Plant Names as Animals

AnimalPlant Represented
ToadSage
CatCatmint
DogGrasses, Specifically Couchgrass
FrogCinquefoil
EagleWild Garlic
Blue JayLaurel
HawkHawkweed
LambWild Lettuce
NightingaleHops
RatValerian
WeaselRue
WoodpeckerPeony

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 NameReal HerbExplanation
Eye of NewtMustard SeedSmall, round seeds resembling eyes.
Wool of BatMossSoft, fuzzy texture like wool.
Toe of FrogCinquefoilLeaves shaped like a frog’s toes.
Serpent’s TongueDog’s Tooth VioletLong, narrow leaves resembling a tongue.
Crow’s FootWood AnemoneLeaf shape resembling bird’s foot.
Ass’ EarComfreyLarge, soft leaves resembling donkey ears.
Bat’s WingHolly LeavesPointed, wing-like shape of leaves.
Beard of MonkChicoryThin, hair-like flower petals.
Bear’s FootLady’s MantleLeaf shape resembling a bear’s paw.
Bird’s EyeGermander or SpeedwellSmall, bright flowers resembling bird eyes.
Blind EyesPoppyRounded flowers that seem eye-like.
Blood From a HeadLupineRed or blood-like sap of the plant.
Blood of AresPurslaneRed sap associated with the god Ares.
Blood of HestiaChamomileNamed for its association with the hearth.
Bloody FingersFoxgloveFinger-like flowers with reddish markings.
Calf’s SnoutSnapdragonRounded blossoms resembling a calf’s snout.
Cat’s FootGround IvySmall, rounded leaves resembling cat paws.
Devil’s EarJack in the PulpitHooded flower shape like an ear.
Devil’s PlaythingYarrowAssociated with mischief or witchcraft.
Dew of the SeaRosemaryLiteral translation of its Latin name.
Dog’s MouthSnapdragonBlossoms resemble an open dog’s mouth.
Dragon’s TeethVervainNarrow, pointed leaves resembling teeth.
Elf LeafLavenderAssociated with elves in folklore.
Englishman’s FootCommon PlantainBroad, flat leaves resemble a shoe print.
Fairy EggsNutmegSmall, round seeds linked to fairies.
Flower of DeathVincaOften used in funeral wreaths.
Goose TongueLemon BalmLeaf shape resembles a goose’s tongue.
Graveyard DustMulleinPowdery texture of dried leaves.
Hawk’s HeartWormwoodStrong, bitter herb associated with hawks.
Juno’s TearsVervainAssociated with the goddess Juno.
Jupiter’s BeardSempervivumsSucculent rosettes that look like a beard.
Lion’s FootLady’s MantleLeaf shape resembles a lion’s paw.
Little FacesViolaFlowers with markings resembling faces.
Man’s BileTurnip SapBitter sap associated with bile.
Mortification RootRose of SharonAssociated with healing and mourning.
Nose of TurtleTurtlehead, CheloneBlossoms resemble a turtle’s nose.
NosebleedYarrowKnown for stopping bleeding, including nosebleeds.
Our Lady’s TearsLily of the ValleyAssociated with the Virgin Mary’s tears.
Old Man’s FlannelMulleinSoft leaves likened to flannel fabric.
Ram’s HeadValerianRoot shape resembles a ram’s head.
Scale of DragonTarragonNarrow, scaly leaves.
Semen of AresWhite CloverSeeds named for the god Ares.
Semen of HermesDillSeeds associated with Hermes’ speed.
Sparrow’s TongueKnotweedThin leaves resembling a sparrow’s tongue.
Tree of DoomElderAssociated with death and dark magic.
Unicorn RootBonesetRoot associated with mythical unicorns.
Weasel SnoutYellow ArchangelFlowers 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.

Herbs for Good Luck and Prosperity
List of Herbs for Good Luck and Prosperity

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

AspectCorrespondence
ElementFire – Represents energy, transformation, and courage.
PlanetMars – Symbolizes strength, protection, and action.
Zodiac SignAries – Reflecting boldness, initiative, and fiery determination.
Number1 – Represents new beginnings, individuality, and potential.
ChakraSolar Plexus Chakra – Associated with personal power, confidence, and willpower.
ColorYellow – 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.

One Comment

  1. This is so interesting and I’m excited to try some of these ingredients. 🌿

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*