Herbs and Roots, along with a select few mineral and animal curios, are the most important elements in traditional hoodoo. They are used as the basis for all manner of oils, powders, incenses, washes, perfumes, mojo hands, doll-babies, spell bottles, and tricks laid down to be walked over — and for this reason, Southern conjures are called "root doctors" and when folks jinx their enemies they "put roots on them." In fact, "rootwork" is a synonym for hoodoo in much of the country.