by Garima Roy: Plants have been used as medicines for thousands of years to cure various ailments, gain wisdom and to help us connect with nature.
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There are scripts from 2500 BC about various plants and their healing properties. In India, there are several Vedas that mention about treating diseases using herbs and plants.
Plants have vibrational frequency that is in tune with our body and psyche. These vibrational qualities of plants can assist in balancing, healing and energizing the seven major chakras. The components of herbs interact with our energy system and remove toxic elements from our blood, enhance blood circulation and regulate the flow of oxygen.
If one uses the herbs appropriately, one can maintain a balanced state of mind, body and spirit, Here are some of the common herbs associated with the seven chakras –
First Chakra – Root
Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine. It connects us to the earth because that is where we receive all of the vital nutrients essential to our survival, and it is also where body toxins are released. The root chakra doesn’t just ground us physically, it also grounds us temporally by keeping us in the present moment.
An imbalanced root chakra can lead to problems in the legs, feet, rectum, tailbone, immune system, depression, autoimmune deficiencies. Dandelion root tea are found to be highly effective in the treatment of depression, gallbladder or high blood pressure. Adding in foods like: carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, onions and garlic, and anything else that roots itself, can have a soothing effect for our root chakra.
Second Chakra – Sacral
Sacral Chakra is located below the navel near the abdomen between the ovaries for women and near the prostate gland for men. The fundamental quality of this chakra is pure creativity, attention, sensual expression, unencumbered by the ego.
When this Chakra is blocked it can lead to eating disorders, urinary tract problems, reproductive disorders, occasional headache, fever and emotional imbalances.
Calendula is an easy to grow herb that enhances your creativity in all areas of life. Another herb which is highly beneficial for the sacral chakra is Gardenia. One can put Gardenia roots and oil to multiple use, and its flowers are found to be very soothing for the senses as well, no wonder its also known as the happiness herb.
Sandalwood helps in curing many kinds of infection as it instigates new cell growth. You can apply sandalwood oil on your body before taking a shower or you can use it to create a good aroma in your house.
Other herbs & spices that are beneficial are Coriander, fennel, licorice, cinnamon, vanilla, carob, sweet paprika, sesame seeds, caraway seeds.
Third Chakra – Solar Plexus
The 3rd chakra or the solar plexus chakra is the power centre of emotions and positive self control. If this chakra is blocked we tend to feel unworthy and have a low self-esteem. Our emotional state is one of depression and anxiety. We tend to be doubtful and mistrusting toward others. This can lead to a plethora of physical problems: poor digestion, ulcers, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, anorexia, bulimia, and even intestinal tumors.
To unblock the energy flow, one can use lavender, bergamot or rosemary oil. Bergamot is great for the digestive system as it quickens the procedure of digestion causing less strain to the intestinal tract. In Mediterranean region, people consider rosemary as an essential herb for the stomach and intestines. One can put rosemary leaves in several dishes or you can use rosemary oil to cook dishes. Marshmallow too relaxes the third chakra and softens our efforts to control life.
It helps you to relax your diaphragm and reconnect to our breath.
Other useful herbs & spices are Anise, celery, cinnamon, lily of the valley, mints, ginger, mints (peppermint, spearmint, etc.), melissa, turmeric, cumin, fennel.
Fourth Chakra – Heart
Heart Chakra is the centre of love, compassion and forgiveness of our body’s energy system. When this chakra is blocked, we tend to feel disconnected and have trouble loving ourselves and others. We tend to experience poor circulation on the physical level, lack empathy on the emotional level, and lack devotion on the spiritual level.
Many issues of love, grief, hatred, anger, jealousy, fears of betrayal, of loneliness, as well as the ability to heal ourselves and others are centered in the fourth chakra. A tea or tincture of Hawthorne berries increases trust in the process of life and encourages you to feel safe following your heart. It also helps to strengthen the heart and blood vessels. You can also use
Cayenne, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, rose, basil, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley for a healthy heart.
Fifth Chakra – Throat
Throat chakra is largely responsible for self-expression and communication. When this chakra is clear our speech becomes uplifting, wise and we can communicate our intent clearly. An unbalanced throat chakra leads to thyroid problems, laryngitis on the physical level, codependency on the emotional level, unclear thoughts on the mental level, and insecurity on the spiritual level. We often speak without thinking and have trouble expressing ourselves in an authentic way. It is also responsible for nervousness, fear and anxiety.
Red clover blossoms assist in allowing a free flow of communication and self-expression. A cup of red clover tea can unlock the emotions and thoughts that are waiting to be spoken. A research conducted by the University of Maryland, Medical Centre shows that lemon balm is capable of healing several ailments including thyroid. Eucalyptus oil is another beneficial oil for decongestion, simply rubbing few drops of oil on the throat will help.
Other herbs & spices that can help with the throat chakra is Coltsfoot, peppermint, sage, salt and lemon grass.
Sixth Chakra – Third Eye
Sixth Chakra or the Third Eye is associated with intuition and thepineal gland.
When this chakra is blocked we tend to lack in imagination and intuition resulting in poor decision making and self-deception. Physically, third eye weakness may manifest as eye/ear problems, headaches, migraines, insomnia, or even nightmares.
Mint, jasmine and eyebright are herbs used to open the sixth chakra. Eyebright helps to see both the light and dark sides as part of the whole, and is also used to cure eye problems. Mint has been found useful in curing depression, migraines and memory loss. It also increases connectedness between mind and body.
These are the herbs & spices that can energize and heal any imbalances in the third eye chakra, Juniper, mugwort, poppy, rosemary, lavender and poppy seed.
Seventh Chakra – Crown
Crown Chakraconnects us to the universal divine energy. This chakra is associated with wisdom, enlightenment and transcendence.
When our crown chakra is cleansed and open we experience divine union and cosmic love, stretching out forever. Our unique frequency is in tune with the cosmic orchestra. When our crown chakra is blocked or closed we feel disconnected spiritually, as though we are living without any direction or purpose. On a physical level, it can lead to depression, nervous system disorders, migraines, amnesia, ADD, dyslexia, and in the most extreme cases cognitive delusions and mental illness.
Lavender flowers and lotus assist in opening your seventh chakra. Lavender brings you into alignment with divine wisdom on a daily basis and is a popular herb for enhancing meditation. While lotus leaves and stems are widely used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and each part has its own set of benefits. Lavender is your best bet because it works well on all the chakras.
You can include plants in your life through taking herbs internally in the form of tea, or externally as a bath or aromatherapy, you can enhance the benefits by consciously connecting with their vibrational qualities.
(The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health provider/naturopath with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition)
