Plantago major, photo credit: Me!

There are many different plantain plants. They are all, sort of, cousins to each other. The one I’m particularly referring to in this post is Plantago major. Also known as common Plantain weed, this is regularly seen growing on disturbed ground. Judt an FYI, “disturbed ground” refers those areas that have been dug up, beat down tight, or otherwise messed with by humans.

This plant is not native to North America. It traveled here with European immigrants back in the days of the pilgrims. One common name for it is “White Man’s Foot” – a reference to it growing wherever European immigrants traveled.

The quick video version

Plantain is completely edible. It’s tap root; it’s rosette of low-profile leaves; the flower stalk and subsequent seeds – all 100% edible. It is rather high in nutrients, too. It sports a nice content of vitamins A, C, and K as well as a bevy of minerals like calcium and iron.

This plant rocks in the healing department, too.

Healing Properties Include

•Anti-inflammatory

•Analgesic

•Wound healing

•Antipyretic

•Antitussive

•Anti-infective

•Anti-hemorraghic

•Laxative

•Astringent

•Hemostatic activity

•Diuretic

NOTE: when gathering, or foraging, always be sure to use plants which have not been sprayed with chemicals (think pesticides & herbicides) and not areas of high environmental contamination (like busy roadways).

16Aug

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I’ve got a preference for certain herbal supplement manufacturers.  I’ve never tried to conceal that. Now my favorite manufacturer has finally released their CBD! I’m so excited!

 

The energy center located between the eyebrows is Ajna. It is thought this sixth chakra is concerned with an individual’s perception, reality, intuition, and ability to manifest. In short, this center has to do with a person’s ability to see, both inner sight (insight) and outer sight.

The pineal and pituitary glands have both been associated with ajna.

The Pineal

The pineal is about the size of a Lima bean or so and sits right behead the skull at this brow location. It was misunderstood for a very long time and research in recent years is just beginning to scratch the surface of its function. We do know it produces melatonin and is very receptive to light. This is one reason experts suggest avoiding blue light emitting screens, etc at bed time.

The pineal is thought by some to be the true third eye.  Some believe the nuerotransmitters made by the pineal gland are the key to transcending the physical plane. We do know the nuerotransmitters it produces seem to be helpful in the management of pain. Unfortunately,  certain minerals and compounds, like flouride, can cause the pineal to harden and diminish in function.

The Pituitary

The pituitary gland is considered to be the “master gland.” It sits about center of the brain and us approximately the size of a large pea. It produces hormones which trigger the release of other hormones from other glands – almost acting as the conductor of an orchestra. From alternative practitioner’s perspective I can say both glands associated with ajna seem to be highly reactive to various alternatives including herbals and essential oils. 

Essential oils for the third eye chakra

Sandalwood essential oil is considered beneficial for the sixth chakra, as well as frankincense essential oil. Isn’t it wonderful that these two are the base scents in much of the incense used in religious temples and churches throughout the world! They calm the mind and are used to spur contemplation through meditation. 

Herbs for ajna

Gotu kola is very nourishing for the brain. It has been studied extensively for its promise in aiding or boosting the memory. This is due to its ability to boost oxygen supplies to the brain. A common name for it, Brahmi, indicates its godlike nature.  

Ginkgo also has been studied for similar features. The law of signatures is often sited due to the gingko leaves looking like the lobes of a brain. 

 

 

 

Both of these herbs can be found as single supplements or in blends. I like to suggest Nature’s Sunshine’s Gotu Kola,  available in the shop, here on this site. You can find a time released Gingko in my shop as well.  The blend Master Gland also supplies many nutrients and trace minerals blended with herbs often used to support the glandular system.

**purchasing items from the shop section of this site does help to supply me with an income and keeps the information coming. I appreciate all those who decide to become a customer.

Meditation

The third eye is associated with meditation. Since it is the chakra associated with self reflection, it is only fitting to suggest taking a moment each and every day to reflect on the inner self as well as the outer self. There are many YouTube videos supplying tonal wavelengths thought to enhance the experience.  

As I sit here, typing this post, I am overcome by just how much I have been at a loss of words as of late. I have been neglecting writing this post. I have said I was going to post it. I have planned on posting it. I have stared at the blank text box where I type the content for hours. It is not like me to struggle for words. I was gifted the the ability to “shoot the shit,” as my regular gas station customers would claim back in th’day. I feel it is this ability that always put me in a position to find out the stories people had to tell and compose them into articles for the local newspapers. Use words to get words. However, the words have been difficult to string together. I feel as if I have dropped the proverbial ball on this one. That’s when I finally was able to see the difficulty.

The energy center of your words

Vissudha is the energy center associated with the area of the throat, ears, mouth, shoulders, and neck. Also known as Shekhem in some ancient Egyptian healing traditions, it has to do with words. Words are just sounds strung together in order to have a uniform means of communication. This center has to do with speaking words, hearing words, listening and processing those words. It is literally where each being produces sounds of communication and takes in the sounds around us to be processed. This energy center is all about finding the truth in those sounds – finding what resonates within each of us as a unique individual.

Let me paint this picture for you: I was let go from my job. This is something that has never happened to me before. I began experiencing swollen glands in my neck, stiff neck, cold sores, itchy ears, sore throats, and a variety of other physical symptoms centered around the throat and neck area. I bombed some interviews – also not like me. I was not able to get my point across and I really don’t want the jobs anyway. There was at least one question at every single interview where I swear I heard crickets chirping because I had absolutely no answer for the interviewer. Every rejection email added to the voices in my head telling me what a terrible person I am for not being productive enough to stay employed. I must be the absolute most useless human being on the planet, right? I found myself lashing out some days. Other days I would just stay in and cry. The most heartbreaking thing of all was not being to craft my words.

I

could

not

write!

I tried so hard. I would read and research. Everything would seem perfect, yet when I sat in front of the keyboard, I would get sucked into the time vortex of despair. I was (and in some ways, I still do) sucking in all of the negative and hard-wiring it into my psyche. There are no words to write when you truly believe no one wants to read your writing. There are no words to speak when there is no one to listen to your sounds.

A small request

This is where I have to thank a reader. I don’t know who it is. I don’t know why they sent the comment. But I received a feedback form form my site, here. Usually they spam…not going to lie. Internet spam constitutes a huge quantity of the bullshit on the internet. It is the junk mail of the cyber world. Mixed in with the many emails guaranteeing me increased web traffic and foolproof sales funnels and all of the straight gimmicky shit out there, was one small message: “Make a more new posts please :)”

This message is why I forced myself to re-read about the throat chakra. This one positive, tiny request is what led me to see I was suffering from a blocked Vissuddha or Shekmet. I owe that reader a thank you.

In depth

This chakra is associated with the color blue. It is thought to be closely aligned with the thyroid and parathyroids. The thyroid gland is butterfly shaped and sits at the base of the neck, close to the voice box. It controls much of the functions of metabolism. The parathyroids are tiny granular balls that sit atop the “wings” of the thyroid. As far as it is known at this time, the parathyroids play a large part in regulating various minerals, most notably calcium.

This is the chakra, or energy center, of creativity and communication. The challenge associated with this center is “do I have the the right to communicate”. Animals often associated with this area include the elephant, bull, and lion (think of loud, throaty, vocal animals).

Essential oils that may be beneficial

Frankincense: regarded as Holy oil; beneficial in cases of under active thyroid. Rich, deep, and sweet, it is said it increases spiritual awareness and connection with the divine within.

Geranium: Sweet and citrus-rosy, it is used to calm down sore throats, clear oily skin, and move stagnant energy in the body. Creates a feeling of safety and security; used to ease nervous tension and promote a sense of well-being.

Jasmine: has a beneficial effect on the voice. It is used in cases of hoarse voice. It is said to penetrate the deeper layers of the soul and open us up to repressed emotional pain, allowing energy flow through the throat chakra. Enhances greater communication of our feelings, enhancing relationships and intimacy.

Sage: ancient sacred herb and a master healer. Traditionally used to heal gum disease. It is said to ease depression and mental fatigue, opening up channels in the upper body and chest area and allowing for energy to flow more freely.

Cypress: decongestant and detoxifying properties; used to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid, clearing build up toxins. traditionally used for bleeding gums, bronchitis, and respiratory congestion. Fresh, herbaceous, slightly woody, it is thought to aid with transformation and inner renewal.

Peppermint: Minty and sharp; long used to freshen breath, for respiratory infections, and to ease headaches due to congestion; invigorates and stimulates the mind and has a direct action on the intellect. It promotes creativity and self expression.

Eucalyptus: Fresh, medicinal, with a woody scent; historically used to calm inflammation of the nasal passages, clear sore throat, and sinusitis. It is said to promote well-being and opens inner space when we feel overwhelmed or constricted by our environment. It promotes the feeling of inner freedom and expansiveness.

Clove: very strong, spicy oil that has been traditionally used for mouth, tooth, and gum tissue healing. It has been said to be used to assist in regulation of the thyroid gland, dissolving blood clots, and removing stagnation in the blood. It is thought to  help to create feelings of protection and safety and promote good sleep.

Tea Tree: fresh, medicinal aroma; used for thousands of years to treat a variety of fungal, bacterial and viral infections; strong antiseptic and has immune building properties. It is said to enhance, harmonize, and possibly promote cleansing and purity.

Affirmations that may be of use

  • I am open, clear, and honest in my communication.
  • I have a right to speak my truth.
  • I communicate my feelings with ease.
  • I express myself creatively through speech, writing, or art.
  • I have a strong will that lets me resolve my challenges.
  • I nourish my spirit through creativity.
  • I live an authentic life. I have integrity.
  • I love to share my experiences and wisdom. I know when it is time to listen.
  • I express my gratitude towards life.
  • I listen to my body and my feelings to know what my truth is.
  • I take good care of my physical body.
  • I am at peace.

Herbs that may be of assistance

Chamomile

Kelp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irish Moss

Dulse

Herbal Trace Mineral Blend

 

**DISCLOSURE: any products ordered from the links to The Herbchick’s Shop do pay me a small commission. These commissions, along with selling my books, paid speaking events, and so-forth, are how I make a living. I thank you for your purchase(s). 

If you follow my blog you’ll notice that I’ve had quite the break in between posts. It’s because I’ve been wanting to post about the heart chakra for a while, but I was feeling that my heart was not in the right place to do so. You see, I took a job that I thought would allow me more freedom and it was in the arena of what I went to school to do. However, what happened was I started to feel as though I was losing myself. Everyday became more stressful. My days became consumed with worry about making sales goals. And honestly, I really just don’t feel that my heart was in it.

 

I’ve been gone from that job a little over a month now. I’ve gone through a grieving and mourning process. I’ve worked through my feelings of failure. I kind of feel like I’m starting to ReDiscover what brings me joy in life. That, is very good for my heart.

 

So this inkling of joy leads me here, to my happy place…to my blog….to my business. It is, after all, where I want to be. When i went through all of the health issues way back at age 16 and 17, i wasn’t very joyful. I was depressed and melancholy and generally felt like shit on a daily basis. When herbs and natural methods made me feel good, I wanted to share this success with others so they could feel good, too.

 

This is where the heart chakra comes in. Anahata is the sanskrit word for the heart chakra.  Its associated with the color green and is thought to be located in the center of the chest. So perhaps it is best to think of it as being just behind the breast bone. Anatomically,  this is the location of the thymus, and the anatomical heart sits just slightly to a person’s left of that.

Anahata sits right behind the breast bone.

 

 

 

Anahata is the energy center that allows us to connect with unifying forces in the universe. It aids in each person realizing they are a part of a greater whole. It’s where bonds with other living things are created. It houses caring, compassion, self-love,  altruism, generosity,  kindness and respect – for self and others. It can be destroyed by grief.

 

When these are in balance there is joy, warmth, and love about a person. You can imagine the expressions of imbalance, can’t you? Note, this is also the chakra that allows people to say no, with grace, and not over extend him or her self.

It is associated with the element of air…amazing since the lungs are in this area, too. The color green is assigned to it. Yarrow,  an herb looked to as an “attitude adjuster” is often associated with Anahata, as are the scents of jasmine, lavender and rose. (Yarrow, as well as lavender, jasmine and rose essential oils are available for order in the The Herbchick’s Shop)

 

 

Affirmations for the heart chakra

  • I am open to love.
  • Love resides within my heart.
  • I completely love and accept myself.
  • I am wanted and loved.
  • I live in balance, in a state of gracefulness and gratitude.
  • I love the beauty of nature.
  • I am open to love.
  • I am connected with others.
  • I feel one with nature and animals.
  • I am peaceful.

 

 

 

The solar plexus energy center is slightly below the stomach level of the human body. When it comes to chakras, this energy center is referred to as Manipura.

 

Manipura is the center of the ego, or willpower. Muladhara (root) is centered around existence and survival. Svadhisthana (second/sacral) is about creative force and experiencing pleasure. Manipura is the development of a sense of self. It is the seat of actions and behaviors like self control and self empowerment. It is associated with the subtly of the element of fire.

 

Manipura in balance

When this energy center is balanced, a person seem to move about others in an effortless manner. He/she has a self-confidence and a relaxed nature. When this energy center is not in balance, the person is harried or constantly stressed. When it is out of balance toward the over-active the individual seems as if s/he is dragging the world about on her/his shoulders. When it is under active the person may seem overly meek and too timid to live.

Physically, this energy center is seated in the digestive system.  The digestive system takes in, breaks down and assimilates the nutrients in food. It may be beneficial to think of Manipura as the center at which a person assimilates life. Is it a fight (over active)? Is it just another function that happens (balanced)? Or is life a force that runs the person over (under active)?

Digestion is also thought of as a hot process in the body. Heat and acid digest foods while it is being churned in the stomach and then moved through to the beginning of the small intestine where chyme is added to neutralize the burning acids. So if you think about it, it is where you would find fire (heat, burning) in the human body.  Digestive functions of the liver, gall bladder, gut are associated with this chakra.

Yellow is the assigned color to this chakra. This is also the color of flames as they lick up from a roaring fire. The endocrine glands of the adrenals and pancreas are also tied into this chakra. This would indicate there is a sweetness associated with being secure in one’s self, or feeling secure in the development of one’s ego.

Let’s boil this down a bit

I know all of the stuff above seems like gobbledy gook…new age drivel. However, let’s look at it this way: This chakra is your fire in life. It is effected by how much zeal you have for living. If you are secure in yourself, you go for the gusto in a realistic manner and with realistic expectations/fears. If this center if off balance, you have excess stress which may effect the gut and digestion, and/or your body’s ability to manage stress (adrenals and pancreas). Does this mean everything can be simplified down to just utilizing some tools for Manipura and all your ills will go away? Heck no! But they could help, so maybe give them a shot!

Affirmations that may help

  • I love and accept myself.
  • I am secure in my own power.
  • I am strong and courageous.
  • I am worthy of love, kindness, and respect.
  • I choose the best for myself.
  • I express myself in a powerful way.
  • I am proud of my achievements.
  • I honor my self.
  • I choose to engage in healthy relationships.
  • I am authentic.
  • I am the director of my own life.
  • I value my strengths.
  • I stand up for myself.
  • I am free to choose in any situation.
  • I seek opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
  • I am at peace with myself.

Essential oils that may be of assistance with Manipura:

  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Sandalwood
  • Rosemary
  • Myrrh
  • Frankincense
  • Rose
  • Jasmine
  • Citrus essential oils

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbs that may benefit Manipura:

  • Saffron
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Mint
  • Lemon Balm
  • Fennel
  • Marshmallow
  • Slippery Elm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Please know that that any products purchased from my shop or from links I post supply me with either direct or passive income (affiliate marketing links). I appreciate each and every purchase. You, as a customer, help to support me and my business and keep this website going.

We covered the root chakra, which is considered the base chakra. That is the foundation upon which all of one’s energy is based. Next is the second chakra called Svadhishthana. It is said to be located two inches below the navel. It is represented by the color orange and it’s symbol includes a crescent moon.

 

This chakra is the energy center of sweetness. It is said to sit in the pelvic area and corresponds to pleasure and enjoyment. This is a step above the concerns of survival attached to the root chakra. It is thought to be associated with feelings and sensations, most notably the feelings and sensations of pleasure, sensuality, intimacy and connection. These are feelings associated with “living in the moment.” How many people so you know who are always thinking about the past and dealing with depression; or those people who are experiencing anxiety about the future? A counselor I once saw told me, “when you have one foot in yesterday and the other in tomorrow, all you do is piss all over today.” This is so very true.

Svadhishthana is also the energy center associated with creativity. I like to remember this as the pelvis being the “cradle of creation.” Really – it is! The uterus is there. It is where the egg and sperm unite to create life. It is also the energy used to “birth” new ideas, works of art, inventions, and so forth. So really, this energy center has to do with connecting to the creative power and power to create change within ourselves.

Obviously there are physical issues that are associated with this energy center. Dysfunctions of the sex organs and urinary system are tied to Svadhishthana. Emotionally, it is tied to feelings of disconnectedness. So while the root is all about feeling like you will survive, the next one up is all about feelings of being connected to those around you (family, friends, significant other, etc). Enjoying the emotions associated with this center are often misunderstood and we are taught at an early age they should bring feelings of guilt. Guilt is a huge challenge associated with Svadhishthana.

I am a huge fan of affirmations. Self-talk, as many refer to the thoughts we run through our minds, can leave lasting results. Negative self-talk results in negative feelings toward our selves; defeatist attitudes can arise; depression and anxiety can then follow. It only then stands to reason that affirmations can result in some positive self-talk. And this positive self-talk can illicite responses that are more positive in nature. This then just snowballs and results in well-being.

Some affirmations that may help:

  • I love and enjoy my body.
  • I have healthy boundaries.
  • I am open to experiencing the present moment through my senses.
  • I am passionate.
  • I feel pleasure and abundance with every breath I take.
  • I nourish my body with healthy food and clean water.
  • I know how to take care of my needs.
  • I value and respect my body.
  • I am open to touch and closeness.
  • I allow myself to experience pleasure.
  • My sexuality is sacred.
  • Emotions are the language of my soul.
  • I take good care of my physical body.
  • I am at peace.

 

Essential oils that might be of assistance:

  • geranium
  • ylang ylang
  • rose
  • lavender
  • blood orange
  • pink grapefuit
  • red mandarin

Ylang ylang is one of the essential oils associated with the second chakra.

 

Herbs that may help to feed Svadhishthana:

  • cinnamon
  • hibiscus (tea)
  • licorice
  • ginger
  • black cohosh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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