To heal our hearts sometimes we need help. Sometimes, the weight is too heavy to bear on our own, and that’s okay. Plants are our allies. When the pain of a traumatized heart center becomes so great that it takes over and is all-consuming, plants are teachers that can help guide us on our healing journey. They help teach us love, which in turn helps us heal. If you feel you’ve lost yourself or lost sight of the boundaries you carry within yourself, turn to these herbs:

sirenita

BOBINSANA

for heartbreak and grief.

Bobinsana is a powerful heart medicine that grows along the slow-moving basin of the Amazon River. South and Central American people have used this potent yet gentle plant to open their hearts to greater self-love and love for others. Bobi is often referred to as “Sirenita del Los Rios,” which translates to mermaid of the rivers because she brings the feminine energy of the water to heal the heart. 

BOBINSANA:

BOBINSANA DREAMING EXTRACT from LaShamana Faby
BOBINSANA & ROSE TINCTURE from Dreamcraft Apothecary

RELATED: Heal Your Heart With Bobinsana

heart blood

CACAO

for grounding.

CACAO:

CEREMONIAL CACAO POWDER from Embuecacao
CEREMONIAL CACAO BAR from Embuecacao

Mayan love potion

DAMIANA

for passion and euphoria.

Damiana helps manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, lethargy, and insomnia. It is used to relax the body and improve energy levels simultaneously. The origin of the common name damiana is from the Greek word daman or damia meaning ‘to tame or subdue.’” It is considered an adaptogen herb by many, and can help build the body’s defenses against stress.

Turnera diffusa

DAMIANA:

WILDCRAFTED DAMIANA LEAF from Waterbear Wizard

mayflower tree

HAWTHORN

for protection of the heart.

Crataegus

While Hawthorn is an exceptional healer of the physical heart, it is also used to tend to the emotional heart. Hawthorn has a calming effect and can help open the heart space. Opening the heart can be challenging because we can feel more vulnerable in certain situations. But we can rest assured knowing Hawthorn’s thorns, which demand respect, prevent vulnerability among its surroundings. This protective property extends into the energetic medicine of the plant, providing a protective and safe space for heart opening and healing. 

HAWTHORN:

HAWTHORN BERRY TINCTURE from Momoko Therapeutics
WILD HAWTHORN TEA from Wild Bliss Organics

sweet

JASMINE

for acceptance and forgiveness.

JASMINE:

JASMINE FLOWER ESSENCE from Emme Apothecary
JASMINE GLYCERITE TINCTURE from The Movement Kitchen
DRIED JASMINE BUDS from Bloom Organic Boutique

lady lionheart

MOTHERWORT

for nurturing.

Motherwort is a mint with a reputed big heart who likes to impact the hearts of others. She is known for taking melancholy vapors from the heart and gladdening and strengthening it in return. She softens and opens it up while providing comfort, tranquility, and peace; often described as akin to receiving a warm, comforting embrace from a mother.

One of Motherwort’s most well-known traditional applications is as a cardiotonic and trophorestorative, meaning that it helps to balance and nourish the cardiovascular system as a whole.

Leonurus cardiaca

lion tail · heart

MOTHERWORT:

MOTHERWORT TINCTURE from Reverie Farm Herbs
DRIED MOTHERWORT from Boreal Herbs

uwaga

PASSIONFLOWER

for softening the heart.

The first to recognize the benefits of the passion flower is the Cherokee Native Americans, a tribe indigenous to the plant’s native lands (now Tennessee). The Cherokee word for passion fruit is “u-wa-ga,” meaning ‘apricot vine.’ The Cherokee use it extensively, especially for its natural sedative properties.

PASSIONFLOWER:

PASSIONFLOWER TINCTURE from Cascade Wildcraft

queen of flowers

ROSE

for love and romance.

ROSE:

OATS + ROSES ADAPTOGEN ELIXIR from Mother Hylde
DREAMING HEART BOBINSANA & ROSE TINCTURE from Dreamcraft Apothecary
RED ROSE TEA from Waterbear Wizard

While all plants have the potential to help heal the heart center, these herbs in particular are renowned for their heart wisdom. They have been used since the dawn of humanity and have their own unique teachings to share.

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PIN ME

SOURCES

•  The Sumerian poem, The Descent of Inanna (c. 1900-1600 BCE)
•  Cherokee word for Uwaga.
•  Rosa damascena as holy ancient herb with novel applications.
•  Discovering Essential Oils
•  Top 10 Causes of Death from the WHO

Don’t you find it strange that we drift into a lucid coma for approximately eight hours a night, slip through the veil of reality, experience inexplicably complex hallucinations, and then suffer some degree of amnesia upon waking up? We’ve been told dreams are random and our brains’ way of making sense of activity that goes on while we sleep. But what if the “nonsense” in our dreams is pointing to something meaningful? What if dreams are the language of the soul?

From ancient times, dreams were seen as the visual expression of the soul and the means through which otherwordly beings communicated with humans. Some cultures believe dreams are like oracles, bringing messages from the “gods.” Others believe dreams are a means of seeing into other worlds or that the contents convey meaningful messages or prophecies.

Oneirogens + Dreamwork

For centuries, humans across cultures have looked to oneirogenic plants to access the dream realm. Oneirogens are naturally occurring substances that induce and enhance states of dreaming. Traditional cultures work with oneirogenic plants to practice oneiromancy (interpretation of dreams) to seek cures, wisdom, and visionary experiences. Their dream-inducing effects make them a great tool for dreamwork.

Dreamwork is one of the most illuminating inner work practices out there. It is believed by healers dreams serve two main functions. One, to help us work through our issues or karma. Two, to help us fulfill our destiny, purpose, or dharma.

Oneirogen

origin :: Greek
oneiros to dream
gen to create

Quick tips on practicing dreamwork:

•  Before falling asleep, set the intention that you will remember your dream(s) in the morning.
•  Request guidance. If there is a particular life situation that is troubling you ask your inner wisdom for insight. Meditate on your question(s) prior to falling asleep.
•  Keep a detailed dream journal. Log your dream(s) first thing in the morning when your mind is fresh.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Mugwort

Artemisia Vulgaris

Mugwort is said to be a powerful medicine of the divine feminine and has a strong affinity with the moon. When Mugwort is taken shortly before bed people have reported improved dream recall, enhanced dream creativity, and even lucid dreaming. In Korean tradition, mugwort hot baths or mugwort steams are taken late at night to promote vivid dreaming.

Mugwort is believed to initiate clarity of the dream experience and bring awareness to the dream’s purpose in waking life. It is also known as a visionary herb that opens one up to prophetic dreaming. 

Mugwort Herb

Dream Catcher Botanicals – dried herbs
Boreal Medicine – tincture

RELATED POST:  Mugwort the Dream and Protection Herb of Artemis

Aztec
Dreamgrass

Calea Zacatechichi

To this day, the Chontal Natives of Oaxaca, Mexico use Mexican Dream Herb also known as Aztec Dreamgrass to heal and connect to the divine.  Traditionally, it has been known to clarify the senses and help bring about clear prophetic dreams that are oftentimes positive guides to a better life. ​​​​​​

A study revealed (see sources) that Mexican Dream Herb increased the number of overall dreams experienced, the ability to recall the dreams experienced, and the intensity of hypnagogic imagery experienced while falling asleep. Other effects included spontaneous lucid dreams and increased dream realism.

Note: Calea ternifolia and Calea zacatechichi are synonyms.

Mexican Dream Herb

Dream Catcher Botanicals – dried herbs

Tian Men Dong
Wild Asparagus Root

Asparagus Cochinchinensis

Tian Men Dong is cherished by Chinese Taoist monks for its heart-opening effects and ability to stimulate “flying dreams.” It is nicknamed “The Flying Herb” because Taoists claim it helps one fly through the universe at night. The flying symbolizes the freedom that can be experienced when one has attained harmony.

Although it has pretty flowers, either dried or fresh (more potent) root is brewed into a tea for its dreaming effects (do not eat raw).

Please Note: Tian Men Dong is not Shatavari (similar in species and often confused). Shatavari is used in Ayurvedic practices as a herb for women’s health.

Tian Men Dong Herb

Dream Catcher Botanicals – dried herb

Bobinsana

Calliandra Angustifolia

Bobinsana is a powerful heart medicine that grows along the slow-moving rivers of the Amazon basin. For many generations, South and Central American people have used this potent yet gentle plant to open their hearts up to greater self-love and love for others.

The plant speaks to us through our dreams. It can induce colorful vivid dreams, lucid or prophetic dreaming, and increase dream recall. The medicine works deeply in the dream realms to bring healing, insights, and realizations about one’s life.

Bobinsana Herb

Dream Catcher Botanicals – tincture
Dream Catcher Botanicals – bark
La Shamana Faby – tincture

RELATED POST:  Open Your Heart with Bobinsana

Xhosa African
Dream Root

Silene Capensis

African Dream Root is respected for its intense dream-inducing effects and enhanced quality of sleep. The Xhosa shaman of the South African river valleys have been using this plant medicine for centuries.

Traditional practices whisk the root until it creates a foam that is then consumed for its effects.  Shamans say that if you want a certain question answered, with the help of African Dream Root, the answer will come to you in your dreams from the wisdom of your ancestors.

African Dream Root Tinctures & Teas

Dream Catcher Botanicals – tincture
Dream Catcher Botanicals – dried root

African
Dream Bean

Entada Rheedii

The African Dream Bean is traditionally used as a good luck charm and to induce lucid dreams for communication with the spirit world. It improves sleeping states by increasing depth, length, and awareness.

The inner meat of the bean is removed from the hard outer shell and the meat is chopped and dry roasted (never consumed raw) before being used in tea.

African Dream Beans

Dream Catcher Botanicals – whole beans

Blue Lotus

Nymphaea Caerulea

The Egyptian dream flower, or Blue Lotus, helps expand the mind. The plant is a very effective sedative known for its relaxation and aphrodisiac properties. The absolute oil of this plant is so potent that just massaging it into the skin can instantly absorb the alkaloids inducing its effects.

For millennia, Blue Lotus has been used as a sleep and dream aid not just by Egyptians but also other cultures across the world including the Mayans. The flower is said to help one achieve more vivid and lucid dreams as well as have a more deep and restful sleep.

Please note: Blue lotus’ legal status varies based on country/state.

Blue Lotus Herb

Dream Catcher Botanicals – tea blend
Anima Mundi – flower loose leaf tea
Hyper Boreal – flower loose leaf tea
Dream Catcher Botanicals – lotus x4 tincture
The Holistica Shop – tincture

Vervain

Verbena Officinalis

Vervain is an intensely bitter herb said to have a balancing effect on the nervous system, moods, hormones, and the digestive systems. It is commonly used to treat headaches and insomnia. 

In the eyes of the Druids, Vervain is one of the most sacred herbs that has long been used to increase awareness, both while awake and during sleep. It’s a powerful sleep-enhancing herb that can produce vivid and lucid dreams. Some esoteric beliefs claim it has defensive powers that can ward off bad dreams.

Vervain Herb

October Fields – tincture
Four Acre Wood Apothecary – tincture
Grassroots Herb Supply – dried herb

Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo Biloba

The tree that outlived the dinosaurs. Ginkgo trees are the oldest gymnosperms leftover from the Quaternary Glacial Period and are often referred to as “living fossils” in the plant kingdom. In the 11th century, Chinese Buddhist monks who regarded the tree as sacred began cultivating it.

Generally, Ginko is used to support memory growth and increase brain function. It promotes lucid dreaming by improving blood flow and nutrients to the brain, which in turn improves memory, brain speed, and critical thinking. This results in more vivid dreams and increased dream recall.

Gingko Biloba Herb

Grassroots Herb Supply – dried leaves
October Fields – tincture
Earth Wise Organics – tincture

Creating a relationship with a plant’s vital energy ensures a symbiotic partnership that can offer a spiritual connection. Plants can be powerful medicinal allies when used responsibly, however, it is important to realize they are a tool and not a cure-all. Healing can require multiple courses of action, which takes time, effort, and a new way of thinking and behaving.

Herbal Blends

Blended Teas

Aryanyani Botanicals – Dreamwork Tea
(Blue lotus, White lotus, Lily, Mexican dream herb, Roman chamomile, Mugwort, Wormwood, Melissa)

Woodland Herbal – Purple Haze Organic Tea
(Kenyan Purple Tea, Butterfly Pea Flower, Blue Lotus Flower, French Lavender, Violet Flower, California Poppy, Mugwort, Mexican Dream Herb, Sun Opener, Valerian Root, Blueberry, Violet Leaf, love)

Dream Catcher Botanicals – DreamScape Tea
(Blue Lotus, Galangal, Immortelle Flowers, Linden Flowers, Mugwort)

Blended Tinctures

Healing Mother Herbals – “Sacred Sleep” Tincture
(local raw honey, 80 proof vodka, fresh passion flower, chamomile, and valerian)

Woodland Herbal – Celestial Dreams Tincture
(blue lotus flower, mexican dream herb, calea zacatechichi, mugwort, rose petal, german chamomile, valerian root, ashwagandha root, damiana, ginkgo, california poppy, vegetable glycerin)

Dream Catcher Botanicals – Dream Drops Tincture
(African Dream Root, Guayusa Leaf , Mugwort Leaf, Organic Orange Extract, 40% Organic Cane Alcohol, Certified Organic Glycerine and Mountain Spring Water)

Sweet Dreams!

SOURCES

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Every day we are blessed with the gifts of the earth from the air we breathe to the soil that sustains us. Without reciprocating these gifts balance in the biophysical world cannot exist. Sacred reciprocity acknowledges a mutual exchange of energy that creates harmony and balance amongst all life. It is a belief written by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a professor and citizen of the Potawatomi Nation. The concept comes from the Quechua word, ayni – (eye-knee) meaning “today for you, tomorrow for me.” Quechua is the Indigenous language of the ancestral peoples of the Andes, specifically Peru. Ayni is a principle of receptivity and gratitude, marked by a lifestyle of giving back in an inhale-exhale type relationship with the natural world.

Throughout time, humans have recognized that rituals and ceremonies are designed to offer something back, physically or metaphysically. Our ancestors have taught us that responsibilities and gifts are understood as two parts of a whole. Our well-being is dependent on the well-being of the earth, therefore, we have reciprocal duties and responsibilities to maintain balance. Acknowledging everyone and everything that sustains us in a heartfelt exchange of gratitude can take on many shapes: a ceremony, nurturing life, or simply paying attention.

1. Paying Attention

The earth asks that we observe and listen to it. It is an ongoing act of reciprocity. By paying attention we open ourselves up to a deep relationship, as information and energy are exchanged between the observer and the observed. As Robin Wall Kimmerer says, “Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart.” When we pay attention we gain a greater appreciation for life. 

2. Tending the Land

GARDENING

A garden is a space to grow food, medicine, and other plants. How the gardener chooses to interact with the land through their intentions, actions, and behaviors is what makes up a gardener’s rituals. Through these rituals, the gardener will improve the health of the land not only for the direct benefit of growing food but for the whole ecosystem and beyond.

LAWN REGENERATION

Lawns are an American obsession derived from European aristocracy as a symbol of great status. The issue with lawns is that they are monocultures, lacking in biodiversity, that require excessive water and chemical usage to maintain. Rainwater runoff can carry pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers into our waterways via the sewer system.

Create an ecosystem instead of a lawn. Increase biodiversity by growing food in a garden or planting wildflowers, native grasses, and clover (often viewed as a weed, but it’s actually part of the legume family) instead of grass.

COMPOSTING

Composting is a vital part of the circle of life. This is where transformation happens. Organic matter is diverted from landfills and instead broken down into productive soil that provides many essential nutrients for plant growth.

MAKING and SCATTERING SEED BALLS

Seed balls are made of native plant species and are scattered where they are needed. This requires knowledge to ensure invasive plants are not being spread. Use the United Plant Savers list to perform research before making seed balls.

3. Offerings

Offerings are an opportunity for a person or group of people to express gratitude from their heart with their own hands by growing, crafting, or gathering things from the earth.

DESPACHO OFFERING

Despachos are an Andean ritual. The simplest way to understand a Despacho is an expression of gratitude to the earth in the form of a prayer bundle. This involves biodegradable paper or cloth laid flat on the ground or on a table as the foundation for biodegradable offerings: flowers, feathers, nuts, seeds, beans, cacao, chocolate, rice, grains, leaves, shells, stones, and herbs. Offerings made to a Despacho are offered to the earth in one of three ways: given to a body of water, given to a fire, or buried in the ground. They are filled with prayer, intentions, and vibrations of those participating… a living request to bring energy shifts and healing in exchange for the continued love and care of the earth.

NATURE SHRINE or ALTAR

For something with more permanency, create a shrine or altar inside or outside of your home to honor the living earth. In the druid tradition, a shrine is typically dedicated to a specific aspect of nature, while an altar is typically more of a working tool where you might engage in various kinds of rituals and practices. The same materials used to make a Despacho offering might be used in a shrine or altar along with divination tools, candles, incense, plates/bowls, paintings, beads, handmade objects, ect.

Please remember to consider the impact of your offering on the environment.

4. Non-Physical Offerings

Non-physical things make wonderful offerings as well.  Performances, like drumming, dancing, singing, story-telling, and so forth can be a great offering of your time, energy, and spirit. The intentions and gestures of these performances or ceremonies activate beneficial responses in the seen and unseen worlds, the energy manifested goes beyond what is tangible.

5. Land Cleanups

A great way to get involved is by attending cleanup events hosted by communities, parks, and local organizations. Cleanups don’t need to be official, go with a friend or by yourself, organize your own cleanup, or bring a trash bag with you on walks. Every piece of garbage that is taken away to be recycled or deposited in a landfill is one less dangerous item for wildlife.

6. Commit to Learning

Commit to learning and honoring the lineage and preservation of the land you are inhabiting. Acknowledge the original inhabitants by researching and learning more about the history of your community. Visit native-land.ca for more information.

Whether the gesture is big or small the intention is what matters most. These loving acts create an opening to experience our unique human identity as caretakers of the earth, our home.  

SOURCES

•  Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
•  Spiritual Ecology by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

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Both real and fake trees have their merits and their faults, but there are many eco-alternatives to the traditional Christmas tree that are just as festive and also very unique.

Instead of cutting down a pine tree plan to grow one! There are a few things to keep in mind if you go this route:

1. Plan to keep your tree inside for only a few days, tops. A tree can handle being inside for a short time during the winter, much as it would weather an unseasonably warm spell. The longer you keep it inside, the more stress you place on it.

2. Hold off on planting the tree until spring, when it would naturally emerge from dormancy. In the meantime, place your tree outside in its pot, insulate the pot with mulch, and water it whenever the soil dries out. Plant it in late March or early April, and it will stand a chance of surviving long term.

Another opion: choose a tropical tree that will live on as a houseplant. The Norfolk Island pine, Monkey Puzzle trees and Southern Yews are great options!

Similar in appearance to the pine tree, but on a much smaller scale, the rosemary plant can be dressed up for your holiday decor. It’s ideal for small spaces, centerpieces, offices, and even as gifts. It looks just like a mini Christmas tree!

The Rosemary tree is easy to grow and fragrant. What is even better about the Rosemary tree is that you can clip a couple branches to use for cooking whenever you want!

Other options similar to Rosemary incude the Bay Laurel and Myrtle which make lovely petite “trees!”

This elegant scandi-inspired hand-crafted Christmas tree is made from sustainably sourced Maple. It brings the feel of the outdoors inside during this festive time of year and provides a unique contemporary decoration without any mess.

It’s quick to assemble and packaged in a natural cotton bag. Decorate this tree with your own unique ornaments. It can be used year after year!

It comes in three height options: 3ft, 5ft, or 6.5 ft. It’s also a best seller on Etsy!

This cardboard tree is sturdy and strong enough to carry a generous set of ornaments.

The tree is flat-packed. Assemble it for Christmas, and de-assemble after the holidays. The tree doesn’t take up much space when it’s taken down and disassembled into pieces. The best part about it – you can use it for many years!

These cardboard trees come in a variety of colors and sizes. Perfect for the home, office, or any other place you want to make more festive!

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Most candles are made of paraffin wax, a sludge waste product from the petroleum industry. When burned the candles create known carcinogens benzene and toluene. In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes. Scented candles might also contain lead or lead cores in the wick. Artificial scents and colors are also irritants to many people and can trigger allergic reactions.

Keep in mind, the cheaper the candle the more chemicals and synthetic fragrances will be present. If you are not into DIYing your own candles, but still want to have healthy candles in the house, make sure to look for 100% beeswax. Some companies will use only a small amount of beeswax mixed with paraffin, and then label them as “beeswax candles.” Soy candles are another great option, they also burn clean, and for a long period of time.

Lets Get Started

Supplies Check List

•   16oz Organic Beeswax – either white or yellow beeswax, I like this brand here.
•   1/2-3/4 cup Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil
•   Organic Hemp Wick that are beeswax coated + Wick Sustainer Tabs. I used this bundle here.
•   4lb Pouring Pot. I used this one here.
•   Mason Jars – I use various sizes from a variety pack.
•   Glue gun – I use this one here.
•   Wooden Stick – either a dowel, popsicle stick, pencil (anything narrow and longer than the opening of your jar).

STEP 1: Attaching the wick to the candle jar

Cut a strand of of your organic hemp candle wick, make sure it is a few inches taller than your mason jar. Attach this strand to the wick sustainer tab using a hot glue gun. Next glue the wick sustainer tab in the center of you mason jar.

Place your dowel, popsicle stick, pencil (or something similar) across the top of your jar. I found with this particular wick I am using, it sticks very well to itself making it easy to wind around the dowel several times and let stay. If that doesn’t work, simply tie it.

STEP 2: Melting the organic beeswax & coconut oil

Now it’s time to melt the beeswax and coconut oil together in a double boiler.  If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one like I have pictured. Place one inch of water in a pot, and place a smaller pot or stainless steel bowl inside. Bring the water to a low boil.

Your melted coconut oil and beeswax should look like the picture below:

STEP 3: Pouring the mixture into your candle jar

Carefully pour the mixture into your mason jar and let harden. If the candles cool too quickly the wax might crack. To resolve this issue place your jars in a preheated oven at 150F.

Once they have hardened you can add your own embellishments. I tied the rim of my candle jars  with a hemp string and made a bow. These can be perfect for gifts and the holidays!

WHY BEESWAX?

Beeswax candles are naturally scented with the aroma of honey. This is highly desirable for those who suffer with asthma or are allergic to sensitive smells. Pure beeswax candles emit little, if any, smoke when they burn – keeping your home cleaner and more comfortable. Besides the smoke, these candles burn with little or no wax drip making them last longer!

Yellow Beeswax is filtered for purity while the natural color and aromas of honey are preserved.
White Beeswax is filtered for purity and the color is removed by a natural carbon filtration to discolor the beeswax but still preserve the aroma. There are no additives or chemicals of any kind used in this process.

Recent studies suggest that burning beeswax candles can actually purify the air by releasing negative ions removing impurities from the air we breathe.

WHY COCONUT OIL?

Coconut oil is obtained via a natural process. Coconut wax burns slowly and cleanly, and throws scent extremely well. It unfortunately has been overlooked by the candle industry because it is more expensive per pound.

Clean Up

Wax can be quite difficult to remove from your dishes. A tip for clean up is to bring water to a boil, and put your utensils in the water. Use an old rag to wipe away the melted wax. Of course, be careful! Use tongs to remove your utensils from the hot water. To clean the bowl, preheat your oven to 200F, then turn it off and place the bowl inside. When the wax is completely melted it is easy to wipe away with an old rag too. After that, you can scrub with soap and water per usual.   ☾

ENJOY!

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