The healing power of plants is still sometimes underestimated and not properly understood. They are an intelligent form of consciousness with the ability to communicate through vibrations and not only heal our bodies physically but also energetically and spiritually.
There are many sacred indigenous plants capable of healing us to the very core such as ayahusaca (chakruna), yage, peyote etc but of course not everyone is ready for these types of plants nor are they easily accessible or legal in some countries. Below is a list of the plants and herbs I've found to be most powerfully healing and beneficial to anyone's energetic and physical health.
Moringa (moringa oleifera)
Native to India and Africa, Moringa is a nutritionally complex superfood naturally abundant in vitamins, minerals and amino acids – the building blocks of protein. Moringa is considered one of the most complete and nutrient-dense plants on earth. It is used worldwide to combat malnutrition and its leaves have been eaten for thousands of years. A must have if you have adopted a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Daily use of Moringa can add concentrated superfood nutrition to your diet. It provides all essential amino acids. Shown to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibiotic which will lighten the load on the immune system. Contains 7 times the vitamin C found in oranges, 4 times the calcium & protein in milk, 4 times vitamin A in carrots, 3 times the iron in spinach.
Blue Spirulina (arthrospira platensis)
We all know of the usual green spirulina but the latest variety of superfood algae to know about is blue spirulina which is basically like green spirulina on steroids. In powder form it also looks very appealing with it's electric blue colour and doesn't taste or smell like the green variety.
Blue Spirulina is a blue pigment that comes from blue-green algae. It is known to have a high nutritional content which boosts the immune system, increases metabolism and improves digestion. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and antioxidants as well as having an abundance of vitamin B which can help enhance energy levels.
Tulsi (Tulasi, Thulasi)
India's most sacred herb also known as 'Holy Basil'. Tulsi means the incomparable one and is considered to be the Queen of all herbs revered as a sacred plant infused with healing powers. Tulsi's remarkable life enhancing qualities have been noted in ancient Indian scriptures dating back over 5000 years.
Tulsi has been traditionally used for its ability to support a healthy response to stress, natural detoxification, boosting immunity, increasing stamina, endurance & energy as well as restoring balance & harmony in the body. It’s considered the holiest of plants by Hindus and is used in Ayurvedic medicine and treatment.
Modern research has classified Tulsi as an adaptogenic herb. The 3 most potent varieties with the most potent in adaptogenic quality, rich in antioxidants and immune stimulating.are:
Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum)
Adaptogens have been shown to support the body’s healthy reactions to stress. Adaptogenic herbs have been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years to promote and maintain wellness. In fact, many adaptogenic herbs have been referred to by herbalists as rejuvenative herbs, qi tonic herbs, rasayanas or restorative herbs. They help the body adapt to environmental, physical and emotional stressors, support normal functions and restore balance. Adaptogens are a unique class of healing plants. Research shows they help to balance, restore the body and have a beautiful grounding effect. They support normal physiological functioning within your body benefiting systems throughout the entire body including the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive and nervous systems.
Ashwagandha (medhya rasayanas)
Ashwagandha, one of India's greatest botanical and adaptogenic treasures. Popularly known as Indian Ginseng, it's very well known for its ability to calm, soothe and strengthen the body. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is known as a “rasayana” a powerful rejuvenative plant, and particularly belonging to a sub-group of rasayanas, or super-elixirs, known as medhya rasayanas, which refers particularly to the mind and mental/intellectual capacity. Herbs that fall under this category are considered deeply healing to the mind and emotional constructs.
What’s fascinating about Ashwagandha, and fellow adaptogenic plants, are that they hold this deep intelligence that provides the body what’s needed. For example, if you’re anxious, Ashwagandha will calm you; if you are constantly fatigued, Ashwagandha will boost your energy and stamina. To this day, scientists don’t understand how adaptogenic plants can medicinally provide this based on each individual.
Ashwagandha can help support the immune, cerebral, neurological, endocrine and reproductive systems. Clinically proven to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and may increase brain cognition, support thyroid function, support adrenal health, as well as help balance blood sugar levels.
Asian Ginseng (panax ginseng)
Perhaps the best known adaptogen, Panax Ginseng (Asian ginseng) is also considered one of the most potent. Research has validated Asian Ginseng’s use for improving mental performance and the ability to withstand stress. This red ginseng also has antioxidant effects, antidepressant effects, and can help boost the immune system, naturally lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Mugwort (artemisia vulgaris)
A delicate, gentle yet powerful anti-fungal plant that's great for the digestive system and the breakdown of fats. It calms down inflammation and helps with eliminating candidia, stomach ulcers and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Mugwort is synonymous with the moon - it's especially good for women's menstrual cycles to reduce any cramping & pain. Helps with neurological disorders and calms an over-wired nervous system. Also used as a spiritual protection plant to cleanse or ward off harmful/negative energies. Asia uses mugwort as a smudging tool in acupunture to relieve and cleanse the area being worked on.
Cacao (theobroma)
Cacao that is of the highest quality has many astonishing benefits. It is used in sacred ceremony dating back to the times of ancient Maya and known as the 'Food of the Gods'. In it's natural unrefined form it's powerful enough to 'open the heart' on an emotional & spiritual level.
Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in cacao that has anti-aging benefits, reduces blood pressure, anti-imflammatory. Unlike regular caffeine that stimulates the nervous system, theobromine stimulates the cardiovascular system increasing heart function and blood flow.
It contains anandamide and certain enzyme inhibitors that prevent the breakdown of this bliss chemical in our system therefore contributing to the feelings of wellbeing after consuming cacao.(Sanskrit translation of ananda means 'bliss').
Cacao is also the highest magnesium source of food on the planet. Magnesium is a natural relaxant and helps to deactivate adrenalin. A necessary chemical for the production of serotonin. PEA (phenylethylamine) is found in cacao which is a love chemical produced naturally in the body when 'falling in love'. It's present in high amounts but only raw cacao that's kept below 45C.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
The reishi mushroom is known as the "king of mushrooms" an edible type of medicinal fungus that has been used for various healing abilities for thousands of years. These mushrooms are strongly anti-inflammatory and tied to longevity, better immune function and mental clarity
As described in the book “Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects,” in Chinese the name for the reishi mushroom represents “a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality … it’s tied to success, well-being, divine power, and longevity. Reishi mushrooms have been considered to be adaptogen meaning they help us deal with the negative effects of stress — such as increased inflammation, depleted energy levels, damaged blood vessels and various types of hormonal imbalances.
Over the past several decades, dozens of different studies conducted in Japan, China, the U.S. and the U.K. have demonstrated that reishi mushrooms are capable of offering protection against numerous diseases or illnesses, including:
~ inflammation
~ fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome)
~ frequent infections (urinary tract, bronchitis, respiratory infections, etc.)
~ liver disease
~ food allergies and asthma
~ digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome
~ tumor growth and cancer
~ skin disorders
~ autoimmune disorders
~ diabetes
~ viruses, including the flu, HIV/AIDS or hepatitis
~ heart disease, hypertension, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
~ sleep disorders and insomnia
~ anxiety and depression
Because they work as an “immune modulator,” reishi mushrooms can help restore hormonal balance, bring the body back to homeostasis and regulate activity of the immune system, including fighting tumors and cancerous cells. Research shows that reishi mushrooms act like a normalizing substance, regulating various cellular functions and systems, including the endocrine (hormonal), immune, cardiovascular, central nervous and digestive systems.
