Plant allies: A guest post from Element Botanicals

Amber Haase of Element Botanicals created this handy introduction to using beneficial plants to help fight the effects of living in stressful times.

Protecting yourself from the effects of stress is essential to wellbeing, especially when you can’t simply remove the stressor from the equation. Luckily, Mother Nature has got your back and there are herbs and plants that can help the body to deal. There are, in fact, a group of plants known in the herbal world as adaptogens which you may want to consider adding to your self care arsenal to keep you healthy, balanced and strong during these uncertain times.
​Adaptogens are herbs that literally help to improve the body's adaptability: The core of their action is to help the body to deal with stress. Stress can manifest in a myriad of physical expressions which can start small but have the potential to develop into deeper imbalances and illnesses on all levels. Adaptogens work through the adrenal and other endocrine glands to monitor hormone production, supporting the body wherever it needs it and acting as an energizing, nourishing tonic. These herbs help your body wherever it needs it by responding to any influence or stress, normalizing your physiological functions: Supporting balance while restoring and protecting the body.

Lavender growing in Amber's garden.

You can find some of these plants growing wild or you might even have some in your garden already. They are also readily available at any store with a good bulk herb section or even in capsule form at your local drugstore.
Some common adaptogenic plants are:

• Ginseng
• Nettles
• Wild Yam
• Borage
• Chamomile
• Lavender

Incorporating any of these into your diet and connecting with them energetically can help bring about harmony and balance while supporting the body.
You can ingest the herbs or connect with their subtle energies or even better, do both:

• Make a big batch of tea for yourself and share some with friends.
• Dry the herbs and grind them in a coffee grinder, add a bit of dried garlic, onion and other flavorful seasonings and use as a table seasoning at mealtime.
• Dry the herbs by hanging them in bunches round your home or on your altar to invoke the energies into your home and raise the vibe.
• Make a vibrational tincture by infusing the herb in a mason jar of vodka for a full moon cycle, shaking daily. Strain and store in dark bottles. Drop a small amethyst, tigers eye or smoky quartz into the bottle to help invite even more healing and strength into your life.

However you choose to invite these helpful allies into your life, be sure to express gratitude to the inherent energies and take time to ground yourself whenever you start to feel depleted. Spread the love and share your plant wisdom with people around you and most of all, always do some research and be sure to identify any wild plant before ingesting it. Take only what you need and share what you can. Together we are stronger!
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- Amber Haase, Element Botanicals
www.elementbotanicals.ca | @elementbotanicals
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