Enhancing Your Mindful Meditation Practice with Herbs

Meditating with herbs means pairing a quiet practice with a simple plant ritual: brewing a cup of tea beforehand, burning a dried herb as incense, or sitting with a plant and noticing it. This guide covers what meditation is, how to connect with a plant, and five herbs with traditional meditation uses: nettle, rose, mugwort, lemon balm and lion's mane.

What is meditation

As defined by positivepsychology.com "The word meditation finds its roots in the Latin term "meditatum," signifying "to ponder." 

Meditation encompasses a diverse array of practices that have stood the test of time. Originating thousands of years ago, tracing its roots to ancient civilizations and spiritual practices that sought inner peace and heightened self-awareness.

Meditation is a multifaceted practice that manifests in numerous forms, but two common types stand out: concentrative and mindfulness meditation.

Concentrative meditation to enhance your focus and direct your attention to a single object, like deep breathing or a meaningful mantra, while disengaging from surrounding distractions. The aim is to rest your attention on this one chosen point.

Mindfulness meditation centers on staying in the present moment, noticing your thoughts as they arise and accepting them without judgment. Many people enjoy it as a quiet pause in a busy day.

Why People Meditate

• A regular moment of quiet
• A set time to slow down and breathe
• Time away from screens
• Practice at paying attention
• A daily ritual to look forward to
• A reason to wind down in the evening
• Increased self-awareness
• Greater sense of inner peace and mindfulness

Adding meditation to your daily routine can be a pleasant habit. Let's now look at how herbs can add a sense of ritual to your practice.

Connecting with herbs for meditation

Meditation and herbs make a natural pair: the scent, the tea and the ritual of preparing them all help set the scene.

Plants have been part of meditation and ritual for centuries. Many traditions burn dried herbs as incense, brew them as tea, or simply sit among them. Choose whatever feels pleasant to you and set aside a quiet few minutes for it.

Herbs and humans share surprising similarities. Apart from the photosynthesis aspect, both hold energy and possess unique wisdom. Each herb has a story to tell and brings valuable knowledge to this earth. To connect with this wisdom, one can tap into the essence of the herbs, known as the Deva.

Who are the Devas?

Also referred to as the essence of the plant. They are the architects of life, existing throughout the tapestry of nature, unseen yet vital to its sustenance. Responsible for nurturing all living things, they play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of existence. Our very survival hinges on their presence, and they hold a vested interest in our human evolution.

Derived from the Sanskrit word "body of light," the term "Deva" encapsulates their ethereal nature. Operating on an etheric level, they harmoniously orchestrate the energies that give rise to form. Within their memories, they safeguard the intricate cellular blueprints and genetic codes that define each plant's essence. In the grand symphony of life, the Devas' contributions remain a profound and enigmatic force

Why connect with the Devas? In the natural world, intelligence and spirit are woven into every living being.

By connecting with the plant devas, many practitioners feel a deeper relationship with each plant, and describe the practice as a way of paying closer attention to nature.

How to connect to the Devas: Connecting with a plant Deva, involves approaching the plant with respect, intention, and an open heart. Here are some steps you can follow to establish a connection:

• Cultivate Respect: Approach the plant with reverence and respect for its existence and the role it plays in the ecosystem. Acknowledge the plant's consciousness and the wisdom it carries.
• Choose a Suitable Location: Find a quiet place in nature where you can be close to the plant without distractions.
• Mindful Presence: Sit or stand near the plant and become fully present in the moment. Practice mindfulness, letting go of any worries or preoccupations.
• Open Heart and Intention: Set a clear intention to connect with the plant deva. Approach the interaction with an open heart, genuine curiosity, and a willingness to listen.
• Offering and Gratitude: Consider making a small offering to the plant as a gesture of respect and gratitude for its presence. This could encompass a blossom, a sprinkle of water, or even a gentle word.
• Silent Observance: Observe the plant closely, noticing its unique features, colors, and textures. Take time to truly appreciate its beauty and essence.
• Meditation or Visualization: Close your eyes and meditate on the plant. You can visualize yourself surrounded by the plant's energy or imagine merging your consciousness with the plant's spirit.
• Listen and Be Open: Be receptive to any feelings, sensations, or messages that may come during your connection. This can be in the form of thoughts, emotions, or intuitive insights.
• Exchange of Energy: Imagine exchanging energy with the plant. Send your love and gratitude while also receiving its wisdom.
• Give Thanks: After your connection, express your gratitude to the plant deva for its presence and any insights or experiences you may have received.

Remember that connecting with a plant deva is a personal and intuitive experience. Be patient and open-minded, as the depth of the connection may vary from person to person and from plant to plant. Building a relationship with plant spirits is a beautiful and enriching journey that can deepen your appreciation for nature and foster a profound sense of interconnectedness.

Herbs to use in your meditation practice

Nettle - (Urtica dioica) In herbal lore, nettle stands for balance, thanks to its double leaves, and for inner strength.

In herbal lore it is a plant of spiritual growth, said to reveal our habits of thought. Nettle's stinging nature teaches us about boundaries, forming strong perimeters around trees and fields. Its teachings run deep, reflecting its multifaceted essence.

Herbal action: To bring nettle into your practice, consider drinking a cup of tea prior to your meditation. 

1. Heat up 1 cup of water until it boils.  
2. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of cut and sifted dried nettle leaves
3. Add boiled water to a cup and allow the nettle leaves to soak for about 5 minutes.
4. Strain the leaves from the water
5. Add some honey and cinnamon for sweetness if desired
6. Sip

Contradictions While nettle is generally safe for consumption, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before using. This precaution ensures that it won't interact with any medications you may be taking. 

Rose - (Rosa centifolia) Rose's essence facilitates friendship, self-love, happiness, secret love, indecision, and compassion. Its presence fosters a sense of connection, nurtures self-acceptance, brings joy, inspires exploration of emotions, offers guidance amidst uncertainty, and encourages empathy. With rose as our companion, meditation becomes a journey of inner growth and emotional understanding.

Contradictions Herbs are not for everyone, so check with a certified herbalist or your doctor before consuming any.

Herbal Action: Consider adding rose petals to a warm bath mixed with some Epsom salts (see our bath and soap collection). Let the fragrance envelop you, bringing tranquility and serenity to your meditation and self-care experience. Alternatively, you can also make tea with Rose petals using the same method as nettle. You might also consider adding other taste-enhancing herbs like hibiscus for an additional sweet flavor kick!

Tip: To collect rose petals after a bath, utilize a drain strainer.

Mugwort - (Artemisia vulgaris) Mugwort aids in connecting with the feminine energy, facilitating communication with ancestors and the spirit world.

In folklore, mugwort is burned or kept near the bed for dreamwork and intuition. When you inhale the scent of mugwort during meditation, it can simply serve as a pleasant ritual cue for a meditative moment.

Herbal Action: Dried Mugwort is also an excellent herb to use in a smoke cleansing ritual, and you can find more options in our incense collection.

How To Burn Herbs

When burning herbs you will need the following tools:

• A heatproof bowl (an abalone shell or a clay pot)
• A feather or bundle of leaves for fanning the smoke
• A match or small gas lighter for your light source
• A white candle

How to burn Mugwort

1. Go inside a spacious and well-ventilated room. Open the windows to allow the old energy to leave. 
2. In an abalone shell or bowl, place a handful of sand/small rocks for slippage prevention and heat insulation.
3. Light your white candle
4. Express the purpose for which you wish to use Mugwort for
5. Take your dried Mugwort and light the end of the stick with the flame from the candle
6. Concentrate on observing the smoke's trajectory as it ascends. Observe the paths and patterns the trail of smoke takes. Breathe in the aroma of the herb.

Witch tip: Mugwort is a great herb to use during moon rituals

Lemon balm - (Melissa officinalis). In herbal lore, lemon balm symbolizes success, happiness, love and good memories, adding a cheerful note to meditation. Its lemony scent makes it a pleasant, uplifting herb to burn when you finish your practice.

Herbal Action: After meditation, burning lemon balm herb gives the room a fresh, lemony scent, a pleasant way to close your session.

When burning loose Lemon Balm you will need the following tools:

• Lemon Balm
• A heatproof bowl (an abalone shell or a clay pot)
• A feather or bundle of leaves for fanning the smoke
• A match or small gas lighter for your light source
• A charcoal puck

How to burn loose Lemon Balm 

1. Go inside a spacious and well-ventilated room. Open the windows to let in fresh air (or meditate outdoors).
2. In an abalone shell or bowl, place a handful of sand/small rocks for slippage prevention and heat insulation.
3. Place a charcoal tab on top and light it up. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until a layer of ash forms around the charcoal.
4. Put loose Lemon Balm on top. 
5. Immerse yourself in the enchanting scent.

Lion's mane Hericium erinaceus. Lion's mane is a mushroom used in the kitchen and in spiritual traditions, where it is associated with clarity and focus. Some people like to make a snack with it before prayer or meditation.

Herbal Action: Before your meditation session, try making these Adaptogenic Energy Balls, a variation of the famous recipe we've all seen. Combining oats, nut butter, and a selection of ingredients tailored to your taste, they make a tasty snack to enjoy before you sit.

Recipe 

• 1c Rolled Oats (large flake is best)
• 1/2c Nut butter of your choice
• 1-2 tsp Lion's Mane Mushroom powder 
• 1/3c Honey
• Handful of mini dark chocolate chips
• A few dashes of cinnamon

Mix well and roll into little 2 inch balls. Place balls in the refridgerator for at least 30 mins and enjoy! Recipe yields about 10 - 12 balls. 

Bringing herbs into meditation can add scent, ritual and a sense of occasion to your practice. Natural allies like lemon balm and lion's mane are linked in herbal lore with clarity and focus. By enjoying their scents and flavours, we build a closer connection with nature.

As we watch the smoke curl or savour a cup of herbal tea, we slow down and pay attention. That is the heart of both meditation and herbal ritual.

Take a moment for yourself with this relaxing mindfulness meditation exercise:

• Start your meditation practice by tidying and cleansing your space, establishing a serene and harmonious environment. Clearing away any stagnant energy allows room for fresh and positive energies to flow in, enhancing your meditation experience.
• Consider enjoying one of the herbal actions mentioned in this blog of your choice to soothe your senses.
• Turn off phone notifications and remove any potential distractions from your surroundings to create a serene atmosphere.
• Find a comfortable spot to either sit or lay down, allowing yourself to fully relax.
• Engage in this guided meditation to lead your mind on a calming journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
• Have a journal handy. When you awake from your meditation, it might be beneficial to write down some key thoughts that came up for you. 

This exercise offers a chance to unwind and enjoy the quiet that naturally unfolds. Keep in mind that meditation is a practice, an ongoing journey. Embrace the process of learning to be still and mastering control over your thoughts. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't feel perfect at first; continue to practice, and with time, you'll find your rhythm and progress in your meditation journey.

Consider this analogy: During meditation, imagine your thoughts as helium-filled balloons in your hands. Release each thought like a balloon, observing it float away, then gently return to your breath. Letting go without judgment fosters ease in your practice. Stay centered and focused using this powerful technique.

Peace, love, and herbs 🌱