From our 8 week series of Herbs + Astrology
The vibrational impact of the Moon not only affects the tides within our ocean, it also greatly affects the tides of our blood, our subconscious, our emotions and intuition. The plants associated to the Moon act principally on all the major fluids of the body (water and blood), stomach and overall gut. The primary action of fluids within the body is to regulate, nourish and eliminate. Much of our digestive activity, and “gut feeling” greatly influence our mood and emotional body.
The Moon is known to house our intuition and our emotions. Astrologers look at the Moon’s position in a natal chart to understand the part of one’s being which is most vulnerable, including the emotions which we nurture and protect. Important lunar transits and aspects to the natal Moon (the moon’s placement in your birth chart) may indicate vulnerability to certain health issues. Some examples could be difficulties with the menstrual cycle, digestive difficulties, constipation, etc.
L U N A R A N A T O M Y
“The lunar correspondences with human anatomy include much of the brain and the rear pituitary. The left eye and the digestive system (esophagus, stomach, and hormones associated with the alimentary system), the uterus, the breasts, ovaries and menstrual cycle are also governed by the Moon. Most modern medical astrologers place the lymphatic system and the sympathetic nervous system with the Moon as well.” (Dr. Paul Beyerl)
Doctors and healers of the past, like in Chinese Medicine, used astrology as a means to mapping and observing the illness of a patient and particularly used the Moon to track its progression. Some imbalances, like colds, arise when we are more vulnerable due to emotional stress or anxieties which threaten the health of one’s unconscious. Try to pay attention to this on a monthly basis. Learn about where your natal moon is located, and how you feel throughout the course of the month along with the ongoing lunar cycles. This can greatly help you unlock fluctuations with hormones, moods, eating patterns and thought patterns.
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L U N A R
E N E R G E T I C S
By nature lunar herbs are cool and moist. They represent the feminine or Yin aspects of the Universe and may be worked in polarity with solar herbs. Lunar herbs promote a nurturing quality within the individual and work compatibly with the receptive aspects of one’s being.
P H Y S I C A L
+ Digestive herbs, both cooling and warming herbs that assist the digestive system.
+ Kidney herbs that prevent the over accumulation of uric acid, preventing the formation of kidney stones (diuretics). These particular herbs naturally can prevent the formation of gall stones as well.
+ Blood herbs that assist as anti-coagulants and diuretics.
E M O T I O N A L
Many of the dopamine regulating herbs (feel-good herbs) are lunar. Herbs that help us tap into the feeling body, and abandon the mind. Herbs that soothe the heavy heart, and assist deep relief to pain and/or trauma.
S P I R I T U A L
Herbs of the Moon can greatly affect the subconscious mind. Their powerful action on our body’s watery reserves are known to pave the way to the intuitive mind. Many of the mystical and visionary herbs fall under this category as they focus on dilating our pituitary gland and generally known as spirit tonics. They are a very good aid in the development of intuition and of psychic abilities as well as in remembering dreams. These herbs can be great assistants when paired with visionary herbs, like ayahuasca, iboga, bufo alvarius, etc. as they help assimilate the intensive experience within the shamanic journey back to the natural ebb and flow of life.
The green world of plants grows at night, having generated its fuel during the day from the radiant light of the Sun. It is against a starlit night that life is simpler, that we must see with our feelings rather than with our logic. Herbs of the Moon render us more sensitive, and wise, helping us uncomplicate our lives so that fulfillment becomes a more realistic goal.
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H E R B S o f
t h e M O O N
~ favorites ~
FLOWERS:
anise, blue lotus, clary sage, milk thistle, fleur-de-lis, ginger,
OTHER HERBS / BARKS / RESINS:
aloe, chanca piedra, copal, frankincense, kava kava, kalea sacatechichi, myrrh,
pau d'arco, passionflower, orris, sangre de drago, yerba santa.
FOODS:
almond, bamboo, chickweed, coconut, maracuja, passionfruit, tamarind, tapioca, turnip, watercress, yucca.
VISIONARY:
ayahuasca (banisteropsis caapi), san pedro, poppy.
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A L U N A R P O T I O N
~ for the emotional body ~
: healing properties :
Blue Lotus ~ a powerful flower known for its deeply calming, and restorative properties. Contains quite a wide healing spectrum, contains anti-depressive qualities, anti-anxiety, nervous system tonic and even as a natural aphrodisiac!
Roses ~ The cultural role of roses for thousands of years has been one of reverence, divinity and purification. A heart and blood tonic, with anti-spasmodic properties, also used for its calming effects on the nervous system. Energetically, roses help quell stress by connecting you to your heart-center, growing your sense of self-love, and reminding you to enjoy life. Rose is the motherly herb to nurture your heart and make it feel safe.
R E C I P E
1 heaping teaspoon blue lotus petals
12 oz hot water
2 tablespoons coconut cream powder
2 teaspoons plant based milk of choice
1/8 teaspoon rose water (infusion)
honey or maple to taste
Pour the hot water of the blue lotus petals and let steep for 5 minutes.
Strain the tea and add the milk. Whisk vigorously or use a hand held blender to froth it milk.
(*)making it as an infusion on its own without milk is also exquisite!
By Adriana Ayales
Blue Lotus recipe + photo by Dillon Tisdel
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