The Meadow — Refill

Meditating on the rose, we can clearly see its healthy boundaries: a soft but strong heart that is open yet protected. Rose’s connection with grief may be traced back to ancient days wherein they were symbolically used in funerals and honoring the dead (D’Andrea, 1982). Today roses are often used to soothe and open the energetic heart chakra and for a lack of self-love, vulnerability, broken hearts, and grief (Hardin, n.d.), as well as for emotional shock and depression (Holmes, 2007).

As a nervine, chamomile makes a delicious, soothing tea used for easing anxiety and tension and promoting restful sleep in both children and adults (Hoffmann, 2003). It is thought that the inhalation of volatile oil present in the vapor when drinking tea is partially responsible for the sedative effect; some volatile flavonoids (e.g., apigenin) may bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system (Romm, 2017). Chamomile is considered especially beneficial for those who experience anger and impatience when under stress (Wood, 2008).

One clinical trial reported chamomile had a significant anxiolytic effect in patients with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder (Amsterdam et al., 2009). Another study a few years later found that chamomile may also have antidepressant activity, particularly in those experiencing both anxiety and depression; while the mode of action behind this activity is unknown, it may be independent of the herb’s anxiolytic effects and due to a modulating effect on neurotransmitters (Amsterdam et al., 2012).

Due to its mild antidepressant properties, it is especially indicated for digestive upset related to anxiety or depression (Hoffmann, 2003). The antispasmodic nature of lemon balm is thought to stem from its volatile oils citral and citronellal (Chevallier, 2000). Lemon balm has been used to lift the spirits for many centuries, even predating the Middle Ages (Ehrlich, 2011). Truly a balm to the spirits, lemon balm is used to soothe anxiety, nervousness, and depression (Groves, 2019).

In transformation rituals, many make use of its color changing properties by first focusing on where they are in life, what they have learned, what they are grateful for, and what they’d like to change and then squeezing citrus juice, such as from a lemon or lime, into the butterfly pea drink, thus changing its color with the pH change. The transformation aspect of this plant is also highlighted by its name, as butterflies are often symbols of metamorphosis. This plant is considered to possess energetics for protection, purification, and emotional health, all of which speak to its scientific properties of antioxidative, alterative, and mood supportive qualities. In Ayurveda,C. ternateais a classic for easing stress, lightening depression, and gently sedating, demonstrating some of its mood-boosting effects (Mukherjee et al., 2008).

Lavender flower bud is a gentle tonic for strengthening the nervous system in the case of nervous debility or exhaustion (Hoffmann, 2003). The sweet spirit of lavender uplifts and balances emotions, eases mild depression and restores strength and vitality, with Rosemary Gladstar (2012) stating that it’s “an herb used traditionally to imbue courage and strength” and “a favorite herb to strengthen the heart and mind in a stressful situation” (p.151). It’s like a mother’s hand on your back, gentle and loving yet strong and supportive. As such, it can also be an ally during grieving and strife. 

With its soothing properties, lavender can help address challenging thoughts and emotions during a crisis, ease feelings of heaviness, boost motivation, make waking up easier, and soothe sadness (7Song, 2020). Whether through aromatherapy, herbal teas, or baths, lavender provides a sense of tranquility and emotional balance in difficult times. Lavender essential oil is often carried in herbal first aid kits and used in crisis situations for this reason.

Oatstraw, is considered one of the best herbs for“feeding”and restoring the nervous system, particularly in times of stress and in the case of nervous system weakness or exhaustion associated with depression (Hoffmann, 2003), overwork, or emotional trauma (Hardin, 2010). Indications include irritability, chronic fatigue, inability to focus, loss of libido, and heart palpitations (Hardin, 2010). Milky oat is specifically indicated for occipital headaches that extend down the spine and into the head (Tilgner, 2009). Milky oat is also specifically indicated for addressing insomnia and soothing nervous system irritation caused by exhaustion or stress (Tilgner, 2009). Oatstraw infusion helps mellow the mood, ease anxiety, combat the effects of daily stress, and resolve sleeplessness.

For bringing the sweetness back into your life.