Using Herbs to Enhance Your Spiritual Practices

If you are like me, the spiritual side of your life encompasses a large part of who you are. Many of us are seeking answers both inside and outside of ourselves and it is through our connection to Spirit that we do this. Be it prayer, church, meditation, yoga, dream work, ritual, or spellwork; herbs can be used as a catalyst to improve and deepen your relationship with your divine source (whatever/whomever that may be).

While many of us seek answers, getting them is not always easy! The human mind is a busy place with constant questioning, to-do lists, multi-tasking and random thoughts. It can be difficult, without years of practice and possibly training, to quiet this constant storm of consciousness.

We are also in a constant battle with the ego part of our mind. The ego part of us loves to be louder than our heart and instincts. Unfortunately, Spirit does not communicate through ego. In fact, if you do receive intuitive thoughts, feelings or even messages, the ego will quickly tell you to dismiss them.

So between the chaos that is the human mind and the pesky ego that thinks it knows everything, what is the spiritual person to do?

For me, this is where herbs can come in as a trusty ally. I will be very clear here and state that they do not do the work for you, nor should they. A deeply fulfilling spiritual practice is often fulfilling because of the work we put into it. There is not easy or fast path to answers, enlightenment, ascension and the like. They can however, help to pave the way to a quieter mind and deeper connection.

Please note that this information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a diagnosis, cure or treatment of any specific condition. Spiraea Herbal Clinic does not claim nor imply that any information provided will treat, cure or prevent any particular disease states. If you are pregnant, nursing, on medications or in a state of dis-ease or chronic illness, please consult the healthcare practitioner of your choice and/or complete your own independent research.

The Herbs

In absolutely no particular order, I will cover some of my favourite plant allies for depending your spiritual connection. Many can be grown in my area (USDA zone 4) either as perennials or annuals. Following this list I will cover some of the preparation methods you can use to utilize these herbs in your spiritual practice.

I will not be covering any herbs that are considered dangerous and poisonous, for obvious reasons. While many of these herbs can  be safely used to enhance spiritual connection, I do not have experience with it and therefore cannot speak on this in an educational way. If you choose to work with allies such as these, please proceed with caution.

Please understand something. Herbs that are harvested or cultivated in any way that abuses the land or the plant will not produce the results you desire. If cultivating connection is the end goal, abusing a portion of this ecosystem and cosmic web we call life is not the way to do it.

Remember; always set the intention that whatever works are you doing should bring no harm and be for your highest good. If you believe in past lives, your soul may have had a very long life thus far. Some things are better left buried in the subconscious or Akashic records. To set the intention for your highest good ensures that whatever visions, dreams, intuitions, thoughts or memories you bring forth will be for your own personal growth and for good.

Angelica archangelica – Angelica

  • used in exorcism (I have no experience with this) as well as promoting visions

  • I like to use it as a sachet

Laurus nobilis – Bay leaves

  • place under the pillow for prophetic dreams

  • tea can be drunk to enhance psychic connection or clairvoyance

Mondarda didyma/fistuolsa – Wild bergamot or bee balm

  • I love using this plant to bring clarity to situations that are cloudy or uncertain

  • tuck some of this dried plant in with your cards or runes

  • tea can be consumed prior to journey work or meditation

Borago officinalis – Borage

  • utilize this herb in tea or as a flower essence to bring about psychic visions/powers

Cinnamomum – Cinnamon

  • this kitchen herb is often underutilized in spiritual pursuits, but has a deep history in this area dating back to ancient Hebrew practices

  • burned as a incense it is said to raise the energetic vibration of the room/person

  • stimulates visions and psychic powers

Tussilago farfara – Coltsfoot

  • this plant makes a wonderful herbal smoke and can be used to induce visions

Taraxacum officinalis – Dandelion

  • it is said this humble plant can call the spirits

Dictamus origanoides – Dittany of Crete

  • not native to my land but can be grown as an annual here

  • very useful in astral projection and journey work

  • it is one of the ingredients inLunar Dance– Spiraea’s spiritual connection salve

Inula helenium – Elecampane

  • burned as an incense to aid in visions and psychic power

Boswellia carterii – Frankincense

  • a deeply spiritual ally, there are records of its use in ancient Egyptian practices as well as the Catholic church

  • ensure you procure your frankincense resin from ethical sources

Piper methysticum – Kava kava

  • the tea is used to bring about visions and prohetic dreams

  • kava kava chai is divine!

  • please research this one prior to consumption, especially if you have any kidney pathology

Artemisia vulgaris – Mugwort

  • a favourite of mine, mugwort can be used in many ways to aid in astral projection, meditation and journey work

Commiphora myrrha – Myrrh

  • another plant steeped in ancient ritualistic use including in ancient Egypt and in Christianity

  • the resin is used in incense and sachets

  • traditionally used to bless charms, talismans, amulets and tools

Pinus strobus – White pine

  • while traditionally used in protection, I personally have found it to be deeply healing to the heart chakra

  • it is also traditionally used in exorcism, but again I have no direct experience with this

Rosa spp. – Rose

  • there are so many uses for this beautiful plant but please ensure your variety is edible

  • the tea consumed before bed can produce prophetic dreams

Hierochloe odorata – Sweetgrass

  • there are so many uses for this beautiful plant but please ensure your variety is edible

  • the tea consumed before bed can produce prophetic dreams

Hierochloe odorata – Sweetgrass

  • burn this beautiful plant to bring both sweetness and your spirit guides into your life

  • I find the relationship deepens when you grow the sweetgrass yourself

Valeriana officinalis – Valerian

  • While traditionally used a protection herb, I have found that it is a beautiful ally to protect you during your spiritual works

  • It is included in our Lunar Dance Salve for this very reason

  • It is also a steadfast friend for communicating with plant and animals spirits

Artemisia absinthium – Wormwood

  • This plant comes with potential toxicity so please use with caution and do your own research – for spiritual purposes I use this plant topically only in Lunar Dance Salve or burning occasionally as an incense

  • Wormwood is amazing for calling in spirits (of all kinds) and enhancing psychic powers and connection

Achillea millefolium – Yarrow

  • another amazing plant for enhancing connection and psychic powers and fostering a connection of love with the spirits you work with

  • You can also brew a tea prior to meditation, journey or divination work

Honourable Mentions

Below are some herbs that help to enhance mental abilities – bring clarity of mind. So while not directly spiritual, a clear mind goes a long way in this work.

My biggest tip is to spend a week or two and write down all of the fruits and vegetables that you eat on a regular basis. This will give you an excellent place to start in terms of choosing what to grow and what to leave on the shelf.

  • Peppermint

  • Rue

  • Spearmint

How to Use Them

I want you to get creative! Dive into this process with the curiosity of a child and explore this world with your eyes wide open. That being said, please do extensive research prior to ingesting any of these herbs.

Many of the listings above have suggested uses based on my own experience and Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. However, do not let the above list limit you as many of these plants can be experience through a variety of means including:

Incense

  • Herbs can be wrapped in bundles or burned loose using small briquettes and a heat proof vessel

Salves

  • This is a wonderful way to experience spiritual herbs

  • Apply on your temples, wrists and third eye prior to energetic and spiritual works

Flower Essences

  • This is one of my favourite ways to experience herbs in a spiritual way

  • Spiraea offers a wide selection of flower essences if you are uncertain how to make your own

Sachets

  • Herbs placed in a small bag of some kind

  • They can be worn as a necklace, tucked in a pocket or placed under your pillow

Smoking

  • Smoking herbs can be a potent and powerful way to experience the herbs mentioned above but please ensure you do further research on herbs that are safe to smoke prior to experimenting in this way

Tea

  • Many of the above herbs are very safe to drink, but because I am not providing a detailed materia medica for each plant, please do your own research prior to consuming any herbs internally

I encourage you to enjoy and play with this process. As someone who has utilized herbs as both medicine and in spiritual capacity for a very long time, there are few mistakes you can make (other than utilizing unethically procured material or not doing your research prior to consuming herbs). It’s about discovering the relationships that work for you and your process!

I wish you much love, abundance and connection.

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