Nature's Allies

Plants are deeply connected with our existence on earth. They can heal us, protect us, and be our food and medicine. They inform us of both the harmony and imbalances within ourselves, and they can open us up to the microcosmic expansion, which expresses the essential features in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much more significant.

Every plant, seed, tree, flower, and bush has its own unique qualities, not only the typical uses or chemistry, but they also contain a deeper level of sensory awareness. When we can find a particular attraction or connection that guides us to our plant allies, we feel nurtured and soothed in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual selves.

I have always felt it is essential as an aromatherapist and natural health practitioner to make an effort to build relationships with the herbs and essential oils that I work in creating aromatherapy and herbal formulations. Over many decades this intention encouraged me to be more in tune with the innate knowledge of plants and myself.

In my childhood, I began to nurture a connection with nature and plants. Some of my first memories are the beauty and wonder of my mother’s beautiful rose garden, the intoxicating scent of the lily of the valley in our yard, the conifer trees in the mountains of Colorado, and the orange tree flowers in bloom during our family vacations in California. These flowers are from the bitter orange trees are neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara).

Still today, the conifer trees create a sense of grounding and comfort for me, especially the wafting scent of the trees in the forest after a rain shower. When I sit and connect with the pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) trees that are vast in my backyard, I reflect on the form of the tree, the aromatic scent, the needles, and the branches. The branches of the conifer trees are similar in structure to the human respiratory system, and the shape of the branch and needles is like a scrub brush; which can be useful as a tea, infusion, or essential oil for clearing congestion in the respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, and emotional systems.

On susanweed.com I recently read a blog article by Jane Sherry in which she describes all the ways that we have incorporated nature into our everyday language.

• “We say we have put down roots when we have established ourselves and feel at home in our surroundings.

• When we move to a new land or a new job, we say we have found new soil in which to grow; we are transplants.

• We say that we are planting seeds for the future when we are germinating new ideas, and cultivating new friends and relationships.

• We say we are branching out when we try something new.

• When we make big changes in our lives when we have breakthroughs.

• We say that we are breaking new ground.

• As we incorporate these new ways into our lives our habits change and we say we are growing new roots.”

This seems to be so correct how we connect our thoughts and language with plants. Are there other ways that you use nature in your everyday language?

Creating Your Own Plant Allies

When we are grounded and centered we feel more connected to ourselves, the environment, and those around us. As you connect with different plants and trees, this encourages activation of your senses, enhancing the intuitive mind rather than rational thinking.

One of my favorite colors is blue, so naturally, I am attracted to blue flowers like borage (Borago officinalis) and also “blue” essential oils like yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). All these plants have the medicinal qualities as anti-inflammatories, which is also the nature of blue cool and calming water.

What plant or essential oil assists you to feel grounded and connected to your life?

If you don’t have a garden, you can start with an aromatic houseplant. You can begin to notice the color, size, and texture of a leaf, stem, or flower. If this is an aromatic plant rub your fingers on a leaf and smell the fragrant scent. Is it sharp, soft, invigorating, calming? What is your impression and does it remind you of another time in your life?

As you reflect on your more profound connection with nature whether it is a plant, herb, or essential oil may you find harmony, balance, and healing.

Learning from the essential nature of the marvelous plant kingdom to adapt, communicate, and cooperate within our own relationships, generates an inter-dependent partnership with plants in which we can balance and heal ourselves.