Happy Earth Day and earth month. Over the past several years I’ve dove deep into the plant world to understand how natural elements that come from earth can help us thrive. Learning more about plants and implementing them into my daily routine has helped me feel better. In understanding the profound healing capacity of the plant world, we can see the wide range of mental health benefits, such as helping to ease anxiety, overwhelm and depression.
It’s no secret we are living in a chaotic world, according to The Anatomy of Anxiety, Ellen Voras new book, studies show that the United States is one of the most anxious countries, up to 33.7 % of Americans are effected by anxiety disorder in their lifetime. And obviously the past two years hit hard, skyrocketing symptoms of anxiety and depression to 270%. Now more than ever we need solid tools for handling stress and freeing ourselves from anxiety.
The good news is there are steps we can take daily, and lifestyle tweaks to help our inner world stay calm. One of the most grounding tools I use in my own life and with clients to manage stress and ease anxiety is the power of plants.
Whether we use them in their physical form such as herbal remedies, eating vegetables, aromatherapy with essential oils or flower essences, or in a shamanic journey, plants are a powerful aid in healing our mind, body and spirit. They can support the body balance and alignment. They are popular in alternative medicine practices such as herbal medicine and naturopath processes. I know when I add more plants into my day, whether it be through food or spending more time in nature, I always feel better.
Here are 5 powerful ways plants can help ease your anxiety and improve your mood.
Plant Foods
Plants as food are one of the easiest ways to improve your mood. Although there is no right or wrong diet, as every body is different, start by focusing on foods that come from the earth. Aim for more plants daily, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. Adding more natural foods into your life can help balance your body. Plus studies show a plant-based diet can even help reduce heart disease.
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Whether through aromatherapy or topical purposes, they can aid in relaxation and healing. Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties that help boost your immune system and fight infections. When we are stressed out, our immune system can get weaker, so adding essential oils derived from plants can help balance out your body and mind. Some of the best essential oils for your immunity include ginger, frankincense, or peppermint and, for relaxation, lavender and eucalyptus. To combat heavy feelings of dread and fear, airier signatures such as jasmine, chamomile, rose, clary sage, and/or geranium are my favorites for reducing anxiety.
3. Flower Essences
Flower essences are the vibrational message of a flower transmitted to water by solarization, and the vibrational resonance of the flower is memorized by the water. Many herbalists work with the flower essences for healing as they can help us stay grounded and rooted in the moment.
Flower essences are made from plants in a very cocreative, ceremonial way. This process imprints the plant’s unique energetic code into water and preserves it with intention. The essences can come in sprays, tinctures or mists and are popular in healing circles and rituals for self-care.
When you work with flower essences, you are using the unique and beautiful energies of a particular flower, so naturally the vibration of the plant is infused into the intention of the flower essence. These energies provide a positive balancing force, which naturally and gently helps to support the body in conscious and unconscious ways.
Adaptogenic Plants & Herbs
Adaptogens are plant-based herbs filled with complex compounds that can help your body regulate, mediate or adapt to (hence the name ‘adaptogen’) physical or psychological stress by interacting with your cells. Adaptogens have been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic healing practices but are gaining more mainstream focus. And for good reason as they are said to help the body overcome the influences of physical, chemical or biological stressors. Adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms such as chaga are made into powdered supplements and you can put them in smoothies, teas, or herbal drinks, integrate them into tinctures, or bake and cook with them.
Examples of common adaptogens and their benefits include:
- Reishi: a specific type of mushroom, which is said to help the body adapt to stress and promote a healthy sleep pattern
- Maca: helps to improve mood and increase energy
- Cordyceps: a specific type of mushroom, which is said to fight stress and help balance hormones
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda and has been used in ancient remedies for over 3,000 years. It helps the body cope with daily stress
Grounding & Earthing
In doing research for my new book, I discovered the healing power of grounding. It’s the practiced by walking barefoot outside or sitting in the grass. The Earth has an infinite supply of free electrons, so when a person is connected to it and grounded, those electrons naturally flow between the Earth and the human body, reducing free radicals and eliminating any static electrical charge. In the book Return to You, I share a process to help you connect to calm.
How to Practice Grounding:* My Go to Balancing Meditation for Releasing Anxiety Step 1: Go outside—into the backyard or a nearby park—and sit, walk, or stand on grass, sand, dirt, etc., for at least 30 minutes a day for optimal benefits, but connecting just three to five minutes will help you feel better and connected to instant calm. Step 1 alternative: If you are not in a position to ground yourself outdoors right now, you can still connect with nature. You could sit by a houseplant, open your windows to get fresh air, or even invest in grounding products, such as mats, blankets, or shoes. You can also use grounding essential oils (with cypress, sandalwood, or ginger)or crystals such as smoky quartz or black tourmaline (since it’s ideal for clearing and protecting the aura from negative influences). Step 2: Breathe in and out; allow yourself to take in all of the beautiful aspects of nature as you embrace its healing capacity. Feel the blades of grass between your feet. Look up to the sky. Let the sunlight fall over you, and smell the fresh air. Listen for the birds. As you use all your senses, you become more present and connect to the Earth even more. Step 3: Connect to gratitude. This is a perfect time to be thankful and connect to all that is well in your life. As you continue to breathe in and out, you will start to feel better, and you can use this moment to focus on appreciation. Send love to the Earth, to your community, to the world, to all that is well. You can say a prayer or meditate in the moment to further ground you and connect to the collective.
No matter what or how grounding is completed, taking time each day to practice ground will help combat blues and connect us back to what truly matters, our connection with self and the magnificent Earth.
The main takeaway is that the human body contains great wisdom and can deal with most challenges in life, but we can counter the effects of environmental and emotional stressors by connecting with the healing energy of earth, with tools like adaptogens, grounding and adding more plants to our diet and lifestyle, we can feel more balanced and help the body’s healing potential.
Adapted and excerpted from Shannon Kaiser’s new book Return to You: 11 Spiritual Lessons for Unshakable Inner Peace published by Sounds True, April 2022.
