Firstly, What Are Chakras?
Meaning “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit, chakras are swirling energy centers in the body. There are seven main chakras that exist along the spine, from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each of them correspond to different systems and parts of the body, as well as emotions. When our chakras are open and balanced, we are in more optimal emotional and physical states.
What is the Root Chakra?
The root chakra, also known as the muladhara or base chakra, is the first of these seven energy centers of the body. The root chakra is associated with our connection to the Earth, grounding into our bodies, and being in the present moment. When this chakra is balanced, we feel secure, stable and safe, and we are better able to claim our power.
This energy center is associated with the color red and connected to the perineum, the base of the spine, and the soles of our feet. It is also associated with our blood (our life force), the spine, and the skeletal, eliminatory and reproductive systems.
If you’re an “airy fairy” like me, often in your head rather than in your body, or if you struggle with anxiety or having a sense of security and safety, you probably need to work on keeping your root chakra consistently balanced.
Here are some plant allies that can powerfully assist you in opening your root chakra…
Foods
Eat these foods to support the root chakra…
1. Beets. Beets are root vegetables that have grown within the Earth’s soil and are known to have a deep, “earthy” taste. They are also chock full of supporting nutrients and reputed to be blood purifiers and builders.
2. All Root Vegetables. Besides beets, all other root vegetables and herbs such as carrots, potatoes, garlic, onions, ginger and turmeric are great for grounding and balancing the root chakra. If you ever find yourself craving these foods, that may be why!
3. Red Foods. Since red is the color associated with the muladhara, any red foods such as raspberries, red peppers and tomatoes help to open and align this chakra.
Beetroot Hummus Recipe
Have this brightly colored, delicious and healthy hummus with your salad, your sandwich or even with your breakfast scramble for a protein boost and some root chakra loving.
Ingredients
- 3 beets peeled and cooked
- 2 Tbsp tahini
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon)
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 garlic cloves
- sea salt to taste
- 2 Tbsp water
Instruction
Blend all ingredients together in a food processor and enjoy.
Essential Oils
Diffuse these oils in your room, put a few drops in your bath, use them to create a spray bottle, or create a body oil with a base like jojoba or sweet almond oil to receive their benefits…
1. Vetiver. Derived from the root of the plant, this essential oil is earthy and comforting. It’s perfect for those who suffer from stress and stress-related issues such as insomnia, depression, nervous tension, etc. Its effect is both soothing and strengthening.
2. Sandalwood. Grounding, calming, sensual and great for meditation. This scent puts you in your body. It’s also an aphrodisiac!
3. Cinnamon. Cinnamon is warming, sweet and grounding. It is energizing and stimulates blood circulation. It also stimulates sluggish digestion, so it can help with constipation.
4. Jasmine. This scent is calming and puts you in your body- in the most sensual way! Unsurprisingly, it is also an aphrodisiac. It is uplifting as well as relaxing.
5. Frankincense. Grounding yet spiritually elevating at the same time. One of my absolute favorite scents! Uplifting yet calming, it is excellent for meditation and helps relieve depression and anxiety.
6. Patchouli. This scent is feminine and musty, like wet earth. It is an aphrodisiac, an anti-depressant and can be used to treat exhaustion, stress and anxiety. Good for digestion, it helps relieve diarrhea and constipation. It also helps clear and prevent acne and has anti-aging properties for the skin.
Herbs
1. Burdock Root. Drink burdock tea at least once a week for grounding. This herb is also great for the liver, an organ which is linked to our reproductive system. It also helps with digestion and general detoxification.
2. Chicory Root. Chicory root is used as a coffee alternative, and I enjoy it! It is known for supporting the liver and kidneys. It stimulates the appetite and increases digestive enzymes and acids to increase nutrient absorption. This helps with malabsorption issues and anemia.
3. Dandelion Root. Like burdock, dandelion is also “rooting”, great for the liver, and cleansing. And like chicory, some “coffees” are also made with dandelion root. It is helpful with skin and joint problems, including acne, eczema, arthritis and rheumatism.
4. Cinnamon. As mentioned above, cinnamon is warming and energizing. Use it to increase blood circulation and stimulate digestion. Enjoy cinnamon tea or put ground cinnamon in your food/drink for its benefits and a good dose of grounding.
Bach Flower Essences
Take a few drops of these flower essences on the tongue or in a glass of water daily to encourage energetic shifts and opening the root chakra. Optionally, supplement the treatment with affirmations.
1. Impatiens. Helps with patience and being in the present moment.
Affirmation: I am present. I trust in divine timing.
2. Mimulus. Helps with overcoming (known) fears.
Affirmation: I release fear. I courageously move through fear to get where I’m going.
3. Aspen. Helps with overcoming unknown fears that can’t be named.
Affirmation: I am safe. I am secure. I am supported by the Universe.
Last Tips
Please note that if you have a strong response to any plants, meaning if you are drawn to or dislike a certain scent or food, it may be an indication that that is what you are needing. For the ones you don’t like, use just a small amount.
Also, use your intuition and pay attention to which plants have a grounding effect on you personally when you inhale or ingest them. Trust your response and your feelings!
Thank you for reading. Please leave a comment below if you have given any of these plant allies a try, or if you have any other tips!
Love,
Ellie
