With the rise in popularity of essential oils, as well as the increased attention to the ancient healing modality of working with our chakras, we thought it would be a great time to focus on some of our most popular products, our Chakra Essence Sprays and Perfume Rollers, and tell you more about what is in them and why. Many traditional healing practices talk of the chakras, energy centers that are a part of our etheric/energy bodies that can influence all things in our lives, from our health to our emotions. According to tradition, when these energy centers are out of balance, either too open or too closed off, we can experience imbalances in our life. Each chakra governs different aspects of our beings, and thus when not in alignment with each other, those aspects of our life will be off. By learning more about the associations of each individual chakra, we can discern if there are things in our own life that may point to that particular chakra being misaligned, and thus can work on correcting the imbalances by actively seeking herbs, essential oils, and other healing practices that activate that particular chakra. Last month we covered the second chakra, the Sacral Chakra, so this month is all about the third chakra:
THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
The Solar Plexus chakra, also referred to as Manipura, is derived from two Sanskrit words: mani meaning ‘jewel’ and pura meaning ‘city’. Manipura literally means ‘city of jewels’. It is connected to your sense of personal power, your individual expression in the earth, the ability to ‘digest life’, the fire within you as well as the element of fire itself, the conscious (waking) mind, and your self-image. It is from here that you draw your personal boundaries and develop your own sense of morality. Because of its association with the digestive organs, it is also related to your 'gut feelings' and can have a lot to do with the way you see and interact with the world on a visceral level When the solar plexus chakra is in balance a person tends to be outgoing, cheerful, have self-respect, have respect for others, have a strong sense of personal power, have found your 'gifts' in life, be able to digest life, be able to digest food, is skillful, intelligent, relaxed, spontaneous, expressive, likes to take on new challenges, enjoys physical activity, and enjoys good food. When the solar plexus chakra is deficient the person may be depressed, lack confidence in themselves, be overly worried about what others think, be confused about what their role in life is, feel that others control your life, have poor digestion, be afraid of being alone, have a constant need for reassurance, be jealous, and distrustful. When the solar plexus chakra has excessive energy a person may be judgemental, a workaholic, a perfectionist, overly intellectual, demanding, resentful of authority, a need for drugs to relax, and have a superiority complex. The main words associated with this chakra are I Will, it is the energy of personal power, it assists us further in the process of individuation, of forming a `self`, ego and personality separate from our inherited identity. This energy center also contains most issues related to the development of personal power and self-esteem In our Solar Strength chakra spray and roller, we chose specific gems and oils that have been associated with their ability to balance and harmonize the volatile and powerful sacral chakra.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Geranium - has a regulating effect on the nervous system and can help dispel depression, nervous anxiety and fear. Its scent is positive and uplifting, which instantly calms the mind and restores emotional balance. This is why it is indicated for both acute and chronic anxiety. Workaholic people who have lost touch with their inner self will find this oil very useful as it stabilizes the mind and enhances sensory perception and imagination. Ginger - this warming and spicy herb and essential oil helps to move energy and invigorate the body and the senses, thus helping you to reconnect with your inner power source. According to author Peter Holmes, “Clearly just as ginger provides deep warmth and stimulation on the physiological level, its fragrance works deeply into the psyche bringing energy and strength to some of the deepest sources of our power” In moments of pessimism and low morale, ginger essential oil serves to motivate the mind and help it find direction. If you have strong plans for the future but lack willpower or confidence to go through with them, ginger essential will inspire you to be proactive and take consequential action. Grapefruit - The refreshing properties of Grapefruit instill positivity, joy and cheer, it is also a wonderfully energizing essential oil making it perfect for the solar plexus chakra. Others would be Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Coriander, Cypress, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Spearmint
GEM ESSENCES FOR THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Aventurine - strengthens the central vertical axis which stabilizes us during expansion experiences; provides an energetic support structure that helps us move into and through new experiences with grace, stamina and perseverance; good for spiritual trailblazers and pioneers. Carnelian - recalibrates the 3rd chakra to draw life force energy through appropriate channels already present in the physical body and the aura; increases the etheric body’s ability to access pranic energy; clears and energizes the nadirs–the subtle energy pathways between the etheric body and the meridians. Citrine - harmonizes the mental body with higher spiritual laws; increases access to Divine truth and intelligence; helps us translate what exists on the universal mental plane into usable information on the physical plane; amplifies qualities of concentration and centering; balances the intuitive and rational mind. Gold - brings strength, solidity, and balance to the 3rd chakra; helps us feel our inner value; enables us to access and bring forth into physical reality the highest aspects of our personal identity; helps us tap into our inner truth, joy, and wisdom as a source of creative power. Orange Calcite - penetrating, uplifting, energizing, warming; amplifies one’s ability to assimilate light at the cellular level of the body; opens the heart to the energy of the Sun; dispels darkness and grief; helps one feel joy and a sense of creative connectedness to the physical realm Pyrite - strengthens self-esteem and self-trust, especially with regard to group dynamics and peer pressure; helps one build an energetic foundation in life based on one’s highest personal truth; solidifies values, helps one be true to oneself. Tiger's Eye - self-empowerment; helps us maintain a strong sense of self-identity when dealing with powerful emotions such as anger, fear, and jealousy; strengthens the energetic boundary between our emotional experiences and our true nature. Topaz - clears energy blockages in the 3rd chakra; strengthens our ability to act decisively from a clear sense of personal identity and Divine purpose; helps us access appropriate sources of universal energy Our Chakra Sprays and Perfume rollers contain all of the above essences and essential oils and are the perfect way to work with your sacral chakra. We love using them in meditation, before or during a yoga class, or at any point during the day to help keep us feeling connected to our own sense of self and strength to move through the world.
HERBS FOR THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Herbs that work well for this chakra are those that are yellow in color or tend to be warming and energizing. A few to consider are milk thistle, ginger, turmeric, dandelion, lemon balm, calendula, chamomile, and helichrysum. Other digestive herbs could also be considered balancing to this chakra, herbs such as peppermint, spearmint, slippery elm, marshmallow, fennel, cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. A lovely healing, digestive, and chakra balancing blend would be to combine 1 part calendula, 1/2 part dandelion flowers, 1/2 part turmeric slices, 1/4 part dried ginger, and 1/4 part dried lemon peel together and allow to steep for 15 minutes, strain, and add some honey if desired, and drunk daily.
FOODS FOR THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
The color associated with the solar plexus is yellow, so when it comes to foods for balancing this chakra, yellow foods are the way to go, as well as any foods that are warming for the digestion and energizing in general. Some yellow foods include lemons, bananas, pineapple, papaya, corn, squash, dandelions, sunflowers, lovage, and sunchokes.Here are a few recipes for the Solar Plexus
Be Strong Banana Shake (from Chakra Tonics)- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tbsp Tamarind Paste
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 3/4-1 cup water or almond milk, as much need for your preferred consistency
- Place all ingredients in a blender and mix till smooth.
Pineapple Papaya Smoothie (from Chakra Tonics) Because the solar plexus governs the digestion, this smoothie is particularly wonderful for this chakra as both pineapple and papaya contain digestive enzymes that have been shown to help improve digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen papaya
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried ginger
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 3/4-1 cup water or almond milk, as much need for your preferred consistency
- Place all ingredients in a blender and mix till smooth.
RESOURCES
- Chakra Tonics - Elise Collins
- Caroline Myss's Free Chakra info
- Chakra Synopsis
- Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra from the Herbarium
- Solar Plexus Chakra Essential Oils
- Alaskan Gem Essences
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified practitioner.