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 life, 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 mis-aligned, 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 fifth chakra, the Throat Chakra, so this month is all about the sixth chakra:
THE THIRD EYE
The third eye is called Ajna in Sanskrit which means to know, to obey or to follow. Literally, ajna means ‘command’ or ‘monitoring center’. It is the area of consciousness for the celestial body and relates to clear-sightedness, inspiration, insight, intuition, telepathy, access to the Higher Self, the pineal gland, pituitary gland, brain, ears, eyes, nose, and the realization of your full potential. Being closely tied to the pineal gland, of which much has been written about throughout history some researchers claim that biologically it is made up of many of the same components as our eyes. French philosopher Rene Descartes (1596-1650) referred to this gland as the “seat of the soul” and believed it is where the soul and the body interacted. (4) The third eye calls for self-evaluation, truth, an exploration of your intellectual abilities, an openness to the ideas of others, developing the ability to learn from experience, and emotional intelligence. A balanced third eye is crucial for seeing yourself, others, and any situation with truth and clarity. It is also important for your own mental processes to be clear and truthful. So often our misunderstandings about this world, the ones that bring us pain and suffering, can be traced back to a moment where you did not see all of the sides of a situation, and thus came to a conclusion or decision that may not have taken in to account all that needed to be considered. The third eye is required to tell the difference between truth and illusion, and it forces you to be fully present in the moment. When the third eye is in balance a person will be open to guidance, be able to clearly see themselves and their reactions to the world, be able to see others and not judge them, not be afraid of death, not attached to material things, self-fulfilled, in touch with their intuitive self, be thoughtful in their way of being and speaking. (3) When the third eye is deficient a person may be overly passive, undisciplined, weak-willed, have an extreme sensitivity to the feelings (energy) of others, be afraid of success, not in touch with how they really think or feel. (3) When the third eye has excessive energy a person may be manipulative, proud, closed to the ideas of others, egotistical (3) The main words associated with the throat chakra are "I Speak My Truth". In our Seeing Eye chakra spray and roller, we chose specific gems and essential oils that have been associated with their ability to balance and harmonize the incredibly important throat chakra so that you are better able to know yourself and communicate your true thoughts and feelings for the betterment of yourself and the world.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE THIRD EYE
- Clary Sage - the name Clary has its roots in words meaning 'clear', pointing to it's uses in clearing out of energies, as do all of the sage species. Its particular affinity for clearing out the mental body makes it an excellent choice for a blend to balance the third eye. Clary sage is also well known for helping to balance hormonal issues (which can often cause feelings of mental fog or chaos); the pituitary gland is in fact the master controller of the hormones in our body, which could point to an association between clary sage and the pituitary gland.
- Marjoram - beloved by Aphrodite, marjoram has a sweet, earthy, and cleansing scent that helps to uplift and brighten one's mood. It is also helpful for promoting restorative sleep, which is crucial for the third eye.
- Sandalwood - one of the world's most popular scents, sandalwood brings a sense of calm and clarity to most everyone, helping to ground but also elevate a person.
GEM ESSENCES FOR THE THIRD EYE (6)
The following gems with pictures are a part of the Seeing Eye chakra sprays. The last one, Sodalite, is the actual roller ball that is a part of the Seeing Eye Perfume Roller Aquamarine - increases the ability to achieve a neutral, serene state of mind; brings a calm, cooling clarity to an overactive mental body; releases blockages in the 5th and 6th chakras which create an excess of energy in the head and throat areas; helps create a mental oasis of cool, clear receptivity. 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 Diamond - brings clarity to the 6th chakra; helps us see through illusion; harmonizes Divine and personal will; helps us activate personal will in its highest form; strengthens the ability to act in alignment with our Divine purpose Spectrolite - renews and refreshes one’s perspective; helps one contact deeper levels of meaning in life’s events; helps one see the magnificent in the mundane and the Divine in the ordinary; bathes and nourishes the entire energy system with full-spectrum light Sugalite - brings depth and a physical richness to one’s spiritual life; helps one learn to receive spiritual support easily and gracefully; helps one physically manifest a warmer, more feminine quality of spirituality 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 heart space so we can love ourselves first and foremost, and then be able to love others.
FLOWER ESSENCES FOR THE THIRD EYE (7)
Similar to the gem essences, flower essences are energetic remedies that can be used safely by anyone without fear of side effects or interactions. The following are some of our favorites to use for the Third Eye: Black-Eyed Susan - Awake consciousness capable of acknowledging all aspects of the Self; penetrating insight and self-aware behavior Chestnut Bud - understanding the lessons gained from life experiences Fuchsia - awareness and understanding of emotions which are masked by false emotionality Hound's Tongue - Holistic thinking; perception of physical reality united with lively thoughts, integration of imagination and intellect Madia - Precise thinking, disciplined focus and concentration Mountain Pennyroyal - Strength and clarity of thought, mental integrity and positivity Mugwort - greater clarity about dream life or events outside rational consciousness Nasturtium - Glowing vitality, radiant warmth; living thinking Peppermint - Mindful and wakeful clarity, warm metabolism balanced with cool head forces Queen Anne's Lace - blockages related to seeing, both physically and metaphysically; integration of sight with expanded sensitivity and clairvoyance Rabbit Brush - Lively and alert mental field; acute sensory perception and mobile state of mind Rosemary - Warm physical presence and mental vitality; healthy embodiment Sage - insight into the meaning of life; wisdom and acceptance Shasta Daisy - synthesis of many ideas into one whole; seeing the pattern of the whole within the many parts Star Tulip - Sensitive and receptive attunement; serene soul disposition, inner listening to others and to higher worlds, especially in dreams and meditation Yellow Star Tulip - Empathetic receptivity to the feelings and experiences of others; compassionate response based upon social awareness
HERBS FOR THE THIRD EYE
Bacopa - Bacopa has an ancient tradition of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It was first described around the sixth century AD in early Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Athar-Ved, and Susrutu Samhita (Aguiar & Borowski, 2013). Bacopa isoften referred to in Sanskrit or Ayurvedic medicine as brahmi, for its association with the Hindu god Brahma, mythical creator in the Hindu pantheon (Russo et al., 2005). The name brahmi means to bring “knowledge of the supreme reality” (Gohil & Patel, 2010). However, brahmi can be a slightly problematic common name, as it may be used to refer to a number of plant species which are utilized for brain health, most notably gotu kola (Centella asiatica). In Ayurveda, bacopa is classified as a medha-rasayana herb. A rasayana is a healing substance which is said to support rejuvenation and longevity, and medhya indicates a plant used to promote memory, intellect, and mental health (Mathew et al., 2010). Gotu Kola - among the herbs with a long documented history of medicinal use in both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, with the earliest known mention in the Divine Husbandman's Classic Materia Medica, which dates back to 2698 BC (Walsh, 2014). It made its way into the western materia medica by the nineteenth century (Wood, 2008). In the Himalayas and in Ayurvedic practice, it is considered to be one of the most sattvic and spiritual herbs, characterized as pure, clean and wholesome and for that reason has been used by yogis as a meditation aid. Gotu kola awakens and aligns the crown chakra, helping to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Holy Basil - The species name, sanctum, reflects the sacred nature of the plant in Indian culture. In India, holy basil is considered sacred to the Hindu god Vishnu, who considered basil the incarnation of the Goddess herself. In Sanksrit, tulsi means “that which is incomparable”, and in Hindi this word is tulsi, hence its common names. It brings a calm and reassuring sense of solidity and groundedness that helps quiet the mind, collect distracted thoughts into focus, and give one a sense of resilience for the long haul. It is uplifting and joyful, guiding open the heart to feel gratitude and a yearning for emotional connection. (8) Lemon Balm - Lemon balm is synonymous with the word uplift in the minds of many herbalists. Truly a balm to the spirits, Melissa soothes anxiety, nervousness, and depression; it gladdens the heart and brings light where there is darkness and softness where there is tension. Lemon balm is a lovely ally for those with sleep disturbances, especially in combination with sedative herbs like valerian and passionflower. (8) Mugwort - often used to awaken intuition and to evoke vivid dreams, by taking it either as a tea before bedtime or used as a stuffing in dream pillows, mugwort has a long history of use associated with the clearing of the mind and 'vision'. It may also be burned as incense to aid in meditation or cleansing rituals Rosemary - Rosemary is a superb tonic for the memory, increasing mental function and acuity by increasing blood flow to and stimulating the brain (Berger, 1998). This stimulating action also has other benefits to the brain, as well, and rosemary is known as a folk remedy for anxiety, depression, insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, fatigue, exhaustion, stress, headaches, and migraines (McIntyre, 1996).
FOODS FOR THE THIRD EYE
The third eye is associated with the color indigo, a very dark purple/blue color. Foods that are this color can be associated with the third eye, foods such as blueberries, blackberries, bilberries, eggplant, red cabbage, purple grapes, purple sweet potatoes, and also brown foods such as chocolate and coffee. Other food options associated with the third eye are foods that are also good for your actual eyes, such as goji berries, carrots, garnet yams, vitamin K rich grass-fed butter, vitamin A rich cod liver oil, free-range, organic, pasture-raised eggs, and wild-caught Alaskan salmon. All of these foods are rich in nutrients shown to be good for your eyes. (Web MD)Here are a few recipes for the third eye.
Goji Cacao Superfood Balls
Made with goji and cacao these little balls of deliciousness are a great treat to pick you up, without any added sugar. Ingredients: ~2 cups nut of choice (can also substitute sesame seeds if you are nut-free) ~1/2 cup goji berries ~3/4 cup cacao nibs ~2 tbsp hemp protein powder ~1 tbsp chia seeds ~2 tbsp coconut oil ~Cacao powder to roll balls in Directions: 1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor until it forms a dough consistency. 2. Form in to balls and roll in the cacao powder (or coconut flakes) to coat. 3. Keep refrigerated.
Blueberry Cacao Smoothie
This yummy smoothie makes for a perfect breakfast with healthy carbs, fats, and protein. Ingredients: ~1 cup frozen blueberries ~2 tbsp cocoa powder ~1 cup power greens blends (spinach, chard and kale mix) ~1 cup milk of choice (almond, coconut, cow, or water) ~1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ~1/4 avocado ~1 scoop protein powder of choice (we like several different options: Vital Proteins collagen protein, Shakeology Vegan Chocolate, Vega Vegan Sport Protein) Directions: 1. Add all ingredients to high speed blender 2. Mix well adding more liquid as needed to get desired consistency 3. Drink and enjoy!
ALL OF THE SUGGESTIONS ABOVE ARE PERFECT WAYS TO START WORKING ON ALIGNING YOUR THROAT CHAKRA SO YOU FEEL MORE OPEN, RECEPTIVE, AND CLEAR ABOUT YOUR INTENTIONS AND YOUR TRUTHS.
If you give any of them a try or have a favorite option please let us know, we love hearing from you, and be sure to check back next month for the Crown Chakra.RESOURCES
- Chakra Tonics - Elise Collins
- Caroline Myss's Free Chakra info
- Chakra Synopsis
- Balancing the Third Eye Chakra from the Herbarium
- Third Eye Chakra Essential Oils
- Alaskan Gem Essences
- Flower Essence Society
- The Herbarium Monographs
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.