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 third chakra, the Heart Chakra, so this month is all about the fifth chakra:
THE THROAT CHAKRA
The throat chakra, called Vishuddhi in Sanskrit which means ‘to purify’, it is also known as the ‘purification center’ of the body. With the throat chakra comes the expression of all emotions, thoughts, feelings, and the creative self. While it is often said that actions speak louder than words, we must never dismiss the power that words have in our lives. Speaking words can easily do harm to others, just as much as they can be a balm that soothes the soul. 
The throat chakra is all about being able to know and speak our truth in this world. It is about knowing who we are, what we believe in, and most importantly, what we stand for and how we present ourselves in the world When we are unsure of ourselves and what we think or believe, then we are unable to speak to others about what we think or feel, and this inability to speak paralyses us and can ultimately do ourselves harm, allowing us to be open to the influences of others. This also comes in to play when not speaking up for others who are being harmed, as this too will eventually cause harm to us as another human on this planet. Words carry power, and that power is not to be taken lightly. Speaking untruths (lies) or saying things meant to harm another person will always come back to harm you in the end, which is why we must always be careful with our words before we speak them. The throat chakra is the meeting place between our heart and our mind, which is representative of the fact that both must be consulted before we speak words. If you think something that does not mean it needs to be said out loud before first considering with your heart the emotional effects of the words you are about to say. Both the mind and the heart need to be in balance before the throat can be in balance. The throat's chakra also governs our outward self-expression. Through our art, our music, our dance, our work, our clothes, and any other forms of creative self expression, the throat chakra is the place where our internal energy and self comes out of the body for all others to see. When the throat chakra is in balance a person will feel contentment, be centered in the present, have a good sense of timing (can be a good speaker), an awareness of time, a pleasant voice, be a good communicator, be musically or artistically inspired, be expressive and prolific, have an understanding of spiritual concepts, have an ability to meditate or experience Divine Energy When the throat chakra is deficient a person may be timid, overly quiet, inconsistent, unreliable, loses track of time, devious, inability to express emotions well, be nervous When the throat chakra has excessive energy a person may be self righteous, be overly talkative, be dogmatic or overly religious, have addictive tendencies, and possibly be dominating The main words associated with the throat chakra are "I Speak My Truth". In our True Throat 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 THROAT CHAKRA
Basil essential oil is gently energizing and helps stimulate the mind to help one focus on a task. It is included in this blend because it is difficult for one to truthfully express one's self if they do not know their own mind about a particular situation, so the inclusion of basil helps you to clear your mind so can speak your truth. Chamomile essential oil is available from two different species of chamomile, Roman and German chamomile species. Both chamomiles are wonderfully calming and relaxing to the body, which is particularly helpful for those who suffer from anxiety, which can impair the ability to speak your truth. Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile)tends to be the less expensive oil compared to the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or recrutitia), however the German chamomile, also called Blue Chamomile, produces an essential oil that is a rich color blue due to it’s high Azulene content, making it have a particular affinity for the throat chakra. Cypress essential oil is an oil of clarity and purpose. It’s refreshing scent helps to open up an clear blocked channels in the body, both physically and emotionally. It’s affinity for the lungs and breath make it particular to help the throat express the words it needs to express. These three oils make up the blend we use in the True Throat chakra sprays & rollers. Some other common oils used for balancing the throat chakra are Bergamot, Clary sage, Eucalyptus, Fir, Peppermint, Pine, Ravensara, Ravintsara, Sage, Spearmint, and Spruce.
GEM ESSENCES FOR THE THROAT CHAKRA
The following gems with pictures are a part of the True Throat chakra sprays. The last one, Sodalite, is the actual roller ball that is a part of the True Throat Perfume Roller Azurite - strengthens a nurturing connection between the feminine Earth forces and the 5th chakra; helps us communicate without depleting our physical vitality; helps us speak with authenticity, gentleness, and balance. Lapis Lazuli - opens and regulates channels of communication; connects the hearing ability of the 5th chakra with the innate knowing and wisdom of the 6th chakra; strengthens our ability to speak with the authority of the higher self; helps us communicate information of a higher nature in a clear and understandable way; great for speakers, teachers, intuitive practitioners and writers. Sapphire - helps us connect to the energetic support we need to do the work we came here to do; helps us move to a deeper level of inner work and life experience; promotes loyalty to action that serves our highest truth; strengthens commitment to Divine purpose. Star Sapphire - helps us increase our level of trust in the universe; helps focus our awareness on the next steps of our soul’s evolution; helps us make energetic and physical connections that support the realization of our destiny. Here are some others you can work with:
HERBS FOR THE THROAT CHAKRA
Sage – the ultimate cleansing herb, it can be used in multiple ways to help with the throat chakra. When burned as a smudge, it clears the energetics (and physical) space with its smoke, removing any negative energy and allowing for more clear communication. As a tea, sage is highly anti-microbial and can help with sore throats and mucus-filled lungs which impair your ability to speak. This should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Clary sage – noted as a premier hormone balancer for women, clary sage is clearing like its cousin above but with far gentler properties. Internally it helps to clear hormones and emotions that may be ‘clouding’ the body to allow one to see and feel themselves and their true emotions. Thyme – another antimicrobial and lung clearing herb, thyme is excellent for opening up the respiratory tract to allow for better movement of the breath and speech through the body. Chamomile – calming to the whole system, chamomile is perfect for those who experience anxiety and can be safely drunk by anyone at any age and stage of life. Slippery Elm – a classic herb for soothing a sore and irritated throat, this herb is excellent at its job, however, there are some sustainability concerns around this plant, so be sure to always find a good reputable source for this one or use the next herb as a replacement. Marshmallow – a moistening and soothing herb, marshmallow makes an excellent replacement for slippery elm. Use when the body is dry, tense, and in need of cooling moisture to help bring relaxation back into the tissues. Pleurisy Root – named for the condition is was historically used to treat, pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleural membranes of the lungs that cause tightness and difficulty breathing. This herb is a favorite of ours in Colorado during the hot and dry wildfire season and it helps bring moisture back into the lungs making it easier for one to take full, deep, and cleansing breaths. Stillingia – this herb is specifics for taught, red, and dry throat membranes (such as those felt with Strep infections) and can bring immediate relief to these symptoms when used.
FLOWER ESSENCES FOR THE THROAT CHAKRA
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 Throat Chakra Calendula - helps with sensitivity to the meaning of the other person's words; warmth and healing in interpersonal communications Cosmos - brings an integration of ideas and speech; helps with coherent thinking Heather - the perfect essence for those affected by too much talking, usually due to feelings of emptiness and a need to connect with others Larch - brings in self-confidence, creative expression, ability to be spontaneous and take risks, helps those who lack confidence, have expectations of failure, self-censorship, and are unable to find one's voice or speak one's convictions Scarlet Monkeyflower - helps with direct and clear communication of deep feelings, especially anger or disappointment, integration of the emotional “shadow” Snapdragon - brings in lively, dynamic energy; healthy libido; verbal communication which is emotionally balanced Trumpet Vine - helps one have articulate and colorful in verbal expression; active, dynamic projection of oneself in social situations
FOODS FOR THE THROAT CHAKRA
The throat chakra is associated with the color blue, so any blue foods are going to bring energy and awareness to this part of your body. Additionally, because the thyroid is to closely linked to the throat chakra, feed that contains iodine, such as kelp, dulse, nori, spirulina, and any of the other sea veggies are very helpful for the throat chakra.HERE ARE A FEW RECIPES FOR THE THROAT CHAKRA.
Blueberry Lemonade (from the Food Network)
- 3 cups blueberries
- 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Place the blueberries and sugar in a blender and puree.
- Place the lemon juice and water in a pitcher and strain the pureed blueberries through a medium-mesh sieve into the pitcher.
- Stir well and pour into tall ice-filled glasses
Vegan Blueberry Latte Smoothie
Blueberries and Café Latte Vegan Protein may seem like an odd combination at first, but after one sip of this Vegan Blueberry Latte smoothie, you’ll see that you’ve been missing out on a stellar pairing this whole time! Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup ice
- 1 scoop Café Latte Vegan Shakeology
- ½ cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries
- Place almond milk, ice, Shakeology, and blueberries in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
Blue Majik Smoothie
- 4-6 ounces coconut milk (start with less and add more to blend ingredients if necessary)
- ¼ avocado
- 1 banana, sliced & frozen
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- 1 scoop Vanilla protein powder (our favorite is the Vegan Vanilla Shakeology with two scoops of the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. You could use the Vital Proteins on it's own for an unflavored option, or give the Vega Sport Protein a try)
- ½-1 teaspoon Blue Majik spirulina
RESOURCES
- Chakra Tonics - Elise Collins
- Caroline Myss's Free Chakra info
- Chakra Synopsis
- Balancing the Throat Chakra from the Herbarium
- Throat Chakra Essential Oils
- Alaskan Gem Essences
- Flower Essence Society
- Whole Detox program