Description
Cacao has been used ceremonially for ages- it is a sacred plant that opens the heart and helps us connect lovingly to the web of life around us- there is a reason you bring your lover chocolate! In Mayan tradition it is said the mystical experience of cacao bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, encouraging a sense of peace and unity with nature and the community. As an herb, cacao is a nervous system stimulant- it gives us energy and increases circulation, but from a relaxed parasympathetic state. The constituent that does this, though often confused with caffeine, is theobromine- a mild stimulant, that enhances mood and promotes a sense of well-being without the jittery effects associated with caffeine. Cacao also contains tryptophan. Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, helps regulate mood, sleep, and happiness. By increasing serotonin levels, cacao can elevate your mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate stress, providing a natural pathway to emotional balance. There is no denying chocolate is calming to the spirit and releases feelings of pleasure and joy.
Not only is cacao nourishing to the spiritual heart, the benefits of a regular dose of cacao extend to the physical heart. Rich in flavonoids, cacao supports cardiovascular function by improving blood circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering the risk of heart disease. The presence of magnesium in cacao further aids in relaxing blood vessels, enhancing overall cardiovascular health. The rich and yummy taste of cacao helps bring our senses into the present moment, where healing, connection, and heart energy is available to us.
Studies have shown hawthorne berries improve the tone of the heart muscle, improve oxygen uptake by the heart, improve circulation in the heart, energize the heart cells, and dilate blood vessels in the extremities to reduce strain on the heart. Hawthorn was traditionally used as a wreath to crown the May queen and king at Beltane festivals. The scent of the blossoms was believed to be an aphrodisiac. Hawthorn is a relative of apple, and looks quite similar when blossoming. But if you’ve ever smelled a mayhaw blossom thinking it would smell of apple blossom, you were probably a bit shocked and maybe disappointed. Hawthorn blossoms smell very fleshy- maybe a polite way to put it. Sometimes described as smelling of sex, and other times described as smelling of death. Which really serves to remind us of the connections in those cycles and in the wheel of the year. These are also the times in which our hearts are the most burst open- sex, birth, and death. And a good indication of the way hawthorn helps our hearts to contain and process these emotions and peak times without shutting down. Hawthorn’s association with portals has earned it a magical reputation as carrier of the power of the hinge, opening that which is shut, and shutting that which is open, as the tree deems fit. Hawthorn wisely discerns the right timing for the wounded heart to open.
Damiana is another nervine that helps us relax and release enough tension so that we can sink into enjoying sensual pleasures. Native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America, this flowering herb has deeply warming energetic properties. For centuries, Damiana’s leaves have been prepared in various drinks, tonics, and liqueurs—traditionally consumed during celebrations to boost connection and energize.This may be because Damiana supports healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine within the brain, both of which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and optimal nervous system balance. Damiana is your friend if you live in your head — helping to ease stress and worry, allowing one to better connect with their body, thus supporting deepened physical pleasure. It helps you focus in on and be present with the sensual nature that is already within you by calming and quieting distractions and worries.
Kava is another tropical plant native to the Pacific Islands. The relationship between the Pacific inhabitants and Kava dates back over 3000 years. Indigenous communities not only consumed it for its soothing effects but also intertwined it with their spiritual rituals, welcoming ceremonies, and conflict resolutions. Kava is considered a conduit to the spiritual world. Tribal leaders often consume Kava before seeking guidance or making significant decisions, believing it allows them to communicate with ancestral spirits. Kava assists us in releasing tension and relaxing the mind so that we may sink more fully into our bodies. Kava has long been used to treat stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It relaxes muscles without affecting mental alertness. Contrary to the belief that relaxing agents might cloud one’s thinking, some studies suggest that Kava can enhance cognitive performance and boost attention. It can help those that have trouble “feeling their skin” get in touch with their bodies. Kava has is a diuretic and works particularly well in easing pain in the pelvic region by relaxing the pelvic floor.
Cayenne is used as a synergist here, driving the formula deeper into the body with its spicy heat. Cayenne is a major stimulant of the circulatory system, increasing circulation to every area of the body it comes into contact with. It also strengthens the heartbeat. It can be used protectively during a heart attack, much like an aspirin, to prevent further damage to the heart.
Even before any introduction into herbal medicine, most people know the phrase “stop and smell the roses.” And roses do invite us to slow down, to soften, to open. But roses, too, know how to protect themselves. As soft and open as the petals are, they are able to be so because of the thorns protecting her boundaries. Rose as an herbal medicine assists us to slow down, soften, and enjoy the sweetness of life- AND allows us the protection and space to feel safe in doing so. Because of this, I find rose to be a perfect medicine for those who are having trouble softening or enjoying life after traumatic events. Our rose in this formula is the sweetest and softest of petals infused into glycerine for a yummy treat.
Trillium is included in essence form. Trillium, also known as birthroot or bethroot, has long been utilized for the birthing process as the common name indicates. It was used to tone the uterus for childbirth as well as prevent or stop postpartum hemorrhage. Physically, it is said this action is achieved through strengthening and toning the tendons and ligaments of the pelvis and uterus. When I look at the three petals supported by the three sepals, I can’t help but think of the triple goddess and the life phases of maiden mother and crone. The holy three, living in support and connection of each other. Birth, life, and death. The upper worlds, middle world, and lower worlds. The secrets of 3, 6, and 9 contain the secrets of all the universe according to Tesla. And trillium has the petals, 3 sepals, and 3 leaves. 3,3,3= 9. When I made my first trillium essence (Trillium sessile) I harvested it at 333 (by total accident), and was instructed to blend my essence with another medicine maker’s essence (Trillium erectum), and a third essence of Trillium rugelii. I added a drop of some root of trillium I acquired a few years ago for grounding. Each time I ingested it I was guided to take 3 drops.
The cycles of light and dark and their deep interconnection are contained in trillium. Trillium seeds take around a decade to germinate, half to a whole decade for the resulting plant to mature, and from there 1 flower produces one seed per year. This speaks to me of the long game of cycles and patience. When trillium draws your attention things from years ago may be coming full circle. Trillium is tapped into the long cycles of our lives and the cosmos. Trevor and I have been farming our land for a decade, and for the first time noticed Trillium sessile growing on our street. It has a deep maroon blossom, reaching straight to the stars. After a decade on our current land, we are “seeding” out and making steps to put the first structure on our new land. And right after making the first trillium essence, I found trillium rugelli with its white blossom and crimson center that looks like a star falling to the earth blossoming on our new land.
As I made my trillium essences and deepened my connection with her this spring, she spoke to me of her connection to the stars and the earth (the long game of human evolution). Of kundalini rising, the great mystery, and ancestry- particularly the mother line.
