ENHANCE YOUR MEDITATIONS WITH THESE HERBS
Harry Styles, the world-famous singer, once said the following about meditating: "Sleep and meditation are a big part of my routine, whether I'm at home, in the studio or on the road. Rest and recovery are just as important as doing the work. Finding a balance has been endlessly beneficial for both my physical and mental health."
Of course, he is far from the only one who has made meditating a regular part of his/her day. Logical too, since meditations bring several benefits. According to this scientific study by Istvan Schreiner and James P. Malcolm, meditating can even reduce depression, anxiety and stress. Herbs can help with this, David Winston' s book Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief shows. So improve your meditations with these herbs!
Cannabis
Cannabis has been used in spiritual rituals in China since the 6th century, as you read in this study. Buddhists who meditated used it, among others. Other cultures have also used cannabis as part of ceremonies, including in Catalonia, Spain, as you read in this study. If you want to meditate with cannabis, it is important to take microdoses. In general, you would do well to take a maximum of half of what you are used to. By the way, the following strains of cannabis are suitable for better meditations:
Note: Cannabis is a controlled substance. Always check local laws and start with a low dose. The effects vary from person to person, especially with meditation.
Nettle
Touching nettle in nature is no fun, as it stings and leaves a nasty itch. Yet this herb also has several benefits, with this study by Dennis J. Baumgardner showing that preparations and extracts of nettles can be used to treat diabetes, asthma and osteoarthritis, among others. It also contains many nutrients and minerals. In addition, nettle can make for better meditations, which is why it may be a good idea to drink this tea, for example, before you start meditating.
Passionflower
Passionflower is known as a good sedative that has been used for years by Indian tribes and others, according to this research. Many people take it as a tea, but you can also use this extract. According to this study, you can treat anxiety and depression with it. Passion flower can also improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, according to this study. This is why it is a good idea to drink passion flower tea before you start your meditation before going to sleep. You can then have a good meditation first without feeling anxious and then have a nice deep sleep.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is one of the ingredients of our After E, which you use to revive yourself after taking XTC. So that's basically how you limit your hangover. However, you can also use Gotu Kola to meditate better. This herb grows in Himalayas and is taken by many natives of India. Yogis have also been using it for a long time. Gotu Kola users experience it as calming which makes for better meditations because it gives mental calm and clarity, according to this study by Steve Horne and Paula Perretty.
Note: Some statements, such as those about Gotu Kola, are based on user experiences and not on broad scientific evidence. Use herbs consciously and when in doubt, consult an expert.
Calea Zacatechichi
Calea Zacatechichi is a herb that has been used for centuries by Mexican indigenous people to improve dreaming. This research shows that this actually happens when you take this herb, but Calea Zacatechichi may also be suitable to take before meditating. This is because it increases your mental clarity, which means you can focus more on meditation.
Meditation can be a powerful tool for both your mental and physical well-being, and herbs can further enhance this experience. Whether you choose cannabis for deep relaxation, nettle for nutrients, passion flower for tranquillity, Calea Zacatechichi for mental clarity or Gotu Kola for conscious focus-each herb has its unique benefits. By incorporating the right herbs into your meditation practice, you can deepen your sessions and optimise their effects. Experiment and discover which herbs work best for your personal meditation needs!
Disclaimer: The information in this article on herbs to support meditation is for educational and informational purposes only. While herbs can have certain relaxing and focus-enhancing properties, it is important to remember that their effects can vary from person to person. Therefore, use herbs wisely and listen to your body. In case of doubt or unwanted reactions, discontinue use and contact a healthcare professional.
