Also known as Holy Tulsi, basil is an herb, a species of the small mint plant, considered pious in India and the leaves of basil have numerous oil glands with aromatic volatile oil. The Sanskrit name, Tulasi, comes from Vishnu’s wife who took on the form of this herb when she came to earth. Along with being sacred, the leaves of basil have great medicinal value and can be used to treat a variety of ailments and diseases. It has antioxidant properties, which help in boosting up the body’s ability to fight off damaging free cells. It strengthens the immune system, helps the body to fight the effects of ongoing stress by balancing the mind, nerves and emotions.
Basil stimulates the lungs, warms the body, calms the stomach and dries dampness. It is used in treatment of acne, asthma, anxiety, colds, constipation, coughs, depression, headache, nausea, rheumatism. Topically, it can be used as poultice to treat insect bite and ringworm. Basil has an energizing aromatherapeutic effect once the essence is released through crushed leaves. In flower essence, basil helps one put aside things that no longer serve one’s purpose and promotes integrity and self-nurturing. In many cultures, basil is considered an herb of protection and used to attract prosperity and luck.
Positive Qualities: Integration of spirituality and sexuality into sacred wholeness
Imbalances: Loss of connection to self, spirit and sexuality
One of the most important phenols in the plant world,
Rue is capable of a number of applications, the most prominent on the vascular system; lowering blood pressure,
relieving stress, hypertension, capillary fragility, and increasing circulation in lungs, uterus, intestines and stomach.
It is use to calm the nerves ease spasms and reduce pain.
It can also be used to rid parasite. Can have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-tumor qualities.
Thanks to it rutin content, it can be prepared as an eyewash
or a poultice to treat gout, headache, joint soreness, tendonitis and wounds. Fresh leaves can relieve a headache.
A member of the Aster family, this golden-orange flower looks like a piece of the sun fallen to earth. Marigolds bloom through the length of summer.
It is chiefly used as a local remedy for wounds, including burns and lacerations, glandular problems such as lymphatic stagnation or swollen glands and as a general immune tonic. As a bacteriostatic, it does not kill bacteria but rather contains it thus keeping wound clean and allowing the body to cure itself.
As it helps heal the wound from inside out, it helps prevent formation of scar tissue if used in timely manner. It is useful in chronic ulcer, varicose veins and was considered to have much value as an aperient and detergent in visceral obstructions and jaundice.
It has been asserted that a Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is useful for sprains and wounds, and a water distilled from them is good for inflamed and sore eyes.
An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is employed in fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption - a decoction of the flowers is much in use in country districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Marigold flowers are in demand for children's ailments. The leaves when chewed at first communicate a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste. The expressed juice, which contains the greater part of this pungent matter, has been given in cases of sluggish digestion and constipation. Snuffed up the nose it excites sneezing and a discharge of mucous from the head.
Positive Qualities: Healing warmth and receptivity, especially in the use of the spoken word and in dialogue with others
Imbalance: Using cutting works, argumentative, lack of receptivity in communication in others.
Hibiscus cools the body, nourishes and soothes tissues and helps eliminate excess fluid in the body. It also has mild infection-fighting properties. Used in treatment of bladder infection, cancer, constipation, cough, diarrhea, fever, heart ailments, liver disorders, hypertension, and neurosis. As a healing wash, it can be used for eye infections, itchy skin and wounds.
Red hibiscus restores the soul’s sexual vitality and authenticity. Creates flowing warmth throughout body and soul, healing heart wounds, easing broken love relationships, or any relationship needing restoration.
"Near your heart, there is an open flower.
Drink the honey that is all around it."
Kabir , 15th Century poet-weaver-saint, as translated by Robert Bly
The plants for your specific bath will be selected in your pre consultation via phone or email, once I have an idea of what you would like to work on. I prepare the herbs and plants are tailored just for your bath according to need.
Here are a few other herbs and plants that Spritiual Bathers use:
Jack Ass Bitters, Jasmine, St. John’s Wort, Sage, Yarrow, Daisy, Lavender,Thyme, Rosemary, Pine Tree, Cedar Tree,
Rose Hips, Rose, Mugwort, Dandy-lion, Linden, Wild Yam, Angelica, Burdock, Oregano, Lemon/Lime blossoms.
Sources of information for this page were found in these excellent reference books:
The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine by Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
The Book of Herbal Wisdom, Using Plants as Medicine by Matthew Wood
Flower Essence Repertory by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz
The 9th International Herb Symposium UPS Rosemary Gladwater