Cozy Autumn, Festive Winter: Herbal Remedies for the Dark Season

The bright half of the year - from late spring to long summer - seems to move at a dizzying pace when compared to the dark half of the year - fleeting autumn to deep winter - which slows and steadies as light slumbers and the cold takes hold.

We need these bright times and these dark times with all of the mottled light and shadow that dances between. We need time to be speedy and swift just as much as we need time to be unhurried and languid. For me, the space between autumn and winter embodies the pause between the inbreath and outbreath more than any other time of year. Our experience of the pause between inhalation and exhalation, and the end of the old bright year and the birth of the new dark year, can teach us so much about our relationship with rest and being restful.

That place of pause holds a lot of uncertainty - What should I be doing? What should I be thinking? Will I breathe again? What's the point? - and who needs more uncertainty during these already uncertain times? And then, on top of all of the uncertainty, we are supposed to feel restful? There is too much work to do!

And yet, we must rest and learn to be uncomfortable for a moment to experience the length of deep rest. There is a magick in meandering, dreams that only come to us when we've fully relinquished the day, and visions of what might be that only appear after we've gotten a little lost. And then we turn the corner and find ourselves seeing something around and within ourselves for the first time. 

Herbalism, with its connection to time through the rhythms of the year, and the way that healing requires us to move backwards and forwards along our own timelines, is full of supportive herbs and plant allies that help us connect with this pause. While I can't point to a singular reason why working with plants strengthens our ability to engage with our healing pause, I've witnessed again and again, the ways that engaging with a form of healing deeply rooted in our collective ancestral experience gets us to slow down, to pause, and to reconnect. In this place of holy pause we can take a view of life and the ways we are living it not from a place of doing but of being. Plants, with their ability to move with time instead of struggling against it (as we are so prone to do as a species), can be wonderful guides back to this place of pause and steadiness. I find these pauses and ability to rest to make the festive moments of raucous cheer that much brighter and the more challenging periods of winter's dark that much shorter.

With practice, the pause helps us to move swiftly when needed, agilly adjusting to the challenges that come our way, while remaining rooted to our values of care and connection.

So as autumn transforms into winter, I've collected a few of my favorite recipes for this time of year to help us slow down, let go of the weight of what was, and let ourselves get lost in our own becoming.

Autumn to Winter Remedies

The following recipes are formulated as teas but can easily be made into herbal extracts, baths, or other forms of herbal remedies. I’ve crafted them with the transition from (roughly) Sagittarius to Capricorn season in the northern hemisphere and from (roughly) Gemini to Cancer season in the southern hemisphere in mind, but they can easily be adapted or used throughout the year.

image via @purejulie

For When You Need Help Letting Go

Autumn is precious and fleeting - it's a steep narrow path into the deep valley of winter and the more we try to carry what we no longer need with us, the harder the journey can be. The passage between autumn and winter can help us get clear on what helps to carry us along our path versus what weighs us down, along with everything in the muddled middle. One of the intangible aspects of working with plant allies is the way that, through alleviating discomfort and helping us feel better in our bodies, they can illuminate what it is we want, what we need, and what is ready to be let go. Some of my favorite path-illuminators and liberating herbs are Rose (Rosa spp.), which opens the heart to possibility, Peppermint (Mentha piperita), which brings us clarity, and Calendula (Calendula officinalis), which clears out shadows and lights the way ahead.

• 4 parts Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• 1 part Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• ¼ part Rose (Rosa spp.)

image via @purejulia

For When You Need To Wander

The ability to wander, meander, and unfollow, is as valuable as the ability to focus, pursue, and analyze. While it might feel counterintuitive to not try to figure out and name, with precision and finality, what it is we need to heal in our lives, the opportunity to get away from what we know and get a little lost what we don't know can serve us well in the long run. I find that the plant allies that help us wander are ones that are often recommended for dreamwork, such as Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), or ones associated with the Good Folk like Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). I also like to include Fennel (Foeniculum vulgaris), not only because it softens the bitterness of Mugwort's flavor, but it strengthens the compass of our intuition - a good thing to have while we wander. 

• 2 parts Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• 1 part Fennel (Foeniculum vulgaris)

• ½ part Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

image via @purejulia

For When Your Immune System Needs a Boost

As the weather grows cooler and we spend more time indoors with others, our immune systems have to work extra hard to protect us against colds and flus. The work of building up our immunity takes place throughout the year, but we all need extra support with increased exposure to viruses. We can call upon a combination of immunostimulating and immunomodulating herbs to help us through the dark half of the year. Elder (Sambucus nigra) is my favorite immunomodulating herb that I start taking as soon as autumn arrives. I love Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) not just for its flavor but for its ability to warm us up and strengthen our immune system, while Sage (Salvia officinalis) protects against viral infections.

• 4 parts Elder (Sambucus nigra)

• 2 parts Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• ½ part Sage (Salvia officinalis)

🍂

Three simple recipes to help us move from autumn into winter, carrying only what we need so that we can feel free to go where we desire.

You can find more seasonal inspiration for your practice by checking out my autumn wellness apothecary and winter wellness apothecary posts. You can also explore my series on herbal and magickal suggestions for every season.

If you’re looking for more between-the-seasons guides be sure to check out:

• Slow Winter, Soft Spring: Herbal Remedies for the Quiet Season

• Sweet Spring, Bright Summer: Herbal Remedies for the Waking Season

• Joyful Summer, Golden Autumn: Herbal Remedies for the Bright Season

May these days of bluster and change bring clarity to your heart, clearness to your vision, and open up paths of connection back to the people, places, and practices that you feel most at home.

This post was made possible through patron support.
❤︎ Thanks, friends. ❤︎

Make Your Own Lovely Lughnasadh Brew

Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, is the first harvest festival of the wheel of the year.

Traditionally, the day is a time of athletic competition and funeral games in honor of Lugh's foster-mother Tailtu, an ancient earth mother and incredibly powerful queen, who cleared the land in Ireland, died from her efforts, and became the life-sustaining grain that sprang forth from the fields. The intermingling celebrations of life and death is a common theme in both ancient and modern Pagan festivals. Lughnasadh is a reminder to celebrate our harvest and show off the skills we have developed over the previous season. It is also a period to remember the ancestors whose shoulders we stand upon - those who have given their lives in the struggle so that we may be sustained and grow. May we be able vessels of their memories, may we speak their names, and may we carry on their work for the betterment of our communities.

Modern celebrations of Lughnasadh is typically take place between July 31 and August 2. Astrologically speaking, Lughnasadh is marked by the Sun reaching the midpoint of the sign of Leo (or 15 degrees Leo). Which basically means that you can celebrate the First Harvest for a whole week if you like, which would be quite lovely. You can learn more about the significance of Leo within astroherbology over here.

My tea of the season celebrates the slow burning end of summer with some spicy heat and beautiful berries. Make a big community pot to heal the hearts of your kindreds after a long, hot summer season. If you don't have blackberries available, use another local sweet berry in its place - especially if you've harvested them yourself!

The tea features Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) which is an amazing African herb that is a rich source of antioxidants and it's a great daily tonic tea. The tea is a beautiful red color (it's name is Afrikaans for "red bush") and is rich in flavonoids which do all sorts of great things in our body from reducing inflammation and easing tension. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a great digestive herb helping to soothe angry intestines while Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) is well known for its ability to manage blood sugar and is another digestive aid. Black Pepper (Piper nigra) harmonizes and sparks the blend, again, helping with digestion (specifically awakening a sluggish digestive system) and having an overall clearing affect in the body.

Lovely Lughnasadh Brew

Blend together the following herbs:

• 5 parts Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
• 1/2 part Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
• 1/2 part Cinnamon Chips (Cinnamomum spp.)
• 1/4 - 1/8 part Freshly ground Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Add 1 teaspoon to 1 cup of hot water. Then add 2 - 3 Blackberries to each cup of tea and allow to steep for 5 - 7 minutes. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding or reducing the amount of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) or omitting it all together. Want it more sweet? Add more Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). No fresh berries available? (That's a shame.) The tea is still good without them (but really find some berries if you can).  You'll be set for some Lughnasadh feasting with this cuppa in your hands! 

Looking for more recipes? Sure thing! Check out my recipes + tutorials section. You can also find out more about what is ripening in your life, what is changing, and what needs to be given with my First Harvest Tarot Spread.

I hope you have a blessed and magickal first harvest festival! Do you have a favorite Lughnasadh recipe? Share in the comments below!

House of the Heart Tarot Spread

Last month, I wrote about 5 magickal ways to engage plants everyday and one of those ways that I mentioned was through casting cards. I've also recently created three new tea blends (you can get the recipes for free as a member of Magick Mail) and one was a heart-opening brew that sparked the idea for the following tarot spread. So it only seemed right to create a spread working with the plants in one of my new favorite teas.

The House of the Heart tarot spread serves the same purpose as the brew: to blossom the heart, induce wonder, and assist us in opening up to the possibility that there is a sacred home for each one of us. For this spread, I worked with each plant ally to come up with a sacred question to be asked. I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to allow this spread to unfold. Let emotions arise. Sing your songs. Eat good food. Take a healing bath. Call to the plants and thank the spirits of the cards for their guidance. Hold your hand over your heart and say YES.

background image by Alex Blăjan

The House of the Heart Tarot Spread

Before casting your cards, I invite you to hold your hands and deck over your heart and say:

Listen, heart, I know you're there
I feel you, I know you
Listen, Heart, I know you're there
I say yes to all your wisdom
Listen, Heart, I know you're there
Yes, yes, yes!

1. Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus monogyna) asks, "What do you need to feel safe to open your heart?"

2. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) asks, "What do you need to move freely in love?"

3. Damiana (Turnera diffusa) asks, "What is your pleasure?"

4. Elder Flower (Sambucus nigra) asks, "What is the magick of your love?"

5. Rose (Rosa damascena) asks, "What is the house of your heart made of?"

I would love to hear about your experiences with the spread in the comments below! Or share your stories with the hashtag #HouseoftheHeart on instagram. 

My heart journey is carrying me on a wild pursuit of wisdom with plant kindred and tarot spirits as I create my newest ecourse - The Tarot Apothecary! Keep track of the journey, including more plant-infused card-castings, by joining my free and fun Magick Mail.

I wish you love on all your heart journeys!

Manifesting : The Waxing Quarter Moon in Capricorn

In the Lunar Apothecary we explore our relationship to both celestial and terrestrial cycles, including the phases of the Moon. 

As part of your inexpensive and in-depth year-long membership in the Lunar Apothecary, I send out bi-monthly newsletters exploring the upcoming cycles of the Moon as well as herbal practice and plant allies (all of this is in addition to your monthly study guides). If you're ready to deepen your herbal practice and study both the medicinal and magickal powers of traditional western herbal healing and the exciting world of astroherbology, you're invited to join our starry-hearted circle. I am also pleased to announce that payment plans are available for Lunar Apothecary memberships to those who are in financial need - find out more!

The following blog is a sneak peak from one of my latest Moonlight newsletters - enjoy!

It is one of my most favorite times of year, dear Lunas! It is nearing the season of Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere and in my own town we've finally had a slight break in the heat (I might even wear a sweater!). But as the Witch's New Year approaches I focus on living in a way that I want to live in the next year - a bit of manifestation magick! If I want my next year to be full of rest and time outside, for example, I might plan a camping trip or regular outdoor excursions during this time period for a bit of forest bathing. Generally, this is the time of year that I make sure to gather together with family and friends - especially those that live far away. It is a practice of how I want to live my life in the year to come (a mix of restorative retreats and joyful gatherings) and as well as working some manifesting or like-attracts-like magick.

bagby hot springs - photo by author

A question that I ask my clients (and myself!) a lot when they come to me for a wellness consultation is not just "What feels out-of-balance right now?" but "What do you want to feel going forward?"

It can be very easy to focus on everything that feels out of sorts, wrong or just plain crappy (or maybe fancy crappy if it's been that sort of year). While I don't believe that having "negative" thoughts will only manifest negativity in your life (that can lead to blaming and shaming of victims of trauma and further traumatization), I do know that our emotions and thoughts have a physical impact on our wellbeing. If you're interested in the current scientific explorations about the connection between our emotional and physical wellbeing check out the fascinating field of psychoneuroimmunology. As herbalists we've known about these interconnections for quite some time because herbs work in an interconnected way in our bodies. It is no surprise, for example, that many herbs that relieve digestive complaints are also fantastic nervines as so often indigestion can result from stress or bring on stress (usually a combination of both). Recognizing the inherent interconnections between our body and our environment, we begin to return home to ourselves.

Much of the energy of Capricorn is about coming home, but coming home in unexpected ways.

So when I ask folks "What do you want to feel moving forward?" it is not uncommon for them not to have an answer or to find the question very challenging. Feeling well and whole is feeling at home, so when we lose that feeling of wellness and wholeness it can be very easy to lose sight of where home is and how to get back there. Often what has worked for us before either no longer works or we've forgotten what has felt like home to us before. When we ask, and more importantly answer, the question of what we want to feel we begin to reconnect to our inner compass that will help guide us back to ourselves. It can be really friggin' hard work, Lunas, but I know that many of you know that already. It is still work that needs to done and it is so rewarding in the long run.

bagby hot springs - photo taken by author

What do you want to feel moving forward, Luna?

There is no one answer to this question and that is important to remember. I know that for some folks they want to feel "happy" whatever that might look for them, but I often find that first folks want to or need to feel really, truly, uninhibitedly sad or angry or wild first. Because it is acceptable to feel happy and to want to feel happy - but that is what is expected and we're dealing with the unexpected homecoming energies of Capricorn. Sometimes we need to feel angry and rage a bit in the process of coming home. Want it, Luna. Sometimes we need to grieve and let our heart break open. Call it to you, Luna. Be honest, be accountable, find what you want and to heck with the expectations of others and dominant cultural narratives that don't align with your values. Work your magick, Luna.

In the process, invite in green allies who help you connect with what you want by supporting strength and wholeness in all parts of your selves. It is not just Capricorn but all of the signs of earth that deal with concepts and experiences of home. I recently wrote about a Virgo herb, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and the type of person that it best serves (Virgo is particularly good with coming home to community and healing spaces).

Fennel is not only excellent at offering aid to those folks who not only experience digestive complaints stemming from a dried-out digestive system, but also for folks who are stressed-out worriers who lack a sense of security in the world.

Fennel folk struggle to feel like they can move freely through their day and that there are too many restrictions placed on them (whether self-imposed, inflicted by relationships or a combination thereof). Fennel folks begin to forget things that they need to do, adding to their feeling of playing catch-up all the time. Fennel will help them to take stock of the stressors in their lives, release it, and digest their emotions instead of stuffing them down. They will learn how to find the core of their need and truth under the layers of worry, stress, and anxieties. Fennel helps to bring us home to ourselves by simply holding up a mirror to who we are and letting us see ourselves.

We have spoken about homecoming before in the Lunar Apothecary, dear Lunas, and we will continue to do so as it is such a central component of herbal healing. What herb will help you to come home to yourself and manifest that which you want to feel in the world? Be sure to check out the Waxing Moon in Capricorn Ritual and Recipe which are all about manifestation for help and inspiration in calling your desire to you (both are available in the Lunar Apothecary). Find your remedy, Luna.

Ready for more herbal healing + magick in your life?
Heck yeah!

Be sure to check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including other samples from my Lunar Apothecary Moonlight newsletters. In the meantime, clever ones, I wish you well in all your manifestations, co-creations, delicious destructions, and the wild-hearted way you bring wisdom to the world. ❤

Virgo: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Virgo!

I will be exploring all twelve signs from a medical astrology perspective with an emphasis on herbal healing. Learn more about the series and what all the correspondences mean check out the introduction to the Astroherbology Zodiac Series. Missed the other signs of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Element: Earth
Mode: Mutable
Guardian Planet: Mercury
Direction: West
Season: Autumn (NH), Spring (SH)
House: 6th House / Cadent
Lunar Mansions: 12th Mansion, 13th Mansion, + 14th Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Moss Agate
Tarot: The Hermit, the Magician, 8 of Pentacles (8/23 - 9/1), 9 of Pentacles (9/2 - 9/11), 10 of Pentacles (9/12 - 9/22), King of Pentacles
Tissue State: Tense Tissue State (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Abdomen. Gut brain and intelligence. Intestines, lower liver (especially the purifying functions), alimentary canal, spleen. Digestive enzymes. Absorption and assimilation. The nervous system as related to digestion. Diaphragm. Spleen. Pancreas.

Imbalances + Diseases: Indigestion, malnutrition, intestinal weakness and disease, colic, constipation and diarrhea, flatulence, colitis, ulcers, acidity and reflux. Nervous stomach and indigestion caused by emotional upset. Irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis. Intestinal parasites, worms, and dysentery. Hernias and ulcers. Dysfunctional liver. Pancreatic diseases including pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis. Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and blood sugar issues. Thymus and immune system dysfunction. Hernias of the diaphragm. Melancholy, anxiety, and depression. Premature gray hair. Hepatitis. High-strung energy. Overly critical, picky, and trivial. Selfish and difficulty feeling sympathetic. Workaholic, neurotic, self-denying, and lack self-confidence. Obsession with “cleanliness” from germs to deep feelings of being “dirty” or what is labeled “disgusting.” Too fastidious and feeling confused. Not listening to their gut.

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: duodenum; 2 degrees: small intestine; 3 degrees: appendix, caecum, appendicitis; 4 degrees: ascending colon, appendicitis, asthma; 5 degrees: transverse colon, asthma; 6 degrees: descending colon; 7 degrees: rectum; 8 degrees: abdominal cavity; 9 degrees: right hepatic lobe, rheumatic fever; 10 degrees: left hepatic lobe, bile, enteric fever, rheumatic fever; 11 degrees: falciform, coronary, ligament of the liver, bile; 12 degrees: abdominal aorta; 13 degrees: hepatic arteries; 14 degrees: cystic arteries, feet; 15 degrees: bare area of liver, feet; 16 degrees: groover for inferior vena cava, appendicitis; 17 degrees: abdominal muscles, appendicitis, diabetes; 18 degrees: oblique abdomen muscles, appendicitis, diabetes; 19 degrees: esophageal groove; 20 degrees: bile duct; 21 degrees: cystic duct, enteric fever; 22 degrees: gall bladder, insanity, appendicitis; 23 degrees: capsule, ligaments of liver, spine, appendicitis, defective vision; 24 degrees: capsule and ligaments of liver, defective vision, cancer, gout; 25 degrees: liver, cancer, gout, arthritis, neurasthenia; 26 degrees: abdominal veins, suicide, neurasthenia; 27 degrees: iliac veins, chronic glomerulonephritis, Bright’s disease, eczema, tuberculosis, diabetes; 28 degrees: hepatic plexus, tuberculosis, Bright’s disease, eczema, tuberculosis, diabetes, drowning; 29 degrees: quadrate lobe of liver, tuberculosis, drowning; 30 degrees: hepatic duct.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Virgo: Inviting a softer perspective on life beyond “this or that” or “clean or dirty.” Creating spaces of healing through your organizational gifts. Finding a cause to be of service to or pursuing a healing, service-oriented discipline.

Gifts of Virgo: Purification, practicality, discernment, organization, analytical pursuits, discipline, health-conscious, and efficient.

Rituals of Virgo: Healing and creating new healthy habits, goal-setting, creating functional systems of change and well-being, developing discernment.

Virgo Guardian Herbs: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Bee Balm (Monarda spp.).

Virgo Remedy Herbs: Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Milky Oat (Avena sativa).

Flower + Gem Essences: Fig (Ficus carica), Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum), Rock Water (Aqua petra), Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Crab Apple (Malus pumila), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Moss Agate, Amazonite.

The Sun in Virgo

Stubbornly kind might be one of the most succinct way of describing Virgos. I think it is interesting to know that the Virgin has not always been the default symbol of Virgo. Judith Hill has pointed out that the one of the alternatives to the symbol of the “Virgin” for Virgo was that of the donkey (blessed be the Sacred Donkey of Holiness). I agree with her, that the donkey, which is a highly intelligent, herd-oriented animal that is stubborn and ready for challenge describes Virgo better than that of a mystical virgin. Not because a virgin is any less powerful or clever, but because there a virgin is a person “unto themselves” while most Virgos, even through their stubborn grumpiness, are far more community-oriented. 

I think many Virgos are identified as and would self-identify as introverted, but I think there is something a little more complicated going on. First of all, none of us are solely introverted or solely extroverted - we’re all some sort of mix, no matter how slight. Instead of understanding introverts and extroverts as “the quiet ones vs the loud ones” I think it is more useful to understand where each seeks recognition or feedback most of the time. Introverts are often more directed to seek inner feedback and self-recognition, or those same things from a much smaller group of people, whereas an extrovert often seeks feedback and recognition outside of themselves or from a much larger group of folks. So how does this tie back into our beloved Virgos? Virgo folk can appear to be introverted since many tend to be more quiet (initially, at least, when meeting them), but because of their community-bound loyalty, they act far more like extroverts when seeking feedback, recognition, and satisfaction with self. Such a disposition is part of the reason Virgo folk make such good community healers, organizers, and heart-centered rabble-rousers - they feel deeply and are acutely aware of the needs of others at the same time. They get in trouble when they misplace their loyalty, overcommit, and feel a lot, but don’t take time to really understand what they are feeling.

Virgo folk have to be very conscious of not getting in their own way. They can be detail-oriented to a fault, have difficultly seeing the broader vision, and let their stubbornness turn into stonewalling. They have to learn how to be flexible, give way, let go, and be gentle with themselves as much as they are to others in their most centered moments. Once they get over their skepticism and tone down their cynicism, their magick can finally have enough space to unfold. For Virgo folk teach us how to create the healing temples and spaces we so desperately need in these times of growing complexity and conflict. They remind us, as wisely mutable earth signs, to come home to ourselves again and again, wherever that home may be.

Within medical astrology Virgo folk need to be very conscious of their digestive help and paying attention to their second “belly brain.” A disturbed digestive process, from missing a meal or chronic issues of malabsorption, can lead to disease and illness. Virgo folk need to provide themselves with the same healing and attentive care that they provide others in order to experience longevity. The sign does have a tendency towards melancholy and retention of emotions, so making sure that they are practicing regular release-oriented activities in their life (whether exercising by spending time in the woods or a beautiful city park or regular therapy). Good food choices are paramount. The gifts of Virgo folk are discerning what we really need in a noisy world, practicing balanced selflessness in service of others, and living the wisdom that Sweet Honey in the Rock has so succinctly summarized, “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Virgo Guardian Herbs

Fennel from Koehler's Medicinal-plants (1887)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Many Virgo herbs are fragrant and sweet with just the right amount of bitter and usually containing a high volatile oil content. They are herbs meant to sweeten the disposition as well as the digestion, which Fennel does very well. A classic carminative, Fennel soothes inflamed intestines, alleviates nausea, clears toxins from the gut, and relieves cramping. Chew the seeds after meals to relieve flatulence and distention of the gut because of gas and irritation. For those with sluggish and stagnant digestion (which can be brought on by the tightening and dampening effect of the Tense tissue state that Virgo folk are prone to), Fennel can help to reignite the digestive fires.

As a sign of Mercury, Virgo guards our body’s physical intelligence, including the second brain in our gut as well as our consciousness filter or the brain settled in our skull. Fennel helps nourishes both brain centers by acting as a nervine on an overworked nervous system (and it is very, very common for Virgo folk to be overworked).

Fennel also supports the gift of Virgo folk which is learning how to be a source of nourishment for others within a balanced and healing context. One way that Fennel does this in the body is by supporting breast/chest feeding by increasing milk flow, alleviating mastitis and clearing out tension and obstructions in the body. Ultimately, Fennel is very calming and grounding and helps us to glow from the inside out.

Virgo Remedy Herbs

Lavender by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

When Virgo folks feel out of balance, Lavender can be a great herb to help them find their center again. The herb reduces anxiety, soothes the nerves, alleviates agitation, and has an overall calming effect on the mind, body, and spirit. While Thyme is a warming digestive herb (discussed further in the full Virgo profile in the Lunar Apothecary), Lavender is a cooling digestive herb, when the digestion is too hot, leading to nausea, heartburn, and irritation of body and mood. 

Lavender is similar to Lemon Balm (which we look at in-depth in the Lunar Apothecary) in its ability to uplift the mood and release poor self-esteem. It is excellent for stress and tension accompanied by headaches and migraines.  The herb is also clearing - clearing congestion from the chest, remnants of colds from the body, and brain fog from the head. The topical uses of Lavender seem endless and it fulfills its duties as a topical panacea well. The herb can be used for a variety of skin irritations such as eczema (a common skin complaint for Virgo folks), bug bites, burns, infections, varicosities, and acne. It relieves the pain of arthritis, bumps, bruises, and sprains, and it excellent in baths and steams. In mouthwashes it is great for infections of the mouth and throat, including tonsillitis and mouth ulcers.

Sun in Virgo Flower Essence

image via wikipedia

Moss Agate is an earthy, grounding stone for our earthy Virgo folk. It enhances their ability to ground and, more importantly, re-connects them to their ability to ground when they are too caught up in their heads. Moss Agate is the security of forest floor and rock bed, breeding in our spirit a mobility of gentleness that allows our soul to move while still feeling secure. It is very useful for Virgo folks who have forgotten or denied their inherent earthiness. Moss Agate is especially good as dissolving the false dichotomy of nature versus culture. The essence is for when someone is afraid to come home again, helping them to re-connect to the gift of profound vulnerability.

Ready to learn more?

• Check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including Starry-Hearted + Wild-Rooted: An Introduction to Astroherbology which includes additional study resources and the other posts in myAstroherbology series.

• Need a visual guide? Starmaps: The Astrological Body is for you!

• The Lunar Apothecary is a full length course using the tools of moon-centered herbalism and ritual to help you discover who you are as a healer.