Finding mental tranquility and peace of mind can be challenging at times. These are often the only things required to improve your overall health and achieve peak well-being. Achieving better health can be a long and bumpy road, and for most people, meditation offers an avenue to find an equilibrium between the body, spirit, and soul.
The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation, also referred to as mind sharpening, is not a new practice. It has been around for centuries. People from various cultures use meditation to exercise their minds and improve concentration. Nonetheless, aside from sharp focus, meditation has a plethora of other advantages.
Some of the well-known advantages of meditating are:
- Relieves stress
- Increased self-awareness
- Improves physical health
Regular yoga practice and mindful meditation can help your mind and body become more balanced. Most of the benefits of meditation, if you haven’t guessed by now, require consistency. As a result, some individuals use herbs and various Sativa strains to help with the process.
Meditating with Herbs
Herbs for meditation, in general, have a calming effect on the nervous system. They also improve one’s sense of well-being and alleviate anxiety. As a result, they contribute to the required calmness during meditation sessions. You can use a variety of herbs to enhance your meditation. To achieve desired results, regardless of your choice, you must practice patience, maintain a keen sense of awareness, and regulate your breathing.
Below are five herbs that might help you achieve the best results from meditation.
1. Cannabis
Cannabis has been used in spiritual rituals since the 6th century in medieval China. It was popular among Buddhists practicing meditation back then. On the other hand, various cultures throughout history and today have used marijuana to lessen aversion and facilitate participation in ceremonies or rituals. Cannabis is marketed in multiple strains through various channels, once such among is “Weedsmart”. As a result, it is critical to determine your body’s level of tolerance carefully.
When taking marijuana for meditation, you should take it in microdoses. Otherwise, it can easily cause a sleepy head or a wandering mind. This is why the dosage is so important. You’ll need to ingest barely half of what you can handle. It would be best if you consumed edibles 30-60 minutes before your session starts.
Meditation-Friendly Cannabis Strains
Some of the best Sativa and Indica strains to use for meditation:
- The Hindu Kush
- Lamb’s bread
- Blue Cheese
- Jack Flash
- Northern Lights
When taken, each of these strains has a slightly different effect. You can play around with them to find the best cannabis strain for you.
2. Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is a member of the parsley family. It is valued highly in India as one of the country’s integral spiritual herbs. Gotu Kola can be found growing naturally in some areas of the Himalayas. Yogis were among the first to employ it for meditation and yoga. Some claim it helps to strengthen the crown chakra and balance the right and left-brain hemispheres. A close examination of the Gotu Kola leaf reveals a striking similarity to the brain’s two hemispheres.
The herb can mildly stimulate the mind and nourish the body’s nervous system. The Gotu Kola herb’s leaf and root both contain constituents that promote neurotransmitter function.
3. Nettle
Unlike Gotu kola and cannabis, Nettle is a stinging plant. It has several stinging hairs on its leaves and stems. However, after processing, it is safe to consume. Nettle is high in nutrients like vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and E when processed. Besides that, it is an excellent source of minerals such as calcium and iron.
You can efficiently bring your attention to your different life aspects that are uncomfortable with Nettle. Taking it before your medications allows your mind to reflect on challenging life experiences. As a result, the experiences and lessons gained from these memories will help you grow.
4. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is famous for its ability to strengthen the bond between the heart and the mind. It is a plant used by individuals who are in a state of grief to find solace. Hawthorn leaves were traditionally used by cultures such as Indigenous Americans and the Chinese. After a long day, meditation can be a complicated process. Throwing in Hawthorn leaves, on the other hand, can help clear your clogged mind of any bad feelings and boost your mood. You only need a few droppers of Hawthorn extract before commencing your meditation session.
5. Chamomile
This is a gentle herb that is also very effective. Chamomile, like its warm nature, will help to calm and soothe you. During meditation, feelings of lethargy and racing thoughts are common. Chamomile can be an excellent catalyst for calming any grumpy emotions. To get into a meditative and relaxed state, all you have to do is take Chamomile tea.
Final Thought
If this is your first time using herbs for meditation, proceed with caution. Use every new experience as an opportunity to learn new things about your body. Then, be open to growth opportunities that the meditation experience will provide for your mind and body!