Plant Wisdom

The intelligence of plants and our bodies never ceases to amaze me. Becoming conscious of the interconnection between humans, our environment and the earth, is one of the most exhilarating and simultaneously grounding experiences. The more you learn, the more a plate of fresh vegetables or a teacup full of flowers and leaves becomes quite awe-inspiring. The more you learn, the more you see the beauty in other humans. It gives respect a whole new depth of meaning.

In learning more about how plants and humans can work together for healing and well-being, I have particularly enjoyed the book Adaptogens by Adriana Ayales of Anima Mundi Herbals. She outlines the most common adaptogens, or plants that work with one’s body chemistry to achieve homeostatic and energetic balance. These plants tend to affect the neuro-endocrine and immune systems, in particular. Many adaptogenic herbs and fungi, like reishi and mucuna, have been used in Eastern medical traditions for centuries but are now being studied in clinical laboratory fashion. Reishi, for instance, is associated with modulating the immune system, decreasing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and protecting the heart and liver, among other effects. Adaptogens can be potent in the treatment of disease but they may interact with other medications or have unintended side-effects - definitely worth a discussion with your healthcare provider! This deep-dive into the power of plants just emphasizes the importance of the whole foods we choose to eat on a daily basis. The possibilities are expansive.

I’ll leave you with this, Adriana’s choice of quote from The Yoga of Herbs:

Within each thing is contained all things. In the seed is the tree; in the tree is the forest. Therefore intelligence is contained implicitly in the many worlds of nature, not only in our human-centered world. Another way of saying this is that consciousness exists in all forms of life. It is the very basis of creation, the power of evolution. Life, creation, and evolution are the stages in the unfoldment of consciousness. There is nothing in existence that is unfeeling, nothing that is profane or unspiritual, nothing without a unique value in the cosmos. Life is relational, interdependent, interconnective, a system of mutual nourishment and care, not only physically, but also psychologically and spiritually.
- Vasant Lad