Back to the roots

As stated earlier, it is important to support those who are dealing with mental illness, no matter how they chose to do so. There are many forms of treatment and we should be careful not to judge those who differ from us. For this project I have mostly worked with natural products like plants and spices and therefore I want to continue with that in this artwork as well.

I did some research about plants and herbs that are used in homeopathic medicine to treat anxiety and depression. These plants and herbs have been studied and medically proven to help relive some symptoms of anxiety and depression. But always consult you doctor first to check if it is safe to use in conjunction with any other medicine that you might be taking.

Although these plants and herbs might have physical stress releasing properties, they also carry spiritual meanings in some religions and cultures.

Ashwanganda

Spiritual meaning : Strength, happiness , passion and clarity

The aswanganda plants has broad leaves with a small redish / orange flower. The root of the plants is used by creating a powderthat is traditionally mixed with ghee, honey, or water and either ingested or applied to the local where there is inflammation. This helps to lower blood pressure as well as anxiety levels.

Lavender

Spiritual meaning: Purification, knowledge, clarity, beauty, love , longevity , luck

This beautiful lpurple ower is used in a variety of ways to help manage stress and anxiety. It is also a great antiseptic to treat burn wounds as well as to sooth aches and pains. Some people use the lavender essential oils in beauty products or others use in in their foods and drinks as a flavorant.

Green tea

Spiritual meaning: Longlevity, healing, passion, purification, love

The leaves of this plant is dried and used to make tea. It contains a lot of antioxidants and is often used to lower cholesterol levels and improve your heart. Green tea has been used in a of variety of Chinese and Indian traditional medince over the years. It is also a very calming drink and hastudieve showed that it is very effective for decreasing stress levels.

Chamomile

Spiritual meaning: Protection, luck, abundance, purification, healing

These flowers are dried and used to create a tea which most people use when they differ from insomnia. It promotes peaceful and restful sleep as well as lowering anxiety levels. The Egyptian believed that these flowers were holy to the Sun gods.

Valerian

Spiritual meaning: Strength, health, peace

Valareian roots are nddried used and used in different formulations, including as capsules containing a powdered form of the root, as a liquid extract, and as an herbal infusion or tea for sleeping and relieving anxiety. It has been used for many years in traditional medince to treat insomnia and depression. This plant has a mild calming effect.

Chrysanthemum

Spiritual meaning: Purity, love, clarity and peace

The flowers of this plant is dried and used as a tea. it was often used to treat anxiety and depression in Korea as it facilitates relaxation. There are some people who can be very allergic to chrysanthemum so be very careful as it can cause skin to become extra sensitive to the sun.