Many of us have heard of spirit animals. Spirit plants are just as significant. All humans, animals and plants are alive-we are life! As we go about in our days, we are rhythmically sharing our energy with the environment around us. When we are in the habit of paying attention to the messages that nature shares with us, we may begin to recognize that a certain plant or plants keep showing up for us. These are spirit plants-plants that provide us with lessons and reminders that help us along.
One of my spirit plants has been Origanum vulgare, culinary oregano, also known as wild marjoram. For a while, I had no clue what oregano even looked like, or that it had been growing along the small slopes surrounding my previous home where my daughter was born. It took me a while to pinpoint that it was, in fact, oregano, enjoying itself surrounded by evergreens. I was not very familiar with it, and it would take years later for me to realize that I needed to commune with this plant on a deeper level.
An antiseptic, specifically impactful at treating bacterial and fungal infections, oregano helps to support the human immune, digestive and communication systems. Oregano’s flowers are harvested in late summer, and medicinally can be used in diluted oils, essential oils, in poultices and salves, as well as popularly dried and tossed into meals. A dear loved one regularly ingests a gentle formula of oregano oil and when asked what it helps with, an eager, “everything!” is expressed. No wonder that the ancient Greeks “considered [oregano] a cure for all.”
On an energetic level, I believe this equates to oregano supporting the human root, solar plexus and throat chakras when used in essential, culinary and medicinal ways. Oregano’s red stem embodies root chakra support, which provides strength for the physical body to thrive and the thoughts to ground; the happy, pink flowers show themselves during the sunniest time of the year and eager for as much sun as possible, symbolizes the vitality of solar plexus sun energy. This promotes the fulfillment of free expression and being. Last but not least, the wild and tasty taste of oregano stimulates the throat chakra, reminding us of the truth of our lives and who we are. Not to mention, a social plant, promoting a healthy variety of insects to flourish within it.
As with anything, informed consent and discussing with a trusted and licensed healthcare provider is a good idea, especially if using oregano in more concentrated amounts. When researching oregano, I have found that it is best to avoid if pregnant and to typically avoid internally ingesting essential oils of any kind, including oregano.
When planting in the first moments of a garden bed, oregano was the first herb to settle in my yard. Observing as she grew throughout spring and summer, it was a privilege to witness the ever-so-patient transformation into pretty flowers. The most popular herb among many different bugs, especially the bees, it was the place to be! The two small plants yielded plenty of oregano for the rest of the year. Self-sufficiency is one of my main values, and I am another step closer towards my personal sustainability goals. I will never have to purchase oregano in the store again, as long as I keep taking care of this special spirit plant of mine!
I often send Reiki blessings to the plants that I am connecting with. Even the manifestation of the yard itself has been a decade’s worth of practicing Reiki meditations, embodying the principles it takes to ground and the patience and perseverance it takes to keep going, despite obstacles and uncontrollable circumstances. I always attempted to have at least one plant in every home I inhabited-whether a tiny apartment or staying at my generous parents’ place. Each garden, every year would teach me a lesson or two. After many years, these lessons grew and my passion did, too. I continued to trust that someday, I will have a humble home with the perfect yard to share with my many plant friends.
Plants want us to succeed and can support us energetically. Wishing you all a curious time with reflecting upon your personal spirit plants!
Reiki and establishing a garden works hand in hand. My Reiki practice started in 2013, when I was a novice gardener. The more Reiki I channeled to myself, the deeper my connection to nature became. I started to realize that nature nurtures me deeply, and being around it, as well as supporting and protecting it, is an important value in my life. When it comes to any task related to the garden, I typically send Reiki blessings filled with divine love, wisdom and encouragement.
Article written by Val Artamonova, BSN, RN, CHPN
References:
The Herb Bible by Peter McHoy & Pamela Westland
The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH