Nature's Anchors: 9 Universal therapeutic super herbs with grounding, stabilizing, and earthy qualities.

November 14, 2024 Herbs

When in need of comfort, grounding, and feeling safe, we return to earthy, stabilizing, and calming elements in nature. Or, if we cannot go into nature, we have herbs that help us soothe ourselves.

The role of herbs is to restore, connect, alleviate, soothe, and make us feel that we belong. The land does not belong to us; we belong to the land. The web of our existence expands far beyond individual ownership or control.

Along the way, life can shake us, and we can lose track of time, purpose, and intentions.

In this case there is always wisdom available that we can access, and there are ways to return and reconnect with parts of us that need attention.

We turn to plants, as they are the original, not the alternative.

Today I've made this short photoshoot with 9 of my favorite herbs that I use for teas. As a master Herbalist I recomand them for tea infusion: pour boiled water over them and let them sit for 10-15 minutes max.

They are safe to match and mix, add lemon juice or honey. Give yourself a moment to breath and enjoy the flavor, taste and let them talk to you.

P.S. If the plant leaves are very chunky, you can cut them finely to extract more of their properties during the infusion.

Linden (Tilia spp., tei)


"Tree of Lovers".

The sacred tree leaves are associated with the goddess Hera in Greek mythology, symbolizing love, protection, and fertility. The soft, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers were thought to bring peace and were often used in healing rituals and offerings.

Flavor: mildly sweet, floral flavor

with a light, soothing taste

  • Eases anxiety and stress.
  • Relieves colds and congestion.
  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Supports cardiovascular health
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Supports detoxification.


copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu


Mullein (Verbascum thapsus, lumânărică)


"Herb of the sun" the bright yellow flowers, were believed to possess protective qualities.

During the Renaissance, mullein was widely regarded for its medicinal uses and became a staple in herbal medicine throughout Europe.

Flavor:

a mild, earthy flavor with slightly bitter herbal notes

  • Eases coughs, asthma, bronchitis.
  • Heal cuts, burns, and irritations.
  • Reduces swelling and irritation.
  • Relieves earaches and infections.
  • Calms sore throats respiratory discomfort.


copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum, sunătoare)


Hippocrates used St. John’s Wort for wounds and emotional, mood support, it was used by ancient physicians for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavor:

earthy flavor with mildly astringent, herbal, woody notes

  • Eases mild depression
  • Relieves sciatica pain
  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Speeds healing-cuts/ burns.
  • Supports rest and sleep

copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Mint (Mentha spp., mentă)



Cherished since ancient Egypt and Greece for its soothing qualities. Greeks and Romans used it for digestion and mood improvment and as a symbol of hospitality.

Flavor:

crisp, fresh, cool, and sweet flavor with spearmint undertones

  • Soothes indigestion
  • Eases respiratory discomfort.
  • Relieves tension headaches
  • It gives mental Clarity
  • Calms skin irritation.





copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium, coada-șoricelului)


Yarrow's botanical name Achillea comes from its use by Achilles to treat wounds in the Trojan War.

Flavor:

bitter pepperminty taste, with hints of earthiness, astringent

  • Heals wounds
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Aids digestion
  • Lowers fever
  • Calms anxiety
  • Spiritual protection

copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Sage

(Salvia officinalis, salvie)



"The herb of immortality".

The name Salvia comes from the Latin word salvare, meaning "to save" or "to heal”.

The Romans valued sage for its ability to improve memory and alleviate digestive discomfort.

Flavor:

strong, earthy flavor with slightly peppery and bitter, resinous notes, aromatic, warm, savory

  • Menstrual relief, eases cramps &
  • menopause symptoms.
  • Relieves indigestion
  • Fights throat, mouth infections.
  • Reduces inflammation, joint pain.
  • Boosts memory and clarity.

copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Chamomile

(Matricaria chamomilla-

Mușețel)

The word "chamomile" comes from the Greek words "chamai" (on the ground) and "mēlon" (apple), referring to its apple-like scent.

Flavor:

sweet, fruity, and apple-like, a slightly herbal and floral note

  • Soothes anxiety
  • Boosts digestion
  • Relieves pain
  • improves sleep
  • Supports inflammation relief
  • Repairs skin

copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Plantain

(Plantago major, pătlagină)

Used by ancient civilizations for its healing properties, especially for wounds, treat coughs and digestive issues, it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing qualities.

Flavor:

grassy note, earthy, mildly bitter

  • Eases coughs and congestion.
  • Soothes ulcers and indigestion.
  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Fights infections.
  • Heals cuts and bites.

copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Calendula

(Calendula officinalis,

gălbenele)

Meaning "the first day of the month" or “little calendar” it from plant's tendency to bloom around the start of each month. Greeks, romans, and egyptians valued it for its rejuvenation and healing superpowers.

Flavor: mildly bitter, slightly spicy taste,

a hint of pepper and earthines

  • Heals cuts and burns.
  • Soothes, reduces skin irritation.
  •  Fights infections.
  • Eases digestion discomfort
  • Boosts immunity.










copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Learning about nature is learning about yourself.


You can learn about nature and be amazed, sensing that something greater than yourself exists—and it’s okay not to know all its secrets, the why, how, and when.

You can simply exist and be in relationship with the Earth, because the plants, animals and the trees are certainly in relationship with us.


You don’t need to be a physicist to sense that your life is not entirely your own doing.

We’re born into a world with millions upon millions of years of intelligence, a wisdom beyond our comprehension, which we can only admire and crave to be a part of.


Irony is a mental mechanism to keep us feeling safe and in control, much like every structure we’ve built that divides us rather than uniting us under the same sky. It makes us functional but it does not makes us spiritual.

Borders, religions, politics, and wars are all human constructs, while archetypally speaking, our gods are simply called by different names depending on the empire or culture we’re born into.


The Earth is constantly evolving, breathing, changing, and the universe spins forward in a spiral of truth. Everything around us acts as a mirror; plants seek us and we seek them. Pay attention to what is calling you. My call today was to write this short piece and share a little bit about the vastness of nature and how we can interact with it.


I look forward sharing more with you about herbs and their super power, until then, stay grounded!


Love,

Katerina

copyright text & photos ©Katerina Nedelcu

Follow me on Instagram

@sexuality_integration_guide