Herbs of the Sun
The sun is the ruling force of our ego consciousness in cosmology. Herbs of the sun provide ease, comfort and insight.
The sun is the ruling force of our ego consciousness in cosmology.
Herbs of the sun provide ease, comfort and insight, they can help us to see beyond the veil of our ego consciousness toward the inner light of our true nature and spirit. The light and brightness of the sun can cut through our perceived sense of reality and penetrate us deeply if we open and allow it to work on us, helping us to act and be in the world as a beautiful expression of ourself and with a fullness of our being.
Just as many plants open and expand in the sunlight, so can we. Reminding us of the undeniable connection and truth that we are not only immersed in nature but are nature.
Herbs of the sun have the characteristics of being hot and dry, expansive and bright (just like the sun). They also carry and offer a sense of the earth and are allies for grounding.
They’re particularly helpful when struggling with ego-centric displays and tendencies.
The energetics of Sun herbs are:
Hot
Dry
Stimulating and Rejuvenating
Help clear vision / Good for eyes
Adaptogenic
Some of the commonly found herbs of the sun are:
Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis, Asteraceae). Muire (Irish)
This versatile plant and her burst of colour flower heads lift the spirits and encourages you to come home to yourself. Use over the body in a macerated oil for an instant sense of grounding. Bringing you back into your body and re-connecting you to your true nature.
Chamomile
Chamomile, (Matricaria recutita, Asteraceae) Camán meall (Irish).
One of the most common and popular nervines, it is widely enjoyed as an infusion and for its sedative effects. A tea or tincture can be used for stress and anxiety.
Sunflower
Sunflower, (Helianthus, Asteraceae) Lus na gréine (Irish).
A plant that truly mimics the sun, before blooming the heads tilt toward the sun to face it, before settling to face east so that they may be warmed by the rising sun.
The archetype and metaphysical point of cardinal east represents new teachings, new life and manifestations.
Sunflowers have many medicinal uses, they’re antioxidant, have flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. One of my favourite ways to work with sunflower is through her bright oil.
Eyebright
Eyebright, (Euphrasia, Orobanchaceae) Glanrosc gaelach (Irish).
I love that the word Euphrasia, the Latin name for eyebright means ‘gladness’. Such a befitting name for this plant with her pretty and bright flowers. It is thought that she got this name because of the feeling of gladness she would restore to people when they had eye ailments treated and cured by her.
Hildegard of Bingen in her compiled Physica dated approx 1150 recommended it as a herb to treat eye ailments. Herbalist Nicholas Culpepper also believed that it could help with memory issues and to strengthen the brain.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, Lamiaceae), Marós (Irish).
Good for the head and the nerves. A very hot and dry ally. Rosemary also offers a doorway into deeper knowing and seeing. She is a protector and guardian.
Don’t underestimate the gifts that she offers, you find her everywhere for a reason!
St.John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae), Lus na Maighdine Muire (Irish)
Such beautiful bright star shaped flowers erupt on this plant between the Summer Solstice and Lughnasa. Working in harmony with the sun to offer balance and nervine equalibrium. The leaves have the appearance of being covered in tiny pin pricks when held up to the light, these are actually oil sacs, and are what gave the plant its botanical name.
When dried or infused in oil it transforms into a rich red hue.
A restoring tonic for the nervous system. One of my favourite ways to work with St. John’s Wort is as a macerated oil for massage, gently relieving inflamed joints, nerve pains and to bring immediate warmth and relaxation.