Juniper | Juniperus

Do you like gin? If you like gin, chances are you like Juniper. Juniper is an extremely aromatic berry that is known for its cleansing powers. Just bite on a berry and notice how it cleanses your palette, your breath and your mind. As we embark on the difficult and transformative journey of self reflection, it is important that we are able to not get caught up or stuck in any one thing. Just like the body needs rest in order to have energy so too does the mind. Juniper is a useful herb in doing just that, cleansing the mind so that it can have energy to continue its work to self reflect and transform.

Mullein | Verbascum thapsus

A favorite lung ally of mine, mullein is a respiratory must have. During the month of Elul, we blow the shofar every morning. Blowing the shofar is the communal Jewish alarm clock to get serious about Teshuvah, repentance. To really cry out to Hashem, our lungs need to have the capacity to do so. Sometimes grief, trauma, depression etc. can block our voices, literally. The anguish and despair can cause our lungs pain and inhibit us from breathing and expressing ourselves freely. Mullein, a very soft and nourishing plant, can sooth the lungs and help us feel the power of our voice and our breath. And of course, blow the shofar!

Ginkgo | Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo is one of the oldest plants native to China. Considered to be somewhat holy, she is a brain tonic. She helps to keep our memories sharp and our brains working. This month, we say that G!d is in the field! The king has come down from his throne and is in the field with us. I am not sure what that does to your brain, but I get a bit flustered and overwhelmed by being in the filed with Hashem!! I loose my composure a bit and get a bit foggy in the brain. Ginkgo is a brain de-fogger. When you forget what you were going to say or where you put something or what someone told you, it is time to consider including Ginkgo into your herbal regime. She will help with brain sharpness and memory!

Gotu Kola | Centella asiatica

According to Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu Kola is an herb of longevity. A member of the parsley family, she is often used to assist folks in meditation. It is said that she helps bring balance to the left and right hemispheres of the brain and is known for her rejuvenating properties (ie helps revive the nervous system). During the month of Elul, we are encouraged to take time to think about those we may have wronged and ask them for forgiveness (easier said than done). Getting to a space where we are ready to seek forgiveness is a process and gotu kola is an herb that can help in getting us in the right head space to make it there.

Lemon Thyme | Thymus citriodorus

Like lemon? Like thyme? You are going to love Lemon Thyme! She is an immune boosting and pleasant tasting herb that contains a host of antioxidants, minerals (lots of calcium) and vitamins (lots of vitamin c). She also is uplifting, especially for the melancholic natured. On the 18th of Elul we celebrate the birth of two Chassidic leaders: Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (father of Chassidism) and Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (father of Chabad). While we navigate our intense emotional world during this month, we must not forget that we are surrounded by folks (and plants!) who love and support us. During times of spiritual work, including uplifting herbs (and people) around us can ease the hard spots and even help us accomplish our holy work!