Almost everyone struggles to release old hurts, traumas, and experiences. Hanging onto the past can keep you stuck and prevent you from growing.
But did you know that certain herbs can provide support for emotional release and healing? Using herbs for letting go of the past can gently support you as you process difficult emotions, release old attachments, and rediscover a sense of renewal.
This article explores specific herbs and practices that can help you let go, heal, and rediscover your emotional well-being.
Grief, emotions, and the past
It’s important to remember that grief and other emotions are valid and essential parts of being human. You shouldn’t try to suppress them. It’s far better to acknowledge and process your feelings.
Grief and joy are like yin and yang; you need both to become a fully humane and compassionate person. You can’t have one without the other.
But holding onto the past can cause problems. Unresolved emotions can block the flow of energy in your body, which may lead to physical symptoms or long-term emotional distress.
That’s why it’s important to consciously connect your mind and body and to set clear intentions when using herbs for healing.
Top Herbs for Emotional Release and Moving Forward
When you’re ready to move forward, some herbs may help you release emotions that keep you stuck.
Herbs for Heartbreak and Grief
Grief and heartbreak can be heavy. Here are some herbs that can help you through it.
- Hawthorn: Hawthorn supports your heart health and emotional resilience as you work through a loss. Use the berries, leaves, and flowers to make teas, tinctures, or elixirs.
- Rose: Rose calms your nervous system and heals your heart. You can make roses into a tincture to help you process trauma and release nervous energy.
- Linden: Linden can soothe your grief and help you relax as you release emotional tension. Try adding Linden to a bath.
Herbs for Stress and Anxiety Associated with the Past
Here are some herbs that can help you deal with the stress and anxiety of old memories.
- Chamomile: Chamomile helps you relax and soothes frazzled nerves.
- Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is often used for protection and cleansing, but it can also help with love, healing, and feminine power. More specifically, lemon balm can lift your mood and reduce anxiety so you can focus on the present moment.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Holy Basil is thought to be an adaptogen, so it can help your body deal with stress and find emotional balance.
Herbs for Cleansing and Letting Go
Sometimes, what you really need is a good cleansing. Here are some herbs that can help you cleanse and let go.
- Garden Sage: Garden sage is a good substitute in any cleansing work you might typically do with white sage.
- Lavender: Lavender promotes relaxation and cleansing, so it can help you release emotions. You can use lavender in love oils, powders, and ritual baths.
Practical ways to use herbs for releasing the past
Herbs can be a gentle and effective way to support emotional healing and help you move forward. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your life:
Herbal Teas and Infusions
Brewing a cup of herbal tea can be a simple ritual with powerful intentions. Combine herbs known for their calming and heart-opening properties, like chamomile, linden, and rose petals, for a tea that encourages emotional release.
For a more potent effect, try making an herbal infusion. This involves steeping herbs like hawthorn berries or holy basil in hot water for several hours, allowing you to extract more of their healing properties.
Herbal Baths and Rituals
Transform your bath into a sacred space for cleansing and emotional release by adding herbs. Lavender, rose petals, and Epsom salts create a soothing and purifying experience.
You can also create personalized rituals using herbs to symbolize letting go. For example, write down past hurts on a piece of paper and burn it with sage, visualizing the release of negative emotions as the smoke rises.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Essential oils can provide emotional support and enhance your mood. Diffuse lavender or lemon balm essential oil to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Experiment with creating personalized aromatherapy blends for specific emotional needs. A blend of rose, frankincense, and sandalwood essential oils can promote self-love and emotional healing.
How to combine herbs with other therapies
Herbs can be a powerful tool for letting go of the past, and they may be even more helpful when you combine them with other therapies.
Combining herbs with mindfulness
Try drinking herbal tea while you practice mindfulness meditation to boost relaxation and emotional awareness. Focus on the present moment, and notice how your body feels and the emotions that come up without judging them.
You can also add aromatherapy to yoga or tai chi to deepen the connection between your mind and body. Pick essential oils that go with what you want to get out of your practice. For example, you might choose grounding scents for stability or uplifting scents for energy.
Seeking professional guidance
If you’re interested in using herbs to let go of the past, it’s a good idea to talk to a qualified herbalist. They can figure out what you need as an individual and put together a plan just for you.
You can also combine herbal remedies with therapy or counseling for extra emotional support. Energy healing, when combined with herbal medicine on a daily basis, can have big effects over time.
A holistic approach can be helpful
A holistic approach to herbal healing is usually best, and that may mean using several herbs together. In Chinese Herbal Medicine, herbalists often mix a group of herbs to rebalance your body, nourish it, and clear out any excess heat or inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ritual for letting go of the past?
A ritual for letting go of the past can be a deeply personal experience. It might involve journaling about past hurts, writing down what you want to release on a piece of paper and burning it safely, or creating a symbolic ceremony with herbs, candles, and affirmations. The key is to create a space where you feel safe acknowledging the past and consciously choosing to move forward.
What herbs are used for releasing?
Several herbs are traditionally used to support emotional release. Angelica is thought to help release blockages and promote spiritual growth. Yarrow is often used to mend emotional wounds and create protective boundaries. Mugwort is associated with releasing suppressed emotions and facilitating inner journeys. Always consult with a qualified herbalist before using herbs for medicinal purposes.
What herbs are associated with letting go?
In addition to the herbs mentioned above, others often linked to the process of letting go include: Lavender, known for its calming and soothing properties, helping to ease anxiety and stress. Rosemary, which can aid in mental clarity and memory, assisting in processing past experiences. And Rose, which promotes self-love and forgiveness, crucial elements in moving on from past hurts. Remember to use these herbs mindfully and with intention.
What herb symbolizes new beginnings?
While many herbs can represent new beginnings depending on cultural context, Basil is often associated with fresh starts, renewal, and good fortune. Its vibrant scent and verdant leaves symbolize growth and the potential for positive change. Incorporating basil into your rituals or daily life can serve as a reminder of your intention to embrace new opportunities and possibilities.
Key takeaways
Letting go of the past isn’t about forgetting it ever happened. It’s about acknowledging your feelings, processing them, and making peace with them, and practices like using a 5-minute gratitude journal can be beneficial. When you acknowledge your feelings, you can begin to heal.
Certain herbs can be allies on this journey. Hawthorn, rose, linden, chamomile, sage, and lavender are all known for their soothing and supportive properties when used with intention.
Embracing the present moment and showing yourself compassion are also key, and a gratitude challenge can help you with this. It’s OK to not be OK. Be kind to yourself, and allow yourself the space to heal, grow, and rediscover who you are now.
Remember, your healing journey is connected to the healing of the world. As you heal, you contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world for everyone.