The Plant Allies of the Skin
Circulatory tonics, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, diuretics, anti-lipids, anti-inflammatories, astringents (styptics), cardiotonics
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A classic "blood-stopping" plant in both herbal medicine and magickal practice. Yarrow is a powerful astringent and styptic. You can use the fresh crushed leaves on a clean wound to stop bleeding or applied to the nose to stop a nosebleed. Yarrow powder is a common item in herbal first aid kits for blood-stopping, too. Combine with other astringent and toning herbs like Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Witch Hazel (Hammamelis spp.) or White Oak Bark (Quercus alba) as a topical treatment for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other varicosities.
Nettles (Urtica dioica): The classic blood-building tonic of the traditional western herbalism materia medica. Nettles is a strengthening herb to use when a person’s constituent is weak or weakened – whether anemia is present or with a weak digestive system or during convalescence. The herb moves stagnant blood, improves circulation, and is a rich source of iron. Nettles is also useful in reducing blood sugar levels and balancing blood pressure. Indications include fatigue, anemia, heavy and prolonged periods, and general sluggishness (from sluggish digestion to signs of stagnant water).
Cayenne (Capsicum minimum): A circulatory tonic and vasodilator, Cayenne helps to warm up and energize the circulation (without overheating us since the plant actually helps to lower blood temperature overall). Cayenne helps to widen blood vessels and dilate the arteries which improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, and alleviates symptoms such as stiff joints, cold extremities, and chilblains. The herb also helps prevent blood clots and reduces the liver's production of cholesterol and triglycerides. A great topical as well as internal remedy to help with pain management.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric helps us digest and absorb nutrients and lower blood sugar and can be enjoyed as part of a premeal bitters blend. A great antioxidant, Turmeric is especially helpful in preventing damage and artery walls due to oxidative stress. Helps, too, with preventing blood clots and lowering LDL cholesterol. Indications include extrasensitive skin and irritated skin, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, IBS, weakened immunity, joint and muscle pain, irritated digestion, and blood sugar issues.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): An overall tonic to help support a healthy flow and rhythm in our circulatory system. Hawthorn is a cardiac trophorestorative which is a restorative tonic for the heart, bringing the hard working muscle back into balance whether from an illness, stress, or the effects of aging. In addition to being gently diuretic, Hawthorn possesses antioxidants which prevent and reverse damage caused by free radicals as well as reducing oxidative stress on the capillary walls and improving circulatory tone (whether by relaxing or strengthening). The herb should be considered when there is a case of congestive heart failure, angina, irregular heartbeat, hardening of the arteries, enlargement of the heart from excessive exercise or overwork, hypertension, both low and high blood pressure, and too much cholesterol. Hawthorn can also be used for troubles with blood vessels in general including varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and ulcers. Indications include minor palpitations and rhythm irregularities caused by stress, fear of emotional vulnerability, and someone trying to hide away their brightness.
Burdock (Arctium lappa): A great circulatory tonic. Use when “congested blood” has led to skin imbalances such as boils, acne, eczema, and rashes. Great for rebuilding resilience in the body after a period of illness or fatigue, Burdock is a nutritive that acts as a restorative tonic for undernourished body systems, including supporting the health of the aging body. Indications include signs of ineffective circulation (such as redness of the joints), low appetite, gas, increased sensitivity to environmental pollutants, and general fatigue.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): A gentle warming and drying herb, Ginger helps to stimulate a sluggish circulation and support good cardio tone. The herb strengthens digestive fire which is considered a key component of good circulation and "building up the blood" through proper absorption of nutrients. Indications include lack of appetite, nausea, high and tight energy, swelling, and spasms in the gut.
Flower & Gem Essences: All the plants already listed can be used as flower essences. Other essences include Iris (Iris douglasiana), Walnut (Juglans regia), Wild Oat (Bromus ramosus), Chestnut Bud (Aesculus hippocastanum), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Red Clover (Rubus idaeus), Centaury, Bloodstone, Garnet, Rhodolite.
Additional herbs for the circulatory system and blood: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Garlic (Allium sativum), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Linden (Tilia x europaea), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Sacred Basil (Ocimum sanctum), Milky Oat (Avena sativa), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).
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Remediations: For all plant ally work, especially if you are getting to know a plant for the first time or reconnecting with their energy, the Wild Tongue Plant Ally Spread can be a helpful tool.
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