Monthly Gaia Offerings
September Gaia Offerings:
Gotu Kola
Fluorite
Peppermint
September is a transitional month between summer and fall, the energies change and so do we. We naturally feel the urge to come back to our routine, discipline, and we put more focus & energy towards achieving our goals. This months Gaia Offerings focus on brain and mental health and reducing stress.
Gotu Kola:
Known as the “herb of longevity” Gotu Kola has been used in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is a member of the parsley family and is native to parts of Asia and the South Pacific. The shape of its leaf is said to resemble the brain, hence the cognitive effects this plant will have.
Gotu Kola is famously known to boost cognitive function, improve memory, nerve function and promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Studies have shown gotu kola may be helpful for treating Alzheimer’s disease through its ability to prevent plaque from forming on the brain. It can be used preventatively as well. This herb promotes mental alertness and sound memory.
Gotu Kola is a nervine, which means it is supports the nervous system. When taken either as a tea or supplement, this herb will build up the body’s ability to deal with stressful situations. This is an excellent ally for people who experience skin breakouts due to stress. Gotu Kola will bring on feelings of calmness, contentedness and can aid insomnia.
Gotu Kola has been found to reduce fluid retention and can treat varicose veins. It is anti-inflammatory so can also relieve joint pain!
In the Himalayas, gotu kola has been used to enhance meditation and activate the crown chakra, which is the energy centre at the top of our head. The crown chakra is our connection to Source/Spirit and is our centre of divine wisdom, universal consciousness, enlightenment. Blockages of the crown chakra could manifest as: brain fog, feeling low, fatigue, mental confusion. Working with gotu kola could slowly remove any blockages of the Crown and realign that chakra.
Fluorite:
Fluorite is a common crystal found in a variety of colours like blue, green, purple, yellow, pink, or brown. It grows in a distinct geometric shape, sometimes cubic but other times as complex as an octahedron. Fluorite is found growing around the world, in Canada, the US, Mexico, Brazil, and China.
Fluorite is one of the first crystals we recommend for mental health, especially anxiety, stress, insomnia, OCD or ADHD. It has a strong ability to help one focus as it helps to organize and process information. It is a great learning aid because it increases concentration and promotes quick thinking. Fluorite has a stabilizing and balancing effect on the mind and body. It also stabilizes the aura.
This crystal will protect you from psychic manipulation and allow you to discern when outside influences are at work. It is also protective from electromagnetic stress, and EMF, which makes it a great study companion to keep next to you by the computer!
Fluorite works on belief systems and patterns of behaviour, gently opening the door of the subconscious to allow for truth to be revealed. It may also reveal suppressed emotions, or anything that needs to be acknowledged for healing of the belief systems to take place.
Peppermint Essential Oil:
Peppermint essential oil can treat a variety of different issues in the body including: digestion, headaches, cold & sinuses, muscle spasms, and pain. It is antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial and has a strong cooling & stimulating effect. Peppermint will open up all of your senses. When inhaled, you will feel your energy shift to become more grounded in the present moment.
Incorporate peppermint oil into part of your schoolwork or study routine as it will increase your focus and grounded presence. Use prior to journaling or a manifestation ritual to increase third eye visions and connecting to your higher Self.
Peppermint oil can be used to clear your energy and your aura. Use prior to meditation to calm anxiety and pull yourself into the present moment more fully. This oil is connected with the upper 3 chakras (throat, third eye, and crown), our energy centres of expression, spiritual visions, and unity consciousness.
Peppermint oil has been found to reduce nausea when inhaled through the nose. You can also try massaging it on your abdomen (in a carrier oil) to alleviate digestion issues and nausea. Massage peppermint oil onto your temples, neck, and shoulders to relieve migraine or tension headaches and pain.
How to use:
-Add 5-7 drops in a diffuser to infuse your space with opening and awakening energies
-Add a few drops to a carrier oil (avocado, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil) to apply topically for headaches, body pain, and to relieve itching
-Add a few drops to a bowl of boiling water, inhale the steam to clear sinuses and headaches
**Do not take peppermint oil orally unless the oil specifies for this. Always use a carrier oil when applying peppermint oil topically as it is highly concentrated.