Essence of the Week: Rhododendron

Rhododendron is a powerful plant known for her uses in Ayurvedic Medicine. She is originally from the valley of the Himalayas, and she has a lot of cultural and medicinal value to the people of India. In Greek, "rhodo" means "rose", and "dendron" means "tree". Although she is not a rose bush, she has beautiful flowers and has been named the national flower of Nepal and state flower of Himachal Pradesh in India.

Rhododendron is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and has many healing benefits for digestion and the lungs. As a leaf and flower essence, she helps with constipation, diarrhea, and even dysentery. She is also supportive for those suffering from asthma or bronchitis. Rhododendron is a natural detoxifier, helping to alleviate a headache, fever, and liver imbalances. She is wonderful for the heart, and she is anti-inflammatory.

On an energetic level, Rhododendron helps with PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. She allows us to take energetic steps back to see the "big picture" and restore the care-free joy of childlike innocence once again. Rhododendron protects us from negativity and opens the heart to call in the soul support from the unseen world. She is said to be a "bridge to heal broken lifelines", and can support us in forgiving the past in order to move forward into a new dawn of manifested creations.