When I began my first herbal apprenticeship in 2005, I discovered fields of Motherwort- Leonurus cardiaca on my parents property. It was like a cornfield- it was nuts! I l eventually learned that Motherwort was an enormous support for menopause, anxiety, heart palpitations & heart conditions in general. It was no surprise really. My Dad had chronic heart issues, & my Mother was smack dab in the middle of menopause.
Years later Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) made it’s way on their property too, one of it’s virtues is supporting those with sinus conditions & congestion with headaches. My Dad again.
Next door to my parents, my Uncles house had a huge area of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)- one of the best helpers for gout (especially combined with Dandelion leaf). It was no surprise that my Uncle suffered from repeated incidents of gout.
As I spent more and more time on my parents property learning the plants & rebuilding gardens with my parent’s help, the more I found that the plants began to show up for me as well.
One summer in particular, I had been working on my Astrological chart…particularly my Saturn placement. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know about astrology or Saturn for this story. I had been going to the beach throughout that summer & I had kept noticing a plant I had never seen before- & it was striking. It had big white-ish purple flowers, big oak shaped leaves & green spinney like pods. I was fascinated. I saw this plant at two separate beaches & then once on the side of the road. Realizing it was talking to me (yes seeing a plant again, and again is often a sign of them trying to get your attention!) I would ask it what it’s name was. I would hear “Thorn Apple”, in my head. I thought is this really a Datura plant? The finale was at my parents property. I was sitting inside looking out the window one late afternoon & I saw it. There off to the side of the bird feeders was the very same plant I’d been seeing. I finally got my plant ID books out and confirmed it was Datura stromonium. I searched a little more & found that it was a Saturn ruled plant. I began to laugh. I’ve since worked with this plant energetically (the physical properties can be toxic) with much success.
Plants are always eager to offer their wisdom & medicine. They are always reaching out to connect to us in their own ways. We just need to pay attention & listen.
Which plants have been popping up for you? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. xoA