Herbs for Creativity

Creativity is one of the most powerful attributes we have as humans. The ability to invent and create is something that sets us apart from almost all other mammals on Earth. It’s fascinating to think that the human brain’s ability to create has been responsible for so many advancements of our species. But creativity is not only about necessity or evolutionary advancement—it’s also about art and pleasure.

While practical inventions undoubtedly play their part, I believe that artistic creativity is, arguably, more important. A small percentage of people go on to create things that change the course of human history, but all humans have effects on others day-to-day, and if they are able to express themselves healthfully through the arts, I believe that can have a massive impact.

Creative expression can be different things for different people. Drawing, painting, writing, creating herbal self-care products, playing music, weaving, the list goes on and on. While the world is our oyster when it comes to the things we can make, many of us suffer from blocks that inhibit action. Typically, these are feelings of self-doubt, overthought, or a scattered mind. In these scenarios, I call upon some herbal allies to help quiet the noise and clear the cobwebs.

Below are some of the herbs that I use to awaken a creative flow. These herbs have worked well for me over the years, but I always encourage self-exploration. I typically enjoy these herbs as teas or in mocktails, but they can also be used as extracts such as tinctures, herbal glycerites, and more.

Herbs to Support Creativity

Softening Herbs to Quell Self-Doubt

• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): This is one of my favorite herbs for quieting an overactive mind. It’s especially helpful when you’re sitting before a proverbial “blank canvas,” but your mind is spinning and you don’t know where to start.
  
  
• Holy Basil (Ocimum spp.): This gentle yet powerful adaptogen is incredibly calming to the body and mind. It also helps break through mental fog.
  
  
• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): This is the herb of dreamers! Not only can mugwort help open up creativity in art, but it can also go to work while we are resting. Dreams are another way for us to sift through deep-seated thoughts and memories.
  
  
• Saffron (Crocus sativus): Saffron is a wonderful support for times when you’re feeling numb or uninspired. Saffron is an evocative and sensual herb, bringing us back to our bodies and senses.
  
  
• Rose (Rosa damascene): Rose is a heart-opening herb, which can be helpful during times of negative self-talk. Rose reminds us that the practice of creation is the therapeutic part, not the finished product.

Stimulating Herbs to Awaken Focus and Creativity

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): This plant is often used in Ayurvedic Medicine to stimulate memory and cognitive function. The common name of this plant is thought to come from Brahma, the Hindu God known as the “The Creator.” It’s no wonder this herb made it on this list.

Interesting fact: Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is also sometimes referred to as “Brahmi”. Both plants have some similar qualities, but they are from different plant families and have different qualities. Gotu Kola works more broadly, while Bacopa has more of an affinity for the brain.

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The herb of remembrance is one that I like to bring into my art space. It’s an herb that helps us think clearly and that is stimulating and cleansing. 
  
  
• Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria): Yaupon is a caffeinated plant that grows in the United States. Like Camelia sinenses, it offers energizing and uplifting qualities and antioxidants, but without the tannins. It’s a smooth tea that feels like velvet in the mouth, making it exceptionally enjoyable.
  
  
• Cacao (Theobroma cacao): Similar to the sensuality-inducing qualities of saffron, cacao also evokes heightened senses, while also being energizing.
  
  

In Closing

The human mind is incredibly complex, and our modernized lives require us to sift through thousands of thoughts and emotions each day. We have to figure out what to do with that information—do we hang onto it, let it go, or massage it into something more absorbable? It can be exhausting, especially when overloaded with information and other stimuli. Herbs can help us get into the right head and heart space and also allow us to materialize our internal happening into the external world.


Note of Encouragement

Not all art is intended to live on forever. Realizing that my creations didn’t need to be masterpieces or even enjoyed by others was really liberating. If this is a blockage for you, try working with art that is ephemeral. Some ideas include creating an herbal or sand mandala, drawing something you intend to be released into fire, or (insert your great idea here).