The act of adornment is a spectacle found all throughout our natural world. From the late-spring blooms of indigo-hued camas adorned with starry-eyed flowers, to the impressive lekking rituals of male sage grouse boasting their fans of striped feathers, and intricately beaded earrings dangling above a vibrant dress, adornment appears in every corner on Earth. In the context of herbalism, botanicals can act as an internal and external embellishment, enhancing not only our physical health but also our spiritual and emotional well-being.
At the heart of adornment lies a ritual of self-expression. Take a moment to observe the clothing you slipped on this morning. Sniff the lingering scent of your favorite essential oil perfume and feel the sensation of the jewelry and accessories adorning your body. As you take note of your observations, consider how adornment serves a far greater purpose than decoration alone. Each layer offers a reflection of not only your individual style, but also your mood, culture, and identity. Just as we adorn our outer selves in clothing or jewelry, we can also adorn our inner selves with the energetics of our herbal allies.
Internally, take tinctures and herbal infusions, for example. Similar to how we reach for a nostalgic and comforting sweatshirt on those “off” feeling days, we may also lean on familiar and soothing herbs such as chamomile or lavender to take a bit of the edge off.
Externally, herbal makeup or essential oil roll-ons provide beautifying nourishment and aromatherapeutic benefits, while leaving a shimmering glow on the skin, ruby-red hues on the lips and cheeks, and a trail of natural fragrance that complements one’s unique style.
Whether looking at internal or external adornment, embracing the magic of herbs invites us to explore our own individuality and shared humanity. In turn, this illuminates the uniqueness and beauty of the adornment that surrounds us, both inside and out.
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