What's a Plant Ally?
...and how to find yours

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I’ve been thinking about this podcast episode for months. 

This pratice is one I learned in the early years of my time studying herbal medicine. About 15 years ago, from the wise woman tradition. Through Tony Lemos at Blazing Star Herbal School. 

So, what is a plant ally?

Basically a plant you form a deep, lasting relationship with.

One plant you find or choose to deepen your relationship with for an entire season, or maybe even a whole year. One plant that you get to know on a very deep and intimate level. You'll get to know your plant as if it’s a close friend. A true ally.

But how do you find a plant ally?

There are really so many ways to find your ally.

Anything from observing your surrounding landscape, garden or a nearby park and just seeing what plant you're drawn to, to exploring herbal books and seeing what plant seems to be most appropriate for you in this time, to intentionally meditating or praying and asking for your plant ally. 

It can be an intuitive process or a rational one. It really doesn't matter. All that really matters is that you choose one, and you spend consistent time with it in some way. 

Once you choose your plant ally, how do you cultivate a relationship with them?

Connect with them. In whatever way feels right. 

At first it can feel confusing, but just allow your intuition, your plant, or just your daily habits to guide you.

Some ideas of how to connect more deeply include:

• sit and observe your plant 
• draw your plant
• journal or freewrite with your plant
• make offerings to the plant
• sing with the plant
• pray or set intentions, ask questions and see if you receive any answers (no pressure here)
• meditate and just be present
• do a body scan before and after sitting with the plant, and see if anything changes
• make a collage or an art project with your plant as a focus
• taste your plant
• buy a bulk amount of your plant and make medicine with it 
• take a drop of your plant in tincture form each day to stay connected to the spirit of the plant
• research the traditional lore and history of your plant
• research the clinical applications of your plant
• learn from teachers, classes or books about your plant
• most importantly, just spend time with your plant, as if with a new friend or lover

Explore this practice and the various ways you can connect with your ally for at least the growing season, if not a full year. Enjoy!

Note: If you’d like to cultivate a plant ally for your womb health, your menstrual, hormonal or sexual health and don't know where to start, grab the Gardening for your Menstrual Health Guide and see if any of those herbs draw you in. 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

Trusted sources for bulk herbs:

LARGE COMPANIES 

• Mountain Rose Herbs* (globally-sourced organic and wild-crafted herbs)
• Pacific Botanicals (California-grown and globally sourced herbs) 
• Banyan Botanicals (Ayurvedic herbs)

REGIONAL, FARM-BASED COMPANIES

• Zack Woods Herb Farm (VT)
• Healing Spirits (NY)
• Sawmill Herb Farm (MA)
• Oshala Farm (OR)
• Meetinghouse Farm (ME)
• Sonoma County Herb Exchange (CA)

* affiliate link (I would only ever become an affiliate for a company I already trust and buy from myself, you can always google it and get there on your own if you'd prefer not to use my link)

Check out the Gardening for Your Menstrual Health Guide

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