Ancient plant-medicine traditions encouraged students to meditate on, and with, the plants that made up herbal medicines. In this way, the student could identify her “spirit plant,” or “plant ally.” Think of your plant ally as a Guardian Plant Angel.

I’ve got one – and her name is Turmeric. I positively adore this plant (my close friends know that I may stain their homes in golden-goddess yellow).  It does not surprise me that ancient Ayurvedic texts gave her so many names.

Here are a few:

“The One Whose Face is Light and Shining”

“Golden Goddess”

“Yellow One”

“Worthy Earth”

Science is jumping on board my je-t’adore-affair with earthy Turmeric. Read this excellent piece on how turmeric is now “scientifically confirmed” to be at least, if not more effective, that a whopping FOURTEEN different commonly proscribed drugs.  It is a well-known anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, pain-reducer, antiseptic, digestive and anti-allergy medicine (just to name a few of turmeric’s super-powers).

I use it, particularly, when:

• I’ve worked out hard, chopped wood (cuz’ I do that all the time), or in any way physically over-taxed. Even working out can cause inflammation in the body. Turmeric is one of the best anti-inflammatories on the planet.
• I feel weak.
• I feel toxic.
• I have a cold.
• I’m in pain (its great for muscle pain, headaches and strain).

Make It

Here is my remedy for the ten p.m. “I really wanna hot fudge Sundae in bed” cravings. In fact, I experienced a dramatic shift in my life when I stopped eating after sunset and have a Golden Yogini Milk before bed. It leads to great morning meditations, better sleep and a clear mind upon waking. It is also a great, antioxidant-rich remedy for anxious sleeping.