In the timeless dance between humans and plants, the act of entering a plant medicine experience or psychedelic space calls for a deep, grounded preparation of the mind, body, and spirit. With this awareness, we offer Centering, a blend thoughtfully composed to gently open your senses and prepare your being for the transformative potential of your journey. The ingredients in this formula are not only revered for their medicinal properties but also carry centuries of wisdom from healers, herbalists, and the plants themselves.
Let’s explore the roots, leaves, and flowers of these allies—burdock root, dandelion root, mugwort leaf, yarrow flowers, rose petals, and milky oat tops—steeped in both tradition and contemporary understanding, intertwined with the magic of their folkloric and mythical histories.
Burdock Root~ Arctium lappa
Burdock, a humble yet potent root, has long been honored for its grounding and detoxifying properties. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda have utilized burdock for centuries to cleanse the blood and support liver function, seeing it as a purifier of the body, which is especially helpful before entering deep inner work. The root helps to move stagnant energies, allowing for a freer flow of life force.
Modern science reinforces these traditional uses. Studies indicate that burdock has powerful antioxidant properties, supporting the liver in detoxifying the body and even providing a protective role against oxidative stress. This grounding herb also works as a gentle diuretic, clearing out physical impurities and making way for clarity of mind.
Dandelion Root~Taraxacum officinale
Much like burdock, dandelion root is a master cleanser. Across many traditional systems, including Native American and European herbalism, it has been revered for its ability to harmonize the liver and digestive system, making it an ideal plant for those preparing for a journey where purification—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is key.
Dandelion, often dismissed as a simple weed today, holds rich folkloric significance. Its name, derived from the French *dent de lion* (lion’s tooth), echoes the plant's fierce resilience. In medieval Europe, dandelion was a symbol of strength and renewal, representing the life-giving force of the earth. In magical rituals, blowing the seed heads into the wind was believed to carry wishes to the heavens, connecting humans to the stars and cosmic forces.
Scientific studies confirm dandelion root’s role in supporting liver health, primarily through its ability to increase bile production, aiding digestion and helping the body eliminate toxins. Its rich nutrient profile (vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and potassium) helps fortify the body in preparation for the transformative work of the psychedelic experience. With dandelion as a guide, one is reminded of the power of resilience and the connection between earth and sky, rooting you firmly while preparing you to explore the vast unknown.
Mugwort~ Artemisia vulgaris
Mugwort, the "dream herb," has been a companion to seers, mystics, and travelers of the inner realms for thousands of years. Mugwort’s ability to enhance dreams and visions made it a sacred plant for European and Asian cultures, often used in rituals to clear the mind and amplify intuitive insights. In Celtic tradition, mugwort was believed to protect travelers from harm, guiding them safely through both the physical and spiritual realms. Roman soldiers tucked mugwort into their sandals, trusting the plant to protect them from fatigue during long journeys.
In Greek mythology, mugwort is linked to Artemis, the goddess of the moon and wild spaces. Known for enhancing intuition and connection to the moon’s cycles, it has long been a favored plant for those seeking divination and dreamwork.
While scientific studies on mugwort are still emerging, its historical significance as a nervous system tonic and dream enhancer is well established. Herbalists often turn to mugwort for its calming effects on the nervous system and its ability to promote restful, vivid sleep—a space where deep messages can be received before the journey begins. With its roots in the dreamtime and its leaves offering protection, mugwort opens the door to expanded consciousness with both safety and insight.
Yarrow~ Achillea millefolium
Yarrow, named after the mythic warrior Achilles, has long been regarded as a plant of protection and healing. The ancient Greeks believed yarrow could both staunch the flow of blood and prevent wounds from festering. This protective nature makes it a valuable ally when stepping into the vulnerable and expansive world of psychedelics.
Modern science points to yarrow’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, but the deeper, energetic protection it offers is what sets it apart. In the liminal space of a journey, yarrow is a fierce protector, keeping both the body and spirit guarded against energetic disruption.
Rose~ Rosa Rugosa
Rose, the universal symbol of love, opens the heart with unparalleled grace. Long a companion in spiritual and emotional healing work, the rose flower softens the edges of our protective armor, allowing for vulnerability in safe and supported ways. In Greek mythology, roses were said to have sprung from the tears of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, as she mourned for her lover Adonis. Thus, the rose became a symbol of both love and loss, of passion and grief, carrying the healing power of the heart.
In Sufi mysticism, the rose represents the soul’s longing for union with the Divine, its unfolding petals mirroring the spiritual path of awakening. The rose also played a central role in ancient Egyptian and Christian ceremonies, where it was used to honor the dead and represent the eternal nature of love.
Scientifically, rose is known for its soothing properties. It acts as a nervine, calming the nervous system and reducing stress. In this blend, rose serves as a gentle reminder that the journey inward is one of love, both toward the self and the broader, more-than-human world. Its beauty and fragrance invite softness and vulnerability, necessary companions on any profound inner exploration.
Milky Oats~ Avena sativa
Milky oats are known as a restorative tonic for the nervous system. Often referred to as "nourishment in a bottle," milky oats offer deep replenishment for a taxed and overworked body-mind system, gently rebuilding resilience and fortitude.
Milky oats have been used traditionally to ease anxiety and emotional exhaustion. Contemporary research suggests that they support the nervous system by modulating the stress response, making them a valuable ally in the preparation for a psychedelic experience. When entering a state of expansion, milky oats ensure that the foundations remain fortified, helping to keep you anchored while the mind and spirit soar.
Centering - A Symphony of Support
Centering offers a beautiful courtship of these time-honored plants, each contributing to the broader work of preparing you for your psychedelic journey. With each dose, the grounding energy of burdock and dandelion clears toxicity for a cleaner slate, while the dream-inducing essence of mugwort invites a deeper connection with your inner vision. Yarrow stands as your protector, rose softens your heart, and milky oats nourishes your nerves and mineral needs, creating a holistic pathway for you to enter your journey with clarity, openness, and grace.
In this space, you are held and better prepared, as you are guided by the plants. The synergy within Centering reminds you that the preparation is part of the transformation. May you step forward with trust, knowing these allies have walked beside many before you, carrying the myths, healing, and protection of your ancestors and generations past.
