Harmonious Podcast Episode 15: Schisandra & Labradorite

“Know thyself” is an aphorism that dates back to ancient Greek philosophy and is often attributed to the philosopher Socrates. Self-knowledge is a foundational principle for personal growth, wisdom, and living a fulfilling life. In addition, self-exploration and introspection leads to developing a deeper sense of emotional intelligence; therefore, knowing thyself leads to harmony within and harmony without.

Hi beloveds! This is Meline, and you are listening to episode 15 of the Harmonious podcast, where we explore the synergy of Crystals and Herbs. Today we are going to explore the crystal Labradorite, and the herb Schisandra. We will explore many different properties of these beautiful allies and how they can assist us with the improvement of our mind, body, and spirit. You will also find a short and sweet guided meditation at the end of this episode to help you relax and practice visualization.

But before we move on, I need to mention that everything you learn in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please do not start or discontinue any treatment or medication based on what you learn in this podcast. It is essential that you consult a medical doctor before initiating or discontinuing or changing any medications or treatments for your physical, emotional, or mental health. And please make sure that you are not allergic to any of the herbs that you wish to experiment with.

So let's explore the mystical crystal labradorite. There is a beautiful lore surrounding labradorite saying that frozen fire from Aurora borealis fell upon a regular stone and turned it into the majestic and beautiful labradorite. It is difficult to describe the beauty of labradorite crystal using words. Labradorite is a fascinating gemstone and it belongs to the Feldspar family. It has a unique optical phenomenon, known as labradorescence. This refers to the captivating play of color that labradorite shows when light interacts with its internal structure.

Labradorite stones typically have a base color that ranges from gray-green, dark gray, black, to grayish-white. These colors serve as a background for the striking iridescent flashes that labradorite is renowned for. The play of color occurs due to the presence of layers within the stone, which reflect light and create a shimmering effect.

The labradorescent flashes can appear in a variety of hues, with the predominant color often being blue. In addition to blue, other colors such as gold, pale green, and purple can also be observed within the iridescent play of color.

Known as the “Temple of Stars,” Labradorite is a stone of transformation and can bring out our best from deep within us. It can help us see our potential and support us to excel in our duties, tasks, and desires. If you are familiar with the archetype of the Magician in Tarot, Labradorite has a very similar energy to it. It helps us understand that everything we need we already have at our fingertips.

Labradorite is a harmonizer stone and can help us align all of our chakras and is a wonderful crystal for grounding our spiritual energy.

So, if you are looking to find a beautiful and high quality labradorite crystal, I suggest visiting House of Intuition. Make sure you click on the link in the episode description and visit House of Intuition for high quality gems and crystals.

So now let's talk about schisandra.

Know by it scientific name Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TMC). It is a deciduous, woody vine and its berries are highly valued for their medicinal properties. Schisandra is considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress in a healthy way and promotes overall balance and well-being. It is often referred to as the "five-flavor berry" because when tasting the berries, one can experience all five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. In TCM, this unique combination of flavors is believed to correspond to the five elements and the body's five major organ systems.

Schisandra berries are known for their high content of bioactive compounds, including lignans, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some of the health benefits associated with Schisandra berries are as follows:

Adaptogenic properties: Schisandra can help the body cope with physical, mental, and emotional stress, promoting resilience and overall vitality.

Liver support: It is commonly used to support liver health and promote detoxification processes in the body.

Antioxidant effects: Schisandra's antioxidant compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Cognitive function: It is believed to support mental clarity, concentration, and memory.

Energy and endurance: Schisandra is used to boost energy levels, improve physical performance, and combat fatigue.

Respiratory health: It is used in TCM to support respiratory function and relieve symptoms associated with respiratory conditions.

Skin health: Some traditional uses of Schisandra involve promoting healthy skin and reducing the signs of aging.

Schisandra can be consumed in various forms, including dried berries, herbal teas, tinctures, powders, and capsules. However, like any other herbal supplements, it is important to consult with a licensed medical practitioner before incorporating them into your diet.

Now let’s combine the many benefits of the Labradorite crystal and the Schisandra berries:

- Since schisandra berries are packed with antioxidants, I love to make oil infusions and to use them on my skin. Simply add dried schisandra berries to a jar and cover them with olive oil. You can use other oils but I love olive oil for its own medicinal benefits such as natural vitamin E. After a week or two, you may use this oil to help your skin rejuvenate while wearing labradorite crystal jewelry.

- Another method is brewing a cup of warm tea using dried schisandra berries. You can hold onto a piece of labradorite crystal and gaze at its beautiful play of colors as you sip your tea. Soften your eyes and allow your mind to relax. Can you taste the different flavors of the schisandra berries from your tea?

If you would like to do a little visualization meditation with me, find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, and gently close your eyes. Take a moment to focus on your breath, allowing it to naturally flow in and out, creating a sense of relaxation.

Now, imagine yourself standing at the edge of a tranquil forest. Feel the coolness of the air and the soft touch of grass beneath your feet. As you take a step forward, you notice a path winding through the trees, inviting you to explore.

Begin to walk along the path, surrounded by tall, majestic trees. Observe the sunlight gently filtering through the leaves, creating patterns of light and shadow. Feel a sense of peace and serenity wash over you as you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Continuing along the path, you come across a clearing. In the center of the clearing, there is a serene and crystal-clear pond. The water shimmers and sparkles, reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding flowers.

Take a moment to sit by the edge of the pond. As you gaze into the water, notice your reflection staring back at you. This reflection represents your true self, your essence, and your inner wisdom.

Now, imagine that from the depths of the pond, a small stone appears in your hand. This stone symbolizes any worries, stress, or negative thoughts that you may be carrying with you.

Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, visualize releasing all of these burdens into the pond. Watch as the ripples spread across the water, carrying away any tension or negativity. Feel a sense of lightness and relief as you let go of what no longer serves you.

As you sit by the pond, take another moment to reflect on your true self and the qualities you wish to cultivate. Maybe it's peace, love, compassion, or strength. Visualize these qualities as shimmering lights surrounding you, filling your being with their radiant energy.

Stay in this peaceful state for as long as you wish, basking in the tranquility of the pond and the surrounding nature. When you're ready, bring your awareness back to your breath, gradually reawakening your body and mind.

Take a moment to express gratitude for this experience and for the time you've dedicated to self-care. Carry the serenity and positive energy with you as you continue your day, knowing that you can always return to this inner oasis whenever you need a moment of calm and clarity.

When you're ready, gently open your eyes, bringing the peace and tranquility of this visualization with you into the present moment.

I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Feel free to email me at mindfulmanifest2@gmail.com should you have any questions or comments or to just say hi.

My name is Meline and this was the Harmonious, where we explore the synergy of crystals and herbs.

Until next time, stay happy and healthy.

You can listen to my podcast here:

At my website: https://www.mindful-manifest.com/podcast/episode/76dad64b/schisandra-and-labradorite

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4115TGgux7E32Il7kDC6DR?si=kRD4oFCIRVyiB-3N3U7qTA

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/schisandra-labradorite/id1680424775?i=1000620975344

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bf2f5f28-95d3-4b4a-b2a0-f1d504ac1511/episodes/68a16f47-4d31-44f4-8ca0-6795ecddaee0/harmonious-exploring-the-synergy-of-crystals-and-herbs-schisandra-labradorite