Rooted Wisdom: Bee’s Ingredient Index
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Sacred Source: A flowering herb native to Europe and North America.
Healing Traditions: Used by Native American tribes for centuries in poultices to treat bruises, muscle aches, and joint pain. It’s also widely used in South American herbalism for reducing swelling and inflammation.
Ancestral Power: Arnica is considered a protective herb in folklore and is believed to ward off negative energy when sprinkled around the home or sacred spaces.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Sacred Source: A root from a small evergreen shrub found in India, the Middle East, and Africa.
Healing Traditions: Common in Ayurvedic medicine for stress relief and vitality, ashwagandha is also historically connected to African traditions where adaptogenic herbs are used to promote resilience and strength.
Ancestral Power: Known as the "Strength of the Stallion," ashwagandha is thought to imbue courage, endurance, and grounding energy.
Beeswax
Sacred Source: A natural wax produced by honeybees for building their hives.
Healing Traditions: African and Native American communities have long valued beeswax for its protective and sealing qualities in skin care remedies and sacred rituals.
Ancestral Power: Beeswax candles are believed to purify energy and create warmth, symbolizing the connection between earthly work and divine inspiration.
Black Cohosh Root (Actaea racemosa)
Sacred Source: A flowering plant native to North America.
Healing Traditions: Used by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Iroquois to support uterine health and relieve menstrual discomfort. Its healing uses have influenced Western herbal medicine.
Ancestral Power: Often associated with transformation and empowerment, black cohosh is believed to support balance during life transitions.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Sacred Source: The state flower of California, native to the western United States.
Healing Traditions: Used by Indigenous peoples of California for its mild sedative properties to promote restful sleep and reduce anxiety.
Ancestral Power: California poppies are thought to amplify dreams and offer protection during sleep, making them a favorite for dream work and healing.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Sacred Source: A flowering plant originating in Asia, now cultivated globally.
Healing Traditions: Used in African American herbal practices influenced by Chinese medicine for reducing inflammation and promoting eye health.
Ancestral Power: Chrysanthemums are symbols of longevity and protection, often placed in homes to foster harmony and abundance.
Coconut Oil
Sacred Source: Extracted from the meat of coconuts, grown in tropical regions worldwide.
Healing Traditions: A staple in African and Caribbean healing traditions, coconut oil is used for skin and hair nourishment, as well as anointing in sacred ceremonies.
Ancestral Power: Coconut oil is considered a purifier and protector, believed to banish negativity and promote spiritual clarity.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Sacred Source: A flowering herb in the carrot family, native to the Mediterranean.
Healing Traditions: Used in African diasporic healing for digestive health and as a protective herb in rituals.
Ancestral Power: Fennel seeds are believed to bring courage and ward off negative influences when carried or burned.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Sacred Source: The root of a tropical flowering plant.
Healing Traditions: Revered in African American and Caribbean herbal traditions for improving digestion, circulation, and immune support. It’s also a key ingredient in hot teas used for colds and flu.
Ancestral Power: Ginger is associated with fire energy and is believed to spark passion, vitality, and success in spiritual practices.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Sacred Source: The leaves of the tea plant, widely cultivated in Asia and enjoyed globally.
Healing Traditions: Influenced by Asian traditions, green tea has been incorporated into modern wellness routines, including African diasporic healing, for its antioxidant and calming properties.
Ancestral Power: Green tea is thought to sharpen focus and elevate clarity, aligning body and mind during spiritual work.
Jasmine Green Tea
Sacred Source: Green tea leaves scented with jasmine flowers, traditionally cultivated in Asia.
Healing Traditions: Jasmine green tea, though rooted in Chinese traditions, has become a staple in many wellness practices globally, including African American herbal traditions for promoting relaxation and uplifting the spirit.
Ancestral Power: Jasmine flowers are believed to enhance intuition and attract love, prosperity, and peace in spiritual practices.
Jojoba Oil
Sacred Source: Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub, native to North America.
Healing Traditions: Used by Native American tribes to treat wounds, moisturize skin, and protect hair from harsh environments.
Ancestral Power: Jojoba oil is associated with abundance and renewal, symbolizing resilience and harmony with the land.
Kokum Butter
Sacred Source: Derived from the seeds of the kokum tree, native to India.
Healing Traditions: In African diasporic practices, kokum butter has been adopted for its lightweight texture and ability to heal dry, cracked skin while soothing irritation.
Ancestral Power: Kokum butter is thought to provide grounding energy and inner calm, connecting body and spirit.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Sacred Source: A fragrant herb in the mint family, native to Europe but widely cultivated worldwide.
Healing Traditions: Introduced into African American and Native herbal practices for reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and supporting restful sleep.
Ancestral Power: Known as the "herb of the moon," lemon balm is believed to soothe emotional turbulence and enhance intuition in spiritual practices.
Manuka Honey
Sacred Source: Produced by bees that pollinate the manuka tree, native to New Zealand.
Healing Traditions: Valued by Māori communities for its antibacterial and healing properties, manuka honey has been integrated into global healing practices, including African diasporic remedies for skin care and wound healing.
Ancestral Power: Manuka honey is said to bring sweetness and harmony into one's life, symbolizing balance and healing.
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)
Sacred Source: A sacred wood native to South America, revered for its cleansing properties.
Healing Traditions: Used in Indigenous South American ceremonies for clearing negative energy, enhancing meditation, and grounding the spirit. Its use has influenced African diasporic spiritual practices globally.
Ancestral Power: Known as "Holy Wood," palo santo is believed to invite peace, protection, and positive energy into spaces and rituals.
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Sacred Source: The leaves of the raspberry plant, widely grown in temperate regions.
Healing Traditions: Used in African American herbal traditions for its uterine health benefits, often included in teas to support menstrual health and pregnancy.
Ancestral Power: Raspberry leaf is a symbol of fertility and feminine power, thought to enhance vitality and balance in spiritual practices.
Rose (Rosa spp.)
Sacred Source: A timeless flower revered across cultures for its beauty and fragrance.
Healing Traditions: Used in African diasporic herbalism to calm the heart, lift the spirit, and reduce inflammation. Roses are also used in spiritual baths and love rituals.
Ancestral Power: Roses symbolize love and protection, often incorporated into rituals to attract harmony and ward off negativity.
Rosehips (Rosa canina)
Sacred Source: The fruit of the rose plant, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Healing Traditions: Used in African American and Native American herbal practices for boosting immunity and supporting skin health.
Ancestral Power: Rosehips are believed to represent resilience and abundance, often used to strengthen spiritual connections.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Sacred Source: Also known as Holy Basil, a sacred herb in Indian Ayurvedic traditions.
Healing Traditions: Adopted into African diasporic and global wellness practices for its stress-reducing and immune-supporting properties.
Ancestral Power: Tulsi is considered a sacred plant that fosters spiritual growth, protection, and alignment of energy.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Sacred Source: A vibrant yellow root native to Southeast Asia, cultivated globally.
Healing Traditions: Used in African and Caribbean herbal practices for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for supporting joint health and digestion.
Ancestral Power: Turmeric is thought to bring vitality and purification, often used in rituals to cleanse and renew energy.
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
Sacred Source: A flowering plant native to Europe and Asia.
Healing Traditions: Introduced into African diasporic herbal practices for promoting relaxation and improving sleep, influenced by European herbalism.
Ancestral Power: Valerian root is believed to aid in dream work and provide grounding energy during times of stress.
White Sage (Salvia apiana)
Sacred Source: A sacred plant native to the southwestern United States, particularly revered by Indigenous tribes.
Healing Traditions: Used in Native American smudging ceremonies to cleanse spaces, people, and objects of negativity and invite spiritual protection.
Ancestral Power: White sage is considered a purifier and protector, with smoke believed to carry prayers to the divine.
White Willow Bark (Salix alba)
Sacred Source: The bark of the white willow tree, native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Healing Traditions: Used by Native American tribes for pain relief and reducing inflammation, it has influenced modern herbal medicine as the precursor to aspirin.
Ancestral Power: Willow bark is often associated with resilience and adaptability, symbolizing healing through connection to nature’s wisdom.
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)
Sacred Source: A caffeinated herb native to South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Healing Traditions: Traditionally consumed by Indigenous peoples of South America for energy, focus, and as part of communal rituals. It has also influenced African and global wellness practices for its energizing properties.
Ancestral Power: Yerba mate is believed to promote vitality, clarity, and a sense of community, aligning physical and mental energy.