Many of the imbalances we experience in life can be traced in part to a blockage within our main chakra system. Chakras are energy centers and so it makes sense that if our energy is depleted or off in some way, that a corresponding chakra might be weak. For example, if we are particularly stressed or anxious about our financial well-being, this might indicate an imbalance in our root chakra, or muladhara, which governs our most basic sense of security and grounding. If we find ourselves in a creative rut, this most likely reflects an imbalance in our sacral chakra, or swadhistana, which is where our creative and pleasure is derived from.
There are many ways to keep energy flowing through your chakra system, but one of the easiest ways is to nourish them through sustenance. Included below are herbs, spices, foods, and drinks you can consume to keep your chakra system functioning at full capacity:
Root Chakra – Muladhara
Normally represented by the color red, we can ingest foods of this color to strengthen this chakra, such as strawberries, apples, raspberries, and cherries. Since it is our root chakra, it also makes sense that adding more root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and radishes, will help activate the energy of this chakra. Ginger and maca root have double the benefit as they can also act as an aphrodisiac and stimulate blood circulation. Sprinkle your food with spices like paprika and pepper to engage this chakra.
Sacral Chakra – Swadhistana
The sacral chakra is located approximately two inches below the navel, in the same area where our reproductive system resides. It governs our pleasure and creativity, and imbalances in this chakra can manifest as a lack of self-esteem or unhealthy sexual relationships. Since this chakra is represented by the color orange, we can consume orange foods to help nourish it, including oranges, mango, carrots, and melons. It’s element is water, so drinking water or juices like orange and carrot juice can also be beneficial. Dust some cinnamon or vanilla extract in your coffee or tea in the morning to charge up this chakra.
Solar Plexus – Manipura
Located just above the navel, our solar plexus reflects our self-esteem, willpower and “gut” instincts. An imbalance in this chakra could cause us to overeat or overindulge, and result in controlling or obsessive behaviors. Yellow foods that reflect this chakra’s color can help to nourish it, including bananas, corn, and yellow curry. This chakra helps convert energy, so consume foods it will not metabolize as quickly — avoid sugar, white flour, and processed foods if this chakra is imbalanced. Grains and protein-rich foods can also stimulate this chakra.
Heart Chakra – Anahata
Represented by the color green and sometimes pink, we should consume heart-healthy plants like lettuce, spinach, cabbage, celery, and broccoli to strengthen this chakra. Our heart chakra governs our ability to give and receive love, and blockage to this chakra could manifest as antisocial behavior or a lack of empathy. Green tea is also good for nourishing the heart, as are herbs like cilantro, basil, and thyme.
Throat Chakra – Vishuddha
This chakra is located at the throat and is our center for communication. When this chakra is balanced, we are confident when we speak and are authentic in our interactions with others. An imbalanced throat chakra can manifest as stubbornness, detachment, or social anxiety. The throat chakra is represented by a sky blue color and is best quenched with liquids. Drink lots of water, herbal teas, and fruit juices to keep this chakra healthy. Foods with a high water content, like watermelon and cucumber can also be helpful for balancing this chakra.
Third Eye Chakra – Ajna
Located between our eyebrows, our third eye symbolizes our higher wisdom and insight. A balanced third eye gives us perspective and governs our intuition, imagination, and memory. An over- or under-active third eye chakra can reveal itself as indecision, procrastination, and fear of the unknown. This chakra is represented by the color indigo and we can feed it with wine and grape juice, as well as dark blue or purple fruits like blueberries and blackberries. Because this is a higher chakra associated with spiritual elements, we can also balance this chakra by anointing the forehead with essential oils like frankincense, juniper, rosemary, and clary sage.
Crown Chakra – Sahasrara
The crown chakra sits atop our head, and therefore transcends our typical modes of sustenance. It is associated with the colors violet and white, and helps us communicate with spirit and practice mindfulness. An unhealthy crown chakra causes us to be greedy, depressed, or overly materialistic. This chakra is associated with the element of air, and so it makes sense that we can engage with it by fasting and detoxifying. Smudging herbs and incense like sage, copal, myrrh, frankincense, and juniper are also helpful for nourishing this chakra. A steady meditative practice can help open this chakra and allow you to communicate with higher realms.