The word ‘Chakra’ in Sanskrit means disk or wheel and corresponds to the seven energy centres located in the body. When functioning optimally, energy, or prana, flows freely through these chakras – however various factors such as spiritual, emotional, and physical turmoil can cause them to become imbalanced.

So how do you balance your chakras?

Chakras can be balanced through yoga, meditation, energy healing, diet and herbs. We’ve included examples below of some of the common tell-tale signs that your chakras may be out of balance as well as various herbs that may help bring them back to a state of harmony.

Root Chakra

Located at the base of the spine

The Root Chakra in its optimal state corresponds to feelings of peace and security.

Imbalanced: anxiety, digestive problems, lower back problems, weak immune system, lack of concentration.

Herbs that help: Adaptogenic herbs or digestive herbs, particularly roots such as dandelion or ashwagandha – can be taken as tinctures, capsules or a strong decoction.

Sacral Chakra

Located in between the navel and pubic bone

The Sacral Chakra in its optimal state corresponds to feelings of pleasure and flow.

Imbalanced: addiction, hormonal imbalance, restlessness, depression, low sex drive, lack of passion and creativity.

Herbs that help: Orange herbs such as Hibiscus, calendula or cordyceps – can be taken as teas or tinctures.

Solar Plexus Chakra

Located around the sternum

The Solar Plexus Chakra in its optimal state corresponds with feelings of wisdom, decisiveness and inner strength.

Imbalanced: anger, need to control, lack of compassion and empathy, low self-esteem, feeling insecure, digestive issues.

Herbs that help: mint, lemon balm, or ginger – can be taken as teas, capsules or tinctures.

Heart Chakra

Located in the middle of the chest

The Heart Chakra in its optimal state corresponds to feelings of love for yourself and for others.

Imbalanced: palpitations, jealousy, excessive isolation, being reclusive, antisocial, not being able to forgive.

Herbs that help: Hawthorn, Rose, Motherwort – can be taken as teas, capsules or tinctures.

Throat Chakra

Located in the throat

The Throat Chakra in its optimal state corresponds to feelings of being able to speak clearly with love, kindness and truth.

Imbalanced: talking with a louder voice and interrupting others, throat pain, frequent infections, cavities, mouth ulcers, thyroid problems, laryngitis, difficulties thinking before speaking.

Herbs that help: Sage, Marshamallow, Thyme, Elderberry – can be taken as teas, capsules or tinctures.

Third Eye Chakra

Located between the eyebrows

The Third Eye Chakra in its optimal state corresponds to feelings of being open to an intuitive sensibility and inner perception.

Imbalanced: disconnected from spiritual experiences, lack of clarity, lack of imagination, weakness in the ears or eyes, headaches, sinus problems.

Herbs that help: eyebright, ginkgo biloba, lions mane – can be taken as teas, capsules or tinctures.

Crown Chakra

Located at the top of the head

The Crown Chakra in its optimal state corresponds to feelings of having a deeper level of consciousness and awareness.

Imbalanced: feeling disconnected spiritually, lack of direction or purpose, nervous system disorders, migraines.

Herbs that help: Gotu kola, holy basil – can be taken as teas, capsules or tinctures.