How lucky are we to live in a world that is bursting with colors?

And how fortunate are we, as human beings, to be able to experience such a broad spectrum of color compared to most mammals?

While humans do not have the ability to see the full spectrum of color, including that of ultraviolet light due to having trichromatic vision versus tetrachromatic vision (but to be an insect or a mantis shrimp who can for a day!), we do have the ability to see the full gambit of the rainbow, and subcolors all therein. And this is such a gift, as most mammals only have dichromatic vision, meaning they largely only see the world through various shades of blue and yellow, where humans can also distinguish between red and green.

Rainbow of Herbs by Sarah Josey

Have you also noticed that this is yet another way that nature communicates with us? While the Doctrine of Signatures, in which it is believed that plants communicate their properties to us by resembling certain aspects of the body, may not be a proven science, it’s hard to chalk this up to pure coincidence. Afterall, what are the chances that root networks of trees resemble the same structure as the bronchia of our lungs, and yet, we are so deeply dependent on them for producing the oxygen we breathe? Or can we truly say it is a coincidence that a walnut looks strikingly similar to a tiny little replica of a brain, but yet, studies have shown that they are beneficial for cognitive function?

Perhaps it is all purely coincidence, and if so, that would be pretty remarkable, but those of us who have deepened into relationship with the plants, also believe in a little intention and magic from the natural world!

Plants not only embrace color as a means of attracting pollinators or assisting in helping spread seeds far and wide, but also color often signals to us how the plant can be supportive from an elemental perspective, medicinally, or even help to supplement our diets!

And as such, to sink into this further, we invite you to explore the herbal rainbow with us!

 

Red

When we explore the color red in the plant world, this is often signaling grounding, warmth, and blood-building.

The root chakra is also most often depicted as being the color red, and just as it’s the first color in the rainbow, it is also the foundation of our energy centers. When this center is in balance, we feel safe, secure, and connected to the earth. Most often we find grounding energy in red plants via the form of warming spices – think cayenne and chili peppers, but also in the form of heavy grounding and rich nourishing foods such as beans or potatoes.

Referencing back to the analogy of the walnut looking like a physical aspect of the body, most herbal allies that are red are indicative of supporting circulation, building the blood, or tonifying the heart. This includes Hibiscus Flower, Hawthorn berries, Red Clover, and Rose.

 

Orange

Following red, we come to the color orange. In the chakra alignment, this color is synonymous with the sacral chakra, which is the seat of our vitality, sensuality, and creative flow. When this center is in balance, we find ourselves attuned to our emotional needs, our ability to express ourselves, and in healthy relationship with our sexuality.

Orange herbs tend to reflect this sense of the sensual, giving a little zest or oomph. Think of oranges, and the stimulation aspect of citrus, particularly when interacting with the aroma of citrus and how it creates a sense of awakening within us. This also applies to food medicines such as Tumeric, that can give us a boost of energy in the form of a golden milk latte.

Orange flowers also easily catch our eye, bringing us into deep presence with the natural world. They call to us and ask us to pay attention, versus continuing along in our typical hurried fashion. Orange flowers such as Calendula and Golden Poppy (a plant near and dear to us!) help to ease tension from strained and frazzled nerves, easing inflammation that is caused by stresses we interact with on a regular basis, bringing us back into our bodies and helping us feel embodied and safe.

Photo by Erke Rysdauletov on Unsplash

Yellow

We know that nature is just abundant with plants that adorn themselves in yellow! These plants are probably most memorable, in that they invoke a sort of childlike wonder. We can remember fondly interactions with the humble but loving Dandelion, or braiding Marigolds into our hair. And we are not alone – yellow tends to be one of the colors most effective for attracting pollinators, so it makes sense that in our vegetable gardens most of our fruit-bearing plants produce yellow or white flowers to call in the bees!

In the chakra system, the solar plexus is represented by the color yellow. The solar plexus is the seat of self, where we connect with our sense of individuality and our purpose. When in balance, we feel confident, attuned to our intuition, and have a strongly burning inner fire.

Many of the herbs that are yellow are also aligned with solar energy, such as that of St. John’s Wort, or the aptly named Sunflower. Many yellow herbs also are associated with inner digestive fire such as that of Tarragon or Dill, or illuminate our inner sensual flame, such as Damiana.

 

Green

While it feels a little tongue-in-cheek as most of the plant kingdom embraces the color green to some degree (kudos to chlorophyll!), there are some herbs that wear this shade to the next level, and even taste green. And this is for good reason!

Cue the nourishing herbs. Their vibrant green nature would have been celebrated and welcomed by our ancestors as they often emerged while blankets of late spring snow still remained blanketed on the earth. In stark contrast to the white and icy landscape, their being green served as a signal of deep and profound nourishment, which would have been so needed following the harshness and scarcity of the dark and cold winter months. Herbs that embody these characteristics include Chickweed, Nettle, Cleavers, and Burdock, in addition to bitter herbs such as Dandelion Greens or Arugula that also arrive early in the season.

The chakra center that shines green is the Heart Chakra. When in balance, we are open and compassionate, we feel a balanced sense of empathy, and are able to offer our gifts to others. Vibrant green herbs that also signal an open emotional heart, and hold properties of reconciliation include the majestic Kava Kava plant,the beloved Cacao Tree, and the gorgeous Cardamom pods.

 

Photo by Jason Hawke 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Blue/Indigo

As we continue to move through the rainbow, and the chakra system, as we reach blue, we start exploring our relationship with consciousness. Plants that embody blue hold a sort of mysticism about them, being keepers of the liminal spaces and encouraging us to explore this line between our world and those beyond.

Blue or Indigo are deeply calming colors, relaxing to the eye, and bringing about a sense of physical ease within the body. Blue herbs help us shift into presence, promote deep and restorative sleep, and help bring us into a meditative state. Think of herbs that hold this sense of dream-like wonder such as the Blue Lotus who at one point found its home the Nile, inspiring legends of an afterlife amongst the ancient Egyptian people, or the Butterfly Blue Pea, which can be included in a cosmic and cozy potion to help us sink into sleep without worry.

Indigo is also the color associated with the Third Eye chakra center. When in balance, we are relieved of a racing mind, and have a stronger capacity to turn inward. We also find ourselves deeply trusting our intuition versus questioning it, and know that we can rely on our inner guide to navigate the world around us. An herbal ally that also embodies this includes Skullcap, which signals these properties to us through their deep indigo flowers. Aptly named, this herb helps bring nourishment to the third eye, putting a “cap” on a busy mind and helping us deepen into relationship with our mental growth.

 

Violet

And finally we come to the final color of the rainbow, the gorgeous violet. This color was once considered the symbol of royalty, a color that adorned those of high status and regality. And interestingly, it is also the color associated with the final chakra, that of the crown.

The crown chakra is our connection to the divine, and consciousness beyond that which we most often experience in our mundane and day to day lives. When in balance, we have the ability to tap into infinite potential, receive guidance and messages from our spirit guides, and are in deep relationship with all that is, understanding that we are not separate from, but integrated, into all forms of energy.

Violet herbs support us in shifting consciousness, deepening into theta brain waves that allow us to connect in with vibrational energy, deeper realms of consciousness, and to explore that which lies beyond the veil of this realm and the next. They are also deeply restorative to the nervous system, bringing a sense of safety and calm and helping us move beyond a parasympathetic state. Think of herbs such as Tulsi, Lavender, Passionflower. These also include herbs that would have been used in sacred rituals such as Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage, all of which grow vibrant, purple flowers.

 

Photo by Ruan Richard Rodrigues on Unsplash

Thank you for joining us, dear readers, as we explored the aspects of the rainbow and how the herbs embrace them. This is a mere glimpse into what is possible, and we hope it inspires you to look at the plants around you in a new way, or to deepen in your understanding and relationship with them and how they are attempting to communicate with you. We wish you all of the abundance as we move into the harvest season, and soon wrap up the season of summer!

 

Sources:

• Arizona State University. “Do Humans Have Better Color Vision than Animals?” Ask a Biologist. 2025. Retrieved from: https://legacy.askabiologist.asu.edu/colors-animals-see#:~:text=Do%20Humans%20Have%20Better%20Color,compare%20to%20human%20color%20vision.
• Golden Poppy Blog: Balancing Your Chakras https://goldenpoppyherbs.com/balancing-your-chakras