Red Phytonutrients, The Root Chakra, Stress Hormones, Adrenals, and Therapeutic Uses of the Color Red

red tomatoes rich in the phytonutrient lycopene that help to decrease inflammation

Welcome to the seventh installment of the Phytonutrients Per Zodiacal Series! We’ve entered Aries Season, so we are going to look at red phytonutrients and how they support our immune system and adrenals while combating inflammation. This information is based on how I’ve come to understand the medicinal properties of all of our botanical allies. This includes our whole foods through their natural compounds called phytonutrients, which express different colors while offering various health benefits.

We will explore the healing properties of red phytonutrients, with integrated concepts such as medical astrology, chakras, and color therapy, which is essentially the basis of how I approach food! I believe we all have a story to tell as it relates to food whether it is culturally, psychologically, physiologically, spiritually, financially, or emotionally. I want to help others find trust with their bodies (and intuition) through developing an allyship with whole foods and plants.

Phytonutrients and color therapy are good places to start, and I am very passionate about these plant-based nutrients. It is my belief that phytonutrients are the lost language between plant and human, and our ancestors may have been able to determine the healing properties of their food just by observing their color.

Of course there is a lot of nuance, information, vitamins and minerals, herbs, and so much more that can be discussed and therefore, it’s best to work with me 1:1 so I can help you navigate through the Holographic Phytonutrients Program I created, and their vibrational medicine as I’ve come to understand them.

Because we will experience two eclipses in the immediate future, I am also going to discuss how to support the body during this time. I also provide a brief monograph for nettle as a plant ally for eclipse season at the bottom of the blog post. All research citing and resources can be found at the bottom as well.

Remember: Any and all material appearing on The Holographic Phytomancy blog website, and all affiliated social media, emails, and newsletters are written exclusively for entertainment and education uses only. Please, always consult a professional healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment or program. Any and all material written on this website should not take the place of medical care or advice. Astrology is not meant to diagnose or treat illnesses. Do not diagnose yourself without speaking to a licensed healthcare professional. You can cause serious harm to yourself. See the Terms & Conditions page for more information.

Please also see the Introduction to the Holographic Herbal post for more information on how I use color and astrology.

What we learn in this post:

Springtime, Kapha Dosha, and The New Astrological Year (Aries Season)
Eclipses in Libra and Aries
Aries and Medical Astrology

Adrenals and The Stress Hormone Called Cortisol

Red, The Root Chakra (Muladhara), and Therapeutic Uses for the Color Red
Red Phytonutrients

Lycopene
Quercetin
Ellagic Acid

Nettle: An Herbal Ally for This Eclipse Season

**Springtime, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and The Astrological New Year (Aries Season)**

As we shift from the frigid temperatures of Winter into the slightly warmer weather of Spring, snow and ice begins to melt, creating flowing water. This release is one of nature’s cues that tell us that what has been left stagnant and dormant is now free to move with ease. This is both true symbolically and literally, and this concept can also be found in the principles of an ancient medical system born out of India called Ayurveda. In fact, “Ayurveda” is the Sanskrit term that means “Science of Life”.

In this holistic wisdom healing practice, the change of seasons affect our environment and our bodies, especially our dosha. There are three energy patterns that express themselves in our body, mind, and soul: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. At least one dosha presents itself in a person, although sometimes a person can be dual-dosha or tri-doshic. The seasons also alter the expression of these doshas, and diet and lifestyle contribute to the rebalancing of one’s specific dosha expression.

*The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha*

Their elements and energies

We may initially consider Aries Season to be a season that resonates with Pitta dosha, the dosha that embodies the elements of fire and water, as Aries is ruled by fiery Mars. The Sun moves into the sign of Aries from approximately March 21st until April 19th, and this transit of the Sun aligns with the Spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, Aries season, which coincides with Spring, is connected more with Kapha dosha. Spring increases Kapha Dosha, which is the Dosha that represents Earth and Water. This cue from nature also evokes the same movement and release in our bodies: what has been accumulated throughout the Winter, “thaws out” and liquifies so that it could be eliminated from the body. This may make us feel slower and heavier, as if we are moving through mud.

Spring is associated with the Wood Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symbolizing the blossoming of nature and regrowth. This is the season that corresponds to the liver and gallbladder, which are vital organs that work to remove toxins from the body. In TCM, it is said that a healthy liver is crucial for the proper flow of Qi (vital life force), and that the liver stores anger. Increased emotions of anger energetically rise to the head, and make one dizzy. Ironically, Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, rules the head and brain in Medical Astrology. Additionally, it is associated with the First House of Body and Self. Aries is ruled by Mars, who represents anger, stress, war, passion, courage, vitality, energy, will, and drive. Both Aries and Mars have association with blood, stress and stress hormones, and the adrenal glands, all of which we will discuss further along in this post.

The sun moving into the first sign of the zodiac marks the beginning of a new astrological year. In addition to Astrological themes of this season, keeping both the principles of Ayurveda and TCM in mind, Spring is a great time for detoxification and cleansing both stagnant energy and emotions to make way for newness, rebirth, and regrowth. In this way, we are able to move accumulated Kapha out of the body, as well as intense internalized emotions out of the liver.

This is why “Spring Cleaning” during this time is so important not only for your home, but for your office, desk, work area, hobby area, mind, and all areas where you set intentions, plan, and create to make way for something new. Journaling and reflection of any angry emotions you are holding onto may help to visually and physically “get it out” of your body and mind. Just like Qi, stagnant energy creates physical and emotional imbalances, as well as decreased vitality. Therefore, it is no use to hold on to something that you have outgrown. Make room for new growth this new astrological year!

Eclipses in Aries Season

We will experience two eclipses this Aries Season. The first will occur on March 25th in the sign of Libra, and this will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. The second will be a solar eclipse, and it will take place on April 8th in the sign of Aries. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth will pass between the Sun and Moon, resulting in the occultation of the moon. On the other hand, a solar eclipse is when the Sun’s light is blocked out due to the Moon transiting between the Earth and the Sun.

Eclipses are said to be astrological events that signal change in the world and/or in one’s personal life. Chris Brennan, host of The Astrology Podcast, often says that eclipses are marked by “great beginnings and endings”. This shift will redirect our focus on new opportunities, situations, priorities, or chapters in our lives. Of note: shifts and changes aren’t necessarily a bad thing, and we shouldn’t navigate any astrological event with fear.

It is best to see where these eclipses fall in your natal chart to predict the overall theme of how the eclipse will affect you personally. Because these eclipses fall in Libra and Aries, I imagine themes would include “balancing inflammation”, and this can be applied to both the aggravation of existing turbulent situations in life as well as health conditions. As a 12th House Aries placement myself, I cannot stress how rest and hydration will play a crucial part in mitigating the symbolic fiery situations in our lives.

Libra is the sign that rules the endocrine system, hormone balancing, and the kidneys, while Aries has rulership over blood, head, upper jaw, adrenals, and the immune system. Libra is associated with the 7th House of Committed Partnerships, while Aries is connected to the 1st House of The Self and Body. Because Aries rules the head, if you practice Pagan Veiling, this is a great time to lean into it. Additionally, seek out your Supports, whether corporeal or deity, and allow them to offer you assistance when in need. Reflect on your role in these relationships. What would bring more harmony to this dynamic? Contemplate your connection with courage, will, and drive. How is this relationship to these themes impacting your committed partnerships?

The Root Chakra, Muladhara, and Therapeutic Uses of the Color Red

In the Holographic Phytonutrient Program that I’ve developed, Aries aligns with the color red. In the Traditional Seven Chakra System, red represents the Root Chakra, Muladhara. In Sanskrit, “mula” means “root” and “adhara” means “support”. The Root Chakra aligns with our spine, and can be interpreted as foundations. When healing this chakra, one may focus on feelings related to safety, security, survival instincts, basic needs, and stability. In addition, connection to the group or our sense of belonging is associated with Muladhara.

Because of the affiliation Muladhara has with survival and self-preservation, I also look to the adrenals, waste system, and the stress hormones when my case study clients and I navigate our way through the Red spectrum of the program. Aries does not correspond to the waste system in Medical Astrology. However, Scorpio, which is co-ruled by Mars, has rulership over this system instead. In the Scorpio spectrum of the Holographic Phytonutrient Program aligns with Aquamarine, and themes of healing or recovery from illness, detoxification, and cleansing the waste system can be found here. This is where we lean into detoxifying blue-green phytonutrients like spirulina.

Muladhara, Aries, and Mars are embodied by the color red. Before we discuss the uses of red in Color Therapy, It is important to explore your own relationship to color, so I’d like to ask you to settle into the color red. What feelings, memories, and thoughts come up when you envisage this color? What opinions do you have of it? Do you embrace it, or do you shun this color from your life?

For most people, intense feelings such as passion, ambition, vigor, courage, blood, desire, love, and anger are closely associated with the color red. In addition, it has a connection to our feelings of survival, safety, and a sense of urgency. In Color Therapy, red has a stimulating effect, and is used to enhance vitality and increase temperatures within the body. Both Mars and Aries have rulership over vitality, blood and circulation of blood, as well as stress. Therefore, we will discuss red phytonutrients and their anti-inflammatory properties to support our bodies throughout Aries Season. If you are called to Color Therapy, try incorporating red into your daily life. If you wear lipstick, explore all of the tints and shades of red, and find the specific color red that looks good on you. Wear more red accessories like scarves, jewelry, handbags, shoes, jackets, etc. Bringing red into the home, office, or creative space can bolster feelings of courage, vitality, energy, passion, and determination within yourself. My favorite way to work with Aries energy is to burn a red candle and visualize worries, cares, inflammation, anger, and stress casted into the flame.

Cortisol is the stress hormone that we naturally produce in stressful or dangerous events. Stress can be anything from spiritual, mental, physical, and chemical. It can affect anyone in situations involving family, society, career, relationships, and financial matters. It is the body’s natural reaction to a threat of its natural balance, or homeostasis. Of note: not all stressors are easily dealt with, and it is not effective to ask everyone dealing with their own struggles to view their situations analytically. Chronic stress could be due to discrimination, oppression, inequality, chronic illness (paired with lack of proper health care or access to it), and lack of help and/or understanding from community. It is of my opinion that these situations should be looked at on a global and societal level, and not placed on the individual going through it.

Cortisol has the ability to make you more alert so that your focus becomes more acute on the dangerous situation at hand. The main function of this stress hormone is to respond to a stressor, but then rapidly return the body to a normal state. The HPA axis, or the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, is at the helm of the stress response system within our nervous and endocrine systems. If you are subjected to stress over an extended period of time, it will be harder for the body to recover. This is especially dangerous for people with already imbalanced hormones. Meaning, if your body is constantly over-producing cortisol, along with adrenaline and other hormones, you remain in a state of agitation and aggravation. If you aren’t given the space to allow your body to go from its natural state from fight or flight, you can never adjust back to your state of natural being. The end result of chronic stress is that you can develop a resilience to tension and anxiety, and your brain will constantly seek that adrenaline/dopamine balance.

What are the symptoms of overactive Cortisol?

Severe fatigue
Extreme exhaustion
Excessive napping to escape everyday life
Anxiety
Constantly getting sick
Prolonged feelings of depression
Irritability
Mood swings
Difficulty sleeping
Acne
Weakness
High blood pressure
Headaches

Red Phytonutrients

Lycopene

tomatoes on a table of varying sizes, shapes, and colors between red and green

Lycopene is an antioxidant that is related to the beta-carotene family, and it is what gives certain fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, their reddish color. Carotenoids are known to be anti-oxidant, which means they protect our bodies by neutralizing the oxidative stress [1] that causes DNA damage, chronic diseases, and inflammation. One study [2] set out to understand the link between lycopene and individuals with metabolic syndrome, a condition that represents a group of symptoms related to heart disease and stroke with high mortality rates. 2499 participants in this study were divided into groups based on the levels of lycopene in their blood, and found that participants with higher lycopene in their blood had a reduced risk of mortality. Interestingly, when lycopene is consumed through the diet, it is dispersed throughout the body, and expresses systemic photoprotection to light-exposed tissue [3]. In other words, lycopene has the ability to offer our skin protection from sunburn. I find this apt because although the Sun rules the sign of Leo, another fire sign, it exalts in the sign of Aries. In other words, the Sun, a planet that embodies themes such as expression, discovery, and courage align with Aries’ ability to take bold first steps into new ventures with bravery and ambition.

Quercetin

Quercetin, another natural pigment present in fruits, vegetables, grains, and tea, also contributes to antioxidant support through our diet. It belongs to the flavonoid family, and it is known to inhibit inflammation, as well as reduce blood pressure and allergy symptoms. One study discussed the possible therapeutic use of flavonoids as cytokine modulators. Cytokines are certain proteins that are involved in the stress response to inflammation and pain sensitivity throughout the body relative to the site of inflammation and injury [4]. In other words, cytokines play a vital role in pain, and in defending the body against infections. The study's findings revealed that flavonoids have expressed an ability to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). Simply put, quercetin may be an alternative treatment to inflammation and pain. In the theme of Aries and Mars, one study [5] discussed the potential physical endurance support that quercetin may hold. Although the findings did not provide enough significance to make definitive conclusions, the performance measures favored quercetin for physical performance over the placebo group.

Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid is another natural antioxidant that protects our bodies from inflammation and our cells from damage. It is found in fruits and vegetables, and pomegranates contain a substantial amount of ellagic acid [6]. Both in vitro and in vivo, ellagic acid holds pharmacological effects such as its ability to treat allergies, atherosclerosis, and heart, liver, kidney, and neurological disorders [7]. The ellagic acid found in pomegranates may also decrease the proliferation of inflammatory markers [8].

Herbal Ally: A Brief Nettle Monograph

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

FAMILY:

Uriceae

COMMON NAMES:

Chinese Nettle, Common Nettle, Common Stinging Nettle, Great Nettle, Great Stinging Nettle, Hsieh-Tzu-Ts'ao

NATIVE REGION:

Europe

PARTS USED:

Whole plant

CAUTION:

This plant has little hairs that can puncture the skin, so please handle with care. Do not eat this herb uncooked, and do not eat old plants in large amounts as it may cause kidney damage.

Therapeutic Actions:

ALTERATIVE (Alters existing nutritive and excretory processes, which restore the body to healthy function)

ANTI-ASTHMA (Combats asthma)

ANTISCORBUTIC (Prevents and cures scurvy)

ASTRINGENT (Influences vital contractibility of cell walls; condensing and firming tissues, and arresting discharges)

DIURETIC (Increases secretion and flow of urine)

EXPECTORANT (Promotes and facilitates mucus discharge from bronchi-pulmonary passages)

HAEMOSTATIC (Arrests general and internal bleeding and hemorrhage)

NUTRITIVE (Abundant in nutrients and restorative)

RUBEFACIENT (Local application stimulates capillary dilation and action, causing red skin as blood is drawn from deeper areas thereby relieving congestion and inflammation)

STIMULANT TONIC (Stimulates energy and nutrition and permanently increases systemic tone, energy, vigour and strength)

Brief Rundown on Plant’s Activity:

Has been used as a spring tonic, and it can stimulate the lymphatic system
A great remedy for all things related to respiratory, especially when made as a tea
Widely used as a remedy for poor circulation, pain, swelling, and rheumatism
Can be used for sores, eczema, aches, and stings
Can remedy a number of digestion issues such as diarrhea
May possibly combat melancholy, and increase brighter moods
Due to the fact there are a lot of vitamins and minerals in nettle (nutritive), it is said to be an amazing herb to prevent anemia.
Can improve energy and strengthen the blood vessels.
A tincture can be made using the seeds that treat goiter and low thyroid conditions.
A decoction can be made by using the root to dissolve kidney stones or internal obstructions
The boiled leaves will stop any external bleeding, but the tea can be made to treat hemorrhages
When nettle leaves are pulped, an external compress can be made to bring cooling relief to inflammation

Astrological Governments and Virtues:

Nicholas Culpeper gave Nettle to Mars:

“This is also an herb Mars claims dominion over. You know Mars is hot and dry, and you know as well that winter is cold and moist; then you may know as well the reason why nettle-tops eaten in the spring consume the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moistness of winter hath left behind. The roots or leaves boiled, or the juice of either of them, or both made into an electuary with honey and sugar, is a safe and sure medicine to open the pipes and passages of the lungs, which is the cause of wheezing and shortness of breath, and helps to expectorate tough phlegm, as also to raise the imposthumed pleurisy; and spend it by spitting; the same helps the swelling of the almonds of the throat, the mouth and throat being gargled therewith. The juice is also effectual to settle the palate of the mouth in its place, and to heal and temper the inflammations and soreness of the mouth and throat. The decoction of the leaves in wine, being drank, is singularly good to provoke women's courses, and settle the suffocation, strangling of the mother, and all other diseases thereof; it is also applied outwardly with a little myrrh. The same also, or the seed provokes urine, and expels the gravel and stone in the reins or bladder, often proved to be effectual in many that have taken it. The same kills the worms in children, eases pains in the sides, and dissolves the windiness in the spleen, as also in the body, although others think it only powerful to provoke venery. The juice of the leaves taken two or three days together, stays bleeding at the mouth. The seed being drank, is a remedy against the stinging of venomous creatures, the biting of mad dogs, the poisonous qualities of hemlock, henbane, nightshade, mandrake, or other such like herbs that stupify or dull the senses; as also the lethargy, especially to use it outwardly, to rub the forehead or temples in the lethargy, and the places stung or bitten with beasts, with a little salt. The distilled water of the herb is also effectual (though not so powerful) for the diseases aforesaid; as for outward wounds and sores to wash them, and to cleanse the skin from morphew, leprosy, and other discolourings thereof. The seed or leaves bruised, and put into the nostrils, stays the bleeding of them, and takes away the flesh growing in them called polypus. The juice of the leaves, or the decoction of them, or of the root, is singularly good to wash either old, rotten, or stinking sores or fistulous, and gangrenes, and such as fretting, eating, or corroding scabs, manginess, and itch, in any part of the body, as also green wounds, by washing them therewith, or applying the green herb bruised thereunto, yea, although the flesh were separated from the bones; the same applied to our wearied members, refresh them, or to place those that have been out of joint, being first set up again, strengthens, dries, and comforts them, as also those places troubled with aches and gouts, and the defluxion of humours upon the joints or sinews; it eases the pains, and dries or dissolves the defluctions. An ointment made of the juice, oil, and a little wax, is singularly good to rub cold and benumbed members. An handful of the leaves of green nettles, and another of Wallwort, or Deanwort, bruised and applied simply themselves to the gout, sciatica, or joint aches in any part, hath been found to be an admirable help thereunto.”
Culpeper’s Complete Herbal

Chinese Medicine:

This plant is known to remove dampness, an excess of fluid accumulation in the body, which is associated with bloating, heaviness, and lethargy.

Ayurveda:

This plant reduces Pitta and Kapha while increasing Vata.

Energetics:

Bland, slightly bitter, and cool.

Taste:

Astringent and bitter.

Spiritual Properties:

“Love has many forms; this herb teaches the importance of pain, and the greater shock of pain needed to wake us out of negative habits.”
-Bonny Casel, ND

Resources:

Bonny Casel, ND; The School of Natural Medicine UK

Dr. Deanna Minich, Ph.D., CNS

Kira Sutherland, Sports Nutritionist

The Astrology Podcast

Bailey Haddad and Co. She Syncs PCOS Reversal Program

Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper

Nettle - Medicinal Herb Info

Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, by Tori Hudson, N.D.

[1] - Fiedor J, Burda K. Potential role of carotenoids as antioxidants in human health and disease. Nutrients. 2014 Jan 27;6(2):466-88. doi: 10.3390/nu6020466. PMID: 24473231; PMCID: PMC3942711.

[2] - Han GM, Meza JL, Soliman GA, Islam KM, Watanabe-Galloway S. Higher levels of serum lycopene are associated with reduced mortality in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Nutr Res. 2016 May;36(5):402-7. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.01.003. Epub 2016 Jan 9. PMID: 27101758.

[3] - Stahl W, Heinrich U, Aust O, Tronnier H, Sies H. Lycopene-rich products and dietary photoprotection. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2006 Feb;5(2):238-42. doi: 10.1039/b505312a. Epub 2005 Aug 12. PMID: 16465309.

What Is Quercetin? Benefits, Foods, Dosage, and Side Effects

[4] - Zhang JM, An J. Cytokines, inflammation, and pain. Int Anesthesiol Clin. 2007 Spring;45(2):27-37. doi: 10.1097/AIA.0b013e318034194e. PMID: 17426506; PMCID: PMC2785020.

[5] - Kressler J, Millard-Stafford M, Warren GL. Quercetin and endurance exercise capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Dec;43(12):2396-404. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822495a7. Erratum in: Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Mar;44(3):558-9. PMID: 21606866.

[6, 7] - Sharifi-Rad J, Quispe C, Castillo CMS, Caroca R, Lazo-Vélez MA, Antonyak H, Polishchuk A, Lysiuk R, Oliinyk P, De Masi L, Bontempo P, Martorell M, Daştan SD, Rigano D, Wink M, Cho WC. Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Feb 21;2022:3848084. doi: 10.1155/2022/3848084. Retraction in: Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2024 Jan 9;2024:9801541. PMID: 35237379; PMCID: PMC8885183.