Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius; P. ginseng)

Many people rely upon ginseng to relieve and avert mental and physical fatigue. This herb has been shown to reduce the occurrence and acuteness of colds. Some even claim it can help with issues of male virility. It can help to light the fire of vitality within your body; for this reason, if you have spells of feeling too warm, limit your intake of ginseng. Either dried or fresh will do, three times a day simmered in a cup of freshly boiled water for eight to ten minutes. (Note that Siberian “ginseng” is a different plant entirely and is in fact a distinct species from another plant family, Eleutherococcus senticocus; it is also useful as a nutritive and grounding adaptogen, but should not be confused with Asian or American ginseng!)

Lepidolite—Letting-Go Stone

Lepidolite should be called the letting-go stone. It’s like a fresh breeze coming into a room filled with stale air. In elixir form, it’s a wonderful way to deal with addictive behavior or to ride yourself of old patterns that no longer serve you or are potentially unhealthy. This uncommon mica, an ore of lithium, has only recently come onto the gem and mineral market. It is shiny and plate-like in appearance, usually occurring in a pretty, pearly pink or purple color. On occasion, it appears white, and very rarely, it shows up in gray or yellow. This mineral occurs in Brazil, Russia, California, and a few spots throughout Africa. My favorite specimens are the single, large sheets of the lovely mica, which are called books and are an unforgettable violet.

Lepidolite is a great stone for getting a handle on anger issues. It soothes unresolved resentments, hatred, and frustrations. It is another mental stone and amplifies thoughts. Lepidolite is almost like a fairy stone in that it attracts positive energy, brightens spirits, and increases intuition. This is one powerful chakra healer, particularly for the heart and root chakras. One of the most important uses for this stone, albeit with great care, is for healing issues resulting from incest. Lepidolite is so powerful that you can even help manic depression and schizophrenia with it. While I usually have pleasant Piscean dreams, I had a bout with upsetting dreams and nightmares, and lepidolite came to my aid.

If you are lucky enough to come across a lepidolite that has fused with a rubellite tourmaline, then you have a rare rock indeed, and one that has double the power of any other lepidolite. This mauve mica is a commanding tuner for the etheric body, raising the frequency, tone, and pitch of energy in your head. Chakra healers have reported that lepidolite sends energy in a gentle and profoundly medicinal way from the heart chakra to the crown chakra and back again, strengthening the “cord” attaching the etheric body to our body and soul, and to the here and now.

Sardonyx

There is a saying about sardonyx that for whoever wears it “stupidity will be eliminated.” It is also reputed to be a cure for tumors and beneficial to bones. Edgar Cayce appreciated it as a means to gain greater self-control. Sardonyx makes speakers more eloquent. It is also a crystal to use if you are struggling with depression.

This type of quartz is a real eye-catcher; sardonyx is a layered form of chalcedony that usually appears as alternating stripes of white or black onyx in combination with reddish brown chalcedony, or sard. This is a very popular stone for carving into beads, cameos, and intaglios. Historically, women wore sardonyx to attract a faithful lover. Roman soldiers preferred sardonyx with the god of war, Mars, or the great hero Hercules carved into it for valor.

This stone derives its exotic-sounding name from the Greek word sard, for Sardia, the capital city of the Asia Minor country Lydia. Mentioned in the Bible, it was designated to be the fifth foundation stone of Jerusalem and was associated with the Apostle Paul. It is now mined in Brazil, India, and Russia, in addition to Asia Minor. In ancient times, sardonyx was valued for courageous fighting spirit and lust for combat. It is great for explorers and those engaged in uncovering new territories. This is a crystal business executives should wear. In addition to being smarter and tumor-free, you can also drive away evil spirits and keep dark sorcerers at bay with this handy crystal. Here is a curious bit of lore: Any woman who owns sardonyx but neglects to wear it will be lonely. On the other side, it brings conjugal bliss and good fortune.

Jet

Jet is a stone but is organic—petrified wood found all over the world in deposits dating back to the Stone Age. It is a tough form of lignite coal that is polished to a glossy sheen, unlike ordinary coal. Jet is black and extremely hard. It has been with us since prehistory and was found to have been used for both tools and jewels in the caves ancient Egyptians lived in.

Native Americans also wore jet in powerful amulets. Jet is an energy absorber and has been used as such for centuries; it has been used for many disparate cures, from insanity to the common cold. The absorbency, however, makes it truly great for dispelling fear, and though it obviously can’t cure mental illness, it can help stabilize mood swings and stave off debilitating depression. Jet is used to treat headaches, edema, and epilepsy. Anyone who suffers from migraines should carry a jet amulet to ease both the pain and the fear around those difficult episodes. Jet is also a potent treatment for enhancing virility. The stone is best served by a silver mounting into jewelry. Jet is a useful dream stone and can send forewarning of sorrowful events. Despite that, jet is a stone of the positive, creating optimism and improved money energy.

Enstatite

Enstatite is a fairly common mineral found in Russia, Japan, Germany, North America, and Ireland. It is found in metamorphic rock and occasionally some igneous sites, but the more exciting finds are from meteorites. Enstatite occurs in a couple of gemstone forms: one called bronzite and another called chrome-enstatite, a less-common green variety that contains traces of chromium, the same agent that causes the green color in emeralds.

Enstatite is used for the circulatory system and as a cleanser for organs such as the liver and kidneys. This stone is also a “mental cleanser,” favored by students, teachers, physicians, and professionals who have to think on their feet, such as public speakers and attorneys. If you have work or a project that requires heavy concentration of is very taxing mentally, keep enstatite on hand.