Because everything is made of energy, including us, energetic healing modalities such as crystals, sound, and plants are used to tone the chakras and promote good balance and health. Plants, in particular, possess diverse attributes to treat a solar plexus chakra imbalance naturally.
Energy imbalances inextricably link to physical health issues. Consequently, a solar plexus imbalance usually leads to some physical symptoms. And, when it goes out of balance, it pulls other chakras along with it. In short, holistic healing can be complicated.
Thus, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, we’ll look at just the solar plexus chakra, also known as the yellow chakra. But, remember there are many nuances and plenty of energetic and biophysical interactions. We’ll also discuss just one energetic healing modality: aromatic plants and, in particular, their essential oils.
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) Functions
The solar plexus is the third chakra and is also known as the Manipura chakra in Sanskrit. You’ll find the Manipura below the base of the sternum and above the navel.
Solar Plexus and Our Sense of Self
The solar plexus is the center of will and personal power. Our confidence and self-esteem reside here. It’s through the solar plexus that we see ourselves as individuals in the wider world and we gauge how the world looks back on us. Some people equate the solar plexus with the ego.
People with vital and balanced solar plexus chakras have a strong and clear sense of self and self-worth. They’re confident, tend to successfully manifest their intentions, take responsibility for their actions, and exert control over their lives. (see my blog Gain The Power of Self-Discovery From Your Solar Plexus)
Biophysical Aspects of the Third Chakra
The solar plexus chakra governs digestion and its associated organs such as the stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Because of the connection with the digestive tract, it’s not surprising that imbalances in the solar plexus often manifest in the physical body as any one or more of a wide range of digestive issues: frequent constipation or diarrhea, ulcers, diabetes as well as stomach, intestinal, and liver problems. This dysfunction can also be expressed in eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, food addictions, and emotional dependence on comfort foods.
Yin and Yang of the Third Chakra
Issues of the solar plexus tend to take on extremes depending on whether there’s excess yin (inward) or excess yang (outward) energy in the body and energy system as a whole.
Imbalances often take the form of perfectionism, self-criticism, internal conflict, or confusion over one’s life purpose and what one expects from life.
Manipura Yang Nature
Many people who have an over-developed solar plexus chakra are overthinkers. They can be very rational and analytical to the point of ignoring their more playful, creative nature as well as their embodied selves or embodied minds.
Distrust, anger, and greed are signs of a solar plexus imbalance. These attributes are more outward and aggressive and thus yang expressions of imbalance.
Manipura Yin Nature
In contrast to the yang nature, people with excess yin tend to exhibit more inward or submissive imbalances. They’re inclined to hold onto their energy as well as that of others, which can bold flow.
They may be suspicious of others or feel powerless, hopeless, pessimistic, doubtful, frustrated, or depressed. All of these attributes are associated with inward-focused yin excess.
Solar Plexus Imbalances and the Sacral Chakra
In my experience, solar plexus chakra imbalances are often connected to sacral chakra issues. This is because the sacral chakra is associated with family and our upbringing.
For example, overbearing parents who rationalize their behavior and create lots of rules often raise children who overthink and over-analyze. These children learn by experience to ignore their emotional and creative sides.
Similarly, hypercritical parents instill hypercritical traits in their children. This points to the sacral chakra’s hold on the solar plexus.
The relationship between the solar plexus and sacral chakras typically requires a combined treatment. This means that an aromatic plant treatment should be designed to address both types of chakra imbalances. For example, a blend of Neroli (Citrus aurantium) and rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis).
Solar Plexus Chakra Essential Oils
Plants have many different healing properties that differ in actions and concentration depending on their use.
Essential oils have amazing biochemical and subtle (energetic or vibrational) qualities. These attributes allow them to connect with and tone the chakras. Using essential oils for energetic purposes is called subtle aromatherapy. (For more, see my webpage on subtle aromatherapy).
Physical health issues are expressed in the human energy field just as energetic imbalances tend to eventfully manifest in the physical body as some kind of a condition or illness. Therefore, some therapeutic properties of essential oils are relevant to their use for energy healing. The two aspects of health and wellness are inseparable.
Given the dual action of essential oils, they are inherently integrated. For me, this means they can act as a facilitative bridge between subtle and biochemical (clinical) modalities and more holistically promote greater balance, wellness, and healing.
Based on Plant Attributes
Based on their attributes, I can match essential oils to a chakra according to the energetic, emotional, mental, and physical attributes of the chakra. But, when I select them for an individual, I do so based on how the imbalance in that particular chakra manifests within that particular person. This includes consideration of imbalances in other chakras as well. In addition, I select the essential oils according to the specific situation or the intention of the person.
In my view, a specific essential oil isn’t always good for a particular chakra, e.g., vetiver, a classic root chakra essential oil, is NOT always helpful when working with the root chakra. For me, it depends on the way the imbalance manifests and the specific intentions and preferences of the person.
Because imbalances tend to take on essentially two different extremes depending on the yin/yang qualities, it’s important to consider these energetic attributes in the selection of essential oils for solar plexus. For example, if agitation and aggression from too much yang are present, emphasize yin essential oils. In contrast, when a person is withdrawn or depressed yang oils are called for.
Common Solar Plexus Balancing Aromatic Oils
The Manipura tends to interact with other chakras. Thus, a unique expression of the dysfunction comes into play. But, a shortlist of common essential oils for the solar plexus includes:
- Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Everlasting (Heliochrysum italicum)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- German chamomile (Matricaria recutita),
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi)
- Juniper (Juniperus communis)
- Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Ylang Ylang (Cananga ordorata)
Most of the solar plexus essential oils clear negative energy and bring in positive supportive energy. This includes many middle and base fragrance notes that tend to be heavier and unfold more slowly than the bright top notes of citruses.
Along with the sacral chakra, the Manipura governs the digestive system. Interestingly, solar plexus chakra imbalances respond to essential oils derived from well-known plants to aid digestion such as black pepper, fennel, ginger, grapefruit, German chamomile, and peppermint.
NOTE: Do not ingest essential oils. Instead, properly dilute them (a concentration of less than three percent) in a carrier (e.g., organic vegetable oil) and lightly massage them into the abdomen.
Notes on Common Solar Plexus Essential Oils
Ylang Ylang is an excellent yang-pacifying essential oil for the third chakra. It’s cooling, and clearing, and can release anger, frustration, and other emotionally charged or agitated states. Ylang Ylang makes one feel lovable, joyful, and peaceful. Consequently, it promotes enthusiasm and confidence.
Similarly, black pepper and juniper release feelings and energetic blocks associated with anger, frustration, and annoyance. Juniper also detoxifies and helps clear the liver. It strengthens willpower and reduces fear of failure, which supports the restoration of self-confidence and a sense of self-worth.
Fennel reduces the tendency to overthink and overanalyze. It generates a sense of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-worth and gives one motivation, courage, and confidence.
Peppermint is overall a great essential oil for the solar plexus. It can be both cool and warm, and stimulates the flow of chi, especially in the digestive organs and in the subtle bodies. It quills anger, pride, and overheated thought patterns. Peppermint instills healthy self-esteem and self-image.
Oils to Both Strengthen and Tone Yin Energy.
Tea tree oil is more appropriate for chakra dysfunction with yin energetic qualities. It provides support in overcoming feelings of victimization and hopelessness. In addition, it can help a person see and accept his/her shadow self.
Grapefruit is good for yin energy conditions such as depression, lack of self-confidence, and nervous exhaustion.
Combine grapefruit with ginger for a specific effect. The latter is strong and bright and helps those who suffer from a lack of motivation. Ginger addresses demotivation tied to a lack of confidence or positive self-worth. Its boldness instills confidence, courage, and inner strength and reduces resistance.
Everlasting is a choice for those who are lethargic, debilitated, and/or suffering from nervous exhaustion.
Neroli is supportive and promotes self-confidence, inner trust, and self-acceptance. It also dispels despair of an all-encompassing nature. It instills a sense of ease, hope, joy, and positive energy.
Imbalances and dis-ease are rarely unidimensional, and almost always can benefit from a holistic approach. There lies the beauty of natural solutions with multiple healing properties. Consider adding them to your health, wellness, and healing.
For More Information on Solar Plexus Chakra Natural Healing See:
- Starchaser’s Mind Body Spirit blog and search for chakra or crown chakra. In particular:
- Solar Plexus Chakra | Your Personal Power and Self-Esteem
- Gain the Power of Self Discovery With the Solar-Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
- My Essential Oils For the Chakras ebook
- Personal growth, natural healing, and wellness workshops:
Updated June 19, 2022
