Spiritual Xanax? Amethyst’s Healing Properties and Uses

Between work deadlines, your childhood bestie’s birthday party and approximately one million other things on your to-do list, life can be pretty damn stressful. And if you’ve already tried mindful meditation and adaptogens with no luck, maybe this will help (or at least make your room look pretty). 

We’re talking about amethyst, the ultimate stress-busting healing crystal. Heather Askinosie, co-founder of Energy Muse and author of Crystal Muse: Every Day Rituals to Tune in to the Real You gives us the scoop on amethyst's healing properties.

Amethyst is a purple variety of the mineral quartz. That gorgeous violet pendant necklace you love? Yep, probably amethyst.  

Also known as the intuitive eye, amethyst’s name derives from the Greek word “amethystos,” which translates to “the non-intoxicated.” In all seriousness, this refers to the belief that wearing the crystal could protect its owner from becoming drunk at a party. (Spoiler: It doesn’t.)

“Amethyst is like a spa-day in a stone,” says Askinosie. “It’s the exact kind of relaxing energy that we could all use after a long day.” (You had us at spa day.) “Allow amethyst’s energy of contentment to soothe away the day-to-day stresses that keep you up at night.” A decent night’s sleep? Sign. Us. Up.

You might be skeptical about stuff like chakras and energy work, but hear us out. “In working with the third eye and crown chakras, amethyst indulges your intuitions,” Askinosie tells us. (Psst: Your third eye is considered to be the gateway to the spiritual realm while your crown chakra is the highest of seven energy centers lined up in our bodies.) “This not only means that amethyst will help your body give into innate desires like sound sleep and relaxation, but it will also work with your third eye to balance the mind with insightful solutions to problems.” Finally. Something that will help us figure out what to have for lunch today.

“Amethyst is a crystal that you can place in any room of your home,” Askinosie advises. “It acts as a natural air purifier, taking in negative energy and emitting positive energy.” You can also lie down and place the crystal over your third eye (located in the middle of the forehead, about an inch above your eyebrows) to tap into your intuition and clear your mind. Hey, if it’s good enough for these crystal loving celebrities…