Crystals aren't just for hippies—they've been used for ages to heal ailments and generally provide good vibes. (Okay, that does sound a little hippy.) Like essential oils, crystals have a variety of uses and applications, ranging from insomnia treatment to pain relief.

Healing crystals, also known as healing stones, have been used for centuries to promote wellness and balance.

These healing stones are thought to absorb negative energy and promote positive energy, which can help to balance the body and mind. Each crystal is believed to have its own unique properties and meanings, which can vary depending on the culture and tradition.

For example, rose quartz is often associated with the heart chakra and is believed to promote self-love, compassion, and forgiveness. It is also said to attract love and harmony in relationships.

Other popular healing crystals include amethyst, which is believed to promote relaxation and relieve stress, and citrine, which is thought to promote abundance and success.

12 Healing Crystals and Their Meanings

Some stones and crystals are said to align with our 7 chakras (still with me?) and heal maladies in the associated areas of our bodies. They vibrate at frequencies similar to the body chakras, which helps to align their energy. Since crystals work in the energetic realm to adjust imbalances and heal, they can also increase your energy or bust a bad mood.

Harnessing the Healing Powers of Crystals

Simply having crystals in your environment can work wonders, but you can also wear them. Whether you make jewelry or place them directly on your body, these gems can have powerful healing effects.

Onyx: Clears the air and removes negative energy from your home. Associated with the root chakra, it promotes a sense of belonging and stability.

Quartz: A clear crystal that heals from the crown chakra, relieving stress, frustration, and anxiety. Rose quartz, aligned with the heart chakra, encourages self-love and balances energy to the heart.

Amethyst: Radiating from the third eye chakra, this purple crystal relieves headaches, fatigue, and promotes good dreams and skin health. It also supports bones, joints, and the respiratory system, and aids in health struggles related to chemical imbalances or addiction.

Citrine: Boosts concentration, memory, and creativity. Helpful for digestive, stomach, and kidney ailments, and aligns with the solar plexus chakra, addressing issues related to anger, control, and fear of rejection.

Lapis Lazuli: Known as "the stone of truth," it works from the throat chakra to promote courage in communication. It has been used as a migraine remedy and supports the immune system.

Opal: Increases inspiration and creativity, helps with PMS and headaches.

Topaz: Balances hormones, combats aging, and aids in self-expression and communication clarity. Helps with throat, neck, and voice issues.

Aquamarine: Aids with acid reflux and gastrointestinal disorders.

Jade: Brings purity and tranquility, supports adrenal glands, and relieves headaches.

Garnet: Promotes healing from the root chakra, good for back pain, sciatica, tissue regeneration, and balancing calcium deficiencies.

Bloodstone: Regulates blood pressure, supports the circulatory system, good for colds, body aches, and pains.

Agate: Balances thoughts, calms nerves, brings peace, tranquility, detoxifies, and eases anxiety.

These crystals, with their unique energies and healing properties, can be powerful tools for improving your well-being. Whether you wear them or keep them close, their presence can make a difference in your life.

How to Use Your Crystals

Many people incorporate crystals into their meditation practices by resting a stone upon their yoga mat or near their meditation cushion, or by holding it in the cup of the hand when seated. Gems can also be laid upon the body when in a reclined meditation.

Crystals can be carried in a pouch with you throughout the day, in your pocket to be held when you need to feel calm or balanced, or as jewelry.

Another common practice, according to some of my crystal enthusiast friends, is to wear your stone on a necklace or tucked inside of your bra—close to your heart and circulatory center. You may choose to carry the stone on or near the associated chakra or area of your body that needs attention to focus its healing power.

You can also use crystals to settle the environments around you. Keeping a positive energy stone in your car or at your desk at work can assist in keeping some heavier negative vibes at bay.

And placing larger stones around your home can help promote the feelings of a healthy, balanced space. Place a clear crystal in each of the four corners of your home to encourage stability and protection.