Herbal Healing - Herbal De-stress
Friday, 28 November 2008
Stress can affect people in different ways, some people may appear to deal with it but may find themselves tired all the time while others may find themselves with frequent infections, digestive disturbance or sleep problems.
People who experience stress are six times more likely to become infected by a cold virus. With the party season coming up now is a good time to look at what you can do to reduce stress in your life
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Some general tips if you are going through a stressful period in your life
. Avoid excess stimulants such as cola drinks, coffee, tea , chocolate, cigarettes these stimulants only cause your body to release more stress hormones affecting motivation and mood.
. Try not to skip meals as dips in blood sugar will also cause the body to release more stress hormones and in the long run leave you feeling lethargic and tired.
. If you are feeling stressed out, acknowledge this and then take some action, some people have to 'learn' how to relax, you can do this by taking up Yoga, tai chi, meditation, or simply walking in the countryside away from traffic and noise, these practices can be used to take control of your nervous system rather than feel it is controlling you.
Here are a few herbs which you may find useful in dealing with a stressful time in your life.
If you are currently taking medication for anxiety or depression please consult a professional before taking the following herbs.
Hops (Humulus lupus)
Useful especially where stress and anxiety, or worrying thoughts are the cause insomnia and restlessness.
How to take
Tincture, Dosage 1-4 mls three times a day, the tea can be taken at night one teaspoon infused for 10-15 mins and drank before bed.
Lemon Balm (Mellisa officinalis)
This is a useful herb that can be taken as both a tea and a tincture. It has a relaxing effect on the digestive system and can calm restlessness accompanied by palpitations, tension headaches. Very safe to use with both adults and children. It also has an antiviral effect which is useful for coldsore sufferers.
How to take
Tea can be infused in boiling water for 10-15 minutes and drank thoughout the day (take to work in a flask!)
IF teas don't appeal to you, make a strong infusion 4-5 teabags allow to infuse overnight, and take it to work in your water bottle, add fresh lemon juice or some fresh juice to taste, drink though the day.
Ashwaganda root (Withania sominifera)
This is a wonderful tonic for calming nourishing and strengthening the nervous system, it will also help to raise vitality and strengthen your immune system. Overall it will improve the body's ability to deal with stress.
A pleasant and effective way to take this herb is with warm milk.
How to take
. Bring a cup of milk with a pinch of cinnamon (or another warming herb like aniseed, or cardamom) to the boil.
. Break open capsules of the powder and add into the milk
. Drink in the evenings an hour or so after your dinner.
Skullcap (Scuttelaria laterifolia)
This herb is rapid in action and can be used for occasions of extreme nervousness; effects can be felt within 30 minutes, it is best taken in tincture form for this purpose.
How to take
Tincture, Dosage20-40 drops two to six times a day as required.
Refreshing & Relaxing Herbal foot oil
Make your own Rosemary infused oil:
How to make
. Take about 200mls of sweet almond oil add 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped place in a glass bowl.
. Put the bowl into a saucepan of simmering water
. Heat over a very gentle low heat for approximately 1-1/2 hours, keep the glass bowl covered.
. Strain the oil and pour into a dark bottle, add approximately 20 drops of essential oil of peppermint to make a refreshing cooling oil which can be massaged into the soles of the feet.
Ciara is contactable through her website, www.herbalist.ie