Day 175/365 – On Skullcap
6/25/17 An interesting herb in the mint family, aptly called Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), acts by ‘putting cap on your skull.’ In other words, it quiets the restless mind that has constant whirring thoughts, which is often the reason for insomnia. Abundant in North America, gathered while in flower, whole herb used Cooling Tonic, nervine, antispasmodic, […]
Day 174/365 – On California poppy
6/24/17 Another herb that’s very helpful in calming tension down and is often used for insomnia is called California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). Cooling Treats nervous headache, ADHD Pain: muscle; GB and intestinal pain spasmodic cough Higher doses: sedative → insomnia For people who feeling fragile or vulnerable Fearful anxiety Relaxes body and mind into each […]
Day 174/365 – On Passionflower
6/23/17 Today I’m focusing on the herb Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), which is actually a misnomer: “it keeps peace in home” by keeping the passions at bay. Cooling Mild sedative, nervine, antispasmodic, anxiolytic Anxiety, insomnia, nervous or occipital headache Teething children Mental chatter/repetitive thoughts – insomnia Physical restlessness – muscle spasm/tightness, tics Nerve pain Drug Interactions: […]
Day 173/365 – On Rose
6/22/17 One of the most famous flowers, in the Rose family like Hawthorn, is the Rose itself. Rose (Rosa spp – centifolia) has long served as a symbol of love and affection among many cultures. Ask forgiveness Opens heart, comforts Grief, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), broken hearts As a drink (tea, brandy, wine, elixir), aromatherapy, […]
Day 172/365 – On Hawthorn
6/21/17 Continuing the theme of heart-oriented stress herbs, today’s herb is Hawthorn (Crataegus spp – monogyna). It’s usually indicated for heart weakness, hypertension and all kinds of circulatory issues (especially the leaf). Berries – also used for anxiety, grief, ‘nervous heart’ ADHD – when mind wanders Middle age when no longer enjoying life Heart opening […]
Day 171/365 – On Motherwort
6/20/17 Today I’m talking about the herb Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), which in latin means ‘Lion heart.’ Aptly name, it has been traditionally used to strengthen one’s heart, and is also a nervine indicated for many phases of a woman’s life. Helps heart function – for anxiety when your heart squeezes, chest feels tight Hypertension, palpitations […]
Day 170/365 – On Damiana
6/19/17 Damiana is touted as the classic aphrodisiac herb. But did you know it’s mechanism is mostly attributed to nourishing the nervous system, which in turn can put people ‘in the mood.’ Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca/diffusa) Aromatic, spicy herb Nervous system tonic, for stagnant depression Strengthens hormonal and nervous system History of aphrodisiac use – stimulate […]
Day 169/365 – On Lavender
6/18/17 Today I’m focusing on Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). This well-known herb is a popular choice for dish soap, bath soaks, aromatherapy and has many other household and therapeutic uses. Antibacterial, antiviral, antidepressant, carminative, nervine Antispasmodic, soothing to gut – treats dysbiosis, diarrhea, gas, nausea Aids digestion ‘Stagnant depression” – combine with damiana, holy basil, rosemary […]
Day 168/365 – On Lemon Balm
6/17/17 The stress-busting herb of the day is Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). Here are some highlights: Diaphoretic (makes you sweat) – indicated for sweaty hands and feet – nervous tension Antiviral – HSV (herpes simplex virus) activated when stressed (usually dormant/latent in trigeminal nerve) Calming, cooling, soothing to gut – carminative (doesn’t increase hydrochloric acid […]
Day 167/365 – On Catnip
6/16/17 Today I’m talking about the herb that goes hand-in-hand with chamomile’s uses, but with some contrasting qualities. You may all know catnip (Nepeta cataria) as the herb that drives cats wild. It’s acts as a euphoric or aphrodisiac for acts, while it calms us humans down. Catnip is also nutritionally dense – rich in […]
