WE DON’T TALK ABOUT...

...COVID - It’s scary, it’s over, it will never be over, it might surge... And what about the planet and the politics and the violence and tick-borne illness and and and…

Who is to blame and why am I so stressed?

A long opening for a blog about our shared current reality, no matter who or where you are. Meanwhile, one cannot deny that things look sort of normal in early spring here in New England. Ukraine has no normal. And climate change is impossible to deny wherever you are.

How do we stay grounded and sane in such a soup? How can herbs help us at a time like this?

The first thing to consider is how we are affected and then, what can lessen the impact. 

Even as an herbalist, the first thing I think of is breathing, deep, long, slow and fine (as in even, relaxed and continuous). But to refine it further, breath only or as much as possible through your nose, not your mouth. And if you want to take it a notch further, lengthen your exhale slightly. For instance, inhale for a count of 3 and exhale for 4-6 or even longer. 

This will down-regulate the sympathetic part of the nervous system (fight and flight) and turn on the parasympathetic part (rest and digest). This breathing will impact and destimulate the adrenal glands so we secrete less cortisol and adrenaline.

Herbally, most everyone can benefit from herbs that support the nervous system like Oats, Nettles, Skullcap, and St. Johnswort (don’t take St. Johnswort if you already take an SSRI) or our Nerve tonic.

For the Adrenals, use our Adrenal Support Formula or single use of Ashwaganda, Holy Basil, or Eleuthero. These types of herbs would need to be taken for a longer period of time for effect though they could be felt immediately in some folks. And they can be taken long term.

With so many stressors flying around the immune system is down-regulated and weakened. Medicinal Mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Maitake, and also Astragalus, and  Ashwaganda are all great support for the deep immune system.

It wouldn’t be wrong or redundant to do an Immune formula AND an Adrenal tonic.

Custom Pharmacy
We can formulate a formula unique to you if you would like some help choosing herbs for yourself. Check out the information to schedule a consult with Bonnie or if you know what you want just use the designation for Custom Formula and send us the formula with how much of each herb, or have your practitioner do that and we will compound it and send to you.

Meditate & Move
One of the best antidotes to stress is to include people and activities that you love into your experience every day or as often as you can. Meditation can settle a wild mind and if you can’t sit, walk or follow the breath as you move around in your day. 

Or watch the birds, or practice deep listening to others. There are a thousand ways to kiss the sky. Thanks Jimi!

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