Stress Free

 Anne Calzada Herbalist

Copyright November 2011

Life is busy, and with the holidays coming up things can get a little harried. Daily activities or life changing events can bring on stress. Things like moving, marriage or finding a new job can create tension and anxiety. This is the time when we need nourishment of body, mind and soul. So often do people react destructively when dealing with stress, overeating, drinking, smoking or even shutting down. I know that I have,and when I get to that point, I try to remember to put everything into perspective and rely on the pharmacy of plants for extra support.

Making sure that you are getting adequate nutrition is the first step, as stress can deplete your reserve of vitamins and minerals. The B Vitamin group is essential. Choose a good B Complex that contains all of the B’s as they work together synergistic ally. Eggs, nutritional yeast, nuts, seeds, grains and blue green algae are some good sources for B vitamins.

Iron is helpful for keeping energy levels up, especially for women. Choose from beets, greens, grains, meats or formulas that contain yellow dock such as “floradix”.

Calcium and magnesium are the “calming” minerals. These two help to soothe and support the nervous system. Oats are a great source of these two minerals. Any seaweed, greens and grains are good. Yogurt, kefir and greens  are nourishing foods rich in calcium.

Herbal infusions are most helpful in obtaining mineral complexes. Choose from nettles, oatstraw, red clover, alfalfa, raspberry or dandelion leaves. Use 1 cup of herb per 1 quart of water and let sit at least 4 hrs to extract minerals, strain and drink!

Other herbs that are useful during stressful times are:

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Rich in calcium, it is a calming nervine.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) An uplifting plant with antispasmodic and nervine properties.

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterfolia) Helping to rebuild the myelin sheath of the nerves, it is antispasmodic, calming and supportive of the nervous system.

Oatstraw (Aveena sativa) Rich in calcium and magnesium, it nourishes and feeds the nervous system.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Calming and soothing, it relaxes people and makes cats happy.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Antispasmodic, it is calming and discourages insomnia.

Valarian (Valariana officinalis) Antispasmodic and anodyne properties encourage calm and induce sleep.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) Sedative in action, reducing tension and for insomnia.

Flower essences can help with psychic and emotional pressure. Taking an aromatherapy bath does wonders for the soul. Remember to add 2 cups of Epsom salt, as magnesium sulfate is calming. Add lavender, rose geranium, chamomile or rosemary essential oils to the water. Light candles, burn your favorite incense, play soothing music. Burn sage or other herbs and smudge yourself and your house. Treating yourself to a massage, facial or pedicure is both beneficial and relaxing. Share foot rubs with your beloved, or just spend time over tea talking with someone that you can trust and depend on to listen. Attend church or another spiritual group or function where your soul is fed and regenerated. Walking or exercise is a great stress reducer, and you can get outside and see Nature while you are doing it! Most of all remember to say your prayers, count your blessings and give thanks for all of the beauty that is in your life! I am grateful for each day as every day is the best day ever! We are alive!

Soothe Me Tea

1 part Lemon Balm

1 part Oatstraw

1/2 part Chamomile

 1/4 part Lavender

Use 1 heaping tsp. to 1 cup of water.

Then make a pot of this tea for your bath. You can drink this great blend while you soak in it and soothe your soul!