Most folks deal with the blues at some point—some of us more persistently than others. Working one’s way out of a funk requires a broader plan beyond simply taking an herb. That said, herbs can be a helpful part of the approach. Here are 5 herbs that have traditionally been used for depression…try one out and see if it helps you!
Fir is one of the quintessential scents of the season, known for its foresty, fresh, and somewhat sweet notes. For those of us who live and hike in the mountains, or for anyone who’s had a Christmas tree, the scent of fir is unmistakable. There are over 50 types of delightfully scented fir in the northern hemisphere, and the leaves, twigs, and cones are all rich in aromatics.
I’ll start by stating the obvious. When struggling with panic attacks, the approach necessarily has to be a broad one encompassing a whole network of support: A good therapist is helpful, nutrient-dense foods, mindfulness practice, physical activity, reaching out to loved ones and such. Speaking from experience. Anxiety has been a life-long companion of sorts, but full-on panic attacks didn’t start until my early 30s. This was pre-herbalism for me so I went through a whole slew of “azepams,” each losing effect after a few weeks.
Most of us who are young (even if just at heart!) are pretty comfortable using technology. From smart phones to tablets to driverless cars, we’re used to a world where technology facilitates our experience, saving us time or energy or allowing us to do things once thought impossible with the swipe of a finger.
Ever notice how certain foods make you cranky? Or sad? Or tired? How does that work, anyway?
Durian is a member of the family Bombacaceae or Kapok-tree family of the genus Durio Adanson, also known as durio P, containing one species Durio zibethinus Murray, commonly known as durian P. according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
On my left shoulder I have a tattoo of what I call my “herbal medicine chest.” It is an image of several different herbs and plant medicines which I consider to be essential for keeping a healthy body-mind-spirit complex.
When I started herb school, one of the teachers mentioned having a meltdown the day after eating a pint of ice cream. She knew it would happen, from experience, but really wanted the ice cream. I remember thinking “Really? Distraught on the bathroom floor just from eating ice cream?” Then the class did an elimination-provocation diet, and wow!
There is a theme running through my latest writings of tapping into life-force, the Cosmic kundalini energy within our beings to a greater degree. As energies are amping up on the planet and the process of evolution is taking each one of us deeper into the core of the Self we are being asked to harness our life-force and make the most out of our time here. Red coral is a gem that is here to help out.
