The Nervous and Circulatory System
Our nervous system is constantly under attack. We live in an over-stimulated, future-oriented, high stress, competitive culture. We are constantly worried about what the future may or may not bring and maintaining possession of our material goods and acquiring more. When we are really stressed and anxious we release hormones from our adrenal glands that increase our blood pressure and can lead to liver failure. This anxiety then settles into depression. Being in this state of stress and anxiety over long periods of time leads to depletion of our mind, body and spirit, and ultimately chronic illness.
The nervous system is where our souls speak to us and sends us messages. These messages do not come through if we are in a constant state of anxiety, stress and depression. Our whole world impacts our nervous system and we must learn to stop to hear ourselves. The thinking, logical side of ourselves, overpowers our feeling and intuitive side. We must learn to tune back into that side in order to be healthy and harmonized. We receive messages through feelings NOT our thoughts- thoughts are ego oriented.
Some common issues and helpful plants:
Specific for Circulatory System:
Chamomile ~ Matricaria
This is a familiar one- commonly drank for sleep, calm, and relaxing. It is soothing. It is particularly good for all stress related digestive issues, insomnia, pain, inflammation, gastritis, chronic mental and psychological stress, canker sores, gum disease, and pink eye. Not to be used in the 1st trimester of pregnancy or if on high doses of anti-anxiety medication as it may make you too "zonked" out. Used as a hair wash for blond highlights, and is also commonly used in love potions- washing hands and face with chamomile to attract love. Also some gamblers believe it attracts winnings at the casino!
Lemon Balm ~ Melissa Officianales
Also known as Sweet Melissa and balm b, this is a lovely plant with a pleasant lemony smell. This assists with getting rid of gas, ADD, ADHD, melancholy, nervousness, indigestion, tension, anxiety, migraines, bi-polar, postpartum depression and external herpes. Not to be used if you have glaucoma.
Skull Cap ~ Scutellaria Lantiflora
This is know as the "mind herb" and is particular effective for those in high thinking professions. It deals with stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, epileptic seizures, exhaustion, insomnia, arthritis, drug and alcohol withdrawal, stress headaches, fever, fright, emotionally liable- ready to 'snap", mood swings, hypersensitivity, mental illnesses, smoking withdrawal, nervous tension and deep muscle tension. Not to be used if pregnant or on heavy does of prescription anxiety medications or seizure medications. I would recommend speaking to your doctor about reducing your dosage while beginning to use the plant if interested. There is no toxic danger, just being too out of it.
The nervous system is where our souls speak to us and sends us messages. These messages do not come through if we are in a constant state of anxiety, stress and depression. Our whole world impacts our nervous system and we must learn to stop to hear ourselves. The thinking, logical side of ourselves, overpowers our feeling and intuitive side. We must learn to tune back into that side in order to be healthy and harmonized. We receive messages through feelings NOT our thoughts- thoughts are ego oriented.
Some common issues and helpful plants:
- Short term stress ~ chamomile, skullcap, lavender
- Lack of sleep ~ valerian (personal favorite of mine), passion flower, hops
- Stress in children ~ lemon balm, chamomile, red clover
- Stomach issues ~ chamomile, lemon balm, fennel
- Racing heart ~ hawthorne, ginko, motherwort
- Panic/shortness of breath ~ lobila, mullien
- Skin issues ~ burdock, dandelion
- Long term stress ~ damiana, St. John's Wart, oat straw, milky oat tops, lemon balm and verbena
- Depression ~ damiana, St. John's Wart, lavendar, lemon balm, mugwort
- Immune problems ~ astragulus, echniaceae
- Adrenal support ~ siberian ginseng, licorice, sumat
Specific for Circulatory System:
- Heart tonics ~ Hawthorne berries, Lily of the Valley, motherwort, figwort, butcher's broom
- Hawthorne berries ~ can be used with most circulatory problems and will relax or stimulate te heart according to need and normalize heart function.
- Motherwort ~ strengthen and normalize heart function.
- Butcher's broom ~ heart diurectic; strengthens and normalizes and rids body of water build up due to weak heart.
- Figwort ~ strengthens heart contractions.
- Bugleweed ~ strengthens heart beat amd reduces the rate.
- Most important for circulation are: butcher's broom, cayenne, dandelion, ginger, hawthorne, garlic and yarrow.
Chamomile ~ Matricaria
This is a familiar one- commonly drank for sleep, calm, and relaxing. It is soothing. It is particularly good for all stress related digestive issues, insomnia, pain, inflammation, gastritis, chronic mental and psychological stress, canker sores, gum disease, and pink eye. Not to be used in the 1st trimester of pregnancy or if on high doses of anti-anxiety medication as it may make you too "zonked" out. Used as a hair wash for blond highlights, and is also commonly used in love potions- washing hands and face with chamomile to attract love. Also some gamblers believe it attracts winnings at the casino!
Lemon Balm ~ Melissa Officianales
Also known as Sweet Melissa and balm b, this is a lovely plant with a pleasant lemony smell. This assists with getting rid of gas, ADD, ADHD, melancholy, nervousness, indigestion, tension, anxiety, migraines, bi-polar, postpartum depression and external herpes. Not to be used if you have glaucoma.
Skull Cap ~ Scutellaria Lantiflora
This is know as the "mind herb" and is particular effective for those in high thinking professions. It deals with stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, epileptic seizures, exhaustion, insomnia, arthritis, drug and alcohol withdrawal, stress headaches, fever, fright, emotionally liable- ready to 'snap", mood swings, hypersensitivity, mental illnesses, smoking withdrawal, nervous tension and deep muscle tension. Not to be used if pregnant or on heavy does of prescription anxiety medications or seizure medications. I would recommend speaking to your doctor about reducing your dosage while beginning to use the plant if interested. There is no toxic danger, just being too out of it.