3 Ways We Use Herbs to Help Deal

Holidays are coming. It's still a pandemic. Plus, you know, all the things. Here's 3 ways we use herbs to help deal.

1. Drink a relaxing herbal tea throughout the day.

1. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil
2. Place 3 tablespoons of dried herb into a french press or mason jar
3. Pour the boiled water onto the herbs
4. Let steep for 15-20 minutes
5. Strain into a travel container and drink throughout the day
   1. Alternatively you can keep your herbs steeping all day and pour/strain from the original container as needed

Herbs that work well:

• Tulsi (kapoor) ("Holy Basil") - mildly stimulating, uplifting and pleasantly aromatic with a hint of sweetness.
• Lemon balm - calms the nerves and the gut without being too sedating, and uplifts the mood. Nice lemon-y flavor that comes out especially with a little added sweetener.
• Foster Farm "Flower Essence" Tea Bags - chamomile, rose and more to uplift and calm. Use 3 teabags per quart.

2. Start your day with an uplfiting or adaptogenic herbal powder blend.

• Herbs in powder form can be a more convenient way to take herbs that may have a longer duration of an effect. Adaptogens can help keep stress levels from spiking to high or too low. Mood uplifting herbs can help keep our thoughts positive and prevent spiraling.
• Herbs in powder form can be mixed into:
  • Soft foods - i.e. yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal.
  • Smoothies
  • Any beverage - though they don't dissolve, so expect some herb-y sediment.

Herbs that work well:

• Ashwagandha - traditional adaptogen for deep, nourishing, support
• Alkame Co. Mood Nectar - lemon balm, linden and more in a citrus-y mix to relieve everyday stress and tension.

3. Take an Herbal Tincture an hour before bed to unwind and prepare for sleep

Tinctures are generally a fast-acting way to take herbs. There are many relaxing herbs that can have a somewhat sedating effect in larger quantities (do not combine with alcohol or sedative medications). Taking one of these herbs in tincture form before bedtime can help calm the mind and body and prepare for a more restful sleep.

Herbs that work well

• Valerian - classic, warming relaxing herb that has a strong effect on physical tension
• Passionflower - good calming herb for racing thoughts.
• Skullcap - nervine "tonic" that helps to restore the nervous system

I sincerely hope this blog post helps you find more ease during stressful times.  Want to talk with me about you can herbs to support your individual situation?  Book a free 15-minute info call with me to learn about our herbal consultations here.

- Nick Cavanaugh
Clinical Herbalist at Railyard Apothecary

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