Hey y’all! I hope you all are still staying safe, and mindfully practicing social distancing. It’s so important for us to try and keep each other safe during this time, and right now, the best practice for that is to keep our distance, lovingly. In the mean time, while we’re at home or experiencing nature in a safe way, one thing we can do while at home is to strengthen our immunity through a health diet, and movement. Part of my health regimen is Ayurvedic, and ancient herbs. I’d love to share some of my favorites here with you. Please, make sure you check out any interactions with medicine(s) you’re taking before consuming these, and if you’re pregnant or nursing, I’d ask the advice of your doctor. That’s out of the way, lets get these herbs on.
Moringa
Moringa is somewhat of a miracle herb. Not only does it reduce inflammation, boosts heart health, and stabilizes blood sugar, but it can calm those pesky GI issues, and allergies that a lot of us fight with. I drink mooring powder daily, or I have moringa and pineapple tea with my morning smoothie. Moringa Oleifera tree is native to the Indian subcontinent, and is drought resistant. It can grow up to 40ft!
Valerian Root
Whew! Valerian is like nature’s sleeping pill. So much so, that I’d recommend you consume it before bed, or if you know that you won’t be operating heavy machinery. Valerian not only induces sleep and sedation, but it can help calm anxiety. Valerian is a perennial flowering plant, native to Europe, and Asia.
Kanna
I’m somewhat new to kanna, but from what I’ve experienced, it’s an amazing mood booster. So I’ve included it in this list, because of my personal experience, and, I’m surprised at it’s quick efficacy. This succulent is found in South Africa, and has long been used by the Rastafarian tribes there as an appetite suppressant on long hunting trips, and to calm stress, and anxiety. It’s said to work by helping your brain maintain serotonin levels instead of those pesky reuptake inhibitors gobbling it at every turn. In intoxicating doses, it can cause euphoria, so watch how much you consume, or don’t. 😉
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
I can’t say enough about tulsi. It gives me energy, boosts my happy vibes, calms anxiety, and has this beautiful earthy, flowery taste to it. I consume this as tea (I consume all of them as tea actually) daily. Tulsi has long been used in the Ayurvedic tradition, and according to Vedic Puranas (sacred Indian text), it’s the most sacred plant on earth. In fact, it’s said to have grown at all across the surrounding countryside, next to the tomb where Jesus rose from the dead. I can’t recommend it enough.
Ashwagandha
This adaptogen literally helps the body manage stress, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar, and cortisol levels, and help fight off symptoms of anxiety, and depression. It’s also one of the queen bee herbs in the Vedic Puranas. Trying to calm and cure anxiety naturally? Check out this herb, in all it’s glory.
Try these at your own risk, and let me know how it goes!
Xx,
