Week 5 :: NOURISH :: Replenish & Reignite

:: Recording ::

:: Notes & Resources ::

NOURISHING OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Our nervous system is the bridge between our spirit, minds and body. It is the highway through which messages, signals, communication occurs. Chronic illness and disease manifests in a state of nervous system dysregulation. Nourishing and supporting our nervous system is not just an act of physical self care, it is fundamental for establishing and maintaining a healthy connection to our soul, spirit, and energy.

HERBS FOR NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT

Adaptogens:

This category of herbs is important here because oftentimes nervous exhaustion is accompanied by endocrine burnout, which is where adaptogens shine. These plants tend to be tonifying and strengthening to the nervous system and have a wide variety of actions, affinities and uses.

Adaptogens are best used as tonics - meaning herbs are taken consistently for at least a few months to see optimal benefits

Examples include Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Gingseng (Panax spp.), Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis), Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus), and California Spikenard berry (Aralia californica).

Uplifting Herbs:

Herbs having an uplifting, harmonizing or freeing effect on the spirit. These plants tend to work as much or more though their energetics than their actual chemistry.

Examples include Mugwort(Artemisia Vulgaris), Milky Oats (Avena sativa), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), and Damiana (Tunera diffusa).

Nervine Relaxant:

Typically nervine relaxants or sedatives are mild plants that can be used throughout the day without causing low energy levels, grogginess or drowsiness. They cut down on overall neural tension and over excitability

Examples include Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Linden (Tilia europea), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Borage (Borago officinalis), Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris),Pulsatilla (Anemone pulsatilla), and Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Nervine Trophorestorative/ Tonic:

Herbs that tonify, strengthen and restore proper structure and function of the nervous system. Best used over long periods of time, to help restore vitality and resilience to the nervous system. These remedies can be helpful when there has been cases of shock, prolonged stress, sleep deficit, longstanding anxiety/ panic attacks or excessive use of stimulants.

Examples include Milky Oats seed (Avena sativa), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Lion’s Mane, Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis), and Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera).

HOME PRACTICE

Laughter as medicine! Do at least 1 thing that makes you laugh this week :)
Create your own Nourishment Emergent Kit (aka medicine bag)

NOURISHMENT EMERGENT KIT IDEAS

Essential oils
Tea blends, tinctures
Healthy snack with fat+fiber+protein
Fave songs to soothe
Flower essences, cleansing spray
Blessed talisman & anchors
Prayers
Recording of yourself telling yourself what you need to hear (powerful to hear one’s own voice - hypnotic)
Music
Grounding practice
List of numbers of ppl you can call (loved ones, practitioners)
Things that will make you laugh
Reminder to outside and connect with mama earth to ground and stabilize, dispel the charge