Healthy food, filtered water, some form of physical activity, social interaction, being thankful for the good things in your life all makeup a solid foundation for nourishing the Nervous System. But what if you're doing everything right and suddenly you start to feel a little more anxious than you care for? During those times draw from nature.
The following suggestions can calm and soothe a stressed Nervous System and regain a feeling of well-being.
One of the most soothing things to experience other than receiving a hug from a loved one is drink a cup of warm herbal tea.
The process begins when picking up the tea bag or the container containing loose herb, turning on the kettle and preparing the cup. The act of making a cup of tea immediately slows one down. The following are some of my favorite relaxing herbs: Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm and Skullcap. Most grocery stores carry a couple brands of pre-blended tea bags containing these herbs - or you can make your own (from my personal recipe file):
Calming Tea Blend:
1 Tablespoon Chamomile
2 Tablespoons Lemon Balm
1 Tablespoon Oatstraw
1 Teaspoon Lavender
1 Teaspoon Skullcap
Blend the herbs together and store in a glass jar. Make a cup - use 1 heaping teaspoon. Pour boiling water over herbs and steep covered for 10 minutes.
Insomnia Blend:
1/2 cup Passion Flower
1/2 cup Valerian
Blend herbs together and store in a glass jar. Drink half hour before bed. Dosage is dependent on taste, will suggest one heaping teaspoon for a cup and steep covered for 15 minutes.
(FYI - a very small percentage of the population find that Valerian has the opposite affect - also Valerian has a very strong odor)
The next suggestion is using Lavender essential oil (100% pure essential oil). It's so easy to use and so effective. Place one drop on a tissue and hold over mouth and nose and inhale. Continue to hold tissue over face for a moment or two. A room diffuser is another way to inhale the microscopic calming molecules. Almost every health food store sells diffusers. Just add a few drops of the essential oil into the water and breathe in the vapors. You can also make a room spray.
Use a small sterilized glass spray-bottle. First add 1 teaspoon of Vodka in the bottle followed by 15 drops of Lavender and swirl bottle to combine Vodka and Lavender; add 1/2 cup of distilled water. Shake well. It's a good idea to always shake before spraying. To use - spray and inhale.
Water. I don't know anyone who doesn't feel calm and peaceful around moving water. It seems like all the day's problems fall away at the mere sound of ocean waves crashing onto the shore. Trickling water from a fountain can have a similar affect perhaps not as dramatic, which brings me to the bath. Immersing into a warm bath scented with Lavender essential oil and containing Epsom salts is not only soothing to the Nervous System but soothing to the soul! You can create your personal spa: light some candles, add essential oils (Lavender and Clary Sage) to the water, play soft and gentle music, and lock the bathroom door.
So the next time you have one of those days - you know the one - take comfort in knowing you have nature on your side to help you regain balance and peace.
Mariluz
I am a Holistic Nutrition/Wellness Coach working to help men and women improve their health in a simple and attainable way. My approach is through the gradual introduction of healthy eating habits and living practices specific to his or her body and lifestyle. I work with my clients in creating a personalized plan that supports their short and long term health goals.
www.mariluzkersey.com
I received my training from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, The Centre/College of International Holistic Studies, and The Heart of Herbs Herbal School, and am accredited by The American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
These suggestions are for information purposes only.
Copyright 2016 Mariluz Kersey Wellness Consulting
