Herbal Support During Stressful Times
Originally published on March 31, 2020.
During stressful periods of our lives, we may find that our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional bodies need extra support, love, and care. Any transition, change, or unexpected life circumstance can disrupt our normal way of living and cause distress on these areas of a person and their well-being. Below one may find herbal allies, rituals, and activities that may be supportive during your metamorphoses. The list of herbs compiled is of course, a short picture of herbal allies and herbal medicine options, this world is expansive and full of so many other possibilities. (You may notice some of the same herbs in different categories ~ part of their magic is being multi-dimensional!)
Heart + Emotional Body Supportive:
Hawthorn (leaf + berry) ~ The beautiful tree medicine of Hawthorn aids in grounding, understanding and protecting boundaries, and supports the heart physically and emotionally as a heart tonic. Indicated for a nervous, irritable, and disconnected heart conditions, Hawthorn can help a person tap into forgiveness. It is best if the leaves and berries are mixed together, take as a tincture, or make as an overnight tea (overnight infusion of flowers/leaves and decoction of berries).
NOTE: If one is on heart medications, discuss with your doctor before taking.
Motherwort ~ Motherwort is a wonderful ally for a nervous, worried heart or emotional body, restlessness, or melancholy. Motherwort is a nervine and antispasmodic, helpful when one is tense or anxious. Its spiritual energy promotes inner trust and confidence in the path. *Also helpful when working through grief.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy and possibly in hypothyroidism.
St. Johns Wort - This herb gained has popularity in the last few years as being an herb helpful for depression. It is soothing to the nervous system, used for nerve pain, depression, fear, feelings of worthlessness, among many other uses. St. Johns Wort helps us understand the need of social connectedness with others and the workings of the whole moving together. It helps the soul and heart reach a tiny limb out into the sunshine and receive.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Contraindicated when an individual is taking any medication(s). If you are on medication ~ Try the flower essence for its supportive medicine while staying safe.
Linden (flowers + leaves) ~ Linden has a semi-mucilaginous quality. Its leaves are in the shape of a heart and iIt soothes the nervous system and the heart center by bringing soft grounded to the picture. Linden has anti-depressive and anti-spasmodic actions, making it lovely for nervous tension, spasms, headaches, and cramps. Used in spells to keep one’s spirit alive, well, and healthy.
Rose ~ Rose is an incredible ally for emotional support and grief. Underneath her beautiful blooms she produces thorns, indicating the need and understanding of boundaries (especially in our own healing). The Rose knows romance, it knows pain, grief, and joy. It can be used spiritually for all of these emotions and for self-love, balance, protection, and boundary practice. Rose also as antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. The scent of rose is closely associated with many deities and angels and is said to have the highest vibration of any flower. Use rosewater for cleansing, connecting to the heart, or as an offering.
Trouble Sleeping:
California Poppy ~ This gorgeous golden plant has sedative, antispasmodic, and analgesic effects that make it helpful for sleep support as well pain. It is helpful for insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, and restless leg syndrome. It is said that California Poppy is an herb of the sun, helping the soul gather warmth and sunlight into ones heart and spirit. It became the state flower of California, the Golden State, in 1903 where rows and rows of the flowers created “fields of gold”. The flowers became a symbol of ‘remembrance’ during the first world war and in so, I always use this plant when I need to a little help remembering who I am, what I need, where and who I came from…etc. Take as a tea or tincture before bed.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Passionflower ~ Passionflower is a cerebral vasorelaxant, nervine, and wonderful sleep ally, especially when sleep disturbances are due to nervousness. Passionflower is also a great, soothing herb to use during trauma work and can be helpful if someone has PTSD. Take as tea or tincture before bed. *Also a helpful nervous system support ally. (Note: I do not like the term PTSD because I don’t believe that it is a disorder. As my wise Human Services teachers continually said, “it is a person having normal reactions to abnormal circumstances and experiences”.) Take as tea or tincture before bed. *Also a helpful nervous system support ally.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Chamomile ~ *Also helpful in emotional/heart support + see trouble sleeping + see nervous system support.
Skullcap ~ Skullcap is used for nervousness, fear, restless sleep, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, and nervous irritation, and for someone who has a ‘nervous stomach’. *Also a helpful nervous system ally.
Valerian ~ Valerian can be an extremely supportive aid in restlessness, hysteria, insomnia, emotional stress, gastrointestinal cramping, and menstrual cramps as it also has anti-spasmodic properties. Also a helpful nervous system ally. Take as tea or tincture before bed. *Not best suited for those who run hot in their constitution.
NOTE: Can interfere with sleep medication and increase sleeping time.
Hops ~ Helpful for an irritable digestive tract, nervousness, sleeplessness, muscular irritation/twitching, exhaustion, and can help promote sleep. Hops also has antispasmodic, antimicrobial, diuretic, and pain relieving properties. Take as tea or tincture.
NOTE: Can interfere with sleep medication and increase sleeping time.
Letting Go / Working with Grief:
Wood Betony ~ Wood Betony helps us dissolve and let go of fear. It has traditionally been used as an ally for protection, to ward off the evil eye or any other bodily harm, and to dispel negative energy. It may ease internal and external conflict, soothe the nervous system, help with digestion issues (diarrhea, heartburn, intestinal gas) and painful conditions (gout, headache, facial pain) and can be helpful with urinary tract conditions. Take as a tea or tincture.
Lemon Balm - Lemon Balm, or Melissa officinalis is pro a soul soother. She calms the nerves, supports the digestive system, and eases our worries. Its name is derived from the Greek word Melissa, meaning honeybee, a sacred herb to beekeepers. In ancient Turkey, Lemon Balm was planted near bee hives to encourage the bees to return to the hive, as well as planted by ones own front door to protect against evil spirits.
An herb of the Moon, it was often used in spells associated with health, healing, love, success, and friendship. It is said she can transmit messages between lovers and who is to say that the lover on the other side isn’t yourself? Lemon Balm knows how to take care of the whole when emotions are painful and when we are learning to let go of something. She helps us find compassion, spiritual connection, and restful sleep within our long days. Take as a tea or tincture. Make a spray using the essential oil for extra support.
NOTE: Contraindicated in hypothyroidism and possibly during pregnancy.
Chamomile ~ In my own experience, Chamomile has always been like a loving hug from a dear parent or mother like figure. It is nurturing and nourishing to our nervous systems and stomachs. Associated with the sun, this brilliant plant brings a little sun energy to our bodies and lets us know, it’s going to be alright. She will protect, while wrapping you up in her comfort and singing a sweet lullaby. Take as a tea or tincture. *Also helpful in emotional/heart support + trouble sleeping + nervous system support.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Elderflower ~ The Elder scrub is closely associated with death and rebirth cycles. For thousands of years this bush has been revered for its specific magical properties. Elder (especially elderflower) helps us to allow the old to die and transmutes this energy into the new rebirthed self (or thing). It eases this transition and acts as a guardian or protector during our metamorphoses stages. Elderflower can also be helpful during the beginning stages of colds and flu (think also, helping us move through and clear spiritual congestion as well). Elder helps us eliminate worn out ideas, worn out energy, habits, and things. Take as a tea or incorporate the berry and flower into a syrup. Wear in a pouch to support your own phoenix like cycles.
Rosemary ~ This favorite 'culinary’ herb has been used for centuries for its protective and cleansing properties. It has been used often to ward of evil spirits and nightmares. Rosemary brings strength into the heart, protection, and decreases fear. Use in an spiritual bath to remove worries. It was also carried by wedding quests and worn by medieval brides as a symbol and token of love and virtue. Rosemary is often used for its circulatory stimulant properties, bringing a movement to the body, spirit, and worn out energy. Take as a tea or tincture, use in cooking, wear in a pouch, or burn as incense.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Large doses may cause harmful side effects and interfere with certain medications.
Mullein ~ In Chinese Medicine, the lungs are the organ that hold the most grief. Supporting the lungs during times of transition, change, and grief can be a wonderful act of self-care to ones being (and well, lungs). Mullein is an herb that deeply understands death, rebirth, grief, change, and transition as it was traditionally used to wash dead bodies, cleansing the body of any physical or spiritual cords. Indicated for dry, harsh, and weak lungs physically. Brings nourishment to the area in which we hold our grief. Take as a tea or tincture.
Yarrow ~ Yarrow is known as the ‘wounded warrior’s herb’. It was the herb said to help the hero Achilles treat the wounds of his men on the battlefield. Yarrow is a wound healer, physically and emotionally. She can grow anywhere, a representation of her resiliency, and help ones body feel strong and resilient in its own ways, Her flowers come in shades of pink and white. Yarrow has antiseptic, styptic, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant properties.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
*Many of our heart and emotional body supportive herbs are also helpful when working with grief.
Immune Support:
Elder (berry + flower) ~ Elderberry and elderflowers support the immune system. The berry has anti-viral properties and the flower anti-inflammatory properties, as well as supportive traits helpful during the early stages of colds and flu. The berries contain high levels of flavonoids, providing antioxidants ~ it is a lovely herb to take as preventative medicine. Make into a syrup, take as tea or tincture.
*See letting go of grief
Mushrooms: Reishi, Chaga, Turkeytail, Maitake, Lions mane ~ These powerful babes have recently been gaining acceptance and use in the spotlight for being wonderful immunomodulators overall general health and well-being supportive. Immunomodulators help to normalize or regulate the immune system without having a stimulating effect on the system. Best simmered in a crock pot for days, as tincture, or in powder/capsule form.
Astragalus ~ Considering a tonic to the immune system it is great in preventative blends however, it is recommended to stop taking astragalus when actively sick as it can sometimes drive the pathogen deeper into the tissues. Astragalus brings nourishment into the body and soul. It has adaptogenic and immunomodulating properties. Take as tea, tincture, or add to bone broth and soups!
Rosehips ~ These little wonders have a moistening or mucilaginous quality and are chalk full of trace vitamins and minerals. They contain a high vitamin-c and flavonoid content, making them a great addition to preventative medicine blends by supporting the immune system and countering the stress response. Best consumed in tea form.
Honey ~ Honey is often missed when talking about immune and whole body supportive measures. It contains antiseptic, antibacterial properties, and anti fungal properties.It may help to regulate blood sugar, can help heal wounds, boost immunity, soothe a sore throat, and provide nutrients to the body. Take a spoonful, add to foods, etc.
NOTE: Honey can be extremely dangerous for babies and should never be given to an infant less than a year old.
Tip: Chop up garlic and mix it in your honey. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 4 weeks. You will now have garlic infused honey! Enjoy a spoonful a day for jam packed benefits!
Garlic ~ Often known as an immune supportive food that also helps with yeast infections. Garlic is highly nutritious, contains antioxidants, may help combat sicknesses like the common cold, reduce blood pressure. Add to meals, take in capsule form, make a garlic honey!
NOTE: If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor before increasing your garlic intake.
Nervous System Support:
Wood betony - *See letting go of grief.
Chamomile ~ *Also helpful in heart/emotional support + see trouble sleeping.
Linden ~ *See heart/emotional support.
Wild Oat ~ The oat grain contains high amounts of protein, the bran contains fiber, and the straw is high is silica. This lovely plant can be extremely helpful for nervous states with exhaustion, melancholy, and diminished strength. It is nourishing to the nervous system and can be sedating. The milky oat tops are used for long term exhaustion with a frayed nervous system and are best when taken long term. May help with nerve pain. Take as a tea or tincture. You can also try adding oatmeal to your diet!
NOTE: Oats antagonize the antinociceptive effect of morphine and the pressor response to nicotine. (Tilgner 2009).
Damiana ~ Damiana is lovely for those who get social anxiety. It is often used as a aphrodisiac as it brings warm to the reproductive organs. Damiana can be a stimulating nervine but may also bring forth inspiration through this.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Tulsi ~ Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, contains a fair amount of antioxidants and vitamin c. it has adaptogenic properties, assisting with the stress that comes from daily life. It has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti fungal properties, may help with anxiety, cough, indigestion, and pain. Some find Tulsi to be stimulating to the system. Revered in some religious purposes, it is also said that Tulsi helps one connect to the creative power of mother nature. Take as tea or tincture.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Not recommended for those who are taking specific medications such as anti-coagulants.
Lavender ~ Lavender may be help for depression, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and stress. It has anti-inflammatory, carminative, and spasmolytic properties. It calms and relaxes the body and soul and aids in mental alertness.
Extra: Sleep with some under your pillow in a pouch or in a sleep mask. Make a spray uses the essential oil.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Nutritives:
Dandelion (leaf + root) ~ This lovely plant grows everywhere and helps to make the soil around her healthy, showing her resilience and vibrancy the this world. Dandelion contains many vitamins and minerals (mostly in the leaf) and the root is helpful in detoxifying the body. (We may also think of the root helping us move emotions through the liver and out the body). Take as a tea or tincture. Infuse the leaves and decoct the root.
NOTE: Contraindicated in bile duct obstruction, acute gall bladder inflammation, acute gastrointestinal inflammation, and intestinal blockage (Tilgner 2009).
Calendula ~Calendula is a wound healer, internally and externally. It is an herb of the sun, often called ‘the sunshine herb’ (similar to St. Johns) bringing those rays into the soul. Calendula is anti-inflammatory, demulcent, vulnerary, and a lymphagogue. It can be helpful healing wounds, burns, boils, rashes, and can support normal connective tissue.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Burdock ~ This plants provides us with grounding root medicine. Associated with feminine energies, Spiritually burdock is a cleansing and protective herb. Medicinally it is cooling and can distribute moisture through out the body. It is supportive to the skin, liver, kidneys, and gall bladder. It is often used to chronic skin eruptions, eczema, gout, arthritis, sciatica, and may help normalize the menstrual cycle. Burdock supports the excretion of toxins. It also contains inulin, supporting the digestive system and helping create a habitable gut space for pre and probiotics use. Take as a tea or tincture. Carry in a pouch, or incorporate into spiritual workings for warding off negativity and general protection.
NOTE: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Alfalfa ~ Alfalfa contains a high vitamin and mineral content. It is rich in carotene, protein, calcium, and trace minerals. It is used as a general tonic and makes a great base to a tea blend. Take as a tea (infusion).
NOTE: Possibly contraindicated in pregnancy. The presence of vitamin K can cause an antagonistic effect with blood thinning agents
Nettle ~ Nettle is a wonderful spring tonic. She helps us find rejuvenation within the body and supplies many vitamin and mineral benefits. She nourishes the entire body and supports the immune system, circulation, the nervous system, the urinary tract, respiratory system, endocrine, and digestive system. It contains high levels of magnesium and due to such, many find help and support when dealing with leg and menstrual cramps.
NOTE: High amounts may be contraindicated in pregnancy. The Stinging Nettle plant hurts when touched, be careful when growing, wild crafting, or buying!
Oat ~ *See nervous system support
Food + Supplement:
B-vitamins: B Vitamins need each other to function properly and in so, it is best to get a B-Complex that contains:
Vitamin B1 – Thiamin
Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin
Vitamin B3 – Niacin
Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic acid
Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine
Vitamin B7 – Biotin
Vitamin B9 – Folic acid
Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin
Vitamin D
Multi-Vitamin
Magnesium ~ Find in pill or powder forms. Supports the relaxation and regulation of muscles and nerve function, helps support blood sugar levels, among many more functions.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids ~ Find in supplement form or foods such as salmon, cod liver oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, spinach, brussels sprouts, and algae.
Bone Broth (or Veggie Broth!) ~ Full of vitamins and minerals, bone broth can be extremely healing to the body and its tissues. (Add herbs such as astragalus, rosehips, rosemary, thyme, or mushrooms to increase benefits!)
Whole Foods ~ Foods that are unprocessed and unrefined (or as little as possible), rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and tubers are examples.
Chocolate ~ Chocolate can be an inflammatory food for many and in so, high consumption is not recommended however, chocolate can be extremely healing to the soul, is full of antioxidants, and is also as a fantastic grounding tool. Although the amounts are relatively low, quality dark chocolate contains some fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, vitamin E, and B vitamins.
*If one is able to obtain these, they can be helpful to support the body and keep nutrients up.
~
Activities: Small steps you can do to be an active participant in your healing
Stay hydrated
Getting sunshine on your skin
Lowering caffeine consumption
Engaging in the things that bring you pleasure
Journal thoughts, feelings, worries, fears, and joys
Roll out your ankles and wrists after sleeping (grief tends to get stuck here)
Work with a trained mental health professional (i.e therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist)
Give yourself a spiritual bath ~ {Want a custom herb blend for your bath? Give me a shout via hannah@mourninglightdivination.com ♥}
Mourning Light Divination always recommends checking in with your physician about any medication you are currently taking for herbal interactions or if you are pregnant, and working with a trained mental health professional ~ especially in times of turbulence. All information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure illness. Mourning Light Divination, LLC only provides tools and is not the outcome.
You may also find a trained herbalist in your area to support you in your herbal needs.
With Love,