Words Desiree Campher, Herba Farmacy
Stress is an epidemic and, even though it is the most widespread and debilitating condition progressively escalating due to our current times, many people believe it normal and part of life to be endured. The massive shifts we are experiencing are uncomfortable, causing stress triggers to explode within us, spiralling us into anxiety and depression. All these changes in our lives are not meant to represent hardship as we have been conditioned to believe. They are brought into our beautiful lives to awaken us from a deep sleep, igniting action into the movement called LIFE. We can believe in ourselves, taking charge of what we attract and what we will lovingly move away from. We are coming into an understanding that we are not victims of circumstances, illness and loss, but powerful beings that can orchestrate a symphony of movement into whatever is the best outcome for ourselves. We are living life and through this amazing journey we have the power to take the steps necessary to change what no longer belongs. We can take this incredibly courageous step towards healthier living, balanced thinking and taking back the responsibility of OWNING LIFE.
We are the instrument, the musician and the audience of our life’s journey and the path we choose to lead… NO ONE ELSE HAS THIS POWER OVER US…, unless we give it away.
This constant fright and flight we keep ourselves enslaved in eventually affects the nervous system if left unchecked. We all know the incessant dialogue that plays out in our minds every moment of every day. It is the nervous system that is in this constant fright and flight, adrenals pumping constantly that leads to the nervous system breaking down or becoming overloaded. We are meant to be afraid in our emotions… but only for immediate danger like the tale we hear of super strength and bravery. But the problem is we have not learnt to switch it off after the danger has passed. So, the adrenals continue to pump adrenalin into the system and eventually we feel exhausted, worn out and unable to cope and deplete our systems of vital nutrients and vitamins.
The causes of anxiety, depression and stress have been written about extensively, with many solutions provided to regain our balance. But have we considered the inexhaustible assistance our own gardens can provide? A herbal garden deepens the connection to the precious energies of the earth and our well-being, not to mention the ability of the herbs to provide healing! The freedom of cultivating your own herbal garden, measuring the quality and the joy it provides is indescribable. A herbal garden is relatively easy to grow even for a beginner. Your garden can be large or small, a container garden, full garden, raised bed garden or even a themed garden, the choices are limitless.
Herbal gardens are therapeutic in many ways: In connecting to the earth and grounding, getting outdoors into the sunshine, giving you freedom of movement, not to mention the absolute joy of reaping the herbal benefits. Here are a few herbs that are easy to cultivate:
Lemon balm is easy to grow, but it can take over your garden if left unattended. It is great at attracting bees, making it a wonderful herbal addition to any veggie garden. Lemon balm soothes symptoms of stress, helps you to relax, boosts your mood, invites an increased sense of calmness and reduced feelings of alertness, improves chi circulation, lifts the spirits and protects the cerebrum from excess stimuli.
Kanna is a well know herb traditionally used to manage anxiety and depression, as well as to enhance mood, cognitive activity and memory. Kanna is often referred to as a ‘natural Prozac’. It is not advised to consume Kanna whilst on other antidepressant or mood enhancers.
Passionflower assists in relieving insomnia and anxiety. It appears to boost the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. When stress and anxiety are high, stomach issues do play a role. Passionflower assists in soothing stomach problems. It grows into a beautiful bush cascading over a pergola or even does well in a pot.
St John’s Wort is promoted for depression, menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), somatic symptom disorder (a condition in which a person feels extreme, exaggerated anxiety about physical symptoms), obsessive-compulsive disorder and other conditions. St John’s wort is easy to grow with its adaptability to different soil types and climates.
Rosemary has been used in folk medicine to bring relief from symptoms of depression, irritability, inability to cope with stress. Rosemary is a herb for stress that rekindles energy and lightens the spirit when brewed into a tea twice a day.
Dandelion Root is one of the planet’s most famous and useful weeds. Dandelion is also used to help clear the body of old emotions such as anger and fear that can be stored in the liver and kidneys. It reduces tension, especially muscular tension in the neck, back, and shoulders. It fosters spiritual openness and encourages relief of stress, anxiety and depression.
“Healing should not be a complicated task: The simple answers are most likely the ones that have the most longevity. Enjoy cultivating your own herbal garden of healing naturally” Desiree Campher
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