Plants Are Cool: Ashwaganda - The Stress Reliever

Every month you will hear from the herbalists at Herbal Bush House in what I’m calling the “Plants Are Cool” spotlight.   I’ve posted about products that I’ve used in the past made by Herbal Bush House and they’ve kindly agreed to do a monthly post on herbs to enlighten us all.  They sell personal care products like face cream, shampoo, hair pomade, Gut Buster, probiotics, and a host of slaves and oils for various ailments and conditions.  All products are 100% natural and made with care.

So let me formally introduce you:

Herbal Bush House is dedicated to promoting knowledge of the use of food, herbs and water through educational programs within the community.  Their mission is to empower people with wisdom and understanding of the use of nature’s blessings to promote healthier lifestyles.

Now let's get down to business!

Ashwaganda: The stress reliever

Withania somnifera commonly called Ashwaganda (Ash-wa-gan-da) also known as Indian ginseng is an adaptive herb and one of the best I may add.  I love it. It doesn’t matter how hard and stressful your life may be.  A cup or two of Ashwaganda can ultimately bring that stress level down to zero. Stress can affect the body in many ways. For instance a person under enormous stress can develop high blood pressure, an over or under active thyroid, low libido, fatigue, digestive issues and a host of other ailments. Stress takes a huge toll on your adrenal glands. As you ascend into the burnout zone and are at the point where you can’t focus on anything and everything gets on your nerves, think of Ashwaganda as a good friend.  A friend there to help you through the hard times.  Because of the great adaptogenic properties of Ashwaganda coping with stressful situations can be simple whether at home or at the workplace. Ashwaganda is a general tonic that can increase energy levels in the body, it’s also know to help aid in proper thyroid function, insomnia, male and female fertility, anxiety and more. Ashwaganda is also known as Indian Viagra because it has been used by many men to rid themselves of impotence.

Ashwaganda!

Ashwaganda!

 Your health is your command!

Detoxification: The Juice Fast

Hi Folks! This is day #2 of the juice fast.  I’m hanging in there. But it’s tough!  Yesterday was the first day and I had horrible headaches for most of it.  When I increased my water intake, the pain subsided a bit.  But I’m not sure if the headaches are detox symptoms or allergy symptoms….For some reason, I think I may have acquired seasonal allergies this year.  Hmmmm…..there is more to come on the allergy hypothesis!

The first day of the juice fast:

I was able to have a smoothie in the morning, but the rest of the day was filled with juice, water, herbal tea and potassium (vegetable broth).  There are no rules when it comes to the type of juice you can drink during the flush. So I’ve been operating like a juiceologist (is that a word???). Oh! I had a very small salad with greens to accompany my veggie broth for lunch.

I have a confession:  I ate three tablespoons of red beans and mashed potatoes (which are not on the approved list) last night!!!

Emotional triggers:

Since I’ve discovered/admitted that I am an emotional eater, stress triggers have been all around me (especially at work).  Normally I turn to sweets (ice cream, candy bars, etc.) but yesterday (and today for that matter), I’ve turned to my inner spirit (the Holy Spirit) to get me in check!  Three tablespoons of red beans and mashed potatoes is better than a candy bar for sure!! So I am not going to beat myself up or feel guilty about eating it.  I have too many other things going on that could beat me up….I’m not going to do it to myself!  Can I get a witness!! J

Detox symptoms from the juice fast:

1 – Headaches?

2 – Emotional irritation

3 – Hunger!!!

Here are the juice recipes:

Mean green (Juicer: Omega):

½ bunch of lacinto kale

½ bunch of dill

½ bunch of rainbow chard

½ bunch of parsley

½ bunch of dandelion

Mean green ingredeints (dill, parsley, kale, dandelion and rainbow chard)

 

A closer look at each green (note the leaf type and shape)

Omega juicer squeezing the greens

Mean green prior to dilution

Carrot Delight (Juicer: Jack LaLane):

8 Celery ribs

6 large carrots

3 golden beets

½ head of red cabbage

2 inches of ginger root

 

Juice prior to straining

 

Mean green and Carrot delight! :)

 

 

 

Peace and love!

Confessions of a Naturalista: Emotional Eating

I never considered myself an emotional eater until after I completed the Daniel Fast.  I've been in denial and truth be told I felt a bit superior to people who accepted that title.  What I've learned about myself is that I don't eat very much when I'm depressed,  and I do eat junk food when I'm stressed or feeling inadequate. Why junk food and not fruit, vegetables and nuts??? Because junk food = comfort food.  Comfort food makes you feel good because it tastes good and is familiar. The problem with eating junk food to ease stress is that it's not good for you, adds unnecessary fat, calories, sugar and salt to your diet and promotes weight gain. Both situations  (not eating and eating junk food) shine light on unhealthy coping skills.

Since 2014 started my stress levels have been through the roof! I think I bit off more than I can chew.  I feel it in my body and I SEE it when I look in the mirror.  Since I've admitted my emotional eater status, I've been making calculated moves to NOT indulge in junk food and look for alternatives.  I bathed in essential oils and salts three times in one week - it was awesome!  I'm also sharing an article (more for me than you) I wrote last year on ways to relieve stress.  I came up with 11 natural and low cost ways to eliminate stress.  I'll definitely be trying all of these out AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Stress is a killer and I need to get rid of this emotional eating baggage!

11 Natural Ways to Eliminate Stress:

1.     Eliminate the effect of foolishness on your mind.  You cannot control people, but you can control how they affect you. Turn the volume down on the outside "noise" or mute it altogether.  (free)

2.      Pray/meditate. (free)

3.     Find ways to RELAX: bubble baths, massage therapy, aroma therapy. My favorite essential oils for relaxation are: lavender, chamomile and sage.

4.    Have fun! Watch funny TV shows or movies, go to comedy shows, and hang out with amazingly positive people who are invested in your well-being.  This means there will be no drama or sharing of conversations with anyone who has no right to be in your business (!!!).  (mostly free)

Amazing friends work wonders for eliminating stress

5.     Get involved in things outside yourself: volunteer for a cause.  Make sure you are helping somebody with something EVERYDAY. (could be free)

6.     Re-awaken the hobbies or activities you REALLY ENJOY.  Reading, crafts, travel, etc.

7.      Get in the gym or on the track, trail, tennis court, kick ball field, or roller skating rink…. and work it out!  Allow your body to release endorphins that will put some pep in your step and calm your nerves. 



Cricket???



 8.    Don’t let your undies get in a bunch and don’t sweat the small stuff.  If your undies are always bunched up or you find yourself sweating too much….evaluate how you are reacting to people and situations around you.  I consider myself a “reactor”.  I react in some way shape or form (internally or externally to EVERYTHING).  I am learning to TRULY pick my battles and to be less reactive. Thank you Lord!  It’s so much easier this way.  I feel more balanced.  You will still have to address pertinent issues…but the situations will be more controlled. (free)

 

9.  Eliminate/Manage stress factors:  You know what the stress factors are in your life.  I know what mine are, and I have to manage them in order to be sane. (free) Some examples include:

•  Crazy drama filled friends – who needs the extra drama? Just watch SCANDAL J
• Pressure from work - set boundaries so you don’t lose your mind or over commit.
• Hyper children - do not feed them any sugar, make sure they have a well-balanced diet and are in bed as early as possible.  That leaves more down time for you and provides an opportunity to get other things done.

10.   EAT GOOD, NOURISHING FOOD.  This tip is in capital letters because we don’t realize how important our diet is to our emotional and mental health.  We overlook what we put in our mouths and focus on the external stress factors.  Eating well will help.  Stress is an emotional reaction and can manifest in the physical and mental arenas of our lives.

An apple a day keeps the stress away (Robert Couse-Baker)

 

Too much refined sugar, caffeine, salt and dead food puts us on a mood swing roller coaster and does not provide the nourishment our minds and bodies need to be strong, quick and sharp.

11.    Get plenty of rest.  This is something I am still struggling with.  When I do sleep well I can tell the difference! (free)


 

The Health Journey: 11 Natural Ways to Eliminate Stress

If you are like me, there is a lot going on in your life.  Stress can really zap you. I do not find pleasure in taking pills nor do I want to be medicated.  Frankly I am just fed up with feeling crazed!  In this Journey I've discovered some natural ways to remove stress from my life.  Remember, there is always a simple natural alternative. It may be different and take longer to see results, but it’s worth it.  Oh…and did I mention economical? 
 

11 Natural Ways to Eliminate Stress:

1.     Eliminate the effect of foolishness on your mind.  You cannot control people, but you can control how they affect you. Turn the volume down on the outside "noise" or mute it altogether.  (free)

2.      Pray/meditate. (free)

3.     Find ways to RELAX: bubble baths, massage therapy, aroma therapy. My favorite essential oils for relaxation are: lavender, chamomile and sage.

4.    Have fun! Watch funny TV shows or movies, go to comedy shows, and hang out with amazingly positive people who are invested in your well-being.  This means there will be no drama or sharing of conversations with anyone who has no right to be in your business (!!!).  (mostly free)

Amazing friends work wonders for eliminating stress

5.     Get involved in things outside yourself: volunteer for a cause.  Make sure you are helping somebody with something EVERYDAY. (could be free)

6.     Re-awaken the hobbies or activities you REALLY ENJOY.  Reading, crafts, travel, etc.

7.      Get in the gym or on the track, trail, tennis court, kick ball field, or roller skating rink…. and work it out!  Allow your body to release endorphins that will put some pep in your step and calm your nerves. 



Cricket???



 8.    Don’t let your undies get in a bunch and don’t sweat the small stuff.  If your undies are always bunched up or you find yourself sweating too much….evaluate how you are reacting to people and situations around you.  I consider myself a “reactor”.  I react in some way shape or form (internally or externally to EVERYTHING).  I am learning to TRULY pick my battles and to be less reactive. Thank you Lord!  It’s so much easier this way.  I feel more balanced.  You will still have to address pertinent issues…but the situations will be more controlled. (free)

 

9.  Eliminate/Manage stress factors:  You know what the stress factors are in your life.  I know what mine are, and I have to manage them in order to be sane. (free) Some examples include:

•  Crazy drama filled friends – who needs the extra drama? Just watch SCANDAL J
• Pressure from work - set boundaries so you don’t lose your mind or over commit.
• Hyper children - do not feed them any sugar, make sure they have a well-balanced diet and are in bed as early as possible.  That leaves more down time for you and provides an opportunity to get other things done.

10.   EAT GOOD, NOURISHING FOOD.  This tip is in capital letters because we don’t realize how important our diet is to our emotional and mental health.  We overlook what we put in our mouths and focus on the external stress factors.  Eating well will help.  Stress is an emotional reaction and can manifest in the physical and mental arenas of our lives.

An apple a day keeps the stress away (Robert Couse-Baker)

 

Too much refined sugar, caffeine, salt and dead food puts us on a mood swing roller coaster and does not provide the nourishment our minds and bodies need to be strong, quick and sharp.

11.    Get plenty of rest.  This is something I am still struggling with.  When I do sleep well I can tell the difference! (free)

 

 

Sleep is good for the soul!

 

 

The story behind the 11:

 

I thought I knew what stress was when attending graduate school... I soon realized graduate school was a Ferris wheel ride compared to the world of the working woman.  A few years after starting my career I got married and was pregnant within six weeks. I went back to work after 3.5 months of maternity leave and a year after returning I switched jobs to a more high paced, demanding role!!

 

I was OVERWHELMED!

 

I was also depressed (not really understanding depression) because I was not dealing with the new stress factors in my life very well.  New trying times call for new coping skills...I was using the old coping skills for new situations....It was not working!

 

There were health issues with my son, relationship issues with those surrounding me, and I felt so alone! I began to isolate myself in the name of peace/security but that was in vain and added to my strife, stress and anxiety. 

 

Slowly but surely I began to "wake up".  I began to get involved in church activities again, I started exercising on a regular basis, eating better, I started working smarter on the job, re-awakened my artistic desires and dreams, and best of all started listening to God.  God is awesome and is always there to provide a positive/secure alternative.

 

I’m starting to realize my life's purpose...and that is because of this journey (even the unbearable parts).  Thankfully the stress laden activities have become less impactful.  

 

What tips can you apply to your life??

 

Let me know what your experiences have been with coping with stress.

 

Peace and blessings!