2 Herbs for Emotional Self-Care: these herbs have a relaxing effect on the body

I'm sure you're aware that your emotions significantly impact your physical body; positively or negatively. In fact, they can alter your energy level, immune system, and even your digestion. Herbs can help our emotions through our senses of touch, taste, aroma, and sight. Aromatic herbs increase the flow of blood through our extremities and consequently decrease the stress on the heart, allowing us to relax more.

It seems that what we hear on the news lately is all about mental health and self-care. So true, since our minds do in fact dictate how our bodies function. If we're anxious or stressed we may not eat right or get enough sleep, or even suffer from migraines. Taking care of our physical bodies is important, but taking care of our minds is just as important. There is truly a mind, body connection.

Left image: holy basil or tulsi Right image: linden I've picked two (2) herbs that may not be familiar to you: linden and tulsi (holy basil). They are 1) aromatic herbs, 2) nervines, and are often referred to as 3) heart tonics.

Introducing - LINDEN FLOWERS: Feeling stressed? Have a cup of linden tea or take an herbal bath. Its leaves, shaped like a heart, suggest its purpose. Linden supports an open heart. Its soothing qualities help to reduce anxiety, allowing you to relax, and therefore improve your mood. Taken before bedtime this tea can help with insomnia. Linden tea is also safe for children who can be excitable or overactive.

Recipe #1 - Tea infusion

1. Prepare boiling water

2. Pour over dried flowers (1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of water)

3. Steep for 10 minutes and strain, if necessary

4. Sweeten, if you must, and enjoy (NOTE: do not drink more than 3 cups a day)

Please refrain from drinking linden tea if allergic to these flowers, breastfeeding or if you have heart disease since it may interact with some medications.

Recipe #2 - Bath Tea

1. Fill the tub with the bathwater

2. Fill a muslin bag or giant tea ball with 1 cup of linden flowers (dry or fresh)

3. Toss it into bath water

4. Soak and enjoy its sweet aroma.

Introducing: HOLY BASIL (Tulsi) Tulsi, another aromatic herb, brings joy to your spiritual heart. It is very well known in Ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi helps to strengthen our sense of self. When our bodies release the feeling of being overwhelmed we become less fearful and more relaxed. As we relax, our body systems function better, our emotions are not weighing us down, and we feel lighter.

Recipe #3 - Tulsi Morning Tea

1. 1 Tablespoon of tulsi leaf in a pint jar

2. Pour boiling water over the leaf

3. Steep for 15 minutes

4. Strain and sip throughout the morning (helps with focus)

Tip - Mix it up

Are there several herbal teas that you like to drink? Try mixing it up sometimes. Add 2 or 3 different teas to a cup, experience the taste, and note any sensations you feel in your body. Do some research and see which herbs are good for the emotions you are experiencing. Combine them and their different properties (or health benefits) in a tea or bath. Jot down your discoveries in a notebook or journal. Continue to experiment.

Sometimes our emotions get the better of us. There are many ways to overcome the overwhelm. Learning to incorporate herbs into our daily routine certainly is one way. Hope you'll give them a try.

Let me know how it works for you. Just hit reply to this email and let me know if they make a difference in your life.

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Peace and Herbal Blessings,

Gloria

Disclaimer:

The Food & Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made on this website. The information provided by this website or this company is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your physician or other medical professionals, and is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a health care provider, and should not be construed as individual medical advice. Always consult your physician or health care provider before using any herbal products.