Three Specific Herbs For Nerves

When you are having a hard time with anxiety, nerves, stress, and everything in between there are a few herbs out there that we have personally had a lot of success with.

***We highly recommend the daily use of Anxiety R&R herb mix as a base for system support. Once your system is supported by the deep nutrition this mix provides, then the three herbs referenced here are MUCH MORE effective.

Valerian Root:

Uses: Insomnia (without good sleep, you can't heal from anxiety), calming anxiety reactions, headaches. 

Valerian Root is a nervine tonic, very soothing and supportive for the nervous system and the signals that go on when high stress and anxiety reactions are involved. It needs the good support of deep nutrition, like what is provided by Anxiety R&R Herb Mix, and when supported with deep nutrition, it works WONDERS for your nervous system.

There is an excellent article put out by the University of Michigan about Valerian and findings involved. Here is a quote from that article,"...they believe it increases the amount of a chemical called gamma aminobutvric (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps to regulate nerve cells and has a calming effect on anxiety*."

Another excerpt from the article,"...by 28 days valerian had greatly improved sleep for those who were taking it. Some researches now think you may need to take valerian for a few weeks before it begins to work. However in another study, valerian was more effective then the placebo almost immediately*." 

All in all... all of us NMM's have taken Valerian Root for YEARS. We believe in it and we have felt and seen the amazing benefits of this miraculous herb for our family and many other families as well. If you decide to purchase Valerian Root, we first recommend finding a tincture before capsules. It doesn't smell very good, so prepare yourself for that! We recommend 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times a day. If experiencing major anxiety reactions, 1/2 teaspoon every hour until your system calms down.

St. John's Wort:

Uses: Depression, lack of motivation, when you need a "happy" boost or when experiencing major mood swings.

St. John's Wort just works miracles for the "snap" days. That's what we call them. You know - they are the days when you feel like you are going to "snap" at any moment. Taking St. John's Wort is amazingly helpful for days like this! If you are experiencing the MAJORITY of your days like this, then you really need to support of deep nutrition from Anxiety R&R Herb Mix, combined with St. John's Wort.

An article in Medical New Today shared quite a few interesting things about some studies on St. John's Wort. "The available evidence suggests that the hypericum (St. John's Wort) extracts tested in the included trials are superior to placebo in patients with major depression, are similarly effective as standard antidepressants and have few side effects than standard antidepressants**."

PLEASE however, if you are any anti-depressants currently, ask your doctor before taking this herb. Make sure to keep open communication about herbal alternatives when you are on prescription medication.

Personally, we have seen an amazing difference using St. John's Wort as an additional anxiety and depression support. 

Gingko

Uses: Memory function, mental clarity and alertness, antioxidant.

Rosemary Gladstar (well-known herbalist and a favorite of ours) talks about how this is one of her favorite herbs. She says, "Gingko works as a memory enhancer by increasing circulation and vasodilation in the cerebral region. Regular use of ginkgo improves mental stability and memory function and increases mental vitality***."

Because of how anxiety reactions work (read about Anxiety Nitty-Gritty Here) in our brain, it is necessary to have herbs that support brain function. Gingko is one of the best for this. 

Concluding Thoughts...

In conclusion, truly there are A LOT of options out there to help with anxiety, depression, stress and those "snap days" when you feel like your body is taking over your emotions and brain!

First: Take the Anxiety R&R Herb Mix. This is what we use EVERYDAY for our daily up keep to stay on top of stress and anxiety in our lives. This is FOUNDATIONAL for supporting your system in healing and moving forward from living an anxiety filled life. Your system needs to be fed DEEP NUTRITION everyday. If there isn't daily upkeep, then your body won't have the ability to use anything else you give it!

Second: Evaluate what reactions are happening in your emotions and therefore, nervous system. After evaluating, then you will understand more if you need help with anxiety, or depression, or mental clarity, or sleep... etc. 

Third: Find an herb to support your needs. If it isn't one of these top THREE herbs recommended for anxiety support, then we can help you find what your body needs specifically! Write to us for help. naturalmedicinemamas@gmail.com

***Herbs For Reducing Stress and Anxiety by Rosemary Gladstar

**Medical News Today: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174928.php

*Source: Valerian | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/valerian#ixzz3Rs3mReZ7 

Herbal Infusions vs. Capsules

Why Herbal Infusions... aka Tea??

Our society is really stuck in the mindset of "popping the pill". Unfortunately, just because someone is trying to be more "natural", doesn't mean that this mindset is still not a huge part of their thinking.

Now before I go on, let me give a disclaimer: Yes, I have taken herbs in capsules for a long time. It has only been recently that I have "changed my tune" (so-to-speak) about why capsules are NOT the best way to introduce the nutrients found in herbs into the body. And yes, I will still recommend to someone to go get herbs in capsule form when needed.

BUT - Personally at NMM we believe there are more effective ways to get all the nutrients offered in the herbs and plants around us - mainly through herbal infusions (tea), tinctures, glycerides and syrups. (We will get into the excellent absorption of tinctures and such, but today we are just talking about teas.)

Let's talk about why.

What is the "road trip" a capsule takes? The main way our body absorbs nutrients is through digestion (for good reason!). To get to the small intestine, the capsule has to pass the mouth, the esophagus, and the harsh acids in the stomach. Most of the time this is where the capsule breaks and the herbs are released. Then the herbs have to go through digestive juices and enzymes coming from the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and spleen and then into the small intestines where the flora exists. The flora is ACTUALLY where the body will take those herbs and utilize them into the body.

Interestingly, medical research has shown that any substance that passes through the digestive tract whether vitamin, mineral or drug in route to the flora of the intestines (because of capsule form), will have a maximum absorption of between 12 and 18 percent. From the time it is put in the mouth until it actually reaches the flora of the intestine you will lose between 82 to 88 percent of what you originally consumed. The 12% to 18% that is left still after being absorbed through the flora in the intestines goes into the liver to be processed before being put into the blood stream. Consequently, when you think you are getting your recommended daily allowance you are really only absorbing somewhere around 15 percent of that substance.

Hmmmm...

Herbal Infusions (tea):
This is personally NMM's favorite way of ingesting the nutrients found in various herbs and plants for "Daily Up-Keep". We have tea's on a daily basis. Why?

There is a study by researchers at the University of Montreal (published online in the European Journal of Applied Physiology), that takes a very detailed look at the kinetics of water absorption and offers a lot of answers with the how's and why's of liquid absorption.

The study gave 36 volunteers 300 mL of ordinary bottled water with a specific label for tracking (for specifics, read the study... very interesting with charts and everything, I like stuff like that.). They found that the water started showing up in the bloodstream within FIVE MINUTES. Half the water was absorbed in 11-13 minutes and completely absorbed in 75-120 minutes.

Within 10 minutes fluid levels in our blood stream have risen enough to trigger the processes telling our body to go to the bathroom. That is why when you drink something, you need to go visit the restroom so quickly. You aren't eliminating the same liquid you just drank, you are getting rid of liquid that has been there previously, which you then replaced with new liquid.

So, unlike going through the ENTIRE digestive system, the tea infusions that we drink are absorbed more efficiently and quickly.

Now, that is talking about just water. But when you make an infusion with herbs, there are many nutrients that are absorbed into your body at the same time. An herbal infusion is when the leaves of the herb are soaked and allowed to steep in very warm water (When you make a tea, allow it to steep for at least 30 minutes). Nutrients from the plant are extracted and "infused" into the water.

Because of the absorption rate of water, the nutrients found in the plant are then absorbed into your body! It is a beautiful way of getting daily vitamins and minerals.

See Women's Anxiety Formula for an excellent source of nutrients.

Anxiety R & R: Women's Anxiety & Stress Herb Mix

Please read about the Nitty-Gritty of Anxiety HERE. This post is to explain the formula we use and the herbs properties. It has been SO effective for us in dealing with anxiety disorders.

NMM Anxiety R & R: Women's Anxiety & Stress Herb Mix
TWO FLAVORS: Orange or Peppermint

Options

1 - WAF Packet $6.95 USD 2 - WAF Packets $13.90 USD 3 - WAF Packets $20.85 USD 4 - WAF Packets $27.80 USD Buy 5 Get 1 Free $34.75 USD Buy 10 Get 2 Free $69.50 USD

# of Peppermint or Orange

Ingredients and Properties:

Red Raspberry Leaf: Everything about this plant has a perfect balance of nutrition to help our female systems in all stages of life. It is extremely high in magnesium, naturally high in potassium, iron and b-vitamins. Those just happen to be the exact ingredients your body needs when dealing with anxiety and hormone problems. God made Red Raspberry Leaf for us! The tannins give astringent properties which soothe internally and externally. Also extremely high in Vitamin C.

Lemon Balm: This has been used for years to help reduce anxiety, promote a calm state and improve indigestion. Why? Because Lemon balm is rich in caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, which are powerful antioxidants that neutralize reactive oxygen species. It also contains eugenol, which acts like a natural anti-inflammatory that helps soothe painful conditions. These compounds offer profound antibacterial and antiviral properties and protect the lipid membrane of cells.

Nettle: Contain tannic acid, lecithin, chlorophyll, iron, silicic acid, lime, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and vitamins A and C. Helps nursing mothers produce milk and it also stimulate the digestive glands of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder. Nettle stimulates the lymph system, can help relieve arthritis symptoms, support adrenals, helps cramping, reduces hypertension, helps with gastrointestinal disease, IBS and constipation, supports the endocrine system by helping the thyroid, spleen and pancreas. It contains fatty acids, carotenoids, calcium, iron, sodium, Vitamin A, Vit C.

Dandelion: Source of Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K,Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.

Oatstraw: The German government commissioned calcium-rich oat straw extract as an effective herbal remedy for anxiety and stress. This is most likely due to the high Vitamin B complex content contained within the herb. Oat straw's calming qualities strengthens nerves and encourages a restful night's sleep. Oatstraw is high in calcium, protein and the spectrum of B vitamins, excepting vitamin B-12. Oatstraw is also high in silica, a mineral that is largely responsible for healthy skin, hair, nails and bones. It supports the central nervous system. We have found it helps us with anxiety, insomnia and nervousness. According to Finnish herbalist Henriette Kress. Oatstraw can soothe an over-stressed nervous system, providing centered, calm energy. The B vitamins may be one reason that oatstraw tea has such a beneficial action on stress.

Rosehips:  It has the ability to help regenerate new skin cells because of astringent levels.The fruit acids and pectin in rose hip tea is a mild diuretic and laxative. It is used to improve, and relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders, or to help in the case of mild constipation. Because of the high vitamin C content they are an excellent immune system supporter and are often used as a supplement to prevent or treat a cold.  Rose hips are a  source of vitamin C; they contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges.

Orange Peel: Rich source of vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, minerals such as calcium, selenium, manganese, zinc...etc., several fold more than its pulp. Peel is rich source of rough dietary fibers, also known as NSP (non-soluble polysaccharides), such ashemi-cellulose, pectin, tannins, gum…etc. These compounds increase the bulk to the food, and help prevent constipation by reducing gastro-intestinal transit time. They further bind to the toxin chemicals in the food and protect their expose to gut mucus membrane and thereby offer protection from colon cancer risk. Furthermore, dietary fibers bind firmly to bile salts (produced from cholesterol) and eliminate them from the gut, thus in turn help lower serum LDL cholesterol levels.

Peppermint: Mint composes numerous plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease-preventing and health promoting properties. Total antioxidant strength (ORAC) of fresh peppermint herb is 13,978 µmol TE/100 g. It is rich in essential oils, vitamins and dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol and blood pressure inside the human body. Peppermint-herb is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium. 100 g fresh herb provides 569 mg of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper works as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide-dismutase. Further, it is rich in many antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin-C and vitamin E. The leaves of mint also contain many important B-complex vitamins like folates, riboflavin and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6); and the herb is an excellent source of vitamin-K.

Women's Anxiety: The Nitty-Gritty

This is a personal subject for the NMM's. 

Personal Experience: Paula (mom of the NMM's) parents passed away about two weeks apart after major illnesses. She took care of them full time for several years prior to their deaths.  That, along with being a mom to many small children, left her in a state of severe anxiety.  At one point she told her husband she thought she needed "to be committed" because of the swing of emotions and anxiety that plagued her as she recovered emotionally. 

What was a curse turned into a major blessing because it is what ultimately lead her on the "Natural Medicine Path". She has made it a quest to free herself from the major effects of anxiety disorders and help many women around her be able to do the same. She is seeking out how to treat it naturally and how to  help other people do the same. Likewise, all of us at NMM have had anxiety issues at some point or another, and we totally "Get It". We are here to help in every way possible. No judgement!

We recommend the Anxiety R & R: Women's Anxiety & Stress Herb Mix we have put together from the many years of study and personal understanding of this subject. See the paypal link in the right hand column

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Before we go any further, let's talk about what it is exactly. Anxiety, worry and stress are a combination of both emotional and physical reactions. Over 30 years of scientific research into severe anxiety disorders and panic attacks has established that all anxiety has a real, physiological cause that is just as important to treat — especially for relief of anxiety related to hormonal imbalance.

This is GREAT news. Anxiety symptoms were once dismissed as character flaws. It means you don't have to live with your "imperfect, worry wart, crazy, emotional" self...There is a lot more to the story in your anxiety-ridden body and A LOT you can do to heal yourself. 

Knowledge is power, so let's take some time to dive into the science of it.

ANXIETY NITTY-GRITTY:

We are made with a built-in alarm system that brings the full weight of our mental and physical warrior to face danger — the “fight or flight” response.

The limbic system, the parts of the brain responsible for orchestrating our emotions (including the fight or flight response) relies on communication between neurotransmitters and hormones to fuel your body and mind to deal with a perceived enemy.

It used to be the bear in the woods hundreds of years ago, however our society has changed, and our perceived enemies can be anything around us... stressful email, children yelling and screaming, relationship problems, money issues, pushing the limits of energy, etc (all of these examples happening within 15 minutes of each other). In our day and age, too many of us choose to never relax: our minds are perpetually on high alert - which accompanies the physical response (including continual hormonal response which leads to systemic issues).

It’s no exaggeration to say there is an epidemic of anxiety. Over 19 million American adults and millions of children have anxiety disorders ranging from mild to severe. The feeling of anxiety you have ALWAYS begins with a trigger that initiates your survival response from your limbic system. At the first sign of apparent danger, your brain chemistry, blood hormones and cellular metabolism all crank into action. 

You see...When our ancestors had to run from the wild bears, this response was a very good thing. But now the constant stress and "bears" of our society are affecting our bodies in a way we are just learning how to deal with.

When you have chronic anxiety, this response may lessen but it never gets turned off, even when there’s no palpable threat. The domino effect is deadly = Over time anxiety symptoms may be triggered by less and less serious events because your limbic system has been sensitized to react in a highly anxious way. Can you understand what is happening in your body because of this? The problem with anxiety is that it becomes so easily entrenched — it becomes your normal state. The links among your neurotransmitters, hormones and metabolism become tuned to an equilibrium in which anxiety is maintained. That’s why anxiety relief is ALL ABOUT changing your physical and emotional causes of your anxiety and creating a new, healthier equilibrium.

Along with your neurotransmitters, your hormones play a crucial role in mediating anxiety. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is the hormonal system that influences mood. Imbalances along this system can bring on panic attacks and chronic anxiety. As part of the flood of hormones in the fight-or-flight response, your hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotropin–releasing factor (CRF), which jolts you into action. CRF flows through your pituitary gland, where it stimulates adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn tells your adrenal glands to release cortisol. Cortisol opens the gates for a rush of glucose, fat, and protein to give your cells the energy and alertness they need.

In a healthy , the hormonal flood recedes once the threat is disabled. But different factors can disrupt this pathway, causing the gates to stay open and running the adrenals to exhaustion. Levels of ACTH and cortisol stay elevated, causing anxiety, weight gain, accelerated aging, and metabolic imbalances.

CRF also seems to be a factor in anxiety. People with high anxiety generally have high levels of CRF — which indicates that the HPA axis is always on. Researchers think that early emotional trauma may trigger elevated levels of CRF, which the body then maintains through adulthood.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

There is so much that can be done, but we started with the top five. These responses are the same answers to almost EVERYTHING you read about from us....Hmmmm... maybe there is a reason for that!

1. Realize that you have an anxiety disorder. Signs are stomach and intestinal issues, constipation, diarrhea, constant worry, elevating stress especially when there is no need, binge eating, sugar cravings, no eating, high emotional responses, crying often over small things, the feeling of, "I just can't take it" literally takes over your world. 

2. Physical Exercise. We PROMISE this is huge. When all these hormones as explained above are running through your body, there MUST be energy released. The "fight or flight" response has that name for a very good reason. You need to run and fight and get rid of the energy that is building up in your body. 

3. Nutrition. Nutrition. Nutrition. When there are imbalances going on in your system, your body is using as much energy as possible, especially the deep vitamin and mineral stores. We can guarantee everyone with anxiety issues need to increase your magnesium intake... and there are many others!

4. Supplement. Unfortunately as we all know, we can't always trust our food to give our bodies everything they need. We advocate supplementing, especially with the Women's Anxiety Formula. There are many applications to supplementing... but tea's are HUGE because they are a water base and your body will use them more efficiently than popping a vitamin pill. Glycerite and alcohol tinctures are so beneficial because of how immediately they enter your blood stream. 

5. Take responsibility for your emotional health. Say NO to over extending yourself and fill up your bucket. Slow down so your brain can also RESET the triggers that have been put into place. 

We have suffered and dealt with the bear that anxiety disorders are. We WANT TO HELP YOU! Let us know of questions.

Cayenne: Top 5 Herbs & Tea Recipe

Cayenne is AMAZING. 

Enough said. Truly, it is in the TOP FIVE most important herbs to use in our opinion. Sometimes it's a little hard to get cayenne in your everyday diet. The best way we have found to include cayenne everyday is through the Cayenne & Lemon Tea.

Directions:

• 16 oz. of filtered water
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons raw maple syrup or raw honey
• Simply combine these ingredients and have this drink once or twice a day
• Add more lemon or sweetener to taste

Why Cayenne? Here are just a few reasons from the many:

1. We have found it eases our upset stomach, ulcer, sore throats, spasmodic and irritating coughs and diarrhea.
2. We have had great luck using it to break up and moving congested mucus. Once mucus leaves the body then relief from flu symptoms follow! 
3. It has helped us as a digestive aid. Stimulates the digestive tract and increases the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices.
4. It has aided our bodies in metabolizing food.
5. Cayenne is a  known circulatory stimulant. When we have been sick, we have found it heats the body and helped our bodies detox,  as we have studied this we found that it  increases the pulse of the bodies lymphatic and digestive rhythms. 
6. It is an excellent preservative.
7. Scientists at the Laval University in Quebec found that those participants who took cayenne pepper for breakfast or in a tea were found to have less appetite and lead to less caloric intake throughout the day.

Common Cold Kid Syrup

Herbal Syrups are something that NMM are doing ALL THE TIME. Mainly because kids are so much more inclined to take syrups instead of trying to down a bitter tea or capsule of herbs. Truthfully, syrups are just a strong medicinal tea with honey or other natural sweetener as the base. 

Here is a syrup that is fabulous for coughs, sore throats, colds and all around "winter-time" bugs.

Items:

• 1 Tablespoon Mullein
• 1 Tablespoon licorice root
• 1 Tablespoon marshmallow root
• You can add cinnamon and ginger for taste as well - 1 tablespoon of each
• 4 cups water or apple juice
• 1 cup raw honey 
• 1 jar

Directions:

• Mix together the herbs and put it in a saucepan with the 4 cups of liquid.
• Turn heat on very low. 
• Let mixture simmer, until liquid has been reduced by half.
• Strain out the herbs then pour the liquid back into the pan.
• Stir in the honey or other sweetener (raw maple syrup, raw sugar for 2 and under)
• Pour liquid in glass jar.
• Store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.
• 1 teaspoon with meals for children. 1 Tablespoon with meals for adults.

Sweet Onion Syrup

Onion and Honey Syrup is something that we have used so much with our kids! This recipe is great for colds that come with horrible coughs. Honey helps to soothe a sore throat. The Onion works amazingly because of it supports your body fight bacteria, inflammation and loosening phlegm in the chest. 

You will need:

• One Red Or Yellow Onion
• You can also add One Head of Garlic
• 1 cup Raw Honey (If you are making this syrup for an infant 2 years or younger you can use raw white or brown sugar instead*)
• 1 Jar 
• Note: Use this syrup fresh. It can store in the fridge for 1-2 days. After that make another batch.
• If onion or garlic sound a little strange, please just try it! We promise it is so much better than over the counter stuff.

Directions:

1. Chop or slice up the onion.
2. Place one slice or chopped onion layer in the bottom of the jar. Pour honey or sugar over it to coat it.
3. Continue to alternate onion and sweetener layers in the jar.
4. When finished, cover it tightly and let it sit overnight or 8-12 hours. 
5. After sitting for that long there will be liquid in the jar (the sweetener pulls out the liquid of the onion and garlic)
6. Use 1 teaspoon per hour for a child and 1 tablespoon per hour for an adult.
7. You cannot over dose on this! Use it AT LEAST hourly for acute cough or cold.
8. Remember: COUGH UP LOOSE PHLEGM. Your body is trying to get rid of the nasty stuff, help it!

Fast Version:

1. Same Ingredients.
2. Place chopped/sliced onion in a pan and cover with either honey or sugar. 
3. Turn heat on VERY low. 
4. Let onion and sweetener sit in the pan until all juices have been extracted from the onion (about 20-30 minutes).
5. Strain out liquid and use immediately.

*NMM Andrea used this syrup for her 3 month old baby when he had a nasty cough. She used raw sugar instead of honey to make the syrup and gave it to him hourly. It loosened up his chest cough and helped him so much! She used the fast version because she woke up at night with him coughing and miserable. It helped to settle him down and stop coughing. She used it for 48 hours.