Why herbs?

In my practice I most often see people who experience symptoms from trauma or complex trauma. How this shows up is so different from person to person. Depressive symptoms or anxiety, low energy or more of high energy, racing thoughts or dissociation, muscle tension or fatigue, sleepiness or insomnia, digestion issues of all kinds… the list goes on! We are individuals that can not treated the same. While depression or anxiety pharmaceuticals can help, they don’t often leave the person feeling whole, restored, and vibrant.  They are best used in short-term seasons of crisis or emergency. 

This is because many pharmaceutical medications chase and mask symptoms and have many unpleasant side effects. Herbs work to balance the body’s stress response and work to heal itself. Herbs are naturally packed with many compounds that interact with as many facets of the body and mind as there are symptoms. Inflammation, lymphatic stagnation, toxins, hormones, neurotransmitters, circulation, energetic concerns and more… herbs can address all of those possible contributors to mental heath.  Herbs address the source of the problem in the nervous system and work to support the healing of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Our bodies are meant to balance itself and sometimes only need a little nudge to get back to that natural process.

​What kinds of herbal supports can I expect in a session at Wholehearted Herd Counseling, LLC?

• Flower essences:  Vibrational remedies that work on the emotions and mind first and physical second. They work by creating a shift in energy over time and small exposures to the nervous system to reset and bring balance. I make them alcohol-free using vegetable glycerin as a preservative. Flower essences are safe for adults, children and animals and are not contraindicated with other medications.
• Herbal tinctures: Plant extracts work on the physical first, and emotional second. Having been used for centuries across cultures to support the body in times of stress or bodily concerns, they are a natural and effective way to address imbalance. Tinctures are made by steeping herbs in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid of the beneficial compounds of the plant. Alcohol makes the tincture shelf-stable indefinitely. The small doses needed to restore balance are less than the alcohol of a ripe banana.
• Tea: Teas of herbs are a way to include self-care into taking beneficial plant supports. Having a warm cup of tea or cold infusion is a way to dose the herb gradually and for a longer period of time if that is needed.
• Salve or topical application: topical applications of herbs can be helpful in supporting a gradual and gentle application of the benefits. Salves are plant materials steeped in olive oil to draw out the benefits and set with beeswax. Other preparations could be herbal baths like the recipe I included below. 

 
If you are interested in incorporating herbs into your self-care or healing plan, talk to Justine!

One herbal self-care recipe you can try for yourself is a bath “tea!” This is a calming way to soothe body tension and prepare the body for rest. This can also soothe skin irritation and the herbs provide aromatherapy for calming. 

Herbal Bath Tea Recipe: 

You’ll need:

1. A large tea bag (like for cold brew) or a tea towel and rubber band. 
2. 1 cup epsom salt
3. 1/4 cup pink Himalayan salt or sea salt
4. 1/2 cup rolled oats
5. 1/4 to 1/2 cup dried herbs of choice. Lavender flowers are very calming, rose is great for love and grief, and chamomile is a soothing choice. 

Add all ingredients to tea bag or towel and secure very well. You do not want the herbs and oats in the drain later. Add to a hot tub when taking a bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. Squeeze the tea bag occasionally and enjoy!