Post by Okwes on Sept 10, 2006 20:06:15 GMT -5
Surviving School with Herbal Wisdom
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Respect worthy Medicine in Nahuatl)
a monthly edition on indigenous medicine from
Column of the Americas (c) Sept. 5, 2006
As students return to school I share this column, based on a summer,
2006 presentation at the National Association of Chicana and Chicano
Studies
Over-thinking concentrates too much energy in your head and your feet
become less grounded. Too much sitting and reading affect posture and
the flow of energy and displaces your spine, ombligo (belly button)
and spirit. Your thoughts walk ahead of you. To put it plainly, too
much thinking is bad for you!
In many instances for graduate students of color, the academic process
is an assault on your cosmovision and deeply-held beliefs. Students
who challenge accepted knowledge and become embroiled in heated
debates can experience an opening in energetic channels, such as the
ombligo, which must be protected. Carrying the weight of too much
information overloads you – leading to depression and anxiety. Mild to
moderate symptoms can be addressed with herbs, vitamins, baños
(cleansings), energies y limpias.
The following is a list of herbs that can be found at herbal stores.
Herbal nervines (for nerves) include: tila/linden, verbena,
manzanilla, any flower from fruit or citrus tree, skullcap. Magnolia,
valerian are stronger sedatives. Mugwort or estafiate will calm the
nerves and activate the liver. Rosemary and yerba buena in equal parts
will lift the spirits and calm you enough to continue studying. St.
Johns Wort is useful but takes a while to get into your system and can
be more effective in herbal formulas.
In you have a garden, you may have access to sunflower or strawberry
leaf, which work on the nervous system. Fo-ti, American Ginseng,
Royal Jelly, gota cola, borage are long- term builders that work on
adrenals or kidneys. Soak lemon rinds in a glass of water for central
nervous system tonic. Spirulina – feeds the body—while taking Vit. B
twice daily will feed the nervous system.
Essential oils:
Lavender oil stimulates endorphins; melissa – the "gladdening herb"
can lift the spirits.
Basil, clary sage, jazmin, rose, geranium, lime – are all calmantes.
A few drops of these oils are normally mixed in a teaspoon of a
carrier oil, such as apricot or avocado oil and then placed under the
ombligo, on the solar plexus, sternum, behind the neck or the lower
back.
Mexican traditional medicine has a wide array of flower medicine that
is used to treat the spirit and nervous system but this short list
contains readily available flower remedies to help you get through the
day.
Some useful Bach flowers: Rescue Remedy contains a mixture for quick
results.
Cerrato—for asserting yourself, intuition
White oak—for feeling obligated
Walnut-protection
Impatiens – for being in a hurry
Holly— for a bigger heart
Olive -- for exhaustion
Gorse – for hopelessness
Cherry Plum-overload to relaxation
Mustard, wild rose— because you've given up
Star of Bethlehem-shock, paralysis
Larch—self-confidence
Mimulus — for bravery
My favorite flower recipe: gather the flowers from flowering jalapeno,
cilantro and lavender plants and set in water in a mason jar for two
hours in the early morning. Strain and add two shots of vodka (to
preserve). This will stimulate the brain, calm the system and fortify
you. Drink a tsp. as needed. Flowering aloe vera, nopal or marigold
also will give you focus and strength. Flor de romero will soothe your
head.
Homeopathic remedies are mild and can be taken by people of all ages:
Nux vomica 6c (depression and stress); kali phos. 6x (anxiety, stress
headaches); cina 6c (teeth grinding, nightmares); lycopodium clav. 3x
(stomach stress, corajes and nervios); sepia 6c (irritability)
A word of caution: many of these remedies are not advisable for
pregnant women, who must follow different protocols. If you are taking
medication for depression/anxiety, consult with an experienced
herbalist before attempting the herbal remedies.
(c) Column of the Americas 2006
The writer can be reached at: XColumn@gmail.com
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Respect worthy Medicine in Nahuatl)
a monthly edition on indigenous medicine from
Column of the Americas (c) Sept. 5, 2006
As students return to school I share this column, based on a summer,
2006 presentation at the National Association of Chicana and Chicano
Studies
Over-thinking concentrates too much energy in your head and your feet
become less grounded. Too much sitting and reading affect posture and
the flow of energy and displaces your spine, ombligo (belly button)
and spirit. Your thoughts walk ahead of you. To put it plainly, too
much thinking is bad for you!
In many instances for graduate students of color, the academic process
is an assault on your cosmovision and deeply-held beliefs. Students
who challenge accepted knowledge and become embroiled in heated
debates can experience an opening in energetic channels, such as the
ombligo, which must be protected. Carrying the weight of too much
information overloads you – leading to depression and anxiety. Mild to
moderate symptoms can be addressed with herbs, vitamins, baños
(cleansings), energies y limpias.
The following is a list of herbs that can be found at herbal stores.
Herbal nervines (for nerves) include: tila/linden, verbena,
manzanilla, any flower from fruit or citrus tree, skullcap. Magnolia,
valerian are stronger sedatives. Mugwort or estafiate will calm the
nerves and activate the liver. Rosemary and yerba buena in equal parts
will lift the spirits and calm you enough to continue studying. St.
Johns Wort is useful but takes a while to get into your system and can
be more effective in herbal formulas.
In you have a garden, you may have access to sunflower or strawberry
leaf, which work on the nervous system. Fo-ti, American Ginseng,
Royal Jelly, gota cola, borage are long- term builders that work on
adrenals or kidneys. Soak lemon rinds in a glass of water for central
nervous system tonic. Spirulina – feeds the body—while taking Vit. B
twice daily will feed the nervous system.
Essential oils:
Lavender oil stimulates endorphins; melissa – the "gladdening herb"
can lift the spirits.
Basil, clary sage, jazmin, rose, geranium, lime – are all calmantes.
A few drops of these oils are normally mixed in a teaspoon of a
carrier oil, such as apricot or avocado oil and then placed under the
ombligo, on the solar plexus, sternum, behind the neck or the lower
back.
Mexican traditional medicine has a wide array of flower medicine that
is used to treat the spirit and nervous system but this short list
contains readily available flower remedies to help you get through the
day.
Some useful Bach flowers: Rescue Remedy contains a mixture for quick
results.
Cerrato—for asserting yourself, intuition
White oak—for feeling obligated
Walnut-protection
Impatiens – for being in a hurry
Holly— for a bigger heart
Olive -- for exhaustion
Gorse – for hopelessness
Cherry Plum-overload to relaxation
Mustard, wild rose— because you've given up
Star of Bethlehem-shock, paralysis
Larch—self-confidence
Mimulus — for bravery
My favorite flower recipe: gather the flowers from flowering jalapeno,
cilantro and lavender plants and set in water in a mason jar for two
hours in the early morning. Strain and add two shots of vodka (to
preserve). This will stimulate the brain, calm the system and fortify
you. Drink a tsp. as needed. Flowering aloe vera, nopal or marigold
also will give you focus and strength. Flor de romero will soothe your
head.
Homeopathic remedies are mild and can be taken by people of all ages:
Nux vomica 6c (depression and stress); kali phos. 6x (anxiety, stress
headaches); cina 6c (teeth grinding, nightmares); lycopodium clav. 3x
(stomach stress, corajes and nervios); sepia 6c (irritability)
A word of caution: many of these remedies are not advisable for
pregnant women, who must follow different protocols. If you are taking
medication for depression/anxiety, consult with an experienced
herbalist before attempting the herbal remedies.
(c) Column of the Americas 2006
The writer can be reached at: XColumn@gmail.com