Calendula

Calendula Officinalis

Common Names: Garden Marigold, Holigold, Marigold, Mary Bud, Pot Marigold.

Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Description: Calendula is an annual garden plant with an angular, branched, hairy stem 1 to 2 feet high. From June to October the plant bears large, yellow or orange flower heads.

Properties and Uses: Antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary. An infusion of the flowers (either the ray flowers alone or the whole head) may be employed for such gastrointestinal difficultnesses as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis and diarrhea. It is likewise utile taken internally for fever, boils, abscesses, and to prevent recurrent vomiting. The fresh juice of the herbs or flowers may substitute for the infusions. For external use, a very good salve for wounds may be made from the dried flowers or leaves, from the juice pressed out of the fresh flowers, or from the tincture. The salve or dilute tincture is likewise good for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores, and boils. To get rid of warts, rub on the fresh juice. The tincture is often used internally for gastritis and for menstrual difficulties.

When an person introductory begins exploring the use of herbs to treat mutual ailments, galore are scared off by affirmations from the FDA and the medical community, which insist that the healing properties of specific herbs have not been scientifically documented.

While this is true, you might want to bear in mind that clinical studies cost money. There is little or no incentive for any medical company to exhaustively investigate the healing properties of herbs merely because they can not be patented and the FDA approval routine is lengthy and expensive.

Pot Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) has been used for centuries for healing all manner of wounds and skin inflammation. And has been used by galore to aid heal painful lesions caused by arid eczema. Its’ use was well documented for the duration of the American Civil War. Doctors on the battlefield applied the flowers on a big scale to treat open wounds. It proved to be an effective antiseptic, staunching bleeding, preventing infection, and speeding the healing of wounds. The exercise continued by doctors for the duration of WWI.

According to Wm. Boericke’s Materia Medica with Repertory: “Calendula Officinalis is a remarkable healing agent, employed locally it is utile for open wounds, parts that will not heal, ulcers, etc. It promotes healthful granulations and rapid healing. For all wounds, the greatest healing agent.”

Marigold Infusion may be applied to soothe chapped hands and may be applied in infusion form in the bath to reduce body scars and soothe varicose veins. For inflamed areas prepare a strong marigold tea with equivalent parts of apple cider vinegar. Apply this with a compress to the effected area.

A few drops of Tincture of Calendula may be added to a cup or more of boiling water and employed as a compress to treat cuts, bruises and even open wounds.

A Special Note: This discussion refers only to Pot Marigold or Calendula Officinalis, not to be mistaken with the non-herb marigolds, dwarf French Marigolds and African Marigolds. This is one herb that must not be applied if you are pregnant.

1. “The Herb Book,” by John Lust, Benedict Lust Pub., May 1974

2. “Herbal Medicine, The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well,” Dian Dincin Buchman, Gramercy Publishing Company, Gramercy 1980 Edition.

ReviewLearn in regards to the some influences upon sleep capacity and quality; from the influence of foods and natural substances to solutions to typical problems. Unlike a good deal of titles on insomnia, this also considers difficulties specific to dissimilar age groups, supplying charts and solutions which go beyond dietary adjustments. –Midwest Book Review

From the Inside FlapThis self-help guide to getting the proper rest includes a indepth discussion of sleep needs, obstacles, and natural solutions for all ages. Divided into three parts, the original is consecrated to adults, ranging from teenagers to progressed age. The second share of the book is consecrated to children and their distinguishable sleep problems, with a special division on infants–whose parents are in all probability sleep-deprived! Lastly the book includes safe, nondrug, natural therapies to achieve sleep irrespective of your age or sleeping problem.

About the AuthorMcGraw-Hill writers represent the leading experts in their fields and are consecrated to bettering the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Complete Guide Natural Dincin Buchman Pic

Complete Guide Natural Dincin Buchman Image

Complete Guide Natural Dincin Buchman Picture

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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful.
2-year bout with sleep disorders cured!
By William Cote
I wasn’t terribly hopeful when I purchased this book that I was going to find any new information in it. Afterall, I had spent countless sleepless nights for the past two years researching my mysterious new sleep disorder and I thought I had read about or tried every “natural” remedy out there…

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The sense of smell is a trigger for a whole range of effects – on the mind, body and emotions – and natural necessary oils are widely known and esteemed for their therapeutic values through this sensory mechanism. They are thought to act directly on the brain’s limbic system through the olfactory nerve. Because of this rather direct action most necessary oils may cause a good deal of side effects if used alone for long periods.

Maharishi Ayurveda aroma mixes use the ancient wisdom of India to fabricate remainder with no side effects. Each Maharishi Ayurveda Therapeutic Aroma is a sophisticated blend of assorted oils designed to address a specific health concern. For instance, Peace at Night aroma is a blend of six calming and relaxing necessary oils–including Orange, Jasmine, Chamomile and Basil–to publicize deeper sleep. All of these herbs work together to aid you sleep better and feel more alert the next day.

Another reason that blended oils are better is that they are more effective when combined. The dissimilar necessary oils combine to give rise to synergy, whereby the whole is more than the sum of the parts.

Aroma oils are diffused in an enclosed area. As a safety point, aroma mixes are not intended for use on the skin. However, the warmth of the body may be employed to diffuse the aromas, so they may be diluted in a base oil (1:10) before applying. Be specially cautious on young and sensible skins.

Maharishi Ayurveda mixes are used for balancing Vata, Pitta or Kapha doshas, the three Ayurvedic principles of intelligence that govern the overall functioning of the mind and body. Other mixes may be applied for sleep, digestion, muscles and joints, respiratory function, mental alertness, aroused balance, skin care, women’s cycle and weight management.

Soothing Vata Aroma.

Vata is the physiological principle that governs all motion – physical and mental. This blend of warm and sweet necessary oils will help you unwind and relax when you feel restless, or when it is cold and windy outside. Makes a outstanding associate when you’re travelling. Ingredients: Geranium, Holy basil, Sweet Fennel, Neroli, Sweet Marjoram.

Cooling Pitta Aroma.

Pitta is the physiological principle that governs all digestion and transformation. This blend includes cherished sandalwood and ylang ylang oils to keep you cool and stable even beneath pressure. Ingredients: White sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Lavender and Lemon.

Stimulating Kapha Aroma.

Kapha is the physiological principle that gives structure and cohesion. This blend of stimulating oils is warm and energising and lifts the spirits when it is cold, dark and wet. Ingredients: Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Frankincense.

Peace at Night Aroma is a delightful blend of precious oils which will support you settle at bedtime and arouse refreshed. Ingredients: Sweet orange, Lavender, Holy Basil, Sweet Marjoram, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile.

Peace of Mind aroma blend helps you to unwind and develop your own oasis of calm, and does not make you drowsy. Ingredients: Lemon, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Benzoin, Jasmine, Damask rose.

Emotional Strength Aroma This blend of uplifting oils gives aid when mental venture or external pressure are getting too much and helps arouse a new vitality and zest for life. Ingredients: Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Italian Cypress, Lemon, Jasmine, Damask rose, Neroli.

Blissful Joy Aroma, a mildly stimulating blend, supports both the physical and aroused heart and lifts you up when you are sentiment low. Ingredients: Red thyme, White sandalwood, Lemon, Peppermint, Damask Rose, Geranium, Jasmine, in a sweet almond oil base.

Keen Mind Aroma blend has the remarkable properties of settling and focusing the mind at the same time. A godsend for study, exams and when under pressure at work Ingredients: Holy Basil, Ginger, White Sandalwood, Clove, Juniper and Damask Rose in a sweet almond oil base.

Breathe Easy Aroma is a blend of eleven oils, all famous for their capacity to aid the respiratory system, which helps to maintain moisture remainder and keep the airways open. Ingredients: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Camphor, Lavender, Clove, Spearmint, Benzoin, Silver Fir, Hyssop, Cajuput, Cinnamon.

Therapeutic aroma oils may be diffused in three ways: On a handkerchief or tissue, with an electric diffuser or on a traditionalisti ceramic diffuser which comprises a little pot in which the oil is placed diluted with water, and a pot holder which is placed over a candle to gently warm the oil.

Aroma Md Sweet Sleep Oil Pic

Aroma Md Sweet Sleep Oil Pic

Aroma Md Sweet Sleep Oil Pic

When a client comes to me with mood remainder problems, I almost always offer them a specially invented conventional herbal tonic as share of my comprehensive approach to Mood and Energy Wellness.

My clients (and I personally) find these tonics to be a key asset in sustaining stable, balanced, centered, and symmetrical moods all around the day.

The precise formulation of herbal tinctures that I combine for each client varies and is proprietary.

Generally these are the herbs I choose from for their effects on depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and nervousness.

St. John’s Wort

Many studies attest to the capacity of St. John’s Wort to in a positive manner affect depression. St. John’s Wort has at least 10 active ingredients that help in relieving depression. As proven as those active ingredients are, never forget that the whole herb is going to be more powerful than it is extracted ingredients. St. John’s Wort helps relieve depression by:

• Acting like a Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) similar to SSRI anti-depressant medications. 
• Acting as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor keeping this neurotransmitter at optimal levels. Low norepinephrine levels results in fatigue and lack of energy. Optimal norepinephrine levels are indispensable for cardiovascular functioning, thermal regulation, vascular functioning (blood vessels) and act in the central nervous scheme to improve mood and concentration.
• Inhibits exuberant cortisol secretion.
• Lifts dopamine levels. Low levels of dopamine leave you without adequate motivation and prone to compulsions and additions.
• Enhances the action of the natural tranquilizer GABA in the brain.

A number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of St. John’s Wort in bettering depression sensations or changes with approximately 80% of people using St. John’s Wort finding relief.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is an analgesic nervine relaxant and helps rectify low estrogen states in depression. Black Cohosh is particularly conveyed for deep dark depression that seems to descend out of nowhere. It helps when the mind is chaotic and wild with little capacity to focus that results in acute or chronic anxiety.

New exploration gives evidence of that Black Cohosh helps mood imbalances through directly effecting neurotransmitters and not just as a phytoestrogen acting like estrogen. It appears that Black Cohosh works through the brain and hypothalamus. It does so by affecting the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine – which helps explain why it alleviates mood swings and irritability.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogen and helps the body reach a healthful homeostatic state and more without apparent effort manage and comprise the stress that may act as a trigger for depression. It raises mood and increments non- specific immunity, which makes it in particular helpful when depression occurs in conjunction with chronic illness.

Siberian Ginseng acts as both a mild tranquilizer and neurostimulant and has both a calming and a stimulating effect utile in both manic or depressive phases and sedation and arousal depressive states. The stimulation achieved with Siberian Ginseng does not invent nervousness and over stimulation but rather a relaxed sense of well-being – calming and at the same time invigorating.

It may raise norepinephrine levels helping to induce motion and motivation for desired projects. Plus, it works as a nerve tonic to calm the agitation that may come with depression.

Siberian Ginseng is specially supportive for stressed and overtaxed adrenals and because adrenal gland tissue is neuroendocrine tissue, Siberian Ginseng provides the adrenal support along with brain support. It stimulates the adrenals to aid give more energy to the body and the cholinergic (calming) nervous system. Its effect on the adrenal glands is more tonic-like than stimulating and acts to normalize adrenal activity. The use of Siberian Ginseng switches adrenal function from a cortisol/catoblic focus to a DHEA/anabolic focus resulting in building and energizing and normalizing physiological functioning all around the body.

Siberian Ginseng has a long valued capacity to improve performance and withstand averse conditions without experiencing averse effects. It likewise increments mental alertness, improves concentration, and has been found to increase the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.

In addition, Siberian Ginseng holds concentrated nourishment – in particular for the brain and the nervous system. A well-nourished brain and nervous system are less likely to fall victim to mood imbalances.

Lavender

Lavender is a revitalizing for the nervous scheme and helps lift mood – in particular when sadness and low mood linger on after improvements in life situations. Lavender clarifies and stimulates thought processes and eases and relaxes aroused tension. It stimulates the limbic scheme and causes relaxation in anxious, tense, or hysterical states. Very comforting to the nervous system.

Passion Flower

Passion Flower helps to achieve stability of mood. It likewise helps restore deep synchronized sleep patterns in those who are tired but are awakened by pain or mental or aroused disruption for the duration of the night. It is specific for depression with deep exhaustion and insomnia due to worry, overwork, or disability.

Passion Flower is magnificent remedy for reducing and settling rumination – the exuberant and repetitious thinking so often times accompanying depression and other mood disorders. Passion Flower is effective in managing generalized anxiety and nervous restlessness.

Lemon Balm

This is a tame but powerful nervine, which affects the limbic-hippocampal area in the brain. By so doing, the plant helps to filter out exuberant stimuli from the body and modulates internal and external nervous input protecting the brain from exuberant stimulation, reducing sensations or changes of excitability, restlessness, headaches, and palpitations.

Lemon Balm is specific for nervous heart, nervous stomach, and for depression co-existing with difficultness going to sleep. As a carminative nervine, it strengthens the brain versus restlessness, anxiety, and neuroses.

Lemon Balm is known as the “gladdening” herb and has mild anti-depressant qualities, being soothing, calming, and uplifting plus reducing restlessness and agitation.

Nettles

Nettles is the premier herb for all your physical and subtle energy systems. She clears out debris in your entire energetic network and distinctly but gently dismantles old, worn out energy patterns. Nettles is veritably a liquid green gold that weaves her way through you to reconnect you to your own harmonious rhythms freeing up stale and stagnant energy enlivening you.

Nettles is a nutritional powerhouse having appropriately ample furnishes of amino acids, calcium, magnesium, chromium, cobalt, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, sulfur, selenium, silicon, manganese, trace minerals, all the B vitamins , the carotenes, vitamin K, D, and C! And nettles is a wondrous revitalizing tonic for the kidneys and adrenals. Strong well-nourished kidneys and adrenals are necessitated for the production of ample clean energy and for replenishing your deep reserves of necessary life energy. Nettles provides a sense of clarity, wellness, and well-being. Nettles will nourish an awakening in you of your true self – the self that your depression is attempting to hide from you.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa means “father of all foods” and is another nutritional powerhouse. Alfalfa is rich in chlorophyll and natural protein and has high concentration of Vitamins A, B6, D, E, and K as well. Alfalfa’s origins reach deep into the soil and fetch up solid homogeneous inorgani substances stored deep in the soil. It is a good source of iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus and holds eight of the necessary amino acids. Alfalfa is a rich nutritional support for galore schemes of the body and as such it encourages, supports, and coaxes the production of rudimentary clean energy in the body.

California Poppy

California Poppy helps normalize bothered sleep patterns, which are a troublesome part of depression.

Wood Betony

Wood Betony is a gentle, stimulating tonic for the brain specially in the presence of hysteria and persistent undesirable thoughts, and for nervous debility, anxiety, or neuroses. 

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is a powerful rejuvenative nervine that enhances oxygenation and the metabolic efficacy of the brain. It is reported to increase intelligence, longevity, and memory while decreasing senility and aging. Known as the king of tonics for the mind it enhances cerebral function. It also helps to purify the blood and beef up the adrenals.

Rose

Rose gives it is supportive tame strength to the brain and nervous system. It is loving, calming, centering, and facilitates the integration and release of stressful experiences. Rose enhances your capacity to drop your consciousness out of your analytical mind into your heart and stay concentered in your heart-centered intelligence. Rose helps you make your way through the dark night of mood imbalances and step through the gateway to give and receive love. Lifts your spirits, heals the pain of the heart and enlivens your vitality.

If you are taking anti-anxiety and/or anti-depressant medications, any other medications, have a diagnosed condition or illness, are pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly or very young it is important to work with a welleducated health care practitioner before using these or any herbs. Uses described are based on established use and personal experience. These affirmations have not been evaluated by the FDA. Evenstar Herbs productions are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Clarocet Relaxation Restlessness Over Active Nervousness Photo

Clarocet Relaxation Restlessness Over Active Nervousness Photo

Clarocet Relaxation Restlessness Over Active Nervousness Photo

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Most helpful client reviews

0 of 0 humans found the following review helpful.
Thankful for Clarocet PM
By JessieSue
So, I have disturb sleeping due to anxiety. I’ve tried traditionalisti sleep aids. They make me too drowsy, and have even increased my daytime anxiety- Yikes! If I don’t get a good sleep, I have trouble controlling my erratic mind for the duration of the day. I have been exploring natural medicinal number of things from which only one can be chosen in the last few years, however, and Clarocet PM is the most tame and effective I’ve experienced. Thank goodness! I don’t always need it, so I don’t take it and I don’t have any withdraw sensations or changes or difficultness sleeping afterwords. Five stars from me.

0 of 3 persons found the following review helpful.
Weak at best, no effect on me
By JPinCA
I was hoping this would offer galore relief. There are some better natural remedies from others for much less cost that include Valerian and Melatonin. I would have to take 4-6 of these to have any effect equated to 1 of another brand whether it is Vitamin World or Vitamin Shoppe. Valerian is OK for a natural herb when it comes to helping one relax and melatonin is good for falling asleep, Clarocets problem is it lacks a sufficient amount of ingredients to do the job. The best solution for my sleep issues would be if the American government would take the Islamic threat on the USA and world more seriously, God knows the EU doesn’t at all, but with Obama for the next three years I don’t suppose it to change.

See all 2 client reviews…

Planta maestras (plant masters or plant teachers) are key amongst the shaman’s tutelary spirits, his chief allies and guides to the worlds of health and healing. In popular reality, they are likewise considered the jungle’s most skilled and primary ‘doctors’ because of their usefulness and relevance to the healing worries of most patients. Through knowing these plants, the shaman may deal efficaciously with the diseases of his people.

It may be difficult to find discrete Western analogues for some of these jungle plants because plants grow where they are necessitated and the healing required by a New York banker will be rather dissimilar from that of a Peruvian farmer. The psychological and spiritual gains bestowed by such plants, and their capacity to restore aroused balance, banish negative energies, or open the heart to love, are desirable in any culture, however, so it is possible to find plants with equivalent or similar effects if we wish to diet them and perceive their calibers for ourselves.

With this in mind, here is a description of a great deal of of the more commonly dieted planta maestras and (either singularly or in combination) plants of our own that will construct like effects.

CHIRIC SANANGO: FOR LOVE

Chiric sanango grows primarily in the upper Amazon and in a few restingas (high ground which never floods). It is good for colds and arthritis and has the effect of heating up the body. (Chiric, in Quechua, means ‘tickling’ or ‘itchy’, which refers to the prickly heat that it generates). Plant shamans often prescribe it for fishermen and loggers, for example, because they spend so much time in the water and are prone to colds and arthritis. The patient ought to not drink too much at a time even though because it may lead to a numbness of the mouth as well as a sentiment of slight disorientation. It is likewise used in magical baths to alter the bather’s energy and fetch good luck to his ventures.

Used in the West, the plant has a more psychological effect, but still to do with ‘heat’. Here, it enables humans to open their hearts to love (it ‘warms up’ a cold heart, but will also ‘cool’ a heart that is too inflamed with jealousy and rage) and distinguish with others as if they were brothers and sisters. In essence, it helps persons get in touch with the sensible and loving share of themselves. Another of it is gifts is intensified self-esteem, which gives rise to from this more healthful connection to the self.

Chiric sanango may be prepared in water, in aguardiente (weak sugar cane alcohol) or made into syrup by adding it is juice to honey or molasses. It may also be boiled in water and drunk, or eaten raw and is said to better penetrate the bones if taken this way.

For a Western diet, mint has a heap of of the properties of chiric sanango and is a balancer of the body’s physical and aroused heat. It may cool you down on a summer’s day but will likewise provide warmth when drunk by an open fire in winter, and it has the same effect on the emotions, encouraging the flow of love as well as alertness and clarity. For these reasons it has been affiliated with the planet Venus, which was named after the Roman goddess of love.

Good plants to combine with mint include lemon balm and chamomile. Lemon balm was known in Arabian herb magic to fetch sensations of love and healing (Pliny remarked that it is powers of healing were so great that, rubbed on a sword that had inflicted a wound, it would staunch the flow of blood in the injured person without need for any physical contact with them), while chamomile is a outstanding relaxant and a perfective help to exercises in meditation and forgiveness. Recent exploration at Northumbria University in the UK has likewise proven the beneficial effects of lemon balm in increasing sensations of calm and well-being, as well as bettering memory.

Chiric sanango likewise brings relief from arthritic pain and if this is your concern, Western plants that could be added to mint include marigold and ginseng.

To make a tea of any of these herbs, merely boil the fresh ingredients (the amounts you use may be much to your own taste, but three heaped teaspoons of each is when it comes to right) in a pint or so of water for a few minutes and then simmer for regarding 20 minutes, permitting it to reduce, and blowing smoke – which carries your intention – into the mixture as it boils. This will wake up the spirit of the plants and attune them to your needs. Add honey if you wish, then strain and drink when cool.

For a mixture that will last a little longer, add the fresh ingredients to alcohol (rum or vodka is recommended), with honey if you wish, and drink three-to-five teaspoonfuls a day, morning and night.

These methods of preparation may be employed for all plants.

GUAYUSA: FOR LUCID DREAMS

This is a good plant for people who suffer from exuberant acidity, digestive, or other troubles of the stomach and bile. It likewise formulates mental strength and is paradoxical in the sense that, just as chiric sanango is cooling and warming at the same time, guayusa is both energizing and relaxing.

Guayusa also has the effect of giving lucid dreams (i.e. when you are conscious that you are dreaming and may direct your dreams). For this reason it is also known as the ‘night watchman’s plant’, as even when you are sleeping you have an knowingness of your outer physical surroundings. The boundary amongst sleeping and wakefulness becomes more liquid and dreams become more colourful, richer, and more potent than before. For those fascinated in dreams or ‘shamanic dreaming’, this is the plant to explore.

In the Western world, bracken, jasmine, marigold, rose, mugwort, and poplar, will manufacture the same affect of lucid or prophetic dreams. The leaves and buds of the latter were many times a key ingredient in the ‘flying ointments’ of European witches, who applied it for what we would call astral projection. A mixture of these plants may be applied to give rise to a liquid (either fresh or in alcohol) that may be taken in the same way as the examples above. It is likewise possible to prepare them in a way that practitioners of Haitian Vodou use for working with their native ‘dreaming plants’, by making a bila, or dreaming pillow, by taking little handfuls of mugwort and poplar and blend them together. Sprinkle the mix with neroli, orange or patchouli oils (aromatherapy oils are fine) as well if you wish and, as they do in Haiti, a little rum and water to bind the mix together. Put your intent into this as well – that these herbs will aid you to dream more lucidly and gather data from the spirit world – then grant the mixture to arid for a few days. When it is ready, crumble it into a cloth pouch and place it under your pillow. Keep a dream diary next to your bed and, as soon as you wake up next morning, without delay note down your dreams and your primary waking sensations.

AJO SACHA: STALKING THE SELF

This plant is a blood purifier and helps the body to rid itself of toxins (spiritual or physical) as well as restoring strength and equilibrium lost through sicknesses that have an affect on the blood. More psycho-spiritually, it helps to manufacture acuity of mind and may also take the user out of saladera (a run of bad luck, inertia, or a sense of not living life to the full). It is likewise applied for ridding spells – i.e. undoing the work of curses or removing bad energy that has been sent purposely or by accident (in an explosion of rage, etc).

In floral baths, it will relieve states of shock and fear (known as manchiari), which may be exceptionally debilitating to children, whose souls are not as strong or fixed as an adult’s; a powerful shock may hence lead to soul loss. The same phenomenon, exceptionally regarding children, is known to the shamans of Haiti, where it is called seziman, and those of India, who take outstanding care to protect children from frights of this kind and are often times used by the anxious parents of newborn children to make protective amulets for their babies.

Another key to ajo sacha is that in the Amazon it is applied to heighten hunting skills, not only by covering the humane scent with it is own garlic-like smell (the plant also has a strong garlic taste even though it is in no way affiliated to garlic), but by amplifying the hunter’s senses of taste, smell, sound, and vision, all of which are, of course, necessary for success and for survival. It is hence a plant of stalking.

In the Western world this stalking capacity have a tendancy to translate psychologically, and the plant becomes a means of helping an person hunt or ‘stalk’ her inner issues. To underline this, the Shipibo maestro Guillermo Arevalo adds that this plant likewise opens up the shamanic path and helps us to see beyond traditionalisti reality – if we have the heart of a warrior and are prepared to live beneath the obligations of shamanism. For this, we will need courage, the capacity to face the truth, and to recognise our unfeigned calling, and no fear of extremes or ‘ugly’ things.

It is arousing and attention holding that this plant which is used to support hunting in the rainforest still posses this same necessary quality in an surroundings such as ours where feed is purchased from supermarkets and we do not need to track down game at all, but we ofttimes have work to do in stalking ourselves. It is clear that this plant has extraordinary qualities.

Western plants with equivalent therapeutic uses include valerian and vervain. The former has been recorded from the 16th century as an support to a restful mind and, in the two world wars, was applied to combat anxiety and depression. Today, it is still employed for these purposes. It also brings relief from panic attacks and tension headaches, which are regarded as sensations or changes of an underlying cause arising from an unsolved issue or stress of a heap of kind. By relaxing the mind, the psyche is competent to go to work on the real problem, aided by the plant itself.

One way of dieting valerian (which will likewise help a deep and restful sleep) is by adding equivalent constituents to passionflower leaves and hop flowers and covering with vodka and honey for a few weeks, after which a few teaspoons are taken at bedtime.

Vervain, meanwhile, was well-known to the Druids, who applied it to protect versus “evil spirits” (nowadays, we might say ‘inner issues’ or ‘the shadow-self’). It is also used to help with nervous exhaustion, paranoia, insomnia, and depression. Once again, by relaxing the conscious mind it empowers the unconscious to go to work on (stalk) the more deep-rooted problem.

Another protective plant that likewise has the effect of purifying and strengthening the blood is garlic. Nicholas Culpepper brought up it is balancing calibers and wrote of it as a “cure-all”. It has long been affiliated with magical uses, shelter from witches, vampires, and evil spells, and as effective in exorcisms (i.e. psychologically speaking, in ridding us of our inner demons). Roman soldiers ate it to give themselves courage and win a victory over their fears before battle. There is likewise a tradition of placing garlic beneath the pillows of children to protect them while they sleep and defend them from nightmares.

One way of dieting garlic is in the form of garlic honey – which is not as disagreeable as it sounds. To make it, add two cloves of peeled garlic to a little honey and crush them in a mortar, then add another 400g or so of honey to the mix. This may be drunk in hot water or merely eaten, two teaspoons a day, morning and night.

Other plants that are good for increasing ‘wisdom’ (inner knowledge) include peach, sage, and sunflower, all of which may likewise be dieted fresh or in a little rum or vodka.

Essence Vali Sleep Bedtime Balm Pic

Essence Vali Sleep Bedtime Balm Image

Essence Vali Sleep Bedtime Balm Image