Chamomile

Whether you drink the tea or use the essential oil, Chamomile is a very useful healing herb.  It is a digestive tonic and a soporific (there's a word for you - it means sleep-inducing). 

My favorite Chamomile Tea:

(mainly because it's Zhena's GYPSY tea)

Herbal Tea Uses:
-aids in digestion (neutralizes excess stomach acid)
-relieves headaches (especially those with nausea)
-aids in relieving insomnia

       For Babies and Mommies: 

- safe to use with children over one year of age - 

steep a tea bag and let it cool.  Pour half of the tea into a cup 

and fill it the rest of the way with juice or water.  

This will help your little one's tummy aches, it will soothe teething pain, 

and help them rest.

- safe to use when you are pregnant - 

it will relieve nausea, and provides valuable 

calcium phosphates to help you and your baby grow healthy bones.

Essential oil uses:
*NOTE* the oil is MUCH stronger than the tea.  It takes 25 tea bags to equal 1 drop of essential oil.

-aids in relieving insomnia - I like to put a drop or two on the bottom of my feet, massage in, and then slip on socks.  Very cozy.
-great in a bath to relieve stress
-anti-inflammatory and a sedative
-mild anti-depressant
-relieves the itching of insect bites
Remember to use a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sunflower, or olive (use 1-2 drops per Tablespoon of oil).
If you have any questions, feel free to email me (it's in the contact me section).  Have a lovely day!
jessica

Are you stressed?

Currently, I am not.  But I know that it seems like EVERYBODY is stressed or tired or something.  Life is tricky- it takes a lot of concentration and energy.  Now ideally, we would all move out to the country, grow our own vegetables, ride our bicycles, and become yoga instructors.  However I know that may not work for some of you...so here are my top 3 natural stress relievers.
Quick Fix:   Bach Flower Rescue Remedy - a blend of 5 flower essences that promote clarity, relieve stress, aid in coping with trauma, and quickly calm you down.  I love this stuff- I put four drops under my tongue and it works great.

Daily Dose:   Rhodiola Rosea- this is an adaptogenic herb that you can take every day.  It helps your body adapt to stressful conditions.  A great source of information on this herb is the book Rhodiola Revolution.

Long-term commitment:   Ultimately to reduce the stress and exhaustion in your life you must change your lifestyle.  A way to begin this journey is to exercise.  I love to do yoga.  I don't do it as often as I would like, but when I do it I feel so much better!  The website Yoga Today puts a free class on the web every week.  It's a great way to be a part of a class if you can't afford to go somewhere. 

So breathe deeply, drink a glass of water (and maybe a cup of coffee :), and try these tips next time you feel stressed.  Have a lovely day.
jessica