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H - O Steps to Regain Your Power! (2 of 3)

© Irene J. Sleight

Herbal Medicine: an alternative to addicting pharmaceuticals.

• Chamomile: Some of the benefits derived from chamomile are: sedative, relaxant, depression aid, stress reliever, soothes teething and colic, calms the digestive system, settles nervous indigestion, gastritis, relieves headaches, and can ease menstruation to name a few. It's most commonly consumed as a tea, and can make a soothing drink before bedtime.

• Kava-Kava: Kava is the term used for both the plant and the beverage made from it. The beverage is prepared from the root of a shrub called the pepper plant, Piper methysticum, found in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Kava contains a variety of chemicals known as pyrones or kavalactones. This has shown to calm the nerves, quiet the mind, and alleviate restlessness.

• Passion flower: It's a naturally grown medicinal herb, approved by the German Commission in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness. It is also used as a sedative in nervous disorders (including nervous gastrointestinal complaints), difficulties in sleeping, and anxiety or restlessness. In studies conducted since the 1930's, its mode of action has been found to be different than that of most sedative drugs (sleeping pills), thus making it a non-addictive herb to promote relaxation.

• Valarian Root: Valerian Officinalis is native to Europe, North America, and the northern part of Asia. The major healing components found in the valerian root are valepotrits, valeranic acid, valeranone, valereal. Both the root and the rhizome are highly prized for their healing properties. The herb valerian is most effective in treating a wide range of stress conditions such as irritability, depression, fear, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, hysteria, delusions, and nervous tension. According to a journal article published in Pharmacol Biochem Behavior, Valerian not only eases the trouble of falling asleep, but it has been reported to improve the quality of sleep during the night.

Imagery: Our body doesn’t know the difference between a real event, and an imagined one. It responds to our own mental pictures. That is why just thinking about a stressful event (real or not) can bring on the sensations of anxiety. Imagery is a very powerful tool for transformation. If you can visualize yourself confidently achieving your goals, healing your body, and witness yourself being who you want to be, you’d be amazed to see how reality follows suit. It's important to engage all your senses in vividly producing a picture of yourself navigating through life with the qualities you most want to cultivate in yourself. Set aside time each day enhancing this image.

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