We all need a bit of calm from mental stress at some point in our lives! Some people live with an unsettling constant chatter in their mind. Whether it's making to do lists or rehashing past conversations and events over and over it is all creating stress and mental anguish.
This often manifests in physical ways. I treat various conditions in clinic from irritable bowel syndrome to palpitations which are a direct result of stress.
Many other conditions like peptic ulceration and fibromyalgia are exacerbated by an imbalance of the nervous system which is why I almost always include nervine relaxant herbs in my herbal formulations. We have a number of amazing plants I love to work with that are beneficial for the nervous system.
Two of our Ayurvedic plants we grow and use for this are Gotu Kola and Tulsi. Both Gotu Kola and Tulsi are what are known as high Sattvic plants meaning they raise one's vibrational energy to bring spiritual clarity, acceptance and calm.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a rejuvenative tonic for the central nervous system. It has been used for centuries to enhance the intellect, increase focus and concentration, strengthen the memory and specifically in remedies for Alzheimer's. It can be used to soothe the nerves in times of emotional upheaval and is renowned as THE herb to use for meditation. Gota Kola can even be found in specialist skin creams as it is highly anti-inflammatory and increases circulation and rate of keratinisation. One of the best ways to take Gotu Kola is fresh juiced or fresh in an infusion. We tincture it for use in clinic. It makes a lovely calming fresh tea with Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).
All parts of the Tulsi plant can be used medicinally including the root but we mostly use the leaves and flowering tops. This plants goes by the name of Holy Basil being sacred to Vishnu. Tulsi is balancing for all systems of the body with an affinity for the heart and lungs. In Ayurveda it is used to stimulate Prana, our vital life force through breath. Tulsi's expectorant action on the lungs aids asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions by clearing mucus. It is used to help one quit smoking and proven to restore lung function. As a digestive tonic it reduces Vata which appears as bloating and gas. Much like Gotu Kola, Tulsi increases mental awareness and clarity while settling scattered ruminating thoughts making the two a perfect mind calming combination.
On our Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine talk I will be discussing the best calming herbs to use for your specific Ayurvedic dosha. If you would like to learn more about this join us on the day.
