Spring Ahead in Mastering Stress

With the Spring solstice upon us and as we plan for the planting season, consider growing a culinary healing herb garden and focus on plants that help us manage the effects of stress.

To learn more about the healing properties of herbs on a deeper level, I recommend an incredible book written by Donald R. Yance, a clinical master herbalist and certified nutritionist. I had the good fortune to hear Donald Yance  (www.adaptogensbook.com) speak at Bauman College in Berkeley, California this past March and I purchased his anthology titled, Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease that was Published in 2013. (Hard Cover ISBN: 978-1-62055-055-100-4, eBook ISBN: 978-1-62055-131-8). This book has a wealth of information on the amazing healing properties of herbs for many chronic and age related diseases.  

Taking from traditions of the past and married with the science of today, Yance explains how to use herbs effectively to heal the body. Many medicinal plants have antioxidants that help reduce the effects of stress. Consider incorporating some of these plants in your spring herb garden this year and into your diet. There are many common herbs that are loaded with antioxidants that help reduce the effects of stress.

Common Healing Herbs with Antioxidant That You Can Grow

• Echinacea: strengthens the immune system and raises the body’s resistance to infections.
• Chamomile: soothing and calming effect that aids sleep.
• Lemon Balm: reduces depression, indigestion, and headaches.
• Feverfew: Used to treat colds and fevers and reduces symptoms of arthritis, swollen feet, migraines, and muscle spasms.
• Oregano: Rich in natural anti-oxidants and also adds flavor to dishes.
  
• Lavender: Used for aromatherapy,  lavender body scrub, and relaxation.

Click on the YouTube link below to see a short video titled, "Medical Herbs: Growing Medicine in Your Yard."

Feverfew

Oregano

Lavender

By Donald R. Yance

Echinacea

Chamomile

Lemon Balm

Medical Herbs: Growing Medicine in Your Yard

SOURCE:  GREEN DESERT: http://greendesert.org/Medicinal.html

Moringa - The Miracle Tree

There are many unexpected medicinal plants around the world. The healthy benefits of the Moriga tree has recently been in the news. To learn about its many medicinal effects, please watch this video below:

The Effects of Stress on the Molecular Level

To learn more about the damage stress does to our bodies on a molecular level, watch this video from TEDmed (www.TEDmed.com)  on the effects of stress on our telomeres and why it’s important to change your reaction patterns to stress in order to promote health and longevity: 

What Do Telomeres Tell You About Longevity?

SOURCE: http://www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=7252

Use Yoga to Reduce Stress

To learn some yoga positions and stretches that can reduce your stress, read the article, Yoga For Anxiety: 10 Poses To Reduce Stress And Support Mental Health at Huffington Post. It includes some helpful pictures of the various yoga positions that aid in reducing stress. In addition, don't forget the power of breathing: take a deep abdominal breathe when you find yourself feeling tense or in a stressful situation.

Wishing you a stress-free and joyful launch into Spring!,
Chef Lynne