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Patrisia Gonzales
As students return to school I share this column, based on a June 30, 2006 presentation at the National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies
Over-thinking concentrates too much energy in your head and your feet become less grounded. Too much sitting and reading affect posture and the flow of energy and displaces your spine, ombligo (belly button) and spirit. Your thoughts walk ahead of you. To put it plainly, too much thinking is bad for you!
In many instances for graduate students of color, the academic process is an assault on your cosmovision and deeply-held beliefs. Students who challenge accepted knowledge and become embroiled in heated debates can experience an opening in energetic channels, such as the ombligo, which must be protected. Carrying the weight of too much information overloads you – leading to depression and anxiety. Mild to moderate symptoms can be addressed with herbs, vitamins, baños (cleansings), energies y limpias.
The following is a list of herbs that can be found at herbal stores.
Herbal nervines (for nerves) include: tila/linden, verbena, manzanilla, any flower from fruit or citrus tree, skullcap. Magnolia, valerian are stronger sedatives. Mugwort or estafiate will calm the nerves and activate the liver. Rosemary and yerba buena in equal parts will lift the spirits and calm you enough to continue studying. St. Johns Wort is useful but takes a while to get into your system and can be more effective in herbal formulas.
In you have a garden, you may have access to sunflower or strawberry leaf, which work on the nervous system. Fo-ti, American Ginseng, Royal Jelly, gota cola, borage are long- term builders that work on adrenals or kidneys. Soak lemon rinds in a glass of water for central nervous system tonic. Spirulina – feeds the body—while taking Vit. B twice daily will feed the nervous system.
Essential oils:
Lavender oil stimulates endorphins; melissa – the “gladdening herb” can lift the spirits.
Basil, clary sage, jazmin, rose, geranium, lime – are all calmantes. A few drops of these oils are normally mixed in a teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as apricot or avocado oil and then placed under the ombligo, on the solar plexus, sternum, behind the neck or the lower back.
Mexican traditional medicine has a wide array of flower medicine that is used to treat the spirit and nervous system but this short list contains readily available flower remedies to help you get through the day.
Some useful Bach flowers: Rescue Remedy contains a mixture for quick results.
Cerrato—for asserting yourself, intuition
White oak—for feeling obligated
Walnut-protection
Impatiens – for being in a hurry
Holly— for a bigger heart
Olive -- for exhaustion
Gorse – for hopelessness
Cherry Plum-overload to relaxation
Mustard, wild rose— because you’ve given up
Star of Bethlehem-shock, paralysis
Larch—self-confidence
Mimulus — for bravery
My favorite flower recipe: gather the flowers from flowering jalapeno, cilantro and lavender plants and set in water in a mason jar for two hours in the early morning. Strain and add two shots of vodka (to preserve). This will stimulate the brain, calm the system and fortify you. Drink a tsp. as needed. Flowering aloe vera, nopal or marigold also will give you focus and strength. Flor de romero will soothe your head.
Homeopathic remedies are mild and can be taken by people of all ages: Nux vomica 6c (depression and stress); kali phos. 6x (anxiety, stress headaches); cina 6c (teeth grinding, nightmares); lycopodium clav. 3x (stomach stress, corajes and nervios); sepia 6c (irritability)
A word of caution: many of these remedies are not advisable for pregnant women, who must follow different protocols. If you are taking medication for depression/anxiety, consult with an experienced herbalist before attempting the herbal remedies.
Roberto Rodríguez and Patrisia Gonzales can be reached at: XColumn@gmail.com.
© 2006 Column of the Américas
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