Healing Home Remedies

Hello asked:

I’m afraid I’m losing too much blood and I don’t want to become anemic. First of all, I have extremely heavy periods,, so that’s always been a concern for me. I’m also involved in self-injury (please, don’t criticize me about this), so I’m losing a good amount of blood each day (especially when I’m on my period).

Nicky P asked:

for a few years i have felt very down about 80 percent of the time even though my life isnt that bad im 22 i just am sad all the time for no reason i have a hard time sleeping, nightmares, cant hold my head up in public, when i do lay down i have a hard time wanting to get out of bed, daily thoughts of death (not that i have seriously considered this) Would you consider this severe depression? how can i start to snap out of this? what do i do?

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

The symptoms you describe sound like depression to me.  I highly recommend you see your doctor.  If your depression isn’t severe and you would prefer herbal remedies over prescriptions, mention this to the doc.  Mild to moderate depression may be helped by St. John’s Wort, though severe depression will not.  Some other problems may be made worse by taking this herb, so speaking to the doctor is important.

depression

wildeyesboi asked:

I want some easy quick ways to help my staff coupe with stress. Does anyone have any ideas. I am trying to gather info to hold a productive staff meeting. Maybe with stress relief techniques that can be done while at work.

Mary Bodel, MH replies

There may be a few techniques that can be done at work, and a few that can be done at home if necessary.  Deep breathing is important; most of us don’t use 90% of our lung capacity and it can add to our stress levels.  Good posture is equally necessary.  Slouching can prevent us from filling our lungs and can cause bone and muscle pain.

I don’t know what kind of work you do, but I would guess it is largely sedentary.  An exercise program might be a good idea; encourage your staff to walk a bit at lunch.  This can have several benefits. 

Exercise releases endorphins, which can lower stress levels.  Getting away from potential stressors (particularly if it is customer service related work) can help.  If two or more walk together, it might give them an opportunity to discuss problems that cause stress.

Whether at work or at home, encourage your staff to eat a healthy diet.  This can help in a number of ways.  Fats and salt cause stress all by themselves, so lowering the amounts can lower stress levels.  Many healthy foods offer stress releasing effects.  Oatmeal is a good example.

Sometimes none of the above is enough.  There are some herbs that may be useful.  The mildest are chamomile and lavender.  If none of this works, it may be time for the doctor to rule out more serious problems such as depression.  Many stronger herbs have interactions with medications that might be prescribed for depression or anxiety, so use caution.

Alternative Herbal Remedies

PortWine asked:

I have developed some not exactly healthy methods to deal with stress, including smoking. I mention it because needing to have a smoke is one of the biggest indicator I’m under too much stress.
Work, money, eating right, difficult people, traffic, things breaking down around the house, negative news, etc…
I don’t necessarily want to be able to handle more stress.
I’ve started a journal where I have noted the things that I find stressful, and have rated them according to how stressful they are and how much control I have over them.
I am open to any answers, even pollyanna (non-fundie) religious ones.
I’m looking for advice on what the path towards better stress management really entails. Any good books you could suggest, too.
Thank you in advance.

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

There are a lot of positive and relatively easy changes you can make to help you deal with stress better.    Some of them are lifestyle changes and some are herbs that can help you relax.

I’m  not going to pounce on the smoking part; I think all of us have a bad habit or two that usually crop up most strongly when we are under stress.  Stopping is a good idea, but it need not be the only change you make (or even the first one).

Journaling is a good start.  Not only does it help you see patterns, it gives you an outlet for pent up emotions.  This is particularly true of negative emotions that would make some situation worse.  You can tell your journal off and not the person who triggered it.

Exercise is helpful, and again part of it is getting rid of negative emotions.  I find walking an effective way of seeing solutions to the problems awaiting me when I get back home.  Exercise releases endorphins, which can help you relax.

There are herbs that can be useful.  Some of them can be found in any adequately stocked spice rack and others either at a supermarket or a health food store.  Lavender, chamomile, jasmine, passionflower and rosemary offer various types and levels of relief.

I do find religion an important part of my own stress relief program, and I recommend renewing your faith.  Having Someone to talk to is important.

stress

Zat asked:

I work in a customer service job and there’s a lot of stress, especially lately. Does anyone have suggestions how to handle the stress in customer service to keep from losing it

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

Service jobs often cause stress, especially when the economy is bad.  Overcoming it may be difficult, but it is something that can be done.  When you’re at work a few simple things might make it easier, especially when dealing with a difficult customer.

You might be surprised how much deep breathing exercises can be helpful.  Studies indicate that most of us are “lazy breathers.”  We seldom fill more than ten per cent of our lungs in each breath.  The lack of oxygen can add to the stress and push us over the edge.

Posture also can play a part.  When we slump, it makes taking a deep breath difficult, but that’s only part of the problem.  Muscles and vertebrae are out of proper alignment when the back isn’t straight and this can cause a great deal of pain.

Eating properly is extremely important when you are under stress.  Avoid salt and fat, which can cause stress on their own.  On the other hand, some foods may help relieve stress.  Whole grains, particularly oats, can help reduce stress.

Herbs can help, but some of them shouldn’t be combined with work or driving.  Lavender and chamomile are gently relaxing, though they could cause some drowsiness.  Rosemary, jasmine and passionflower are stronger, you shouldn’t try to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how you will react.  Kava kava is very likely to cause drowsiness, and should not be used for a long time.
Healing-Home-Remedies.com

saddy asked:

My fren cannot accept the idea that she has hypothyroid. Nowadays She gets so upset over little things and has a very bad temper. She’s very smart and likes to study. Sometimes she when she’s too stress with school work or trying to find solution to her school work she gets angry and will throw her anger on people she loves.

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

Depression and hypothyroid often occur together.  In fact, depression is often the first symptom you may notice, though it will probably not be the very first to occur.

Neither diagnosis is easy to admit to.  It may be necessary to talk to her family and your other mutual friends to help you get her to the doctor.  There are no plants that mimic thyroid output, so the doctor is the only way to get any sort of treatment.  “Thyroid diets” don’t change thyroid output.

Healing-Home-Remedies.com

nukemobile asked:

What is good for fighting off depression? Are there any natural antidepressants such as specific fruits or vegetables? What are some daily things to do to help with depression? I’m looking for alternatives to medication. Thanks for the help.

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

St. John’s Wort may help mild to moderate depression in most people.  It can’t be taken with prescription antidepressants or medications that cause drowsiness.  Lavender, both in a tea and as aromatherapy may also be useful.

It is important to eat a proper diet; foods high in sodium and fats can increase stress which can in turn make depression worse.  Be sure to remain hydrated as well.

Herbal Home Remedies

Colin asked:

I did just this after 3 years of depression.

Dark Desire. asked:

How strong can depression be? How harmful is it? For instance, does depression make your bf/gf want to break up with you over a stupid reason especially when they’re the one suffering depression? What makes them want to push you away and be alone? What makes them want to ignore you to consult their own feelings? Do they realize what they’re doing especially they’re the one in pain?

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

Depression can be mild, moderate or severe.  The depressed person does not always know that he or she is depressed, and so does not try to find treatment.  It’s very easy to blame other things and other people.  If this is going on with someone you know, and it is as bad as you say, she needs help and may not seek it on her own. 

If you can, get the other members of her family to help you convince her to go to the doctor.  Once you’ve got a diagnosis and know what level of depression she’s got, then you can discuss means of treatment.  Severe depression is usually best treated with prescription medications over herbal supplements. 

You may be able to use aromatherapy, however.  Lavender and peppermint may be useful.  Be careful if there are young children around, those two years of age and younger can develop breathing problems if exposed to peppermint oil.

Alternative Herbal Remedies

tim asked:

im a Christian and practicing meditation (jus for stress relief not for spiritual purposes) but i find that certain songs are very calming and relaxing when i am stressed and they are Christian songs in worship to God. it is soft slow music and soothing.. is it okay to incorporate this into practical meditation and focus on the lyrics instead of something like my breath or a word or phrase that i repeat?

Mary Bodel, MH replies

I, too am a Christian and I use several different things for stress relief including Christian music.  Insofar as I am concerned it is perfectly all right to use Christian music if it works and helps you.  Meditation for stress relief is about that, and should be tailored to what is best for you.

I usually use various Psalms, particularly the 23rd.  I have no idea if anyone else thinks it is proper and I really don’t care…it works for me.  If it works, then keep doing it, no matter what anyone else says.

stress relief