Unique Bodies; Unique Answers

One thing I have learned both personally and from other herbalists: herbs have different actions in different people. They also interact with other drugs you might be taking. Any time you begin to use herbs, you need to be patient, cautious and willing to experiment. You already have learned to live in a unique body that does not seem to work like most other people’s bodies. In order to use herbs as your allies you will have to take that further and find the unique blend of herbs that helps you. And that will change over time. I live with hypermobility and have a raised a child who has had some intense effects from the genes passed on to her. I feel like I have been lucky. I was a “clumsy and awkward” child, and never good at any sports or physical activities until I discovered in my forties just how much I could rock yoga. It took some time to realize that some of the chronic pain I live with may be a result of a yoga practice not designed for people like me. If it were not for a very special yogi, Peter Cairns, I am sure I would be in real pain every day. He has taught me so much about being stronger, and has reined in my natural flexibility to focus on correct body alignment. Another thing I have discovered is how to use herbs to support my wellness. By learning the basic categories and actions of different herbs, looking up the contra-indications, and trying small amounts at a time, I have found some real allies. For example, there is a category of herbs that are called “nervines.” These are herbs that we believe specifically support the nervous system. It includes a large list of herbs such as chamomile, lavender, oat tops, catnip, hops and valerian. Through trial and error, I have discovered that lemon balm is my go-to if I hope to relax during this Coronavirus crisis and that valerian root is too strong as a sleeping aid for me but valerian flowers work well. Even as a master herbalist, I cannot tell you exactly which of these will work the best for you. I can only listen to what you are experiencing, and suggest some types of plants that might help and share how they are generally used. See my next post that discusses categories of the types of herbs that can be useful to those of us with hypermobility issues.