Jennifer Richardson wrote:What are the best natural/permaculture approaches (food, herbs, exercise, behavior, etc) for dealing with PTSD?
Hi Jennifer!
Ancestral foods are comfort foods on our DNA level.
As far as herbs, fo-ti, ginseng, lavender and rose; oats nettle, kava!
Oats are a very beneficial presence for its soothing quality for nerves and our G.I. tract.
For insomnia and its effects, try valerian. If not familiar perhaps take it if in need of a nap to notice its work as some experience stimulation rather than calming effects.
Passionflower is a beautiful ally, i carry a tincture of her always.
If growing borage try making smoothies with the above-ground parts of the plant.
St johnswort is a pleasure to grow and drink as tea. Marsh mallow and hops are also soothing wonderful beings to keep close.
A high calcium tea is recommended for nervous system repair: equal parts horsetail, nettle and oatstraw.
quote=K Kaba] Your ancestors survived that second tiger attack, and the way this part of you works is why.
.....(Those pulse reading wearable bracelets are great for that.) Build up an understanding of the things and sounds and thoughts that overwhelm you."
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Fitbits: i resisted this piece of tech but the "prey instinct" influenced my life enough i was crashing hard and not noticing triggers, mostly due to sleep deprivation.
The monitor for blood pressure has been critical to my being social again. I dont shut down my reaction anymore like its an annoying obstacle, with this data informing me i shift into being 100% present in my body. Shutting the world out so i dont have a panic attack, sometimes looks like asking a friend to put their hands over my ears to shut out noise while i make a shift. With this tech I have support even when i am alone. If you are like me and dont regularly practice wearing a watch, this isnt always easy to remember. So i leave mine in the car so its always where i need it.
Sadly, Some shrinks believe you are only there to receive meds so if starting with a new doctor, begin the session with "please note in my chart i do not want PHARMACEUTICALS."
most shrinks are like the veterans' hospital experts, who are supposedly the top in the field, yet there is no room for discussing alternative therapies.
I started studying herbal medicine as a 15 year old dealing unknowingly with PTSD. I was concerned about my insomnia and flashbacks. I started growing "Melissa" lemon balm. I started spraying my sheets with lavendar. I painted my room a soothing color. I threw out any clothes that made me more sensitive. As many ways to mitigate the trigger coming from something easily controlled. The less things irritating us, stirring up the dregs,
the more we can remember how to thrive.
Because even after EMDR, the bastards get me down. Those days, have good chocolate, or your personal equivalent, in your med kit. Small comforts move mountains.
Blessings upon All beings.
