Natural Highs

There are several safe, effective and legal herbs to create natural highs. These are safe to use in this way occasionally. I just want to put it out there, that all of these are contraindicated during pregnancy except Skullcap (so do not use these if you are pregnant!). Always start at the smallest dose and work your way up the dose that's right for your mind and body. Never drive while high, and please be responsible. If you need more information, contact me or your local Herbalist.

Skullcap

Skullcap
General info/Indications: I've used skullcap for headache with success. Skullcap is a great Nervine tonic, which means it nourishes and heals the nervous system. It also has a relaxing effect. Skullcap is great to take for headache, nervous tension and pre-menstrual tension. It is also great for exhaustion, depressed conditions and any kind of withdrawal.
Dosage: 3-10 or more droppers of tincture for a higher state of consciousness.

Kava Kava
General info/Indications: I was first introduced to Kava when it was suggested that I take it when going through a tough time and having a series of bad days. Kava has been described as a "mild tranquilizer o relax the mind and clarify the thought processes, soothe the temperament and induce a mild euphoria with feelings of peace and harmony". It is used around the world for these reasons.
Dosage: 3-50 or more droppers of tincture for mind altering states. I would also recommend taking the tincture in a smoothie with coconut oil or with whole milk if possible as it is fat soluble.

Holy Basil/Tulsi
General info/Indications: My first experience with Holy Basil was for consciousness shifting at a Shamanic Plant Journeying workshop. Holy Basil is a calming adaptogen. It can help cope with stress and clarify thinking. It is used to clear "mental fog" caused by cannabis smoking, "cloudy thinking" caused by menopause, poor memory, ADD and ADHD as well as speed up recovery from head trauma.
Dosage: 2-4 droppers of tincture 1-4x per day or drink the tea as enjoyed for consciousness shifting.

Ashwagandha
General info/Indications: Ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen. It enhances endocrine function and heals the thyroid, testes and adrenal glands. It is also a nervine and is very effective for anxiety, fatigue cloudy thinking, stress-induced insomnia and nervous exhaustion. It can be use clear excess cortisol and  to down regulate chronically high cortisol. It is an excellent tonic for the brain, and is a possible aphrodisiac.
Dosage: 3-6 grams of powder or 2-5 droppers of tincture for a natural high. You can use 5 grams of of powder in warm milk or coconut milk before bed for 1 week to reset cortisol levels.

Re-patterning Our Nervous Systems

This post is actually the prequel to my post on safe and legal ways to get a natural high. This is taken from Jessica Godino's Natural Highs Handout from the Southeastern Women's Herbal Conference 2012, NC.

Before we can inhabit a maintained state of ecstasy/bliss we need to repattern our nervous systems out of the chronic fight or flight most of us are in; stress hormones will block our intrinsic feel good hormones.

Principles of transforming outr nervous systems

Create an environment that allows for the production of intrinsic “feel good” neurochemicals by eliminated stress hormones as much as possible, help our nervous systems become adapted to handle bliss.

1. Sleep in total darkness (like our ancestors did except during the full moon. supports melatonin production which is the precursor hormone to many mind-altering and consciousness uplifting chemicals in our body. Most importantly, this is the fastest way to regulate your cortisol levels)
2. Decrease stress however you can don’t argue... just do it. Get help to give up your addiction to chronic stress.
3. Take herbs that lower cortisol: ashwaganda, holy basil
4. Take nervines to heal nervous systems that are stuck in fight or flight: ashwaganda, skullcap, oatstraw.
5. Eat plenty of saturated fat, including organic coconut oil and milk, butter, and lard. (fat heals and calms the nervous system and adrenals like nothing else... try it and you will see)
6. Exercise, especially high intensity or with weights (this seems to induce a remarkable resiliency to stress, as well as producing its own natural endorphin high)
7. Get your blood sugar under control. Blood sugar instability, in the form of high (insulin resistance or diabetes), or low (hypoglycemia) is one of the single biggest internal driving factors of high cortisol.
8. Nourish yourself. The nervous system THRIVES in the presence of not only fat but minerals. Eat mineral rich foods and herbs (like nettles, oatstraw) and avoid mineral depleting foods (like unsoaked grains and vegetable oils)

If you have been in fight or flight for years, it can months or years to change the habit. It may be the single most important thing you do for your health and consciousness.

How To Make an Herbal Honey

Herbal Honeys are amazing! There are 2 types of herbal honey, one where the bees are left to pollinate vast fields of a specific plant(s), and the second is when honey is infused with herbs. You can make herbal honey for the beautiful flavor it produces or to receive the health benefits of some plants. I've made Lavender and Cinnamon Honeys, and they are absolutely delicious! Here I'll give simple directions on how to make infused herbal honey.

Cinnamon infusing on the left and Lavender on the right.

Supplies:
Clean, dry jar with lid
Honey (Only use pure raw honey; try Goldenrod or Wildflower honey, but you can use any quality honey)
Herbs (such as lavender, cinnamon sticks, motherwort, etc: I prefer dry herbs because then you don't have to worry about water or fermentation, but fresh herbs can be used and are said to taste better/stronger)
Clean dry knife
Wax paper

1. Fill the jar 1/4-1/3 of the way with plant material.
2. Fill the jar the rest of the way with honey.
3. Mix well with the knife.
4. Mix some more!
5. Put a piece of wax paper on the mouth of the jar, then cap.
6. Let sit for 2-3 weeks (or more). Flip upside down several times every day.
7. To strain: Heat honey to no more than 100-104 degrees F. You can heat a small pot of water and put the jar in the pot. This makes it more liquid and easier to pour and strain.
8. Pour honey into a fine mesh strainer over a jar.
9. Enjoy! Infused honey can last up to a year.

Energy Boosters!

Many of us feel like we have low energy, or that we just need more of it. Instead of drinking 4 cups of coffee everyday or a Monster or Red Bull, we can use natural and actually healthy alternatives to boost our energy. I will go through 3 herb groups that can improve our energy: Tonic herbs, immediate energy boosters, and herbs that help you relax and/or sleep so you can properly rejuvenate.

Tonic Herbs:
Some tonic herbs particularly good at increasing energy supply are Nettle, Dandelion, Ashwangadha and Korean (or Panax) Ginseng. Tonic herbs are good to take daily, and build up your specific body systems. Most of these herbs specifically build up the adrenal system, and all have essential vitamins and minerals.
I would recommend making a tea blend of the tonic herbs listed and drinking a small pot daily: 1-2 cups in the morning and another later in the day. 
For women, I would also highly recommend taking an Iron supplement daily. The best way to get your iron (and other vitamins and minerals) is through foods because your body can easily absorb it. The next best way is through a supplement made with herbs/food rather than by taking Iron pills. An Iron syrup can be an excellent way to take your daily dose of Iron.
I would recommend 1-4 tablespoons daily, or follow the directions on the bottle.

Immediate Energy Boosters:
Some herbs to give you that extra (strong) push when you need it include Cacao and Yerba Mate. Cacao is an incredible food, it has one of the highest amount of antioxidants of all foods. It is also rich in many vitamins and minerals including magnesium, calcium and iron. Eating/drinking Cacao can definitley give you a natural and strong energy boost, you should use it in moderation especially in the beginning when your figuring out how much you need/want for your body. Yerba Mate is an herb that you prepare like tea. It is a very good and healthy alternative for those who like their daily cup (or 6) of coffee.

Relaxation Encouragers:
Getting enough sleep is a really important part of feeling energized everyday. Sleep is when we recuperate from the day's activities so we can wake up rejuvenated and ready for the next. Sometimes when relaxation and sleep elude you, you may need some extra help. Kava Kava can be an excellent herb to help you relax. This herb can be very helpful when you may be feeling wired up, when your mind is still in work-mode at bedtime or when you've just had a terrible day and need something to take you away from that. You can make a tea with Kava or use a tincture. For the tincture use 30-60 drops in a cup of water or juice. For an even stronger effect, use full fat milk or a smoothie with full fat yogurt or coconut oil, instead of water.
Valerian is a very helpful sleep aid. If you have insomnia and just haven't been able to get so sleep, try Valerian tincture. Start at 10-15 drops in a cup of water or juice, and move up from there to find the right dosage for you.

Herbal Relief from PMS

PMS can present a big problem for many women; I know it does for me. Mild to severe menstrual cramps, backache, headache, moodiness, fatigue, bloating and food cravings can all be symptoms of PMS. Some women experience severe discomfort, while others experience little to no discomfort. Most women take over-the-counter drugs or even prescription drugs to help cope with the symptoms of their menstrual cycles. These drugs have negative lasting side effects and truly do throw your body out of balance. There usually isn't a true need to take them because there are many natural, safe and effective alternatives. I have only included simple remedies, most of which I use myself. For more complex and/or specific treatment plans please contact your local Herbalist.

Herbal Blends: Teas/Tinctures*
Cramp Tea- for relieving cramps, backbenches and other pain
1 part Cramp Bark
1 part Pennyroyal
1 part Valerian Root
1/2 part Ginger
To make a tea, use 4-6 tablespoons of this herbal mixture to 1 quart of boiling-hot water. Let steep for at least 20 minutes. It can actually steep for up to 10 hours if you have the extra time. Drink 1/4 cup every 15 minutes until cramps cease/improve.
This herbal mixture can also be made into a tincture: Get a glass jar with a lid, and fill it half way with the herbs. Fill the rest of the way with 80-100 proof vodka and cover. Let it sit in a cool dark place for 8 weeks. Strain with a strainer and cheesecloth. Put the liquid in am amber glass bottle with a dropper top. Store in a cool dark place. Take 10-20 drops in a cup of hot water, or any other hot beverage.

Valarian* can also be tinctured and taken by itself. It can help with sleeping,  moodiness, menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, backaches, and sore/tired muscles.

Natural Diuretic Tea- for relieving bloating/ water retention
2 parts Dandelion Leaf
1 part Pipsissewa Leaf
3 parts Nettle Leaf
1 part Chickweed Leaf
Use the tea or tincture directions above. Drink 3-4 cups of tea daily during PMS.

*I recommend the tincture, which must me prepared in advance, because Valerian tastes and smells disgusting (in my opinion).

Nutrition
To prevent cramps, increase your calcium intake, especially 10 days before your period starts. Eat things with easily digested calcium such as: sesame seeds, tahini, yogurt, kale, spinach, and herbs such as Red Raspberry Leaf and Nettle. Don't drink or eat any cold beverages/food when you have menstrual cramps. Drink and eat plenty of hot beverages/foods.

Activities
Keep moving when you can.

Use a heating pad (or rice sock) on your lower abdomen to help ease the pain of menstrual cramps.

Maya Abdominal Massage is a method of massage that can help with menstrual cramps, gastrointestinal problems, fertility and more. This is something that I am personally looking forward to trying. It was recommended to me by one of my Herbalism classmates; she said it really helped her not to have menstrual cramps anymore. To learn more about it and to find a therapist near you visit: https://arvigotherapy.com/.