A few summers ago, I had the honor of sitting down with the godmother of American herbalism, Rosemary Gladstar, at her magical home in Vermont. I have to admit, I was nervous going into this interview because she’s, well, one of my heroes 🙂
Today, I’d love to share a quick video from our encounter with you.
One of the questions I asked Rosemary was – what can we all do to overcome the stress and anxiety that seems to pervade our news and daily interactions these days? In other words, how do we keep ourselves peaceful, healthy and thriving in these chaotic times we find ourselves in?
Her answer blew us away…
In the clip below, Rosemary shares a handful of herbs that you can use to keep your body centered and at peace – including one slightly controversial plant if you’re feeling adventurous.
BUT, what struck us most about this segment was the deep wisdom that the legendary medicine woman bestowed upon us at the end. She gave us a dose of perspective that everyone should hear…
In case you missed any of the stress-healing herbs Rosemary mentions in the video above, here they are for further exploration:
Kava (a rising star for anxiety)
Lemon Balm
Chamomile
Valerian
Hops
Hawthorne
St John’s Wort
Oats
Stay curious,
Nick Polizzi
Host of Healing Kitchen: Let Food Be Thy Medicine
& Founder of The Sacred Science
40 Responses
Thank you for all your efforts.
DEAR PLIZZI
WITH MOST HONOUR i am a lover of ancient herbs .thank you so much in bless Nahid
Valerian is a double edged herb. It’s effects are dependent on dosage. Some people are calmed by it but others are not. In some instances it wakes people up so they end up cleaning the house all night! That’s why you should not self medicate and should ask a qualified herbalist for advice.
true on Valerian , follow up with Vervein to settle things back
How sis I miss the controversial herb?hat was it?
Jackie
How did I miss the controversial herb?What was it?
Jackie
wondering what a best source of Kava root is
I would try Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals
I have heard that KavaKava should not be over used. What is your opinion on this subject? I have used it at a very stressful time in my life and it really does work. I have used Valerian since that time when I am stressed but, I do keep KavaKava in the wings though. (chuckling)
Thank you 🙏
Hi Mr Pollozi-Requesting refund of April 14th $107.00 & May 2nd $107.00. Requesting no further charges to my account. Thank you.
Wonderful. Creativity & Light out of Darkness.
Thank you both very much!!! Shared!
Great information ….thank you …..blessings to you 🙂
I loved this clip. Just wow! I wish the entire world could here what she has to say about stress and how we percieve stress. It was like a gentle kick in the butt that gives you such an incredible a-ha moment! Just what I needed with my tea this morning. Thank as always for such wonderful content. Your emails are the kind I always look forward to reading over the past few years.
What an in lighting point of view
Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Would eating oatmeal count, or is there a capsule that is required for oats?
Thank you for this brief wonderful commentary about dealing with our stress at this time in history. I felt lighter by the time I listened to this bit. I just had to listen a second time also. I always enjoy the info and inspirations you offer. Also remember to take good care of yourself also. Thanks Nick
Heart felt Thanks!
Jane
Thank you for sharing. Rosemary has such a sweet and peaceful presence.!
I would love more info on using and combining purposely and
safely.
Rosemary is a total rock star! Thank you for bringing her wisdom to us.
I, personally didn’t like valerian much years ago…
but I do enjoy a bit of mugwort tincture before meditating now
and again. It seems to work well to tap down the speeding
mind to just relax into the meditation process on those
difficult days. Active young men sometimes make mugwort
apart of their meditation ritual.
Thanks for this video! Very informational and interesting. What I’d like to know, that was not shared: What’s a trustworthy source to get these herbs from? How much, how often should these herbs be taken? Some mixtures were suggested in the video. Which other mixtures are recommended and which mixtures should be avoided? How are these herbs taken? In food, teas, or some other method? How can we ensure we are using the freshest, most potent herbs for our money? Thank you!!!
PS — Not a coincidence Rosemary is also an herb. The Universe (and her parents) named her destiny! ; )
Thank you for the information,I am going through the menopause,I am getting hot flushes,not sleeping and getting anxiety can you help.Also my friend has been on antipsychotic drugs for many years and would love to come off can you please help advise about how to do this with natual herbs,he is labelled scizoaffective disorder.
Hi Ally,
Thanks for connecting! There are many natural medicine routes for these manifestations. The best method is to get a practitioner anon your healthcare team. Each person presents unique patterns that bring about these symptoms. Certainly, there are great botanical substances known to be beneficial for these conditions – in addition to the ones listed by Rosemary, Zizyphus seed, Reishi mushroom, and Hibiscus may be helpful for sleep and anxiety issues. For anyone wishing to come off prescription meds, best to work in conjunction with the prescriber. Hot Flashes and Psychoemotional conditions can have so many varied causes that it is simply ineffective to list off herbal remedies. Click here to find a Registered Herbalist near you. Hope this helps!
what about kava if you are on psychiatric drugs??
Hi Gary,
Excellent question! Certainly, it depends on the particular medications you are taking, how your body interacts with the Rx and Herb, and then how the herb and drug interact. Dose matters, regularity matters, and many other factors. Click here for a research link on this. Essentially, always be cautious, there are some notes on warnings if taking benzodiazepines. The scientific literature points to a lack of evidence on herb-drug interactions, see also here.
Thank hoj so much for these information.
I am work as a chef know for 19 year n i think its time go help People with herbs tru food.
Our pleasure and YES, Richie! You are part of the mission too, my friend. Food is medicine. Hope our work helps you, as you nourish the people!
Nick Polizzi….you are really following your Soul, beautiful!!!! All the best wishes for fulfilling your task, Lilian Hulf Soulcoach
Thank you and much love!
I’m surprised Holy Basil / tulsi wasn’t mentioned. I’ve used it extensively and still use it when I’m feeling stressed. It helped me with depression, anxienty, stress and stressful situations. Absolutely no side effects no matter how much you consume.
Hi Linda,
Holy Basil is incredible, for sure! This was a candid talk with Rosemary and she spoke of the herbs that came to her in the moment. I’m sure she has fondness for Tulsi too 🙂
While in naturopathic medical school in Portland, Oregon, I was blessed to attend several lectures by Rosemary, mostly at the Pacific Northwest Herbal Medicine Conference. Though it was a long time ago, her teachings have stayed with me. Such wisdom! I was just telling a patient yesterday how much I love the herb Hawthorne, so it was nice to hear that this morning from Rosemary. I feel very much that this moment, though very difficult, is a moment of ecological transformation. Those of us who have dedicated our lives to healing must do our best, as she says, to stay aligned and conscious and to lead this transformation into new era. Thank you, Nick
Wise and Beautifully said! I loved her smile at the end! Thank you, Rosemary and Nick! ( :
How are Oats used as a herb?
Hi,
Any suggestions for healing shrinking fibroids outside uterus?
With gratitude and love
Dhriti
Rosemary said it very well! Thank you for your special light wonderful lady! Thank you also, for the lesson on calming herbs!
Hi Nick, I think your work is very important. Mike Addams the Health Ranger, is filling up an AI which is not woke and is filled with health information. He has said that if someone contributes to it he will give them their own information back in a good form as a thank you for their contribution. I have been following you and think it is important for your work to be included. Please check it out. Thank you
A wealth of valuable information.
Thank you Nick