Episode 179
3 powerful ways to tend your nervous system in tumultuous times
{ft Efan Hsieh & Kristen Timchak}
hosted by clinical herbalist & integrative health educator Kay'aleya Hunnybee
3 powerful ways to tend your nervous system in tumultuous times
{ft Efan Hsieh & Kristen Timchak}
Download on Apple | Download on Spotify | Download on Google Podcasts
We're all navigating so much right now. Collectively, relationally, personally.
This week's episode explores three different frames for understanding and tending your nervous system when it's stretched, strained, burnt out or plain dysregulated.
In addition to the collective unrest so many of us are feeling, this week I learned about the loss of John Gallagher (founder of Learning Herbs).
What has struck me most about the loss (aside from honoring his immense legacy in modern herbalism) was that he was struggling. With insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
And that the current political climate, including the potential for immense ecological loss, was part of what may have tipped his mental health struggles over the edge.
It's just so big, all of it. And so many of us are feeling it.
And whatever we're struggling with - collectively, relationally, personally - we're all navigating something right now.
I want to acknowledge that, rather than gloss over it, and offer some resources and tools that may perhaps be useful for you in these tumultuous times.
We all have to find our way, and we don't have to do it alone.
Which reminds me of Alexandra Blakely's song:
"you do not carry this all alone
no you do not carry this all alone
this is way too big for you
to carry this on your own
so, you do not carry this all alone"
It's not a song, or an herb, or a practice that will heal us. It's a collective practice that is ongoing.
But if you're interested in some powerful ways to tend your nervous system in these times, listen to the wisdom from Efan Hsieh, Kristen Timchak and myself in this week's medley episode for some inspiration.
** dedicating this episode to the memory of John Gallagher **
Resources:
- Grab the free guide: Track your cycle with FAM (and symptom tracking)
- Episode 41: How nature connection can calm burnout w Efan Hsieh
- Episode 50: Adaptogens + hormonal health
- Episode 97: Nourish your nervous system with Ayurveda w Kristen Timchak
DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.
Trusted sources for bulk herbs:
LARGE COMPANIES
- Mountain Rose Herbs (affiliate link - same price as anywhere, I just receive a tiny kickback)
- Mountain Rose Herbs (not an affiliate link, Mountain Rose gets all your $)
- Pacific Botanicals - California-grown and globally sourced herbs
- Banyan Botanicals - Ayurvedic herbs
REGIONAL, FARM-BASED COMPANIES
- Zack Woods Herb Farm (VT)
- Healing Spirits (NY)
- Sawmill Herb Farm (MA)
- Oshala Farm (OR)
- Meetinghouse Farm (ME)
- Sonoma County Herb Exchange (CA)
Learn to track your cycle and listen to your own body wisdom - Track Your Cycle Simply in 3 Easy Steps Guide (click here)
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