Maybe this herbal infusion will cure my anxiety!

I intuitively placed a bunch of herbs in my French press and turns out they all help with nervous system regulation

Jun 29, 2025

I’ve been trying to calm myself down for the past couple of weeks.

As I write this, my city is being attacked by inhumane I.C.E. raids. They are tearing families apart, snatching children out of schools, and holding them hostage without due process. An 8 pm curfew has been enacted in Downtown Los Angeles, and our clown of a president sent the National Guard to try to “maintain order”. However, what his party refuses to show and his cult-like followers refuse to believe is that these are mainly peaceful demonstrations. He’s manipulatively crafted a violent narrative to persuade the population that the city of Los Angeles is unruly, so he could attempt to enact martial law.

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I am witnessing history repeat itself with my own eyes and feel powerless. I can’t imagine the stress these families feel, and my body is reacting to the city's palpable chaotic energy. I don’t like feeling unsafe in my neighborhood and uncertain of what may happen next. We need change! However, before I can fully tap in, I need to get this anxiety under control and form better habits that will help me return to baseline quickly, so I don’t quit.

We rest and don’t quit.

I must devise a strategic rest plan so that I can maintain unwavering effort. So, I’m amping up my yoga practice, drinking a shit ton of herbal infusions and getting back into nature. Do I think this will actually rid me of my anxiety? NO! Life is unpredictable, and anxious tendencies may resurface. However, I do believe it will help me drastically.

Recently, my studio attendance dropped to one class per week, and I am feeling the effects. I have been so wrapped up trying to create systems for my new content creation endeavors and obsessing over the injustice happening in my city that I haven’t been pouring into myself as I should, which is leaving me depleted. My practice not only gets my body moving but also allows me to get out of my head. I turn inward during practice, and inward is where I need to be when the world around me is unpredictable. Plus, I am teaching my first class at my local yoga studio next month, and practicing will help me be better prepared.

In addition to amping up my yoga practice, I am limiting my caffeine intake. This one hurts, but it’s starting to affect me, and I need to let it go. I have switched to decaf, which isn’t horrible, and have begun making herbal blends instead. I have a full apothecary in my kitchen that I haven’t been utilizing, and the moment I decided to be more intentional about crafting teas and tisane, I’ve noticed an increase in my happiness. Yesterday, I intuitively grabbed some herbs and roots and mixed them in my French press, and was rather impressed by the combination of flavors that each herb and root displayed. The herbal infusion not only tasted delicious, but it also contained the exact spiritual and physical benefits my body needed to help calm me down.

I’m calling this blend B*tch, Calm Down. Each herb contains specific properties known to help calm the nervous system, help the body adapt to stress, and release emotional trauma.

Lemon Balm 1 tsp — With its lemony flavor, Lemon Balm acts like a mild sedative and can help soothe the nervous system. As part of the mint family, this herb contains rosmarinic acid, a key compound known for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Studies show that this powerhouse herb can help improve sleep quality and aid in digestive discomfort. In addition to its medicinal benefits, it’s a culinary favorite and is excellent in jams, drinks, and other dishes.

Spiritually, this herb represents the water element and has been used for healing, influencing love, and success.

Holy Basil (Tulsi) 1 tsp — This is by far my favorite herb! It is known as the Queen of Herbs in India and has adaptogenic, spiritual, and healing properties. It can help the body adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Additionally, studies have shown that Holy Basil can help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and improve cognitive function. If applied topically, it can help with insect bites and reduce inflammation.

Spiritually, it attracts positive energy, promotes peace and prosperity, and fosters a connection with the Divine.

Rosehips 1/2 tsp — Rosehips are high in vitamin C and help the immune system. They are fruits of the rose plant and can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and support digestion.

Spiritually, rosehips support heart healing and emotional stability. In folk magic, this fruit is used to ward off negative energy and release emotional trauma.

Cramp Bark 1/2 tsp — Acts as a gentle antispasmodic for all kinds of muscle tension and is helpful for back pain, leg cramps, or post-exercise soreness. This root has been used to help women with endometriosis, fibroids, and heavy bleeding.

Spiritually, cramp bark teaches the spirit how to surrender tension and stored pain.

Raspberry Leaf 1/2 tsp — Helps to strengthen the lining of the uterus. It is spiritually linked to the womb, helping those who consume it to reconnect with their intuition, inner-strength, and power. Raspberry leaf contains plenty of vitamins such as A, C, and E. It’s rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

In African American folk magic and ancestral practices, raspberry leaf is used for love, protection, fertility, and feminine power. I’m choosing to focus on the protection and love this herb contains as I prepare it for my herbal infusion.

Red Clover 1/2 tsp — Helps release stagnant emotions and internalized energy, especially anger, grief, or shame stored in the body. Contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, supporting overall wellness, energy, and calm. Contains phytoestrogens —plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen, which can help ease symptoms of PMS, menopause, and hormonal imbalance.

Spiritually, this herb helps attract prosperity and abundance if used while bathing and repels negativity if used as a floor wash. It promotes inner peace, harmony, and provides protection.

Cinnamon Stick 1/2 — This powerhouse bark has an array of health benefits. Studies have shown that cinnamon helps manage blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and is a source of essential vitamins, including A, K, zinc, and potassium.

Spiritually, cinnamon can raise the vibrations in a space, attract money, and provide protection. Use as an incense or a floor wash, cinnamon is a household staple.

Once all of your ingredients are mixed, pray over them. Let this be intuitive and call on the healing and spiritual energies that are listed for each ingredient.

Let steep for 10 minutes, drain, add a bit of honey or agave, and enjoy.

Maybe this herbal infusion will cure my anxiety!

I intuitively placed a bunch of herbs in my French press and turns out they all help with nervous system regulation

We rest and don’t quit.

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