THE BEGINNING

We'd have to go back to my childhood to get at the beginning of my interest in this art, but to get at the beginning of "AbbysHerbs.com" (now AbbysHerbShop.com) we only need to look back to the last few years. Botanicals have produced astounding results for me and I am a lifelong believer, particularly in the 'miracle' of herbs. One day, in the Fall of 1995, I stumbled across an herbal solution for aging skin. Having just turned 50, I quickly put it to the test and Abby's Regenerating Herbal Skin Cream was born. The news quickly spread and new products were developed along the way. Everyone reported successful results and the roller coaster ride began, first locally and then on the internet. We debuted on the World Wide Web in April of 1997.

As I walked through the lab this morning, I was thinking of all the sacrifices it took to get where we are today. Abby's Herb Company is now standing strong and getting stronger every day, but as I walked past a newly placed mirror, I was caught off guard by what I saw. Abby, the woman, looks a bit tattered. Taking stock of the way I've been feeling, I had to admit my physical condition is also showing signs of wear and tear.

Would I do it all again? YES! :::without hesitation::: It has been very exciting and rewarding, but I would pay closer attention to the balancing act.

RETURNING TO BALANCE

Throughout the growing pains of this company, I have had to take the bull by the horns many times. Recently we went through a systems failure. During that time, I felt like the bull had me by the horns! Better stated, I felt like I was riding a fire breathing bucking bronco and I was hanging on for dear life!

Peace has returned to our happy establishment thanks to our wonderful staff and we have learned some valuable lessons. Now it is time for me to turn my attention to bringing balance back to our personal lives.

PERSONAL CHOICES

First, we should consider our personal choices. By that I mean we should look closely at the following questions and try to find balance in a personal way. A good friend of mine used to remind me that "everything is subject to change." It is possible to make changes in all of the following areas. Remember, we are striving for the right balance.

1) How do I spend the hours in my day?

2) What is my mental attitude overall and at particular times of the day?

3) Am I getting enough rest or too much rest?

4) Am I getting enough sleep or too much sleep?

5) Am I getting enough exercise or too much exercise?

6) Am I doing enough work or working too much?

7) Am I spending enough time with my family?

8) Am I happy, loving, and kind?

9) Do I love myself?

Second, we should consider what we put into our bodies. I've been guilty of dropping the ball in this area recently and my body is letting me know. The following suggestions are mainly for me, but if you find yourself in my boat, they may benefit you too. I'm including an easy to make arnica body oil recipe and some other suggestions I will be using myself.

HERBS FOR BALANCE

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is adaptogenic, helps the body adapt to stress and promotes a return to normal function. This herb is most effective in the treatment of prolonged exhaustion or debility, resulting from overwork and long-term stress. That describes my current condition to a "T" ... we are serving up a cup of Siberian ginseng root tea to the whole staff as I type. Yummy! This herb should not be taken for more than 6 weeks at a time. Do not take it during illness without professional advice, but you may take it in convalescence to aid recovery from chronic illness. Avoid caffeine when taking Siberian ginseng and do not exceed the recommended dose. I will be having a cup of Siberian ginseng root tea twice a day for the next few weeks. Tincture may be taken 1/2 tsp with water 3 times a day for up to 6 weeks and it may also be taken in capsule or tablet form (read the label for doses). By the way, this herb is also efficacious for insomnia caused by exhaustion. Its adaptogenic effects bring back a balance letting you work well all day and sleep well all night.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) eases stomach pain and neutralizes acidity throughout the body. This herb has salicylates which help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. I will be drinking one or two cups of meadowsweet tea during the day for the next few weeks.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) eases digestive problems and relieves emotional tension. Known to "lift the spirits" and relax the heart, lemon balm is going on my list of herbal tea to drink in the evening.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is an excellent tonic after long-term stress. Technically, damiana is a thymoleptic. It restores the nervous system and has a stimulating action on the body and mind. It is also a urinary antiseptic, partly due to the constituent arbutin, which is converted into hydroquinone. Damiana tea has a pleasant taste and I will be having one cup per day whenever I feel the need for a pick-me-up.

Arnica (Arnica montana) improves the local blood supply and speeds healing. Kimberly (our topnotch formulator) has made us some arnica body oil. By the way, I'd be lost without Kimberly working by my side. She's another staff member I can't praise enough.

Arnica Body Oil Recipe: Place about 1/2 cup arnica flowers in a nonmetal pot and cover with a good base oil. Kimberly used about a cup of sweet almond oil. Cover the pot and simmer on very low heat for about 45 minutes. Strain the oil and allow it to cool. Bottle and label. I will be using this oil in a full body massage to ease muscle tension and strain. That reminds me! I need to call my friend, Sue, the masseuse, for an appointment. She will no doubt tell me how tense my muscles are while she proceeds to fuss at me for waiting so long to call. :-)

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

I will be doing a few other things that you may also want to consider doing yourself if you have been under a heavy work load or emotional stress.

1) I will stick to a work schedule and not allow myself to overwork.

2) I will set a bedtime and hit the pillow instead of passing out in my reading chair.

3) I will get up from this computer desk more often and step outside for some fresh air.

4) I will take more exercise in the form of fun instead of drudgery.

5) I will keep that important date with my grandson, Ryan, every Friday night. :-)

6) I will eat real meals instead of 'fast food.'

7) I will take supplements of vitamins C, B Complex, and magnesium.

8) I will pull my vegetable juicer out of the cabinet and use it.

9) I will bring balance back into my life.

In our last newsletter, I asked if Dr. John Allocca had published a cookbook. Indeed he has (Essential Nutrition, 2nd Edition) and he graciously sent me a copy. Thanks Dr. Allocca, it arrived at the most opportune time.

Our goal is to bring collective knowledge together to provide accurate herbal information, giving references whenever possible, for the purpose of being informed when choosing self-help and alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. At no time should this publication be considered prescription or treatment, nor should any information published herein be misinterpreted as such. The publishers can not be held responsible for the mishandling of information by its readers.

Please do not take herbal information lightly.
Remember our motto is ... When in doubt, don't!
Until next Monday I remain,

Herbally yours, Abby

Lynda "Abby" Trahan
Abby's Herb Company
P.O. Box 213
Round Top, TX 78954

lynda@abbysherbshop.com
www.abbysherbshop.com

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