Crystals for Anxiety: Harnessing the natural healing powers of crystals

by

Are you ever blindsided by debilitating waves of anxiety? Do you function day-to-day with a creeping shadow of anxiety threatening to close in? Do you have a tight chest and a busy mind when you try to fall asleep at night and first thing in the morning? Anxiety takes on many forms in todays society. While it looks different from one person to the next – the effect it is having on our lives is consistent. Learn how to leverage the natural healing powers of crystals to relieve anxiety. Likewise, creating new practises to keep you grounded and connected to this new sense of calm.

What are anxiety disorders?

Before we talk about how crystals can help, lets talk about what it is. Anxiety disorders are common, burdensome and costly to individuals and wider society. Anxiety has a sever negative impact on an individuals wellbeing and functioning. Furthermore, worsened physical health including higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality are other side effects of untreated anxiety disorders.

Typically categorized by hyperarousal, excessive fear and worry; anxiety disorders have become highly prevalent around the world with global estimates ranging from 3.8% to 25% across countries. As a result, we have a bunch of fear-bears and stress-heads trying to operate in a society with ever increasing noise and stimulus, who are treading water just to stay afloat.

Why try crystals?

Currently, typical treatment for anxiety disorders involves the prescription of pharmacological agents, cognitive behavioural therapy, or a combination of both. While these traditional approaches can be effective in reducing symptoms, one-third of patients will not respond to it, resulting in treatment drop-out and continued symptoms.

Research suggests that beyond treating symptoms, the extent to which traditional approaches are able to manage the ongoing and wider effects of anxiety disorders is unclear. In this vein, it is beneficial to explore different or combined approaches to dealing with and reducing anxiety. The use of crystals is a powerful method or aid to help tackle the wider, long-term effects of anxiety.

Different ways crystals can help with anxiety

Healing crystals and gemstones have been used for thousands of years as a way to deal with mental, physical and spiritual blockages. It is the energetic vibrations in our bodies which makes us receptive to the energetic vibrations of a healing crystal. That is to say, energy is able to surge from the crystal to you, and in the process can free up the flow of energy throughout your body. This blockage of energy, for instance, can cause discord in your body and create or contribute to anxiety.

Crystals and mindfulness

Importantly, the relationship between crystals and mindfulness also contributes to their healing abilities. The use of healing crystals combined with the education of how they effect the different levels of your chakra’s is important. Understanding what crystals will be most beneficial to you at different times is a great practise in mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practise of paying attention to the present moment purposefully and non-judgementally. Mindfulness-based interventions have proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Therefore, doing the inner work that comes with crystal healing will introduce mindfulness-based practises into your routine. To begin your learning about how chakras and crystals interact with each other check out this course.

Crystals and yoga

In addition, the combination of crystals and yoga, work together to achieve reduced stress levels and anxiety. Similar to mindfulness, the intervention of yoga as a meditative movement practise is helping people manage stress and anxiety.

The use of healing crystals and yoga both deal with the movement of energy through the body. Similarly, they are both used to free up energy blockages and enable the free flow of energy through your body, reducing stress and anxiety. Importantly, you should spend time learning about how yoga and crystals can be used together. For example, this course will teach you the foundations for these practises in channelling your inner zen hen.

Some calming crystals for me please

Depending on your chakras and personal energy, there will be different crystals you should try at different times. There are however, common crystals used for their calming energies such as:

  • Moonstone – A powerful gem to relieve and calm stress and to release love
  • Labradorite – For strength and perseverance and to protect and balance the aura
  • Garnet – Revitalises, purifies and balances energy. Bringing serenity and alleviating emotional disharmony
  • Peridot – Reduces stress, anger and guilt
  • Mookaite – A nurturing stone that supports and sustains in times of stress

Above all, it is important to listen to your body and experiment until you find what feels like a good fit for you. Moreover, what is right for you now can change over time as you evolve and grow.

Buy the ticket, take the ride

The journey to self-sooth, heal, and learn deeply about yourself is constantly evolving and will never be complete. Subsequently, it is important to to continue your learning as you go. Here is a great starting point with some important crystals and information for your journey.

The Care and Keeping of the Thyroid Gland

by

Thyroid disease affects one in five women and one in ten men, yet 50% of people with thyroid disease go undiagnosed. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, trouble sleeping hormone imbalance, and more. The tiny thyroid gland regulates many body processes, so learning how to provide essential key nutrients for the thyroid can help keep it in tip-top shape.

Functions of the Thyroid Gland

Hormone Production

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It produces two major thyroid hormones:

Triiodothyronine (T3)

T3 is the active thyroid hormone. It is critical to ensure every system in your body works at the right speed. Moreover, it plays a role several major processes, including regulation of cholesterol, memory, metabolism, hair growth, fertility, as well as the maintenance of heart rate, respiration, and body temperature.

Thyroxine (T4)

T4 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone that your body converts into useable T3.

How it Works

The hypothalamus and pituitary glands regulate the production and secretion of T3 and T4 via thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), respectively. Thyroid hormones participate in a feedback system in your brain that also regulates many other hormones. Thus, the thyroid plays a part in regulating insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones.

When you don’t produce enough T3, or if your body lacks the nutrients to convert T4 into this active thyroid hormone, this is when problems arise. Thyroid dysfunction can affect metabolism, cellular development, and weight management, as well as cause other miserable symptoms.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the term for an under-active thyroid gland. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Hair loss
  • Depression
  • Sensitivity to cold temperature
  • Frequent, heavy periods
  • Constipation
  • Joint and muscle pain

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also called overactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body needs. While not as common as hypothyroidism, it can lead to other serious health concerns as well. Indicators of an over-active thyroid gland include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability or moodiness
  • Nervousness and hyperactivity
  • Sweating or sensitivity to high temperatures
  • Hand trembling 
  • Hair loss
  • Missed or light menstrual periods

Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction

Numerous culprits—from genetics to lifestyle choices—can affect thyroid function. Perhaps the most prevalent contributors to thyroid dysfunction include:

Inflammation

Inflammation in the body disrupts the endocrine system and causes immune system overdrive. This can adversely affect the thyroid gland. Poor diet is one of the biggest causes of bodily inflammation. Gluten, processed foods, food dyes, and other additives cause inflammation. An excess of meats, dairy products, and alcohol can also negatively impact the body.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Avoiding the wrong foods may not be enough. It’s important to make sure you consume foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals for your thyroid. We’ll discuss some of the specific nutrients your thyroid needs later in this post.

Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

We encounter numerous toxins throughout the day. Many of these toxins can disrupt the function of the thyroid gland, as well as many other endocrine organs. These toxins may be in the form of pesticides in our food and water, heavy metals, chemicals in personal care products, and more.

Stress

There is an intimate interaction between stress hormones and thyroid function. For this reason, addressing your stress levels is vital to correcting poor thyroid function.

3 Essential Nutrients for the Thyroid Gland

Several nutrients are necessary for the production of thyroid hormones as well as the conversion of T4 to T3.

Iodine

Approximately 90 to 95% of all available iodine in the body is located in the thyroid gland, and iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Iodine is a necessary component of T3 and T4. Because our bodies do not synthesize it, it’s important to make sure to get it through diet. The widespread iron deficiency is the reason for iodized salt. However, you can select healthier options to increase iodine intake. Consider eating foods such as fish, seaweed, navy beans, potatoes, parsley, and dairy products, or adding an iodine supplement to your routine.

Selenium

The proper balance of thyroid hormones also depends on adequate selenium, which is involved in the process of converting T4 to T3. Selenium also plays a role in protecting the thyroid gland from toxins. Selenium deficiency can degrade cellular thyroid activity, even when hormone levels are normal. Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, halibut, spinach, and eggs, contain selenium, or you can take it in a supplement.

Zinc

Zinc is also essential for the conversion of thyroid hormones and helps maintain a healthy metabolism. The following foods provide zinc: pumpkin seeds, shellfish, legumes, eggs, whole grains, dark chocolate. Or you can also take a zinc supplement.

Essential Oils for the Thyroid Gland

Essential oils may help calm anxiety and sleeplessness associated with thyroid imbalance. They can also help combat inflammation and offer protection to the entire endocrine system.

Essential oils to reduce inflammation

Essential oils to reduce stress

Essential oils that support thyroid function

  • EndoFlex Blend – a blend of spearmint, German chamomile, sage, sesame seed oil, myrtle and geranium essential oils. This blend may help support the overall function of the thyroid gland.
  • Rosemary – may help reduce hair loss associated with thyroid dysfunction
  • Myrtle – an adaptogen that may help regulate the function of an over- or under-active thyroid.

Come learn more about how inflammation affects your entire body, as well as what you can do to combat it.

Want to dig deeper into understanding your thyroid health? Come download this free booklet!

Potato Malai Kofta with Sautéed Spinach and Tomato Chutney

by

If you are feeding people who are sceptical of vegetarian food being able satiate BIG hunger, this traditional Indian vegetarian dish will have them converted. Moreover, they will also reap the rewards of the various ‘nightshades’ by way of the potato and tomato in this recipe.

Nightshades, friend or foe?

So what are nightshades and are they good or bad?

Nightshades are vegetables belonging to the family of plants with the Latin name Solanaceae. Examples of common nightshades are potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

So, this recipe may be considered high in nightshades, but is this a bad thing?

Firstly, nightshades contain ‘solanine’, an alkaloid which is toxic in high concentrations. Trace amounts of solanine is found in potatoes however is usually safe for consumption. Secondly, nightshades are purported to be problematic for those with autoimmune disease due to their high lectin, saponin, and capsaicin content. That is to say, as suggested by different research, that nightshade intolerance may be caused by underlying issues.

The humble potato

Potatoes have been an affordable, healthy, and staple part of our diet for many hundreds of years but recent research shows a decline in the consumption of ye old faithful. Attributed to this, is the inconsistent research showing that “Western” consumption, which includes all potatoes regardless of preparation method (think French fries and crisps) is linked to weight gain and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Hidden Magic

But, on the other hand, when not re-packaged as a fatty snack, the potato is a wonderfully beneficial part of any balanced diet. Potatoes are an important source of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, niacin, and folate.

Furthermore, glycoalkaloids found in potatoes and tomatoes have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells!

With a potato, it’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it

In other words, like with so many things it is not necessarily what you do, but rather; the way that you do it.

As with the detection of any food allergies, pay attention to how your body responds when you eat a dish heavy with nightshades. Likewise, keep in mind that cooking methods will also affect the nutrient content of your food.

Above all, experiment with healthy recipes such as these and have fun while learning what is best for your body.

Make it a Meal

Combine this Potato Malia Kofta with Sautéed Spinach and Tomato Chutney with a fresh side of barely braised greens.

Traditional Korean Bibimbap

by

This Bibimbap offers a fancy way to use all of the left over bits and bobs in your fridge after the festive season.

Korean Culture

Existing in Korean culture for centuries, Bibimbap is a dish originating in rural areas of Korea and was popular for being a cheap traditional meal that did not require a lot of time or space to make.

The term “bibim” means mixing various ingredients while the term “bap” refers to rice. It is the “bibim” element of this dish which allowed farmers wives to get creative. As a result, they were able to use whatever vegetables they were cultivating that season and mix them with whatever else they had left over in the house. Subsequently, the Bibimbap became very popular throughout the country.

Bibimbap in the West

Not surprisingly, Bibimbap eventually spread to the west—and because of its highly customizable nature—has become a very popular dish around the world. As a result, Bibimbap has become a symbol of Korean culture to non-Koreans.

Modern Day Farmers

As farmers used whatever crops were in their backyard, similarly you can customise your Bibimbap with seasonal produce from your local markets. Likewise, you can turn your attention to whatever stragglers are left behind in your fridge. For instance, after the festive season feasts are finished but your fridge is still carrying some holiday weight.

Being Thrifty and Fancy with Your Bibimbap

In conclusion, this dish is the pinnacle of a “waste not want not” meal. That is to say, use what is abundant and use what is there. This will certainly create a colorful and visually pleasing dish. But cooking, however, will not be a time intensive exercise.

Above all your Bibimbap will be delicious. So invite some friends over and enjoy it together.

Make it Perfect

In addition, nail this dish with perfectly cooked rice.