In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate by the day, and the burdens of anxiety, stress, and chronic pain weigh heavily on many, there is a growing awareness and appreciation for natural holistic remedies. As individuals seek alternatives to the pharmaceutical solutions that often come with side effects and dependencies, a profound shift towards embracing the healing power of nature has emerged.  From age-old practices rooted in traditional medicine to contemporary approaches inspired by science, a world of holistic remedies awaits those in search of tranquility, stress relief, and chronic pain management. In this journey, you can explore a myriad of pathways that lead to wellness, harmony, and balance, guided by the wisdom of ancient traditions and the discoveries of modern science.

Bramblewood Farm and Market and Farmacy

In Talbot County, Georgia, there is a family farm called Bramblewood Farm that is woman and veteran-owned and operated. In 2021, the Morrison family sold their residence in the city and bought their present house and plot. They had the idea that they would raise their kids in an area where they could run wild and free while cultivating and collecting their dairy, meat, and fruit. What began as a desire to become more self-sufficient quickly evolved into a vision of a time when they could not only provide for their own needs but also the community with affordable, nutrient-dense vegetables, meat, and eggs that were produced utilizing organic farming techniques that promote regenerative growth. Healthy eating is only one aspect of obtaining total, whole-body wellness.

In addition to her work on the farm, Shelley is pursuing dual master’s degrees in integrative health science and herbal medicine. She offers in-person and online holistic health consultations where she focuses on a whole-body approach to wellness and works to give clients personalized recommendations that help them get to the bottom of the issue rather than just looking at symptoms. You can strive to be the healthiest version of yourself by juggling a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet with your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Most of Shelley’s customers have either mental health issues, chronic pain, or both. According to Rikard et al. 2023 and the World Health Organization’s March 2023 report, depression affects an estimated 280 million individuals globally, or about four percent of the population, and chronic pain affects an estimated 51.6 million adults in the United States, or about 21% of the population, in 2021. Additionally, depression ranks third in terms of the burden of disease worldwide. According to studies, up to 85% of people with chronic pain also experience severe depression; this is due to neurological pathways that link pain and depression and cause the two conditions to frequently coexist (Sheng et al., 2017).

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of Shelley’s favorite adaptogenic herbs in her store. Ashwagandha acts to regulate stress, anxiety, blood pressure, blood sugar, and even brain and heart health. It is a great herb for assisting the body in finding equilibrium.

Ashwagandha is a popular medicinal herb and adaptogen that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. It is native to India and is also known by other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.

Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stress and reduce stress-related symptoms. It is believed to have a calming effect on the central nervous system. It may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood by modulating neurotransmitters and reducing the stress hormone cortisol.

There is some evidence to suggest that Ashwagandha may have a positive impact on cognitive function, including memory and attention.

Ashwagandha has potential immunomodulatory properties which means it may help regulate the immune system and enhance its function. It may also possess anti-inflammatory properties.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha has been used to enhance sexual vitality and improve reproductive health in both men and women.

Athletes and bodybuilders sometimes use Ashwagandha supplements to potentially enhance muscle strength, endurance, and recovery.

Mind Over Matter

For people in need of mental health help, Shelley created another tincture called Mind Over Matter.

Lemon balm, catnip, hops, valerian, and passionflower make up this mixture. This carefully formulated mixture of medicinal herbs was created to assist and relax the nervous system while easing tension and anxiety. When combined into a holistic tincture, these herbs can work synergistically to enhance their benefits.

• Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a popular herb in holistic medicine due to its numerous health benefits. When used in a tincture, lemon balm can offer a variety of holistic advantages.

Lemon balm has calming and soothing properties that may reduce anxiety and stress. Additionally, it might help with insomnia relief and sleep quality improvement. Lemon balm contains antioxidant properties that support overall health. 

Lemon balm can aid digestion by soothing the digestive tract and reducing discomfort associated with indigestion and gas. A tincture may help deliver these digestive benefits.

Some studies suggest that lemon balm may have mood-enhancing effects, potentially alleviating symptoms of mild depression. When used as part of a holistic tincture, it may promote emotional well-being.

Lemon balm has been linked to improvements in cognitive function, including memory and concentration. A tincture can provide an easy and convenient way to incorporate this herb into your daily routine.

Lemon balm may have immune-boosting properties, potentially helping the body defend against infections and illnesses. Regular consumption through a tincture can support overall immune health.

Lemon balm has demonstrated antiviral properties, particularly against herpes simplex viruses. This could be beneficial for individuals dealing with cold sores or other viral infections.

Lemon balm may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be helpful for conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis. Integrating it into a tincture can provide a concentrated form of these anti-inflammatory compounds.

A topical application of lemon balm tincture may help soothe minor skin irritations, including insect bites and rashes.

• Catnip

Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta Cataria, is an herb that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties in various holistic remedies.

Catnip has mild sedative effects that can promote relaxation. It may also help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and restlessness. Catnip may aid in digestive health by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

Catnip contains compounds that may have analgesic effects. In a tincture, it can be applied topically to alleviate minor aches and pains or used internally for general pain relief.

Catnip has been used to help relieve respiratory issues like congestion, coughs, and mild asthma symptoms. When used in a tincture, it can be ingested or inhaled as a steam to provide relief.

The anti-inflammatory compounds in catnip can be beneficial for conditions involving inflammation, such as mild arthritis or sore muscles. Catnip tinctures have been used traditionally to alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort. It can help relax the uterine muscles and reduce pain.

Some individuals find that catnip has a mild mood-enhancing effect, which can help improve overall well-being and mood balance when included in a tincture.

Catnip contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

If you are struggling to sleep, catnip is often used to improve sleep quality and address mild insomnia. Incorporating it into a tincture can be an effective way to promote better sleep naturally.

• Hops

Hops are commonly associated with their use in brewing beer, but they also have several potential benefits when used in holistic tinctures and herbal remedies.

Hops are well known for their sedative and calming properties. They can help with insomnia, anxiety, and stress reduction. In a tincture, hops can be used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Hops contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as xanthohumol. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body, making hops tinctures beneficial for conditions like arthritis and joint pain.

Hops can aid digestion by promoting the production of gastric juices and increasing appetite. They may also help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

Hops also contain antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative damage. Antioxidants may contribute to overall health and wellness by reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Hops may have mild analgesic properties, making them potentially useful for managing minor aches and pains.

Some studies suggest that hops may have phytoestrogenic properties, which can help balance hormone levels in the body. This could be particularly beneficial for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Some women find relief from premenstrual symptoms by using hops tinctures.

Hops have been traditionally used to ease symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as coughs and bronchitis. Their anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe the respiratory tract.

Hops tinctures may have mood-enhancing effects. They can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

Hops contain natural antimicrobial compounds that can help combat bacterial and fungal infections. They may be used topically or internally to support the immune system.

• Valerian

Valerian is a popular herb in traditional and holistic medicine known for its potential health benefits, particularly in tincture form.

Valeria has a long history of use as a natural sedative and mild tranquilizer. It may help to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.  It is often used to improve sleep quality and treat mild to moderate insomnia. Valerian has anxiolytic properties. It can help calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Valerian has muscle relaxant properties, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing muscle tension, cramps, or spasms. Some people use valerian as a natural remedy for pain relief, especially for conditions like headaches, menstrual cramps, and certain types of neuralgia.

Valerian may help soothe digestive discomfort and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal issues.

By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, valerian can contribute to an improved overall mood and a sense of well-being.

Some studies suggest that valerian may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart-related issues when used as part of a holistic approach to cardiovascular health.

• Passion Flower

Passionflower is a beautiful and intriguing plant known for its potential holistic benefits.

Passionflower is often used as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. It contains compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids that may have calming effects on the nervous system which can reduce feelings of restlessness and promote relaxation. Passionflower is also known for its potential to improve sleep quality.

Some people find that passionflower tinctures help elevate their mood and reduce symptoms of mild depression. Passionflower’s calming properties can be beneficial for those dealing with nervous system disorders or conditions that involve overactive nerve responses, such as epilepsy.

Passionflower may have mild muscle relaxant properties, making it useful for relieving tension and muscle spasms.  It may also help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps.

The flavonoids in passionflower have antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals which can contribute to overall health and longevity.

Some studies suggest that passionflower may help lower blood pressure, which can be important for individuals with hypertension or those looking to maintain cardiovascular health.

Alcohol or narcotic withdrawal symptoms can occasionally be managed with the use of passionflower tinctures. It can ease anxiety and restlessness during the withdrawal process.

The Final Verdict

Natural holistic remedies like those created and available at Bramblewood Farm and Market and Farmacy offer a gentle and effective approach to managing anxiety, relieving stress, and alleviating chronic pain. By embracing practices like mindfulness, herbal remedies, dietary changes, and physical activity, you can holistically take control of your well-being. These methods not only address the symptoms but also promote overall health and balance in mind, body, and spirit. Integrating these holistic remedies into your daily life can contribute to a happier, healthier, and more harmonious existence. Embrace the power of nature and self-care to find relief and tranquility in your journey toward well-being.