If you live anywhere in the Southern US, you have probably seen these happy trees pop up every summer. Known as "The Silk Tree", the Mimosa loves to grow in dry, sandy earth. Officially classified as an "invasive species", the Mimosa actually has valuable medicinal uses for depression. Now that's something to smile about! The leaves and flowers of the Mimosa are well known in herbalism as an effective treatment for chronic depression.
Just looking at the delicate - almost fiber-optic - pink flowers makes me smile! But there's more to it than just pretty flowers. You'll be amazed (I know I was!) when you click the link below and see the many health benefits of the Mimosa tree.
In China, Mimosa bark is known as ‘collective happiness bark’, and has been used since the 2nd Century in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for "lifting the mood and calming the body". The bark of the mimosa tree is categorized as a herb that ‘nourishes the heart and calms the Shen.’ The Chinese concept ‘Shen’ has many translations but generally refers to spirit, mind, consciousness, vitality, soul, energy, or expression. This herbal remedy is used not only to calm the spirit and nerves but to promote circulation and relieve suppressed emotions such as depression, irritability, vexation, and malaise. It has also been used to treat cases of insomnia and traumatic injury.
How exactly does Mimosa work on the brain? Get your nerd glasses on for this short chemistry lesson ....
Known as "Nature's Valium", the chemical ingredients of Mimosa have been studied as a potential therapy for anxiety and stress. Specifically, the chemicals in the Mimosa tree bark, leaves and flowers help regulate "monoamine neurotransmitters". These neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are largely responsible for modulating our mood. The chemical compounds of the Mimosa tree were also found (in the same study) to reduce stress is by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Okay - that's enough big words. Who wouldn't get just a bit more happy looking at the pink Mimosa flowers. Do they look like little pink fiberoptic fireworks to anyone else but me??
Okay - so how do we turn these cute little fireworks into medicine? It's easy!
Step one: Go out into the sunshine and find a healthy, happy Mimosa tree.
Step two: Gently harvest a few flowers and leaves. Make sure you say "thank you". Remember - the trees are always listening!
Step three: Stuff the Mimosa flowers and leaves into a glass jar. Fill the jar halfway with alcohol (80 proof vodka works great - but feel free to try whatever you love). Fill the remainder of the jar with water.
**WARNING!! side note/squirrel moment**
Why am I using half alcohol / half water? Two reasons... first - alcohol is pretty darn expensive. Second - some of the chemical parts of a plant are water soluble and some are alcohol soluble. Let's get the benefits of both!
Okay - back to medicine making.
Step four: Close the lid tightly and store on a shelf in your apothecary. Yes - you are creating your own apothecary! Doesn't it feel good to make your own natural medicine??
Step five: Gently shake your Mimosa tincture once per day. Then go on about your life and wait for the magic to happen. Over time, you will notice the mixture turning a lovely amber color. This should make you very happy indeed! The medicine is being extracted and will be ready for use soon.
By now - you are probably asking... what dose is right for me? The answer to that question is - everyone is different. Start with a few drops in a glass of water. If you notice a difference in your happiness level, stay there. If you feel like you need a bit more, try a few more drops next time.
Listen to the messages from your body, mind and spirit to find the best dose for you.
Way to go! Creating your own happiness - one flower at a time.
You know what would make us REALLY happy at Happy Girl Farm? Leave a comment and let us know what you loved about this blog! Then share the happiness with a few friends.
Happy Girl Farm
Happy. Created.
#mimosa #plantmedicine #holistichealing #naturalwellness #herbalism #herbalst #herbalmedicine #happygirlfarm #plantmagic #medicinalherbs #clinicalherbalism
Commentaires