posted December 10, 2008 09:00 AM         

Different people have different levels of energy, intrinsically and I have come to know that we have to work with our natural way of being.

When I got put on a heart medication, I was knocked down even further than I am naturally (a side effect of the med) so I had to do something.

When I eased way back on the booze, gave up coffee/caffiene (had to do that anyway cause of my heart), began taking vitamin and mineral supplements, tweaked out my diet I felt a whole hell of alot better, than I have my entire life!

I am still way layed back and calm, but it is more an approach to life, rather than a physical way of be-ing.

And, folks who carry the Neptune energy are highly sensitive anyway, so we have to be very careful as to what we expose ourselves to, externally and internally.

Maybe caffiene is over-stimulating your sensitive system and even tho you sleep, you never really get caught up? Just a thought.

Good luck and blessings!!!

posted December 12, 2008 07:23 PM         

You could try taking Gotu Kola -- it's not very expensive.....

More recent studies confirm many of gotu kola's traditional uses and also suggest possible new applications for gotu kola, such as lowering high blood pressure, treating venous insufficiency (pooling of blood in the veins, usually in the legs), boosting memory and intelligence, easing anxiety, and speeding the healing of injuries.

Benefits of Gotu Kola

The benefits of Gotu Kola come from a slender creeping plant. The herb grows in the swampy areas of India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Its Latin name is Centella Asiatica.
Gotu Kola is also grown in Australia, South America, and even the south eastern United States.

Uses For Gotu Kola

Some uses for Gotu Kola include the reduction of fatigue, the strengthening of memory, and in treating venous insufficiency. Varicose veins, circulation, and wound healing are also aided by Gotu Kola.
The benefits of gotu kola help increase longevity, prevents memory loss, and it is also used as an aphrodisiac. Substances called Triterpenoid Saponis in Gotu Kola aid in wound healing; this is done by decreasing venous pressure in venous insufficiency.

Benefits of Gotu Kola

Asiatocide and madecassoside have anti-inflammatory properties and may promote wound healing by stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. The herb has preventative and therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal ulcers.

Gotu Kola be anti-ulcer, as a result of the strengthening action on gastric mucosal lining, and the suppressing of free radical damage. The herb has been used as a sedative, an anticonvulsant, and analgesic (pain reliever). Gotu Kola may also have antibacterial activity against various bacteria, such as pseudo moans, pyocyaneus, trichidermia, and mentogrophytes.

Other areas that might benefit from the use of Gotu Kola include aging, arteriosclerosis, depression, and headaches. High blood pressure, hypoglycemia, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and wound healing can all be helped with the use of Gotu kola.

Further benefits of Gotu Kola

The herb Gotu kola is known widely for promoting healthy skin, and helping in the aid of skin irritations, such as burns, scar tissue, psoriasis, and similar conditions.

Studies have shown recently that Gotu Kolait can have further benefits benefits than the ones mentioned, such as improving mental acuity, combating and aiding in memory deterioration, and improving ones blood flow by strengthening numerous blood vessels.

Many other herbs don’t have much information on them, however, the benefits of gotu kola benefits are shown in various clinical studies.

A book we recently came across from Reader's Digest called "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs" says that: "In one study, 30 developmentally disabled children were found to have significantly better concentration and attention after taking gotu kola for 12 weeks..." and "In more than a dozen studies observing gotu kola's effects on veins...about 80% of patients with varicose veins and similar problems showed substantial improvement."

As you can see from above, studies are shown that that the herb has some excellent
benefits for ones health.

Another suggestion would be ginseng, the Siberian rather than Panax.....

Siberian GinsengThe Herb for Energy and Stress
© Janet Zand L.Ac., O.M.D.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We would all like to have more energy. And who doesn't want to find ways to reduce stress? Since there are so many natural remedies available to you, I certainly want to make sure you have included the herb Eleutherococcus senticosus in your program.

The more familiar name for this botanical remedy is Siberian Ginseng, and its benefits for stress and energy are renowned. Results from extensive research by Russian scientists show it to be a powerful "adaptogenic" herb used to help the body's reaction to stress. This category of herbs assists in the body's "nonspecific resistance" to stress, fatigue, and disease. It is used in Russia and other former Soviet republics by athletes, industrial workers, and laypersons alike. The Chinese have long believed that regular use of Eleuthero Ginseng increases longevity and improves general health, appetite, and memory. It is now commonly used in the United States and Europe by athletes and those with active lifestyles as an herbal supplement to enhance energy.

Siberian Ginseng is part of the Aralia family, as is the more commonly known Chinese Ginseng. Found in Siberia, northern China, and parts of Japan, this shrub can reach up to six feet tall at maturity. It is sometimes called "spiny" Ginseng, referring to its botanical name of Acanthopanax ("acantho" means spiny). Now correctly called Eleutherococcus, Siberian Ginseng grows abundantly in the wild, and like the other Ginsengs, has a relatively large root system. The roots are the coveted part of the plant, as they contain the active compounds, called eleutherosides. These eleutherosides include long chain sugars, known as glycosides, which have tonic properties to the metabolic system.

A close look at some of the research and studies on Siberian Ginseng shows exactly why it should be included in your program to enhance your health and overall energy. In the mid-1980's, an interesting study was completed by Japanese medical researchers showing that extract of Eleuthero Ginseng increases total work output on a stationary bike by 23.3% compared to a 7.5% rise in the case of the placebo. A Soviet study, conducted in the 1960's and repeated again in the 1980's, shows that Siberian Ginseng increases mental performance. In a telegraph control center, operators relayed a text continuously for five minutes, and then repeated the task one hour after ingesting 2 ml of Eleuthero extract in water. After the second five minute work period, those taking the herbal extract performed with significantly fewer errors than those in the control group. Other studies show that Eleuthero Ginseng increases overall health and reduces incidence of minor ailments like colds and influenza.

So how do you begin taking Siberian Ginseng? Since most of the successful studies that were done in the USSR involved an alcohol extract, this may be a good place to begin. However, you may also consider a tablet, capsule, or tea form. Siberian Ginseng may be taken alone, as a single remedy, or in combination with other synergistic herbs (herbs that work well together). Begin by using the recommended dosage two or three times daily. It is important to be consistent, using it daily for up to one month. Remember, Siberian Ginseng does not directly stimulate the central nervous system, so don't expect immediate changes in overall energy. All tonic herbs need time to support the complex metabolism of the body, including glucose-glycogen storage, the adrenals, and the cardio-vascular system. With consistent supplementation, you will usually get results. Be patient, since you are in it for the long-term health benefits anyway.

posted December 14, 2008 07:10 PM         

This is what I buy - $5.99 for a bottle that will last you well over a month:

posted January 06, 2009 12:24 PM         

Try treating yourself, at least once a day, to one or more of the following:
-a hot bath with aromatherapy oils
-fresh flowers
-a bowl of your favorite fresh fruit
-a dance class or yoga class
-a steam or sauna
-sleeping on the yummiest, comfiest clean linens
-a walk in a garden, or gardening yourself
-fresh herbs
-a massage
-sex with someone you adore
-a homecooked meal made with fresh, healthy, natural foods (your Taurus bits will like potatoes and fresh herbs)
-using an aromastone or natural scented candle
-walking barefoot in the grass
-a picnic
-napping outdoors

You need to feed your sensual self and all of your senses.

posted January 06, 2009 02:16 PM         

oh my gosh...
your list sounds heavenly...
I wish I could do those things....
maybe you are right. I'm not phsycailly comforted...When I'm physically comforted it helps being emotionally fulfilled. (Scorpio Moon in the 6th).

posted January 07, 2009 02:17 PM         

are you a student ?