Armenian Herbal Handguide for Grief
Since the pandemic, we have been forced to face our own mortality, grief and loss to a greater extent than in the earlier chapters of our lives. Inevitably we have grown numb, despondent, folded into ourselves to make it through the torrent of fear, panic, helplessness, death of family members and the sufferings of our friends. Continually, we have had to negotiate between selflessness and self-preservation.
During this same time frame, Armenians and our allies have had to endure the psychological, physical, financial, and emotional damage of an unprovoked war that has culminated in the complete dissolution of Artsakh. An added footnote in the long list of our peopleโs displacement, loss of ancestral lands, destruction of security and genocide.
The world map of Fra' Mauro, 1459. Museo Galileo.
Reclaiming our relationship with the land that we have been robbed of can be a small relief to the burden of resistance and healing that we shoulder.
Medieval and folk Armenian medicine venerated the following herbs for their merits to alleviate spiritual and physical suffering. Alongside each herb, I have included the methods they used when the source material referenced it along with a recommended practice denoted with ึ.
Cinnamon ๐ฟ was consumed both in itโs dry form as well as in tea to help counter nausea, forgetfulness and sharpen the mind. Armenians specifically identified cinnamon oil as beneficial to nervous agitation/trembling, and for dealing with drastic change. They prescribed 3 grams of it to be consumed a day. ึ Try putting cinnamon powder in your coffee, brewing cinnamon tea or simmering cinnamon sticks in grapeseed oil over the stove at a low heat for 2 hours. Strain the oil and apply to your pressure points.
Parsley ๐ฟ was consumed to help alleviate fear, headaches, migraines, and nausea. Armenians would consume parsley infused honey or crush its seeds into oil. Armenians specifically identified parsley seeds as being beneficial to strengthening โีถีฅึีฃีธึีฎีธึีฉีซึีถโ (nerkordzoutyoun) which can otherwise be understood as our internal energy, drive or will. They prescribed 2.5 grams of parsley seeds at a time. ึ Try brewing parsley seed tea or creating parsley infused honey by placing dry parsley into a jar of honey (1:2 ratio) and letting it sit for a week, then add it to your tea.
Jasmine ๐ฟ petals were used to make oil to treat bone pain and rashes but the power of this flower was rooted in its scent. Armenians believed that breathing in the aroma of jasmine would help clear a troubled mind and even treat paralysis. ึ Try sourcing jasmine essential oil for aromatherapy, or bringing a large pot of water mixed with jasmine petals to a low simmer and allow for the steam to fill up your space.
Lemon Balm ๐ฟ was believed to help clear and sharpen a mind in turmoil. Its consumption was recommended for digestive support and to strengthen the liver. Our ancestors most notably isolated lemon balm for its spiritual and energetic power. They would dry its leaves, seeds and roots and wrap them into a silk pouch to be carried as a totem for good fortune and bliss. ึ Try brewing lemon balm tea before bed, or I deeply reccomend honoring their practices by carrying a little bit in your pocket.
Burdock Root ๐ฟ was a favorite of our ancestors when it came to treating inflammation, pain, wounds and burns. They would make tinctures using alcohol and its roots to treat internal pain as well as topically to relieve swelling. ึ Inflammation, heat and anger have a deep relationship with one another. If youโre feeling frustration, prepare a tea blend of cloves and burdock root โ a favored pairing by our ancestors.
Armenian Bole (Red Clay) ๐ฟ is not typically thought of outside the realm of skin ailments but Armenians believed that topical application of this indigenous dirt could help with ailments ranging from depression to enlarged spleens, animal bites and poisoning. They favored mixing it with turmeric powder to help reduce inflammation, or blending it with centaurium and honeysuckle as a topical poultice for wounds. ึ Try sourcing Morrocan red clay as a close substitute and mixing ground turmeric or honeysuckle and apply as a mask.
Nettle ๐ฟ cannot be overstated in its importance, or its benefits in the eyes of our people. Nettle leaves and seeds were prepared in tea, as fresh poultices, cooked as side dishes to help treat congestion, cough, circulation, and menstruation to name a few. Relevant to this topic, they believed that honey infused nettle that is consumed can help slow down and calm erratic breathing. ึ Remember that fresh nettle stings due to its formic acid content. Try a preparation of nettle tea as a calming agent, or creating nettle infused honey by placing dry nettle into a jar of honey (1:2 ratio) and letting it sit for a week.
Thyme ๐ฟ was used both topically for bites and swelling, as well as consumed for digestive support and nausea. Notably, our ancestors would mix thyme with vinegar and spread this over their forehead to help sort through mental fog. Fresh poultices were also prepared and applied to the forehead to help relieve headaches. ึ While one can adopt the same practices, burning thyme to inhale the aroma can be a good substitute. Thyme oil can also be prepared by infusing thyme in grapeseed oil and simmering for a few hours in a pot. Strain the oil and apply to temples.
Chamomile ๐ฟ was another herb our Ancestors relied on heavily. It was infused in oil and used to treat ear pain, inflammation, circulation, dehydration and as an emolient. Armenians would bathe in chamomile to bring about sleep and relaxation. They would prepare a poultice with its dried leaves and flowers and apply to different parts of the body to relieve pain. ึ Try adding chamomile to a tea bag and placing in your shower to honor their practices. Alternatively, break apart chamomile flowers in a shallow dish and add hot water to create a thick consistency, wrap within cheese cloth and apply to chest or forehead.
Mugwort ๐ฟ is an unassuming roadside herb that our ancestors relied on for most ailments. It was believed to counteract stroke, sciatica, tumors and swelling. Most relevant here, it was believed that smoking mugwort would help relieve anesthesia or numbness, and that mugwort infused honey would help relieve stress and heavy headedness. ึ Try using mugwort to center. Infusing it within honey for tea or burning a dried bundle in your space can be a beneficial and clearing ritual.
๐ฟ P.S. Lavender was also widely used in Ancestral Armenia. I omitted it here due to its established popularity in the realm of herbal medicine. It was believed to strengthen feelings, clear the head and uplift the mood when consumed with honey.
Please know some herbs may counteract medication or increase specific risks so please consult a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Chamomile and Thyme Infusion.
