Buddhism

Catnip- I know what you may be thinking; yes cats find it irresistible, but it also provides us a very refreshing, aromatic, and tasty tea! This tea will relax and stimulate, making you feel relaxed and at ease but filled with vigor all at the same time. It has an abundance of medical uses as well. Catnip can be used as an aid against insomnia, indigestion, the flu, anxiety, and even cramping. This woodsy tasting tea will erase your restlessness and nervousness leaving you with a feeling of calmness and peace.

Valerian- This makes a very strong and potent tea that relaxes the entire nervous system. This tea will not only relax your whole body but will also help against insomnia, depression, upset stomach, fear, and stress. This tea is also great for mixing with other teas or herbs such as Lemon Balm. However this earthy tea must be used with caution. To much Valerian can lead to headaches and lethargy, so please use desertion.

Linden- The dried flowers, leaves, and wood from the Linden tree make a sweet tasting and light floral scented tea that will leave the body with a relaxed feel. In some regions of Europe this tea is an old household remedy for anxiety, indigestion, headaches, and insomnia. Linden is also suggested to be a great treatment for high blood pressure and heart palpitations. 

Motherwort- This tea is commonly used for palpitations and nervous heart problems. Motherwort also can help with PMS and delayed menstruation, but is not safe for expecting mothers and nursing mothers to ingest. This tea will also relax your nervous system, but unlike Valerian you won't have to be as cautious while drinking this wonderful tea. However this tea is very bitter so it may be best taken with a sweetener like honey or sugar. 

American Passionflower- This vegetal-tasting tea will relax your body and mind for meditation. American Passionflower is an excellent sleep aid as well. This tea is very safe to ingest, but like Motherwort it is best to skip out on this tea if you an expecting mother. This tea helps with seizures, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, and fibromyalgia.

Om Mani Padme Hum

What is it?- Om mani padme hum is a ancient six syllable Sanskrit mantra.

What does it mean?- Each syllable represents something different and by chanting the mantra it helps cleanse you of the syllables antonym.

Om- Om means generosity, this cleanses pride and ego.

Ma- Ethics, purifies jealousy and lust for entertainment.

Ni- Patience, cleanses you of passion and desire.

Pad- Pad is diligence, this eradicates ignorance and prejudice.

Me- Renunciation of greed and possessiveness.

What are The Four Noble Truths?- The Four Noble Truths are a essence of Siddhartha Gautama's (Buddha) teachings. These four truths explain the origins of suffering, why we suffer, the end of suffering, and the path that leads to the end of suffering.

The First Noble Truth Dukkha (The Truth of Suffering)- Suffering comes in many different shapes and forms, three big and very obvious ones are death, illness, and aging. Life frequently never lives up to our expectations, as humans we are subject to cravings and desires. These too cause suffering. Pleasure does not last; but if it does, it becomes monotonous and dull. This is all very problematic, because when we are not suffering from external reasons we are still unsatisfied or unfulfilled. This is the truth of Dukkha.

The Second Noble Truth Samudaya (Origin of Suffering)- This truth reveals the root of all suffering and that is desire. Desire comes in three different forms. Greed, Ignorance or delusion, Hatred and destructive urges, these are described as the Three Roots of Evil, The Three Fires, and The Three Poisons.These are the three ultimate causes of suffering.

The Third Noble Truth Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering)- This is the possibility of liberation from suffering and to liberate ones self from attachment. This Noble Truth is where Nirvana is explained. Nirvana is a state of pure spiritual joy and enlightenment that is achieved when one has extinguished The Three Fires. Someone who reaches Nirvana does not simply disappear into a heavenly kingdom, but feels spiritual enlightenment without any negative emotions or fears; they also they are removed from the cycle of rebirth. What is after that is still a mystery. If you desire for Nirvana you will never reach it. 

The Fourth Noble Truth Magga (The Path to Cessation of Suffering)-  The final Noble Truth is the path to end suffering. This is the where The Eightfold Path comes into affect. The 8 paths are

Right Understanding- Acceptance of Buddha's teachings.

Right Intention- A commitment of cultivating the right attitudes.

Right Speech- Speaking Truthfully, avoiding slander, gossip and verbal abuse.

Right Livelihood- Avoid making a living that causes harm.

Right Effort- Cultivating a positive state of mind, and freeing oneself from evil and unwholesome states, as well as preventing them.

Right Mindfulness- Developing awareness of the body, sensations, and states of mind

Right Concentration- Developing the mental focus needed.