The Anti Police Terror Project

The Anti Police Terror Project is an organization in the Bay Area, led in part by Cat Brooks, that puts together actions to end police brutality. I have considered attending their next meeting in February because of what I have experienced personally with police.

Without getting too personal, let's just say I am left traumatized by their unprofessional and uncalled for brutalization of my dignity and humanity.

The Anti Police Terror Project was started to end police violence and harassment against black, brown and poor people. I suppose I qualify as one of the poor people. I don't believe the police have any business being called for mental health crises, as they only make matters worse for the ill individual. Mental health professionals are needed, not officers with guns and handcuffs. If nothing else, they could provide an escort, but they should never be the first responders.

The police in this country are being increasingly militarized and trained to incriminate, not keep the peace. Who are they protecting? Surely not we, the people.

Where is the winter?

 Global warming, also known as climate change, is doing a number on us this winter.  Most of the country is getting blasted by winter storms and here we are like it's spring. It may rain today but it won't be cold.

Now I know it's in the interest of the houseless that the nights not be so frigid, so I can't complain too much, but I remember a day in my childhood when I rejoiced that the weatherman forecasted 60 degrees, because it had been so darn cold. And that was in Bakersfield. I long for a real winter. I don't envy the poor folks in the rest of the country; their storms are just too much.  I'm just talking about a run of the mill, foggy, drizzly, chilly California winter. Not too much to ask I dare say.

Some theorize that HAARP and other government entities are exerting control over our weather and flocking us with chem trails to boot. I'm not going to say I 100% believe that. Maybe 90%. I still attribute much of this to plain old fossil fuel-charged climate change.

So what can we do? Well, not everyone can go out and buy a new hybrid car to offset the carbon. I sure can't but I don't drive anyway.  Taking public transportation is a good way to go. Walking and bussing is what I do. Will it immediately wipe the climate slate clean and grant us a normal winter?  Unfortunately not. But it's something. I sure am crossing my fingers for that rain today. And for a reprieve for the rest of the states that are inundated with ice and snow.

Valerian root test

Well, I didn't throw up at least. I believe that the advice to use valerian root consistently over time before you see results is likely to be accurate.

It did not help much with my physical restlessness, although I think the placebo effect of simply drinking a hot cup of tea affected my mental state positively. I'd say it was about a 25% success overall.

I don't have much valerian left to be using it at the recommended rate and frequency, so this remedy will have to be put to rest. Pun intended. My other standby, whole chamomile flowers, has not been working for me these days, but I do maintain a recommendation for others to use chamomile, as it did help me greatly in the past with both anxiety and depression, when my symptoms were not as severe as they are now.

I'm truly running out of ideas for a remedy for physical restlessness. I know that few people read this blog, but if you have any ideas, leave them in the comments section.

The small amount of valerian I used in the tea (I combined it with alfalfa leaf) may have something to do with the lowered effect, but I used a smaller amount because I feared another bout of stomach emptying. I've never been one for scientific accuracy, so take my advice with a grain or two of chamomile.

Valerian root for restlessness

Today I want to focus on valerian root.  It's a stinky herb (kind of smells like feet) that is used for various nervous conditions and anxiety. I used it in capsule form for years to sleep at night when my anxiety was at a low.

Now I have valerian root in herb form. About a month ago I made a tea with it and several hours after drinking it, I threw up.  However, I'm not convinced that it was the culprit so I'm having another go today. I am using about half a teaspoon of the root to be on the safe side and have combined it with relatively inert alfalfa. I've been drinking more alfalfa tea lately for its high chlorophyll and nutrient content. So we shall see if, number one, the valerian will stay down, and number two, if it does anything to mitigate my current physical restlessness.

Valerian root is said to work best after use over time, so I may not receive results today. But at least I'll find out if I can keep it down. A brave one, I am.