Finding Strength in Nature: How Herbs Are Helping Me Live with Parkinson’s

Five years ago, I began noticing changes in my body—tremors, stiffness, fatigue. A year later, I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Like many others, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain. But slowly, step by step, I found my way toward something that gave me hope: herbs.

This blog is not a prescription or cure—it’s a personal account of what’s helped me manage Parkinson’s symptoms using herbal support, developed in partnership with my doctors. Everyone’s journey is different. My goal is simply to share what’s worked for me, in case it might help someone else searching for support, comfort, or connection.

🧠 What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, mood, and motor control. It happens when neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra begin to die. These neurons are responsible for producing dopamine, a brain chemical that helps control movement and emotion.

Common Motor Symptoms:

• Tremors (especially in hands and arms)

• Muscle rigidity or stiffness

• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)

• Difficulty with balance, coordination, and posture

Common Non-Motor Symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Anxiety and depression

• Brain fog

• Digestive problems

• Insomnia or poor sleep

There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatment options can help manage symptoms. Most people take dopamine-replacement medication—but for many of us, that’s not enough.

🌿 Why I Turned to Herbs

Conventional medicine gave me a starting point. But I still struggled with things like sleep, mood, focus, and inflammation. That’s when I began exploring herbal support—natural remedies that have been used for centuries to nourish the nervous system, reduce stress, and support overall wellness.

With the full support of my primary care physician and neurologist, I slowly began integrating tinctures and Naturalis teas into my daily life. The shift didn’t happen overnight—but with time, patience, and journaling, I found a rhythm that worked for me.

🧪 A Quick Note on Safety

All of the herbs below were introduced one at a time, in low doses, under medical supervision. Everyone’s body and medications are different. Please consult your doctor or a clinical herbalist before starting anything new—especially if you’re already on Parkinson’s medications.

🌿 The Herbs That Support Me

These are the tinctures and teas that have helped me the most. They work together to support my nervous system, manage stress, lift my mood, and ease daily tension.

🫘 Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean)

• Why: Natural source of L-DOPA

• How it helps me: Gently supports movement and reduces tremors.

🌿 Ashwagandha

• Why: Adaptogen that helps with stress, energy, and brain function

• How it helps me: Calms my anxiety and supports restful sleep.

🍄 Lion’s Mane Mushroom

• Why: Supports nerve regeneration and cognitive clarity

• How it helps me: Improves my focus and helps reduce mental fog.

🌼 Turmeric + Black Pepper

• Why: Anti-inflammatory powerhouse

• How it helps me: Reduces stiffness and joint pain.

💜 Passionflower & Skullcap

• Why: Nervous system sedatives

• How they help me: Relax my body and mind on anxious days.

🌙 Valerian Root

• Why: Deeply calming, especially for sleep

• How it helps me: Helps me fall—and stay—asleep when my muscles won’t relax.

🌬️ Rhodiola Root

• Why: Increases mental and physical stamina

• How it helps me: Keeps me more energized during fatigue-heavy days.

🍫 Cacao (Tincture)

• Why: Rich in magnesium and antioxidants; uplifts mood

• How it helps me: Offers emotional balance and lightness during heavy days.

☕ Naturalis Herbal Teas

• Why: Teas like chamomile, lavender, and cacao blends soothe the mind and body

• How they help me: They’re my daily rituals—warming, calming, and grounding.

☀️ My Daily Routine

Here’s a glimpse into how I use these tools in a typical day:

Morning

• Lion’s Mane tincture

• Turmeric tea or capsule

• Rhodiola or Cacao tincture

• Light stretching

Afternoon

• Ashwagandha tincture

• Mucuna Pruriens tincture

• Calming tea blend if needed

Evening

• Passionflower + Skullcap tinctures

• Naturalis Chamomile & Lavender tea

• Valerian root tincture if sleep is difficult

I journal my symptoms daily to track progress, and I adjust dosages based on how I feel—with my doctor’s input.

❤️ What This Journey Has Taught Me

Herbs haven’t cured my Parkinson’s. But they’ve helped me feel more human again.

They’ve softened my anxiety.

They’ve eased my sleep.

They’ve helped me move with more grace on hard days.

And most of all, they’ve given me hope.

This path isn’t easy, and it looks different for each of us. But I believe healing can come from many directions—science, plants, spirit, community. And sometimes, the simplest rituals are the most powerful.

🛑 Please Read: A Gentle Disclaimer

This is my journey. Everyone’s Parkinson’s experience is different. What works for me might not work for you. This blog is not medical advice or a treatment plan—just a shared experience in hopes it brings someone else comfort or inspiration.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your routine, especially if you’re on medication.

🌱 Final Words

Parkinson’s changed my life—but it didn’t end it. Herbs gave me a way to reconnect with my body, my strength, and my purpose. I hope something in this post sparks your curiosity or encourages you to explore gentle, natural ways to care for yourself too.

If you have questions or want to explore these herbs further, feel free to reach out to me through the site. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

With warmth and solidarity,

– Cody

Founder, Naturalis Herbal