Misophonia and Me: Dealing with Misophonia Using Herbs
Molly Sams
Essential Herbal May/June '16
Misophonia is a real mental disorder that can cause
discomfort, isolation, anger, rage, and even pain when hearing the sound of
chewing, lip smacking, pen clicking, or other repetitive sounds caused by
humans. For years I thought I was the only person in the world with this issue
and would feel terrible when I would have to leave the room when a family
member was eating carrots or plug my ears so I could watch a movie while
someone typed on their keyboard. I thought I would have to deal with this
forever by myself. Then one day my mother found a definition for it and I was
as relieved as I am every time I find my favorite ear buds in my purse.
Unfortunately, little research has been done to help treat those
living with misophonia but I found plenty of ways to cope. If you or your loved
one has this disorder, herbs can be incredibly beneficial and may even halt a
panic attack in its tracks.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy works wonders when someone with misophonia is
being triggered. My mother gave me
a little black cat doll filled with lavender
to take to school with me when I was little. Anytime the teacher cracked her
gum or a fellow student had the sniffles I would reach for my lavender-scented
friend and take deep, calming breaths. I cannot suggest this idea enough to
parents that have children with misophonia. They will never want to leave home
without it and it will help them learn to deal with their triggers in a healthy
and manageable way.
If you’re an adult and cannot bring a stuffed animal to a
meeting or presentation, you still can have the benefits of aromatherapy right
under your nose. In the winter I often wear a scarf. Before leaving home every day
I will usually spritz my scarf with our
lavender spritz or
liquid smudge. If
someone next to me in line is humming or tapping their feet I can discretely
lift the scarf over my nose and inhale slowly.
During the spring and summer I will often spritz the pages
of my current notebook with similar scents. That way I can begin writing or
doodling and inhale the fresh, calming scents without looking like I am huffing
a book.
Teas and Tinctures
I know between my mother
and I it sounds like a broken record but I will always suggest taking holy
basil. I often drink the tea but if I need a cup of coffee or I’m dying for
some ginger tea I will put holy basil tincture in it as well. I swear this
little plant has saved my life on many occasions. When I lived in New York I
was surrounded
by coughs, wheezing, and (my personal favorite) slurping. Every day before work
I would have a cup of holy basil tea or tincture in my morning cuppa. Then I
would bring the tincture with me to work and take it as needed. It helped me
get through the day and was always a quick pick me up if I was getting too
frazzled.
If Tulsi is a little too herbie tasting you may enjoy lemon
balm. It has a gentle citrus taste and has been used for years to combat SAD
(seasonal affective disorder). Though it is mainly taken for SAD I will drink
it hot or cold to help me calm down and readjust my focus away from the sound
that is distracting me.
It may seem counter-intuitive but I will also sip coffee a
lot of the time I’m trying to manage my symptoms. Unlike the herbs mentioned
above this plant is loaded with caffeine (as you already know). While it is
good to calm down and get out of your head when you are dealing with symptoms,
you do not want to lose energy or momentum. Having a cup of coffee will allow
you to escape the noise and stay focused on the task at hand.
Herb Sachet (or heck, a blanket)
While researching for this article I learned one way people
with misophonia manage symptoms is through physical pressure. By using pressure
on their forehead, chest, or other parts of their body they are able to calm
down and get through their day. Parents with children of misophonia have even
created pressure blankets filled with sand or small pebbles to help their child
feel grounded and calm. I found this absolutely fascinating and wondered how to
incorporate it with herbs. While I have yet to create a blanket I have begun to
use rice packs filled with lemon verbena and lavender to place on my forehead
or temples. I have also begun using warm tea poultices on my eyes to create a
comforting meditation. I have found it works really well for me and does create
a sort of grounding feeling when your mind is flying every which way to try to
stop the noise.
Spontaneous Garden Tour
Some people call it going for a walk but I enjoy running
around town looking at everyone’s front gardens. It is calming, gets me out of
my head, and you may find a new plant you absolutely need. During many walks
around town I see beautiful natives and new interesting plants that I take
pictures of or look up while I’m walking. It is a great learning opportunity
and I end my walk calm and fulfilled.
To those reading this because they have misophonia, it’ll be
ok. To those who love someone with misophonia, thank you so much for your
undying patience and love. And for those learning about this for the first
time, thank you for taking the time to understand.
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