Calming the Monkey Mind

Calming the Monkey Mind with Homeobotanicals: Insights learned from Deb Kerslake, Senior Fellow of the Homeobotanical Institute of New Zealand!

Recently, I had the privilege of taking a class with Deb Kerslake, a passionate teacher of Homeobotanical Therapy—a unique synergy of herbalism and homeopathy. Her approach weaves together tradition and innovation, and one particular insight stood out: how to calm the “monkey brain”—that restless, overactive mind that just won’t switch off.

What is “Monkey Brain”?

“Monkey brain” refers to that racing mind we all experience at times—when thoughts leap from branch to branch, making rest and relaxation elusive. Nerve-calming homeobotanical herbs can gently quiet this state, helping the body and mind return to balance.

Hb Serena: Rest, Relaxation & Recovery

Deb often recommends the remedy Serena, a blend designed to enhance restful sleep, physical recovery, and stress resilience. Two-thirds of its ingredients promote deep relaxation, while the rest are powerful adaptogens that help the body resist the effects of modern stress.

From Californian Poppy and Suan Zao Ren to Roseroot and Withania, Serena works at multiple levels: calming the nerves, aiding sleep, restoring energy, and supporting emotional equilibrium. It’s especially helpful in cases of anxiety, nervous exhaustion, chronic fatigue, and insomnia .

Hb E: Emotional Calm for the Nervous System

To support deeper emotional regulation, Deb combines Serena with Homeobotanical E (Hb E), a beautifully crafted formula that acts as a trophorestorative—herbs which help restore and normalize nervous system function, whether it is underactive or overstimulated.

Homeobotanical E addresses issues like panic attacks, nervous headaches, IBS from stress, and emotional exhaustion, with a blend of classic nervines like Chamomile, Passionflower, Skullcap, and Valerian. It’s particularly useful when emotional stress is at the root of physical symptoms .

Homeobotanical Spectra: Grounding Through the Rainbow

One of Deb’s most fascinating additions is Spectra, described as a “grounding” remedy. It incorporates herbs representing each color of the rainbow, supporting emotional grounding and energetic balance.

Used internally or externally, Spectra is especially helpful during life transitions—grief, puberty, moving, relationship changes—any moment when we feel disconnected or overwhelmed. It’s also incredibly useful for children, with applications for colic, nausea, emotional imbalance, and minor injuries .

Final Thoughts

It was eye-opening to learn that homeobotanicals have a trophorestorative effect, meaning they help restore tissue function, regardless of whether a system is hypo- or hyper-functioning. This adaptability makes them a powerful ally in holistic healing.

I’ve already begun incorporating these homeobotanicals into my work and am seeing beautiful shifts in clients—calmer minds, better sleep, improved emotional balance. The blend of homeopathy with herbal wisdom is truly something special.

If you’ve been struggling with restlessness, stress, or emotional overload, consider exploring these gentle, supportive botanicals. Nature has provided us with everything we need—and homeobotanicals help us remember how to use it.

Reach out today to begin your homeopathic healing journey!