So let’s talk about Depression. The Blues… The Blahs… and how some simple and effective herbs and botanicals may assist with these conditions of the mind and spirit.
Most of us have been there to some degree, and there are millions of people who struggle with depression every day. I once read a quote that has stayed with me, “If you’re not depressed, you’re not paying attention.” Man, how depressing is that?!? I have read a lot about the subject of depression, in the hope of trying to understand some of the reasons behind depression, and to find simple, healthy tools to hopefully deal with depression and to improve quality of life. The herbal therapies I have listed here, are much more effective when coupled with a healthy diet and moderate exercise. Flower Essences: These traditionally come in small dropper bottles and are the result of gathering flowers at the peak of bloom and setting them in the afternoon sun in a bowl of clean, clear water for a few hours. The resulting liquid is then poured off and preserved with a bit of brandy. The flower essence is then used a few drops at a time to assist with the challenging emotional aspects of life… fear, depression, anxiety, aggression, anger, just to name a few… these drops can be put directly under the tongue or into water to be sipped throughout the day. I have personally had wonderful results with using flower essences to assist with moving through difficult and challenging times in my life, and believe that they can be a wonderful tool for helping with mild to moderate depression and the blues. Essential Oils: Scent is a powerful thing… who doesn’t smell pine or peppermint and think of winter and Christmas? The wonderful smells of the season are found in cinnamon, clove, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg! I love this time of year as my home is filled with these warm and comforting scents. When it comes to depression, there are many essential oils that may be very effective… Clary Sage, Neroli and Rose can lift your spirits… Lavender, Lemon Balm and Chamomile are often used to calm and soothe the emotions. These essential oils are also found in many massage oils and body lotions and may have similar effects on the emotions. When I need to calm down I get assistance from Lavender and Lemon Balm and I tend to cheer up with Neroli and Lime… essential oils are an easy way to sniff away my troubles and to even out my frayed nerves. Herbs & Supplements: As with essential oils, the same properties are in the whole herb. Herbal preparations are typically in the form of tinctures, teas and capsules. Many herbs that may be effective with depression of the nervous system are, St. John’s Wort, Holy Basil (also called Sacred Basil or Tulsi), Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Valerian, Oats, Passionflower, Chamomile & Rose. Depending on the individual, one herb may be more effective than another. But the comforting thing is that most of these plants are non toxic and safe, when used as intended. I adore a warm cup of Rose Tulsi tea to sooth me after a long day, relaxing my nerves as the stresses of the day just melt away… This blog, by no means, encompasses all the many ways that depression can be managed with natural and alternative therapies and tools. It is just some helpful information from your local Herbal Bee. There is hope for those suffering from depression and Maggie’s Market has many more healthy and effective ways, to help you get there. Bee well and Take Care, Melissa, The Herbal Bee There is evidence of the Black Elder being used since the stone ages. Folklore tells of Elder having magical powers of protection and longevity. It was also known as “the medicine chest of the country people”.
The berries of the elder plant are high in iron and vitamin C. They contain antioxidants and flavonoids as well as many other beneficial healing properties. The berries activate immunity by increasing cytokine production to prevent damage caused by free radicals, helping to keep the immune system healthy and strong. Elderberries antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-rheumatic properties have been scientifically shown to stop the symptoms of the cold and flu virus. The flowers of Black Elder have decongestant and relaxing effects to ease cough and respiratory congestion. They are also antispasmodic to the gut which protects against irritation and inflammation. One of the best ways to reap the many benefits of Black Elderberry is with delicious Elderberry Syrup. Most syrups are made with fresh or dried elderberries, elder flowers, warming herbs and spices and raw honey. Every year I make up a batch of Elderberry Elixir, adding astragalus root and medicinal mushrooms to my Elderberry Syrup, for additional immune enhancing properties. It is my go-to remedy, taken at the onset of cold symptoms, and it is also useful to take daily, for prevention, during the cold and flu season. I like to add a healthy tablespoon to hot herbal tea or to make a cool drink by adding it to water or seltzer. Elderberry Syrup can be poured over yogurt or even ice cream for a healthy dose of immune boosting herbal joy! At Maggie's Market we have many wonderful herbal companies that produce the most glorious Elderberry Syrups, teas and tinctures. We are always happy to assist you in making the best choices for the benefit of your health and for a healthy lifestyle. ![]() The most common time to contract Lyme infections is in May and October, when the tick, the most famous carrier, is most active. Many people living in New Hampshire enjoy visiting the many beautiful lakes, parks and trails. So avoiding the out of doors is not an appealing option to those who live in this beautiful state. The Best Thing is Prevention:
Some Facts About Lyme Disease
If you suspect that you have been bitten by a deer tick:
“Herbal medicines are tremendously sophisticated interventions for chronic conditions, such as Lyme disease and its co-infections”, Healing Lyme, 2nd Edition by Stephen Harrod Buhner The information contained in this blog was collected from lectures from those who have been living with Lyme Disease and from books, mainly “Healing Lyme, 2nd Edition by Stephen Harrod Buhner” Some Excellent Resources & Information for Herbal Treatment & Prevention of Lyme Disease: http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/the-protocols/ http://www.gaianstudies.org/Stephen_Interview2.html http://www.montanafarmacy.com/ http://www.woodlandessence.com/herbal.htm “Healing Lyme: Second Edition by Stephen Harrod Buhner” For More Information About Lyme Disease: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/07/29/lyme-disease-tick-epidemic.aspx#_edn12 http://www.region4b.org/Lyme_Disease.aspx |
HERBAL BEEMelissa Mustapha Herbalist/Manager at Maggie's Market Archives
January 2020
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