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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  |
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