Herbs to Help Fight Depression
A depressive illness can range from interfering with usual activities and relationships (mild to moderate depression) to making it hard to relate or communicate with others or to do day-to-day tasks ( debilitating or severe depression). If you or someone you know has depression (mild, moderate or severe) it is important to seek professional health care. However, there are many things that the depressed person can do to help themselves - the information on herbal remedies provided in this article is particularly geared to someone with mild or moderate depression. You can also join Growerz overcoming depression program. Take a tour and see how they can assist.
There are many herbs that are able to help lift the spirits, help a person to relax and relieve stress (which is often at the base of depression). Three herbs that can do this are lavender,lime (linden) blossom and rosemary.
Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
This wonderful herb has many uses, in food, cosmetics and medicines. The lavender oil should not be taken internally, but it can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin or used in baths. It:
has a wonderfully relaxing effect on mind and body. It is a good remedy for:
anxiety and depression
nervous and physical symptoms caused by stress, for example:
headaches,
palpitations and
insomnia.
has a stimulating effect as well so it is useful as a tonic for the nervous system in people who are suffering from nervous exhaustion.
also has a relaxing effect on the digestive system where it soothes spasms, and colic related to tensions and anxiety. It relieves distension, wind, nausea, indigestion and stimulates the appetite.
has powerful antimicrobial properties that have been shown to be effective against bacteria such as diphtheria, typhoid, streptococcus and pneumococcus.
When taken as a hot infusion lavender causes sweating and reduces fever. It assists in detoxifying the body by increasing the elimination of toxins via the skin and with its mild diuretic action, through the urine.
is useful externally as a disinfectant for cuts and wound, sores and ulcers and in cases of eczema and acne.
Notes on lavender
Small amounts used in cooking are generally safe, but do not take internally in medicinal doses during pregnancy.
Lime blossom (Tilia europaca)
This plant is also known as linden blossom and lime flowers.
Lime blossom:
makes a relaxing remedy that is a delicious infusion. It reduces nervous tension, anxiety depression and aids with sleep. It calms excitable restless children. It is also useful for conditions associated with tension such as tension headaches, period pains, colic and cramps.
is a useful remedy for high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. This is because of the relaxation effects in combination with the bioflavonoids. It also relaxes the heart making it useful for palpitations, and coronary artery disease.
is a diaphoretic when taken hot, thus increasing the blood supply to the skin. This makes it useful for reducing fevers, particularly in children. It will assist in the treatment of colds and flu and is particularly effective when combined with elder flowers.
has a diuretic action when taken as a warm or cool infusion. This will assist in clearing toxins from the body through the urinary system.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is an aromatic herb used to promote increased blood and lymph flow while helping to regulate mucous production. It also acts as a circulatory and nerve stimulant and is considered one of the most powerful natural remedies to strengthen the nervous system. This herb contains calcium and vitamins A and C, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.
Rosemary:
is an antiseptic with antibacterial and antifungal actions which enhance the function of the immune system.
increases the circulation to the skin, thereby causing perspiration. This makes it useful for bringing down a fever.
has warming and stimulating effects which will clear phlegm from the head and chest, relieve coughs, colds and flu, catarrh, wheezing, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Its relaxant effects help to relieve spasms in the bronchial tubes in asthma.
as a tonic for the heart, brain and nervous system. It does this by increasing the blood flow to the head.
acts to relieve depression, anxiety, tension, exhaustion, lethargy, insomnia, and during convalescence for the elderly.
is used for treating migraines and headaches.
improves vitality and stimulates digestion. It relieves flatulence and distension, enhances appetite and increases the flow of digestive juices. It improves the flow of food through the digestive tract and assists in the absorption of nutrients. The bitters stimulate the liver and gallbladder increasing the flow of bile and aiding in the digestion of fats.
acts as a rejuvenating tonic and is said to slow the aging process.
acts as a stimulant to hair follicles and may therefore be useful in premature baldness.
Rosemary oil is most effective for this use externally to ease muscle pain, sciatica and neuralgia.
Lavender, lime (linden) blossom and rosemary are three herbs that can be used to help with depression especially for those with mild to moderate depression. If you have depression it is important that you seek professional help. You will also benefit by joining Growerz overcoming depression program. Take the tour and find what the Growerz team is able to do to support and assist you as you work on overcoming your depression. Also check out our mental wellbeing range of products (use the buttons on the left hand side of the page). You will find supplements to help with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep and general mental wellbeing.
References
Hoffmann, D. 2000, The New Holistic Herbal. Element Pub.
McIntyre, A. 1995, The Complete Women's Herbal. Henry Holt Reference Books.
Mills, S. Y. 1989, The A-Z of Modern Herbalism: A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Herbal Therapy. Thorson.
10.08.2007. 23:47
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