Tag Archives: Depression

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Depression

Herbs:  St John’s Wort, Valerian, Rose, Cronewort, Mugwort, Sage, Rosemary, Oatstraw

Foods:  Spinach, Chard, Collard Greens, Walnuts, Flax, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Tuna, Halibut, Sardines, Beans, Pasta

Vitamins and Supplements:  Vitamin B

Actions:  Activity, not necessarily physical, can assist with depression.  Lethargy exacerbates to feeling and the condition.  Also taking a good hard look at what you eat and when can assist with battling depression.  A lot of mood disorders can be traced, at least in part, to a lack of appropos nutrition, or an imbalance that is causing other physical issues.  We have had quite a bit of luck with this tea as a long term tonic for mood issues, and this one as a more immediate assist for depression and rage.

Aromatherapy:  Rose

Folk Remedies:

Things to Avoid:  Inactivity

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Amaranth Greens

Name:  Amaranth

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Vitamins/Minerals:  Lysine, Calcium, Iron

Used for:  This plant is one of the top herbs for use in treating depression.  It also contains lysine, an amino acid the body uses to make protein.  Amaranth is actually considered a complete protein.

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Directions & Warnings:  Try substituting amaranth for 1/4 the flour in your bread and pasta recipes.

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Purslane

Name:  Purslane

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Vitamins/Minerals:  Omega 3’s, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phenylalanine, tryptophan, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A

Used for:  Due to the nutrients contained within purslane, it is one of the best herbs for fighting depression.  It is also a potent nutritive, a one cup serving giving you all of your vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.  The same nutritive qualities make this excellent for strengthening bones, maintaining healthy nerves, and balancing electrolytes.

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Birch

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Used for:  Use as a tea.  Good for a bit of mood lifting after a dark time – suggested for the winter blues.  Rich in vitamin C and contains some needed trace minerals.  Good for arthritis.  Taking 3 cups of birch leaf tea a day is said to help clear acne.

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Lemon Balm

Name:  Lemon Balm

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Other Common Names:  Melissa

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Used for:  Can be used for improving memory and focus.  Can also help to relieve depression.  It is also anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and can be used to clear infections and congestion.  Good for assisting with nerves, both pain and anxiety.  It also tastes lovely, which means it makes a wonderful mixer for teas involving any of it’s attributes.  Classified as a nerve tonic, meaning that it rehabilitates and strengthens the nervous system over time.

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Oats (Avena Sativa)

Name:  Oatstraw

Latin:  Avena Sativa

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Vitamins & Minerals:  Silica, B Vitamins, Calcium

Used for:  This is a nutrient rich herb that is quite good used as either a tonic infusion, or as a solid foundation for herbal teas.  It is particularly high in silica, and assists in the assimilation of calcium.  I have found it to have a synergistic effect with other herbs, strengthening their effects.  Due to the action it has on calcium absorption and the amount of silica it contains, it helps to build stronger nails and bones, and makes hair healthier.  Due to the sorts of vitamins it contains, it also has mild anti-depressant effects, and helps to calm anxiety.  As it is also high in calcium, it can assist in relaxing the muscles and nerves.  The combination of nutrients and effects make this herb a nerve tonic, toning and rehabilitating the nervous system over time.  They also have enough mucilage that they function as a nerve cushioner, soothing and healing inflamed nerve endings.  Oats are also a good basis for foods for convalescing.  They are easy to digest, easy to flavor, and are gentle enough that they can usually be eaten following a high fever, a bout of food poisoning, or nasty flus.  Oats are also good for the skin, and a wonderful choice for toiletries.