Tag Archives: herbs

Tips and Remedies For Natural Antidepressants: Let Nature Take Its Course

Tips and Remedies For Natural Antidepressants: Let Nature Take Its Course

 

It's still a beautiful summer in the northern hemisphere, but there's a hint of autumn in the early morning air. In turn, politicians not only hint but openly talk about what awaits us in the winter. And there is nothing cheerful about this; an energy crisis is expected. 

The temperature in offices and apartments it's supposed to be heavily regulated. Gasoline and diesel prices still hold extremely high, and what other complications will cause the conflict in Ukraine better not to think about.

Before we feel an extraordinary strain on our psyche and before the summer stocks of optimism and good mood are exhausted, it is good to turn for help to nature. There are many herbs that can help us, and some are processed even into tablets and capsules.

At home, herbs can be used in a variety of forms, such as infusion (infusium), decoction (decoctum), infusion (macerate), tincture, syrup, and extract (extracta), but also as a compress or bath.

Herbs usually do not act as quickly as chemical drugs. Many are suitable for longer use. However, for some, we must be careful when combined with chemical medications.

 

Stress, especially nowadays, is the lot of many people, and its impact is often underestimated. It acts not only on the organism but also on each person's personality.

Which herbal remedies can positively influence mental and nervous problems?

Among the best herbal harmonizers is Eleutherococcus spiny, or devil's root, devil's bush, Siberian ginseng, eleuthero – Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus senticosus). The devil's root, or " Siberian ginseng," is a shrub about two meters tall with densely thorny branches and folded five-pointed, long petiolate leaves. 

Small flowers form spherical inflorescences with purple (powdery) and yellow (pistillate) petals. The fruit is a spherical ovoid with a diameter of about 8 mm, containing 2 to 7 ovules. It blooms in late June and July, and the fruits ripen in late August and September.

It acts as an adaptogen and harmonizer; that is, it increases the body's defenses against the effects of stress. It improves cerebral circulation and affects the manifestations of neurasthenia, and conduction of impulses through nerve fibers. It is used for overwork, states of weakness, and exhaustion.

Another effective remedy is Small-leaved Bacopa: A  plant found in the tropics and subtropics. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps improve memory and learning ability. It increases mental performance and strengthens brain activity. It is used for insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, stress, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and nervous exhaustion.

Mild Climate Herbs

We can use St. John's wort, one of the herbs growing in a mild climate. It is the first choice herb for anxiety, restlessness, mental stress, neurasthenia, panic syndrome, or mild depression. It is suitable for rehabilitation after strokes and is also a primary herb in treating multiple sclerosis. But we must remember that often it can not be used simultaneously with antidepressants, and in the summer months, it can provoke skin redness when exposed to sunlight.

St. John's wort undoubtedly has the ability to improve your mood, but its effects do not appear immediately – it is necessary to take it for about 3 to 4 weeks before you know if it helps you.

To support the activity of the nerve and brain centers, we can use great globe-thistle (Carduus), which helps the organism in the regeneration of the nerve fiber. 

Valerian is another well-known herb often used for a sedative effect on the body. It suppresses states of excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and mental tension. In higher doses, it acts as a hypnotic. It affects cardiac neurosis and also acts as a spasmolytic. The nervous system not only calms but also strengthens. 

The best means of sedative action is gemmoterapeuticum from the Linden tree (tilia). It's an excellent sedative. It acts as an anxiolytic against anxiety and psychological tension. It also reduces feelings of itching and pain of nervous origin. It strengthens the nervous system best in combination with thistle.

Willowherb (It is known in North America as fireweed, in some parts of Canada as great willowherb, in Britain and Ireland as rosebay willowherb)

 

The flower can be up to two meters high, which you will most likely find on forest glades or uncut bows. It is easy to grow even in the garden. Mainly leaves are used, both fresh and dried, for the preparation of teas.

Willowherb removes the feeling of psychological tension, relaxes, soothes, helps in falling asleep, and increases the quality of sleep. It is effective against headaches (especially of nervous origin).

Not only Herbal Teas but also Special Baths

One of the healing remedies from nature, which people have been using since ancient times, was baths from herbs. The advantage of this therapy is the fact that the action of water as such and, at the same time, the healing properties of the herbs are used here together. 

An excellent remedy for soothing is a bath, which is composed of herbs with a soothing effect – St. John's wort, lavender, lemon balm, hops, and others. It helps the body to calm down, cope with stress and energize to cope with today's challenging times. It is excellent before sleep, as it helps to induce them.

Where to find some of these herbs in the temperate climatic belt

Small-leaved Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)

Bacopa is a 10-30 cm tall, creeping and perennial herb. In conditions of the mild climate, Bacopa is a small-leaved annual or houseplant with the possibility of putting outside during summer.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's wort is a perennial that occurs abundantly on sunny slopes, meadows, pastures, and forest glades, from the Lowland to the mountains.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian is a not very abundant plant in wet meadows, forests, river banks, and ditches. For medicinal purposes, it is grown. Valerian acts primarily as a mild but effective sedative. It suppresses states of excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and mental tension. In higher doses, it works as a hypnotic.

Lime (Linden) (Tilia vulgaris)

Linden is a widely cultivated tree, widespread throughout Europe. The lime blossom is collected at the beginning of flowering. It is best to gather it in the afternoon between two and four o´clock. In folk medicine, as well as official medicine, the lime blossom has been used since ancient times to the present day.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

It is nicknamed "cat cocaine" because cats like to roll in it and then fall asleep.

 

Stir a teaspoon of dried catnip flowers in 250 ml of cold water, bring to a boil and let stand for 15 minutes. Drink during anxiety, fussiness, and nervousness. You can also sew a dried Shanta into a canvas bag, attach a pompom or a jingle bell, and give it to your cat to play with. She'll be thrilled.

You can find it in clumps in damp places and around water. It is collected both flowering and non-flowering nasturtium or just flowers, which are used to prepare infusions, baths, and the like after drying.

Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, common rue, or herb-of-grace, is a species of Ruta grown as an ornamental plant and herb. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula. It was nicknamed the" herb of grace " because it allegedly helped both judges and prisoners, probably against stress.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

It is an effective first aid for stress, nervousness, and fatigue; a pleasant lemon scent quickly washes away all worries. Its sedative effect is used for insomnia.

Licorice root

Licorice root has a long history of medical use. As a herbal remedy, it helps people in many different ways. One of the valuable properties of licorice root is its ability to help the body cope with stressful situations. Licorice root provides a natural hormone, an alternative to cortisone, which can be very helpful in managing anxiety situations.

Herbal Teas And Baths Against Depression

# 1. Pour one teaspoon of lemon balm into 150 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes, strain, and drink three times a day. This tea can also be used for a long time.

# 2. Prepare a mixture of equal parts of lemon balm and common oregano: Pour 100 ml of boiling water into one teaspoon of the mix. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes and strain. Tea is recommended to drink mainly for the night, for a quiet falling asleep and restful sleep.

# 3. Pour one heaped tablespoon of St. John's wort with boiling water and drink throughout the day in cups. St. John's wort is rightly called the "herb of nerves". It’s most beneficial when the tea from this herb is taken for a long time, i.e., at least 25 days or more. Only then will its antidepressant effects begin to manifest. However, do not take it for more than two months. 

Bath relieving depression

Baths with sea salt or with essential oils of Lemon balm, Mandarin, and Sage are very beneficial. The bath time should be 20 minutes. After the bath, do not wipe, just wrap the body in a terry toweling dressing gown, lie down for another 20 minutes, and cover yourself warmly.

Finally, something for milk and sleep lovers

Galium odoratum – also called the sweet woodruff or sweet-scented bedstraw (Asperula odorata) sleep milk:

# 1. Heat a quarter liter of milk in the evening, but do not boil it. Stir in it one teaspoon of dried herb and one teaspoon of honey. Allow to stand for 2 hours, then strain, drink slowly, and non-jumpily jump into bed!

Herbs Preservation

Not only can you use fresh herbs, but you can keep them “for a rainy day” by preserving them. There are several ways to process them so that you can use them later. 

One of the oldest is drying, which is suitable for example, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, mint, marjoram, or Rosmarinus. The basis is to pre-clean the herbs well, then leave them dry in ventilated places protected from the sun and heat. You can also use a dryer.

You can also put herbs (for example, parsley, basil, thyme, marjoram, or rosemary) in oil. Wash them well, dry them, and put them in glass jars. Squeeze them well and stack them in layers. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and seal tightly. 

The oil will acquire an aroma, and the herbs will be well preserved. You can also store them in the freezer for a long time. Do not forget to always carefully wash and dry the shoots and leaves. Then put them in ice compartments or freezer bags. You can freeze sage, parsley, oregano, mint, marjoram, and basil. 

 

“Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.” 

                                                                  Francis of Assisi

 

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About: Markéta Hálová. (Czech Republic) A crypto enthusiast, keen online marketer and passion for photography. I love interacting with the community of Entrepreneurs at Markethive. I believe in free speech, liberty, sovereignty for all. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Cope With Anxiety

How To Cope With Anxiety

Over the last two years or more, most of us have been living under tremendous psychological pressure. First of all, the threat of the covid epidemic, which was joined this year by the conflict in Ukraine, the threat of food and energy shortages, and high inflation.

It is not surprising that few people remain calm in this situation, although our psychological disposition to lose balance varies.

However, the principles of how to maintain psychological balance remain the same even in this extremely difficult time as in times of relative calm and peace. A generalized expectation of danger occurs during the stressful condition known as anxiety. The anxious person experiences a state of heightened tension.

Many of us ask the following questions: Will inflation break my budget?

Consumer prices rose higher globally in 2021 than at any time since 1982. For those who have fixed incomes or those who are retired, it can mean hard choices like delaying medical care or eating unhealthily.

The global pandemic caused massive disruption in the workplace and across most industries, so it’s not surprising to find that for many people, it is contributing to financial anxiety.

Experts agree that we do have some power to control the things that are making us anxious when it comes to our money, and that usually means finding a way to earn more of it or spend less. 

When a person evaluates the situation as hopeless, he gives up the activity. This is what manipulators use.

Right now, we live in uncertain times. We don’t know what tomorrow shall bring. The experience Covid-19 has brought made our daily routines completely different from what they are usually supposed to be. Many people began to suffer from death anxiety, and now comes to it the anxiety of lack of money because of the energy crisis.

Financial experts say the most important thing is to understand where your money is going. That means making a budget so you can look more carefully at where you could cut back. If your financial anxiety is rising, then getting control over some costs can be a significant factor in paring it back. 

Will I be able to cover my medical expenses?

Especially in the US, as they age, most Americans worry about covering medical expenses. The survey found they’re the number two factor for financial anxiety for Americans 55 and over. COVID-19 also made many people pause decisions about moving into assisted living centers and retirement communities.

Unlike Australia, the U.S. does not have universal healthcare. Private health insurance costs hundreds of dollars a month, and medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S.

Though the situation with health insurance is different in other parts of the world, the financial problems are generally similar everywhere.

Maintain your mental balance

For many people, life involves an element of anxiety. This is perfectly normal, and in some cases, it is also helpful. When we worry over the current circumstances in our life, things such as finances, work, and family, the worry can lead to well-thought-out decisions and carefully made plans.

When worry becomes overwhelming for our psyche and emotions, it can quickly become debilitating and negative. If you have been experiencing worry in an uncontrollable and excessive way for an extended period of time, there is a good chance that the worry has transformed into anxiety. 

Here are some methods which you can use to avoid the anxious mind setting:

#1. Write About It

You can use this method to ease the stress of negative thoughts and feelings when you have something on your mind but aren’t sure how to let it go. It can help to write about the situation or event causing the anxiety to help you process your thoughts and feelings so that you can work through them. From a scientific perspective, writing activates the right side of your brain, which is the side that processes emotions, letting you understand the situation from a new perspective.

#2. Concentrate on Your Breathing

The task is to slow down your heart rate, which is often the physical accompaniment to anxiety. To start out, try breathing in for four beats and out for four beats. Five minutes of this should even out your breathing and calm the heart. 

#3. Question Your Thoughts 

You can easily forget or simply not notice when your thinking has become negative. By watching and questioning your thoughts, you have a chance to reverse a negative train of thought. It is not always easy; some things just seem fundamentally negative. 

#4. Exercise

Physical activity works as both a long and short-term solution to anxiety. Bringing your body’s activities in line with the activity of your mind will help you balance. From there, you can begin calming your body and mind together and enjoy the endorphin rush that exercise brings.

#5. Aromatherapy

Certain aromas have calming and soothing properties, which create a sense of tranquility when they are in the air. There are many new humidifiers and scented candles available to help you set a relaxing and soothing mood within your house, office, or wherever you are staying. Lavender, Chamomile, and Sandalwood are just a few good options.

More possibilities to fight anxiety

We are living through a historically stressful time, with chronic stress from unrelenting issues. Nowadays, it is still more important to focus on taking care of yourself first by eating a balanced diet, spending time outdoors, and talking with others with similar concerns.

There are more methods that are more time demanding – such as meditation which takes time to master, but it can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety.

Root chakra healing – Let go of fear 

 

 

Other relaxation – Let go of fear techniques may be activities such as yoga or tai chi which are also helpful for promoting relaxation and helping reduce anxiety and stress.

Great and uncomplicated help represent some herbs. Here are a few main ones you can use to maintain your mental health.

Indian ginseng induces calm and harmony

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs. It is used to treat bronchitis and asthma, while it also works reliably for rheumatism, psoriasis, or insomnia. This miracle drug also has sedative properties, so it calms the mind and helps the body to better adapt to stress.

Dandelion   

A drink prepared from dandelion (taraxacum) has a positive effect on mental mood and induces a good mood. At the same time, it normalizes the blood pressure level and detoxifies the organism.

A drink prepared from dandelion has a positive effect on mental mood and induces a good mood. At the same time, it normalizes the blood pressure level and detoxifies the organism.

Passionflower     

Passionflower (passiflora) as a safe bet  (an evergreen climbing plant of warm regions, which bears distinctive flowers with parts that supposedly resemble instruments of the Crucifixion)

A climbing plant from the passion family is an indispensable helper for all forms of mental exhaustion. Experts are so enthusiastic about its capabilities that they even compare it to pharmaceutical anti-anxiety drugs in terms of effectiveness. However, unlike them, this treasure does not have any unwanted side effects or the risk of addiction, which is why they recommend it so warmly.

Be mindful of your media consumption

You may want to avoid or decrease the amount of time you spend on news and social media, particularly before bed, and refine your information sources to outlets that offer straightforward facts.

No matter how relentlessly bleak the headlines may become, the ability to recognize what we can change and what we have to adapt to can help to limit our stress response.

Czech psychiatrist Karel Nešpor – Fight against anxiety with a laugh

In this short video above, a famous Czech doctor shows how to combat unpleasant anxious feelings by inducing laughter. It may seem crazy to you, but check him out. He looks like a little Buddha.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” 

                                                        – Mark Twain.

 

 

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About: Markéta Hálová. (Czech Republic) A crypto enthusiast, keen online marketer and passion for photography. I love interacting with the community of Entrepreneurs at Markethive. I believe in free speech, liberty, sovereignty for all. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.