Herbal Remedies For Depression

Rise & Shine you sleepy heads!

You know, it's funny; I awoke kinda irritable this morning, sleepy and in pain...I thought today was going to be kind of "icky".

As I checked my email, I was still grumbly, then I started working on today's post, and magically I was smiling!

I have all of you to thank, the faithful readers of my blog...So I say to you all; Thank You!

So, going along with the Holiday's theme, I am going to share some herbal remedies for treating depression. As we all know, the Holiday's can for some be very depressing, not to mention it is winter and that brings around winter depression as well...so sick back and let me help you help yourself.......

~Peace~

Herbal Remedies For Treating Depression

Anxiousness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and lethargy may be symptoms of depression or anxiety. Many people just accept such feelings as a part of modern life, but there are simple and effective ways to boost your mood using herbal remedies.

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to relieve depression. Some that  have been traditionally taken to chase away the"winter blues" are now known to be as effective and potent as western medicines, with fewer side effects.

A healing approach that is "holistic", incorporating a healthy lifestyle with aromatherapy and the healing powers of herbs can help you to regain you strength, joy and enthusiasm for life.

St. John's Wort---"Natural Prozac"



St. John's Wort has been regarded as a magical miracle herb for the last 4000 years, and is now being rediscovered by the medical world as nature's alternative to Prozac.

People taking St. John's Wort report a sense of well-being and serenity. This herb calms the spirit and sharpens perception, helping people to enjoy life to the fullest.

Scientific studies show it to be as effective as conventional antidepressant drugs in treating mild to moderate depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and anxiety.

St. John's Wort works by altering levels of seretonin and melatonin, chemicals in the brain that regulate energy levels, alertness and mood. The herb also increases "theta waves" that only occur during sleep and meditation. For the effects to be therapeutic, St. John's Wort must be taken regularly as a tincture or infusion.

Natural Mood Lifters

Revitalizing Herbal Tea~A warming herbal tea will help to chase away the blues without giving you the caffeine jitters of coffee.

To make your own herbal, use the following herbs

• St. John's Wort
• Vervain
• licorice

1. Take half a tsp of the dried herbs and add them to a handful of fresh borage flowers ( borage is a leafy green plant, with prickly hairs that go away after preparation).
2. Place mixture in a teapot and add boiling water
3. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid into a cup
4. Sweeten with honey as desired and drink in place of your usual tea or coffee.

 Soothing Valerian~This herb, which grows in abundance in damp meadows, has been an esteemed herbal remedy for centuries. Nicknamed "all heal" by herbalists, the juice of the root has a soothing and quieting effect.

Prescribed to soldiers suffering from shell shock during both world wars, it is now recommended to combat nervous exhaustion and emotional upsets. It can be taken as a capsule or an herbal extract from the fresh root.

Healing Hops~Hops are another effective remedy for treating tension and anxiety. They promote restful and refreshing sleep without the side effects of sleeping pills.

For a blissful night's sleep, rest your head on a pillow filled with dried hop flowers or take a cup of hops tea for a soothing natural nightcap.

Beautiful Borage~Borage has a long associated with joy and courage; its bright blue, star-shaped flowers are popular in many herb gardens. It is often added to cold summer drinks as its slightly cucumbery taste is a perfect complement to many party favorites.

young fresh leaves and flowers can be used to drive away the blues, restore energy and lift the spirits. The herb works by stimulating the adrenal gland to produce adrenaline.

Add some borage flowers to lemon balm and iced apple juice to make a refreshing summer drink.

Flowers That Shine Like The Sun

We all know that a big bunch of bright, beautiful flowers can work wonders in lifting our mood. In magic and folklore flowers that resemble the Sun take on its attributes, giving out light and life energy wherever they are found

Cheerful bright yellow and orange flowers such as those of marigolds and gerberas, drive away negative feelings, leaving a spirit that is warm and refreshed.

Float fresh flowers in a bowl of spring water and leave in sunlight during the day. This infuses the water with the Suns' light, which you can sip as a flower remedy.

Well I hope this info finds itself with those who need it.

I am always here if anyone needs someone "outside" the immediate friends and family circle to talk to. Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone you don't know.

Thanks so much to you all....