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An old gravestone radiates emotion,
indecision, frustration, introspection
Emotional Health: Regaining your balance: Anxiety and nervousness,stress and tension, panic attacks, PMS, ADD, depression -on any given night, watch a few hours of TV, and you will see ad after ad by pharmaceutical companies pushing their products on a weary and susceptible public. Western medicine draws an unnatural line between emotions and physical illness, when no such line exists in the body/mind. Herbs such as Peppermint, chamomile, and lavender can be quite effectively used to treat insomina, anxiety, and mild depression in herbal teas and tinctures.
Together in an extract, the alkaloids and flavonoids of passionflower are stronger sedatives and relaxants that any one on its own, reminding us of the wisdom of using the whole herb, instead of isolated extracts |
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Using Herbs for :Chronic stress |
Eleuthero
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Adaptogenic herbs like eleuthero, ginseng and reishi mushroom support and restore the adrenal glands working wonders for people who are chronically stressed. Helping the body deal with chronic stress is the very definition of an adaptogenic herb, and ginseng may be the most effective herb in this category, but it is not for extended use without breaks. Reishi tones the adrenals and acts on the many body systems that can be affected by stress. Traditional and contemporary Chinese medicine admire it as a tonic benefiting vital energy or Qi. 2 |
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Using Herbs for :Nerve sedative, anti-depressant |
Jasmine oil
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Jasmine oil is a nerve sedative, and at the same time greatly uplifting, anti-depressant, and produces a feeling of optimism. The seductive scent of rose and jasmine oils are both anti-depressant and create a feeling of well being and mild euphoria |
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Using Herbs for :Sleep aid |
Lavender
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Lavender is one of the easiest and safest ways to lull yourself to sleep. Combine lavender herb with valerian, or chamomile for a relaxing tea, diffuse lavender oil in an aroma lamp for restful sleep, use it in your evening bath, sprinkle a few drops of lavender on sheets and pillowcases. Lavenders soothing, sedating phytochemicals readily absorb into the skin, including the sensitive membranes inside the nose. That's why even the scent of lavender tends to calm and relax. 1 |
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Using Herbs for :Mild depression |
Lemon balm - Melissa
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Lemon balm, and the essential oil melissa are the same herb by different names. Melissa officinalis is a safe and non-habit forming herb to use for for nervousness, depression, insomnia, and nervous headaches. The volatile oils in the plant (particularly citronellal) have a sedative effect even in minute concentrations. A combination of valerian and lemon balm is more effective than the insomnia remedies that line the drugstore shelves, and it GRAS. True Melissa essential oil is expensive, but lemon balm in herbal form is very affordable. Lemon balm doesn't dry as well as some herbs, and it is a good idea to have a plant or two growing for personal use. Lemon balm makes a fine container plant for the patio. 1 |
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Using Herbs for :Stress reduction |
Oatstraw tea
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. For cases of mild to moderate anxiety reach for soothing and nourishing herbs like chamomile, linden and oatstraw. Used singularly or combined these herbs are a great choice for a herbal tea break. Soothing and nourishing, these gentle herbs are good for anyone whose nervous system feels frayed or stressed. 12 |
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Using Herbs for :Insominia, Neuralgia |
Passionflower
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Passionflower has mild narcotic properties that help promote sleep. This strong calming herb is occasionally useful for severe daytime anxiety.:Passionflower can be brewed into teas, made into tinctures, or encapsulated. 6 |
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Using Herbs for :Depression, SAD |
St. John's Wort
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St. John's Wort is one of the most highly regarded herbal remedies for mild depression and anxiety. Two phytochemicals, hyperforin and hypericin in St. Johns herb are thought to be the active ingredients responsible for its mood uplifting effects. St. Johns wort can be taken in capsules, as a herbal tea, or in tinctures. St. John's wort infused herbal oil penetrates the nerve endings and relieves pain. 1 |
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 Depression : The simple act of preparing and savoring a herbal tea is part of the self healing process.- Anxiety/Panic : Many plant medicines alleviate occasional anxiety. Sensitivity to this group of herbs varies widely, some people can relax with one cup of chamomile tea, others need several doses of a much more potent herb to feel results.
- Insomnia : Insomnia, or sleeping problems can be treated naturally with herbal teas, infusions and baths.
actions which determine the conditions for which it is most appropriate.
- Stress : Before you reach for the pill bottle, or try to drown the pain with alcohol, or eat chocolate until you fall into a sugar induced stupor (my personal demon) try some of these herbal and essential oil remedies to help you cope.
- Chronic Fatigue : Herbs that are adaptogens and adrenal tonics are best for treatment of fatigue. Avoid reliance on stimulants, even natural ones such as kola nut, guarana, yerba mate, and too much coffee.
Mental and Emotional Health: References
- Duke, James The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook .(December 15, 2000)
- Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster. Herbal Drugstore (2003)
- Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)
- Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)
- Steven Foster and Yue chongxi, Herbal Emissaries (1992)
- Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vols 1, II (1931)
- Richo Cech, Making Plant Medicine (2000)
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
- Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)
- Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)
- Penelope Ody, Home Herbal (1995)
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Home Remedies for 
