Using Herbs for
Depression

People suffering from any long term chronic painful condition also often have bouts of depression. Whether it is caused by chemical imbalances associated with the physical body, or stems from mental stress, it affects your health in a profound way. Sedative herbs like lemon balm, chamomile and oatstraw calm nervous tension and lift the spirits. The simple act of preparing and savoring a herbal tea is part of the self healing process. For depression, lavender should be mixed with borage flowers in herbal preparations.

St. John's Wort may be the best known herbal answer for depression. Thanks to phytochemicals such as hyperforin and hypericin St. John's wort helps brighten the moods of people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It also helps people out of the winter doldrums, a syndrome called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), although it is less effective against the up-and-down mood swings of bipolar depression. St. John's can be used in several ways, in capsules, tea, or tincture.⁵

Using Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is also useful tool to help produce more positive feelings. The sense of smell is the only sense that goes directly to the limbic system, the center of memory and emotions. To support emotional healing, touch in the form of massage can greatly enhance recovery. For depression, choose stimulant and tonic essential oils, such as Jasmine and angelica, to be used at least three times a week in baths and foot massages. ²Jasmine oil is a nerve sedative, and at the same time greatly uplifting, anti-depressant, and produces a feeling of optimism.¹The scent of Roses is a time honored anti-depressant and creates a feeling of well being and mild euphoria.