HERBAL REMEDIES
November 2001
Combat winter blues with herbs
by Brooke Wagenheim
The simplest validation for an oncoming bout of depression lately, can submerge from the
season itself. We live in Minnesota; the winter months vastly outnumber sunny summer days.
Unfortunately, this is not the sole culprit of this problem. Our government, our health,
our safety, the security of our future, and many other things have contributed to the
already 19 million American adults that are "clinically depressed" today. Could
there be a relationship between depression and corporate advertising or perhaps it's the
effect sugar has bestowed upon our physical and mental health since its introduction into
our culture. Regardless of the source, depression is real and true in this country. It
ranges from minor to manic, and stems from almost anything.
Corporate advertising is perhaps the largest single psychological project ever undertaken
by the human race, yet its stunning impact remains curiously ignored by mainstream Western
psychology. Most Americans are addicted to unbridled consumerism and all this comfort and
convenience, at the very least, has seemingly made us Narcissistic, constantly striving to
meet the impossibly high standards of ourselves. Advertisements bellow and screech notions
that we should have more more more, newer, faster, bigger, better everything. Never even
flickering a glimpse at the emptiness that remains once the novelty has worn off. Then we
turn to our next prospective purchase, which will surely confer status and recognition
upon us. Perhaps the satisfaction will be more meaningful this time. Realization of these
concepts is enough, in itself, to employ depression. The advertisements themselves tell
you how sick with side effects you'll be when you take anti-depressants. Everyone, at the
very least, knows someone who is on anti-depressants and despite a perhaps, chemical
imbalance in their brain, they have to accept that they will always have to take that pill
they need so much. Anti-depressants, along with antibiotics, are the most over-prescribed
medications in this society today.
Modern use of refined sugar, in all its forms and guises, has brought a cornucopia of
infectious diseases and maladies in our culture, some of which include diabetes, tooth
decay, and chronic inability to absorb nutrients. The brain cells are most sensitive to
changes in blood sugar levels, resulting in mental imbalance, irritability, anxiety and
depression. Much of the mental and physical degeneration of the human race is due to the
destructive, concentrated, crystallized acids contained in refined sugar and this
degeneration can easily be observed within a single generation.
Refined white sugar is cut with baby swine bones. This is why it cannot be considered
vegan, but do the advertisements tell us this fact? No, we are subliminally told we need
it and must have it. White sugar is in every bottled soft drink, in every convenient
store, in this country. It is in almost every packaged, processed, adulterated food item
packed into a box and called nourishment.
Medically, the mental and physical degeneration can be attributed to the role of refined
sugar in the depletion of many of the body's important nutrients such as vitamin B, zinc,
protein, chromium, and manganese. All of these are essential for stable mental and
emotional function. The deficiency of these nutrients has been associated with depression,
fatigue, and low blood sugar. Now the most common response to all of this would be to walk
on over to the medicine cabinet, take a peek at the label of your daily multi vitamin
supplement, and stating, "It's ok, I've got it covered," but that's not what an
employee of one of those port-o-potty companies believes when he observes countless
vitamin pills in the clean up, completely undigested, n'er a milligram absorbed. The
importance of proper dietary nutrition and exercise is immeasurable.
Join the club, if your one of the unfortunate ones to experience some depression,
especially lately. There are things you can do, however, to alleviate stress,
irritability, hopelessness, and the like. Herbal remedies, vitamin therapy, massage,
acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga and diet changes should always be practiced with
knowledge, patience and dedication. There are several herbs that can help you fight mild
to moderate melancholy and anxiety without side effects. As with all issues of mental
health, it's crucial to seek advice from a professional if you think you are experiencing
a bout of depression or anxiety; in some severe cases, synthetic drugs may be the best
course of action. If you're currently on medication for depression or anxiety, do not
start taking any herbs without consulting your health provider, to prevent any drug
interactions. And don't stop taking your current medication without professional
supervision.
Chamomile is a wonderful calmative that soothes nervousness, restlessness and anxiety.
There are no known side effects, and mood boost is usually felt within a month of regular
use.
Kava kava is a widely used sedative for alleviation of anxiety, stress, and restlessness,
but not clinical depression. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or people
on anti-depressants.
Lemon balm is calming and a good antidote for sadness and melancholy. There are no known
side effects. For general restlessness, mix a half portion of lemon balm with half portion
chamomile flowers in a tea. Do not use longer than three months at a time, as prolonged
use can yellow the skin.
St. John's Wort is clinically proven to relieve mild to moderate depression. Avoid the sun
when taking this herb as it causes your skin to be more susceptible to sun damage.
Cayenne pepper is recognized for its many health benefits and is used as an ingredient in
many herbal formulas. It originated in Central and South America, where it was used
extensively by the natives to cure many ailments, including diarrhea and cramps. Cayenne
benefits the heart and circulation, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes, as well
as colds, flu, diminished vitality, headaches, indigestion, depression, and arthritis.
Cayenne powder has many uses; it can be rubbed on toothaches, swellings and inflammations.
A remedy for arthritis pain is to rub a little cayenne or garlic tincture over the
inflamed joint and wrap a red flannel around it.
Like many botanicals, valerian has a long history. Named the "Valium of the 19th
century," although chemically unrelated to Valium, is recognized worldwide for the
relaxing effect it has on the body. Often, in Europe, it is prescribed to treat anxiety.
For centuries valerian has been the treatment of choice by herbalists when treating panic
attacks or nervous tension. Teas, tinctures, and/or extracts of this plant are
antispasmodic, and sedative when agitation is present, but also a stimulant in fatigue,
antibacterial, antidiuretic, liver-protective. Valerian is a leading over-the-counter
tranquilizer in Europe.
A fragrant bath can soothe a depressing mood quite well. Add essential oils of lavender,
neroli, rose, chamomile or peppermint to a steaming tub. Light some candles, turn on
soothing music, meditate a bit, and consider the utmost importance of self love and care.
The general tendency today is to associate stress related problems solely with factors
that are "out of our control." It is true that many aspects of our society are
stressful and contribute to our levels of stress and depression. Living in overcrowded
cities and unventilated buildings, wearing synthetic clothing, being surrounded by
machinery and excessive noise add to the burden. Economic factors such as living on
credit, taking on a mortgage, or holding an unfulfilling job create demands many fear they
will be unable to meet. There are countless things we can do to overcome depression and
attain a higher level of serenity. The way we live and what stimuli surrounds us is
essential in determining our mental health.
Namaste