Top Plants for Mood Enhancement
Nervousness, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, and depression are common ailments in modern society. These problems are being talked about more and more often, which is great, but stigma and misunderstanding still exist. Plants can be very helpful with their mild and safe action.
In folk medicine, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is considered one of the most powerful plants for calming the nervous system, against insomnia and nervousness, and preventing the symptoms of depression.
Lemongrass is also a good choice in the fight against headaches, especially those caused by mental fatigue. At a time when we are all more or less exposed to stress, lemon balm is an unavoidable ally against nervousness, anxiety, and a whole range of psychosomatic diseases that can occur as a result of stress.
In addition to acting on the nervous system, lemon balm also alleviates digestive problems of bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea (especially if they are psychosomatic).
Valerian tea and tincture (Valeriana officinalis) have been used for centuries as a good and effective sedative, against tension, stress, and insomnia. This plant has successfully passed the test of time. Modern science has proven its effectiveness and, very importantly, the safety of using this plant in the fight against anxiety – a disease of the times in which we live.
The unusual scent of valerian, which many like, comes from the essential oil that contains monoterpenes (mostly borneol) and sesquiterpenes. In addition to valerian essential oil, it also contains iridoid compounds (valepotriates).
Examination of these active substances led to the conclusion that, when taken individually, they have a much smaller effect than when taken in combination with the plant. So, it is always better to use valerian tea or tincture.
Valerian is also recommended for those who suffer from high blood pressure, but only those that are caused by psychogenic causes, in the vernacular, from nervousness.
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) has an extremely complex composition: it contains as many as 400 substances, 80 of which are unique to this plant and they are cannabinoids: CBD (cannabidiol) and CBN (cannabinol) are medicinal, but do not have a psychoactive effect.
The least known is cannabigerol CBG, from which all other cannabinoids are made, so it makes sense to claim that cannabigerol is good for health. Thanks to the high content of CBD and CBN, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, protects nerves, and is useful for people who suffer from anxiety.
Valerian tincture
Put 50 g of the dried rhizome of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) in a clean dry jar and pour 300 ml of 70% alcohol or strong brandy. Close the jar and shake well. Store in a dark and cool place for two weeks with frequent shaking. After that period, carefully pour the liquid out of the jar, let it settle, and strain it through clean gauze.
Store in a tightly closed dark glass bottle. If you are uneasy, take 20 drops three times a day, half an hour before meals.. It is necessary to drink the tincture for at least seven days continuously to feel the full effect.
Anxiety Tea Blend:
- 50g hemp leaves and flowers (Cannabis sativa)
- 50g valerian root (Valeriana Officinalis)
- 100g lemon balm leaves (Melissa officinalis)
Mix all the plants, then pour a full tablespoon of the mixture into a cup (250 ml) of boiling water, stir, cover and let stand for 20 minutes. After that time, strain and drink in small sips. Drink three cups of tea a day.
Tea mixture for good mood
- 50 grams of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- 50 grams of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- 20 grams of licorice root (Glycyrhiza glabra)
Mix everything well. Stir 7 tablespoons of this mixture with a liter of boiling water, stir, cover and leave for 1 hour. Strain and drink throughout the day.
Top Plants for Mood Enhancement
