Eliminate stress and fear to give yourself a fighting chance at a more fulfilling life.
Jim Carrey once said, " ...Depression is your body saying f*ck you, I don’t want to be this character anymore, I don’t want to hold up this avatar that you’ve created in the world. It’s too much for me...", or something along those lines. In my opinion, most of us are anxious and/or depressed and not enough of us are admitting it. There is currently not enough attention being given to the growing number of people who are experiencing depression and anxiety due to current global events or just due to extra bullsh*t being piled on to everyone's personal lives. This social distancing and face masking dancery is messing with our innate needs as social creatures. It has taken away the crutches we've had as humans to find joy and some type of happiness amidst the oppression. The Earth is saying enough is enough, I want to heal. We now have no choice but to look at the mess we've been a part of creating, as a collective and individually, accept it, offer it compassion, and heal it. Ultimately, our Creator has the final say and has provided us with remedy: It's time to heal.
For those of us who are reluctant to take pharmaceutical drugs for this mental health crisis, I've compiled a list of herbs that help with mild depression and anxiety. Nothing against pharmaceuticals because they are needed at times. However, they act more as bandaids and due to the additives/ side effects, I decided to look for balancing, natural and earth cultivated medicines that get to the root of the issue. Always CONSULT with your healthcare provider. PSA: Before you put anything in your mouth or give to someone else, do your research. Ask questions and stay skeptical. Thank you for reading this!
Blue Vervain
Blue Vervain (also known as Simpler's Joy) is a Perennial plant that is found growing all across North America. The acids and phytochemicals in Blue Vervain are responsible for the majority of its health benefits. This plant is known to be used for symptoms of depression, insomnia, digestion, and inflammation. Since our mental health is also tied to our gut health, Blue Vervain is excellent as it alleviates gastrointestinal
dis-eases. You can consume Blue Vervain in a tea or take as a tincture (it tastes bitter so maybe add a sweetener but never heat up honey- Just eat it raw!).
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is a favorite herb to fight off depression. This herb grows as a shrub and is native to Europe. I've personally used this herb in my work and for my family. In April of 2020, when my father finally returned from the hospital (he was very close to being hooked to a ventilator) he was mildly depressed and exhibited some anxiety. He did not have hope, felt weak, and just didn't have much liveliness to him. I gave him some St. John's Wort along with a glycerin-based Ashwagandha tincture and within a couple of weeks he was feeling better, going on bike rides and reading.
St. John's Wort is also known as 'Demon Chaser'. Now that's powerful. The chemicals in this plant act on messengers in the nervous system (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline) that regulate our
mood. St. John's Wort is clearly nature's antidepressant. You don't want to consume this herb if you are taking other medications because St. John's Wort has been found to mess with the effectiveness of other medications (known as an enzyme induction). You may take it as a tea, in a tincture or in capsules. Try our St. John's Wort & Lemon Balm Salve for muscle ache relief and body relaxation!
FUN FACT: this plant got its name because it usually blooms on John the Baptist's Birthday!
St. John's Wort is also known as 'Demon Chaser'.
Valerian Root
The amazing Valerian root is widely used to treat insomnia and promote relaxation. Unlike its nice smelling flowers, the Valerian root has a pungent, earthy odor that is hard for me to describe because, it's not good but it's not...bad?
The Valeric acid and antioxidants in this root are what helps lower anxiety and promote healthy sleeping. Valerian root is also known to interact with chemical messengers that
help regulate your nervous system. Valerian root is excellent at helping your body maintain healthy serotonin levels (a brain chemical that regulates your mood!)
I've used Valerian root for anxiety, menstrual cramps and even headaches! If you don't mind the smell, this root is an excellent addition to your medicine cabinet.
Ashwagandha Root
Ashwagandha is an ancient root, known as an adaptogenic, helping your body reduce stress. It is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine to balance the Doshas known as Vata and Kapha but may imbalance the Dosha Pitta (check out your Dosha levels by taking the quiz here!)
Ashwagandha has the ability to maintain homeostasis, even during emotional or physical stress and is known to lower cortisol levels (adrenal fatigue, anyone?). This root has also been proven to improve thyroid function, increase stamina, prevent and treat cancer, stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol.
Fun Fact: In India, Ashwagandha is known as 'strength of the Stallion' because of its ability to strengthen the immune system after an illness.
...Ashwagandha really is that girl...
Our Creator has provided us abundantly with remedies to heal physically, mentally, and spiritually. All we have to do is be still, be receptive and be grateful. Obviously, always do your due diligence when looking for natural medicine as you would for any western medication given to you. The biggest killers are stress and fear - Every illness stems from these. Eliminate the stress and fear to give yourself a fighting chance at a more fulfilling life. Get enough sunlight, drink plenty of water, eat plenty of greens and fruits, pray/meditate DAILY, spread LOVE and get enough sleep!
