Herbs and spices have been used as cures for health issues in cultures around the world since ancient times. The most wonderful thing about them is that unlike pharmaceutical prescriptions, there are no harmful side effects imposed on your body without your consent.
Over these past few years, these are the herbs and spices I’ve used on a regular basis. I recommend those that I’ve used myself and speak from my own experience. However, I also include a few additional tidbits of information that I’ve gleaned from other sources.
If you’re like many people, myself includes, antidepressants are not the answer for a variety of reasons. Alternative treatments include a diet rich in vegetables and healthy meat to overcome the symptoms of depression and anxiety. What could be easier than stopping long enough to eat a salad during the day? It’s a natural anxiety reliever! Of course, the fresher, the better. But, if you can’t get fresh or fresh enough, turn to the frozen section of your grocery store.
The same holds true for herbs and spices. They have been used since ancient times across a broad spectrum of folk medicines that have been handed down over the centuries. Continue reading to learn about six herbs and spices for relief of depression that’s sure to bring you happier moods.
6 Herbs and Spices for Happy Moods!
1. Peppermint to Relieve Anxiety
Peppermint helps the respiratory system which includes coughs, colds, asthma, allergies, and tuberculosis. Mint contains useful flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are known to boost health and help numerous ailments. Inhaling the peppermint aroma may increase memory and relieve stress.
Peppermint is in the same family of herbs with Rosemary and Sage which also contain flavonoids and phenolic acids. As an essential oil, peppermint can be used as a topical pain reliever, for skin or hair care, freshen breath, and in toothpaste. It can also be used aromatically in a diffuser for a pleasant, relaxing scent in your room before going to bed.
2. Sage is a Great Supplement for Memory Enhancement
Sage has a long history of both physical and spiritual healing. Moreover, it belongs to the same family as rosemary and mint and therefore contains flavonoids and phenolic acids. This is what gives sage both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s great is the anti-inflammatory properties of sage make it a great herbal remedy for people who suffer from inflammatory conditions.
3. An Herbal Antidote to Relieve Depression
You may use rosemary topically as an application to the skin to prevent and treat baldness. In addition, it treats circulation issues, toothaches, a skin condition called eczema, and joint or muscle pain such as myalgia, sciatica, and intercostal neuralgia. It also heals wounds, in bath therapy (balneotherapy), and is used by many as an insect repellent. Interestingly, rosemary is in the same family with Peppermint and Sage and therefore contains flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Health benefits of rosemary include the ability to boost memory, improve mood, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, protect the immune system, stimulate circulation, detoxify the body, protect the body from bacterial infections, prevent premature aging, and heal skin conditions.
4. The Lure of Lavender for Serenity
The fresh, clean smell of lavender makes it highly used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets to scent our clothes. Furthermore, it eliminates nervous tension, enhances blood circulation, and treats respiratory issues. Additionally, it is in use for disinfection of the scalp and skin.
Inhaling lavender has a calming, soothing, and sedative effect. The name “Lavender” comes from the Latin root “Lavare” which means “to wash”.
5. The Pleasant Aura of Jasmine
The aroma of jasmine essential oil has an uplifting and pleasant effect on the mind and helps reduce depression. Many use it as an antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, and as an aphrodisiac.
The aromatic effect of jasmine oil stimulates the release of certain hormones in the body, including serotonin, which results in the boost of energy and an uplift in your mood.
6. The Super-Food Turmeric to Relieve Stress
This is an ancient spice, in use for more than 5,000 years. The curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin, are what makes turmeric so extraordinary. Curcumin is a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Moreover, turmeric is also widely in use as an anti-depressant.
Conclusion
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