Sometimes sunny days aren’t always enough to lift the spirits when stress and anxiety take over.
Editor Jane Garton shares several herbs that can help to keep you on an even keel.
A long time favourite for helping to lift the spirits, it is thought to work by helping to boost levels of serotonin – the happy hormone – in the brain.
The largest ever study on the plant, carried out by Dr Klaus Linde of the Centre for Complementary Medicine in Munich. He reported that St John’s wort is as effective for mild-to-moderate depression as some more conventional drugs. In a review of 29 studies of the plant, involving nearly 5,500 patients with mild to moderately severe depression, he found that as well as helping to lift the spirits, St John’s wort also has fewer side effects: ‘ Overall we found that the St John’s wort extracts tested in the trials were superior to placebos and as effective as standard antidepressants, with fewer side effects,’ said Linde.
Always consult your doctor though before taking this herb in case of potential interactions with other prescribed medicines.
If you are feeling down in the dumps, tired and fed up with life, rhodiola may be the herb for you. Like St John’s wort it helps to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn helps to improve mood and increase feelings of well being.
GINSENG
This herb belongs to a group of herbs known as adaptogens, which are thought to help strengthen the adrenals and balance the system generally. Siberian ginseng is especially good for boosting vitality and energy, both of which are generally at low levels if your mood is less than sunny.
5 WAYS TO GIVE YOURSELF A MOOD BOOST
Exercise outside
Just a small ‘dose’ of nature every day can help to benefit your mood, self-esteem and mental health according to a study carried out by the University of Essex. Walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating and horse riding are all good choices.
Phone a friend
Try not to bottle up your worries. Talking about them can often make them seem less serious.
Sleep well
Try to get at least eight hours a night. Lack of sleep can quickly magnify a problem out of all proportion.
Relax, relax
Turning the lights down low, putting on some soft music and sitting back in a comfortable chair can be remarkably effective.
Eat healthily
Follow a well balanced diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and cut back on salt, sugar and stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. They may make you feel better in the short term but the feel-good effects won’t last long.
Visit Feeling Blue and The Mental Health Foundation for more advice and support on coping with stress.
