There are so many ways that natural medicine can be used to help support mental health, including:
calming the mind
improving focus and concentration
neurotransmitter balance
elevating mood
reducing anxiety
improving stress resilience
Calming
Herbs like Lavender, Passionflower, Holy basil, Zizyphus, Chamomile; all of these have calming, mild sedative effects on the nervous system. In a naturopathic consult, we explore: how can you bring more balance to your parasympathetic and your sympathetic nervous system function by looking at lifestyle changes?
Improving mental alertness
Herbs like Ginkgo, Green Tea and Rosemary all help with stimulating blood flow to the brain. Iron levels can be very important especially in women who are prone to iron deficiency, because iron carries oxygen to the brain. Omega 3 levels are also very important because these fatty acids are key for cell-to-cell communication and optimising cognitive function.
Reducing anxiety
Anxiolytic herbs such as Lavender and Rhodiola can assist with mood stabilisation. Diet can also play an important role in managing anxiety; lets’s look at
- blood glucose regulation
- additives and artificial preservatives causing neuronal agitation
- parasympathetic/sympathetic nervous system function
Mood elevation
Thymoleptic herbs and nervine tonics like St John’s wort, Skullcap, Vervain and Lemon balm, together with adaptogenic herbs can assist with mood elevation.
Optimising your nutrition for neurotransmitter synthesis, blood glucose regulation and even balancing your hormones can also assist with mood regulation.
Improving stress resilience
Adaptogenic herbs such as Reishi mushroom, Rhodiola and Ashwaganda can help to buffer your nervous system against the effects of stress, which can certainly contribute to boosting your stress resilience.
It’s important to get a consult to find out the most suitable natural support strategy for your mental health. Medicinal herbs can have interactions with pharmaceutical drugs and should not be taken without professional advice.
Reach out for support at cyena@highervibration.com.au.
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