Herbal Depression Medicine
The neurotransmitter serotonin is the body's natural
depression medicine. Its circulation in the brain serves to control the
depressive mood. Many antidepressant prescriptions work by boosting the
activity of serotonin in the brain. This compound is also found in some
natural food sources and herbs. Ice cream (which usually contains
serotonin), for example, is known to many people as a mood alleviator.
Similarly, herbs and herbal formulas can be used as depression medicine.
Famous Herbs for Depression
Some of the more well known herbs used as depression medicine include
Siberian ginseng, licorice, oat straw, ginkgo, thyme, basil, spearmint,
clove, rosemary, and so on. Before using any of these herbs for treating
the depressed mood, remember to get information on the method of use,
safety, and dosage etc.
Herbal Tonics for Depression
Using a single herb is not that effectual in alleviating depressive
symptoms as using a herbal tonic containing a combination of herbs. The
point in combining herbs is to prevent the possible side effects that
result from a single herb. A herbal tonic used as depression medicine is
therefore more balanced. Some common herbal preparations are easy to
make and you can try these, though not without the approval of an
experienced expert in herbal treatments.
Antidepressant Tincture
Take one-half teaspoon tincture of each of the ingredients: ginseng
root, licorice root, lemon balm leaf, ashwaganda leaf. Combine these
with a teaspoon tincture of Saint-John's-wort leaf and use three times
daily by taking one dropper at a time. You can also buy glycerites to
use instead of tincture, which contains alcohol.
Gentian Root Tea
This is a tasty herbal depression medicine, easy to prepare at home.
Take one-half ounce of well-chopped poplar bark and gentian root. Put
these in two pints of water and leave for 15 minutes. Bring to boil, and
then add one-half ounce of agrimony and the same quantity of centaury.
Simmer the tea for about ten minutes. Allow to cool and strain. It is
fine to add a bit of honey as sweetener. Use this tea three to four
tablespoon before taking meal.
Rosemary-Sage Tea
A readily prepared herbal depression medicine is the rosemary-sage tea.
Put one teaspoon of rosemary and one of sage in two cups of water. Boil
the mixture and allow steeping for five minutes. Drink daily for a
lighter mood.
Clove Tea
Clove tea is a good solution for lifting mild depression. Crush some
cloves. Add them to sage, camomile or peppermint tea along with a dash
of ginseng powder. Use daily twice or three times.
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