Herbal Therapy for Mental Health benefits

How do you feel about all natural herbal therapy?

It’s quite the interesting topic. I personally love herbal teas! I have mentioned in my Q&A blog how I literally have a collection. I use it to wind down for the night and even when I may need to calm stress throughout the day or an energy boost. Different types of herbs give different benefits.

*How can something look so beautiful and appetizing at the same time!?*
☕️🌱

Let’s take a look at some information on different herbs and their benefits.

Herbal therapies, or also called herbal remedies:
They are plants used as a medicine. They can be used to get relief from symptoms, relax (reduce stress), boost energy, and even to lose weight! Though, herbs are not regulated or tested as medicine’s are, they are an all natural plant remedy. They can also be used to cure or prevent a disease. Herbs can come in many forms for therapeutic uses.

As we can see, not only are they good for mental health symptoms, they can be used for your overall health. The goal for this blog is to help with information on which herbal therapies are good for different types of mental health symptoms, but of course it never hurts to inform of other benefits can come from them.

Not everyone will agree with herbal remedies, and that is perfectly okay! Just remember, if you ever do give it a try, it’s natural. That always gives me comfort knowing when using them. It is helping my body with no bad side effect. But with that said, please keep in mind that it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying anything new. Especially if you are on any type of medication, or have any known or unknown allergies. You wouldn’t want to risk any side effect that may be possible when mixing with any type of medication. I am not a doctor so I cannot say if that is possible or not, but a health care professional can help with any questions you may have and go over your medical history, as well as advise to watch for any allergies or side effects. It’s important to keep that in mind, for your personal safety even if you are interested in an all natural plant based remedy.

Take a look at this herb combo with vitamin C. This is one that I’ve tried before, in capsule form.

The benefits of the AdrenaSense works together with the Vitamin C capsules. To help give the overall best effect the AdrenaSense is used for.

AdrenaSense is a natural formula containing rhodiola, suma, Siberian ginseng, schisandra, and ashwagandha. It provides herbal support for healthy adrenal gland function and promotes uninterrupted sleep during occasional sleeplessness, as well as, to help improve mental and physical performance after periods of exhaustion and to temporarily promote relaxation. It works with the adrenals, supporting healthy cortisol levels. So, you are pretty much healing your adrenal glands to promote the repair of its normal function. AdrenaSense is a product of the WomenSense line dedicated to helping women reach their full health potential.

AdrenaSense Suggested Use:
2 capsules mid-day with food or as directed by a health professional. Up to 4 capsules can be taken daily. (Take 1 vitamin C capsule with each AdreaSense dose)

The reason for using vitamin C with AdrenaSense is because vitamin C is directly involved in the production of cortisol and other adrenal hormones. The highest levels of vitamin C are found in your adrenal glands. Vitamin C is also a building block for recovery from fatigued adrenals.

Other Vitamin C benefits:

Vitamin C it’s self can enhance an overall better mood. Interesting fact, vitamin C is also known as, ascorbic acid. And it’s essential to a number of key processes in the body. Without vitamin C, your body cannot produce the protein needed for healthy blood vessels, skin, tendons and ligaments. Vitamin C is also necessary for wound healing and for maintaining the bones, cartilage and teeth. In addition, vitamin C is required by the immune system and necessary for absorbing the mineral iron from the foods that you eat.

Okay! So, enough of the adrenal health. I want to get to the other herbs! (Yay!)🌿🌱😁

Let’s go over types of herbs and the benefits they produce.

Herbal Therapies for Anxiety:

1. Chamomile – Chamomile is a flowering herb similar in appearance to a daisy. There are actually two types of Chamomile that people can use. Those are Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. Different ways someone can use Chamomile to help relieve stress and anxiety include the following:
– Tea
– Extract
– Tablet
– Skin cream

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to Chamomile. Particularly so if someone has experienced reactions to these following plants:
– Ragweed
– Chrysanthemums
– Marigolds
– Daisies

It is possible that Chamomile may interact with certain medications. So, as I stated above it is always best to talk to your doctor before consumption of Chamomile teas or supplements.

2. Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha or also known as, Withania Somnifera is among a group of herbs called “adaptogens”.
Adaptogens affect systems and hormones in the body that regulate a person’s stress response. People can take ashwagandha in the following ways:
– Tablet
– Liquid Tincture

3. Valerian– Valerian also known as, Valeriana Officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia. For many centuries, people have used the root to help treat sleep problems, anxiety, and depression.

Valerian root is available in the following forms:
– Tea
– Tablet
– Tincture

There is a study that suggest Valerian is generally safe. However, the NCCIH note that there is no information on the long-term use or safety of Valerian in the following groups:
– Pregnant women
– Nursing Mothers
– Children under 3 years of age

People should also be aware that Valerian may have a sleep inducing effect. Taking the herb with alcohol or sedatives will add to this effect and could be dangerous.

4. Lavender– Lavender is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family. Many people use lavender to help calm the nerves and alleviate anxiety.
People may use lavender in the following ways:
– Making tea from the leaves
– Using the oil in aromatherapy
– Mixing the essential oil into a base oil for massage
– Adding the oil or flowers to baths

Lavender essential oil (LEO) contains chemicals called terpenes. A study suggest that two of these terpenes called linalool and linalyl acetate may have a calming effect on chemical receptors in the brain.

5. Galphimia Glauca – Galphimia glauca is a plant species native to Mexico. People traditionally used it as a tranquilizer to reduce anxiety. According to a review, the evidence for G. glauca as a treatment for anxiety is promising. However, medical companies have not exploited its potential due to a lack of available plant material.

There was a clinical trial study performed on participants. Half of the participants were given G. glauca while the other half were given the prescription anti-anxiety medication Lorazepem for 12 weeks.
Researchers continued to monitor the participants for a further 3 weeks to test for withdrawal symptoms. Results showed that participants who received a daily dose of 0.175 mg of G. glauca showed a greater reduction in anxiety symptoms compared with those who took Lorazepam. Both treatments were safe.

6. Passionflower – Passionflower or Passiflora is a family of plants with around 550 different species. Some studies show that a particular species, P. incarnata, may be effective in treating restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety.

According to a review of complementary treatments, some evidence suggests that the anti-anxiety effects of P. incarnata are comparable to those of benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are a class of drug that doctors may prescribe to treat anxiety.
People can take P. incarnata in tablet form or as a liquid tincture.

7. Kava Kava – Kava Kava or simply kava, is a shrub that is native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum.
In the Pacific Islands, people use kava in a ceremonial beverage intended to relieve stress and alter mood.

Participants taking kava in a clinical trial showed a significant reduction in anxiety, suggesting kava may be a moderately effective short-term treatment for anxiety.
The study also found kava to be safe. People can buy Kava as a supplement online or in health food stores.

8. Cannabidiol (CBD) – It’s is one of the active ingredients of the cannabis plant.
Research suggest that CBD may have a calming effect on the central nervous system.
It can be found in the following forms:
– Tablet
– Liquid extract
– Vape liquid
– Topical cream

Researchers concluded that CBD may be beneficial for people with anxiety-related disorders.

Herbal Therapy/Herbal Remedies for depression:

1. St. John’s Wort – Relatively well-known herb that has been used for centuries as a successful treatment for depression.

It is most often taken in a capsule/pill form or drank as a tea, although other methods such as essential oils or consumption of the fresh herb may also be used.

A study has shown that this herb is at least as effective as most regularly prescribed antidepressants in the United States if not more effective. The study was able to determine that St. John’s Wort can successfully treat mild and moderate depression symptoms with fewer side effects than those experienced when taking antidepressant medication.

2. Saffron – Saffron is an exotic and luxurious spice of the Far East that sports a rich orange-red color and a distinctive flavor. But did you know it can also be used as an antidepressant?

While saffron can be more expensive to obtain than some of the other herbs on this list, it elicits a surprisingly effective response against depression without the other undesirable side effects of antidepressant medications.

There are three primary bioactive substances in saffron: picrocrocin, safranol, and crocin. These three substances work together to achieve the desired antidepressant effects in the body. Research also suggests that crocin and safranol’s inhabitation of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin reuptake receptors in the brain is likely responsible for the antidepressant effects that saffron produces in people who are experiencing depression symptoms.

3. Rhodiola – Because Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb, it’s a fantastic treatment for not only depression but also for other kinds of mood disorders! Rhodiola is particularly well suited to managing and treating depression caused by stress and stressful situations, or that caused by PTSD.

Rhodiola is also sometimes called Arctic Root or Golden Root and its main purpose is to help the body fight off stress reactions and to support healthy mood balancing.

It’s said that this herb is best taken as an extract.

4. Rosemary – This might be a surprising remedy for depression, but rosemary is actually quite effective in treating nearly all forms of mild to moderate depression and the accompanying symptoms. The plant’s primary constituents, rosmanol, circimaritin, and salvigenin all work together to produce both depression-fighting and anxiety-reducing effects. These constituents are thought to work by working with the GABA receptors in the brain.

Rosemary is an important healing herb, but it’s also a great spice to keep in your kitchen. The plant can be used with most Italian dishes and also in some Middle Eastern foods to “supplement” an anti-depression herb or medication protocol. If you want a more concentrated form of the herb, consider buying rosemary in capsule form or as an essential oil (food grade).

5. Maca Root – Maca is used to treat a variety of ailments, including (but not limited to) depression, decreased libido, pre-menopausal symptoms, and more. The root is generally consumed as a tea, in capsule form, or as a powder mixed with water or milk. While the plant can be used to treat depression in both men and women of any age, it’s most often used to treat anxiety and depression in women who have reached menopause because of its balancing effects on the hormonal systems in the body.

There was a study that analyzed the effects of maca root on depression and other pre- and post-menopausal symptoms in women. The study found that there were dramatic improvements in both mood, libido, and overall energy in all of the 14 women who participated in the study.

Is herbal medicine really effective?

Well, yes! Effectiveness of herbal preparations is directly linked to appropriate dosing, frequency and choice of herb. The main reason you hear of herbs not working is due to inappropriate dosing or using the incorrect herb for the illness.

Honestly, herbal remedies depend on your comfort. It’s important to learn about the herb(s) you may be interested in, and the best way to take them.

Happy herbing!😌🌱☕️🌿

It’s time to have “The Talk”..

It’s time to talk about suicide prevention, warning signs,
and how to get help, or help someone else in need. It’s
important to understand suicide and what leads people to
such a vulnerable place. Let’s talk, let’s save lives!

Let’s start by understanding that suicide does not discriminate. No matter your age, gender, or ethnicities, you can be at risk. There is no single cause, as suicidal behavior is complex.
Many different factors can play a role in someone making a suicide attempt. But those most at risk do tend to share specific characteristics.

Here’s a list of the main risk factors for suicide:

– Depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorder, PTSD, or other mental disorders.
– Chronic pain.
– A prior suicide attempt.
– Certain medical conditions.
– Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse.
– Family history of suicide.
– Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse.
– Having recently been released from prison, or jail.
– Having guns or other firearms in the home.
– Being exposed to others suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities.

Additionally, many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Keep in mind that it is important to understand that suicide is not a normal response to stress.

In fact, suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should never be ignored.
PLEASE, please, never think someone is only trying to get attention while displaying suicidal thoughts, actions, or even talking directly about attempting it. NEVER tell someone that they are just seeking attention. This could cost someone their life.

Additionally, a lot of the time someone with suicidal thoughts will not disclose that information to anyone. That is another reason why it is important to know the warning signs. Everyone reacts to this emotional state differently. It never means that one situation is more important than the other. Someone in crisis is exactly that, a crisis situation. They need help to overcome these emotions, rightfully so.

If you may be one who’s having warning signs or thoughts of suicide. Please seek help. You can overcome this. I have been there myself. I was at my end. I will admit. But looking back I can not imagine if I would have chose suicide instead of the help that I deep down knew that I needed. I am living proof that it is possible to seek help and recover. My story is far from easy, far from nice. It’s actually quite dark…

If anyone ever needs to talk, you can email me, directly! I would love to hear from you.
E-mail: selflove1013@yahoo.com
My name is, Jamie. And I do care about you!
That is my direct email specially made for chatting. And we can go from there.
Below I will also list the Lifeline National crisis hotline, which is totally confidential and free. I post a similar hotline on all of my blogs, which is also confidential and free.

I truly have honest passion for this and for all people. I want us all to beat this together and live the life we know that we are able to live. We are WORTH IT. We all have a beautiful journey of life awaiting us.

Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Whichs can be the first step toward helping an at-risk person find treatment with a specialist.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call: 1-800-273- TALK (8255)
En Espanol 1-888-628-9454
The lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline connects the caller to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline National network. These centers provide crises counseling and mental health referrals.
People who are deaf, or hard of hearing: Contact the Lifeline via TTY at:
1-800-799-4889.

Crisis Text Line: (Available to everyone)
Text “HELLO” to 741741
This text hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the US.
The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.

Please, never be afraid to use these hotlines. I personally feel like it’s a comfortable approach over the phone or via text, if one may be nervous about an in person contact during a time so vulnerable.

Lets jump back in and talk about the Signs and Symptoms.
The behaviors below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

– Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live.
– Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves.
– Talking about great guilt or shame.
-Making plans or even looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for methods online, maybe even lethal methods. (pills, guns.)ect.
– Talking about feeling rapped or feeling that their is no solution to their situation.
– Feeling of unbearable pain. (emotional and/or physical)
– Using drugs or alcohol (even more often)
– Talking about feeling like being a burden to others.
– Acting anxious or agitated. (even irritable)
-Withdrawn from family and friends. (Anti-social)
-A change in sleeping and/or eating habits.
-Showing rage or maybe even talking about seeking revenge.
– Talking and/or thinking about death often.
-Taking great risks that could lead to death (such as driving excessively fast)
– Extreme mood swings, sudden changing from very sad to very calm or happy.
– Saying goodbye to friends and family.
– Giving away valuable, important, personal possessions.
-Putting affairs in order (making of a will)

If any of these warning signs apply, seek help. for either yourself, or others. Particularly if the behavior is new or increased lately.

Also, remember to pay attention to social media post. Sadly, I have seen it too many times lately. It’s almost like the new way to write a suicide note. Social media has turned into such a huge use to this generation.

I want to share a method with you that could be very helpful...

The 5 action steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain:

1. ASK – “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE – Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

3. BE THERE – Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT – Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. STAY CONNECTED – Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Treatment options!
There are many great options out there for quality treatment.
Interventions: Safety Planning and Follow up phone calls.
– Safety planning has been shown to help reduce suicidal thoughts and actions, as well as develop a plan that describes ways to limit access to lethal means such as firearms, pills, or poisons. The plan also lists coping strategies and people and resources that can help in a crisis.
– Follow-up phone calls. Research has shown that when at-risk patients receive further screening, a safety plan intervention, and a series of supportive phone calls, their risk of suicide goes down.

Psychotherapies:
Multiple types of psycho-social interventions have found to help people who have attempted suicide. These types of interventions may prevent someone from making another attempt.
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences through training. CBT helps people recognize their thought patterns and consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.
– Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been shown to reduce suicidal behavior in adolescence. DBT has also been shown to reduce the rate of suicide in adults with borderline personality disorder, a mental illness characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior that often results in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. A therapist trained in DBT helps a person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting situations.

Medication:
Some people at risk for suicide might benefit from medication. Doctors and patients can work together to find the best medication, as well as the right dose. For people at risk for suicide that have both a mental illness and substance use problems, these people might benefit from medication along with psycho-social intervention.

I would never push medication on someone nor would I tell someone that it isn’t a good option when looking for treatment. The fact is, it will be different for everyone.

I remember trying a few different medications before I got the right one that worked with me. Before finding what was right for me, the medication actually made me feel worse. But any good doctor and therapist will work with you to make sure you find the quality care, the right options and medication for you. I mean at one point, early in my treatment I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. When in fact I was suffering from PTSD. Which I do see how the two can be confused..they both are causes of terrible mood swings and aggressive behavior. But I finally found a medication recently that works amazing. It not only helps my PTSD, but it also works as one with my anxiety and depressive episodes. I have been on this medication for almost a year and though it took a few dosing adjustments, I haven’t have an aggressive episode or an anxiety attack in almost a year! It feels absolutely amazing, and to be honest, it feels like freedom!

I want to end this blog by saying that I am so happy that I got to get this one out for you all and I wish everyone the most positive vibes! I truly mean every word I say. And I truly care about each and everyone of you. Break the silence, break the stigma. Push forward, and NEVER give up on you!
Remember, In case of a crisis, use the Lifeline that I posted above in the blog. Save it to your phone for someone in need, or if you may ever need it. And PLEASE if you ever need to chat, you can email me at the email that I listed above, also.

“A YEAR FROM NOW YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU STARTED TODAY”