The benefits of herbal medicines for mental health are many. Herbal treatments for mental health help treat disorders like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addiction. Herbal treatments for mental health have been around for centuries and have a rich history documented in the annals of recorded history.
Five Herbal Treatments for Mental Health
Ginseng
Ginseng, a herb containing many active compounds, has been included in various traditional medicines for thousands of years. It has been used to boost memory, treat fatigue, reduce nervousness, improve sleep quality, stabilize mood, eliminate toxins, and reduce symptoms of anxiety. The chemical compounds in ginseng include ginsenosides, flavonoids, sterols, saponins, and phenols.
Herbal tea
Tea has been consumed for thousands of years. It has been primarily consumed for its medicinal properties, taste, and calming effects. But tea is also rich in herbal extracts, which can provide many additional benefits. Herbal teas can treat depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and headaches. Herbal teas are easy to make and provide a safe, low-cost alternative to over-the-counter medications.
Scullcap
Scullcap is the common name for a flower called Scullcap or Hawkbit, and it has been used for centuries to relieve anxiety and stress. It has also been used as an herbal remedy to treat convulsions. Scullcap is often used to treat anxiety and nervousness, insomnia, and restlessness in today’s modern world. It can be taken as a tincture, which is essentially a liquid extract that contains the active compounds from the plant. One can also consume Scullcap tea or steep Scullcap in boiling water to make tea.
Chamomile
Chamomile, a herbal remedy used for both physical and mental stress, is widely available and is easy to take.
Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a herb native to North America and grows in sunny gardens, open fields, and other sunny spots. It is an old-fashioned remedy for nervous tension, anxiety, and insomnia. The herb is famed as one of the safest sedatives and is combined with valerian root for another herbal remedy for insomnia.
Some brands claim that their supplements can boost your energy levels, improve memory, or help you sleep better. But is it possible that some of these claims are overstated? Or, even worse, are some of these supplements actually doing more harm than good?
Supplements for Mental Health Issues
Omega-3 fatty acids
While many people know that omega-3 fatty acids are good for health, they may not know exactly how these nutrients benefit mental health. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from the consumption of fish and certain plant oils. They are considered essential fatty acids since the body cannot produce them, and they must be obtained from dietary sources.
S-adenosyl-methionine
S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) is a compound that naturally occurs in our liver, kidneys, brain, and cells. SAMe is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dimethyl-s-adenosine, or dSAM, an important brain antioxidant.
N-acetyl cysteine
Some medications for mental health issues like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can cause unpleasant side effects; for example, antipsychotic medications may cause weight gain, restlessness, and tremors. But there are alternatives. One supplement, N-acetyl cysteine, may help with many symptoms, including some of the antipsychotic side effects.
CBD
CBD has demonstrated potential in easing anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, and alleviating psychotic symptoms, offering hope as a treatment for several mental health issues. One of the ways in which CBD can provide relief is through the use of jealousy thca flower, as it is said to have the capacity to make the patient to almost immediately alter their cerebral and uplifting the mood, thereby causing feelings of euphoria and relaxing the muscles. Just remember to always seek the advise of a medical professional before using these substances.
Mental health disorders are serious and can affect anyone. Even if you’re not sure whether you’ve experienced any of a number of mental health conditions, talking to a doctor or mental health professional is an important step. A mental health disorder can be diagnosed after a person has been experiencing symptoms for an extended amount of time, though symptoms often don’t appear until later in life.