In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are prevalent, prioritizing mental wellness is crucial for overall health and happiness. While traditional therapies and medications have their place, exploring holistic approaches like herbalism can offer unique benefits for supporting you on your own mental health journey.
In this post, we’ll delve into the world of herbalism and how incorporating medicinal herbs into your self-care routine can nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
Understanding Mental Wellness and Herbalism
Herbalism, also known as herbal medicine or phytotherapy, is the practice of using plants and plant extracts for medicinal purposes. For centuries, cultures around the world have relied on the healing properties of herbs to treat various ailments, including those related to mental health. What sets herbalism apart is its holistic approach, which considers the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.
Exploring Herbal Remedies for Mental Wellness
There are a lot of buzz words floating out there right now, so I thought it best to kinda do a vocabulary round up.
First on the list of words to acquaint yourself with in Adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help the body adapt to stressors, both physical and psychological, thereby promoting resilience and balance. Examples of popular adaptogens are Ashwaganda, which I personally love and use in my night-time routine, Tulisi, also known as “Holy Basil”, and Rhodiola, all of which have been known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, stress, and even depression symptoms, in some cases.
Another one to know is Nervines. Nervines are a category of herbs that are often used to support and promote nervous system health, as well as to help alleviate stress, anxiety, and tension. Nervines can have various effects on the body, including calming and sedative actions, as well as promoting relaxation, soothing nerves, and improving sleep quality. Examples of nervine herbs include chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, and valerian.
And last, but certainly not least is Cognitive Enhancers. Now there are a few different methods of cognitive enhancing treatments floating around the mental health scene these days. One option is following the pharmaceutical pathway, which includes diagnosis from a trained medical health provider and a treatment plan consisting of medications such as Adderall or Ritalin. Another option is cognitive therapy, things like brain games and meditation are included in this method. However for this post, I want to highlight the use of herbal options, such as Gingko Biloba. Ginkgo biloba is often taken as a supplement to enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Some research suggests that it may help improve blood flow to the brain and protect nerve cells from damage, potentially leading to better cognitive performance.
Incorporating Herbal Practices into Daily Life
A lot of people get overwhelmed when they think of the different ways they will have to change their already maxed-out lives to incorporate these new practices. I get it, life is busy and somedays I’m happy to just get everyone feed and in bed at a decent time, but adding herbal remedies to your self-care routine can be simple and enjoyable. Below are just a few ways to get the most benefits with the least amount of effort.
Herbal Teas
Nothing says self care like a hot, steamy mug of your favorite tea. Not sure which tea to try? There are tons of small business tea contours who’s purpose in this world is to providing people with quality medicinal teas blends as well as herbal education. Popular herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower are well known to help one unwind and relax after a stressful day.
Aromatherapy
Another personal fave. I love having my diffuser going while I’m folding laundry and doing my chores. It has the ability to lift my mood and depending on what I’m diffusing, it can effect my productivity levels. For example, Rosemary is one of my all time favorite essential oils for energizing and promoting focus. Pro tip– Rosemary is great for those days when you need a pick-me-up, but you don’t want to use caffeine. Combine a couple drops of rosemary essential oil, and a carrier oil such as olive or jojoba oil, in a small glass roller bottle. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrists and it should help get you over that afternoon hump.
Herbal Supplements
There dare a ton of supplement companies out there, and they all provide a range of supplements. Consider taking herbal supplements containing adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to support your body’s stress response and enhance mental resilience. However, not all supplements are created equal, so finding a company who you can trust to produce quality product is an important factor.
Herbal Baths
Making your own bath salts is a fun a creative way to prioritize your self care. Combing easily accessible ingredients such as Epsom or mineral salts and essential oils, along with dried herbs and flowers like lavender, rosemary, or rose petals, you are able to create a custom herbal blend to infuse your bathwater for a soothing and rejuvenating experience.
Cultivating a Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness
Complete wellness is a not a one and done approach. To cultivate the best care for yourself, you need to look at it as a lifestyle approach verses a quick fix solution. While herbs provide much needs building blocks for a healthy body, adding additional support in the the form of exercise, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep can boost your ability to maximize your health.
Developing a regular mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi can connect you back to your body and allow for more enhanced mental resilience and emotional balance.
Most importantly, never feel ashamed to seek help from qualified professionals such as herbalists, naturopathic doctors, or mental health providers. These people are here to assist you when things are too much for you to bear alone. There is no shame in asking for help.
I hope this post has given you a sense of hope on your own wellness journey. My aim is to provide people with helpful information and practical ways to take control of your health. I cant stress this enough…we have to be our own biggest advocates when it comes to healthcare. Modern medicine is fantastic in its own right, but I believe we have to claim the responsibility of cultivating our own health and wellness for ourselves.
By incorporating herbalism into your own mental wellness regimen, I hope to offer you an alternative, holistic approach to supporting your overall well-being. By harnessing the healing power of medicinal herbs, you can nourish your mind, body, and spirit, and cultivate greater resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Whether you’re sipping on a cup of herbal tea, enjoying the aroma of essential oils, or taking herbal supplements, embracing herbalism can be a transformative journey towards enhanced mental wellness and vitality.
Let me know down below some of your favorite ways to incorporate herbal remedies into your mental wellness journey.
