Staying Cool this Summer - Maintaining Mental Health


One in four of us will experience mental health problems at one time in our lives.  But all of us worry or get the blues sometimes.  So what can we do to help ourselves get back up when we have been feeling down?  Orthodox medicine has developed drugs to help more serious symptoms, but they also agree this is not the best method and should be relied upon as a last resort, and sometimes the drugs don't work.


Everyone is unique; some people experience symptoms of anxiety, perhaps feelings of panic and excess levels of fear, some people are more inclined towards depression, or perhaps get a measure of both.  Therefore it is important to apply a technique or a remedy specific to the symptoms.  In my research and practice I have found the most effective way to maintain mental health is to use a number of techniques, some which work with the mind e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, counselling, meditation; and some which work with the chemistry of the body, e.g. herbs, exercise, aromatherapy, massage and nutrition.


I believe self-help is an absolute must, we have to take responsibility for own health as no-one else can really do it for us.  This is where the idea of 'mind apples' come in.  Mind apples is an idea based on the original concept of '5 a day' fruit and vegetables for the body.  Mind apples is a discussion about the things we can do on a daily basis to stay mentally healthy.  The idea was generated by Andy Gibson who has founded a new website you might like to check out. Mind apples can be very simple things, like stopping to smell the roses, reading a favourite poem, phoning a friend.  You may not be able to 5 a day every day but a little bit of something positive will help add up to a more positive psychology overall.


My favourite 5 mind apples are:


1. taking at least 10 minutes a day to be alone and meditate, or practice self-hypnosis

2. drinking some herbal tea

3. enjoying a soak in a warm bath with my favourite essential oils

4. tending to the garden

5. smiling at a stranger everyday - spread the happiness


If you want to know more about mind apples click below



5 Herbs for Happiness:


Lemon balm - a truly balancing herb, whether you are anxious or depressed this herb can bring back a sense of balance into your life and it tastes delicious as a herbal tea.


Valerian - a great sedative for anxiety and insomnia with no hangover effects


Chamomile - a safe remedy for children, it soothes them to sleep, has a reputation for preventing night terrors and helps relieve grumpy tantrums


Peppermint - traditionally known as a herb for grumpy old men (but if you hadn't noticed women are grumpy sometimes too), it will work to settle an upset stomach too.


Skullcap - for the overactive mind that can't switch off, this herb can help those who don't let go so easily from the troubles of the day, or just need a break from their own thoughts when times are tough.


If you find these herbs don’t work for you, you may need something stronger, more tailored to your specific health issues, seek help from a Medical herbalist.  You can contact me by email or click the NIMH logo to find a herbalist near you.

 

Herb of the Month:

ROSE
Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica, Rosa centifolia


This is a flower which never goes out of fashion, and after my visit this month to the rose gardens of Hever Castle, my passion for this glorious herb has been re-ignited. 


In Aromatherapy we appreciate it as one of the finest  fragrances, in confectionary we use it to flavour sweets such as Turkish delight, and as a simple flower we give it to demonstrate our love. 


Rose has always been associated with positive feelings of love and joy for good reason. It is one of the fastest acting, uplifting anti-anxiety and anti-depressive herbs of all time. It also has a cooling, protective action on the liver, being softly soothing for angry emotions at anytime of year.  Historically it is also described as a powerful aphrodisiac which i believe is related to its ability to increase our love for life. 


My favourite use of Rose is as a tea, it is delicious on its own or with a touch of honey, and tastes very much like Turkish delight.  I love to mix a tea made up of the petals of Rosa damascena with the seeds from a green Cardamon pod, another renowned aphrodisiac, for an uplifting, happiness inducing tea, or for a more calming version try mixing it with Lemon balm.


Preparations & Dosage:


Tea – 1-2 teaspoons fresh or dried flowers per cup, brew for 10 minutes, drink freely


Tincture – 1:1 in 45% alcohol, dose 2ml 3 times a day.


Aromatic water – internally use up to 5ml, 3 times a day; on the skin use freely


Essential oil – add 5 drops to bath water to aid relaxation, relax menstrual spasm and back ache.


Actions & Uses:


Genitourinary system: Rose has a regulatory function on the menstrual cycle, and also works to alleviate emotional tension associated with PMT via its action on both the liver and the nervous system.  As an antispasmodic it also works to reduce muscle spasm associated with painful periods.


Skin: The essential oil and aromatic water can be used as a topical application, to reduce inflammation and redness.  It also has some action on thread veins which appear on the face with age, or sun burn, or alcohol. 


Nervous system: Rose is a fantastic antidepressant used in any of its available forms.  It works to heal our broken hearts from anger, loss and grief helping us to love ourselves and others again (perhaps this is why lovers give each other roses).  It also works to calm an anxious heart and prevent panic attacks and the associated palpitations.  Psychology studies have shown that the use of Rose oil induces ‘sweeter dreams’.


Digestive system:  Rose works within the digestive system primarily as a liver protector and cholagogue.  It is not as strong as Milk thistle in its action but can be of benefit never the less.

 
I hope you have found our first newsletter interesting and entertaining.  If you have any questions or comments about the newsletter drop me a line.  In each newsletter I will answer some of the questions you have sent in about herbs and ailments.  Email me at sorrell@chamomileclinic.co.uk


The information provided in this newsletter is taken and developed from my book.  For more wisdom on how to use herbs for common ailments the book is available for just £8.95, click on the book for information on how to buy.


Take care of yourself till next time...

 

DISCLAIMER:

Please be aware that this information is provided solely for informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to using any herbs or treatments made from herbs.