Herbs For Mental Health
A few years ago, my family and I visited the island of Milos, the most southwestern island of the Cyclades in Greece.
Besides loving everything about the island, it deserves a blog of its own, I went googoo –ga-ga over the herbs growing there.
The rosemary & lavender, in particular, extended blocks and blocks in the form of bushes.
The appearance of them was surreal and the aroma ever fragrant.
The heavenly smells permeated the pathway each time we walked by to get to our hotel – The Milos Cove.
Aside from the appearance and aroma of herbs, what is so special about them? This type of vegetation contains chemical compounds including phytochemicals that reinforce healing properties; they support many health benefits.
What are phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals have bio active properties, which behave as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and lots more.
Lately, it seems like the buzz word of the decade is antioxidants.
Antioxidants or molecules protect the body from damage to cells and tissues.
Mostly, what you must remember about antioxidants is that they protect against chronic disease-like heart and cancer disease.
According to the National Library of Medicine 6 common herbs with distinctive bioactive antioxidant components include: rosemary, oregano, pink savory, lemon balm, St John’s wort and saffron.
All of these herbs are rich in antioxidants which exhibit several biological and health benefits.
Folks – herbs are medicine. Medicine in the form of pharmaceutical plants - have been used to heal and prevent illness since before the time of Christ.
The island of Ikaria- the place where people forget to die and one of the Blue Zones, aka the longevity island- is another Greek destination providing a great deal of herbs.
Frankincense, oregano, sage, mint and thyme, rosemary, lavender, chamomile, fennel and St John’s Wort are each linked to improving the state of the mind, are scattered throughout the island.
As we wrap up this quick glance at herbs and wellness, in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness month, here are few suggestions for improving your mental health:
FOCUS: Drink peppermint tea or apply peppermint essential oil to bottoms of feet or temples of forehead.
HEADACHES: Sip lavender tea or rub lavender oil and basil oil to temples and wrists, which is very helpful to calming nerves and easing pain.
DESTRESS: St John’s Wort also known as Balsamo – you can either drink as a tea or massage onto back of neck or on your wrists.
Hopefully this blog gives you some beneficial insight to improving your mental wellbeing with the use of herbs.
All the best to you experimenting your way to a balanced and ola kala mind body and spirit.
Sending you filakia – kisses
Yours truly,
Kiki