Be Happy

Don’t let the thought of rising prices and further cutbacks get you down. Try some herbal remedies to lift your spirits

Cut backs and higher taxes seem to be in the air post election and they can lead to a bout of the summer blues, especially if you have been saving your hard earned pennies for the years to come. If you feel your mood is on a downward spiral the secret is to take some positive action as soon as you can. And there are several herbs that can help to keep you on an even keel.

ST JOHN’S WORT

First comes St John’s wort, a long time favourite for helping to lift the spirits. It is thought to work by helping to boost levels of serotonin in the brain.

The largest ever study on the plant, carried out by Dr Klaus Linde, of the Centre for Complementary Medicine, Munich, reports that St John’s wort is as effective for mild-to-moderate depression as conventional drugs such as Prozac.

In a review of 29 studies of the plant, involving nearly 5,500 patients with mild to moderately severe depression, Linde found that, as well as helping to lift the spirits, St John’s wort also has fewer side effects. ‘ Overall we found that the St John’s wort extracts tested in the trials were superior to placebos and as effective as standard antidepressants, with fewer side effects,’ said Linde.

You should always consult your doctor before taking this herb in case of adverse reactions with other prescribed medicines.

RHODIOLA

If you are feeling down in the dumps, tired and fed up with the economic situation, rhodiola may be the herb for you. Like St John’s wort it helps to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn helps to improve mood and increase feelings of well being.

GINSENG

This herb belongs to a group of herbs known as adaptogens, which are thought to help strengthen the adrenals and balance the system generally. Siberian ginseng is especially good for boosting vitality and energy, both of which are generally at low levels if your mood is less than sunny.

5 WAYS TO A SUNNY MOOD

1. Exercise outside Just a small ‘dose’ of nature every day can help to benefit your mood, self-esteem and mental health according to a recent study carried out by the University of Essex. Walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating and horse riding are all good choices.
2. Phone a friend Try not to bottle up your worries. Talking about them can often make them seem less serious.
3. Sleep well Try to get at least eight hours a night. Lack of sleep can quickly magnify a problem out of all proportion.
4. Relax, relax Turning the lights down low, putting on some soft music and sitting back in a comfortable chair can   be remarkably effective.
5. Eat healthily Follow a well balanced diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and cut back on salt, sugar and stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. They may make you feel better in the short term but the feel-good effects won’t last long.

Rhodiola is found in Vitano - A traditional herbal medicinal product usd for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress, such as fatigue, exhaustion and mild anxiety, based on traditional use only.