Cheers

Don’t let the blues get you down. Try these herbs to bring back the smile to your face

Just because it is Christmas is not a foolproof guarantee that you will be in the best of spirits. For some, Xmas can be a lonely time or a time for remembering and missing absent family and friends, while for others the sheer exhaustion of the run-up to the festivities can result in low mood and fatigue. Cold weather, lack of light and emotional pressures are other common triggers. The secret is to be aware of your feelings and take some action if you start to feel an attack of blues. And here are some herbs that will help you to do just that.

St John’s wort
According to a study carried out by Dr Klaus Linde from the Centre of Complementary Medicine Research in Munich the herbal supplement St John’s wort can help to improve mood. In a review of 24 studies he showed   that it can be as effective as Prozac in treating depression. It is not known exactly how it works but the thinking is that it boosts and helps to maintain levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin in the brain.

Rhodiola
If you are feeling stressed, tired and low in energy, 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 contentment.

Panax 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 when you are feeling down.

TRY THIS…

• Essential oils used in a burner or dropped in the bath can help. Go for sunshine oils such as grapefruit, orange and bergamot. Rosemary, basil and peppermint also have up uplifting properties.
• Go for a walk. Countless studies that regular exercise can help to boost levels of endorphins – the body’s feel good hormones.
• Resist the temptation to down your sorrows in alcohol. It may make you feel better in the short term but the effects will soon wear off.
• Have a cup of herbal tea. Valerian or camomile both have calming effects, which can help you to relax at this time of year.
• Visualisation may be worth a try. Just before breakfast close your eyes and imagine you are somewhere hot and sunny. Feel the sun’s rays on your face and body and mind filing with sunny thoughts. Concentrate on this image for a few moments.

St John's wort is found in Karma - A traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of slightly low mood and mild anxiety based on traditional use only.