FOOD AND HERBS FOR DEPRESSION. PART 2

Not everyone can grow licorice, lemon balm, St. John’s wort and ginger. Here are other plants and herbs used worldwide for depression. I include the latin names since some plants of the same family may not have medicinal properties and even be poisonous. The legume family, peas (edible) and bitter lupin (poisonous), are good examples.

Foods high in B vitamins are good choices for treating depression. If supplementing with a B Vitamin, a full spectrum B complex should be taken. B vitamins will leach other B vitamins from the system if taken individually.

Borage (Borago Officinalis) is also known as “Herb of Gladness. Two cups of borage tea per day is said to change those who feel very sad, to feeling very glad. A component in the plant has the ability to enhance the production of beta-endorphins, feel good compounds produced by the body and found in the brain. Borage can be grown quite easily in most zones and will become invasive in some cooler climates. We place our herbs in a carafe, add boiling water and drink during the day. Borage also helps oxygen in the bloodstream to more effectively enter the cells

Corydalis, specifically Corydalis Cava, there are many types of corydalis and not all have medicinal or safe qualities. Corydalis cava, has many common names, grows in the forests of Germany, France and thickets in the UK and has been proven effective for depression in many studies in Europe. We’re looking for a reliable seed source or plants in the US. As a bonus, it’s also used to treat Parkinson’s, palsy and general trembling. I have don’t room to cover the preparation of each tincture and herbal formula. You can find corydalis preparation for depression and Palsy in Heinnerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices. Check your library.

Potatoes can help increase seratonin levels in the body. Seratonin is a brain transmitter protein and produced by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. People with low levels of seratonin are more likely to be depressed and suicidal.

Purslane, (Portulaca Oleracea) which most consider a noxious garden weed, has many medicinal and food properties. Purslane contains considerable amounts of magnesium and potassium, both have antidepressant properties. Purslane also contains generous amounts of calcium, lithium and folate. One data base shows purslane is composed of up to 16%, by dry weight, of antidepressant compounds. Purslane, according to Joseph Cocannouer in his book Weeds, Guardians of the Soil, has a positive synergistic relationship with corn and other vegetable crops.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officionalis), as an essential oil, is used by aroma therapists, and as a massage oil, for depression. Bergamot (Citrus Bergamotia), Clary Sage (Salvia species), Basil (Ocimum Basili-cum), Jasmine (Jasinum Sambac), Lavender (various species of Lavandula), Neoroli (Citrus aurantium), Nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans), and Ylang-ylang (Cananga Odorata) are also used by aroma therapists and massage therapists to help relieve depression. All essential oils are very strong and for external use only.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) increases the flow of blood to the brain. Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause depression, especially in the elderly. A reduction of blood flow to any part of the body can be a source of pain and chronic pain can be a cause of depression. In one European study on elderly subjects that did not respond to pharmaceuticals, 80 milligrams of ginkgo, three times a day, improved their mental faculties and lowered their depression significantly. Other ginkgo studies show major improvements in memory and circulation.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosus) is a MAO inhibitor (monoamine oxidase). Information on MAO inhibitors was covered in last week’s article. If you’re not familiar with MAO inhibitors, please refer to HERBS PART 1 for more information.