Seven...Herbs Can Help Banish the Blahs

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Herbs Can Help Banish the Blahs

by Meg McGowan

 

Conscious Choice, March 2002 http://www.consciouschoice.com/herbs/herbs1503.html

 

As March begins, our hearts are ready for spring, though the calendar still claims much of this month for winter, and the weather can swing either way. The dual character of early March is expressed in the symbol of Pisces, two fish tied together, swimming in opposite directions -- a time of paradox. In this final third of winter we still gaze inward, but prepare to move outward.

 

It seems that gray days at this time of year leave us longing for more light. We are ready for the return of the sun. After too many gray days we may find our spirits flagging and our energy waning; we may begin to feel a Piscean pull toward unfathomable depths and unchanneled waters. Herbs can help us keep our balance.

 

Essential oils are one way to gently lift both our moods and energy levels. Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is perfectly suited to this time of year. It uplifts and regenerates, counteracting depression and lethargy. It also acts to restore balance. In The Fragrant Mind (New World, 1996), Valerie Ann Worwood's characterization of clary sage is very Piscean, which may be why its properties are just what we need as we emerge from hibernation.

 

Try combining clary sage with rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) and a dash of black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil. Rosemary and black pepper are motivating, stimulating, and clarifying. You can sniff or diffuse your blend if you leave it undiluted; diluted in a carrier oil it makes an excellent bath or body oil.

 

As lemons, oranges, and grapefruits resemble the sun, so too their citrus scents bring the effect of sunshine to our spirits. Mandarin orange essential oil (Citrus reticulata) is considered balancing and warming. Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is refreshing. Both types of orange, as well as tangerine (Citrus reticulata) are uplifting and cheering. Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is refreshing, balancing, and cheering. Lemon (Citrus limon) is an adaptogen that is uplifting, refreshing, and cheering. Even lime (Citrus aurantifolila) is equalizing, refreshing, and cheering. Notice a pattern?

 

Melissa or lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is not an actual member of the citrus family but could perhaps be an honorary member. Effective for treating lethargy and depression, melissa is a cheering and supportive essential oil that appears to share the adaptogenic qualities of lemon.

 

Any of the citrus oils blend well with clary sage. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), lavender (Lavandula officinalis syn. L. angustifolia), and helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium) essential oils also combine well with clary sage and the citrus oils, and all will provide sustaining benefits for your end-of-winter blend.

 

To ease mild depression, take lemon balm as a tincture or infusion. You can also use it undiluted, but in that form it is more relaxing than stimulating. For more of a boost, try peppermint (Mentha piperita). According to Anne McIntyre in Flower Power (Gaia, 1996), peppermint tea's stimulant action makes a good general tonic to recharge vital energy and dispel lethargy.

 

Schisandra berries (Schisandra chinensis) have adaptogenic properties that help the nervous system adapt to changes. A mild stimulant, schisandra eases the body and spirit into balance with the outside world. Taken as a tea, often in a blend with other herbs, the dried berries can be used as a tonic to mitigate late-winter depression and irritability.

 

Damiana (Turnera diffusa syn. T. diffusa var. aphrodisiaca) is also a mild stimulant, which energizes both the mind and body. It acts as a tonic to the central nervous system and has antidepressant properties.

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) mentioned last month for their ability to raise the body's temperature and stimulate the immune system to fight infection, can be taken throughout the winter in tonic doses, as they also act to elevate the spirits and stimulate circulation and energy.

 

Both the essential oil and the actual ginger root (which, interestingly, has a slightly lemony taste) can ease depression, mitigate fatigue, and increase energy and metabolic function. Cayenne warms and stimulates like ginger but is a bit more intense.

 

Unlike the three previous herbs that can be taken as infusions, cayenne is best consumed as a tincture or tablet. Schisandra, damiana, ginger, and cayenne are also reputed to be aphrodisiacs, thus their value as herbal pick-me-ups may be increased should they revive more than flagging spirits.

 

Homeopathic remedies Ingnatia (Ignatia amara), Natrum mur. (Natrum muriaticum) or Pulsatilla (Pulsatilla nigerians) may be useful for treating depressive symptoms. Calc. carb. (Calcarea carbonica), Arsen. alb. (Arsenicum album), Nux vomica (Strychnos nux vomica), or Kali phos. (Kali phosphoricum) may be appropriate in alleviating fatigue. As much as possible, you should try to match homeopathic remedies to your specific indications.

 

When you are seeking to shift emotional states, don't forget about flower essences. Some of the herbs already mentioned can be similarly applicable when used as flower essences. Rosemary, lavender, and lemon balm essences may be helpful in lifting depression.

 

Lavender or peppermint might lighten the weight of lethargy. The flower essence of geranium (Geranium maculatum) is actually derived from an entirely different plant than the geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) from which the essential oil is distilled, but it too can help dispel depression.

 

In fact, like clary sage essential oil, the flower essence of geranium seems specifically tailored to these last weeks of winter. As Anne McIntyre writes, geranium is for those who feel down and depressed, lacking color in their life. Geranium helps to lift the spirits and to bring joy and happiness to one's daily activities. It is also helpful for those who need strength and motivation to bring plans and projects into action.

 

Of course there is nothing like a dose of real sunshine and the sight of lush green growth at this time of year to make one giddy beyond reason and joyous just to have survived another winter. For that, I recommend that you supplement any herbal treatment with a trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory this year. Through May 19, the conservatory's gardens are enhanced by Dale Chihuly's exhibition of organic glass sculpture -- "Chihuly in the Park: A Garden of Glass." Color, natural light, water, form, and texture are united in an atmosphere that delights the eyes while nourishing the senses and spirit.