Easy Herbal Remedies

Image by Kathy McCabe and OpenAI

We’re back from our trip to Colorado and have unpacked and I’m already feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD – as I realize that the gentle fall days are coming to a close. We’re already getting frost and freeze warnings which makes me thankful I harvested all my outdoor herbs before we left. What can an herbalist do for SAD? Read below!

An herbal tea blend can be a soothing and natural way to alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The following blend combines herbs known for their mood-boosting, calming, and adaptogenic properties. This tea is designed to help with fatigue, low mood, anxiety, and stress, common symptoms experienced during the darker winter months.

Ingredients:

  1. St. John’s Wort – 1 part
    • Benefits: Known for its antidepressant properties, St. John’s Wort has been shown to increase serotonin levels, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression, including SAD.
  2. Rhodiola – 1 part
    • Benefits: Rhodiola is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and reduce fatigue. It’s particularly helpful for mental and physical energy, both of which tend to dip in people with SAD.
  3. Lavender – ½ part
    • Benefits: Lavender provides a calming, soothing effect, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It’s an excellent addition for evening relaxation or to help with sleep.
  4. Lemon Balm – 1 part
    • Benefits: Lemon balm is another calming herb that helps ease anxiety and irritability, which are common in those suffering from SAD. It also supports restful sleep and can help balance mood.
  5. Ashwagandha – ½ part
    • Benefits: As an adaptogen, ashwagandha supports the body’s stress response and helps regulate cortisol levels. It’s especially useful for maintaining emotional balance during times of heightened stress.
  6. Saffron – Pinch (optional)
    • Benefits: Saffron has been shown to improve mood and can be as effective as some antidepressants without significant side effects. A small pinch of saffron can add a gentle flavor and enhance the overall antidepressant effect of the tea.

Instructions:

  1. Combine the herbs in the suggested ratios. Adjust based on your personal taste preferences.
  2. For each cup of tea, use approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb mixture.
  3. Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep for 5–10 minutes.
  4. Strain the herbs and enjoy.

This blend can be consumed daily or when you need support managing the symptoms of SAD. It’s a natural, gentle way to elevate your mood, ease stress, and promote relaxation during the darker, colder months of the year.

Storage:

Store your herbal tea blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve the potency of the herbs.

Precautions:

  • St. John’s Wort can interact with certain medications, including birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood thinners. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using it if you are taking medications.
  • Ashwagandha and Rhodiola can be stimulating for some people, so it’s best to monitor how you feel and adjust as needed, especially if you plan to drink the tea in the evening.

Conclusion:

This herbal tea blend combines some of the most effective herbs for supporting mood and mental health during the winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder is most prevalent. The soothing, adaptogenic, and mood-enhancing properties of these herbs offer a natural way to manage stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Pairing the tea with other practices like light therapy and exercise can provide comprehensive support for overall mental well-being.

References:

  1. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  2. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2022). Hypericum for Depression.
  3. Phytotherapy Research. (2021). Rhodiola rosea in the Treatment of Depression.
  4. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. (2020). Saffron as an Antidepressant.
  5. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2022). The Effects of Lavender on Anxiety and Depression.
  6. ResearchGate. (2022). The Role of Adaptogens in Managing Stress

 

One Response to Herbal Tea Blend for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Questions?
Check out the chat button in the lower right corner.
Categories