Bien-être 26/10/2020
Plants & spices to naturally overcome the blues
Turmeric, saffron, and cinnamon are much more than simple flavoring spices. By activating the happiness hormones, they can be a natural alternative in treating mild depression and mood disorders. Numerous studies show that there are also plants very rich in L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine, which acts on major central nervous system disorders by calming our anxieties. These plants and spices can complement, and in some cases substitute, synthetic medications. Focus on five of them.
Saffron
Derived from the purple stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, saffron is considered the spice of happiness in traditional Eastern medicine. Even in Antiquity, this spice was recommended to relieve the torments of the soul. Beyond its effects on certain degenerative diseases (Alzheimer's) or metabolic conditions (diabetes), studies have highlighted the effectiveness of its various active compounds and its potential in depression. Indeed, saffron is said to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, digestive, and neurological properties.
It is only more recently that researchers have become interested in its neurological properties. Studies show that consuming saffron may be as effective as conventional antidepressants. This spice could reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression, as well as severe depression.
The mood-regulating effect of saffron is due to crocin and safranal, two active molecules present in saffron. By acting directly on the adrenal glands, they increase the amount of happiness hormones in the brain, namely serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin.
In what form?
Infusion, mother tincture, powder, capsules.
Our drink
Saffron Infusion
As support in cases of low mood and fatigue.
Infuse 15 grams of saffron stigmas in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups per day.
Did you know?
The color of Buddhist clothing directly refers to saffron, as in Eastern culture, saffron brings cheerfulness and wisdom.
Cinnamon
In stick or ground form, cinnamon warms and stimulates neurons. Rich in vitamins B1 and C, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium, it is a powerful calming agent for states of nervousness, stress, irritability, anxiety, low mood, or even depression.
Scientific studies have highlighted the virtues of cinnamon essential oil as an adjunct treatment to improve symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders. Its aromatic compounds act at the hypothalamus level and produce a general stimulating, neurotonic, and slightly aphrodisiac effect. Naturally rich in antioxidants, cinnamon essential oil tones the central nervous system thanks to trans-cinnamaldehyde, one of its active ingredients. This molecule has a positive influence on depression. The fragrant virtues of cinnamon also promote calm and comfort.
In what form?
Bark or leaf infusion, powder, capsules, essential oil, in diffusion.
Our drink
Cinnamon, Ginger, Honey Infusion
The synergy of these 3 ingredients improves energy levels and prevents states of stress and exhaustion.
Boil ½ liter of water with a cinnamon stick and a piece of fresh peeled ginger cut into pieces. Let cook for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let infuse for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey.
Did you know?
Just smelling cinnamon would have an appetite-suppressing effect on sweet cravings.
In a spice jar, put a vanilla pod, some citrus zest (orange, grapefruit, etc.), and crushed cinnamon. In case of cravings, breathe in the mixture for a good minute.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains an active ingredient, curcumin, known among other things for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that this active ingredient also has positive effects on the psyche and behavior. Curcumin is indeed considered the most promising therapeutic target to prevent and treat depressive behaviors.
According to a study published in 2015 in the journal Phytotherapy Research, curcumin appears to have antidepressant effects comparable to or even superior to fluoxetine (the generic of Prozac). “It seems to increase the level of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, while lowering stress hormones like cortisol, in addition to being a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent,” said Dr. Lopresti, the study's author.
More recently, a meta-analysis on curcumin and depression published in 2019 in the journal Food Science and Nutrition concluded that curcumin could improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in people suffering from depression. Curcumin acts on neuropsychiatric disorders thanks to its ability to tame inflammation. Curcumin is both a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and a strong stimulator of neurogenesis, the mechanism of producing new neurons.
In what form?
Fresh roots, powder, dietary supplements (prefer capsules of Organic Curcumin), essential oil, infusion.
Our drink
Turmeric & Ginger Infusion
This antioxidant herbal tea promotes the elimination of inflammation and enhances cognitive functions.
Bring 250 ml of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of freshly grated turmeric and 1 tsp of freshly grated ginger. Simmer over low heat. Let the mixture infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain everything, then add 1 tsp of black pepper, 1 tsp of lemon juice, and 1 tsp of honey.
Did you know?
Turmeric is one of the most powerful healing foods, with over 600 health benefits.
Rosemary
Essential in Mediterranean cuisine, rosemary offers both flavorful and medicinal virtues. Used since ancient times to heal the body and mind, rosemary is excellent for combating mental fatigue, giving a boost to the body in cases of overwork or depression, preventing insomnia, and calming nervousness.
The great strength of rosemary is its high content of essential oils (borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole), flavonoids (apigenin, diosmin), tannins, diterpenes, and rosmarinic acid. Its active principles would stimulate the adrenal glands, which would allow treating asthenia, a weakening of the body and great physical fatigue. As a psychic stimulant, rosemary is therefore recommended to remedy overwork. Indeed, when our body undergoes great tension related to stress, the hormone cortisol is secreted on a large scale. Rosemary would be the plant most likely to reduce cortisol levels in our body, thus combating anxiety, fatigue, stimulating memory and concentration.
In what form?
Infusion, essential oil, mother tincture, capsules, in diffusion.
The essential oil to favor in case of fatigue and overwork is Rosemary Cineole essential oil. Soak a handkerchief with a few drops and breathe deeply. You can also put it directly in an essential oil diffuser or 2 drops in a spoonful of honey each morning.
Our drink
Rosemary herbal tea
A drink to prevent the harmful effects of stress.
Infuse a sprig of rosemary covered for 15 minutes in 150 ml of water. Drink 3 or 4 cups a day. Sweeten your herbal tea with honey, preferably rosemary honey.
Did you know?
The Greeks used rosemary in the form of a crown which they placed on the heads of intellectuals when they had to work on an important project.
Thyme
Beyond its aromatic use in Provençal cuisine, thyme is an important plant in pharmacopoeia to relieve a wide variety of conditions, notably respiratory, infectious, immune, and intestinal. But it is also interesting as an intellectual stimulant and nervous system calming agent. Thyme indeed acts as a tonic agent that could stimulate the nervous system and relieve disorders such as depression, anxiety, nightmares, exhaustion, stress, insomnia, and melancholy.
Fresh thyme contains one of the highest levels of antioxidants among aromatic herbs, many minerals, and vitamins. It is particularly rich in essential oils: thymol, geraniol, linalool as well as carvacrol, a powerful natural tranquilizer that acts on anxiety. It contains significant amounts of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), a molecule that maintains neurotransmitter levels in the brain optimally, thus playing an anti-stress role. Thyme also contains lithium, a mineral with antidepressant properties, and tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin.
In what form?
Infusion, essential oil, capsules, mother tincture, by diffusion.
Our drink
Thyme, Turmeric & Ginger Infusion
In case of general fatigue, here is a drink that will bring you comfort.
In a cup, place a sprig of thyme, the juice of one lemon, 1 tsp of turmeric powder. Peel 2 cm of ginger, cut into thin slices and add them. Cover with boiling water. Sweeten with thyme or rosemary honey according to your taste.
Did you know?
In medieval Europe, thyme was placed under pillows to facilitate sleep and prevent nightmares.
Other plants against low mood
There are many other plants used in the treatment of low mood or depressive states. This is the case for St. John’s Wort, Rhodiola, Griffonia, Ginseng, Passionflower, Lemon Balm, Ginkgo, or Valerian.Numerous studies have also revealed the power of Klamath algae on depression, fatigue, and stress, due to its high concentration of Phenylethylamine (PEA). This molecule stimulates pleasure centers by releasing adrenaline and dopamine, thus acting on mood, joy, and emotional well-being. This algae with a unique composition can be consumed in capsules, for example with Green Ethnies’ Klamath BIO, in powder or flakes.
