When we're kids, we idealize being adults. We think that becoming an adult is going to be fantastic, and sometimes it is, but the truth is that being an adult is sometimes hard, and the stress of it can make us feel some kind of way. Like when we're feeling groggy and slow with very little energy. And it's not because we're under the weather—we just don't feel like ourselves for some reason. A lot of people start taking vitamins, walking, and hitting the gym. Those are all healthy mood-boosting options. Another option you might want to consider is using herbs and natural substances that have been traditionally used to elevate your mood.
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The beauty of these ingredients is that they are all natural and available in most health stores. You can include them in your cooking or drink them as tea. Keep in mind that not all experts agree that herbs or natural substances do help improve your mood, and there definitely needs to be more research done on the subject, but plenty of people swear that they are helped by these natural ingredients. Kind of like how so many abuelas swear that chamomile tea is soothing, and if you've ever had a cup of chamomile tea, you know that it really does seem to calm you down. Sometimes science just hasn't found an explanation for what experience tells us is true.
Valerian is used to help with sleep and reduce anxiety.
Valerian root has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. It can be taken as a tea, tincture, or supplement. Nowadays, people take valerian as a sleep aid. As anyone who has ever suffered from sleep deprivation knows, it’s hard to be in a good mood when you are perpetually tired.
American ginseng may help reduce stress.
According to Cleveland Clinic, American ginseng “combats stress and boosts your nervous system, which improves how your body responds to stimuli (fight or flight). Some studies suggest American ginseng can reset dopamine levels and regulate your mood.”
Eleuthero is believed to help with stress and fatigue.
It’s sometimes called devil’s bush or Siberian ginseng. It is said to boost your immune system as well as relieve stress and fatigue. It’s sometimes found in multivitamins, so check labels. Or you can also find it in capsules.
Holy basil is also known as tulsi.
Holy basil isn't like the basil that you use for cooking Italian food. It has a long history of being used as a tonic or medicinal plant in India. All the parts of the plant are considered an adaptogen, which means they can relieve stress and promote homeostasis in the body. You can take it as a tea or buy supplements.
Rhodiola is used to help a body deal with stress and restore balance.
Rhodiola is a flowering plant that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are used to help the body adapt to stress and reestablish balance. This herb is used to treat anxiety, fatigue, and depression.
Lavender is considered to be calming.
Lavender is often used to relieve stress and anxiety. The smell of lavender is very soothing and isn't overpowering. Keep some lavender-scented hand cream or lotion on your desk and apply it on your hands throughout the day to calm your nerves. You can also cook with this herb, as well as drink it.
Stinging nettle is used to balance hormones.
This herb is believed to help with our hormonal imbalances that make us feel sad and moody. Relieve PMS symptoms by drinking a cup of stinging nettle. You can make your own tea by boiling some dried leaves in water. It’s also filled with calcium and has natural antibacterial properties.
Curcumin is found in turmeric.
You are probably tired of hearing how great turmeric is for you, but it’s true! What makes it so great is one of the compounds it contains: curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps with mood swings because it brings oxygen to the neurons. Since curcumin is an anti-inflammatory, it prevents the brain cells from getting swollen. Cook with it, drink it as a tea, or take supplements. It’s great!
Dark chocolate is deliciously good for you.
This one is the sweetest solution of them all. Chocolate makes everything better! It has to do with a substance called anandamide, which boosts the level of serotonin in the brain and instantly makes you feel better. Now you have an excuse to eat dark chocolate every day—the darker, the better!
Gotu kola helps the brain to function better.
This herb is used to treat stress, depression, and bad moods. It is believed to improve oxygen flow in the brain. A couple drops of liquid gotu kola extract is said to restore the pH of brain cells. You can also drink it as a tea every day!
Milk thistle is believed to help with liver and digestive problems.
This powerful antioxidant herb is used to detox the liver. Digestive and liver problems can ruin our mood, for sure. No one is happy when they are constipated or bloated or have acid reflux. Try daily supplements of milk thistle to see if they help.
St. John's wort has a long history of being used to treat mental health conditions.
This flower has been used for centuries to treat depression. It's worth trying to help with mild depression caused by work or just life. It is also used as a sleep aid. Not getting enough sleep can make you feel restless and sad. You can make a simple tea by boiling the flowers. You can also buy it in liquid or pill form.
Fennel seeds are used for intestinal and digestive issues.
Fennel seeds are used to relieve digestive and intestinal problems. They help you move your bowels so you can release any related tension and feel better. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or any other digestive disorder, try including fennel seeds in your diet. Drink tea, take capsules, and cook with them to feel better.
Passionflower is used to treat anxiety.
This herb is considered a natural benzodiazepine, which is the chemical in many anxiety pills. Try a cup of passionflower tea a day to ease your symptoms of anxiety, irritability, agitation, and depression. You can also buy supplements, if tea isn't your thing.
L-theanine is an amino acid.
This amino acid is the base ingredient of green tea and many black teas. It helps clean the body of toxins and free radicals that make us feel sluggish. It also aids digestion so we'll feel better after we eat.
Disclaimer: The advice on MamasLatinas.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
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