The results obtained with the correct use of herbal medicines are equal to or better than those of traditional medicines, the difference will be in the response time
I often hear this phrase: “My head is not right!”and is usually accompanied by bad mood, irritation and even insomnia. It is often used as an excuse for a mistake made.
Mental health directly affects how we act, think and feel, influencing all aspects of our lives, from our personal relationships, to our work, to our energy and even our night’s sleep. Our mental health is like a Wi-Fi signal that, if it is weak, will not charge!
Mental health issues are a part of more people’s lives than you might think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, while approximately 284 million people live with anxiety.
Learn more about anxiety.
A survey conducted by Federal Pharmacy Council (CFF) has shown that sales of antidepressants and mood stabilizers have skyrocketed Brazil after the pandemic COVID-19. Comparing sales to 2019, the year before the public health emergency, there was a 36% increase. The sample says increasing Bay, Paraiba AND Maranathawith percentages ranging between 62% and 57%. The smallest increases occurred in Parana, Rondônia AND Rio Grande do Sulwith rates of 29% in the first two and 19% in the last. In fact, I think that, after the disaster that occurred in my State, Rio Grande do SulSales of these drugs must be increased significantly.
Although the vast majority turn to this type of drugs as a first choice when problems of mental disorders arise, there is the possibility of seeking improvement with medicinal plants: herbal medicines.
The results obtained with the correct use of herbal medicines are equal to or superior to those of traditional medicines. The difference will be in the response times, which is why herbal medicines should not be used in emergency treatments.
In addition, “herbal medicines” cause fewer side effects in the body. There are already herbal medicines that work on all systems of the body, from natural tranquilizers to antifungal and healing remedies, to increase the immune response, reduce inflammation and help balance hormones.
Plant Extracts and Their Mental Health Benefits
- Chamomile
THE Chamomill Matrixa, popularly known as chamomile, is a medicinal plant historically used empirically as a tranquilizer, is appreciated for its pleasant and aromatic flavor, and is commonly consumed in infusions. One of the main bioactive compounds of chamomile is apigeninwhich is responsible for its anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Apigenin acts by inhibiting monoamine oxidase enzymes (MAO-A AND MAO-B), increasing the availability of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which directly contributes to improving mood and emotional aspects. In addition, chamomile has a sedative and relaxing effect, attributed to the activation of receptors GABAergic in the central nervous system and is also used to improve the quality of sleep.
- Ashwaganda
THE Ashwagandhaor “Indian ginseng”, scientific name Withania somnifera It is an adaptogenic plant. It is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its properties related to longevity, vitality and improvement of intellectual abilities. Its main bioactive constituents are withanolidesalkaloids and sitoinsideswhich is mainly found in its roots. It works by reducing serum cortisol levels by modulating its release acetylcholine (Oh), from the pituitary gland, which helps reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
- Saint Basil
THE HSaint Basilholy basil or Tulsi scientific name Ocimum sanctumwidely used in Ayurvedic medicine and considered the “elixir of long life“. It is a shrub belonging to the botanical family Lamiaceaerich in bioactives such as eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acidpolyphenols and flavonoids. It is also used to promote general health and longevity, both in spiritual rituals, which seek to rebalance the body, mind and spirit, and in daily consumption for the prevention and treatment of various medical conditions. Its benefits include improving adaptive cellular responses and reducing cortisol levels, helping to manage stress and anxiety.
- Magnolia
THE Common magnolia It’s a Chinese family tree Magnoliaceaeand is widely used in Japan and in other parts of Asiafor its therapeutic properties rich in polyphenols, such as magnololo AND honokiol – main bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic properties. The polyphenols of the bark of Magnolia officinalis act by activating the GABAergic receptors and modulating the receptor the endocannabinoid CB1contributing to the reduction of symptoms associated with anxiety and mild depression.
- Saffron
Saffron, from its scientific name Crocus sativushas flowers rich in bioactive compounds – such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, carotenoids and safranal, one of its main constituents – and substances that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic clefts, which maintain the availability of serotonin in the brain for longer time. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates functions such as mood, stress, appetite, sleep and memory. Saffron therefore has important therapeutic properties that help manage mood disorders, reduce anxiety, stress and symptoms related to depression.
- Rhodiola rosea
Popularly known as golden root, Rhodiola rosea is a perennial plant belonging to the Rhodiola rosea family. Crassulaceaenative to Arctic Siberia and widely used by the culture of Europe Oriental and Asian. It is used to improve physical resistance, productivity, longevity, fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence and nervous system disorders. The roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea are rich in organic compounds with therapeutic properties, such as tannins, phenols, acids, alkaloids, flavonoids and quinones. Because they have a slightly bitter taste, the roots of Rhodiola rosea are currently dried, crushed and incorporated into pharmaceutical formulas, which make them more palatable for consumption. Among the main proven medicinal uses of Rhodiola rosea are the reduction of physical and mental stress, fatigue and depression and the improvement of mood: its bioactives stimulate the production of some neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in addition to inhibiting the metabolism HANDincreasing the activity of these neurotransmitters.
Remember that using drugs alone is not enough to achieve excellent mental health.
That old saying that following a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise, a balanced diet and quality sleep, will always be part of the pillars of quality of life. Although herbal medicines are natural, they must be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Incorrect use can cause possible interactions or side effects on your health. In addition, to effectively take care of your mental health, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet and quality sleep.
Want to learn more about how to improve your memory? Read here.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
