Depression Herbal Tea 

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and depression may make you feel as if life isn't worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply "snap out" of. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with the right kind of medicinal remedies without the side effects of medication prescribed by doctors today.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is most commonly used for depression and conditions that sometimes go along with depression such as anxiety, tiredness, loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. There is some strong scientific evidence that it is effective for mild to moderate depression. Other uses include heart palpitations, moodiness and other symptoms of menopause, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). St. John’s wort has been tried for exhaustion, stop-smoking help, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraine and other types of headaches, muscle pain, nerve pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis C.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) has a natural calming and sedative effect. It has been found to increase the levels of GABA in the brain, helping your body relax. Passionflower is used to calm anxiety and insomnia. The flavonoids found in Passion flower are responsible for its anti-anxiety and relaxing effects. It has long been used for panic attacks, mild mood swings, nervous tension, hyperactivity, crying spells, irritability, restlessness, hysteria and epilepsy. Passion Flower tinctures are used for sleep problems (insomnia), ADD, ADHD, gastrointestinal (GI), related to anxiety or nervousness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and for relieving symptoms related to withdrawal from narcotic drugs. 

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), is an excellent tonic for the nervous system, treating anxiety and promoting relaxation. It contains flavonoids and minerals that work together to reduce anxiety, restlessness and improve focus is helpful in treating ADHD. Skullcap helps to induce an inner calm and lessens negative mind chatter. Used to treat nervous disorders it calms the nerves, quiet and strengthens the nervous system, and it is controls nervous irritation, excitability, restlessness, hysteria, anxiety, hyperactivity, fatigue, insomnia, night terrors and nervous headaches. It is useful in relieving menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, muscle spasms, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cramps due to stress. This herb is also used to help treat St. Vitus dance, convulsions and shaking palsy, and some herbalists use it to prevent epileptic seizures. Because of its possible sedative effects, you should not use skullcap in conjunction with other medications that produce these same effects such as antidepressants, barbiturates and anticonvulsants. Skullcap is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, it can remedy the pain by reducing inflammation, as opposed to opiates, which affect the brain. Skullcap is a powerful antioxidant that protects red blood cells from free radical damage more effectively than vitamin E, and it also shows some promise in preventing the oxidation of blood fats. It is said that it strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation and may be helpful for treating cardiovascular disease.

German chamomile is used for intestinal gas, travel sickness, stuffy nose, hay fever, nervous diarrhea, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fibromyalgia, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. It is also used for digestive system disorders, stomach ulcers, colic, and menstrual cramps. 

Catnip (Nepeta cateria) is used for trouble sleeping (insomnia); anxiety; migraine and other headaches; cold and other upper respiratory infections; flu; swine flu; fever; hives; worms; and gastrointestinal (GI) upset, including indigestion, colic, cramping, and gas (flatulence). It is also used as a tonic, for increasing urination, and for starting menstrual periods in girls with delayed onset of menstruation. Catnip can be used as a sedative that can keep you calm and focused during the day. 

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) has been used to help with depression and as a muscle relaxant. Delicate in nature, however, the energy it gives off is not delicate. It gives off energy of strength and its application for intelligence, and has been referred to as the “thinking herb”.  Lobelia added to this formula because it has a way of thinking where healing is needed in the body, and then directing other herb ingredients where they are most needed. And the list just keeps getting better, taking into account how beneficial it can be for those who are trying to overcome addictions. Lobelia contains an alkaloid called lobeline that is very similar to nicotine. It works to block the effects of nicotine making it useful for quitting smoking. It also blocks the effects of amphetamine and opioids, making Lobelia extract an important herb for  overcoming addiction to opiate addiction as well as smoking.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is used for anxiety, inability to sleep (insomnia) and other sleep disorders, restlessness, tension, excitability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nervousness, and irritability. It is also used to improve appetite, increase urine flow, start the flow of breast milk, as a bitter tonic, and for indigestion. Other uses include prostatecancer, breastcancer, ovarian cancer, high cholesterol, tuberculosis, bladder infections, intestinal cramps, an intestinal disorder called mucous colitis, nerve pain, and prolonged painful erection of the penis (priapism). Hops is sometimes applied to the skin for leg ulcers and as an antibacterial agent.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can make a significant difference in your health. High in vitamin C which helps the body absorb the iron in food, and the zinc contained in the properties helps to enhance the body's ability to heal. Alfalfa is high in calcium and vitamin K. This nutrient helps the blood clot by moving calcium into proteins that form a microscopic net to capture red blood cells. It promotes appetite and normalizes nutrition, calms anxiety and depression, boosts body energy, as well as being high in antioxidant content to help lower cancer risk and increase vitality. Alfalfa leaf is a rich source of chlorophyll, useful in respiratory disorders, particularly those relating to the lungs and sinuses. Alfalfa, combined with Yellow Dock, is used by herbalists for anemia during pregnancy and it is found it to be more effective than iron supplements. Alfalfa leaf increase the body's ability to assimilate the iron present in your diet, and help to liberate the iron reserves stored in your liver. It also contains many important enzymes which help with digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and aid in detoxifying the body and eliminating harmful toxins. The elements found in Alfalfa are very much needed for the proper functioning of various organs in your body. It has been used to help resolve arthritis and kidney problems.

To heal any part of the body, or to restore balance to any aspect of the body, you must feed it with ideal nutrition. The best nutrition comes from fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when raw, fresh juices, and nutritional superfoods. To beat the physiological aspects of depression and as a supplement to efforts of herbal remedies for depression, good nutrition is key.

Ingredients: St. John’s Wort, Passionflower, Hops, Alfalfa, Catnip, Lobelia, and Skullcap.

Instructions: Maus recommends to heat fresh water to a rolling boil, pour water over tea, steep for 5-7 minutes and enjoy.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.