March 2009
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		Apr »
	1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30	31

Pharmacy Links

HERBAL TREATMENT: NERVES, STRESS AND INSOMNIA

March 30, 2009

Anxiety

For general anxiety, nervous tension or worry:

1 part Chamomile flowers

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Skullcap herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Vervain leaves

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

3 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Hop flowers

1 part Valerian root

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

For general use from day to day, any of the nervine or sedative herbs can be used. A useful formula for minor cases is:

1 part Chamomile flowers

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Vervain leaves

Infusion: up to 3 or 4 cups per day

For anxiety associated with indigestion or flatulence:

2 parts Chamomile flowers

1 part Hop flowers

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Meadowsweet herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

For anxiety associated with heart and circulation problems:

4 parts Motherwort herb

4 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Hawthorn berries

Infusion: 3 cups per day

For anxiety associated with female problems:

2 parts Chamomile flowers

2 parts Cramp Bark

2 parts Lemon Balm leaves

2 parts Motherwort herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Ginger root

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day

Depression

Lemon Balm leaves

Infusion: 3 cups per day

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Skullcap herb

1 part Vervain leaves

Infusion: 3 cups per day

The above herbs, useful in the treatment of depression, are most effective when taken for an extended period of time. A typical programme, for example, might be 4-6 week courses of the treatment alternated with breaks of 2-3 weeks during which no herbs are taken.

Oats, as well as being nutritious, also have an antidepressant effect, and should be included in the diet on a regular basis.