Historians tell us that Native Americans were generally a high-spirited people, uplifted by their faith in the benevolence of Mother Earth and all her creations, plants and animals alike. This is the same resilient spirit that Native American psychotherapist Robert Blackwolf Jones tries to instill in his patients when they’re feeling down. “Look at Mother Earth,” he tells them. “All her birds sing. All her trees sway. All her waters splash. She lives with the strong heartbeat of life.”
We should all strive to live so joyously, but when it’s simply not possible, we can also look to Mother Earth for help.
Some types of depression are too serious to treat on your own. It’s important to talk with a counselor or physician if you are experiencing sadness that just won’t go away, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or suicidal thoughts. Most of the time, however, depression isn’t this serious, and a mild case of “the blues” can be lifted with nature’s help.
The Native Americans believed that keeping their bodies in peak condition would naturally brighten the emotions as well. With a combination of regular exercise, good nutrition, and the occasional use of mood-elevating herbs, they were able to keep their spirits high even when life brought them low.
There are many herbs that can affect mood, but here are the most common and well-studied.
Licorice root. St. John’s wort has been getting a lot of attention lately as being “nature’s Prozac,” but licorice, which was commonly used by Native Americans, is thought by many herbalists to be just as important. “No plant has more anti-depressant compounds than licorice,” according to herbal authority James A. Duke, Ph.D. “At least eight licorice compounds are monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are compounds capable of potent anti-depressant action.”
To get the benefits of licorice, drink up to three cups of licorice tea a day, brewed fresh or made by adding licorice tincture to a cup of hot water.
Caution: Licorice can have a toxic effect when taken for an extended period of time, so you should consider it a short-term remedy only—especially if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.
Purslane. “A whopping 16 percent of this herb consists of antidepressive nutrients when measured on a dry-weight basis,” says Dr. Duke. Purslane contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, folate, and lithium, all of which have anti-depressant effects. The best way to use purslane is as a salad green.
Oats. According to herbalist David Winston, oats are rich in the “nerve-fortifying” nutrients calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins. Oats, he says, can “soothe the frayed feeling of burning the candle at both ends.” If you don’t care for oatmeal, you can make an oat tea.
Scented herbs. Rosemary and sweet clover were used by Native Americans because they believed their pleasant aromas could help raise the spirits. Herbalists recommend hanging small bundles of these sweet-smelling aromatics around the house or in your office.
This Herbal Supplements For Depression article is taken from :
Healing Secrets of the Native Americans - Porter Shimer
