Five Mood Enhancing Herbs

There are several herbs that can help to enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some of the most popular mood-enhancing herbs include:

St. John's Wort: This herb has been used for centuries to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood.

Ashwagandha: This herb has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety and depression. It works by modulating the activity of stress-related neurotransmitters in the brain and also helps to support the adrenal glands. I have never grown it before, so this year I am experimenting.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herbaceous shrub from the nightshade family, native to India, Nepal, and Northern Africa. Also known as Indian ginseng, or winter cherry.  They are traditionally cultivated for their roots. These slow-growing plants can reach up to 3 feet in height and be kept as perennials in USDA zones 7 and higher. They also produce edible bright orange-red berries similar to tomatillos.  In my area of Zone 5 I can grow it in a pot or treat it as an annual.

Ashwagandha grows best in full sun (6 hours or more).  It can tolerate some partial shade, but it will have a slower growth rate and take longer to reach maturity, which takes 170 days.

The ideal temperature range for growing Ashwagandha is between 68°F and 95°F. This plant does not tolerate frost. You can cultivate it as a perennial in USDA zones 7 to 12, but in zones 4 to 8, you can grow it as a summer annual.

If you live in a cooler climate, plant Ashwagandha seeds indoors and move the plant to your garden only when temperatures are consistently above 59°F. 

Passionflower: This herb has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It can help to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of nervousness.

Lemon Balm: Has a bright, lemony scent and flavor that's perfect for spring. It's also a natural mood booster, making it great for those days when you need a little extra help to shake off the winter blues.

Sage: This herb has been used to improve mood and cognitive function, and has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and depression. Sage has been found to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function.

It's important to note that these herbs can interact with certain medications, so it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new herb. Additionally, if you have severe depression or anxiety, it is important to seek professional help.

It is also important to note that some herbs may have some side effects and should be used with caution and under the guidance of a proper healthcare professional.

Rose Geranium Tea -- Monthly Tea Blend

This time of year I am prepping my geraniums to be outside after being indoors for the winter.  I trim them, shape them, replace the soil, check for pests and other tasks (you can see some details in this blog post: Care for Scented Geraniums.)  With all the cut sprigs I will make Vacuum Fresh, start some cuttings, or brew some up as tea, like this flavorful yet simple tea that you can create with Rose Geranium leaves.

Rose Geranium leaves up close

Rose Geranium Tea

2 orange pekoe tea bags 

4 fresh rose geranium leaves

Combine tea bags and geranium leaves in a small to medium tea pot and cover with 2 cups of hot, just off the boil, water and allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve hot or over ice for a refreshing pick me up in your afternoon.

Hummusy Bean Dip - Weekend Recipe

I dislike most beans.  I try to enjoy them, just find many of them untasty.  We experiment as a result trying to find beans I can enjoy.  White beans tend to be my favorites, like cannellini beans.  This recipe for a bean dip that does not use pinto beans is a hit with me and my guests.  This dip recipe is also wheat-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.

Hummusy Bean Dip

• 2 cups cooked cannellini beans (drained and rinsed if using canned beans)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 small to medium clove garlic, sliced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2½-3 teaspoons fresh thyme, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, torn or roughly chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons water (just to thin dip as desired)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except water, thyme, and basil.

Purée until smooth, gradually adding water as desired to thin dip and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add thyme and basil and purée briefly to incorporate ingredients.

Serve with carrots and cucumbers are try these ideas: 

1. You can use this as a spread or tea sandwich or appetizer ingredient by piping the dip into mini-bell peppers (cut in half), halved grape tomatoes, or endive leaves. 
2. Spread it thinly on slices of bread with a layer of “shaved” cucumber (using a vegetable peeler to remove thin strips lengthwise off cucumber.) Cut crusts off bread and slice in strips or cut in shapes with cookie cutters.

Make a double batch of this hummus and store portions in the freezer. It thaws wonderfully!

 

Pampering Bath Salts - Bath Blend of the Month

 May is when I get out and really get working in the garden.  I am looking forward to planting, bringing my scented geraniums outside after winter, cleaning out my perennial beds and so forth.  Although I did a lot of walking this winter to keep myself in shape, those first few weeks always result in some stiff muscles from overwork.

For the bath blend this month I chose to craft something that I can use to soothe my muscles, but also pamper my skin.  It uses the soothing and pampering of Epsom salts and baking soda, bringing it to a whole new level by using combinations of different herbs. You need 3/4 cup of herbs, but you can make your own combination depending on what your skin needs.

Here are a list of great bath herbs and why they are helpful

Lavender – is balancing, will calm or rejuvenate depending on your need and what you blend it with

Lemon Balm – an infusion strained into the bath make for happy thoughts.

Roman Chamomile – is soporific, aiding sleep and relaxation

Bergamot - stimulates, brightens the skin and helps blood flow

Rosemary – lightly astringent; stimulates rejuvenates and promotes elimination of waste

Sage – purifying, restores skin tone

Rose – deeply healing

Geranium – deeply healing

Lemon peel – is antiviral and anti-bacterial

Pampering Bath Salts

1 1/2 cups Epsom salts
3/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup herbs (well crumbled and not whole leaf)

Blend the herbs and salts together and store in airtight plastic containers or sterilized jars (such as mason jars or small & pretty jam jars). Shake the jar well before using. You can place these in gift jars to make a great gift, just include contents and directions on a pretty tag.

To use: Toss in as little or as much as desired into the water. The average amount is about 1/4 cup. If you do not wish to chase herbs around the tub, place the measured amount into a cloth bag, square of fabric or even a coffee filter tied closed.