Eating For Your Mental Health

As we sit in the middle of winter, I thought it would be a good time to provide you with some of my regularly used tools for calming stress, dealing with anxiety and brain health! These tools range from medicinal herbs that can be found at your local health food store, to pantry items that are most often stocked in your home!

I’ll begin by sharing some of my favourite plant medicines Adaptogens!! These are restorative herbs that help our body to combat stress and support our adrenal glands which manage our stress response! Examples of these are Ashwagandha and Maca, which are commonly found in powder form and easily added to smoothies and drinks. As well as holy basil that can be brewed as a tea and is great for combatting stress. I personally love to add maca to my coffee as it is rich and creamy and pairs well with a hot drink, it’s also a great way to start your morning!

Nervines herbs support your nervous system and response to stress! Both St. John’s Wort and Oats are nervine tonics that are supportive in dealing with anxiety and considered antidepressant herbs! I personally have a cup of St. John's Wort tea in the am, especially when I know I am approaching a deadline or engagement, that may put stress on my nervous system. Oats, as you know are great soaked and eaten as a meal, but also added to a bath they can be the perfect way to combat stress (just put them in a clean sock and throw them in your bath).  

Lavender and Passionflower are nervine relaxants. You are most likely familiar with the use of lavender in diffusers, tea or even desserts- it is an incredible herb for calming nerves and bringing about a sense of relaxation. Passionflower is a favourite of mine for sleep, and to help turn off my ‘busy’ mind. I brew up a cup of tea add some chamomile and quickly feel the effects of this herb!

Rosemary is much different, and instead is a nervine stimulant. It supports memory and promotes a clear mind, helping you to feel calm and much more relaxed. It’s also delicious in cooking and I love to add it to recipes just because the aroma is absolutely wonderful! Many of these herbs can be found in essential oil and added to baths and diffusers!

Ginger soothes an anxious stomach and provides warmth and groundedness. I include omega 3 oil in my daily routine to reduce anxiety and inflammation and chia pudding that is a good source of protein, important for brain health and building chemical messengers such as serotonin which influence our mood!

**It is important to it’s essential if you are pregnant or on any pharmaceuticals that you consult your physician before taking any herbs!

I get all my herbs from Quidditas and Eternal Abundance both on Commercial Drive, here in Vancouver