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Herbs can not only increase energy, but they can quickly and effectively alter mood and uplift the spirit in ways that conventional medicines can’t.

Each plant has its own essence to share with us…and sometimes this is communicated through scent. It’s amazing how effective aromatic plants can be for boosting our mood, increasing focus and energy and shifting our perception…just smell a rose, and notice whether you feel the same afterwards!

Many of the herbs on this list are aromatic plants, but not all of them.  Herbs have many ways of uplifting the spirit, from relaxing tension to increasing energy and focus, to boosting mood…so you’ll find some non-aromatic gems on this list as well!  I’ve also included (at the bottom) some aromatherapy essential oils to inspire, revitalise & boost mood, as well as some of our favourite tea blends and other herbal products to uplift the spirit.

Lemon Balm

This divine smelling herb can change your mood with just one whiff!  Lemon balm tea has traditionally been used to soothe upset stomach, help dispel fevers, calm upset or anxious children (and adults), and boost mood. It is a favourite in aromatherapy, and we’ve included it in our latest ‘Out of the Blue’ uplifting tea blend for it’s amazing ability to soothe and invigorate the spirit.

Lemon Myrtle

This Australian native has similar effects to lemon balm and other citrus scented herbs. It has antimicrobial & antifungal properties, and is used for colds & flus, as a sedative, for digestive upset, as well as in many body and dental care products. The high percentage of fragrant citral oil (found in lemon and lime) is the key to it’s invigorating and uplifting properties…just have a sniff of the leaves, and you’ll be instantly boosted.

Peppermint

Don’t overlook this common herb as an amazing ally for boosting mood, and stimulating the mind. A good strong cup of peppermint can get you going without the need for caffeine.   It clears the sinuses, and gets you breathing deeper. The scent of peppermint is clarifying and refreshing, which is exactly what it can do for your spirit!

White Sage

This sacred plant has been revered by Native American tribes for thousands of years for its ability to clear negative and stagnant energy, and purify the spirit and physical spaces. Commonly used as a smudge, the smoke carries it’s purifying scent as well as it’s antimicrobial properties through the air (and into the lungs). Recent research (link: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/medicinal-smoke-can-completely-eliminate-diverse-plant-and-human-pathogenic-bacteria-air) supports this ancient cultural use.

Damiana

One of our favourite ‘happy herbs,’ Damiana has a long reputation as an aphrodisiac.  We love it for its ability to boost mood and relax tension (probably part of the reason it can get you in the mood)! It also tonifies the kidneys.

St John’s Wort

This herb has come into the limelight in recent years as a natural antidepressant and nervous system tonic. It works in a similar way to pharmaceutical SSRIs (so shouldn’t be combined with them), by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. Traditionally it was (and still is) used as a wound and nerve healer. It has a restorative effect on the nervous system.

Tulsi

Tulsi is the Sanskrit word for ‘Holy Basil’ and is revered in India as a sacred plant and ‘the queen of herbs’ for its restorative and spiritual properties. It is considered a purifier of the mind, body and spirit. Modern research has classified it as an ‘adaptogen,’ an herb that helps our bodies adapt to stress (physical, emotional and environmental), and restores balance in the body. Tulsi is also revered for its effects on the brain and memory, and it is used as a meditation aid.  Tulsi has a lovely spicy sweet clove & mint scent, and is also used in aromatherapy for its clarifying and uplifting effects.

Rosemary

Another powerful aromatic herb, there is no need to describe the common scent of rosemary! The aroma of rosemary alone has been linked (link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584609000633) to improving mood, clearing the mind and relieving stress in those with chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances. Known as a brain and circulatory stimulant, Rosemary can help boost body and mind without the use of caffeine! Rosemary is also known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and powerful antioxidant as well as an immune stimulant. Wow! I’m feeling better already just thinking about the powerhouse herb!

Brahmi

This is not an aromatic herb, instead it (partly) works by increasing blood flow to the brain.  Brahmi is also considered an adaptogen (see Tulsi above), and has been found to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while increasing intellect and memory.

Gotu Kola

Similar to Brahmi, Gotu Kola is an adaptogen and brain tonic. It has been found to reduce anxiety and depressive moods, and improve cognitive function. It also improves circulation and has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Rhodiola

Also known as golden root or roseroot, this adaptogen and tonic herb is used to improve both mental and physical energy, memory and performance under stress. It has been found to be very effective for depression by boosting energy, and balancing hormonal systems. Rhodiola is one of our favourite herbs to replace caffeinated stimulants, as it not only boosts energy and mood, but it supports the adrenal system.

Mucuna

Also known as Velvet Bean, this herb has potent libido and mood-enhancing properties due to its effect on dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which, like serotonin, regulates mood. It has been found effective in treating depression and low libido. It is also used as a supplement to rebalance brain chemistry after indulging in alcohol and other drugs.

Yerba Maté

This stimulating tea from South America is packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (as well as caffeine). It boosts mood, energy, digestion as well as sex drive!  As this herb does contain caffeine, use it with caution if you have anxiety or stress-related issues.

Guayusa

This rare herb from the Amazon is prized as a lucid dreaming herb. It’s actually quite stimulating and contains a significant amount of caffeine. However, the buzz from Guayusa is extremely clear, positive, focussed and dreamy at the same time, with no jitters or crash. I personally find it enhances my visual perception, and it is excellent for meditation (as well as dancing and working), and as an adjunct to other magical herbs!

 

OTHER HERBS TO NOTE

Passionflower, Oat Straw, Valerian, Chamomile, Skullcap & California Poppy

These herbs all work by relaxing and nourishing the nervous system, and help relieve anxiety, stress & depression.

Siberian Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Maca, Suma, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps

These herbs are all considered tonics and adaptogens, helping the body deal with stress and increasing energy, stamina and immunity, and decreasing fatigue. Supporting the body with these amazing tonic herbs can boost overall wellbeing, and help us feel our best.

 

AROMATHERAPY

The “smell” receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, some researchers believe they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence physical, emotional, and mental health. (https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/aromatherapy)

In a more practical sense, Aromatherapy can have an immediate and profound impact on our mood and energy.

Here are some of our top aromatherapy oils for uplifting the spirit and mood:

Lemon Balm, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Neroli, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Basil, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Chamomile, Frankincense, Cypress, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Rose (and more!)

Our Snifters range of aromatherapy inhalers include many uplifting choices:

Alive, Happy, Focus & Breathe all include uplifting scents to stimulate your mood, mental clarity and more!

 

TEA BLENDS

We’re very excited to bring you our latest tea blend…Out of the BLUE.  Using many of the herbs listed above, this blend has been formulated to help revitalise, uplift and boost mood.

We also love our luxury Vibrancy blend.  This one is definitely stimulating, so take care if you’re sensitive to caffeine. It also has nervine tonics and mood boosters to round things off.

Another great choice is our Stress Less blend, a great choice for anxiety & tension or just to chill out at the end of a long day.

 

OTHER PRODUCTS

 

Looking for the convenience or herbal extracts or capsules to help boost mood and energy?  Some of our favourite products include Love Bubble liquid extract, Activate chocolate elixir, our classic BlissTea liquid extract, Vibes capsules and many more.

Hope all these recommendations inspire you to get UPLIFTED and ACTIVATED

with the power of herbs!

Wishing you the best of health,
The Happy Herb Crew!

 

 

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