During the winter months, our mental health often needs some extra love and care. When we spend less time outdoors, lack fresh foods, can’t unwind, and are isolated from our personal connections, our spirits can take a dive. That’s where uplifting herbs can come in to soothe those winter blues.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine. 

Our Favourite Uplifting Herbs

When life takes us off-center, herbs can propel our bodies back into balance. The following herbs can uplift your spirits and reignite a spark of enjoyment.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane has been studied for its regenerative effects on the nervous system. Regular use of this shaggy mushroom has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression¹. Lion’s Mane nourishes the nervous system and supports our ability to experience positive feelings again. With anti-inflammatory and nootropic benefits, this mood-boosting mushroom is helpful for fortifying mental well-being. 

Find Lion’s Mane in our Matcha Mind Elixir alongside other mood-boosting herbs. Experience the benefits of this functional mushroom on its own with our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules. 

Rosemary

Many of us are familiar with using this herb in cooking, but Rosemary has much more to offer. The active compounds in rosemary increase neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine, serotonin, and GABA². When in balance, these important neurotransmitters maintain feelings of peace and contentment. These compounds also protect the nervous system from stress-induced damage. 

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is a gentle herb shown to calm anxiety and relieve depression³. Many folk herbalists will tell you that Lemon Balm calls in prayers of peace and tranquility. This plant ally is a nervine herb, providing calming support for the nervous system. Lemon Balm can nourish the soul and help to rebuild a healthy outlook on life. 

Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack, also known as Fucus Seaweed, is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Its high mineral content, including Iodine, assists proper nerve function and communication⁴. Iodine directly supports the thyroid gland, which is responsible for feelings of vitality. It helps to combat fatigue, weakness, depression and overall lethargy. 

Eleuthero

Eleuthero is also commonly known as Siberian Ginseng. It contains an active compound that stimulates the release of acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter that helps moderate motivation, attention and deep, restful sleep⁵. This herb gently wakes us up and energizes our system while guiding us to feelings of clarity and vitality. 

Find Bladderwrack, Eleuthero, Lemon Balm and Rosemary in our Uplifted Spirits Tincture. This soothing formula works to relieve emotional distress, cultivate mental and emotional balance and calm an overactive nervous system. 

Looking to explore more soothing herbal products? Shop our Stress Support Collection and discover adaptogens, functional mushrooms and other herbal allies to soothe the winter blues. 

References

1. Chong, Pit Shan, Man-Lung Fung, Kah Hui Wong, and Lee Wei Lim. “Therapeutic Potential of Hericium Erinaceus for Depressive Disorder.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 1 (2020): 163. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010163.  
2. Sasaki, Kazunori, Abdelfatteh El Omri, Shinji Kondo, Junkyu Han, and Hiroko Isoda. “Rosmarinus Officinalis Polyphenols Produce Anti-Depressant like Effect through Monoaminergic and Cholinergic Functions Modulation.” Behavioural Brain Research 238 (2013): 86–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2012.10.010.   
3. Ghazizadeh, Javid, Sanaz Hamedeyazdan, Mohammadali Torbati, Fereshteh Farajdokht, Ali Fakhari, Javad Mahmoudi, Mostafa Araj‐Khodaei, and Saeed Sadigh‐Eteghad. “Melissa Officinalis L. Hydro‐Alcoholic Extract Inhibits Anxiety and Depression through Prevention of Central Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis.” Experimental Physiology 105, no. 4 (2020): 707–20. https://doi.org/10.1113/ep088254.  
4. Catarino, Marcelo, Artur Silva, and Susana Cardoso. “Phycochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Fucus Spp.” Marine Drugs 16, no. 8 (2018): 249. https://doi.org/10.3390/md16080249.  
5. Liu, Ko Yu, Yang-Chang Wu, I-Min Liu, Wen Chen Yu, and Juei-Tang Cheng. “Release of Acetylcholine by Syringin, an Active Principle of Eleutherococcus Senticosus, to Raise Insulin Secretion in Wistar Rats.” Neuroscience Letters 434, no. 2 (2008): 195–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2008.01.054.