Herbal Antidepressants: Energy and Vitality

Known as a powerful adaptogen, Ashwagandha has several different phytochemicals which work on the body simultaneously to combat anxiety and stress. Active components of this healing plant include "withanolides" - plant flavonoids that help to counter the negative effects of stress by lowering blood levels of the stress hormone "cortisol". Lowering cortisol in turn lowers stress, improves mood and decreases anxiety and depression. 

Rich in protein, B vitamins, enzymes and free amino acids, Bee Pollen is an excellent food for the brain and body - often referred to as one of nature's most nutritionally complete foods. The B vitamins contained in this delicious superfood are particularly good at helping the brain deal with stress, also known as "moral vitamins", they are essential for a healthy nervous system. When the central nervous system is working optimally, anxiety and stress can be greatly lessened. 

Bee Pollen also contains the flavonoid "chrysin", a compound that has been studied for its anti-anxiety effects. Studies have been conducted with favourable results, findings indicate that chrysin has the ability to lift the mood. 

There is incontrovertible evidence that the brain needs healthy fats to function properly, with this important organ itself consisting of at least 60 percent fat. Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is the miracle food for the brain, rich in antioxidants with incredible anti-stress properties. This effect is due to Coconut Oil naturally lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone), by relaxing the adrenal glands which are responsible for producing cortisol. 

Coconut Oil uniquely feeds the brain with medium-chain triglycerides, these are necessary to the development of babie's brains and are also found abundantly in breast milk. MCT's are rapidly metabolised into ketones by the liver, these are an alternative source of fuel that easily cross the blood/brain barrier, recharging malfunctioning cells and improving cognitive function. Coconut oil is also powerfully antioxidant, especially to the brain.

Symptoms of Candida overgrowth can include anxiety, mood swings, irritability and depression. Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is also powerfully anti-fungal. It contains "caprylic acid" that works by penetrating the cell walls of the Candida yeast and causing it to rupture. This inhibits the growth of the yeast cell, eventually causing it to die. Other anti-fungal compounds present in this oil are "capric acid" and "lauric acid", with the 3 fatty acids working together to mount a multi-faceted, highly effective attack against Candida albicans. 

Gotu Kola is a well known super-antioxidant for the brain, helping to protect brain cells from free radical induced cell death. Used for centuries in TCM to treat anxiety and depression, science has now isolated the active compounds responsible for the remarkable antidepressant effects of this herb. Two of these compounds - brahmoside and brahminoside - have sedative effects, whilst Gotu Kola reduces anxiety by around 50% in human studies. 

Another study has found that Gotu Kola reduces the "startle response" caused by sudden noises within 30 - 60 minutes after ingestion. The acoustic startle response is a reliable way to measure anxiety, a greater general startle reflex being associated with higher anxiety levels. 

Research surrounding Schizandra is fairly conclusive in the fact that it is a powerful anti-anxiety herb, in addition to its ability to boost ones mood through lowering stress levels and enhancing mental performance. Its adaptogenic qualities mean that it specifically reduces both mental and physical stress, exerting a normalising effect on the whole body. 

It has been found that Schizandra reduces cortisol levels in the body (the stress hormone) and is effective in controlling changes in serotonin and adrenaline caused by stress. This adaptogenic berry also fights the adrenal fatigue that is linked to stress.