insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 93

one person, may not for another if not properly
prescribed. In my years of practice, I have seen
many patients suffering with low mood and have
prescribed differently for all of them, as there is
no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health.
However, here is an insight into the kinds of
herbs that may be helpful:

to cope with stress and directly affect the adrenal
glands. Herbs in this category include ginseng,
borage, and ashwagandha.
Some of the herbs mentioned are available over
the counter, and can help support a balanced
mood and nervous system.

Nervine tonics are fundamental to any long-term
change in an individual’s ability to cope with their
lives and make changes, which will improve their
wellbeing. They include herbs like oats, borage,
and St. John’s wort.
Nervine relaxants may be helpful in the short
term, or if a patient is also feeling anxious. These
include herbs such as skullcap, valerian, and
passionflower.
Herbalists often focus on the liver function when
dealing with patients who have low mood. Bitters,
which improve liver function, will often bring about
dramatic changes for some patients. It is not
always enough to just treat the nervous system
when dealing with depression; often the
digestive/detoxification process needs attention
too. Bitter herbs include dandelion root, gentian,
and angelica.
Another category of herbs that can be useful is
adaptogens. These types of herbs help the body

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For more information and free advice about how
you can improve your mood naturally, call the
team at Foreman & Jones Herbal Dispensary,
Hythe, on 01303 760001.

www.foremanandjonesherbaldispensary.co.uk