4 healing herbs to make Blue Monday slightly more bearable
These herbal pick-me-ups will make the darkest day of the year a little bit brighter.
It’s natural to feel down in the dumps during January, but today marks what is officially known as the most depressing day of the year.
Yes, Blue Monday is back – the single most depressing 24-hours going.
It’s all thanks to several glum factors including the weather, the likelihood your bank account is empty, the amount of time that’s passed since Christmas and the crushing reality of failed New Year’s resolutions.
Basically, today is not going to be a barrel of laughs.
If all of these terrible eventualities have you thinking about taking a duvet day, what you really need is a herbal pick-me-up to power you through your commute.
Here, top London nutritionist Cassandra Barns is on hand to recommend four of the best healing herbs to banish low mood and winter woes.
1. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
This leafy plant is known for its therapeutic power and has a particular affinity for the brain and mood. “Holy Basil is said to stimulate circulation to the brain to improve concentration and help clear brain fog,” says Cassandra. “It also has a calming effect on the nerves and acts as an adaptogen – a herb that helps us cope with and adapt to stress.”
Cassandra explains: “These different actions can combine well to help lift our mood, particularly when stress or anxiety are involved. Holy basil makes a great herbal tea and also comes in capsule form for a more concentrated dose.” Pukka sell a Three Tulsi tea (£2.49 for 20 sachets) or you can swallow it down in one with their Wholistic Holy Basil capsules (£16.96 for 30 capsules).
2. Chamomile
There’s a reason why people drink chamomile tea at night – it’s perfect for relaxing the body and aiding a deep sleep. “Chamomile is an amazing ‘nervine’ – a herb that calms the nerves,” says Cassandra. “It can also help relieve digestive cramps and spasms that accompany stress or anxiety. If your priority is to get more calm in your life, soothe frayed nerves and sleep better, then chamomile could be a great choice for you.
“Drink it as a herbal tea before bed, but also throughout the day to help calm you down – it shouldn’t make you feel tired.”
3. Matcha green tea
“If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, turning to coffee for a boost may do more harm than good,” says Cassandra. She explains that high doses of caffeine and other stimulating substances in your coffee can cause your body to make more stress hormones, increasing the draining effects of stress on your mind and body.
“Instead, try matcha green tea,” she advises. “Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine to give you an energy lift, but also contains theanine, which can have a relaxing effect on the mind, reduce anxiety and help with focus and concentration. Matcha green tea in particular is said to contain a high percentage of calming theanine.”
4. Ashwagandha
The western world is beginning to wake up to the healing powers of ashwagandha, one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing. “Like holy basil, ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, helping to balance the effects of stress on our body and mind,” says Cassandra.
“It’s known for its calming, anti-anxiety effects, but also for helping to restore energy and vitality. It can be good for libido, too, which often suffers when we’re feeling miserable!”
You can whizz ashwagandha in powdered form into your smoothie or drop a tincture in your tea. The easiest way to get your dose is in capsule form, so try Pukka’s Wholistic Ashwagandha (£16.96 for 30 capsules).
The Press Association
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