If you have ever reached for an aspirin when you’re struggling with a headache, then you already know the impact of plants on our wellbeing. Originally made of willow bark, this age-old remedy has been around for quite a long time, together with a slew of others made of plants and plant derivatives, to help us heal many of our ailments and wellness issues.
However, we have come a long way since the production of our humble aspirin. There are so many other perks and benefits of plants we have discovered in previous years, especially for our mental wellbeing. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most prominent benefits of our rich flora on healing mental illnesses and relieving many of their symptoms.
Herb-helped sweet dreams
No matter how you look at it, we live incredibly hectic lives. From fast-paced work environments, competitive educational institutions, all the way to complicated personal relationships and many unhealthy habits, we tend to damage our own wellbeing in a wide array of ways. Most of us spend hours staring at our phones or TVs just before bedtime, disrupting our natural circadian rhythm and causing added stress for our bodies and minds.
Chronic stress is the underlying issue of many mental issues, from mild forms of anxiety all the way to depression. Herbal essential oils have been used for centuries to help induce sleep, and in these chaotic times of ours, they have become a viable method to prevent stress from destroying our sleep quality and consistency. Sandalwood and lavender are both known to help our minds unwind perfectly before bedtime, so you can infuse them into your routine and let them soothe your mind.
A source of relaxation
Those who are struggling with any form of mental illness, be it depression or PTSD, know too well the troubles they experience on a daily basis. Everyday events are far more stressful for them, leading to further damage and self-destructive behavior, and their ability to recognize real threats from imagined ones becomes impaired over time. It’s only natural that relaxation is impossible in such situations, at least one that is under the control of the person suffering from such a devastating mental disorder.
Thanks to the latest advances in medical research, as well as legislative changes all over the globe, more people are beginning to rely on medicinal concentrates as one of the most effective ways to relieve these often debilitating symptoms. Cannabis is known to induce relief of tension and inspire relaxation, thus helping those with mental illness minimize their most severe symptoms.
Soothing anxiety
The notion of anxiety is a very omnipresent one in today’s society, and there are as many varieties as there are people experiencing this debilitating condition of the mind. Oftentimes, people resort to heavy medication in order to be able to conduct everyday tasks and responsibilities, while the underlying issues remain and still affect people with anxiety. It comes in many forms, from social anxiety and difficulties communicating with others, all the way to insomnia, and various fears, and it can be very difficult to foresee and thus keep under any level of control.
With the introduction of herbal remedies the likes of Valeriana in its many forms, people have noticed their symptoms of anxiety dramatically reduced. While these herbs are in no way a permanent solution to a long-term issue such as anxiety and depression, using natural, harmless herbs can help them increase their day-to-day functionality, regain their confidence, and find the strength to discover and tackle the underlying issue of their anxiety.
Treating pain
Among many beneficial properties various plants possess, you’ll find that their ability to reduce or even completely eradicate many kinds of pain can indeed benefit the mental health of an individual. In addition to stress, physical pain has the power to cause everyday discomfort to such an extent that it can significantly reduce the quality of life of the person who is experiencing it. As a result, the pain becomes the trigger for excess alcohol and opioid consumption, as well as other self-destructive behaviors that later cause an avalanche of other mental health issues.
Modern medical experts still rely on the power of various plants to heal people of all ages and help them power through chronic pain. Turmeric, for example, is widely used as a spice and as an oral supplement in order to reduce joint pain that is common with many age-related diseases. If left untreated, such severe pain can truly cause irreparable damage for the person’s psyche.
Plant mood-boosters
Finally, our mood plays a key role in how we treat others as well as ourselves. It may seem frivolous to focus on such a superficial aspect of our self-hood compared to those deeply-rooted illnesses such as mental disorders, but improving our mood is merely one of many ways to prevent long-term mental health deterioration. Let’s also keep in mind that our mood is a great symptom of our hormone balance, exposure to stress, and overall satisfaction with our life.
Studies have shown that the presence of simple household plants can do wonders for improving your mood, from giving you more energy to allowing you to focus with ease on your work. Adding some low-maintenance ferns and flowers can make a real difference in how you feel and how you behave, so make sure to green up your living environment as soon as possible.
As our knowledge expands, we will learn even more about the medicinal properties of plants, and learn how to apply them in our everyday lives. These simple tips can help you find the most appropriate solution for your situation, just make sure to consult your physician in order to make the best choice for yourself.