Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years, intuitively guided by medicine people worldwide. The modern scientific and commercial world is now using these plants in various forms to produce medicines that nature has always intended. Many believe that our brains developed to be as intelligent as they are due to the influence of euphoric and psychedelic-inducing plants. More medical professionals are now looking at the use of psychedelics in clinical studies across the world to help combat the effects the modern world has on our mental health. There are certain legal plant medicines that can soothe and regulate our nervous system, often used in the form of tinctures and teas.
I use all the plants listed below in teas and tinctures to support the balance of my overall well-being. I use some daily to fight inflammation, improve immunity, gut microbiome and focus, and increase my passion for life. Like the ancient ceremonial ways, I suggest taking time to connect with and celebrate the plants supporting you. These sacred life moments allow your body to feel what is right or wrong for you.
Maca: The Peruvian energiser
Maca root, the ultra-resilient native to the Peruvian Andes, is renowned for its energy-boosting and mood-enhancing properties. It is also known to improve sexual health and fertility. Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, maca helps to balance hormones and support adrenal function, contributing to enhanced stamina and reduced stress. Not all maca products are equal.
I strongly suggest buying from themacaexperts.com and don’t overdo the dose. Replace your morning coffee with this buzzy plant.
Turmeric: The golden healer
Turmeric, a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, is celebrated for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids in managing anxiety and depression and supports overall brain health. The active curcumin in turmeric increases brain- derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, linked to improved brain function and a lower risk of brain diseases. Turmeric is excellent in capsule form or in juice, lattes, or warm almond milk. Readily available in supermarkets as a root, when boiling into a tea/tincture, it is essential to add black pepper to extract the curcumin from the root. Try Doctor’s Best High Absorption Curcumin C with BioPerine, available at healthpost.co.nz.
Blue lotus: The ancient mood enhancer
Blue lotus, revered in ancient Egyptian culture, is known for its calming euphoric effects and libido enhancing qualities. It can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and enhance sleep quality. The plant contains nuciferine and aporphine, which interact with serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, fostering a sense of tranquility and wellbeing. It is available from kisstheearth.nz. It makes a great tea, or the tinctures are often stronger.
Legal mushrooms: Nature’s brain boosters
Certain legal mushrooms, like lion’s mane and reishi, are praised for their cognitive-enhancing and stress-reducing properties. They support memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. Compounds such as hericenones and erinacines in lion’s mane stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, essential for maintaining healthy neurons. Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes that help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Mushroom blends can be added to smoothies in the morning for added energy; don’t have lion’s mane mushrooms at night if you want to sleep. Try Super Me Smoothies Miracle Mushroom Blend available at superme.co.nz daily.
Damiana: The natural aphrodisiac
Damiana, traditionally used in Central and South America, is known for its mood-lifting – it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety – and libido-enhancing effects.
The plant’s active compounds, including flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids, have a mild stimulating effect on the nervous system, promoting a sense of wellbeing and mental clarity, and can be steeped as a tea. It is nice to blend with peppermint for taste, or goes well with cranberry, lime and tonic water if you want a happy mocktail. Available at most apothecaries or online at theapothecary.co.nz.
Cacao: The heart opener
The plant medicine that made it into the hearts of people the world over through the pure joy of chocolate. Cacao, traditionally used in Central and South America, is revered for its mood-enhancing properties. It can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and is also known for its ability to increase feelings of love and connection often used in many connection ceremonies. The plant’s active compounds, including theobromine, flavonoids, and phenylethylamine. Ceremonial-grade high strength cacao is a great source of magnesium which helps the nervous system, giving mental clarity and lots of energy.
Cacao can be enjoyed as a hot beverage, often blended with spices such as cinnamon or chilli for an added kick, or my favourite organic rose petals, ginger and cardamon. It can be sweetened with a touch of honey. Available at most health food stores selenohealth.com
By incorporating medicinal plants into your wellness routine, you can harness their natural benefits to support mental health and overall wellbeing. Use them to help you know yourself more, and like anything, take them moderately and discontinue if necessary.
