Depression Herbs
An Amazing Natural Boost
Jatoba Hymenaea courbaril
Jatoba bark is a natural herbal tonic and digestive aid. Its energy is long-lasting enough that in a sad irony, lumberjacks drink it as a tea to keep their energy up for the hard work of cutting down old growth trees.
It is so strongly anti-fungal and anti-bacterial that it is one of the few trees in the entire rainforest with no growth on its bark.
Indians in the Amazon rainforest have long used the tree's resin in magic rituals, love potions and wedding ceremonies.*
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Chuchuhuasi Maytenus krukovii
Chuchuhuasi's bark has been used medicinally for centuries. In Peru the name translates as 'trembling back,' and is related to its long tradition of use for back aches and arthritis pain. It is also used to relieve muscle pain, relax muscle spasms and support the adrenals. Along with these exceptional benefits, chuchuhuasi offers the natural energy that local inhabitants have used for centuries on long treks through the rainforest. *
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Cat's Claw Uncaria tomentosa
Una de gato, literally cat's claw, refers to the large claw-like thorns along this large woody vine. Una de gato can be considered a depression herb; it has been used medicinally for at least 2,000 years and is prized among herbal remedies. Since the 1970's cat's claw has been researched in almost every industrialized country. These studies validate many of the traditional uses and offer hope in treating ailments more common to N. Americans. Some of them include chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, lupus, inflammatory conditions, cancer, and intestinal disorders.
One reason it is so adaptable is that it is one of a handful of plants that are "adaptogenic," in some unknown way able to restore the normal functions of an organ or a system. Cat's claw provides a deeply supportive organ tonic and immune support. *
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Sarsaparilla Smilax officinalis
The sarsaparilla root is especially valued for its cell-protective abilities, and is considered neuroprotective - i.e. it protects brain cells. Sarsaparilla root is a herbal tonic; it provides energy by toning, balancing, and strengthening overall body functions.
Sarsaparilla root has also been used for centuries in South America to treat other ailments including rheumatism, digestive problems and hypertension. *
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Catuaba Erythroxlyum catuaba
A small fast growing tree, catuaba is native to the Amazon rainforest of northern Brazil. It is the best known of all Brazilian aphrodisiac plants. It reduces anxiety and is healthy for the central nervous system. Catuaba is also valued for its tonic abilities and use in general fatigue and exhaustion, forgetfulness and poor memory.*
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Samambaia Polypodium decumanum
Samambaia is a fern that grows throughout the rainforests of South America. Many ferns are used in herbal medicine around the world. They are important depression herbs. Most, including samambaia, are considered tonics, blood cleansers and upper respiratory healers. In addition, western research on samambaia has found it to have powerful brain and skin cellular protective qualities. A study in 2000 confirmed its benefits and it is being used in Europe to treat Alzheimer's and dementia patients.*
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Do you want to read more in depth about depression herbs?
*The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals
A thoroughly researched encyclopedia of knowlege on many Amazon rainforest herbs.