Natural PostPartum Depression and Anxiety Options

* Please note: Pay a visit to your Naturopath, Family Doctor or Herbalist if you are currently taking prescribed medications, are pregnant or are breastfeeding before trying any of the following. *

The following list of herbs are known for their natural medicinal properties and can be remedies in treating anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also aiding some of the secondary signs such as exhaustion, loss of appetite, sudden mood changes, etc. I have done some solid research on this topic and have used some of these herbs for myself while healing from PPD (post partum depression).

List of Herbs:

• Aconite (Aconitum napellus) - Useful for alleviating fears about labour (especially fear of death)

• Alfalfa (medicago sativa) - Treats digestive disorders, arthritis, kidney problems, decreases inflammation, regulates blood sugar, assists lowering blood pressure, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, mental fatigue, panic attacks and stress.

• Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) - Helps build chi, lower cortisol levels, prevents depletion of Vitamin C, nourishes and calms the mind to promote sleep, anxiety, exhaustion, mental fatigue, neuroses, panic attacks, and stress.

• Calcarea Carbonica - Recommended for symptoms associated with depression, fear of failure, restlessness, anxiety, obsessive or compulsive behaviour and low spirit

• Chamomile (chamaemelum nobile) - Tones nervous system, helps nerve restoration for an exhausted system, rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium, reduces inflammation, clears toxins, promotes sleep, calms anxiety and stress.

• Dandelion (taraxacum officinale) - Blood purifier, helps clear infection from body. The leaves aid in appetite loss, candida, fatigue, flatulence, hypertension, insomnia, nervousness, and obesity. The root aids in allergies, appetite loss, candida, depression, dizziness, fatigue, headache, hypertension, hypoglycemia, obesity, ovarian cysts, and premenstrual syndrome.

• Ginger (zingiber officinalis) - Digestive aid, strengthens heart tissues, activates immune system, prohibits prstaglandin production, reduces inflammation and pain. Treats anxiety, depression, fatigue, headaches, hypertension, hypothyroidism, ingestion, obesity, and pain.

• Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) - Improves concentration, cleanses the liver, improves circulation, lifts spirits, eases anxiety, assists with fatigue and insomnia. Affects limbic system and helps protect cerebrum from excess external stimuli.

• Motherwort (leonurus cardiaca) - Calms. Improves circulation, regulates menstrual cycle, calms anxiety and stress.

• Oat (avena fatua) - Nourishes limbic system, increases energy, nourishes skin, nails, teeth, bones and hair. Relaxes nerves and strengthens nervous sytem. Lowers cholesterol levels. Assists with recovery from depression, exhaustion, PTSD, addiction and anxiety.

• Passionflower (passiflora incarnata) - Quiets the nervous system and the mind. Inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine transmission. Reduces anxiety, stress, anger and irritability.

• Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) - Alleviates anxiety, improves memory, stimulates pineal gland, improves energy and relieves stress. Contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and many antioxidants. Relieves pain and sore muscles.

• Skullcap - Can assist with healing, emotional trauma, fear and the alleviation of anxiety. Helps with transitions, overthinking, exhaustion or feeling "on the edge".

• St John's Wort (hypericum) - Useful in helping to relieve tension; safe for pregnancy through the postpartum experience. Said to promote healing. Excellent for relieving sore muscles.

• Vervain - Can assist with feelings of "just getting by", or severe irritability.

• Sepia or Suphur - For depression during postpartum.

How Can You Take These Herbs?

Purchase tinctures made from fresh herbs, find loose leaf teas that consist some of these ingredients or you can also find some of these in pill form from a natural vitamin and supplement store. It's easiest to consume as a drink, such as teas, but you can add drops from a tincture into some of your foods. Be sure to not cook with these oils as it changes the composition and the properties of them!

What Can You DO To Help Yourself During PostPartum Depression?

• Art therapy - drawing, painting, photography. Express feelings through art!

• Deep breathing - Increases endorphins and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone

• Meditation - Improves blood pressure, pumps up the immune system, promotes a sense of well being, and reduces emotional concern.

• Yoga - Helps remove toxins, tones the body, improve digestion, correct posture, and improve blood circulation and blood pressure.

• Journaling - Help learn about your emotional health and to recognize the things you can consciously change. Make a gratitude list, write out your birth experience. Putting pen to paper can be very therapeutic!

• Therapeutic massage - Reduce emotional stress, relieve tension and improve circulation.

• Reflexology - Encourage hormonal balance, a sense of calm, a reduction in stress and anxiety, and the improvement of sleep and energy levels.

• Acupressure - Focuses on the meridians of the body and the release of any blockages that prevent the body from a balanced flow of energy.

• Sleep!!!

• Having a doula (me!) to help in your home with daily duties and caring for your baby, so you can get some much needed sleep, or have a bath!

Have a comment or a question? Please contact me!