Earth Medicine August 2, 2025

Herbs for Emotional Health

Focus on Neurotransmission!

Why does Norepinephrine: NE Matter?

Excitatory Neurotransmitter

Too Little: due to prolonged stress (desensitization)

lower arousal
low energy levels
concentration/focus is lacking
daytime fatigue
depression/apathy
Attention problems/ ADD
Anxiety

Too Much:

Anxiety
Poor sleep
Hyperactivity
Elevated Blood Pressure
Heart Palpitations

Nutritional Support

Tyrosine and Phenylalanine are the building blocks of NE

Highest Foods:

All meats: chicken is highest
Bananas
Almonds and Pumpkin seeds
Beans/legumes
Cheese
Chocolate
Eggs
Fish
Avocado
Oatmeal
Beets
Sesame seeds source of tyrosine, B6 and magnesium

B6 pyridoxine and copper mediated enzyme needed for synthesis

B9-folate is converted to methyl-folate and a major enzyme cofactor in the creation of NE

Lifestyle Supports:

A Siesta—increases NE in some estimates by double <45 minutes, Exercise and Cold Water Therapy

And Lots of herbs—Ginsengs, Rhodiola, Ashwa, Kola Nuts, Coffee, Tea, gingko biloba, SJW

Plants have neurotransmitters too! Photosynthesis, organogenesis, communication, response to stimuli or environmental effects

Bacopa monneiri-Got you covered

Known as Water Hyssop

Native Asia and North America in Wetlands

Figwort family—Scrophulariaceae

Habitat: damp soils and marshes throughout the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, as well as other warm, tropical parts of the world such as Madagascar, the Caribbean, Southern North America, South America, and Hawaii. Grows in sprawling cover with tendrils similar to nerves (DOS)

Part Used: Flowering tops. stems and leaves, also used as food

Adaptogen and Stimulating Nervine

Panacea Support: Nervous, Endocrine especially Adrenal Glands, Immune/ Lymphatic Systems

Constituents: Triterpenoid saponins like bacosides—neuro-protective

Energetics: Flowers, leaves and stems—changing, strengthening, transformative, protective-got you covered!!

Taste: Initially sweet then strong Bitter, and slightly astringent.

Initially Sweet: Building, Nutritive, Balancing

Astringent: Cooling, Tonifying, Drying

Ending Bitter: Calming, Cooling, Clearing

Traditional Evidence:

One of 2 Ayurvedic herbs called Brahmi translated as energy of universal consciousness.

More specifically know as jalabrahmi meaning water brahmi as its preference for growing in wet, boggy environments

Not to be confused with another herb called Brahmi—Gotu Kola.

Offered as a rejuvenating herb to support the brain and nervous system.

Centuries-old traditions to promote memory, intelligence, and concentration.

Balances Pitta

Supports Majja Dhatu--the nervous tissue support to help strengthen, tonify and relax muscular and other tension in the body

Bacopa can adapt to what the body needs, improving daytime focus while adapting to stress throughout the system to improve the quality of sleep at night.

Bacopa is often used to support meditation, increase clarity, and connect to a sense of spirit beyond just the physical realm.

In more recent Ayurvedic practices, Bacopa illuminates an intimate connection between the heart and the mind

Evidence Based Research:

Research shows increases dopamine and serotonin when a short-term stress is present, with no effect preventing a rise in epinephrine.

Some studies show altered brain levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin after ingestion by lab animals

Decreases in cortisol have been shown in some limited research

Bacopa shows positive effects in executive function and memory.

Multiple clinical trials, strong research for improvement in memory in people with Alzheimer’s

Bacopa monnieri extract at 300 mg was administered to 42 healthy medical students aged 19 to 22 years old for six weeks. Logical memory tests, such as numbers and information recall, and language comprehension tests, all showed significant statistical improvement compared to the placebo.

Examine: https://examine.com/supplements/bacopa-monnieri/
Sheikh N, Ahmad A, Siripurapu KB, Kuchibhotla VK, Singh S, Palit G. Effect of Bacopa monniera on stress induced changes in plasma corticosterone and brain monoamines in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May 22;111(3):671-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.01.025. Epub 2007 Jan 30. PMID: 17321089.
Kumar, et al. (2016). Efficacy of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on cognitive functions of medical students: A six-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Comp Alter Med. 2016.

Cautions/ Interactions:

People with Allergies to Figwort Family

Medication interactions:

Mild Cholinergic actions--drying

May enhances side effects of cholinergic medications like Dicyclomine (IBS), Malathion (head lice treatment), Propantheline (urinary incontinence)

May decreases effectiveness of anticholinergic medications such as atropine (belladonna alkaloids) and antimuscarinic meds for overactive bladder like oxybutynin

Avoid with pain medications that can cause urinary retention like opiates.

Avoid if any problems with urinary retention.

May increase thyroid hormones like Ashwagandha root, avoid or use with caution with close monitoring if taking thyroid replacement.

Considered quite safe

Rare Side effects:

Dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, indigestion, and increased frequency of bowel movements

Not for use in pregnancy— stop because of strong bitter may affect uterus to contract.

Dosing:

Whole Herb Flowering tops and leaves

Infusion/ Tea: 2-6 grams daily (1-3 tbsps)/ 240mls (1 cup)-950mls (1 quart)

(28 g/ ounce) – 4- 14 servings per ounce depending on therapeutic strength/ frequency

1 month supply 2.5—7.5oz

Most studies: of extracts 300 mg-700 mg daily

Max dose: 900- 3000 mg

Gaia Herb Professional 350 mg/ caps 1- 2 x daily

Herb Pharm Extracts 0.7 ml- 657mg 3-5 x daily

Banyan Botanicals:500 mg/ 30 drops x 1-3 times daily

Start low and titrate for desired effect.

What does Serotonin actually do?

Too Little:

Depression and sadness
Fatigue
Anxiety
Disturbed thoughts/ Suicidal thoughts
Pain sensitivity
Sleep cycle as serotonin is precursor of melatonin
Difficulty concentration
Gastrointestinal problems

Too Much:

Serotonin syndrome:
C: cognitive changes—agitation, confusion, euphoria, insomnia, hypomania, hallucinations
A: Autonomic changes including tachycardia, fever, arrhythmias, sweating, dilated pupils
N: Neuromuscular changes—tremor, muscle rigidity, incoordination, seizure
Shivering, fever >103
Seizure
HTN, stroke

Tryptophan is the Building Block of Serotonin:

Tryptophan deficiency can lead to lower serotonin levels.

Increase tryptophan rich foods-- try to add a portion size at each meal:

Highest Foods with Tryptophan:

Turkey meat
Whole Milk or Cheese
Tuna. Try to only have canned tuna 2 x weekly as heavy metals can accumulate in larger fish.

Other options:

Nuts
Eggs
Chicken
Lentils, soybeans or any beans
Fish like Salmon
Oats
Whole grains
Pineapple

Serotonin synthesis requires B6 pyridoxine, B3 niacin,

B9 folic acid, B12 and Magnesium

Lifestyle Support:

Movement: Exercise, Dance, Sex

When we exercise, we release stored Tryptophan from our muscles and start the enzymatic cascade to create more serotonin

Sun and even light box therapy has been shown to boost serotonin. Meditation, Massage, Hugs, Pets

St. John’s Wort: Let the light in

Hypericum perforatum

Other herbs that boost serotonin?

Native to Europe, Northern Africa, Asia and Western United States.

Habitat It is a migrant species—likes forest clearings, open meadows and roadside clearings.

Part Used: Leaves, stems, flowers

Constituents: Hypericin (a naphtodianthron) initially thought to be the major psychoactive component of the plant

Hyperforin, a phloroglucinol derivative currently thought to be the major psychoactive component of the plant.

Other naphthodianthrone –Pseudohypericin; Also high in multiple flavonoids.

Mechanism of action: antidepressant effects as those two channels are present in neurons and the increase in sodium uptake correlates well with inhibition of serotonin uptake in vitro.

Hypercin has the ability to inhibit MAO which is involved in the degradation of amine neurotransmitters. Inhibiting their degradation boosts their levels in the synapse. However, further studies determined that hypericin’s ability to inhibit MAO was lower than was originally estimated. Hyperforin then was studied and found to be a potent reuptake inhibitor of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA, and L-glutamate from the synaptic cleft

Modulating Nervine

Panacea Effects: Nervous system, Lymphatic/ Immune system with anti-viral actions, Lung and Liver support

Energetics: Flowering tops and leaves

Tastes: Bland with a hint of bitter.

Bland: Nutritive, Neutralizing, Moistening,

Bitter: Calming, Cooling, Clearing

Doctrine of signatures-the leaves let the light in.

Traditional Evidence:

Many ancient superstitions are attached to St. John’s Wort and the name Hypericum comes from Greek meaning “over an apparition” a reference that this herb is so powerful to evil spirits that only whiff of the plant could would cause them to fly away.

Used in Western herbalism/ folk medicine for pulmonary complaints especially associated with cold/ flu, bladder problems and nervous complaints, “hysteria” and sleep problems.

Evidence based research:

A 2008 Cochrane Meta-Analysis of 29 trials (5489 patients) that were blinded and randomized in patients with major depression (DSM-IV criteria) noted that in the trials against placebo that St. John's Wort was associated with less depressive symptoms.

Linde K, Berner MM, Kriston L. St John's wort for major depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Oct 8;2008(4):CD000448. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000448.pub3. PMID: 18843608; PMCID: PMC7032678.

A second meta-analysis in 2015 with a total of 66 studies with 15,161 patients met the inclusion criteria. Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI; venlafaxine), a low-dose serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI; trazodone) and hypericum extracts were found to be significantly superior to placebo. There were no statistically significant differences between these drug classes and hypericum extracts. Hypericum extracts were associated with significantly fewer dropouts because of adverse effects compared with TCAs, SSRIs, the SNRI, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NRI), and noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant agents (NaSSAs).

Linde K, Kriston L, Rücker G, Jamil S, Schumann I, Meissner K, Sigterman K, Schneider A. Efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological treatments for depressive disorders in primary care: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Ann Fam Med. 2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):69-79. doi: 10.1370/afm.1687. PMID: 25583895; PMCID: PMC4291268.

In a 2011, placebo-controlled double blind randomized clinical trial with 40 patients with major depressive disorder given combination of SJW and TCAs compared to TCAs alone had significant effect on mild to moderate depression improvement. None of the patients in the two groups reported sexual side effects. SJW group had improved quality of sleep and reported increased energy. This improvement had not been reported in previous studies.

Pakseresht S, Boustani H, Azemi ME, Nilsaz J, Babapour R, Haghdust MR. Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Products of St. John's Wort Efficacy Added on Tricyclic Antidepressants in treating Major Depressive Disorder: A Double Blind Randomized Control Trial. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2012 Summer;7(3):106-10. Epub 2012 Aug 25. PMID: 24624165; PMCID: PMC3941849.

In Vitro studies:

Inhibits the reuptake--increases serotonin, NE and dopamine.

Inhibits serotonin reuptake in a manner not associated with the serotonin transporter (SERT), which is the common mechanism of SNRI/SSRI antidepressants.

Unlike Rx antidepressants that affect 5-HT receptors, hyperforin apparently inhibits serotonin uptake by elevating intracellular concentrations of sodium (Na) and calcium.

A newer study showed SJW ability to decrease the cell surface 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors one of the serotonin receptors, and it also suppresses the release of interleukin 6 (IL-6), which induces the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (implicated in depression). Human studies have not yet confirmed this last newer research.

Klemow KM, Bartlow A, Crawford J, et al. Medical Attributes of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/

Interactions/ Cautions:

Induces many medications metabolized via CYP450 with main effect on CYP3A4.

Avoid Blood thinners, specifically warfarin, as studies showed that it decreases warfarin’s effect.

Avoid with anti-hypertensive medications. St. John’s wort and calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine interact by increasing metabolism of nifedipine and verapamil as it decreases their bioavailability through the induction of CYP3A4.

Avoid with certain statins. St. John’s Wort lowers simvastatin lowers plasma levels while pravastatin has no interaction.

Caution with proton pump inhibitors (PPI), specifically esomeprazole and omeprazole, as the combination with St. John’s wort results in reduced plasma concentrations of the drugs.

Avoid with pain opiate pain medications, St. John’s wort also plays a role on reducing the plasma concentration of many opioids such as oxycodone.

Avoid while on antibiotics, antifungals and antiviral drugs, St. John’s wort should be avoided as there a large number of interactions between them.

Avoid with OCPs (oral contraception pills) interacts on cytochrome P450 increases metabolism— and shown to decreased efficacy and cause breakthrough bleeding and unwanted pregnancy.

Caution with SSRIs/ SNRIs/ TCAs and St. John’s Wort cause additive effects on serotonin reuptake inhibition which could lead to serotonin syndrome. Careful monitoring and patient/client education if considering adding SJW to SSRI and SNRI. Less concern if adding as a nutritive tea.

Melatonin may interact with SJW and not enough is yet known. May cause sleepiness or hangover effect after sleep.

Dosing:

Teas as a nutritive 1 tbsp per 16 ounces of hot water—little concern for interaction is using as needed.

Whole Herb/ Flowering tops and leaves

Infusion/ Tea: 2-6 grams daily (1-3 tbsps)/ 240mls (1 cup)-950mls (1 quart)

(28 g/ ounce) – 4- 14 servings per ounce depending on daily amount and frequency.

1 month supply 2.5—7.5oz

Locally Healing Spirits, Heartseed Farm, Greenstar

Extracts 0.7 ml- 633mg (Herb Pharm)

Capsules/ Tablets 500 mg capsules (Gaia Herbs)

Studies 300 mg TID

More is not More Effect: 1200 mg did not increase the serum hyperforin

Start low and titrate for desired effect.

GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid, the calming chemical.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

Too Little:

bipolar disorder, hypomania, and mania
Seizures
Insomnia
Attention deficit
Anxiety/depression

Too Much:

hypersomnia (oversleeping) and a lack of energy
Shallow breathing
Low BP
Memory problems
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Slurred speech and motor weakness (similar with intoxication)

Nutritional building blocks of GABA is Glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter) and an essential amino acid protein.

Virtually all foods have various levels of glutamate so if eating well balanced diet and not fasting over 10-12hours a day--you should be getting plenty to synthesize the excess into GABA

Foods GABA enhance production:

Fermented foods
Almonds and walnuts
Bananas
Brown rice
Potato
Oats
Lentils

GABA disrupt production: Caffeine, morphine, nicotine, cocaine, and ethanol

Lifestyle Supports

Meditation and Prayer

Yoga

Herbs that support GABA

Ashwagandha Root—see adaptogens

Chamomile—see nervines

To be Discussed in Blending for Emotional Health:

Valerian Root Valeriana officinalis

Passionflower Passiflora incarnata

Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora

Kava Kava Root Piper methysticum

Linden Tree Leaves and Flowers

Tilia Americana and europea

Main species for medcine cordata—little leaf, platyphyllos-big leaf)

Common Names

Linden, Lime Blossom, Basswood

Family

Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae)

Native to North America and many cultivars from Europe in cities across the US—thrives in pollution

Temperate regions of Europe, especially central and eastern Europe. Widely cultivated and naturalized in North America and parts of Asia.

Habitat

Grows in rich, moist, well-drained soils of temperate forests and woodlands. Often planted as a shade or ornamental tree along boulevards, parks, and in gardens. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, and prefers neutral to alkaline soils.

Medicinal Parts

Flowers (often with attached bracts)
Young leaves

Energetics

Plant Parts
- Flowers: High vibration, uplifting, mood-regulating, transformative, gently opening
- Leaves: Nourishing, moistening, softening, cooling
- Inner Bark: Mucilaginous, mildly demulcent and emollient
- Tree Spirit/Whole Tree: Stabilizing, deeply calming, heart-centered

-Taste:** Sweet, slightly floral, bland, mucilaginous
-Temperature: ** Cooling to neutral
-Moisture:** Moistening, soothing to dry tissues

Energetic Classification (David Winston, traditional Western energetics):
- Nervine (relaxing)
- Anxiolytic
- Hypotensive (mild)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Moistening demulcent
- Emotional heart tonic

Panacea Effects

- Nervous System: Calms nervous tension, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia—especially when linked to emotional agitation or heart-centered grief
- Heart & Circulatory Support: Gentle hypotensive and vasodilator; useful for stress-related hypertension
- Inflammation & Fevers: Diaphoretic action helps during fevers; soothing to inflammation of mucous membranes (digestive, urinary, respiratory)
- Sleep & Stress: Promotes restful sleep, eases trauma and nervous unrest in children and adults alike
- Dryness & Irritation: Moistens dry tissues, calms irritated mucosa (gut, lungs, bladder)
- Grief, Sadness, Loss: Energetically opens and soothes the heart in times of sorrow, loss, or overwhelm

Mechanism of Action

- Flavonoids (like quercetin and kaempferol) exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Volatile oils (e.g. farnesol) have a mild sedative effect via GABAergic pathways
- Mucilaginous polysaccharides soothe irritated mucosa, acting as a demulcent
- Diaphoretic actions support febrile states through peripheral vasodilation and gentle perspiration
- Mild hypotensive action through vasodilation and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle

Primary Constituents

- Flavonoids: quercetin, tiliroside, kaempferol
- Volatile oils: farnesol, eugenol
- Mucilage polysaccharides
- Tannins (astringent but gentle)
- Phenolic acids
- Methylxanthines (trace amounts)--bronchodilation

Traditional Use

**Europe:**
- Widely used in European folk medicine as a calming tea for insomnia, anxiety, and colds
- French and German herbal traditions regard linden as a sacred tree of peace and medicine
- Used in baths for children with fevers or irritability
- Leaves applied topically as a poultice for inflammation or skin irritation

**Slavic & Baltic regions:**
- Tilia was associated with love, justice, protection, and often planted at the center of villages

**Native American Use (Tilia americana):**
- Inner bark used for poultices and cordage
- Leaves and flowers used for colds, coughs, and heart issues

Evidence-Based Research

- Clinical research supports its mild sedative and anxiolytic effects through flavonoid and volatile oil pathways
- In vitro studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to phenolic content
- Mild hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects have been observed in animal studies
- Studies also support mucosa-soothing effects relevant to upper respiratory infections and irritable digestive conditions

> 🔬 Reference examples:
- Gilani, A. H., et al. (2000). “Mechanisms of the antispasmodic action of Tilia europaea.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Maghrani, M., et al. (2005). “Hypotensive effect of Tilia extracts in spontaneously hypertensive rats.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research.

Preparation & Dosage

**Infusion (Tea):**
- 1–2 tsp dried flowers per 8–10 oz water
- Steep covered for 10–20 minutes
- Take 1–3 cups daily

**Bath:**
- Add 2–4 oz flowers to bathwater

**Tincture:**
- 1:5 in 40–50% alcohol
- Dose: 1–4 mL up to 3x/day

**Glycerite:**
- A gentle preparation for children and those avoiding alcohol

Interactions & Cautions

- Very safe and well-tolerated
- Rare allergy in individuals sensitive to the Tiliaceae family
- No known drug interactions
- Excessive long-term use (esp. of bark) has been speculated (but not proven) to affect cardiac rhythm—use reasonable doses

Spiritual & Symbolic Significance

- Considered a tree of love, compassion, and justice in ancient European and Baltic traditions
- Associated with divine feminine energies—goddesses of love, fertility, and protection
- Planted near homes and sacred sites as a guardian tree
- The fragrance of linden blossoms evokes nostalgia, comfort, and tranquility—bridging memory and emotional healing
- In flower essence therapy, used to heal attachment wounds and open the heart to softness and connection

Economic & Sustainable Roles

- Linden trees are widely planted in urban landscapes for shade and beautification
- The flowers are a source of bee forage—essential for honey production
- Sustainable harvesting is encouraged—avoid overharvesting from young or street-side trees
- Linden honey is prized for its aromatic, calming quality

GMP & Product Formulation Notes:

Try as Flower Essence from Healing Spirits Herb Farm!

- Available in teas, tinctures, glycerites, syrups, bath soaks, and flower essence formulas
- Often combined with lemon balm, chamomile, skullcap, or hawthorn for calming blends