6 Herbs to Boost Mood

While mood lows affect all of us once in a while, women are more susceptible to experiencing them due to hormonal fluctuations. They can happen when the production, release, or activity of endorphins and serotonin, which can be triggered by variety of factors such as hormonal fluctuations, health issues, or stress. Luckily, herbal remedies are here to the rescue. The following mood-boosting herbs, combined with healthier lifestyle habits and ways to de-stress, can help you keep these low periods away.

1. Cacao (Theobroma cacao)

Cacao contains a combination of polyphenols that stimulate the cognitive functions and enhance mood by stimulating the release of endorphins in the brain. This is great news for chocolate-lovers, as the cacao bean is a key ingredient. Keep a bar of dark chocolate (i.e., 70% or more cocoa solids) handy to nibble on for a quick boost when you're feeling low. It is lower in sugar and saturated fats than regular milk chocolate, and it is actually very healthy for your brain.

Some delicious ways to add cacao to your diet are a Brain-Boosting Cacao Maca Shake, an Amaranth Chickpea Brownie, or a Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread.

2. Coffee (Coffea arabica)

Coffee is the go-to herbal pick-me-up for many people due to its caffeine content. Caffeine is believed to block the adenosine receptors, triggering the release of two stimulants in the brain, dopamine and glutamate. This enhances cognitive functions, aids mental sharpness, and diminishes fatigue, thus helping boost mood and be more productive.

While brewing coffee is the easiest way to get a healthy dose of caffeine, an Iced Coffee, some Espresso Cookie Cups with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread and Cacao Nibs, or an Energizing Cacao Mocha Shake can be tasty forms of consuming this energizing seed.

3. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's wort is often used as a natural treatment for depression, because of its mood-boosting and anxiety-relieving effects. Hypericin and hyperforin, the herb's active compounds, act on chemical messengers in the nervous system and regulate mood. The herb is typically consumed in extract or capsule form to battle low and depressive moods. A warm St. John's Wort and Saffron Infusion Against Nightmares, can also make wonders for your mood.

4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Although turmeric has been used in Asia for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, its effects on mood have been unknown until recently. Turmeric contains an active compound, called curcumin, which - thanks to its ability to increase serotonin and dopamine levels - has been shown more effective in relieving depression than some of the popular anti-depressants.¹ Moreover, it has not been recognized for causing any side effects, unlike the prescription depression drugs.

Try these Immunity-Boosting Turmeric Camu Camu Capsules, or a Turmeric Syrup for Reducing Inflammation, to reap the protective, calming, and mood boosting effects of this popular spice.

5. Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Ginseng is a medicinal herb with ancient use in boosting mood. The herb improves blood circulation in a way that is thought to stimulate the cognitive functions, enhance mood, and improve mental sharpness. It is also used as a solution for erectile dysfunction for its circulation-stimulating abilities and can thereby counter mood swings by boosting sexual desire.

These homemade Ginseng Ginkgo Cacao Pills to Speed up Brain Function are easy to make and can provide that daily boost to help you go trough the day.

6. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is a root vegetable that has been reported to increase sexual desire and help combat mood swings in both sexes. Its most potent function is an endocrine one: consuming maca could balance estrogen and progesterone in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance. By that, it can also improve and stabilize mood and enhance overall wellness.

There are many easy ways to add maca to your diet, from remedies, like Maca Adrenal Tonic Tea, to beverages and desserts, such as a Morning Starter Cacao Maca Shake, or a delicious Maca Chocolate Cream.

Keeping a steady supply of these mood-boosting herbs will give you a natural emotional "lift" to help combat moodiness. An occasional bad mood is normal and inevitable, but recurring moodiness can alienate those around you and diminish your sense of well-being. If your mood is low more often than not, and you're experiencing tiredness, loss of interest in things you were once engaged in, or lack of energy, it's worth discussing your feelings with a doctor or counselor, as you may be suffering from depression.