We all have ‘bad’ moods once and while, sometimes the moods are a daily thing and sometimes they last a lot longer than we want them to. Of course, there are many factors as to what causes a ‘bad mood’, but in most cases- we do know that some herbs can help stabilize these moods or at least take the ‘edge’ off.

This Mood Modifier Tincture was made as the result of an experiment in hopes to help me with the depression and mood swings I often experience throughout my life. By learning about herbs that are nervines (herbs that specifically help support the nervous system), anti-inflammatories (a central part in the pathophysiology of depression) and herbs that help balance hormones- which is likely my case for mood swings, I decided to put them to the test.

The combo of the following herbs extracted with gluten-free vodka, provides a relaxing/mood modifying result that I notice usually within about 15 minutes.

• St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) harvested from oceanside cliffs of Bowen Island: Several studies support the therapeutic benefit of St. John's wort in treating mild to moderate depression and conditions that sometimes go along with depression such as anxiety, tiredness, loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Levels of serotonin have been reported to increase when taking St. John’s wort.
  

• Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) grown from seed…back to seed again: These little miracles have been used for thousands of years in herbal medicine. Fennel seeds are packed full of minerals that allow the body to return a more normal state, easing the symptoms of depression.
  

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) grown from seed many years ago in my garden- and still going strong : With many immune boosting and cognitive benefits that Rosemary offers, research has found that Rosemary can boost prospective and retrospective memory, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality.

  
  It’s important to note that St. John’s wort can weaken some prescription medicines, please do some research if you currently take medications.

  
  Dosage: 1mL (60 drops under the tongue with a sip of water up to 4 times/day)

  
  Comes in 30 mL glass bottle w/ dropper.