Although there are many choices for alternative medicine for mental health, please keep in mind that nothing replaces proper therapy for those extreme cases of mental distress. Medications for issues such as schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses should not be set aside for the likes of simple herbs. Always discuss your choices with a qualified medical or mental health professional. Remember: Safety FIRST! 

Asian Ginseng (panax) having also been called the "King of Herbs", has been used in Chinese medicine for well over 2,000 years. It's botanical name, panax, comes from the Greek words "pan (All) and "akos" (cure), In other words folks, it's a cure-all kinda find.

In traditional Chinese methods, ginseng tonic was used to increase blood volume, increase appetite, increase strength, promote life, give wisdom and calm the spirit.

For improving mental capacities, alertness and concentration the recommended dosage for a healthy person is 500-1,000 mg daily, taken in two doses. This is short term usage only, mind you. Chinese herbalists recommend you take Ginseng for 15-20 days then stop for two weeks before starting again. This cycle, it is said, can be repeated endlessly.

You can also drink ginseng in tea format. One cup of tea daily can help make you more mentally aware/alert.

CAUTIONS:

Ginseng should not be taken continuously, as I stated above, without breaks, with one notable exception - long term use for the elderly or the chronically ill.
Don't take Ginseng if you have hypertension, take anti-psychotic drugs, steroid therapy or drink a lot of caffeine. Coffee addicts need not apply, in other words.
Use with caution and preferably a doctor's advice if you have diabetes, high or low blood pressure or any cardiac issues.

With the growing awareness of herbal remedies, it is only natural for me to give you a few herbal remedy "recipes" as well as your daily herbal descriptions. And for now, as with our herbal decriptions, we are focusing on mental health and the various alternative remedies available.

Alternative medicine isn't just about what we can ingest, but what we align ourselves with. In other words, all of our senses can be of use in the healing process. One greatly used relaxation technique (especially in the early 1900's) was hot baths; whether herbal, with sea salts, oils, or in a natural hot spring. So here is the first of many "Bath & Spa Relaxation Recipes" I will be sharing with you:

Herbal Bath Sachets
Therapy in a bag

Place a handful or more of dried or fresh herbs such as chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm inside a muslim bag or a couple of layers of cheese cloth, tied with string. Place the bundle of herbs in your bathtub and fill with very warm water. I like tying my bundle to the faucet itself and then once the tub is full, letting it steep like a tea bag while I soak.

The heat of the water will release the essential oils of the herbs into the water. In about 10-15 minutes the oils will have been properly released and you are free to use the herbal bundle as a sort of bath scrub, rubbing it along your body much like you would a loofah.

Discard the herbs at the end of the bath.

To add to the relaxation aura you are building, try a soy wax candle scented in lavender or lemon balm, or some lavender oil in a diffuser. Oh, and always remember to breathe in and out...in and out...ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Coming soon: Recipe: Herb Facial Scrub - Spoiling Yourself with Herbs

• May cause hangover symptoms the next day.
• Valerian has been reported to cause stimulant effects in about 5% of hte population.
• Headaches, nervousness, palpitations and upset tummy are rare side effects.
• NEVER combine any sedative with alcoholic beverages folks - it's just not wise to tempt fate!

As well as being the cold & flu season, unfortunately this is also the season for depression and grief for many, so I will continue on with alternative medicine herbs for mental health issues.

In today's society natural remedies are taking a front seat to the usual medicines that most mental health care professionals chose for us. As an addition to my favorite stress reducing technique of choice: "relaxation breathing" - which Wanda P. does a fine job in describing in her blog entry "Wave Breathing" here in Cha Cha Health - there are certain herbs that come to mind for dealing with grief, emotional issues and depression; Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is one of those.

Called the "natural tranquilizer", kava is a member of the pepper family, believe it or not. The plant usually grows to about 6 feet tall but in rich, dark soil can actually get to about 20 feet in height.

The compounds that give Kava its effects are kavalactones. Preparations of the herb are usually about 70% kavalactones. Be sure to check your labels carefully - regardless of whether you are taking it in pill, tea, tonic or other format.

Kava Kava has traditionally been used in Polynesian tribal rituals. Grown in the South Pacific for more than 3,000 years, the local use of the herb as a relaxing traditional beverage has been likened to the tradition of drinking a glass of wine at the end of the day. But be careful folks, it does have some intense intoxicating effects - so don't Kava and drive!

Kava has been shown to be very effective for anxiety and depression. Generally, Anxiety is often accompanied by such physical symptoms as shortness of breath, hyperventilation, heart palpitations, muscle tension, sweating, dry mouth, nausea and dizziness.

For General Anxiety, take 100mg of Kava extract - three times a day (please make sure it is standard 70% kavalactone!).

Taking 400-600mg as a sleeping sedative about one hour before bedtime is good for those nights your mind just doesn't want to shut up.

PLEASE remember that taking any alternative herbal remedy should always be checked with your physician first. You may have other issues that could harm you in the long run.

CAUTIONS:
DO NOT take Kava Kava with alcoholic beverages or taking sleeping pills, anti-depressants or other sedatives.
DO NOT use for more than three months without medical advice and/or supervision.
DO NOT drive or use heavy machinery while taking Kava Kava!
DO NOT use if pregnant or breastfeeding little ones!
Avoid Kava if you have Parkinson's disease.
Avoid mega doses!!!

*may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances (that's GAS to you and I); and with heavy use it may also cause your skin to turn a slight shade of yellow - don't worry folks, it goes away after you stop using it.