- What factors influence our morale?
- Plants to take care of your mental health
- Mei gui hua to calm the Mind
- Its effects in TCM
- When to use Mei gui hua?
- He huan pi for good nights
- Its effects in TCM
- When to use He huan pi?
- Lian zi to regain energy
- Its effects in TCM
- When to use Lian zi?
While it is not easy to stay in a good mood in all circumstances, it is important to learn to manage the bouts of the blues and dips in morale that we may face.
Indeed, several internal and external factors can weigh heavily on our balance and threaten our emotional health…
Feeling low, unmotivated and tired? A closer look at the factors that influence our mood and our mental health, and at 3 Chinese plants to use to free yourself from anxiety!
What factors influence our morale?
Stress, last-minute setbacks, bad news... There are many factors that can have negative consequences for our mental health and affect our mood. Among the most common are:
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Diet: an unbalanced diet can indeed affect our mood. Several American studies have in fact proven the correlation between excessive consumption of fast food and mood disorders1.
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Climate: winter and its long hours of darkness can have a negative impact on our morale.
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Sleep disorders: lack of sleep affects brain function and amplifies mood disorders.
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Lack of physical activity: studies have shown that there is a link between low morale and a sedentary lifestyle2.
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Heredity: some psychological conditions are partly genetic in origin.
Plants to take care of your mental health
Mei gui hua to calm the Mind
Its effects in TCM
Rose buds (Rosa rugosa), called Mei gui hua in Chinese, have been cultivated in China for nearly 5,000 years.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Mei gui hua is known for mobilising the movement of Qi, stimulating blood circulation and harmonising the Liver, the system responsible for emotional balance. It thus helps restore calm and serenity. In addition, rose buds are frequently recommended for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome, as they help drive away irritability and also soothe menstrual cramps.
When to use Mei gui hua?
In cases of menstrual troubles (PMS, pain, irritability…), changeable mood, periods of stress, difficulty relaxing or lack of appetite.
He huan pi for good nights
Its effects in TCM
Silk tree bark (Albizia julibrissin), also called He huan pi, is regarded by Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for improving mood.
For centuries, He huan pi has been recommended for its calming virtues. Indeed, it helps to calm the Mind, keep bad moods at bay and chase away the blues.
This plant is also widely used for its effects on sleep: by calming the Shen and overcoming problems of stagnation, it makes it easier to fall asleep.
When to use He huan pi?
When worries and emotions keep you from finding rest. During periods of intense stress, or in cases of seasonal low mood.
Lian zi to regain energy
Its effects in TCM
A symbol of purity in many Asian cultures, the lotus is a plant with unsuspected virtues: from the flower to the rhizome and the seeds, it is a flagship ingredient of the Chinese pharmacopoeia.
Lotus seeds (Lian zi in Chinese) are renowned for their action on the Heart, the Spleen and the Kidneys. Indeed, Lian zi anchors the Mind, nourishes the Heart and drains Fire. Eating them is therefore recommended to strengthen the body and soothe agitation.
What's more, thanks to their mild flavour, they are also very popular in cooking!
When to use Lian zi?
To regain energy, combat insomnia and calm anxiety.
The end of the year is approaching and, as always, it does not come alone! It arrives accompanied by cold, seasonal low mood, exhaustion and bad moods.
The cold settling in and the fatigue building up cause all sorts of imbalances in the body. And while some of these imbalances will show on the body, others will turn the mind upside down...
Say goodbye to that bad mood and irritability that just won't leave you, thanks to the benefits of Chinese plants. As they say, “bad moods are contagious”, so protect your own by taking care of yourself and those around you.