We’ve all heard about spring depression and neurosis, especially during seasonal transitions. These conditions, often triggered by fatigue and vitamin deficiencies, tend to affect people with more sensitive or unstable nervous systems. I happen to be one of those people. That’s why, every spring, I turn to traditional herbal remedies that have proven effective for me time and again.
Here is one of the herbal infusions I rely on regularly, especially as winter draws to a close. What’s remarkable about it is how quickly it brings calm and balance to the mind. I prepare this infusion using equal parts of the following dried herbs:
- Peppermint leaves
- Motherwort stems
- Hawthorn (both berries and flowers)
- Calendula flowers
- Tavshava (common name: yarrow or achillea)
Mix equal parts of these herbs and take 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over it and let it steep for about 30 minutes. Once the infusion is ready, I drink half a cup two to three times a day, before meals. I usually start this regimen at the end of winter, regardless of whether I’m already feeling low or not—it’s a preventive measure that works wonders.
Here are a few other time-tested recipes for calming the nerves and lifting your mood naturally:
Simple Hawthorn Infusion
Take 1 tablespoon of crushed hawthorn berries and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Cover the mixture and let it sit for 2 hours. Then, strain the liquid. Drink 1 to 2 tablespoons of the infusion three times a day before meals.
Hawthorn Flower and Berry Blend
Mix red hawthorn flowers and berries together in equal proportions. Take 2 tablespoons of this mixture and pour 3 cups of boiling water over it. Let it steep in a thermos for about 2 hours. Drink half a cup three times a day, around 30 minutes before meals. This infusion not only calms the nerves but also supports heart health.
Powerful Multi-Herb Infusion
This is another highly effective remedy I’ve used over the years. Start by mixing:
- 30g hawthorn berries
- 30g hawthorn flowers
- 30g St. John’s Wort
- 30g lemon balm
- 20g valerian root
Take 1 tablespoon of this herbal mixture and pour 1 cup of boiling water over it. Let it steep for 5 to 6 hours, then strain. Drink a quarter cup, four times a day, about 30 minutes before meals. However, do not take this infusion continuously without breaks—it can negatively affect your nervous system if used without pause. Take regular breaks of a few weeks between uses. This infusion also helps regulate sleep patterns.
Nut and Vodka Tonic for Long-Term Calm
This is a more involved recipe, but it’s worth the effort. Take:
- 1 kilogram of walnuts, shell them, and pour boiling water over them.
- After 5 minutes, drain and grind them using a meat grinder.
- Place the ground walnuts in a 3-liter glass jar.
- Add 1 kilogram of powdered sugar and 1 liter of vodka.
- Stir well and let the mixture sit for 3 days, stirring regularly.
After 3 days, pour the liquid into a separate container. Reuse the remaining walnuts:
- Add another liter of vodka, let it sit again for 3 days, and strain.
- Repeat the process a third time.
- Finally, combine all three infusions into one large jar.
You can adjust the quantities of ingredients if you like, as long as you maintain the same proportions. Store the final infusion in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Before drinking, shake well. Take 1 tablespoon three times a day before meals.
These natural remedies have helped me manage seasonal emotional fluctuations and nervous tension. They don’t just soothe the nerves—they support overall well-being. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen, especially if you’re on medication or have chronic health conditions.
Let nature do its work—gently and effectively.
