Mood swings with depressive moods, irritability, anger, or sadness are part of everyday life for many women, especially during the luteal phase and menopause. Stress, lack of sleep, and nutrient deficiencies can also affect our emotional balance. Medicinal plants can provide gentle and effective support in promoting emotional stability. In this article, we introduce our top 4 plants that support the nervous system and naturally boost emotional well-being.
Which medicinal plants help with mood swings?
In our Monday meeting, we traditionally ask each other about our current cycle phase. If one of us is in the luteal phase, we are particularly mindful of her, turn a blind eye if she gives a snappy answer, and if in doubt, we reach for a bag of mood. As experts in nutrition and the menstrual cycle, we know that there are certain foods and especially excellent medicinal plants that can greatly support mood. Learn about 4 of them here.
Contents:
Griffonia simplicifolia
Griffonia is a climbing plant native to West Africa. Its seeds contain up to 20% 5-HTP. 5-HTP is a substance that is converted into serotonin in the central nervous system. Serotonin, in turn, is responsible for our mood and mental state. Interestingly, 5-HTP has also been shown to have a positive effect on the composition of the microbiome and thus have antidepressant effects [1,2]. 5-HTP is used as a dietary supplement for depression, sleep disorders, or chronic headaches.
But beware: 5-HTP can affect certain antidepressants. If you are taking medication, you should therefore always use a 5-HTP supplement only after consulting a doctor.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha, or sleepberry in German, is one of the best-known Ayurvedic medicinal plants for stress, anxiety, and restlessness. It belongs to the group of adaptogens, which are said to help you cope better with stress. The active ingredients in ashwagandha, such as withanolides, act on the organ system responsible for stress processing and influence neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin [3].
Saffron
You probably know saffron as an extremely expensive spice, right? Or you may have seen that it comes from crocuses whose threads have this distinctive taste and intense yellow color. But did you know that saffron flower extract is also considered a potent herbal antidepressant? The active ingredients crocin and safranal have shown antioxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, mood-enhancing, and neuroprotective effects in studies [4,5,6]. So saffron is a good choice for depressive moods, psychological symptoms of PMS, and even sexual dysfunction.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea is a processed form of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. It is considered “true tea,” unlike infusions made from herbs (“herbal tea”) or fruits (“fruit tea”). The tea plant is rich in the non-proteinogenic amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine can apparently improve sleep quality and lower glutamate levels in the brain. Studies have shown that this can reduce stress and anxiety, especially in acute stress situations [7]. Green tea is also said to increase concentration and calm.
Conclusion: Herbal Balance for the Mind
Mood swings can have many causes – but nature offers powerful helpers. Medicinal plants such as Griffonia, Ashwagandha, Saffron, and Green Tea provide gentle yet effective support for a stable emotional balance. They not only help balance the nervous system but also promote long-term emotional well-being.
Our Recommendation
Every single person on our team knows what mood swings during PMS feel like. Especially during periods of high stress – which can certainly happen in a startup – and with certain underlying conditions such as PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), it can be useful to seek relief with herbal supplements. This is exactly why we developed mood x cycle. That’s the beauty of it: we developed our dream product for our own symptoms, and you automatically benefit from it! It’s a win-win, so be sure to try mood for yourself!
Our Author
Melanie Dell'Oro is a nutritional scientist, certified herbal educator, and expert in holistic women's health. She also loves using herbal helpers for cycle-related symptoms and has recommended mood to several friends.
