Could Herbs be the Answer to Our Mental Health Crisis???

Could Herbs be the Answer to Our Mental Health Crisis???

There is evidence that suggests mental health problems have increased globally over the past two decades, particularly among young adults.  I know we all have been seeing it, and it isn't something attributed to better awareness and reporting of it.  It is a genuine phenomenon, with a rise in conditions like anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders.  It has been reported that mental disorders have actually shown an increase from 1990 of 3.1% to a 4.9% increase in 2019.  The American Psychological Association (APA), indicated a significant increase in mental health issues among young adults over the past decade.  In the U.S., studies have shown an increase in poor mental health days among adults, with nearly all of the increase occurring before the COVID-19 pandemic, so we can't attribute the pandemic to the increase.  Granted, there are contributing factors like economic stressors, sleep deprivation and an increase in severe weather events and unrest across the globe, as well as the pandemic exacerbating the problem.

And here's where it gets interesting.  There is ongoing research looking into the potential link between exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including magnetic anomalies and mental health problems.  Studies have linked symptoms like depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances with Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF) and EMFs---exactly what we are experiencing in our society.  Although scientific evidence on this topic is mixed and more research is needed, it seems to tell us something.  ELF/EMFs are generated by sources like power lines and household appliances.  Long-term exposure to them just might be creating depression and burn-out syndrome and body stress.  Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMFs) can be generated through our cell phones, Wi-Fi, and smart meters.  Studies have linked exposure to these with various neuropsychiatric effects, including sleep disturbance, headache, and mood changes.  Last, there are changes in the Earth's magnetic field caused by solar activity and this is called Geomagnetic Disturbances.  These storms, researchers say, may be linked to increases in the frequency of suicides, possibly related to disruptions in melatonin synthesis and circadian rhythms, along with other studies that suggest a link to mood changes and increased reports of irritability, sadness and anxiety.  Some people may have a Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) and so may experience increased symptoms.

And here's the rub.  The Earth's magnetic field has been experiencing several notable changes and anomalies over the past 20 years.  Hmm...we've been seeing an increase of mental health problems within the last 20 years.  Could there be a connection?  Part of the problem is a weakening of the overall field, in which the magnetic field has been weakening about 9%, globally over the past 200 years.  Reports from South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), that there is a large region of reduced magnetic intensity located between Africa and South America, expanding westward and weakening in intensity.  There are also shifting magnetic poles, and we can see that by the Earth's magnetic north pole, which has drifted rapidly and erratically, moving towards Siberia after being in Canada for over 400 years.  Yes, the magnetic field is not static and always is changing, but the past 20 years have seen significant anomalies and changes and I think it is beginning to affect us.

The question is, can herbs help us with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity or EHS, which seems to be increasing and affecting more and more people? Yes, with some caveats.  While herbs cannot be the magic pill, and we need to be a little pro-active in helping ourselves have a little "rest" from exposure to ELF frequencies when we can, herbs can help us, especially the adaptogenic ones.  One of the ways they do this is by using their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping the body to fight oxidative stress.  One study suggests that Resveratrol,  a natural polyphenol found primarily in the skin of grapes, red wine, and certain berries, is known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. It just might reverse the adverse effects of long-term exposure to certain electromagnetic fields. Holy Basil (Tulsi), is an adaptogenic herb that has been traditionally used in natural healing for helping the body cope with stress.  It has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Milk Thistle has been known for many years to protect the liver and may aid in detoxification processes.  This would be good in helping clear out toxins and free radicals associated with EMF exposure.  Another herb, Schisandra, is believed to enhance the body's resilience to various stressors.  We can also investigate a more holistic approach which includes lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, stress management techniques, in addition to using herbs.

Adaptogenic herbs, or adaptogens, are plants and mushrooms that enhance the body's ability to cope with stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They work by regulating the body's stress response, particularly through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls hormone release, including cortisol, the primary stress hormones.  If you want to do a deeper dive into these types of herbs, you will want to investigate traditional systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine, as these approaches have long incorporated herbs and practices believed to address imbalances in the body's energy flow or "biofield", which some believe can be affected by electromagnetic radiation.  As always, consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking other medications, or have any underlying health conditions.

While more research is needed, and no scientific evidence has shown EMF exposure to cause any harm, I think we can connect the dots if we take a real look at the situation.  If anything, we can make ourselves feel better and alleviate some of our most worrisome symptoms.  And we can take a deeper look into the healing power of plants and herbs.