Category Archives: Depression

Cuscuta reflexa (Aftimoon): Anti-Anxiety Herb?

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Cuscuta reflexa (Aftimoon) is a plant belonging to the Cuscutaceae family of plants. This family of plants contains the genus of plants belonging to the morning glory group of parasitic plants (Cuscuta). Colloquially the plant is known as Aftimoon in … Continue reading →

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Fasting and Mood

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that fasting may have particular benefits on mood. The association between mood and fasting is not fully understood but a number of mechanisms have been suggested to explain why fasting may affect the brain. One explanation involves a … Continue reading →

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Tryptophan and Light Exposure to Improve Mood?

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that may become depleted in the brain in cases of depression and related mood disorders. As serotonin is in turn a precursor to melatonin, and … Continue reading →

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A Misunderstood Problem of the Western Diet

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Calcium is an essential macromineral that is required for correct metabolic function. One of the main functions of calcium is as a structural component of bone. However calcium ions are also required for cellular signalling and correct neurotransmission and it … Continue reading →

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Kaempferol: Central Nervous System Activity

Posted on October 11, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Kaempferol is a flavonoid belonging to the flavonol subgroup. Kaempferol has been researched for its beneficial effects on health. Kaempferol is not as commonly consumed as other dietary flavonoids as its content in food is limited, but broccoli, endive and … Continue reading →

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Stress Reducing Effects of Matcha Tea

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Matcha tea is a variety of green tea that is grown under particular conditions. During growth the plant is shaded, and this is thought to increase the concentrations of certain beneficial biochemicals within the plant tissues. Matcha is thought to … Continue reading →

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Black Tea and Depression

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Black tea is one of the most commonly consumed drinks in the world. Black tea differs from green tea because the leaves are oxidised during preparation, and this changes the chemistry from that of the original green tea leaf. In … Continue reading →

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Tea: Physical and Mental Relief

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Tea is a decoction made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea is an interesting herb because it is the most widely consumed drink after water, and because it has such a well researched group of health effects. The effects of … Continue reading →

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Neuroprotective Effects of Olive Oil Terpenoids

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Olive oil is a rich source of phytochemicals, many of which may confer beneficial health effects to humans. Nutritional studies initially concentrated on the fatty acid content of olive oil to explain its health effects, but more recently it has … Continue reading →

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Diet and Lifestyle for Mental Health

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Mood disorders have been shown to be more prevalent in those with poor diet and unhealthy lifestyles. In one study researchers tested a diet and lifestyle programme to see how it affected mood in the subjects. Subjects consumed plant based … Continue reading →

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