In difficult times such as those experienced after a major natural disaster, herbs can offer significant support to help people move through the obstacles and challenges such as losing a home or financial security. The following medicinals have multiple benefits, but the focus is on their traditional uses for emotional support.

Albizia Bark and Flower (Albizia julibrissin): Called the “happiness herb”, the flowers are used for insomnia, mood swings and depression. The bark is specific for post-traumatic stress disorder. It can be taken in tincture or decoction. Contraindications: do not take the bark if pregnant or have bipolar disorder.

Rose Flower (Rosa damascena): For emotional shock, grief, post-menopausal symptoms and anxiety. The tincture is difficult to find, but a good alternative is rose water or rose hydrosol. It can be used in cooking or sprayed in the air to inhale its properties and impart its comforting, sweet aroma.

Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus cuneata): This herb has special affinity for the heart. Used for heat with restlessness, irritability, anxiety and nervousness, a decoction or tincture is equally good. Contraindications: do not take if pregnant or have digestive weakness.

Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis): For nervousness, hysteria, restlessness, melancholy, depression and anxiety. This is a mild herb that is great for children and adults. Contraindications: do no take if pregnant, have hypothyroidism and experience excessive sweating.

When purchasing these as tea, be sure to add two tea bags per cup to obtain a medicinal dose. For tinctures, Herbalist-Alchemist.com offers two formulas that include most of these herbs: Grief Relief and Emotional Relief.

Carmen Portner, based in Naples, is a clinical herbalist and permaculture gardener. She serves the Southwest Florida community and works online serving the U.S. in English and Spanish. For more information, call 239-688-4585 or visit HolisticHarmonyLLC.com.