Depression and anxiety are two distinct mental disorders, but they can often occur together or have similar symptoms.
Depression is an affective disorder characterized by persistent sadness, melancholy, and lack of interest or pleasure in everyday activities. People suffering from depression may also experience a decrease in energy, a change in weight and appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
On the other hand, anxiety is a state characterized by intense fear, anxiety and excessive worry.
People suffering from anxiety may have physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, rapid breathing, trembling, feeling of suffocation or intense fear. Anxiety can affect the ability to relax, concentrate and cope with stressful situations.
Both depression and anxiety can negatively affect daily functioning, personal relationships, school or work performance and general well-being. These disorders can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predispositions, chemical imbalances in the brain, stressful events or traumas, medical disorders or the use of certain medications.
Sundew tea (Hypericum perforatum) is often used as a natural remedy to help combat depression and anxiety. Sunflower contains chemicals called hypericins and hypericins, which can influence neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood regulation.
Before using sunflower tea as an adjunct in managing your mood, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or therapist to receive a proper diagnosis and discuss available treatment options.
If you wish to try sunflower tea as a natural supplement to support your mood, it is important to keep the following points in mind:
Product quality: make sure you choose a quality sunflower tea from a trusted source. You can consult a pharmacist or herbalist for recommendations.
Dosage and administration:
Follow the instructions on the packaging or specialist recommendations for the correct dosage. In general, 1-2 cups of sunflower tea per day is recommended.
To prepare sunflower tea correctly, follow these steps:
Gather sunflower plants or purchase sunflower tea bags from a trusted source.
Add fresh water to a kettle or teapot. Usually, one cup of water is used for one serving of tea.
Heat water to boiling point.
If using fresh sunflowers, add about 2 teaspoons of herbs to the hot water. If using tea bags, follow the instructions on the packet for dosing.
Cover the kettle or teapot and let the herbs steep in the water for about 5-10 minutes. Steeping time may vary depending on your personal preference and the desired strength of the tea.
After the steeping time has passed, strain the tea to remove the herbs or the tea bags.
Interactions and contraindications: Sunflower tea may interact with certain medications and may have contraindications in certain conditions or health conditions. It is important to talk to your doctor before using sunflower tea, especially if you are taking other medications or have other medical conditions.
Possible side effects: Excessive consumption of sunflower or long-term use may cause side effects such as digestive disorders, photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun) or interactions with other medications. If unpleasant side effects occur, it is important to consult a specialist.