Humanity as a collective may like to believe they are compassionate, empathetic, and tolerant, but when we look at how society is quick to judge anyone who may show signs of emotional vulnerability, the treatment of choice tends to be pharmaceutical anti-depressants with an assumption the matter is now dealt with and they are fine to get on with their life.
What we really need is a total mind shift in how we look at episodes of anxiety, depression, mood changes and mental health, to look at the person holistically and the imbalances they present with, as opposed to dampening their symptoms with drugs that change neurological pathways and usually leave the person feeling numb and unable to function to their normal level.
Globally, anti-depressant use has been on the rise in the last ten years and in Australia, anti-depressants are now one of the most commonly prescribed drugs, with more than 4.7 million prescriptions issued between July 2019 and June 2020. Australia, we have a problem.
Counselling and lifestyle changes can be recommended by clinical psychologists, but our understanding of neurological imbalances needs to go much deeper, in fact it needs to go deep into our gut health and the impact this has on our mental health, especially during menopause.
WHAT IS YOUR GUT TELLING YOU?
The Gut-Brain connection is real, and most people can relate to episodes of anxiety or situations that gave you butterflies, made you feel nauseas or had a gut-wrenching experience that resulted in digestive and emotional distress. That’s because the connection goes both ways with the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) system intimately connected. The GI is sensitive to emotions especially anger, anxiety, sadness, and elation. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person’s gut health or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
So, it is very clear that we need to change the way we treat these emotional states and not just apply band aid fixes with drugs that can and often do have more detrimental effects on gut health. Age can have an impact on gut health too with declining levels of digestive enzymes, medication interactions and of course dietary choices.
When an imbalance is corrected for one health issue, quite often there is a domino effect that takes place and people find that other ailments subside or disappear. That confirms the theory that everything is interconnected, and that one small change can have a massive systemic impact.
If behavioural changes can be picked up early, then solutions can be minimally invasive and effective. Ideally treatment should include products from nature because the body recognises natural ingredients and knows where and how to use them.
IS THERE A NATURAL SOLUTION?
Meno Calm was created to address stress and anxiety in menopausal women; however, it is perfectly suited to anyone that requires emotional support and relief from symptoms arising from mood changes, depression, nervous stomach, and restless sleep.
The first ingredient is St John’s Wort, a well-known herb that has long been known to have medicinal qualities, especially for the treatment of anxiety and depression. St John’s Wort works in a similar way to SSRI drugs like Prozac, in increasing the availability of brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, that provide us with our sense of wellbeing. In medieval times, St John’s Wort was used to ‘drive out the inner devil’ as well as the recommended herb for hallucinations. Thankfully now, it can be used successfully and safely to stabilise and manage fluctuating moods without the need for ceremonial exorcisms.
Motherwort is known as the ‘heart herb’, specifically because it protects and the heart. This is great for people who have racing heart symptoms and palpitations associated with anxiety or panic attacks. Motherwort is not only a beautiful flowering plant, but also a wonderful tonifying herb that acts as a cooling and relaxing nervine, reduces blood pressure and helpful for mums combating empty nest ‘syndrome and the feelings that transition can bring. Many herbalists consider this plant one of the best for ‘gladdening and strengthening the heart’.
Passionflower is a beautiful climbing vine with white and purple flowers, native to Central and South America. It has traditionally been used by the Native Americans to calm the mind and help with sleep, while historically the Europeans used passionflower to treat anxiety, seizures, and hysteria. You could say that passionflower has charmed, soothed, and nourished indigenous populations for eons, and it is only the past few hundred years that this enchanting herb has become a popular mainstay of Western Herbalism. Passionflower’s power resides in the compounds that have a gentle sedative effect on the body, hence the reason it is known as the sweet lullaby of the herbal world.
Mention the herb Lavender and most people take a deep breath and recall childhood memories of its sweet, floral, soothing scent. Native to the Mediterranean, the lavender flower and oil is one of the worlds most recognised herbs for its versatility and effectiveness at promoting a peaceful environment, inducing a state of relaxation, reducing restlessness and agitation. Lavender can calm an upset stomach, relieve bloating, and gas, and relieve migraine headaches. Its historical uses are vast, and instils a sense of confidence knowing that relief from discomfort is on its way.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Meno Calm has harnessed the finest herbs at therapeutic levels to bring you a supplement that could change your world or the world of someone you love. Although initially designed for menopausal women whose hormone imbalances can result in mood changes and anxiety, this product is for anyone who experiences neurological fluctuations. If you know something isn’t right, if you know you are not coping with daily life or find yourself overreacting in situations, then Meno Calm can help you navigate the storm and guide you back to calmer waters.
Meno Calm will not make you drowsy. What you will notice is your ability to deal with daily events in a more calm and relaxed way, while maintaining clarity of thought. This supplement is also perfect for those times when you know you may be faced with challenges that can normally trigger extreme reactions. Meno Calm will give you the confidence and resilience you need to sail right through without having a negative impact on your mental, emotional, and physical health.
The world can be a messy place but with Meno Calm by your side, you can spend more time doing the things you love and leave the stress and worries of the world behind.
Written by Mona Hecke
Mona Hecke is a degree qualified Naturopath, nutrition specialist and health and wellness writer.
With over 20 years in the health industry, beginning with a focus on children and families, and a bestselling book ‘The Lunchbox Revolution’, Mona is now empowering women through education and conversation to take action and embrace change. Gut health, mindfulness, nutrition, hormones, and menopause are the topics that women want and need to know to create their healthy future.
Mona holds certifications in Lifestyle Coaching, Kinesiology, holistic herbal medicine, and nutrition.
A recognised leader in the health industry, Mona’s strong social media presence and passion for influencing change will continue to be a catalyst for health reform for the benefit of every Australian.
