Healing Herbs and Mushrooms for Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: Embracing God’s Creation in the Journey to Joy

In the beautiful yet challenging season of postpartum, it’s common for mothers to feel a mix of emotions (I know I did). While joy and gratitude often abound, many women experience postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects up to 1 in 7 mothers. As a Christian midwife, my mission is to support you holistically, honoring both your physical and spiritual needs. God’s creation provides natural herbs that can be a gentle part of healing from PPD, helping restore peace and joy as we walk this path together.

Embracing Herbal and Mushroom Support in Postpartum
Each of these herbs offers gentle, natural support for postpartum mood and anxiety challenges. By incorporating them into your daily routine, you may find moments of peace, relief, and calm returning to your days.
If you’re interested in learning how these herbs can be combined to support your specific needs, please reach out for a consultation. Together, we’ll create a plan to nurture both your physical and emotional well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right support, healing is possible.

1. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

• How It Helps: Skullcap is known for its calming properties and has been traditionally used to soothe the nervous system. It can help reduce anxiety and agitation, making it particularly useful for postpartum mothers who feel overwhelmed or on edge.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Skullcap has a mild sedative effect that can help regulate an overactive mind and reduce irritability, allowing you to feel more relaxed and at ease. This herb is especially beneficial for women experiencing “wired but tired” feelings where they struggle to wind down despite feeling exhausted.
• Usage: Typically used as a tea or tincture, skullcap can provide calming effects without the risk of grogginess.

2. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

• How It Helps: Valerian root is a powerful herb for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. It has been shown to promote relaxation and may even help with depressive symptoms by encouraging better rest and decreasing anxiety.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Many mothers struggle with sleep disturbances, especially in the postpartum period. Valerian root can help restore restful sleep, which is crucial for emotional stability and overall well-being. The herb’s ability to reduce anxiety while promoting restful sleep can help mothers feel more balanced and resilient.
• Usage: Valerian root is available in capsules, teas, and tinctures. Start with a low dose in the evening, as it can make some people feel drowsy.

3. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

• How It Helps: Passionflower has been used for centuries to support mental health, especially for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. It helps increase the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which relaxes the mind and reduces racing thoughts.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: This herb is particularly helpful for mothers dealing with anxious thoughts, insomnia, and mood swings. Its calming properties can help quiet a busy mind, allowing for more restful sleep and a sense of peace.
• Usage: Passionflower is commonly used as a tea, tincture, or supplement. It can be a great choice for those experiencing nighttime anxiety or restlessness.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• How It Helps: Lemon balm is a gentle, uplifting herb often used to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and promote relaxation. Known for its mild sedative effects, it’s also effective in soothing digestive issues, which can sometimes be stress-related.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Lemon balm is perfect for mothers dealing with mild postpartum blues and occasional anxious feelings. Its calming properties help lift the mood, ease stress, and create a sense of calm. Additionally, its gentle nature makes it a safe choice for breastfeeding mothers.
• Usage: Lemon balm can be enjoyed as a tea, tincture, or even added to foods. Drinking lemon balm tea throughout the day is a simple way to support mood and relaxation.

5. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

• How It Helps: St. John’s Wort is widely used for mild to moderate depression. It works by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping to uplift mood and combat depressive symptoms.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: This herb is known for its mood-enhancing properties, making it particularly useful for mothers experiencing postpartum depression. It may help increase energy, improve mood, and reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Usage: Often taken as capsules or teas. Note: St. John’s Wort can interact with certain medications, including birth control, so always consult a healthcare provider before use.

6. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• How It Helps: Chamomile is a soothing herb known for its calming effects on the nervous system. It can reduce anxiety, ease tension, and promote restful sleep—benefits that are crucial for new mothers who may feel overwhelmed.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Chamomile’s calming effects are ideal for postpartum mothers struggling with stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Its mild nature makes it a safe option for most breastfeeding mothers, offering a gentle, calming routine at the end of the day.
• Usage: Chamomile tea is a simple and effective way to benefit from its calming properties. It’s also available in tinctures and capsules.

7. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

• How It Helps: Motherwort has been traditionally used as a “mother’s herb” for its calming effects and support of heart health. Known for its ability to reduce anxiety and nervous tension, it’s often used to calm the mind and support emotional balance.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Especially beneficial for women facing postpartum anxiety, motherwort helps to ease feelings of overwhelm and soothe the mind. It also supports heart health, aligning with its ancient use as an emotional tonic for new mothers.
• Usage: Motherwort is commonly used as a tincture, which can be taken a few times daily. It has a strong taste, so many find it easiest to add to water or juice.

8. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• How It Helps: Lavender has a calming aroma that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep. Its essential oil is well-known for reducing tension and promoting a sense of peace and calm.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Lavender can be incredibly helpful for mothers dealing with postpartum anxiety, irritability, or sleeplessness. It’s a gentle way to soothe stress and create moments of rest.
• Usage: Lavender can be used as an essential oil in a diffuser, added to baths, or diluted and applied topically. It can also be brewed into a tea or used in tincture form.

9. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• How It Helps: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and restore hormonal balance. It’s known to support adrenal health and reduce anxiety, making it particularly helpful for energy, resilience, and mood stabilization.
• Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Ashwagandha can help mothers feel more resilient to stress, improve energy levels, and reduce the feelings of burnout. By balancing cortisol, it helps support both mental and physical recovery.
• Usage: Ashwagandha is available in capsules, powders, or tinctures. Many people add the powder to smoothies or teas.

Mushrooms for Postpartum Depression and AnxietyMedicinal mushrooms offer powerful adaptogenic and immune-supporting properties that can help ease postpartum depression and anxiety. Here are a few that can be especially supportive:

1. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
   • How It Helps: Reishi is known as the “mushroom of immortality” and is highly regarded for its calming effects and support for emotional resilience. It helps balance mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
   • Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Reishi can help new mothers feel more grounded, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep, which is essential for emotional well-being.
   • Usage: Reishi is typically consumed as a tea, powder, or in capsules.
2. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
   • How It Helps: Lion’s Mane is unique in its ability to support cognitive health. It helps improve focus, memory, and mental clarity, making it beneficial for “mom brain” or foggy thinking.
   • Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: Lion’s Mane’s cognitive support can help mothers feel more mentally clear and emotionally balanced. It also supports the nervous system, potentially easing anxiety.
   • Usage: Lion’s Mane is commonly found as a powder, capsule, or tea.
3. Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
   • How It Helps: Cordyceps is known for enhancing energy, stamina, and resilience. It supports adrenal health and helps the body cope with physical and mental stress.
   • Why It’s Beneficial in Postpartum: For mothers who feel physically depleted and fatigued, Cordyceps can help improve energy levels and reduce stress, aiding recovery.
   • Usage: Cordyceps can be consumed as a powder, tea, or capsule.

These herbs and mushrooms offer gentle, holistic ways to support postpartum depression and anxiety. Always consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re breastfeeding, to ensure safety and appropriate usage.
Ready to explore these natural options? Reach out to schedule a consultation, and we can create a personalized plan for nurturing your body and mind through postpartum. Remember, God has provided us with these incredible resources in nature to support your journey to healing.