Two years after we first created Primal Living, we were asked if we could help people suffering from anxiety, depression and in particular help females during their monthly cycle. We first began to study all the literature around vitamins to identify the two that were most powerful at normalising psychological functions and there was plenty of data to support vitamin B 12 and vitamin B6. In-fact the European Food Standard Agency (EFSA), say the following about these two powerful vitamins.

• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function

We next trawled the literature for herbal remedies relating to creating happiness and suppressing anxiety and depression. And our New Product Development team identified four herbs and plant extracts, where there was plenty of articles and research to support their inclusion. These were Lemon balm, Griffonia extracts, Ginkgo Biloba leave extract and Sage leaves.

Lemon balm(also known as Melissa officinalis) is actually an herb from the mint family. The leaves, with their mild lemon aroma, contains chemicals that appear to have a sedative and calming effect. Its medical use has been documented in many countries as far back as the 5th century, where it has been used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve insomnia and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion.

Griffonia Simplicifolia is a plant found in Africa. The seeds are widely used as a medicine as they contain a chemical called 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). This chemical works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can improve sleep, reduce pain, and improve mood.

The Ginkgo Biloba Tree is said to be one of the oldest living trees and can be dated back more than 200 million years. It originally grew in China and Japan where some trees are today reported to be over 2000 years old! It is also now cultivated in Europe. Its dried green leaves have been used as a herbal medicine since the 1500’s. Ginkgo Biloba is used to treat many conditions, not only anxiety and depression, but also as a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and fatigue.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) tea has been used for centuries as a treatment of depression More recent studies have been shown that Salvia officinalis contains many pharmacological properties that help with anxiety, act as an antidepressant, and help in improving both mood and cognition.