While reading my herb study books I came across this little gem:

Lavender

This beautiful, aromatic herb is easily grown in the garden. The flowers should be gathered just before opening between June and September. They should be dried gently at a temperature not above 35 degrees Celsius...

An effective herb for headaches, especially when they are related to stress, lavender can be used for clearing depression, especially if used in states of nervous debility and exhaustion. It can be used to soothe the body, promoting natural sleep.

Preparation:
For depression it combines well with rosemary.

Infusion: Take internally. Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times a day."

***

From Women Who Run with the Wolves:

"Lack of fleeing when it is absolutely warranted causes depression."

and

"Any time a creature is caged, its natural cycles of sleep, mate selection, estrus, grooming, parenting, and so forth, deteriorate. As the natural cycles are lost, emptiness follows.
The emptiness is not full, like the Buddhist concept of sacred void, but rather empty like being inside a sealed box with no windows."

***

No, I am not depressed. But I know someone who is, and these quotes make perfect sense.

xoxoxetc
Kate