Grief: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Grief is a profound emotional pain experienced in response to the loss of a loved one, significant life change, or traumatic event.

It can be triggered by various causes, including death, separation, or the loss of a relationship. If left untreated, grief can have severe negative impacts on one's physical and mental health, leading to insomnia, anxiety, depression, and a weakened immune system. To alleviate grief, herbal remedies such as ashwagandha, passionflower, and lavender can be used in teas, tinctures, or essential oils.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow proper dosage guidelines to ensure safe and effective relief.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of grief, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of grief?

The main causes of grief are complex and multifaceted, often resulting from the loss of a loved one due to death, whether it be sudden, traumatic, or anticipated, as seen in the case of terminal illnesses such as cancer (Worden, 1997).

Loss of a significant relationship, such as the end of a romantic partnership, divorce, or separation, can also evoke intense grief (Parkes, 1972). Additionally, grief can arise from the loss of a valued role or identity, such as retirement, unemployment, or parenthood (Bonanno, 2004). Furthermore, grief can be triggered by the loss of a pet, a home, or a significant life experience, such as a move or a major life change (Klass, 1996).

Research has also shown that grief can be influenced by factors such as personality, attachment style, and cultural background (Stroebe & Schut, 1999).

• Loss of Spouse: The loss of a spouse is often the most common and intense cause of grief due to the deep emotional bond and long-term investment in the relationship, leading to a significant disruption in daily life and identity.
• Death of Parent: The death of a parent can cause grief due to feelings of abandonment, guilt, and loss of security, as well as the disruption of family dynamics and the need to adapt to new roles and responsibilities.
• Death of Child: The loss of a child can cause intense and long-lasting grief due to the emotional and psychological impact of losing a future and the sense of failure or guilt that often accompanies this type of loss.
• Serious Illness: A serious illness or chronic condition can cause grief due to the fear of loss, pain, and disability, as well as the impact on daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Divorce: Divorce can cause grief due to the loss of a long-term investment, the disruption of family dynamics, and the need to adapt to new roles and responsibilities, as well as the emotional impact of losing a partner and family unit.
• Job Loss: Job loss can cause grief due to the impact on identity, self-esteem, and financial security, as well as the disruption of daily routine and social connections.
• Friendship Loss: The loss of a close friend can cause grief due to the emotional impact of losing a confidant and social support, as well as the disruption of daily routine and sense of community.
• Pet Loss: The loss of a pet can cause grief due to the emotional bond and attachment to the animal, as well as the disruption of daily routine and sense of companionship.
• Home Loss: The loss of a home or living situation can cause grief due to the disruption of daily routine, sense of security, and attachment to a particular place or community.
• Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event can cause grief due to the emotional and psychological impact of the event, as well as the disruption of daily life and sense of safety and security.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for grief?

The main medicinal herbs used for grief are Passiflora incarnata, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Avena sativa, Lavandula angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Withania somnifera, Cinchona officinalis.

Passiflora incarnata has been shown to have anxiolytic effects due to its flavonoids and alkaloids, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms associated with grief. Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, has been traditionally used to treat depression and mood disorders, which are common comorbidities with grief. Valeriana officinalis has a sedative effect due to its valerenic acid content, helping to regulate sleep patterns disrupted by grief.

A combination of these herbs, particularly Lavandula angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Withania somnifera, and Cinchona officinalis, may help alleviate symptoms of grief by promoting relaxation, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function.

• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata, also known as Passionflower, contains flavonoids and alkaloids that interact with the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and GABA to produce anxiolytic and sedative effects, which can help alleviate grief-related anxiety and insomnia.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, contains hyperforin and hypericin that inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, thereby increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft and potentially improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression associated with grief.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis, also known as Valerian root, contains valerenic acid and valeranone that interact with the GABA receptor to produce sedative and anxiolytic effects, which can help alleviate grief-related anxiety and insomnia.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, also known as Oat straw, contains avenanthramides that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with grief, and its sedative effects can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, also known as Lavender, contains linalool and linalyl acetate that interact with the GABA receptor to produce sedative and anxiolytic effects, which can help alleviate grief-related anxiety and insomnia.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids that improve blood flow to the brain and enhance neurotransmitter activity, which may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression associated with grief.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis, also known as Lemon balm, contains rosmarinic acid and melissic acid that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its sedative effects can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety associated with grief.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as Ginger, contains gingerols and shogaols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with grief, and its warming effects can promote relaxation and reduce nausea.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, contains withanolides that have adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, and its sedative effects can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety associated with grief.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, also known as Cinchona bark, contains quinine that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its sedative effects can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety associated with grief.

What are the main herbal preparations used for grief?

The main herbal preparations used for grief are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Suppository, Elixir, Cream, Ointment, Glycerite.

Tincture of Ashwagandha is used to reduce stress and anxiety, while a Decoction of St. John's Wort is used to uplift mood and reduce emotional pain. Capsule of Valerian root is used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted during grieving. Salve of Lavender is used to calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation, while a Poultice of Chamomile is used to soothe the emotional body.

Glycerite of Passionflower is used as a calming agent and an Elixir of Ginkgo biloba is used to improve memory and cognitive function, which may be affected by grief.

• Tincture: Tinctures of plants such as Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) or Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) help with grief by providing a rapid and concentrated dose of bioactive compounds that can act on the central nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Decoction: Decoctions of roots such as Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) help with grief by providing a sustained release of adaptogenic compounds that can support the body's natural response to stress and promote emotional balance.
• Capsule: Capsules of plants such as Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) or Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) help with grief by providing a standardized and controlled release of sedative compounds that can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Salve: Salves of plants such as Aloysia citriodora (Lemon Verbena) or Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) help with grief by providing topical application of antispasmodic and anxiolytic compounds that can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
• Poultice: Poultices of plants such as Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) or Calendula officinalis (Calendula) help with grief by providing topical application of anti-inflammatory and soothing compounds that can reduce physical discomfort and promote emotional healing.
• Suppository: Suppositories of plants such as Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) or Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) help with grief by providing localized and sustained release of sedative compounds that can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Elixir: Elixirs of plants such as Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo) or Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra) help with grief by providing a concentrated and easily absorbed dose of bioactive compounds that can support cognitive function and promote emotional balance.
• Cream: Creams of plants such as Arnica montana (Arnica) or Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) help with grief by providing topical application of anti-inflammatory and soothing compounds that can reduce physical discomfort and promote emotional healing.
• Ointment: Ointments of plants such as Calendula officinalis (Calendula) or Plantago lanceolata (Plantain) help with grief by providing topical application of anti-inflammatory and soothing compounds that can reduce physical discomfort and promote emotional healing.
• Glycerite: Glycerites of plants such as Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) or Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile) help with grief by providing a gentle and easily absorbed dose of bioactive compounds that can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.