Depression and anxiety are common, with symptoms that include panic attacks, changes in appetite and weight, insomnia or oversleeping, decreased energy and concentration, and suicidal thoughts. Anxiety and depression can be caused by food allergies, hypoglycemia, diabetes, heart disease, heavy metal toxins, decreased adrenal function, diet and some medications. Severe depression should be treated by a professional. Mild to moderate depression may benefit from certain natural herbs. They should never be used without consulting a qualified physician.
5-HTP
Extracted from the plant griffonia simplicifolia, 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is believed to cause our bodies to produce more serotonin, which decreases the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In the human body 5-HTP converts to serotonin, which is one of our "feel good" neurotransmitters, affecting mood, behavior, appetite and sleep. Poor nutrition, excess stress and inadequate sleep can cause lower serotonin levels.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herb that affects several neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, GABA, dopamine and nor-epinephrine. Pharmaceutical drugs usually target one or two of the brain's neurotransmitters to alter brain chemistry. St. John's wort's ten active ingredients affect the whole brain. St. John's wort should not be used by HIV patients. Studies indicate that St. Johns wort should not be used to treat severe depression. Most importantly, it should never be combined with antidepressant drugs.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is another promising herb that claims to lowers anxiety and nervousness, while decreasing insomnia and depression. A double-blind, placebo-controlled German study in 1997 concluded that kava kava is comparable to benzodiazepines, with none of the side effects. This group of drugs is similar to the well-known diazepam or Valium.
Other Herbs
Valerian root, passionflower, hops and skullcap specifically target anxiety and cause relaxation and sleep in many users. The herbs magnolia bark and ashwaghanda inhibit overproduction of stress hormones such as cortisol. Other herbs that can be used to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety are licorice, ginko biloba, Siberian ginseng, basil, ginger, oat straw, rosemary, sage, thyme and yohimbe. Rescue Remedy is a popular remedy for anxiety made from 38 flower essences.
Studies
Several studies show that 5-HTP is equal to or better than the antidepressants that are available on the pharmaceutical market. For example, a double-blind study by Dr. W. Poldinger compared fluvoxamine (an SSRI or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor such as Prozac) to 5-HTP. The result was that 5-HTP caused about a 50-percent decrease in depression symptoms, comparable to the patients who took fluvoxamine, with fewer and less severe side effects.
In 1996 the British Medical Journal reviewed the best 23 of 37 well-designed clinical trials on St. John's wort. They concluded that St. John's wort is effective to treat mild to moderate depression. Studies comparing St. John's wort to pharmaceutical drugs confirmed that the herb offers improvement of symptoms with fewer side effects. Side effects can include nausea, stomach upset, allergic reaction and photosensitivity.
