Depression and anxiety plague men and women alike and can be debilitating if not treated. Depression alters mood, sense of well being and thinking patterns. It can be brought on by environmental, physical and psychological factors. Anxiety can cause severe worry, fatigue, restlessness and irritability. Both disorders can begin in adolescence with unrecognized symptoms, which generally progress and become more consistent in adulthood. If you suffer from low to moderate symptoms of either condition, consult your health care practitioner about herbal treatments.
Kava
Kava acts as a relaxant on anxiety and dips in mood. According to Mayo Clinic, it relaxes you, but it will not sedate you. Kava gives a calming effect and a sense of well being that helps combat depression and anxiety symptoms such as nervousness, stress, and restlessness. It is used for sleep as well. The FDA notes risks of kava on the liver, therefore you should talk with your doctor before you begin taking kava. You should not use kava if you have liver or kidney conditions.
Valerian
According to Mayo Clinic, valerian is used as an aid for sleep because of its sedative effects, which can also combat the feeling of edginess associated with anxiety and depression. Drugs.com states that valerian may help treat lack of concentration, stress, nervous stomach and feelings of emotional distress, all of which are associated with anxiety and depression. However, valerian may interact with other sedating medications such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, sleep medications, anxiety medicines and pain relievers.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is also known as klamath weed. According to Drugs.com, it has been used to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety and insomnia. Mayo Clinic states that "numerous studies report St. John's wort to be more effective than placebo and equally effective as tricyclic antidepressant drugs in the short-term treatment of mild-to-moderate major depression." If you are taking any current medications you should consult your doctor before taking St. Johns wort, as it can interact with medications. It has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety so you should only take as directed under medical supervision.
