Although evidence is sparse in clinical studies linking natural medications and vitamins to the control of depression and anxiety, vitamins such as vitamin B66 and herbal remedies such as chasteberry may help reduce mood swings, reports MayoClinic.com. Black cohosh, St. John's wort and ginseng are other natural meds that may alleviate depression. Doses of vitamin D may help in winter months. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 taken in conjunction with supplemental calcium and magnesium may help reduce the emotional symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder which is a severe and even disabling form of premenstrual syndrome, reports MayoClinic.com. PMDD causes extreme mood shifts including persistent irritability, anxiety and excessive anger. A 1999 study published in the "British Medical Journal" suggested that doses of vitamin B-6 up to 100 mg daily are likely to help relieve premenstrual depression. Because deficiencies of vitamins B-1, B-2 and B-12 may play a role in depression, B vitamins may promote emotional health, especially because they are crucial to the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, chemically responsible for the experience of pleasure.
Vitamin D
Decreasing daylight in winter months can cause seasonal affective disorder and depression because there is insufficient sunlight to shut off the production of melatonin by the pineal gland, which contributes to mood swings. Higher doses of vitamin D taken during these months appear to normalize neurotransmitter function in the brain, which regulates moods. Check with your doctor if you need extra vitamin D.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is emerging as an important herb for treating the symptoms of menopause, including mood swings and irritability, according to Tori Hudson, professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. It may rebalance hormone levels; however, it is not to be taken without a doctor's approval. If you have a history of hormone-related breast, ovarian or uterine cancer or liver or kidney disease, the University of Michigan Health System warns this herb may interact with other medications you are taking.
Chasteberry
Clinical trials suggest chasteberry, also called chaste tree or vitex, may help to reduce mood swings, anger and irritability associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, reports MayoClinic.com. The extract of dried ripe chasteberry is usually taken daily before breakfast. It can cause dizziness, rashes and gastrointestinal problems. Do not take chasteberry without your doctor's advice.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a common herbal treatment for depression, although scientific studies do not prove its efficacy in treating mood swings. It may actually cause mania in some people with bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and may make other medications treating depression less effective. Check with your doctor before taking this herb, especially if you are taking birth control pills.
Ginseng
Panax ginseng, also known as Chinese or Korean ginseng, is thought to benefit menopausal women suffering from mental and physical fatigue and mood swings, reports Hudson. It may support the adrenal glands and enhance the ability to cope with stress.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Premenstrual syndrome PMS
- British Medical Journal; Efficacy of Vitamin B-6 in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: Systematic Review; Karina M. Wyatt et al.; May, 1999
- Psychology Today: Vitamins: Get Your Bs
- Women to Women: Is Vitamin D Deficiency Casting a Cloud Over Your Health?
- Obgyn: Managing Perimenopausal Symptoms: An Integrative Medicine Approach
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Premenstrual Syndrome
