Depression is a condition that affects your body and mind. Its symptoms include a general feeling of sadness, loss of motivation, fatigue, weight loss or gain, appetite loss or gain, lack of focus, loss of interest in daily activities, and sleeping difficulties. Anxiety is characterized by worry, muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, stomach upset, inability to concentrate, restlessness, and headache. Treatments for these conditions can include medications and counseling. Certain herbs may also effectively help reduce or manage symptoms. Check with your doctor before starting any herbal supplements and never replace other forms of treatment with herbs.
Lavender
Lavender is a herb that has been used to treat insomnia, hair loss, anxiety, and stress. According to the University of Maryland, research has indicated that lavender aromatherapy may help enhance sleep quality, improve relaxation, raise mood, and relax nervous system activity. This can be helpful if you suffer from either anxiety or depression. This herb can be used as an oil, bath gel, extract, lotion, soap, or tea. You can consult a health practitioner to determine if and how this herb might benefit you.
St.John's Wort
St.John's Wort is an herb that has been used in treatments for mental illness, anxiety, and malaria. Some research has supported the use of this herb for treating mild to moderate depression. However, research studies are mixed and more research is required to establish a benefit. You can take St. John's Wort as a tea, extract, or capsule. Consult your doctor before taking this supplement, because it can interfere with medications such as antidepressants, birth control pills, and heart medications.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is a herb that has been used to treat anxiety. Specifically, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that a dose between 100 to 200 mg, taken two to four times a day, may be helpful. However, the Food and Drug Administration has warned that kava can lead to severe liver damage in rare cases. Consult your doctor before taking this herb, and do not use it longer than a few days.
Valerian
Valerian, taken two to three a day at a dose of 150mg, has been used to treat both insomnia and anxiety. However, research evidence has been mixed and more studies are required. This herb can also be combined with the herbs lemon balm or St.John's wort in order to treat mild to moderate anxiety. Consult your doctor before taking this herb because it can interfere with other drugs such as antidepressants, narcotics, and antihistamines. In addition, it can contribute to liver problems. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have liver problems, you should not take this herb.
