Depression and anxiety are common problems among Americans. PubMed Health states that depression is a mood-related disorder in which you experience unrelenting feelings of sadness or frustration, whereas anxiety, notes the National Institute of Mental Health, is an irrational fear of daily events, activities or situations. Both depression and anxiety can be debilitating. Certain herbs may effectively treat your depression or anxiety, but you should discuss herbal options with your doctor before using herbs to treat your conditions.
Anxiety and Depression
The National Institute of Mental Health states that anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million Americans over the age of 18 each year. Anxiety disorders often last for 6 months or longer and can progress if it is not treated appropriately. Anxiety disorders, notes the institute, may occur along with other mental and physical health problems. Depression, notes PubMed Health, may be hereditary or caused by chemical imbalances in your brain, although the precise cause of depression is still unknown.
The Best Herbs
Many herbs may effectively treat your anxiety and depression. In "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher Phyllis Balch notes that some of the best herbs in treating anxiety include chamomile, motherwort, passionflower and skullcap. Dr. William Mitchell Jr., a naturopath and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that one of the best antidepressant herbs is St. John's wort. Other helpful herbs include lemon balm, licorice root, oat straw and kava kava.
Featured Herb
St. John's wort may be one of the best herbs in treating both anxiety disorders and depression. MayoClinic.com states that St. John's wort extracts are used to treat a variety of health problems, and that numerous studies show St. John's wort is more effective than placebo -- and just as effective as certain antidepressant drugs -- in treating depression. Balch notes that St. John's wort is also commonly used in treating anxiety disorders, and that this herb can help stabilize your mood when taken for several weeks.
Additional Information
Anxiety disorders and depression are serious health problems that should be treated with the care and guidance of a qualified health care professional. In some cases, herbal remedies may be equally effective in treating your anxiety or depression as conventional medical therapies. However, you should avoid using herbs for your conditions until you have discussed the health ramifications of herbs with your health care provider. Some herbs may cause negative health side effects if they are taken inappropriately.
References
- PubMed Health: Major Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: St. John's Wort
