Depression and anxiety are psychological disorders that should be diagnosed and treated by a licensed physician. However, certain herbs may help alleviate symptoms naturally. Although time-honored, many herbs have not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Always check with your health care provider before trying herbs for medicinal purposes, and remember that natural and holistic therapies should be used in conjunction with and not in place of conventional medical care.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is one of the most common herbal remedies for depressive disorders. The active ingredient in the plant, hypericum, is purported to have antidepressive properties. In a 2008 article in "Science Daily," researchers who reviewed 29 clinical trials comparing St. John's wort to standard medications stated that the St. John's wort extract was superior to placebos and as effective as conventional antidepressants but with fewer side effects. More studies may be needed to determine safety of the herb, but for now it remains a popular alternative treatment for mild to moderate depression. Check with your health care practitioner for proper use of St. John's wort.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, is a flowering herb in the mint family. It has calming effects and is used by herbalists to treat stress and anxiety and help promote sleep. It is sometimes used in combination with other calming herbs such as valerian and chamomile. In a study published in "Neuropsychopharmacology" in 2003, researchers found that high doses of lemon balm extract, up to 1,600 mg daily, were effective in improving cognitive abilities and moods in adult participants. They specifically noted increased calmness in patients at the highest doses, while lower doses seemed to produce varying effects. This herb is still being investigated, so check with your doctor before trying lemon balm to improve mood or anxiety.
5-HTP
5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a naturally occurring chemical obtained from the seeds of an herb called Griffonia simplicifolia, found in West Africa. It is a neurotransmitter used by the body to regulate serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for controlling mood and sleep cycles. It is used by herbalists to treat depression, insomnia and relieve panic attacks. Elizabeth Baird of Vanderbilt University reviewed several studies on 5-HTP. She noted that one study published by "Advances in Biochemical Psychopharmacolgy" in 1984 found that patients with both unipolar and bipolar disorder taking 200 mg daily of 5-HTP showed a drop in depression of close to 50 percent. A followup study showed that 5-HTP was more effective when combined with the prescription antidepressant Anafranil. Consult your doctor when using 5-HTP as an adjunct treatment for depression or anxiety.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is a mildly sedative Polynesian herb used in religious and social ceremonies. It is also used in herbal and folk medicine as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress, insomnia and convulsions. A 2002 study published in "CNS Drugs" that reviewed several clinical studies regarding kava's effects on anxiety found that kavalactones, the chemical constituents in kava, are effective in the treatment of clinical anxiety, anxiety associated with menopause and anxiety due to various other medical conditions. Some practitioners have reported a few adverse effects, including skin irritations and drug interactions. Use caution when trying kava kava, and consult your medical doctor before use, especially if taking prescription medications.
References
- ScienceDaily.com: St. John's Wort Relieves Symptoms Of Major Depression, Study Shows
- PubMed.gov: Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)
- Vanderbilt University: 5-HTP - Myth or Miracle?
- AdisOnline.com: Therapeutic Potential of Kava in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
