Herbs That Raise Serotonin

Serotonin, also known as 5-Hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT, is a neurotransmitter found in your central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry signals from nerve cells to other cells in your body. Serotonin helps to regulate your mood, appetite, memory function, sleep and muscle contractions. If your serotonin levels are too low, you may feel depressed or anxious and have trouble eating and sleeping. Herbs may help raise serotonin levels and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Consult your health care practitioner before starting herbal treatment.

Herbal Actions

Herbs that raise serotonin levels work in different ways. Some herbs contain chemicals that can synthesize serotonin, others bind to serotonin receptors in the brain and make it more available for your cells to use. Serotonin-enhancing herbs make soothing teas you can make yourself, and they also come in commercially prepared tinctures, essential oils and extracts. You can prepare a tea by pouring boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried herb, let it infuse for 15 minutes, cool and drink. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for instructions about dosage and long-term use.

Griffonia

Griffonia, or Griffonia simplicifolia, is a woody shrub found in west and central Africa. Traditional healers use the seeds to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, migraine, weight loss and fibromyalgia. The active ingredient in the seeds is 5-Hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, which is a precursor of serotonin. This chemical can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance serotonin production in your brain. A study published in the February 2011 issue of "Phytomedicine" found that griffonia seed extract effectively relieved anxiety in test animals due to their 5-HTP content. Do not combine this herb with other antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication.

Magnolia and Ginger

Magnolia, or Magnolia officinalis, and ginger, or Zingiber officinale, are popular plants in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. Practitioners use these herbs to treat a wide range of disorders, including respiratory diseases, headaches, asthma and edema. A study published in the June 2009 issue of "Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry" found that the combination of magnolia bark extract and ginger root essential oil had a synergistic effect on serotonin and noradrenaline production in the brains of test animals with induced depression. Ginger and magnolia may cause mild heartburn in high doses, so consult a health care practitioner for dosage instructions.

St. John's Wort, Passionflower and Valerian

St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, and Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, are three herbs with a long history of treating depression and anxiety. A study published in the July 2006 issue of "The European Journal of Neuroscience" tested various combinations of these herbs on animal cells. The researchers found a potent effect on serotonin receptors, mainly by St. John's wort but enhanced by passionflower and valerian. By inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into cells, more of the chemical remains available and active. Do not use these herbs if you are taking antidepressants, and consult your doctor if you are pregnant. St. John's wort may cause photosensitivity.