Herbal Medicine & Psychiatric Disorders

Psychiatric disorders are astonishingly common. In any given year, over 25 percent of adults have one or more diagnosable mental disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For the most part, psychiatric disorders are highly responsive to treatment. Some herbal medicines may be helpful, but they are not a good substitute for conventional care. Ask your physician about how herbal medicines can be integrated into your treatment plan.

Herbal Medicine for Anxiety Disorder

Occasional anxiety is normal, but when it is protracted or out of proportion to the situation at hand, it may be a sign of a treatable anxiety disorder. The Mayo Clinic lists two herbal medicines that may be helpful: kava and valerian. Kava, also known as kava kava, has long been used in the Pacific Islands at ceremonies and celebrations to lift moods and promote conviviality. Kava may lift anxiety without the sedation sometimes seen with prescription medicines. Valerian is commonly used for insomnia, but it may be of benefit for anxiety sufferers. Consult a qualified health care provider before using these herbs for anxiety or any other health concern.

Herbal Medicine for Depression

Conventional pharmaceutical drugs address depression by regulating the brain chemicals known to be involved with mood and motivation. However, their side effects have led both patients and researchers to seek herbal alternatives. St. John's wort is the best-known herbal medicine for depression. It is both effective and well-tolerated, according to a 2011 article in "Alternative Medicine Review." The article identifies additional herbs under scientific exploration for depression. They include saffron, whose effects compared favorably to St. John's wort in small clinical trials; echium, an herb widely used as a mood-booster in its native Iran; and rhodiola, traditionally used in Russia and Scandinavia for fighting fatigue and improving endurance. More research is necessary before these herbs can be widely recommended for depression.

Other Psychiatric Disorders

Herbal medicine has been explored for a number of other psychiatric disorders. A 2007 article in "Australian Family Physician" states that traditional Chinese herbal medicines in combination with conventional antipsychotic medications may useful in the treatment of schizophrenia. According to nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch's book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," ginkgo biloba may be useful for dementia, and ginseng, bacopa, chamomile and gotu kola may be beneficial in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Consult a physician before adding these or other herbs to your daily regimen.

Differences Between Herbal Medicines and Pharmaceutical Drugs

Pharmaceutical drugs remain the treatment of choice when a person needs quick and substantial relief from serious symptoms. However, in a 2004 article in the journal "Seminars in Integrative Medicine," psychiatrist Hyla Cass stated that in some cases, herbal medicines may be preferable. Cass says that the side effects of herbs are generally milder, perhaps because the natural substances in plants are more compatible with human body chemistry than the isolated chemicals used in pharmaceutical drugs. Additionally, herbs tend to restore the underlying balance of the body rather than targeting isolated symptoms. Use herbal medicines under the supervision of your physician.