Many Americans suffer from mood fluctuations in varying degrees, from once every few months to many times a day. Women often experience drastic mood swings before or during menstruation, as their hormones are fluctuating. If you want to calm your mood without taking medication, herbal remedies are available. Talk with your doctor before you add herbs to your diet, though, as some may interact with medicines.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been used for ages as medicine by ancient cultures such as Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. Chamomile helps balance mood swings by calming nerves and providing a sense of relaxation. It may also help treat anxiety, which often goes hand in hand with frequent mood swings. Chamomile is available in forms including tea, liquid extract, capsule and topical ointment. Chamomile is also used to treat insomnia and can make you drowsy, so it is best used in the evening.
Kava
The kava shrub grows in Pacific islands. It has been found to help alleviate mood fluctuations and provides a sense of well-being and contentment. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a study in 2004 concluded that 300 mg of kava may help improve mood as well as cognitive performance. Talk with your health care practitioner before you use kava because it may cause liver damage. Don't take kava with other medications or beverages such as coffee and alcohol that are hard on the liver.
Valerian
Valerian acts as a mild sedative to ease mood swings. It has been used to treat anxiety, insomnia and nervous restlessness since the second century A.D, According to UMMC, Valerian works by raising the quantity of gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, you produce in your brain. GABA regulates nerve cells and has a soothing effect on mood. Valerian is available in tea and supplemental form. If you take Valerian for a long period of time and wish to stop using it, taper down to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Warning
These herbs should not be taken with other sedating or mood stabilizing medications such as depression, anxiety and sleeping medications. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when you use kava or Valerian, as they may impair alertness. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take herbs unless advised by their doctor. If your mood fluctuations remain the same or get worse after treatment, seek medical care, as it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
