Herbal Remedies To Increase Serotonin

Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, is a neurotransmitter---a chemical that carries messages from one nerve cell to another. Serotonin regulates your mood, appetite, sleep and muscle contraction. If your levels are too low, you may become depressed, lose your appetite or have problems sleeping. Conventional treatment may include antidepressants, but these can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs may help raise serotonin levels naturally. Consult your healthcare provider before starting herbal remedies for serotonin.

Herbal Actions

Herbs that increase serotonin may work in several ways. Some may contain a chemical precursor to serotonin and stimulate its production in your brain. Other herbs either prevent the reuptake of serotonin by blocking nerve cells from absorbing it or stopping enzymes from degrading it, thereby leaving increased levels of serotonin available for use. Herbs that increase serotonin may have a potent impact on your central nervous system, so check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation.

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a small shrub with star-like yellow flowers. It is a traditional remedy for wounds, burns, parasites and back pain. The flowers contain hypericin and hyperforin, which affect the central nervous system. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that these chemicals inhibit reuptake, thereby increasing serotonin in your brain. The researchers explain that reuptake inhibition explains the plant's calming and antidepressant effects. Do not combine St. John's wort with other antidepressant medicines.

Griffonia

Griffonia, or Griffonia simplicifolia, is an African shrub with green flowers that turn into black pods. The pod seeds contain 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, which is an amino acid precursor necessary for creating serotonin in your body. A report published in the November-December 2002 issue of "Phytochemical Analysis" notes that griffonia is useful for treating serotonin deficiency syndrome and controlling obesity. The researchers found that the highest levels of 5-HTP came from water-methanol extracts of griffonia seeds. Do not use this herb if you are taking SSRIs or MAO inhibitors.

Kanna

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a perennial South African succulent. Traditional healers use the whole plant as a remedy for depression, anxiety, colic, stress and tension. The plant is rich in mesembrine alkaloids, including mesembrine, mesembrenone, tortuosamine and joubertiamine. Van Wyk and Wink state that mesembrine is the main active ingredient in the leaves and is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The other alkaloids affect other neurotransmitters, demonstrating that the plant has a potent effect on the central nervous system. They also state that the herb does not cause dependency, even after years of use. Do not combine this herb with any antidepressant or mood-altering medication.