Herbal Medicines For Mental Illness

Many people suffering from mental illnesses are prescribed psychotropic medications to manage or alleviate their symptoms. However, certain medications can sometimes cause undesirable side effects. Some turn to holistic treatments such as acupuncture or herbal medicine in an effort to avoid the side effects associated with these medications. While the benefits of most herbal medications are still being studied, herbalists and alternative healers suggest that herbs may provide relief from the symptoms of certain mental health disorders.

History

Herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of physical and mental health disorders. Traditional Chinese practitioners have relied on herbs like ginseng and Gingko bilboa to provide cognitive benefits since ancient times, according to Linda C. Tapsell and fellow authors in a 2006 supplement published in the "Medical Journal of Australia." The ancient Chinese used ginseng to improve mental function, according to holistic mental health expert and psychologist Dave DiSano in his book, "Holistic Mental Health: A Comparison of Traditional and Alternative Treatments for Mental Disorders." Ancient Greek and Roman healers used rosemary to strengthen memory. Herbs have been used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat anxiety and other nervous disorders, say Fiona Donohoe-Bales and Kate Mirow of the Australian Depression and Anxiety Alliance. St.-John's-wort was most likely one of the first herbs used to treat depression, according to the Depression Alliance.

Considerations

Author DiSano argues that since herbs cannot be patented, there is little financial reward for pharmaceutical companies to invest in these treatments. Therefore, there have not been many studies to confirm the benefits of herbal medications. However, just because the FDA does not approve an herb for use does not mean there are no benefits. Additionally, the incidence of serious adverse side effects from prescription medications in hospitalized patients is reported to be extremely high, based on a 1998 report in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" by Jason Lazarou and fellow authors. In 1994, 2,216,000 hospitalized patients experienced serious side effects from prescription medications. Another 106,000 patients had fatal adverse drug reactions. Interestingly, there is little data to show the number of patients who experienced such serious side effects from the use of herbal medications.

Benefits of Specific Herbs

Herbs may be useful in alleviating symptoms from a variety of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression and Alzheimer's disease. Along with St.-John's-wort, beneficial herbs for alleviating mild to moderate depressive symptoms include damiana, rosemary and oats, according to authors Donohoe-Bales and Mirow. People with mild forms of anxiety disorder may benefit from the calming, sedative effects of herbs such as valerian, zizyphus and Polygala. Herbs such as ginseng and ginkgo may slow the course of Alzheimer's, according to DiSano. Little evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of herbs for other types of mental illnesses and personality disorders.

Warning

Always inform your doctor before taking any herbal supplement. Certain herbs can have dangerous interactions with psychotropic and other prescription drugs. Never use herbs in place of prescribed medications, unless your doctor or other medical practitioner direct.