Pregnancy is a time of joyous anticipation for most women, but some mothers-to-be may experience a more debilitating form of depression that goes beyond the typical "baby blues." According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, short-term treatment with certain herbs may help to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression, such as valerian and St. John's wort. Since long-term studies in pregnant women are lacking, it is not necessarily safe to use these herbs. Certain herbs, however, may safely improve mood during pregnancy, but never take any supplement without medical supervision.
Lavender
The essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia has a long history of use as a natural treatment for anxiety, stress and insomnia. Today, it is one of the most popular botanical oils used in aromatherapy. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," lavender oil contains compounds that produce a mild sedative effect when inhaled. Subjects used in animal-based studies exposed to lavender aromatherapy have exhibited changes in brain electrical impulses measured by electroencephalogram, or EEG, that are consistent with drowsiness and relaxation.
Chamomile
A literature review published in the Feb. 27, 2011 issue of ""Midwifery" reported that nearly 60 percent of the 578 participating pregnant women used herbal preparations, including chamomile. Based on a 2009 study published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology," demonstrated that Matricaria recutita, or German chamomile, counters the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety. Although the American Pregnancy Association says chamomile is often found in "pregnancy teas," there is insufficient evidence to assign a safety rating, so check with your doctor before using this herb.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm tea is traditionally used to treat nervousness and anxiety and is approved in Europe as a mild sedative. The American Pregnancy Association acknowledges the use of lemon balm tea to relieve anxiety during pregnancy and says that the herb has a "Likely Safe" rating designated by the Natural Medicines Database.
Effectiveness
According to a study published in the November 2008 issue of the "British Journal of Health Psychology," expectation of relief from aromatherapy with lavender oil is greater than any therapeutic benefit. The Jan.-Feb. 2009 issue of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine," reported that survey data shows that many women use herbal medicines during pregnancy, even though evidence that any herbal treatment during pregnancy is effective or safe is very limited.
Safety Concerns
Herbal preparations are not regulated in the U.S., meaning potential contamination is an issue. Another major concern is that many women neglect to report feelings of depression to their health care providers or even family members because of the perceived stigma associated with non-maternal thoughts or behaviors. If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your physician. If you decide to explore natural treatments for depression during pregnancy, only do so with medical supervision.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort
- NCCAM: Valerian
- NCCAM: Lavender
- "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Brendler, et al.; 2007
- "British Journal of Health Psychology"; Expectancies, Not Aroma, Explain Impact of Lavender Aromatherapy on Psychophysiological Indices of Relaxation in Young Healthy Women; Howard S, et al.; Nov. 2008
- "Midwifery"; Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Remedies in Obstetrics-review and Clinical Implications; Holst L, et al.; Feb. 2011
