Herbal products are available for treating virtually every existing ailment, ranging from obesity to erectile dysfunction. Some are mildly-to-moderately effective while others can be ineffective or even harmful. There are a variety of herbals available for improving mood, increasing energy, promoting relaxation and making consumers feel good in other ways, many of which can be effective in producing promised results.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is a popular herbal mood brightener. According to Natural News, it is as effective as SSRI antidepressants for treating mild-to-moderate depression, often with fewer side effects. St. John's Wort has MAO-inhibiting properties that are thought to be responsible for most of its mood-brightening effects.
Yerba Mate
A traditional favorite in South America, yerba mate is a tea made from the stems and foliage of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. In addition to its caffeine content, yerba mate contains other alkaloids from the xanthine family, such as theophylline and theobromine. It is also rich in a variety of antioxidants and minerals like manganese, potassium and magnesium and may be less likely to cause jitteriness and irritability than other caffeine-containing beverages.
Kava-Kava
Kava-kava, or simply kava, is a plant with sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Popular in the Western Pacific islands, kava's effects are similar to those of alcohol and other depressants, albeit slightly milder. According to Kava.com, the herb's effects include muscle relaxation, feelings of peace and increased sociability. Side effects of kava may include double vision, drowsiness, nausea and sedation. Because it can cause euphoria, kava has the potential to be habit forming. An article in Time Magazine by Jeffrey Kluger states that, although kava isn't physically addicting, it can cause psychological dependence in some people.
Korean Ginseng
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is an adaptogen prized for its calming and energizing effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, people taking Korean ginseng may experience improved quality of life in the form of lowered stress and improved mood. Other possible benefits of Korean ginseng include increased stamina and improved resistance to infection and illness.
Valerian Root
A popular sedative herb, valerian root has been used traditionally for treating anxiety and insomnia. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, valerian root may help alleviate insomnia by decreasing sleep latency. The evidence is less conclusive for its purported anti-anxiety effects, though it may decrease subjective anxiety and arousal in some people. Because it affects some of the same GABA receptors in the brain as alcohol, valerian root may also bring about feelings of calmness and sociability in some people.
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