Depression is a mental condition marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and low mood. Anxiety--a disorder characterized by nervousness, excessive worry and fear--often accompanies depression. Each condition aggravates the other. There are a variety of herbal remedies for depression and anxiety, many of which can be found in most drugstores.
Valerian
Frequently referred to as "nature's Valium" by herbologists and consumers alike, valerian is a supplement derived from the root of the Valerian officianalis plant. It is commonly used to treat insomnia and as a remedy for anxiety and muscle spasms.
Valerian is a sedative that interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)--a neurotransmitter that affects muscle tone and the excitability of neurons throughout the central nervous system. GABA is the chief target of anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax), according to the journal American Family Physician. Valerian is thought to produce its effects--which include calmness, sedation and muscle relaxation--by increasing GABA levels in the brain. Side effects include nausea, allergic reaction and dizziness.
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum, or St. John's Wort, is an herbal supplement used to treat depression. It is among the most popular herbs on the market and is as effective as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft in treating mild-to-moderate depression, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other uses include treating insect bites, burns and inflammatory injuries.
St. John's Wort can be dangerous when taken with other herbs or other medications. Side effects may include sun sensitivity, dry mouth, headache and nausea. Because of the variation in potency among different herbal supplement brands, it is best to choose St. John's Wort that's standardized to contain 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent hypericin--the active ingredient.
Kava
Kava is an herbal depressant used traditionally in the Pacific Islands for its relaxing effects. It is sold in the U.S. as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia, and contains up to 15 active compounds known as kavalactones. Effects of kava include sedation, numbness in the mouth, increased sociability and relaxation of the muscles. Kava's effects can generally be felt within 30 minutes of ingestion and may last up to eight hours.
Because of its strong effects on GABA, excessive use of kava may lead to dependence in those prone to addictive behaviors.
5-HTP
An amino acid, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) occurs naturally in the body. The supplement is derived from the African Griffonia simplicifolia plant and is marketed as an aid for weight loss, insomnia and depression. In the body, 5-HTP produces tryptophan, a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin controls mood, appetite and sleep patterns and is thought to be deficient in people with certain types of depression.
5-HTP is nontoxic when taken in doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because of the risk of serotonin syndrome--a potentially fatal condition--5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressant drugs that also affect serotonin levels. The recommended dose of 5-HTP is 50 mg to 100 mg per day.
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