Natural Herbs for Mood Swings

Mood swings or atypical depression unrelated to female hormonal changes are signs of depression. An estimated 18 million Americans experience depression in some form each year. Traditional antidepressant treatment often leads to unwanted side affects. Some natural herbs provide relief from mild-to-moderate mood swings where those affected temporarily feel better when life goes well. A physician should treat constant, major depressive symptoms such as fatigue, inability to sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating and thoughts of death or suicide.

St. John's Wort

• Use of St. John's wort for treating mood disorders dates back to ancient Greece. Scientists have begun researching claims recently that St. John's wort effectively treats depression. Studies by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a branch of the National Institutes of Health, show that St. John's wort has some positive effect in treating mild-to-moderate depression. NCCAM reviewed German scientific literature that found St. John's wort extracts seem as effective as regular antidepressants and have fewer side effects. St. John's wort might interact negatively with certain other medications.

Valerian

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, use of valerian to ease insomnia, anxiety and nervous restlessness dates back to the second century A.D. Current research supports the ancient claims of valerian's effectiveness. Germany's Commission E recognizes valerian as an effective mild sedative. The USDA lists valerian as "generally recognized as safe." Some who take valerian claim relief from mood swings without experiencing the drowsiness and other side affects that come with the use of some prescription antidepressants.

Chamomile Tea

• A statement published in Bowie State University's student newsletter suggests that chamomile tea works on the same part of the brain as antidepressants. Chamomile tea is an effective way of balancing mood. NCCAM finds that many people experiencing symptoms of anxiety don't seek medical attention, but turn to traditional herbal remedies such as chamomile. Research at the University of Pennsylvania tested the effects of chamomile in patients with mild-to-moderate depression. The results showed that chamomile might help some people who experience mild-to-moderate depression.

Passionflower

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, early Americans used passionflower as an herb for anxiety, insomnia, seizures and hysteria. Passionflower treats anxiety and insomnia today. Scientists believe passionflower works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, which induces relaxation. A recent study found that patients given passionflower before surgery had less anxiety. Passionflower sells in health food stores as an extract, tea and in capsule form.

  Saffron, an ancient Middle Eastern herb mentioned in the Bible, works to ease depression. The smoke from Frankincense, another Biblical herb contains incensole, a mood-elevating chemical. Other herbs purported to reduce mood swings include gingko, lemon balm, Kava kava, Siberian ginseng, and lavender.