Herbal Remedy for Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety affect millions of people,and many of the drugs designed to help people who suffer from these mood disorders have a long list of side effects that some patients find to be worse than the problem. Centuries before modern medicine, depressed and anxious people found relief in simple herbal remedies.

Recognizing Depression

• If you have felt listless or sad for longer than two weeks without an external reason--like the death of a loved one or a job loss--you may be suffering from depression. Anxiety can accompany depression or present on its own. Both conditions can cause you to avoid going out and socializing, and they may even interfere with your work performance and health. If you believe you have either of these maladies, see your health care provider for a firm diagnosis. He may prescribe medication, or if your symptoms are mild, he may suggest changes in your daily routine to encourage you to laugh, breathe and interact more, which raises your dopamine (feel-good brain chemical) levels. Some supplements may help improve your outlook on life.

Possible Remedies

• One herb that has had quite a bit of press is St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Also known as goat weed, this herb has been used since ancient Greek times for depression and nerve disorders like anxiety. St. John's Wort works much like some prescription seratonin reuptake inhibitors that are prescribed for depression. A study done by Szeghadi A, et al, at the Charite-Universitatsmedizin in Berlin, Germany, and published in the 2006 issue of "BMC Medicine" concluded that St. John's Wort worked as well as peroxetine, which is the generic name for Paxil, and was better tolerated. The few side effects that might be experienced from St. John's Wort are mild: mainly nausea, dry mouth and light sensitivity. This herb may interfere with prescription medications, especially chemical antidepressants, birth control pills and drugs used after organ transplants, so talk to your health care provider before using St. John's Wort. You can purchase this herb over the counter, in pill or tea form.

  You may also want to try valerian root. Commonly used as a sleep aid, it helps you get to sleep sooner and sleep more deeply, which helps your body recover from stress. Another root of interest is kava kava. Used as a drink for relaxation and celebration in the Pacific Islands, this herbal remedy relieves stress and is used as a sleep aid for children in Europe. If you choose to drink kava, make sure the product is made only with the root of the plant. If the tops of the plant are used, the dose may cause toxicity of the liver over time.

  Siberian ginseng--which is not related to the Chinese herb called ginseng--is used as a tonic to help you handle stress. The Central Research Laboratories in Nagano, Japan, in a study published in the Dec. 22, 2001 issue of "Acta Pharmacol Sin," found that this herb shows anti-fatigue and anti-depressive properties.

  While 5-HTP and SAMe are not herbs, they are alternative treatments for depression and anxiety. Both are precursors to brain chemicals that are necessary for maintaining a positive mood.

Considerations

• Remember, depression and anxiety are real conditions with sometimes serious implications. If you try these remedies and do not feel better within four to six weeks, definitely see your physician. If you have been diagnosed with severe depression or bipolar disorder, or if you have suicidal thoughts, seek medical help immediately.