Herbal treatments can be effective in treating depression and anxiety.
Long before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, people relied on natural herbs for relief of feelings of depression and anxiety. With advances in modern medicine, many of these traditional treatments were set aside as folk remedies, but they have not been entirely abandoned. Some of the more common herbal treatments, such as St. John's Wort, ginkgo biloba and kava kava, have been scientifically researched to determine their efficacy and safety.
St. John's Wort
One of the most well-known and well-documented herbs for relieving depression is St. John's Wort, or Hypericum perforatum. The flowering tops of the plant have been used since ancient Greece for a variety of medical uses. In the October 13, 2008, issue of ScienceDaily, it was reported that a Cochrane Systematic Review of 29 trials of St. John's Wort found the herb to be as effective as standard antidepressants with fewer side effects. Research has shown that 300 mg daily of a standardized 0.3 percent hypericin can be effective treating mild to moderate depression. St. John's Wort is not without side effects. It can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, fatigue, headache, dry mouth or dizziness. It also interacts with several common drugs, including antidepressants, birth control pills, cyclosporine and digoxin. Do not take St. John's Wort without consulting with a physician, especially if you are taking other medications.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is another herb with a long history, and recent medical research seems to bear out reports of its usefulness. Several double-blind tests, such as the study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in October 1992, have shown that patients taking either ginkgo biloba or a combination of ginkgo biloba and ginseng showed improvement in mood compared to patients taking a placebo. It is believed that ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain, and can improve memory and attention, which may also make it helpful in treating some Alzheimer's patients. The usual dose in studies is 120 to 240 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. It can take up to 12 weeks for full effects to be seen. Look for an extract standardized to at least 24 percent gingko flavone glycosides. Few side effects have been noted, most commonly mild stomach upset or headaches, but ginkgo does interfere with blood clotting factors and may cause bleeding problems in patients taking other blood thinners. Consult with a doctor before taking.
Kava Kava
Kava kava comes from the root of a shrub that grows in the tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean. It has been traditionally used to make a ceremonial drink, and can have an effect very similar to alcohol or diazepam, which is sometimes used to treat anxiety. Kava also has a numbing effect, and is sometimes chewed to relieve a sore throat. In recent years, the relaxing properties of the chemicals called kavalactones have been the focus of scientific research. Patients taking kava have reported a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, with few side effects. The best results have come from a 100 mg dose, standardized to 70 percent kavalactones.
The sale of kava has been banned in some countries after reports of serious liver damage in some patients. Further research has found chemicals in the stems and leaves that are toxic to the liver, and one theory is that impure kava was the cause of the illnesses. There is also the possibility that the liver damage may have been pre-existing, or that the patients took kava while drinking alcohol or taking prescription medications that could have combined to create damage. Consult with a doctor before taking kava, and do not take it for more than three months without a two-week rest period.
Other Herbal Treatments
There are many other plants and herbs that can help relieve anxiety and depression. Certain plants in the mint family are known for their relaxing properties when steeped as a tea, including peppermint, lemon balm and catnip. Combine one tsp. of the dried leaves with boiling water and steep for five minutes before drinking. The tea may be sweetened with honey.
Chamomile, passionflower and feverfew are other traditional herbs used to treat depression and anxiety, and are sometimes combined to make a tea. Feverfew is also used as a headache remedy. Siberian ginseng can be combined with other herbs to relax the nerves without causing the drowsiness sometimes experienced with mints or chamomile.
A herbal combination may work best for relieving symptoms. Combine three parts lemon balm with one part lavender flowers, one part rose petals, one part spearmint, one part St. John's Wort, and one part marjoram. Mix and store in a glass jar. To make tea, combine one to two tsp. of the herbal mixture with a cup of hot water, and allow to steep for five to 10 minutes. The tea may be flavored with honey or mint.
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