Drew – Best Natural Herbs for Anxiety and Depression – 2December2012

The Golden Age Daily December 2, 2012

Pictured St. Johns Wart

Natural herbs for anxiety and depression

St. Johns Wart – This is easily among the most common herbs for depression and anxiety treatment. There are people who have had success with this herb for anxiety, so it would be something that you should consider if you have never tried it. It has been clinically tested in comparison to popular antidepressants and has actually been found to be just as effective, if not more effective than some (e.g. Paxil).

Sam-E – This is an over-the-counter herb that you can buy in order to help with anxiety and depression. There isn’t as much support for its effectiveness as there is for St. Johns Wart, but some people swear by it to help reduce their symptoms.

Valerian – Valerian is a common aid for insomnia, but has an effect on reducing anxiety and depression. The way that it works is by influencing the GABA neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. It will have a significant impact on the way that your brain works and help it to relax.

Lemon Balm – Researchers have found that the components of this particular herb can really help people calm down from their anxiety attacks and depression. It has a lot of health benefits, mostly because it has Phenolic acids and Flavonoids which are super healthy.

5-HTP (5 hydroxytryptophan) – This has been shown to alter serotonin levels in the brain. There is some evidence that serotonin is linked to both depression and anxiety. Although it is not the only neurotransmitter that causes depression and anxiety, it is a contributor. Consider trying 5 HTP to see whether it works out for you.

Chinese herbs for anxiety

Bupleurum and Dong Quai – This is a combination of herbs that can really reduce depression and anxiety issues. These are Chinese herbs that are believed to significantly lower symptoms after a month or so of taking them. You aren’t going to see immediate results with these, but they can really help.

Siberian Ginseng – Some have said that this is one of the best herbs for anxiety because it has effects on dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. It has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years and it has proved to be very helpful to some.

Magnolia Bark – This has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Newer scientific research has indicated that it helps lower anxiety due to a couple of biphenyl compounds that are released in the body. It also reduces the amount of cortisol cycling throughout the body.

This article originally appeared at 4Mind4Life.