Over forty million people in the United States of America are affected with depression and anxiety disorders. Such disorders refer to the state of mind where thinking patterns, the sense of well being and the mood of the person changes in a very negative and disturbing way. It results in irritability, restlessness, fatigue and severe stress.
The worst thing is that the condition might become very debilitating if proper treatment methods are not followed in time. Following are some of the best herbal remedies that can be used to treat anxiety and depression.
7 Herbal Remedies For Depression And Anxiety
St. John’s Wort
The medical term for St. John’s Wort is Hypericum Perforatum. After conducting hundreds of clinical studies on this herb, even Mayo Clinic accepts the ability of St. John’s Wort to treat mild to moderate level anxiety and depression.This herb has been rated as equally effective as tricyclic antidepressant drugs and significantly more effective than placebo. Most of the times, depression also leads to insomnia. If you are affected with insomnia also, this herb can be much more beneficial for you.
Valerian
The sedative and relaxing properties of Valerian make it a good herbal remedy to combat the feeling of restlessness and irritation that a depressed mind often leads to. Other symptoms like emotional distress, nervous stomach, stress and lack of concentration can also be cured quite significantly using this remedy. However, if you are already taking pain relievers, anxiety medicines, sleep medications, muscle relaxants or antidepressants, you should avoid this remedy.
Kava
Kava is a natural relaxant and mood booster. The best thing is that its calming effects work without sedating you. It helps you to get rid of restlessness, stress, nervousness and other symptoms of depression.It fills you with a strong sense of well being. However, people suffering from kidney and liver diseases are advised to avoid this herb. Over-dosage of kava should also be avoided.
Chamomile
A tea prepared using chamomile leaves in boiling water can be very useful in treating anxiety and depression. It improves your sleep quality and keeps you relaxed throughout the day. Besides drinking chamomile tea, you can also consider using chamomile essential oil in air diffusers in your room.The combined effect of both chamomile tea and essential oil diffuser will be more relaxing. However, people allergic to ragweed are advised against using this herbal remedy.
Catnip
Catnip belongs to the mint family and can be used as a herbal remedy to cure depression and anxiety. It carries similar relaxing properties as do chamomile, but even those who are allergic to ragweed can use it.
Ashwgandha
Ashwgandha is one of the oldest herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, but is now widely available in western countries also in the form of herbal supplements. Most health food stores sell it in the form of standardized capsules.
In general, a dosage of 500mg capsule for 2-3 times daily can be very helpful in improving your sleep quality and in combating stress and restlessness.
Passionflower
Various clinical studies have confirmed that passionflower can also bring calming and relaxing effect to a depressed and tensed mind. It is one of the most popular herbal anti-depressants in the US and is widely available in vitamin shops and health food stores.
Though herbal remedies work naturally, they can still carry certain side effects depending upon several factors, such as whether you are allergic to certain things, whether you are already taking other medications and how good your overall health condition is. Therefore, doctor’s advice is must before you try any herbal remedy for anxiety and depression.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
