Herbs That Calm for Depression and Anxiety

You've probably already read, have seen or watched testimonials about calming herbs and how they can help with anxiety and depression. I am a firm believer, have seen many times, and experienced personally the wonderful healing properties that natural medicines provide for the permanent relief of any symptom you may be experiencing. But don’t take my word for it because even conventional doctors are now using supplements for their patients, along with the ever growing field of integrative medicine.

Supplements add to your nutritional health and so to gain the most from them, your core eating habits must be optimal for healing. You can’t eat donuts and coffee for breakfast and expect the supplements to work very well. Also, exercise has been proven to be as effective as any prescription drug like such as Prozac. Not enough sunlight can cause a deficiency in Vitamin D, especially in the winter also causing depressive symptoms. Lastly getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night can help regulate hormones and ease stress.

There are many factors at work in feelings of anxiety, stress and depression including thyroid function, the hormones estrogen and testosterone, along with low levels of the brain neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Supplementing and your daily lifestyle choices mentioned above can go a long way in helping to balance your health. But, if you still are feeling anxiety and depression you can try the following list of supplements on your own, making sure to use only one particular supplement at a time, along with lifestyle choices, or make an appointment with a doctor at an integrative medical center which combines traditional medicine along with alternative treatments. Integrative medicine for depression and anxiety can include calming herbs in medicinal form, acupuncture, and treatments aimed at the whole being and not just one piece of the illness puzzle.

Herbs that calm, along with supplements for anxiety and depression can include;

--Chamomile and Valerian; used for anxiety and stress as well as an anti-inflammatory since ancient times. If you have an allergy to aster or chrysanthemum plants you should avoid using Chamomile unless your health practitioner approves.

--Passion flower or Passiflora incarnate includes flavonoids and has been used as a natural nerve tonic for anxiety and proven in research studies as effective.

--St. Johns Wort; this supplement has been positively used by many people, but it can interfere with a few prescriptions and over the counter drugs like oral contraceptives and antidepressants. As with any medication or supplement be sure and check with your physician before taking them.

--5-HTP; is a naturally occurring an amino acid which increases serotonin. It also reduces cravings for carbohydrates unlike prescription drugs which increase your cravings for carbs.

--SAM-E; a chemical found naturally in the body which increases serotonin and dopamine levels.

--Fish Oil; omega-3 fatty acids must be present for normal brain function. Not eating enough can lead to depression. It has been shown that antidepressants along with omega-3 have been shown to be more effective than using antidepressants alone. Salmon is one excellent source.

--B vitamins; especially folic acid or folate (part of the B vitamins) and B5, B6, B12. The B vitamins accomplish many functions related to anxiety, stress and depression. They are needed for hormone, amino acid and brain chemical formation and function.

--Vitamin D3; made by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight, contained in certain foods and supplements. Make sure and use Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) which is the natural form. Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is used in food supplementation, is the synthetic form and not absorbed by the body as well. Research findings found that Vitamin D2 should not be the chosen form for supplementing the diet or to fortify foods.

--Magnesium; low magnesium levels have been shown to be a factor in depression, attention deficit disorders (ADD, ADHD), heart attacks and even diabetes. Magnesium along with sodium, potassium and calcium are necessary for healthy bones and teeth as most of us know, but they also perform many other functions such as nerve impulses, relaxation of muscles, activates several enzymes to convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy not to mention the hundreds of other functions your body needs including a normal heartbeat. Like vitamin D3, there seems to be excessively low levels in our Western society because of our diets.

--Amino acids; tyrosine and tryptophan assist the body in producing serotonin and dopamine levels, which are abundant in healthy foods.

Again, each person is different in their response to supplements especially herbal. So if one doesn’t work try another. Make sure any supplement you purchase is free of animal products, gluten and artificial colors, flavors or preservatives as some people have a sensitivity to them.

It is always best to get your nutrients first from the foods we eat. Foods high in raising serotonin and dopamine levels include the amino acids (protein building blocks), beans (especially red and black), legumes and lentils, chickpeas or garbanzo beans, sesame and sunflower seeds, raw almonds, cottage cheese, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, chicken liver, cranberries, eggs, leafy greens, mangoes, melons, oats, oranges, poultry, prunes, spinach, strawberries, and walnuts.

If diet, calming herbs and supplements are not working and you continue with persistent depression see a physician to rule out an underlying medical condition.

Rebecca Shelly researches alternative health options. If you would like more information a free eBook entitled Help for Anxiety is available at Prescription Drug Alternative. Or, find out how aromatherapy can also help create a calm mood.