Herbal Solutions for Stress & Depression

For the vast majority of people bothered by stress or depression, formulas made from high-quality herbs can prove remarkably effective. Look for an herbal formula that contains the following herbs:

• John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) - St. John's wort is licensed in Germany and other European countries as a treatment for mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Sometimes called 'Nature's Prozac,' St. John's wort helps relieve stress, anxiety, and tension. In Germany, it is the most popular antidepressant, outselling Prozac three to one. More than twenty clinical studies have been completed using several different extracts of St. John's wort and most have shown antidepressant action equal to standard prescription drugs, without the side effects. St. John's wort is now being studied in the first U.S. government–sanctioned clinical trial, a three-year study sponsored by the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, based in Washington, D.C. Probably the greatest testament to its efficacy is how it has been attacked in the press as 'dangerous.' The case against it is that it seems to heighten the dangers associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) if you are currently using these powerful antidepressant drugs. But this is a marvelous piece of propaganda double-speak that transfers the danger from the antidepressants (where they belong) to St. John's wort, which merely brings those dangers to the fore.
• Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo biloba extract is currently being used as an alternative for elderly patients with depression resistant to standard drug therapy. This is because depression is often an early sign of cognitive decline and cerebrovascular insufficiency in elderly patients. In one study, forty patients, ages 51 to 78, with a diagnosis of resistant depression, were randomized to receive either ginkgo (80 mg three times daily) or placebo for eight weeks. During the study, patients remained on their antidepressant drugs. In patients treated with ginkgo, there was an average decline in the median Hamilton Depression Scale (a standard test) scores from 14 to 7 after four weeks; the average further reduced to 4.5 after eight weeks. There was only a one-point reduction in the placebo group after eight weeks. In addition to the significant improvement in symptoms of depression for the ginkgo group, there was also a noted improvement in overall cognitive function. No side effects were reported.
• Valerian root - For centuries, valerian has been used to treat nervous tension and panic attacks. A wonderful herb, Valerian is calming and quieting to the nervous system.
• Kava kava - Kava is the herb of choice to relax the body, relieve stress, combat mild to moderate anxiety, and relieve headache and back pain. Kava is now recognized by many doctors as an alternative to drugs like Xanax and Valium. As might be expected for something that works so well, kava is under false attack for causing liver damage. The issues of kava's safety and efficacy have been studied extensively, including a statistical review of seven human clinical trials, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, which indicated no significant adverse effects related to kava use and liver toxicity at normal doses.
• Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, has been used to stabilize mood in patients with behavioral disturbances. In studies, it produced an anti-anxiety effect comparable to that of the drug lorazepam and an antidepressant effect comparable to that of the drug imipramine.
• Lobelia - Lobelia is an extremely powerful anti-spasmodic and sedative. It helps improve breathing dramatically by dilating the bronchial tubes - great for asthmatics. It also works to stimulate a relaxation response in the body and to decrease adrenaline levels. As a result, lobelia helps any condition caused by adrenaline stress such as anxiety and panic attacks.
• Passionflower - Passionflower is remarkably effective as a sedative to calm nerves on edge.
• Black cohosh - Black cohosh was first used by American Indians to soothe the body by reducing the rapidity of the pulse. It also works internally to soothe nervous disease or spasm.
• Skullcap, hops, and catnip - These three herbs have a long history as marvelously effective herbal tranquilizers, sedatives, and sleep aids.
• Mulungu - Researchers have validated the traditional use of mulungu, from a tree that grows in the Amazon, for anxiety and stress, where it was shown to alter anxiety-related responses.

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