Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies can be used very effectively to significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms of anxiety and depression through natural and more cost effective means. While many herbal remedies have been used to treat depression, the most substantial amount of scientific research has involved St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Several studies indicate that St. John's Wort may be as effective as antidepressants, but with fewer side effects. St John's Wort is well known for being a safe treatment of mild to moderate depression. It has been of great benefit to some people. But its success has fuelled the mistaken belief that a particular herb can 'fix' a particular problem – that all people need to do is go out and buy a bottle. This goes against the principles of herbal medicine and creates false expectations.

Other herbs traditionally used for mental health include Kava Kava (which has recently been banned in the United Kingdom), Valerian, Gingko Biloba, Passionflower , Chamomile, Lemon Balm (also known as Melissa) and Reishi.

People try herbal remedies for all sorts of reasons, because they hear from others that it has worked, because they feel it's natural and believe it's likely to have fewer side-effects. Some people prefer to take a more holistic approach to treating themselves because conventional medicine has let them down.

Herbal medicines are most effective for treating long-standing complaints, when they are used as part of a holistic approach to health. In other words, when looking at the person as a whole, and working out whether there are underlying medical, emotional or lifestyle factors that may be having some influence on the outbreak of symptoms.

The easiest way to use herbs at home is as a tea or 'infusion' where plant material is infused in boiling water for five to ten minutes, strained and then drunk. Herbal remedies come in many other forms, they can be bought over the counter as:

Tea.
Capsules or Tablets.
Fresh Herbs (e.g. garlic cloves or peppermint leaves).
Extracts.
In foods.
Essential oils (for external use).
Creams and ointments (for applying to the skin).

The potency and quality of all of these will vary widely. As part of the processing to make extracts, herbs have things added to them, and will come in a range of strengths. Different manufacturers produce remedies in different strengths and to different qualities. Prices will vary, and may not necessarily reflect the quality of the product. Properly qualified Herbalists prefer to use herbs that are as close as possible to their natural state, with nothing added and nothing taken away.

Remedies are now available in health food shops, chemists, and supermarkets. Some can even be bought via mail order. Herbal remedies aren't covered by a standard licensing procedure (although some do have product licences). They are either classed as food supplements, or come under section 12 of the Medicines Act, which makes them exempt from licensing. They don't have to undergo the same testing as pharmaceutical drugs; however, there are EU calls for herbal remedies to be subject to the same rigorous checks as pharmaceutical drugs.

It's important to remember that like CBT and regular medication what works for one person may not work for another.

Types of herbs:

5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
5HTP is an amino acid that is converted to serotonin, a strong neurotransmitter in the brain which has been shown to be lacking in many patients with OCD. It specifically targets symptoms caused by low serotonin levels such as feeling down and changes in sleep patterns.

Damiana
A tonic herb to strengthen the reproductive and nervous systems. For mild to moderate depression and anxiety associated with fatigue.

Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba can be helpful for depression, and when an antidepressant reduces interest in sex, although side-effects could cause stomach upset, headache, allergic skin reactions, slight dizziness on occasion.

Kava Kava
Can help reduce anxiety and stress. May also be helpful for sleep, pain and depression. Occasional side-effects include stomach discomfort, headache, tiredness, wobbliness. However, this particular herbal remedy has recently been banned in the United Kingdom

Lavender
Lavender is used by herbalists to help people with mild to moderate depression and to ease pain.

Lemon Balm (also known as Melissa)
Can help reduce anxiety, irritability, insomnia and headaches. Lemon Balm is also good at treating the physical symptoms of anxiety – particularly the digestive disorders that can arise from tension, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

St John's Wort
As previously mentioned, St. John’s Wort is the most discussed herbal remedy and can help ease symptoms of Depression (clinical trials show it's good for at least mild depression). It may also be helpful for anxiety, sleep problems and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Although there are several possible side effects mild nausea, headache, sleepiness, dry mouth, constipation, itchiness, restlessness, dizziness, mania (in cases of manic-depression) and sunburn. Also it should be noted that if a patient takes St. John's Wort in combination with birth control pills, the birth control pills may not be as effective.

Valerian
May be helpful for anxiety, depression, stress and for sleep problems. Possible side-effects are mild headaches, feeling sick, nervousness, palpitations, grogginess on waking.

Side-effects
A herb, like any other chemical compound, may have side-effects. On the whole, side-effects seem to be much milder and more infrequent than regular pharmaceutical drugs. Most of the herbs that may have side-effects in high doses are not readily available to buy over the counter. Where problems have been reported, this seems to have been caused by very poor-quality products or by extreme misuse, mistakenly believing, for instance, that taking a higher dose will make it work better.

Recent study research suggests that high doses of the herbs could damage reproductive cells and prevent sperm fertilising eggs. Researchers have said that popular herbal remedies such as St John's Wort, Ginkgo and Echinacea could reduce fertility although research and debate into this continues.

You are also advised not to use herbal remedies if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding. Herbal remedies should not be taken in combination with birth control pills, the birth control pills may not be as effective.

We would strongly recommend checking with your GP for advice should you experience any side effects or if you are already on medication, it is advised that herbal remedies should not be taken with anti-depressant medications.

 

Tips for buying remedies:
Buy your herbs from a reputable supplier to ensure high quality.
Check the expiry date.
Choose single herbs rather than combinations
Remedies can take time to work, and it's easy to be impatient.
Always read and follow the dosage and general instructions on the label, carefully.
Choose remedies carefully – do a bit of research before you buy anything, and compare manufacturers as well as different forms of the herb. Don't choose on the basis of price alone.

Useful Websites:
British Holistic Medical Association
Institute for Complementary Medicine
National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Useful Books:
Herbs and Nutrients for the Mind: A Guide to Natural Brain Enhancer's
The Natural Prozac Program: How to Use St.John's Wort, the Anti-Depressant Herb
St. John's Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good

 

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