Natural Herbs for Depression

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perferatum)

This herb is a favorite among herbalists, the small yellow flowers and aerial parts of this amazing herb are used to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety for thousands of years. In recent times the standardised extract of Hypericum has shown to benefit in alleviating depression and anxiety. St John’s wort’s additional benefit is that it is a gentle sedative and is useful in treating insomnia.

The flowers contain hypericin, and hyperforin both considered to be vital components in the mood lifting action of this herb; and their compounds is enhanced by the flavenoid glycosides naturally found in this plant.

Caution is warranted if you are taking warfarin, digoxin and some drugs used to treat HIV (indinavir and nevirapine), chemotherapy medications such as irinotecan, and antihistamines, benzodiazepines and simvastatin. Consulting your health care practitioner is advisable before beginning any new medication and in the case of St John’s Wort, it is recommended to discontinue for seven days before a general anaesthetic.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passionflower has a tranquilising affect on the nervous system and is indicated specifically for anxiety and insomnia. With a reputation as non habit forming medication for anxiety, passionflower has been indicated in preparations for alcohol, nicotine and opiate withdrawal. This herb is extremely gentle in its action and should be considered for insomnia associated with anxiety before using Valerian.

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root is possibly one of the most pungent herbs in use. This strong smelling herb is famous for being the plant that Valium was derived from. It is one of the more potent calmatives in use and care should be taken when using valerian for more than three weeks for insomnia associated with anxiety. Valerian can cause drowsiness and prolonged use may disrupt deep sleep which can lead to tiredness, even after a full night´s sleep.

Skullcap (Scutilaria lateriflora)

Skullcap is recommended for nervous tension due to long term stress, disease or fatigue; including neuralgia, insomnia as well as depression. This herb is considered to be useful in coping with the withdrawal effects of anti-depressant medication and has also works in relieving headache, anxiety and mild pain; giving Skullcap the reputation as a nervous system tonic. Skullcap is often used where relaxation is a required and may make some users drowsy.

Other natural herbs that have been used for depression treatment.

• False Unicorn - (Chamaelirium luteum)
• Thyme - (Thymus vulgaris)
• Mugwort - (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Fennel - (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Yerba Mate - (Ilex paraguariensis)
• Yellow Dock - (Rumex crispus)
• Vervain - (vervain-herbs.html)
• Wormwood - (Artemisia absinthium)
• Self Heal - (Prunella vulgaris)
• Borage - (Borago officinalis)
• Sweet Orange - (Citrus sinensis)
• Sweet Basil - (Ocimum basilicum)
• Blessed Thistle - (Cnicus benedictus)