Herbs for Anxiety and Depression: What to Know Before You Try Them

Many people who struggle with anxiety and depression turn to medications for help. Some people also consider herbs, and herbs are sometimes described as a safer choice. However, “natural” does not automatically mean safe, and herbs can carry risks and interact with other medicines.

Safety note: Check with a qualified health professional before starting any herb or supplement, especially if you are already taking any other medicine, have a health condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not start, stop, or change any prescribed medicine without professional advice. This post is general information only. It is not medical advice and is not a diagnosis. Coaching is not therapy and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.

Many of us, perhaps most, will admit to feeling anxious regularly and often even depressed, perhaps due to pressures of work, home life, or any of a multitude of other causes. However, most of us are not clinically depressed or anxious, to the point where our lives and health are affected detrimentally.

The minority who do find their lives blighted by these conditions can often be found to be suffering from one or all of the following: self-harm and potentially suicidal thoughts, insomnia, lack of sex drive, inactivity and tiredness, and lack of concentration.

Certainly where someone is feeling so anxious or depressed that the medical profession would categorize them as clinically depressed or anxious, immediate help should be sought from a professional. Where someone is suffering from a milder form of anxiety, some people look for alternatives to common anti-depressant drugs. Alternative approaches sometimes discussed could include herbs for anxiety and depression, although it is always wise to seek medical help before starting any herbal product, especially if you are already taking any other forms of medication.

Herbs sometimes discussed for anxiety and depression include St. Johns Wort, Kava, Passion Flower, Ginseng, and SAM-e, and many have reported positive benefits to taking these herbs. St. Johns Wort is widely discussed and widely used. Again remember that you should consult your physician before taking any medication, even herbal, and do not take multiple herbal remedies at the same time without consultation with a professional.

St. John’s Wort interaction warning: St. John’s Wort can interact with antidepressants and many other medicines. It can change how other medicines work, reduce their effectiveness, or increase the risk of side effects. Do not combine St. John’s Wort with an antidepressant or other medicine unless a qualified health professional has advised you that it is appropriate for you, and tell any prescriber or pharmacist about all herbs and supplements you take.

There exists a significant problem in taking herbs for anxiety and depression and other ailments, and that is that unlike other medications government and international drug regulatory agencies are not required to test and approve their use. This can mean that products could become available that have unforeseen side effects. However many herbs have been used in medical applications for much longer than their modern chemical counterparts and so there exists a large body of admittedly anecdotal evidence backing their medicinal properties.

The critical point to remember is that there are no guarantees with herbal treatments, and care must be taken to ensure you are not exposing yourself to additional problems and side effects. A herbal product is not automatically a safer option than a conventional drug, and it cannot be assumed to provide relief. Do not assume herbs are a miracle cure. Check with a professional before starting any herb or supplement, and do not rely on general dosage information in place of professional advice.

Rhodiola is one herb sometimes discussed in connection with stress and fatigue. Its benefits are not established, and this mention is not a recommendation to use it. This is general information only. It is not medical advice and is not a diagnosis. Coaching is not therapy. Check with a qualified health professional before starting any herb or supplement.