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What is the best herbal remedy to treat anxiety and depression?


St. John’s Wort has been wonderful for me — it has worked, and the only side effect I have is my son (it overmetabolized my birth control pills). And after the initial shock, that was a gift!

First — you need to be sure that you are not clinically depressed, because that may need a different type of medication/therapy.

Second — if you are on blood thinners, birth control pills, or other types of medication that can be affected by it, you should consult your doctor before trying it. It also can make you more likely to get sunburn. By the way, my OB/GYN knew I was on St. John’s Wort — and I had been for over 2 years — but after I had my son in 1999 a bunch of articles started appearing about some medications being affected by it. It just wasn’t known then that it could happen.

Third — it takes several weeks (usually 4 to 6) to really begin to feel a difference.

The reason I started it is that I saw a show on 60 minutes about it. I have always been kind of moody, and I would overthink things. I read the book they talked about on the show, and tried to find out more about it from other areas, too. When I started it I was overwhelmed with work and life and instead of trying to wade my way through it, I was just vegging in front of the tv every night. Chores even weighed heavy on me, I just couldn’t seem to get anything done, and was constantly behind.

About 3-4 weeks into taking it, I suddenly realized that my kitchen was clean, my laundry was finished, and I didn’t dwell and lament over the fact that I "had soooo much to do" I just did it. For me it worked, and worked in a very noticable way. I stopped over thinking, and feeling anxious, and feeling overwhelmed. For others, they say nothing changed. I think it depends on the chemistry of the brain — I didn’t start being "good" to myself (eating better, exercising, etc.) until I started feeling better, so I can honestly say that the only thing that changed was that I was taking this herb, and doing things the way I usually did, until I started to have more energy and got more things done. The reason I wanted to go herbal is because I didn’t want to be dependent on a pharmacutical drug. In fact, I’ve read a couple of reports just in the last month that say that it is very difficult to get off of anti-depressants, and that was something that I was concerned about. I was off St. John’s Wort for over 2 years (I stopped them after I got pregnant and nursed for 2 years). I don’t take it regularly anymore, but when I do take it I usually take it for a month or two. Oh, it’s important to take the recommended dose of 900 milligrams (3 pills) a day.

Try to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat healthy, that will help too.

January 16 2010 08:38 am | herbal anxiety

11 Responses to “What is the best herbal remedy to treat anxiety and depression?”

  1. starrwoode Says:

    st johnswort they say, but watch what you take it with.
    References :

  2. Xterra04 Says:

    I treated my anxiety with Organic St. Johns Wort, I got it at Wholefoods. It took me about one or 2 weeks to feel the benefits, but it made a huge difference.
    References :

  3. Robert b Says:

    St John’s wort….try to get a capsule that contains at least 150mg. It is safe, and as effective as some of the prescription anti-depressants. It can be found at almost any pharmacy or health food store.
    References :
    my job in a pharmacy

  4. caitmae Says:

    Valerian root at night to help you sleep better and control your anxiety at night and Green tea during the day for a little zing and hop in your step by day. The green tea will help antioxidize your internal systems as well as cleanse your mind. I feel it leaves you feeling pretty good.
    References :
    personal

  5. firenzeperme Says:

    There are no quick fix solution to depression and anxiety. Look at what is the trigger or stressor that causes an episode, talk to someone and try to think differently about life.
    My sister used St John Wart to no effect. Herbal alternatives sometimes have other side effects so beware of them. If the problem persists in such a way that it affects your day to day function then you should speak to a professional who can guide you to recovery. If you not happy with what they say go else where till you find someone you can trust. Good luck:)
    References :

  6. SPLATT Says:

    A good remedy for anxiety is square breathing. See below.
    References :
    http://faculty.washington.edu/mwclarf/classwebsite/square_breathing.htm

  7. Bones Says:

    Mary Jane
    References :

  8. Jeremy H Says:

    Laughter, if that counts.

    Yerbe Mate is a healthy stimulant with few side effects.

    Deep breathing is always helpful.

    However, there is no substance or technique that will help you if you don’t like yourself and have something to look forward to.

    And I’ve always liked this phrase, "Physician, heal thyself."

    Get to the bottom of the story, understand why you feel like you feel. Don’t just shuffle crutches around, find out what is upsetting you in your life, your obstacles, and clear them. There are no simple answers.

    It is difficult not to be depressed in America because America is depressing.

    You can do it, be as tough as you can be, then rely on those close to you for the difference. Help other people when you can, like just answering questions on yahoo, then people will be there when you need them.

    When you’re alone, enjoy it. Keep a journal.

    I know these don’t seem like herbal remedies, but I think that remedies which don’t require any substance at all count. You decide.
    References :

  9. kaliselenite Says:

    St. John’s Wort has been wonderful for me — it has worked, and the only side effect I have is my son (it overmetabolized my birth control pills). And after the initial shock, that was a gift!

    First — you need to be sure that you are not clinically depressed, because that may need a different type of medication/therapy.

    Second — if you are on blood thinners, birth control pills, or other types of medication that can be affected by it, you should consult your doctor before trying it. It also can make you more likely to get sunburn. By the way, my OB/GYN knew I was on St. John’s Wort — and I had been for over 2 years — but after I had my son in 1999 a bunch of articles started appearing about some medications being affected by it. It just wasn’t known then that it could happen.

    Third — it takes several weeks (usually 4 to 6) to really begin to feel a difference.

    The reason I started it is that I saw a show on 60 minutes about it. I have always been kind of moody, and I would overthink things. I read the book they talked about on the show, and tried to find out more about it from other areas, too. When I started it I was overwhelmed with work and life and instead of trying to wade my way through it, I was just vegging in front of the tv every night. Chores even weighed heavy on me, I just couldn’t seem to get anything done, and was constantly behind.

    About 3-4 weeks into taking it, I suddenly realized that my kitchen was clean, my laundry was finished, and I didn’t dwell and lament over the fact that I "had soooo much to do" I just did it. For me it worked, and worked in a very noticable way. I stopped over thinking, and feeling anxious, and feeling overwhelmed. For others, they say nothing changed. I think it depends on the chemistry of the brain — I didn’t start being "good" to myself (eating better, exercising, etc.) until I started feeling better, so I can honestly say that the only thing that changed was that I was taking this herb, and doing things the way I usually did, until I started to have more energy and got more things done. The reason I wanted to go herbal is because I didn’t want to be dependent on a pharmacutical drug. In fact, I’ve read a couple of reports just in the last month that say that it is very difficult to get off of anti-depressants, and that was something that I was concerned about. I was off St. John’s Wort for over 2 years (I stopped them after I got pregnant and nursed for 2 years). I don’t take it regularly anymore, but when I do take it I usually take it for a month or two. Oh, it’s important to take the recommended dose of 900 milligrams (3 pills) a day.

    Try to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat healthy, that will help too.
    References :
    more about st. johns wort
    http://www.hypericum.com/
    http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/

    some have difficulty stopping antidepressants
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14126142/

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