Depression and anxiety can cause your mood to plummet and interfere with your daily life. Even a mild case of depression can make you feel fatigued, uninterested in activities, and unable to cope with everyday life. If you’re looking for an over-the-counter remedy for your low mood, you might want to try one of the following mood-lifting herbal supplements:
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort has been used as far back as Hippocrates, who used the herb for depression as well as for burns, wounds, and ulcers. The active ingredients in St. John’s Wort include flavonoids, hypericin, and hyperforin. The herb also increases serotonin in the brain, a chemical responsible for good moods. It also increases dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that are also attributed to raising your mood. St. John’s Wort has also been known to lower the stress hormone cortisol.
Reported side effects are stomach upset, fatigue, restlessness, and possible allergic reactions. Do not use this herb if pregnant. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist to ensure any herbal supplement won’t interact negatively with your current medications.
Kava Kava
Kava Kava comes from the islands of the South Pacific, where it has been used as a relaxant for centuries. This herb influences GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid), a neurotransmitter, to promote relaxation. Kava Kava has also been shown to affect the portion of the brain that influences emotions. It also prevents the hormone norepinephrine from inducing a stress response. The only reported side-effect is stomach upset. It is not recommended for pregnant women to use the herb. People with liver disease should also not use this supplement.
Valerian
Valerian was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks for a variety of health issues, including relaxation. Its relaxation properties can lead to feeling less stress, thus calming feelings of depression. Valerian contains GABA neurotransmitters, which help calm the brain.
Side effects include a groggy sensation the day after the herb is taken. Some people have experienced stomach upset. If you are already taking a prescription tranquilizer or antidepressant, consult your doctor first before trying Valerian.
Whether you’re experiencing the blues, feeling anxious, or feeling high levels of stress, and it’s affecting your mood, it’s comforting to know you can find an over-the-counter supplement that can help you feel better. Taken with care, these herbal supplements might be the right cure to lift your mood.
