Natural Remedies for Mental Health
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Natural Remedies for Mental Health

 

 

Herbs and other natural remedies are often recommended to those who are struggling with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. However, there’s also a lot of confusion regarding the efficacy and safety of these supplements.

 

 

For those who are considering using natural remedies for mental health, the following questions (and answers) can provide more insight and help them to make more informed decisions.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

(click on a question below to be directed quickly)

Can you treat mental illness without medication?
Which herbs are best for mental health?
Which herbs are best for depression?
Which herbs are best for anxiety?
Which plants improve brain function?
Can Ayurvedic medicine treat mental health?

 

 

Can You Treat Mental Illness Without Medication?

 

Yes, mental illness can be treated without prescription medication.

 

Approximately 40 million Americans take psychiatric drugs, according to a research letter published by JAMA Internal Medicine. However, many others choose not to take medication and prefer a more holistic approach to managing their conditions.

 

It’s important to note that, although medication is not always required to treat mental health conditions, it is still best to work with a licensed professional when dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

 

These kinds of conditions can have serious (and in some cases life-threatening) symptoms, and it’s not a good idea to handle them with a DIY approach. A therapist or other professional can make recommendations tailored to the individual client and set them up for better results now and in the future.

 

Which Herbs Are Best for Mental Health?

 

There are lots of herbal supplements that professionals recommend for addressing mental health conditions. The following are some of the most popular options:

 

Ginseng

 

Ginseng supplements are made from the root of the ginseng plant (specifically American Ginseng and Asian Ginseng). For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have used ginseng to help patients experience mental clarity and reduce stress.

 

Some research (such as this study published by the Journal of Ginseng Research) shows that ginseng may be beneficial when it comes to increasing energy and motivation in people who are struggling with depression, too.

 

Chamomile

 

Chamomile is an herb that can be soothing and symptom-reducing to those who are dealing with depression or anxiety.

 

Research published by Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine shows that, when compared to a placebo, chamomile is more effective when it comes to providing relief from depression symptoms.

 

This study published by the Journal of Clinical Trials also shows that it is more effective than a placebo when it comes to managing anxiety.

 

 

 

Natural Remedies for Mental Health

 

Which Herbs Are Best for Depression?

 

For those who are struggling with depression, the following herbs are most often recommended to minimize symptoms and improve quality of life:

St. John’s Wort

 

The herb St. John’s Wort is often recommended to those struggling with depression. It is particularly effective, according to a research review published by Systematic Reviews, at treating mild and moderate depression.

 

St. John’s Wort appears to be effective because it helps to increase the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a key role in mood regulation.

 

Saffron

 

Saffron is a perennial herb that can be used as both a medicine and a spice. It has long been used as an antidepressant, and research shows that it can be highly effective.

 

For example, this study published by the Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences shows that compounds like crocin and safranal, which are naturally present in saffron, may help to improve the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

 

Rhodiola Rosea

 

Rhodiola Rosea is an herb that has long been used in western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (like this one published by the Journal of Clinical Trials), it is safe and effective at treating mild and moderate symptoms of depression.

 

 

Which Herbs Are Best for Anxiety?

 

For those who need help managing anxiety symptoms, other herbs like these may be more effective:

 

Lavender

 

Lavender is an herb that belongs to the mint family. It is often recommended by herbalists and aromatherapists because of its calming, anxiety-reducing properties.

 

This study published by Mental Health Clinician confirms lavender’s efficacy and shows that two of its terpenes, linalool and linalyl acetate, can have calming effects and reduce anxiety and stress.

 

Valerian

 

The valerian plant is native to Europe and Asia. It is often recommended to those who struggle with anxiety, especially those whose anxiety symptoms interfere with their sleep quality.

 

According to this study published by the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, valerian can be an effective anxiety treatment option, particularly when it comes to combating insomnia-related symptoms.

 

Passionflower

 

Passionflower is a perennial plant with over 550 different species. Some studies show that it can help to reduce feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness. This study, for example, published by Nutrition Journal, even showed that its effects are similar to those produced by benzodiazepines (a common anti-anxiety medication).

 

 

Which Plants Improve Brain Function?

 

Often, those who deal with mental health conditions experience cognitive issues, such as trouble focusing or remembering. The following herbs and plant supplements can help to minimize these symptoms:

 

Ginkgo Biloba

 

Over the last several years, ginkgo biloba has become popular in Europe and the United States of America because of its positive impact on those struggling with age-related cognitive impairments, including memory loss. According to this study published by the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it may be effective, in part, because of its high antioxidant content.

 

Peppermint

 

Peppermint is a popular herb that has been shown to improve memory and cognitive performance.

 

This study, published by the International Journal of Neuroscience, shows that the aroma of peppermint, alone, can help to improve memory and mood. This makes it an effective option for those struggling with mental health and impaired executive functioning.

 

 

 

Can Ayurvedic Medicine Treat Mental Health?

 

According to this report published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that was originally founded in India.

 

Ayurveda uses nutrition and herbal supplementation to create a balance between one’s mind, body, and soul. For centuries, Ayurvedic principles have been used effectively in India and throughout the world to address mental health conditions more holistically (Boston Heart Diagnostics Pharmacy).

 

Some people may respond very well to these practices and will see great results without the use of traditional prescription medications. However, it’s still important to work with a licensed counselor or another practitioner while utilizing this approach.

References

 

Moore, T. J., & Mattison, D. R. (2017). Adult utilization of psychiatric drugs and differences by sex, age, and race. JAMA internal medicine, 177(2), 274-275.

 

Lee, S., & Rhee, D. K. Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. J Ginseng Res. 2017; 41 (4): 589-94.

 

Amsterdam, J. D., Shults, J., Soeller, I., Mao, J. J., Rockwell, K., & Newberg, A. B. (2012). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may have antidepressant activity in anxious depressed humans-an exploratory study. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 18(5), 44.

 

Mao, J. J., Li, Q. S., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Xie, S. X., & Amsterdam, J. D. (2014). Long-Term Chamomile Therapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled Trial. Journal of clinical trials, 4(5), 188. https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0870.1000188

 

Apaydin, E. A., Maher, A. R., Shanman, R., Booth, M. S., Miles, J. N., Sorbero, M. E., & Hempel, S. (2016). A systematic review of St. John’s wort for major depressive disorder. Systematic reviews, 5(1), 148. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0325-2

 

Siddiqui, M. J., Saleh, M., Basharuddin, S., Zamri, S., Mohd Najib, M., Che Ibrahim, M., Binti Mohd Noor, N. A., Binti Mazha, H. N., Mohd Hassan, N., & Khatib, A. (2018). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 10(4), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.4103/JPBS.JPBS_83_18

 

Mao, J. J., Li, Q. S., Soeller, I., Xie, S. X., & Amsterdam, J. D. (2014). Rhodiola rosea therapy for major depressive disorder: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial. Journal of clinical trials, 4, 170. https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0870.1000170

 

Malcolm, B. J., & Tallian, K. (2018). Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?. The mental health clinician, 7(4), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147

 

Shinjyo, N., Waddell, G., & Green, J. (2020). Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine, 25, 2515690X20967323. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X20967323

 

Lakhan, S. E., & Vieira, K. F. (2010). Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review. Nutrition journal, 9, 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-42

 

Silberstein, R. B., Pipingas, A., Song, J., Camfield, D. A., Nathan, P. J., & Stough, C. (2011). Examining brain-cognition effects of ginkgo biloba extract: brain activation in the left temporal and left prefrontal cortex in an object working memory task. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2011, 164139. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/164139

 

Moss, M., Hewitt, S., Moss, L., & Wesnes, K. (2008). Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. The International journal of neuroscience, 118(1), 59–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450601042094

 

Behere, P. B., Das, A., Yadav, R., & Behere, A. P. (2013). Ayurvedic concepts related to psychotherapy. Indian journal of psychiatry, 55(Suppl 2), S310–S314. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.105556

 

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Disclaimer: ALL IN Therapy Clinic aims to improve people’s lives. We do this through providing effective mental health counseling by passionate professionals. Inspired by this, we write content for your own education. Also, our content is researched, cited, reviewed, and edited by licensed mental health professionals.  However, the information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Additionally, it should not be used in place of the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

 

 

 

 

 

Written and reviewed by

Dr Kyle Zrenchik, PhD, ACS, LMFT

Dr. Kyle Zrenchik is the Co-Founder of ALL IN, the Creator of the Couples Erotic Flow model for treating sexual issues in individuals and couples, Designer of the Deep Dive programs at ALL IN, and is one of the most well-respected couples counselors in the Twin Cities.