Herbal remedies have been quite popular for the treatment of anxiety and depression since several centuries in the past. With time, western societies have chosen to rely on prescription medications more than traditional herbal therapies. However, there are many of these herbal remedies that are worth trying out.

The National Centre of Health Statistics (NCHS) mentioned in a report that the rate of antidepressant usage has significantly increased by the rate of 400% among adults and teens between the years 1988 to 1994 and 2005 to 2008.

Many might debate the idea that taking antidepressants is a good thing, but it does also lead to severe side effects. Many of the critics also mention that the benefits derived from the antidepressants are overestimated in order to surge the sales of prescription drugs.

The heavy marketing done by drug companies is one of the reasons the sales are hiking so quickly. However, people suffering from symptoms related to anxiety and depression always have the option to go for natural treatments.

Nature has provided us with many elements that can be used for treating the symptoms effectively. We are going to discuss some of these options in this article.

St. John’s Wort

It is one of the popular herbs that can be used for treating depression and anxiety. It was used in Germany for treating mild or moderate depression and is considered to be one of the well-established natural antidepressants with a level of effectiveness similar to any of the prescription drugs with significantly lower side effects. St. John’s Wort is also known to possess an anti-anxiety effect like the SSRIs.

Before you use this option, it is essential to take note that St. John’s Wort could easily interact with other medications. It is particularly true for chemotherapy medications, birth control pills, and blood thinners. Therefore, consulting with the doctor is highly recommended before taking the herb.

Kratom Leaves

Kratom is one of the tropical trees that are found in South Asia. The extract from its leaves is known to be beneficial for the treatment of chronic pain along with several other conditions. It has also been found it be useful for treating symptoms related to anxiety and depression. As the extracts offer the effect that is similar to codeine or morphine, it is known to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant qualities. If you are looking for high-quality kratom products, you can browse through the options available in Thegoldenmonk

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a special kind of essential oil which is popularly used as an inhalant in the form of lotions, oils, sprays, and sachets. The smell is known for inducing sleep and calmness. Lavender oil can also be produced for oral consumption that can cross the blood-brain-barrier. It is known as dangerous or addictive. But the effects of lavender oil is beneficial for treating anxiety, without making the person feel tired.

Valerian Root

Valerian is quite famous for being an anxiolytic and mild antidepressant that does not come with a sedative effect. It is probably the most operative herb for inducing sleep, as per research studies. It has the ability to relieve anxiety without making the person feel tired. People who suffer from severe anxiety spells can make use of this herb. However, it is not recommended for use while working or driving.

Kava

Kava root was used in a ceremonial tea for several centuries in the Polynesian islands. It does not have an addictive nature and is known for being quite effective in treating generalised anxiety disorder. The root creates effects similar to alcohol, i.e. anxiety-reducing and relaxing, but without any addictive nature. The results of the kava roots are also identical to the one produced by valium. It is not recommended for people who have liver problems or hepatitis.

Chamomile

Chamomile is another herb that is beneficial for the treatment of anxiety as well as depression.  It has two main species that are used for medicinal purposes. German chamomile is known for offering health benefits as well.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha also referred to as Indian ginseng, is a popular herb that was a part of Ayurveda. It is known to be used for treating several medical conditions, some of which are now studied scientifically.

The herb has shown positive results in reducing the body’s stress hormones, promoting memory and intellect, etc. research studies were able to show that it was quite effective in reducing symptoms associated to bipolar disorder. Some other studies showed that it could be used in the form of an effective anxiolytic or a mood stabiliser.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another woody plant that has leaves which are popularly used for flavouring potatoes, meats, and cooking oils. The seasoning is known for having anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Many people in the Middle East and other regions make use of it for its positive effects.

Wrapping it up

Anxiety and depression are severe psychological conditions, and living with them can make things pretty hard for a person. Therefore using natural remedies can be one of the safest options because it brings desirable changes with minimum side effects. However, it is crucial to discuss your options with a licenced doctor before making any changes.