Anxiety and depression often co-exist, compromising quality of life for many sufferers. If professional treatment is not desired or feasible, the natural herbs St. John's Wort and Valerian may provide relief in some cases.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort, also known as hypericum perforatum, is a perennial herb with yellow flowers. It has been used in the traditional medicine of many cultures for hundreds of years. Recently, the plant has attracted attention as an anti-depressant, thanks to several studies showing its effectiveness.
In these studies, the dosage used was usually 300 mg of St. John's Wort three times per day, standardized to contain a small amount of hypericin, which was believed to be the chemical compound primarily responsible for anti-depressant effects. However, recent evidence has suggested that another active compound called hyperforin may have an equal or greater role in the effectiveness of St. John's Wort.
Because the exact method of action and active compounds are not fully known, it may not be necessary to purchase a standardized St. John's Wort extract. The whole herb, obtained from a reputable manufacturer, may be sufficient. In either case, the recommended dosage is 300 mg three times per day.
It may take four to six weeks for the full effect of St. John's Wort to become apparent. As always, a health care professional should be consulted before starting any herbal dietary supplement such as St. John's Wort. This herb should not be taken with any prescription antidepressant without a doctor's approval. Mild side effects may occur in some individuals, including increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Some limited evidence also suggests that St. John's Wort may have a role in diminishing general anxiety. However, it may not be effective for acute anxiety. For immediate relief from anxiety, Valerian may be helpful.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a perennial flowering plant with pink or white flowers. It is a mild natural sedative which may affect the same brain pathways as anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax (known as benzodiazepines). Although the evidence for Valerian's effectiveness and mode of action requires further review, many people report positive results, particularly in cases of insomnia and anxiety.
Typical dosage when using the whole herb extract ranges from 500-1500 mg per day, as needed. While some users report that Valerian's effects may take several weeks to reach optimal levels, others report immediate results. Again, a health care professional should always be consulted before using any herbal supplement such as Valerian. Encouragingly, the herb is reported to have few, if any, noticeable side effects. However, Valerian may cause drowsiness.
When used in combination, St. John's Wort and Valerian may provide natural relief from mild to moderate anxiety and depression. If symptoms do not improve within 4-6 weeks, professional treatment should be strongly considered.
References
St. John's Wort - RxList.com
Valerian - MayoClinic.com
James Quirk - I have been studying and practicing Eastern and Western philosophy on an independent basis for over ten years, with an emphasis on ...
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