Supplements and Mental Health

Goodbye pharmacy, hello mother earth! Many herbs work by keeping the neurotransmitter and serotonin circulating in the brain. Herbs such as Siberian ginseng, licorice and Saint John's wort increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. Prescription drugs can be expensive and have side effects. Herbs are often cheaper and carry little to no side effects. As more and more people search for alternative and safer treatment for mental health concerns, they are turning to herbs because of the many benefits herbal medicine offers. The beauty of herbs is that they don’t cause more health problems than they cure. Here is just a small list of some herbals that have really helped treating mental health issues.

Bacopa (bacopa monniera): Depression often interrupts our ability to concentrate, obtain mental clarity, and make decisions. The Bacosides, Alkaloids, and Glycosides in Bacopa support brain functions including concentration, memory, focus, and mental endurance.

Borage: This herb exhibits some calmative properties that make it useful for nervous conditions. Borage has also been recommended for pleurisy, and peritonitis.

Catnip: Relaxes, calms, and reduces headaches.

Capsicum: Not only promotes cleansing of the circulatory & digestive system; it reduces fever, purifies the blood; helps prevent muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, and helps in regulating your blood pressure and pulse rate due to stress.

Chamomile: Is an anti-anxiety remedy, especially when taken as herbal tea. Chamomile produces a mild, calming, sedative effect.

Cascara Sagrada: Helps prevent nervous disorders.

Damiana: There is some data that suggests that Damiana has the capability to stimulate an exhilarated response, which makes it valuable in helping to lessen stress. It is therefore quite acceptable for people who have emotional or physical distress.

Ginseng: Increases endurance in mental and physical stamina, and normalizes blood pressure levels; helps protect the body against stress.

Gotu Kola: An excellent "brain food" which promotes memory and helps soothe mental fatigue; excellent for energy and normalizing blood pressure. It is considered to be a superb "nerve tonic."

Hawthorne Berries: Strengthens the muscles and nerves to the heart, and aids in relieving emotional stress while regulating high and low blood pressure.

Hyssop: Regulates blood pressure, purifies the blood and promotes circulation. Hyssop has been known to have properties for nervous disorders.

Kava: Is increasingly recognized as a valuable medicinal plant for several common health disorders including anxiety, and sleeplessness. Studies show that it can offer an herbal alternative to major pharmaceutical drugs when used for mild cases of these conditions.

Kelp: Reduces stress and mood swings.

Melatonin: Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by the pineal gland. The production of this hormone helps our bodies to regulate our sleep-wake cycles. Disturbed sleep patterns can be common, and Melatonin provides relief by acting as a powerful, non-addictive sleeping agent. Problems with the circadian rhythm are common in bipolar disorder, and Melatonin is believed to help this condition by telling the body to sleep during the night (dark) hours and to remain awake during the daylight hours. Generally, it works best if consumed about a half-hour before bedtime. It has been said, though, that someone with a history of depression should not take Melatonin.

Passionflower: Stress-relieving, is a gentle tranquilizer. It's used to relieve muscle tension, and emotional upset, and is especially helpful in easing insomnia. It acts as a natural calming agent by promoting the transmission of subtle nerve impulses. Passionflower (passiflora incarnata) is often used with other sleep-aid herbs such as chamomile in herbal formulas.

Phosphatidyl Choline (lecithin): this substance has significant effects on the manic-depressive, with some claiming that it stabilizes moods, while others suggesting that it serves as a mood depressant. It is probable that it actually has both actions (as does the prescription drug Depakote). For that reason, although lecithin may be useful in helping to stabilize moods, it should probably be used cautiously.

Rose Hips: Used to curb stress. Has the highest herb in Vitamin C content, and contains the entire C-Complex.

St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum): Is routinely prescribed in other countries for depressive disorders. The herb is seemingly more effective when ingested for brief periods of time (six weeks or less). Individuals who decide to take St. John's wort should avoid excessive sunlight and tanning booths because this botanical medicine increases the body's sensitivity to light.

Skullcap: Common uses are for hysteria, hydrophobia, anticonvulsant; antispasmodic, sedative, deep aid, bitter activity.

Schizandra: Is also considered an adaptogen, and similar to ginseng. It is believed to increase stamina and fight against fatigue. It has also been used effectively as an antidepressant.

Valerian: The calming constituent of valerian (valeriana officinalis) is valerianic acid, which acts as a sedative for emotional disturbances and pain.

Wild Oats: Good for nervous exhaustion.

Yohimbe: Yohimbe bark was used in western Africa for fevers, leprosy, and coughs. Traditionally, it has also been used for heart disease, and as a local anesthetic. Recent studies suggest that it is effective for depression.

Other Herbs or Supplements

Omega Fatty Acids: The Omega 3's are a group of essential fatty acid nutrients derived from marine or plant sources. The two principle types of Omega-3 are EPA and DHA—both found in fish oil. These are considered the number one choice in treating mental health issues. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to have mood stabilizing effects, and fish oil has become a very popular choice among those with bipolar disorder seeking natural treatment for their symptoms. Experts suggest using fish oil instead of flaxseed oil, as a higher incidence of hypomania has been noted in study results in those using flaxseed oil.
DHEA: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is as effective in treating depression as prescription medications. Researchers are not yet certain how DHEA alleviates depression, but both DHEA and DHEAS can cross the blood-brain barrier, and interact with the brain directly. DHEA affects serotonin, GABA receptors and other brain factors, and a recent study indicates it might modulate the serotonin signaling pathway. DHEA also helps to alleviate stress by counteracting cortisol, the stress hormone. Studies have determined that some depressed individuals have unusually high levels of cortisol.

Flaxseed: Flaxseed oil is another excellent supplement. Flaxseed oil provides essential fatty acids (EFAs), such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential for many bodily functions, including brain function. Studies indicate that low levels of EFAs may be associated with depression. (Experts suggest using fish oil instead of flaxseed oil as a higher incidence of hypomania has been noted in study results in those using flaxseed oil.)

5-HTP (5-hydoxytryptophan): 5-HTP is another supplement that some have used with success.

5-HTP converts to serotonin, and serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. Long-term data on 5-HTP usage is not available, and thus it is advisable to take the minimum effective dosage, and perhaps not to take it continually. (Do not use 5-HTP if you are currently taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitors; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); tricyclic medications; weight-loss medications; barbiturates, and other tranquilizing drugs; Antihistamines and cold medications; alcoholic beverages; intravenous drugs; cancer chemotherapy or antibiotic medications.)

SAM-e: SAM-e stands for S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, and has only been in the United States for about six years, but has been used in Europe as a treatment of depression for quite some time. SAM-e is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body. It is usually found in the liver and brain. SAM-e is a regulator of the chemicals serotonin and dopamine, two of the brain’s chemicals that influence your mood. Irregularities in serotonin and dopamine may be the cause of the individual’s depression and SAM-e can alleviate those symptoms.