Herbal Anti Depressants

Acai Berry
Euterpe oleracea

Indicated as good nutrition for depression because it's high in essential Omegas 3,6 & 9, which support healthy brain function. It also has a complex of 19 amino-acids, supporting growth and repair of cells, is packed with vitamins, is minerally rich and is made up of 45% dietary fibre.

Agnus Castus or Chaste Tree
Agnus Castus

This pretty tree bears fruit that is taken as a natural aid for the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, known as PMS and PMT, and the symptoms of the menopause. It really is an all round tonic and balancer for the reproductive organs. It has the reputation for regulating the pituary gland function, thus normalising the progesterone function and being helpful as a natural aid for conditions related to the reproductive organs.

Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha is rejuvenating and strengthening to the nervous system, and it works as a mild depressant to the over agitated nerves whilst nourishing and protecting. So it is excellent for stress induced disorders such as Insomnia, anxiety, neurosis.

Oat Straw
Avena Sativa

Known for treating nervous exhaustion and aiding recovery from illness and addictions.

Bala
Sida Cordifolia

Bala is diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulating to the central nervous system and anti-asthmatic. So it would seem to have a stimulating, strengthening, energising effect.

Barley Grass
Hordeum vulgare L

Barley Grass has a huge nutritional range boosting energy and vitality, combating fatigue, allergies and stress. It helps the body detoxify, eliminating unhealthy bacteria and balances gut and bowel health. It is a strongly alkalising food and therefore helps fight candida.

Bee Pollen
Bee Pollen

Full of nutrition, Bee Pollen contains vitamin A, C, D, E, K and B complex, as well as lecithin, beta-carotene and selenium. It has 10 essential enzymes and co-enzymes and is a rich source of folic acid & lecithin.

Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa

Black Cohosh works to balance female reproductive hormones and for this reason can be useful in giving relief from PMS, menstrual cramps

It is also effective in bringing relief to menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, irritability and tiredness.

It can be used as a natural alternative to HRT as it boosts oestrogen levels naturally.

Brahmi
Bacopa monniera

Brahmi's mind enhancing and nervous system soothing qualities are legendary. It is recommended for use in adults and children as it is mild and gentle and appropriate for any age.

Cacao
Theobroma cacao

Raw Cacao contains over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, and is high in magnesium, iron, chromium, tryptophan, and antioxidants. It also contains PEA and anandamide, Dopamine and serotonin. It's feel good factor is well known however it is also an excellent source of nutrition.

Catnip
Nepeta Cataria

Catnip makes a soothing tea which is mild enough to give to small children. In many cultures, it is thought to purify the blood, and is used for its calming and sedative effects, both in adults and in small children. It is recommended for aiding sleep.

Chamomile
Chamomilla recutita

Chamomile is thought of as one of the "Heal all" remedies of the herbal world. It is relaxing, calming, anti-inflammatory, gentle, a natural sedative, and safe for kids. It is good for insomnia, sleep disturbances, and anxiety as it is a natural tranquiliser.

Chlorella
Chlorella vulgaris

A rich source of a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids (including the omegas) and protein. Almost certianly one of the finest sources of nutrition known to man. Will help form a solid base to yo ur diet.

Cola Nut
Kola nitida

Cola / kola nut has been said to create a "marked stimulation in human conciousness, and can give rise to Euphoric states". It is one of nature's stimulants, containing caffeine. It stimulates the central nervous system, and acts as an anti- depressant.

Cordyceps Sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis

The cordyceps mushroom has an unusual array of constituents making it an excellent choice of superfood for anyone looking to enhance their nutrition. It is well known to help combat the effects of fatigue and ageing and recent studies suggest it may have anti-depressant effect by affecting the adrenergic and dopaminergic systems, but not by affecting the serotonergic system.

Camu Camu
Myrciaria Dubia

Camu Camu has a reputation for alleviating depression and helping the process of weaning people off pharmaceutical antidepressants.

Damiana
Turnera diffusa

Damiana is an anti- depressant and is known to strengthen and tonify the central nervous system and is used for emotional stress, including anxiety, depression and mood disorders. It is also thought to be helpful in conditions of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Dong Quai
Angelica sinensis

Chinese Angelica has been used in China, Korea and Japan as an all purpose women's tonic for many years. It appears it really is one of the ultimate herbs for women, restoring health and balancing hormones in all cycles of a women's life.

Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea / Angustifolia

Echinacea is widely respected as "THE remedy for colds and flu." It is a major immune booster that helps the body combat all types of infection including candida.

Fo-Ti / Ho Shou Wu
Polygonum multiflorum

Fo-ti is a traditional Chinese medicine, and is known as one of the herbs for nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. It is seen as a remedy for unblocking the channels of the heart and spirit, allowing a pathway for the release of generalized weakness, soreness, pain and fatigue. It is also indicated traditionally for nightmares. As it is mildly oestrogenic it is indicated for use in menopausal symptoms.

Ginkgo / Maidenhair
Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is well known for its Antioxidant and detoxifying properties. It has been used for many years as a remedy for various conditions. Ginkgo is the most widely used herbal remedy in Europe, and is one of the top 10 best selling alternative medicines in America. There are various conditions where Ginkgo has been used to help, mostly related to it's ability to improve blood flow. It can help ensure your good nutrition it received all through the system and is particularly useful for those with poor circulation and the elders.

Goji Berries / Wolf Berries
Lycium barbarum

Traditionally, Goji berries have been taken as the quintessential tonic for longevity. They are thought to nourish YIN in the body, having a cooling and nourishing effect. They are the perfect daily tonic for modern living, which is said to create too much heat, fire and YANG in the body.

They are a super nutritionally dense food packed with a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein and range of interesting phyto-chemicals which is why they are indicated for treating such a wide range of conditions.

There is lots of anecdotal evidence of Goji as a treatment for depression, probably because of their wide nutritional range. They are however mild enough to eat up to 30 grams every day.

Gokshura
Tribulus Terrestris

Gokshura (better known by it's latin name Tribulus terrestris) is well known for improving stamina and performance both physically and sexually for men and women.

It is classed as a herbal remedy for depression because Harmine,one of the active ingredients of Tribulus, is an effective mono-amine-oxidase-inhibitor (MAO inhibitor).

Regular use of Tribulus during the menopause can aid insomnia, hypertension, irritability, and loss of sexual interest at this time, 65% of women treated in one study reported increased sex drive after using this herb.

In Men it stimulates the secretion of leutinising hormone LH, which goes onto stimulate testosterone in the gonads.

Gotu Kola
Hydrocotyle asiatica

Gota kola is sometimes called "food for the brain" and it is used as a brain tonic, known to aid intelligence and memory. It combats stress, by rebuilding energy reserves and increasing mental and physical power. It is a nerve tonic, a promoter of memory and a blood purifier. As a nervine it is recomended for nervous disorders, including senility, premature aging, and epilepsy. It strengthens the adrenal glands and energises the central nervous system.

Guarana
Paullinia Cupana

Probably one of the most popular herbal stimulants,

It has a nervine action and is known as a calming yet uplifting tonic, boosting energy levels, enhancing memory and increasing physical endurance.

Hemp
Cannabis Sativa

Hemp can be taken on a daily basis for general well-being. It is a fantastic plant with a wide range of nutritional benefits. The shelled seeds can be sprinkled on any foods and make a slightly nutty crunchy topping. They can also be blended with water to make a raw hemp milk, this is particually good for those who are lactose intolerant and looking for a good source of protein with a decent range of amino acids, the Omegas and other phyto-goodies.

In addition hemp leaf tea is both a delicious digestive stimulant and is known for it's calming effects.

Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm is known for its calming and soothing properties.

t is a stomachic, anti-spasmodic and carminative, so it is not only good for settling cramps of the digestive tract but also relieves the cramps of pre-menstrual tension. However as a nervine it also settles emotional upset and is an anti-depressant. So it is a great herb to aid women in the menstrual cycle.

Lavender
Lavandula officinalis

Lavender is known for its peaceful, soothing and calming qualities. It helps with sleeplessness, headaches, and irritability as it is calming to the mind. It is uplifting and aids with clearing low energy, as it is invigorating to a tired brain. It is also known as an anti-depressant.

Liquorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra

Liquorice root is an excellent aid for exhaustion and long term stress as it is an adrenal aid, it nourishes the adrenal glands and can help recovery from ME, overuse of stimulants or any excessive adrenaline related problems.

Kappikachhu
Mucuna Pruriens

Renown as a mood enhancer and libido booster due to it's L-Dopa content. Kappikachhu beans have a wide range of unusual phyto chemicals and a nutritional profile similar to soy beans.

Maca
Lepidium Mayenii

Maca is a adaptogen which means it has stress busting qualities, as it helps the body adapt to extreme circumstances.

It is particularly useful for women as it's phyto-oestrogen content helps with hormone related issues.

Marigold / Calendula
Calendula officinalis

Marigold is ideal for use in a detox program; it is also nature's skin healer. Its anti-inflammatory qualities make it a heal all and a definite contender for the first aid box. It is a prime candidate for any anti Candida regime.

Milk Thistle
Silybum Marianum

Milk Thistle herb has a traditional and modern use as a liver tonic. It encourages the secretion and flow of bile and is therefore an excellent remedy for liver inflammation, the kidneys and the gall bladder. It is an excellent detox aid.

Milk Thistle has been shown to work at preventing liver damage associated with anti-biotics, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotic medication.

It can be an appropriate supplement to support any sort of anger work as these emotions often involve toxins in the liver.

Mistletoe
Viscum alba

Mistletoe is a nervine. It will calm, soothe and tone the nervous system.

Motherwort
Silybum Marianum

It is thought to be effective in relieving insomnia and anxiety, whilst easing the user of depression. It is widely known as a uterine stimulant and holds an age-old role in encouraging strong effective contractions in childbirth and bringing on menstruation if it is withheld. It is also known to be good as a relaxing tonic taken to aid menopausal changes.

MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane, (CH3)2SO2.

MSM is a mineral supplement. It is an ideal source of sulphur which the body uses in a huge range of places from hair to joints. Potential therapeutic uses include pain relief from disease.

Muira Puama
Ptychopetalum olacoides

Indicated for impotency, menstrual cramps and PMS, neurasthenia and central nervous system disorders amongst other things.

Nettle
Urtica Diotica

A fantastic superfood most often overlooked as a weed.

As well as an great nutritional profile and excellent for treating kidney and urinary conditions, nettle leaves contain serotonin, which acts as a neuro-transmitter and is helpful for relieving stress, fear, nervousness, depression, insomnia, and eating disorders. They also contain melatonin so likely to help treat chronic fatigue syndrome, seasonal affective disorder, depression and sleeplessness.

Passionflower
Passiflora incarnate

Passion flower's calming properties make it useful in dealing with depression if the route is anxiety. It is known as a tonic for the nervous system, a natural sedative and tranquiliser. It is an anti-spasmodic herb and has been used for treating seizures, hysteria, palpitations, panic attacks, excess sweating and trembling (as experienced in anxiety states), uterine pains, and aches and pains of all kinds.

Pau D'Arco
Tabebuia Avellanedae or Tabebuia Impetiginosa

Pau d'arco also has a long history in herbal medicine around the world and is indicated for boosting the immune and treating fungal infections like candida.

Peppermint
Mentha piperita

Although best known as a digestive aid, peppermint is a nervine and is known for easing anxiety and tension. It it also a delicious tea in it's own right.

Psyllium Husks
Plantago ovata

Psyllium has been used for thousands of years as a safe and effective laxative, intestinal cleanser and for maintaining healthy bowel function. The bowel is one of the major organs the body has for eliminating toxins.

Red Clover
Trifolium pretense

Red Clover is good for hot flushes and night sweats during the menopause, and helps the body to balance oestrogen. Red Clover has been shown to improve cardiovascular function in menopausal women and is also taken to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS.

Reishi Mushrooms
Ganoderma lucidum

A fantastic herb with a wide range of benefits, the traditional use of Reishi has been as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to the stressors of life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is indicated for treatment of general fatigue and weakness, asthma, insomnia, and coughs.

Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea optimises the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body, meaning reduced stress levels and fatigue as well as increased mental and physical performance.

Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary is a tonic for the liver, and stimulates bile, gall bladder and digestive function. It is useful for general debility and depression. It has been said that 'it comforteth the harte and maketh it merie'.

Sage
Salvia officinalis

For woman Sage can reduce night sweats during the menopause, and can help reduce the flow of breast milk, and is therefore helpful during weaning. It is also a fantastic antibiotic and therefore indicated for candida problems

Schizandra
Schisandra chinensis

Schizandra are known for their adaptogen properties. This means that they assist the bodies systems in adapting to stressors and achieving the balance of health. They also replenish the adrenals so are indicated for recovering from exhaustion or overuse of stimulants.

Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus

Shatavari contains natural phyto-oestrogen hormone precursors that help women to maintain a healthy reproductive system and optimum energy.

Siberian Ginseng
Asparagus racemosus

Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogen, and it encourages the adrenal glands to secrete stress fighting hormones.

It is indicated as a preventative for a wide range of problems including nervous breakdown and depression.

Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora

Skullcap is known to calm nervous tension and anxiety, it acts as a natural tranquilizer. It is a tonic for the nervous system and can help both physically and psychologically.

St Johns Wort
Hypericum Perforatum

Possibly the most well known and widely prescribed herbal anti depressant, St John's Wort's active constituants include a natural mood booster and a compound that inhibit the breakdown of seratonin.

Believed since ancient times to drive away evil spirits.

Suma / Brazillian Ginseng
Pfaffia paniculata

Suma (also known as Brazillian Ginseng) has a broad range of therapeutic applications and is believed to be a bit of a cure-all. It is an adaptogen sohelps the body tackle stress, it is also widely used to treat hormone imbalance.

Valerian
Valeriana officinalis

Valerian is a natural sedative and relaxant, it calms the nervous system and is perhaps one of the most useful relaxing nervines available to us. It is nature's tranquiliser and can promote sleep and relieve pain.

Vanilla
Vanilla planifolia

Probably the world's favourite flavour. Not specifically documented as an anti-depressant but it's association with indulging the senses makes it excellent for the self esteem.

Vervain
Verbena officianalis

Vervain is a nervine, and is therefore known to be strengthening to the nervous system. It is useful in conditions of stress and nervous tension, and it has a calming and relaxing effect on the body. It is also indicated for use in the treatment of depression and sadness.

Wheatgrass
Triticum aestivum

"Wheat grass is quite possibly the closest thing to the fountain of youth and healing man has ever benefited from". As rich a source of vitamins, amino acids available anywhere plus an almost complete spectrum of minerals. The bedrock of super nutrition.

Wild Lettuce
Lactuca Virosa

Wild lettuce is a natural sedative, it is very good for an over-excited nervous system. It is particually good for hyperactive children, and can be of considerable help with symptoms of over-excitement or inability to sleep. Wild lettuce is known as "lettuce opium" and is also helpful for adults who suffer from insomnia, restlessness, anxiety or neurosis.

Wild Yam
Dioscorea villosa

Wild Yam / Dioscorea is a popular modern use is as an alternative to HRT, a natural breast enhancer and treatment for PMS.