Best herbs (herbal medications) for depression and anxiety with strong scientific evidence

Herbal medications can be used for treatment of depression and anxiety. Therefore, it is important to know the scientific evidence behind it. This article is based on a systemic review of several studies conducted to evaluate effectiveness of several known herbal medications used by many.

People try herbal medications for various complex reasons. According to (Richardson, 2004), “British consumers have been shown to expect symptom relief, improved quality of life and self-help advice from consulting complementary medical therapists”.

In addition, internet is littered with many websites claiming effectiveness of various herbs. Most of the information is not based on sound clinical trial data. Around 41 million websites offer information on the subject, much of which is unreliable or outright dangerous (Ernst&Schmidt, 2004).

Herbal remedies that does not show effectiveness

According to a small randomized clinical trial, Gingko biloba does not show effectiveness against depression. But it shows some promising results for dementia (Lingaerde et al, 1999).

Herbal remedies that show effectiveness

According to several clinical trials only remedy that is found to be effective in depression is St John’s wort. Its antidepressant activity is due to inhibition of serotonin reuptake pumps which is similar to SSRI medications. Several very large clinical trials offer evidence for the effectiveness of St John’s wort. It causes fewer side effects than chemical anti-depressants. However, it inhibits some liver enzymes and it causes elevation of various other medication levels in the blood. In addition, some studies show that St John’s wort cause psychosis in patients who take concomitant SSRIs. Therefore, St John’s wort is best taken alone without any other chemical medications.

Herbal remedies that does not show effectiveness

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) extract 

A small randomized controlled study comparing valerian (Valeriana officinalis) extract and a placebo found no effectiveness in treating generalized anxiety disorder.

Herbal remedies that show effectiveness

Piper methysticum (kava) is the only herbal medication that shows significant anxiolytic effects. A Cochrane review of 11 randomized clinical trials found exceptional evidence for this preparation (Pittler & Ernst 2003). However, unfortunately this medication is banned in United Kingdom due to its liver toxic effects. Therefore, it should not be recommended.

Other herbal medications that show effectiveness in anxiety

A large randomized clinical trial found that Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn), Eschscholzia californica (Cali-fornian poppy) and magnesium are effective in treating anxiety (Hanus et al, 2004).

Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) found to be effective in short term anxiety relief.

Summary

Best medicinal herb that are effective against depression is St. Johns wart. Best herbal medications for anxiety are Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn), Eschscholzia californica (Cali-fornian poppy) and Melissa officinalis (lemon balm).

Sources

Advances in Psychiatric Treatment vol.13