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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Valerian
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Natural Supplements for Anxiety & Depression
According to Mayo Clinic, although anxiety and depression are two distinct disorders, they often appear at the same time 1. Anxiety symptoms may include panic attacks, phobias, generalized anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Symptoms of depression may involve long-term sadness, fatigue, irregular sleeping and eating patterns, irritability, loss of interest in activities, family and friends or suicidal thoughts. Treatment for these disorders is usually necessary and may include medication or professional counseling. However, there are natural supplements that have proven to be helpful for anxiety and depression 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
St. John's Wort
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, St. John’s wort is believed to be helpful for mild or moderate depression 2. Taking St. John’s wort for depression/anxiety should be done with care, as it tends to interact with several prescription meds, especially antidepressive drugs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 12. Dosages for St. John’s Wort when used for depression and anxiety should be 300 mg three times a day 12.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), taking omega-3s may help decrease the symptoms of depression 4. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna. The body cannot make its own omega-3s, thus it needs to be supplemented in the diet. Walnuts and flaxseeds are other sources of omega-3s. Omega-3s are highly concentrated in the brain and play an important role in cognitive function. Take 2 to 3 grams per day in two divided doses along with food.
- According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), taking omega-3s may help decrease the symptoms of depression 4.
- Walnuts and flaxseeds are other sources of omega-3s.
Valerian
According to the NCCAM, the herb valerian has long been used for sleep disorders, anxiety and even depression 1. Although there is not enough scientific evidence that valerian works well for anxiety and depression, studies have shown that it is safe for four- to six-week periods 1. Valerian is relatively safe, says the Mayo Clinic, but it also has the potential for side effects such as headaches, dizziness and gastrointestinal problems 1. Valerian may increase the effectiveness of other sleep aids, so it should be used with caution. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that researchers aren’t clear about how valerian soothes the nervous system, but taking 200 mg doses three to four times a day may be helpful for sleep disorders associated with anxiety/depression 1.
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References
- Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety
- Dr. Weil: St. John’s Wort
- Dr. Weil: Q & A Library
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Valerian
- Weber W, Vander Stoep A, McCarty RL, Weiss NS, Biederman J, Mcclellan J. Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008;299(22):2633-41. doi:10.1001/jama.299.22.2633
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth. NCCIH.niv.gov. Published January 4, 2018.
- Ng QX, Venkatanarayanan N, Ho CYX. Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders. 2017;210:211-221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048
- Findling RL, McNamara NK, O'Riordan MA, et al. An open-label pilot study of St. John's wort in juvenile depression. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2003;42(8):908-14. doi:10.1097/01.CHI.0000046900.27264.2A
- Simeon J, Nixon MK, Milin R, Jovanovic R, Walker S. Open-label pilot study of St. John's wort in adolescent depression. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2005;15(2):293-301. doi:10.1089/cap.2005.15.293
- Forsdike K, Pirotta M. St John’s wort for depression: scoping review about perceptions and use by general practitioners in clinical practice. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2019;71(1):117-128. doi:10.1111/jphp.12775
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth. Published January 4, 2018.
- Ng QX, Venkatanarayanan N, Ho CYX. Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2017;210:211-221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048
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Writer Bio
Julie Webb Kelley is a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in communications. In the last 20 years she has written for newspapers, hospitals and websites. As a breast cancer conqueror, Webb Kelley's passion is writing about women's health and wellness, children's health, and alternative approaches to medicine.