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Anxiety and depression, both are the outcomes of stress in life. Sadness, uneasiness, insomnia, fear and worry become the companions of the person ridden with depression and anxiety.
Ups and downs are a part and parcel of human life, but when we are unable to cope with the downs, our day to day activities may get disrupted and our social behavior may not remain desirable. In such cases people often look for herbal medicines to treat anxiety and depression. These herbal medicines should be taken under the guidance of an expert.
List of Some Best Herbal Remedies
St John’s Wort
This is found to be a very potent and powerful herb for depression. The red oily substance that is obtained from the plant is called hypericin. Hypericin is the active ingredient of this plant which has medicinal properties. The studies have proved the efficacy of St john’s wort in treating depression. It has very mild side effects, hence considered a safe option.
Schisandra
Schisandra is perfect to look after anxiety as well as depression. It uplifts mood and takes the person out of the sad state of affairs. It is available in standardized capsule form, with the recommended dose of one capsule twice a day. It is best taken when all the body functions are at their maximum activity levels, hence the most suitable times are after the breakfast and lunch.
Ginko Biloba
Ginko biloba helps a person come out of depression. It is particularly great for the depression in the elderly. It works by improving the blood circulation in the body, more specifically the brain, which controls the moods. The flow of blood reduces in old age, hence the elderly need an external agent to improve blood circulation.
Holy Basil (Tulasi)
Holy basil can be used effectively for curing depression. One can make its infusion by putting cinnamon and dried ginger powder to it. Take a glass of water, put 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves, add a pinch of dried ginger powder and a pinch of cinnamon powder. Boil them for 5 minutes, strain and add sugar as required. It will help in elevating the mood.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a stress busting herbal balm. It alleviates the symptoms of depression. It is one of the highly recommended remedies for depression. Lemon balm is very soothing, hence it helps in overcoming depression.
Kava Kava Root
This spirit lifting root works fast and is really effective. If we take the recommended dose of this herbal medicine for a week, it is sure to show results. The herb alleviates depression and relieves the stress. It does not make a person addicted, so it is a good and safe herb to use. It can cause some drowsiness and should be avoided by the pregnant and nursing women.
Lavender
Lavender has anxiety-relieving properties and also works as an anti-depressant. Lavender can be used as a dried herb or as an essential oil. It is recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center for the help it can provide by looking after the nervous disorders, insomnia and exhaustion. All these are directly related to depression and anxiety.
You can make its tea by putting 2 tsp of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water. You may like to use its essential oil for an aroma bath. A few drops of this aromatic oil to your warm bath can help you out of anxiety and exhaustion of the day.
Turmeric
To look after the depression due to change in season, turmeric powder is of great help. If you have been adding turmeric to your food regularly, you need not take it as a supplement, but if you are not, consider having it. Take half a tsp of this herbal powder with a glass of warm milk to get out of depressive feeling.
Borage Juice
Borage juice is a general tonic, because borage is a rich source of potassium. It is an anti-depressant as it can stimulate the glands, which are responsible for overcoming the sad and pensive mood. The juice of borage leaves is consumed as a herbal medicine.
