St. John's Wort

St. John's wort has been recognized for its effectiveness to treat mild to moderate depression, but according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), it's "no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity."

Valerian

Valerian reduces the impact of depression by treating symptoms related to the disease. The medicinal herb is an effective treatment for insomnia, according to the NCCAM. Valerian should only be used for a short periods, such as four to six weeks.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng normalizes neurotransmitters of the brain that influence your mood, such as serotonin. Use of the herb gives a sense of happiness and more energy.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the brain to increase energy and improve memory, according to Best Remedies. It's often used to treat diseases that identify depression as a symptom, such as Alzheimer's and dementia.

Warning

Although herbs are used to treat mental or physical illness, they also interact with other medications. Check with a doctor before using herbs. None of the herbs listed here has FDA approval.

Source:

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

Mayo Clinic

Best Remedies; Mary L. Hardy, M.D. and Debra L. Gordon; 2006

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