Calm Your Nerves with Herbs

There are a variety of nerve herbs available over the counter at most drugstores or natural-health stores. Saying that an herb is nervine means that it has a positive effect on the nervous system. It could be toning, relaxing, stimulating, antidepressant, or analgesic. Many people find the following herbs and dietary supplements helpful in combating emotional symptoms (irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, and mild to moderate depression) that stress can create.

• Saint-John’s-wort. Also known as Hypericum, this has been used as a sort of nerve tonic in folk medicine for centuries. Studies have shown that Saint-John’swort can successfully treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety. The American Psychiatric Association has endorsed it as a first line of treatment for depression. In Germany and other parts of Europe, Saint-John’s-wort outsells Prozac prescriptions. Since it was introduced into North America in the early 1990s, millions of North Americans have successfully used Saint-John’s-wort to treat their depression. In the United States, sales of Saint-John’s-wort and other botanical products reached an estimated $4.3 billion in 1998, according to Nutrition Business Journal. The advantages of Saint- John’s-wort are that it has minimal side effects, can be mixed with alcohol, is nonaddictive, and doesn’t require increases in dosage as antidepressants do. You can go on and off Saint-John’s-wort as you wish, without any problem. It helps you sleep and dream, yet it has no sedative effect and, in fact, enhances your alertness.

• Kava root. From the black-pepper family, another popular herb is kava (Piper methysticum), which has been a popular herbal drink in the South Pacific for centuries. Kava, which grows on the islands of Polynesia, is known to have an antidepressant effect that calms nerves and eases stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Kava can also help alleviate migraine headaches and menstrual cramps. In placebocontrolled studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, kava significantly relieved anxiety and stress, without the problem of dependency or addiction to the herb. Kava should not be combined with alcohol, because it can make the effects of alcohol more potent. Also, you should check with your doctor before you combine kava with any prescription medications.

• SAM-e. Pronounced “Sammy,” this is another natural compound shown to help alleviate anxiety and mild depression. SAM-e stands for S-adenosylmethionine, a compound made by your body’s cells. Since it was introduced in the United States in March 1999, more people have purchased SAM-e than Saint- John’s-wort. SAM-e has also been shown to help relieve joint pain and to improve liver function, which makes it popular for the people suffering from arthritis as well. Studies done in Italy during the 1970s documented SAM-e’s effectiveness as an antidepressant; recent U.S. studies confirm these results. Some people have reported hot, itchy ears as a side effect.

• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This amino acid is supposedly an antianxiety agent. It may also help you to fall asleep if you suffer from sleeplessness.

• Inositol. This naturally occurring antidepressant is present in many foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, milk, and meat. It should be available over the counter.

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, but production declines as we age. Studies have linked DHEA to improved moods and memory.

• Melatonin. Another hormone, melatonin improves sleep and helps reset the body’s natural clock.

• Phosphatidylserine (PS). This is a phospholipid, a substance that feeds brain-cell membranes. Some studies show it has natural antidepressant qualities.

• Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). This substance activates enzymes that control serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine levels, which are all important for stable moods. Some studies show BH4 is an effective natural treatment for depression.

• Phenylethylamine (PEA). This nitrogen-containing compound occurs in small quantities in the brain. Studies show it works as a natural antidepressant.

• Rubidium. This element occurs naturally in our bodies and belongs to the same family as lithium, potassium, and sodium. Studies show that it can work as an antidepressant.

• Ginkgo. A plant used to treat a variety of ailments, ginkgo is a common herb in Chinese medicine. It can improve memory, and some studies show that it can boost the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.

• Valerian root. Similar to kava root in that it works as an antianxiety agent, as well as combating insomnia. A combination of valerian root with passionf lower, oatstraw, or chamomile is very relaxing and toning, and it makes you feel restored.

• Ginseng. This herbal supplement helps you adapt better to stress (physical or psychological). It is also considered to boost the immune system.

• Astragalus. Similar to ginseng, this Chinese herb helps you adapt to stress by strengthening the immune system.