#### [[notes_Herbs for mental health]] **Creator**:: [[Dr. K]] **Source**:: [[course_Dr. K's Guide to Mental Health]] **Link**:: [intro-to-herbs](https://coaching.healthygamer.gg/guide/lessons/intro-to-herbs), [herbs-for-anxiety](https://coaching.healthygamer.gg/guide/lessons/herbs-for-anxiety), [herbs-for-depression](https://coaching.healthygamer.gg/guide/lessons/herbs-for-depression) #### Notes - Just because herbs are natural does not mean they are safe - Herbs affect your liver and can cause it your liver to attack other medications - A lot of modern drugs are derived from herbs - ##### Herbs for anxiety - **Brahmi** (Bacopa monnieri) - In the [[Ayurveda|Ayurvedic]] tradition, Brahmi is a cognitive enhancer herb used for [[anxiety]] and [[insomnia]]. - likely affects [[Neurotransmitter]] pathways for [[Dopamine]], [[Serotonin]], [[Acetycholine]], and [[noradrenaline]] - **Gotu kola** (Centella asiatica) - In the [[Ayurveda|Ayurvedic]] tradition, it is used to help with [[depression]] and [[anxiety]]. - Works via [[GABA]] which is the same [[Neurotransmitter]] [[Benzodiazepines]] work on - **Galphimia** (Galphimia glauca) - an [[herb]] originating from Mexico and Central America that has been used in the Mexican traditional medicine for its sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antiasthmatic and antiallergic properties. - studies have shown that this works just as well as pharmaceutical anti-[[anxiety]] medications - works on [[Serotonin]] system similar to [[SRI]]s - **Chamomile** (Matricaria recutita) - A [[herb]] that commonly used in [[tea]]s as a general relaxant. It is promoted for sleeplessness, [[anxiety]], and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. - short acting relaxer - **Passionflower** (Passiflora incarnata) - Perennial wildflower that is commonly found in the southern United States. Passionflower extract purported to relieve [[anxiety]] and [[insomnia]] . Please consult with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements. - can work just as well as [[Midazolam]] - **Kava** (Piper methysticum) - A [[herb]] originating in the South Pacific, Kava is purported to relieve insomnia, restlessness, and stress. However, it is known to cause liver damage. - **Ginkgo** (Ginkgo Biloba) - A [[herb]] typically advertised as a cognitive enhancer, but clinical studies (including the large Ginkgo Evaluation of [[Memory]] study) generally show supplementation with ginkgo does not improve cognitive performance. Please consult with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements. - #### Herbs for [[depression]] - **Saffron** - a [[herb]] used both as a spice for food and in [[eastern philosophy|eastern]] medicine for centuries for various ailments including mood. People use saffron most commonly for [[depression]], [[anxiety]], [[Alzheimer's Disease]], menstrual cramps, and premenstrual syndrome. - has been shown to have non-placebo affects on [[depression]] - **Turmeric** - a plant in the ginger family that is native to Southeast [[Asia]] and is grown commercially in that region, primarily in [[India]]. Its underground stem is used as a culinary spice and in traditional medicine. Turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others. - has anti-inflammatory and anto-depressive affects - **Korean Ginseng** - A [[herb]] native to [[Asia]] that has been used as a tonic to improve well-being and energy booster for thousands of years. It is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of reasons (to improve physical stamina, concentration, and memory; stimulate immune function; slow the aging process) and relieve various health problems (such as respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, [[depression]], [[anxiety]], and menopausal hot flashes). There are uncertainties about whether ginseng might interact with certain medications. - tonic and energy booster - good at treating residual affects of [[depression]] - **St. John's Wort** (Hypericum perforatum) - A [[herb]] indigenous to [[Europe]], West [[Asia]], and North [[Africa]] that has been used in traditional European medicine. St. John’s wort is promoted for depression, premenstrual symptoms, and menopausal symptoms. It has been clearly shown that St. John’s wort can interact in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening ways with a variety of medicines including [[SSRI]]s. Please consult with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements. - good for mild to moderate [[depression]] - If you use this with other serotonin producers this can result in [[Serotonin Syndrome]]