Working at a health food store, some of the big issues one encounters are depression, stress, and anxiety--let's face it, our society is fast paced and very stressful.  Seasoned workers in the height of their careers, college students, and K-12 students all experience it to some extent.  It can be hard to cope, and for many people this ends up amounting to doctor bills and pricy prescription medications.

Now, I am no doctor--I do not claim to be such--and I am not writing this to diagnose or treat any condition.  I will say now that it is always best to check with your health care provider before taking the herbs and supplements I am speaking of.  With that in mind, let's take a look at what Mother Nature has to offer.

Kava Kava

This is my favorite herb for depression and anxiety, as well as a few other things.  Kava Kava has a calming effect, and does wonders for stress reduction.  Chemically, kavalactones (the active compound in the herb) are believed to help increase levels of GABA.  Low levels of GABA are attributed to depression and anxiety.  Kava can be taken in both capsule and tincture forms, but it is advisable to make sure your Kava Kava supplement is standardized.  If taking it in tincture form, it will make your mouth slightly numb for a few minutes (that tells you it is working).

Kava Kava will make you feel relaxed and happy--people on Kava tend to smile a lot.  It also helps when you have trouble sleeping.  I always recommend Kava for people who are having poor quality sleep.  You will sleep deeper, and Kava tends to give you wonderfully vivid dreams.  In large amounts, Kava can make you feel "high."  It is legal, but large doses can impair your ability to drive.

Kava Kava root is safe, but the stems and leaves can cause liver damage, so make sure that your Kava supplement is root only.

One thing many people don't hear is that kavalactones are fat soluble.  This means that if you take Kava Kava you need to have something with fat content in your stomach (In Hawaii it is commonly made with coconut milk.  I'm partial to a little ice cream with my Kava).

Passion Flower

Passion Flower, primarily the roots and leaves, is an herbal MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor), which helps to inhibit the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters in your brain which make you happy.  It can be very effective as an anti-depressant, especially when combined with either Kava Kava, or Saint John's Wort.  MAOI's can be dangerous in combination with some herbs and some over the counter medications, so check with your doctor first.

St John's Wort

St John's Wort has long been used as an anti-depressant.  It is believed to prevent the re-uptake of serotonin, one of the main neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for positive mood.  In some countries it is even prescribed for mild depression.  In the United States, at least, it can easily be purchased at a natural health market in tincture or capsule form.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine (suntheanine) is an amino acid found in tea (primarily green and white teas) that causes an increase in GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.  It reduces stress, improves your mood, and causes relaxation by directly increasing alpha waves in your brain.

All of these are products that I have personally used and found to be effective, but please keep in mind that taking all of these at the same time would be overkill.  All of these herbs can be dangerous if taken with prescription anti-depressants, and I reiterate that one should speak with their health care provider before taking these.