St. John's Wort may be the best known herbal answer for depression. Thanks to phytochemicals such as hyperforin and hypericin St. John's wort helps brighten the moods of people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It also helps people out of the winter doldrums, a syndrome called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), although it is less effective against the up-and-down mood swings of bipolar depression. St. John's can be used in several ways, in capsules, tea, or tincture.⁵

Using Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is also useful tool to help produce more positive feelings. The sense of smell is the only sense that goes directly to the limbic system, the center of memory and emotions. To support emotional healing, touch in the form of massage can greatly enhance recovery. For depression, choose stimulant and tonic essential oils, such as Jasmine and angelica, to be used at least three times a week in baths and foot massages. ²Jasmine oil is a nerve sedative, and at the same time greatly uplifting, anti-depressant, and produces a feeling of optimism.¹The scent of Roses is a time honored anti-depressant and creates a feeling of well being and mild euphoria.

Herbs Used for Depression

Angelica * Bergamot * Chamomile * Geranium * Kola Nut * Lavender * Lemon Balm * Mate * Rhodiola * St. John's Wort * Vervain * Ylang-Ylang *

Bergamot For: Anxiety, depression
Profile	As a nerve sedative it is valuable for depression and states of anxiety.. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Black Pepper For: Mental Focus, Headache
Profile	In homeopathic practice black pepper is used for difficulty in concentrating, heavy headache, and a sad, apprehensive state of mind. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Clary Sage oil For: Confidence
Profile	Clary Sage oil creates a sense of euphoria, and restores courage and confidence

Geranium For: Calms and uplifts spirit
Profile	Geranium has a powerful, leafy-rose aroma that is a relaxant, calming nerves and uplifting the spirits.

Jasmine For: Depression
Profile	For depression, choose stimulant and tonic essential oils, such as jasmine and angelica, to be used at least 3 times a week in baths and foot massages.

Jasmine oil For: Nerve sedative, anti-depressant
Profile	Jasmine is a nerve sedative, and at the same time greatly uplifting, anti-depressant, and produces a feeling of optimism. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Lemon balm - Melissa For: Mild depression
Profile	Lemon balm herb and Melissa oil are recommended for nervousness, depression, insomnia, and nervous headaches. The volatile oils in the plant (particularly citronellal) have a sedative effect even in minute concentrations. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Oats For: Depression, exhaustion
Profile	The whole plant,( oats) in medicinal doses provides a range of therapeutic and nutritional substances that feed a debilitated nervous system, making this a valuable remedy for exhaustion, convalescence, and depression. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Rose oil For: Anti-depressant
Profile	The scent of roses is a time honored anti-depressant and creates a feeling of well being and mild euphoria

Saffron For: Depression
Profile	Modern research is confirming the effectiveness of saffron as an antidepressant and an anti-convulsant. In some studies, it has proved as effective as fluozepan in treating depression. Moutain Rose Herbs. Learn Saffron. (),

St. John's Wort For: Depression, SAD
Profile	Thanks to phytochemicals such as hyperforin and hypericin St. John's wort helps brighten the moods of people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It also helps people out of the winter doldrums, a syndrom called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), although it is less effective against the up-and-down mood swings of bipolar depression. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Depression Information

• Anxiety/Panic :
  Many plant medicines alleviate occasional anxiety. Sensitivity to this group of herbs varies widely, some people can relax with one cup of chamomile tea, others need several doses of a much more potent herb to feel results.
• Insomnia :
  Insomnia, or sleeping problems can be treated naturally with herbal teas, infusions and baths. actions which determine the conditions for which it is most appropriate.
• Stress :
  Before you reach for the pill bottle, or try to drown the pain with alcohol, or eat chocolate until you fall into a sugar induced stupor (my personal demon) try some of these herbal and essential oil remedies to help you cope.