But it can increase your risk of bleeding. It should not be used with warfarin or other medicines that thin the blood. It may cause too much bleeding. Ginger is most known for easing nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests it may help the nausea from pregnancy and chemotherapy.

Ginger is in research for use in surgery and as an anticancer agent. It has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It is also a strong antioxidant. Side effects may include bloating, gas, heartburn, and nausea. Ginkgo leaf extract is used for asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus. It is used to improve memory and to help prevent dementia.

Some studies have shown it may work slightly. But how gingko works isn't fully known. Only extract from leaves should be used. Seeds have ginkgo toxin.

This toxin can cause seizures. In large amounts, it can lead to death. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding. Do not use it with NSAID medicines or other medicines that thin the blood. Do not use it with anticonvulsant medicines, or tricyclic antidepressants. Ginseng is thought to boost energy, sex drive, and balance the body.

Research is still unsure about its benefits. Side effects can include high blood pressure and fast heart rate. It's safe according to the FDA, but avoid it with certain medicines.

People with diabetes should not use ginseng. Goldenseal can help with diarrhea. It can help with eye and skin irritation. It can act as an antiseptic. Use it carefully. Too much can cause irritation of the skin, mouth, and stomach.

Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions. Goldenseal can be poisonous in high doses. Milk thistle is used for liver problems and high cholesterol. It is also used to reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Study results are not clear about its real benefits for liver disease. Saint John's wort can help with mild to moderate depression. Results for severe depression are not clear. It can make your skin sensitive to light in high doses. It can interact with other medicines in dangerous ways.

Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using this herb. Saw palmetto is used to treat urine problems from an enlarged prostate. But recent studies have found it not to work for this. It can cause mild upset stomach or headaches. Valerian is used to treat sleep problems and to reduce anxiety.

Research shows it may work as a sleep aid, but the results are mixed. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking it. Before you use any herb as medicine, talk with your healthcare provider. Tell them all medicines and vitamins you take.

They will need to make sure the herbal medicine is safe. Some herbs are unsafe to take with other medicines. Ask them how much is safe for you to take. Follow their instructions. Tell them if you have any side effects. Search Encyclopedia. A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs For thousands of years, people have used herbs as medicine all over the world.

Chamomile Flower Chamomile is often used in the U. Echinacea Leaf, stalk, root Echinacea is most often used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and infections, and for wound healing. They can also have side-effects and interact with other medicines.

Some people take supplements, like vitamin C in high doses, but this can damage the liver or kidneys. Many supplements have a recommended daily intake RDI , or allowance RDA. Ginkgo is a tree originating in China. Extracts of its seeds and leaves are used to improve thinking in healthy people, as well as people with dementia.

Research shows that Ginkgo may help in dementia. The same is true of its use in healthy adults, but ultimately, we do not know.

It may rarely cause bleeding into the brain and into the eye or prolong bleeding time during surgery. About twenty such cases have been reported, and patients undergoing surgery may consider avoiding gingko.

Gingko should not be taken together with blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. There is an increased risk of fits and lower fertility in both men and women. Ginseng grows in many parts of the world. Panax ginseng or Korean ginseng are most commonly used.

How good is it? It might improve cognitive performance, but there is no evidence that it delays ageing. Side-effects: agitation and mania; sleep problems; blood pressure changes; changes in bleeding time so people with bleeding disorders such as stroke and blood clots thrombosis should avoid it.

It may possibly stimulate breast cancers. This comes from a fungus which lives on rye. For hundreds of years it has caused epidemics of poisoning ergotism. This is caused by eating bread made from infected rye flour.

It can cause fits, confusion, hallucinations and psychosis. Severe poisoning can cause gangrene. Sage produces oils which are used in aromatherapy. It is used to improve concentration and memory and has been suggested as a treatment of depression and anxiety.

There is some evidence for improved memory in volunteers. One study found that it improved mood, alertness, calmness and contentedness. It may help concentration in people with dementia. Although safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, some types when taken orally can cause convulsions.

Sage may also lower blood sugar. It should not be used in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Vitamin E is found in plant oils, nuts, vegetables and, to a lesser degree, in meat and dairy products. It may improve behaviour in dementia, but there is no good evidence that it improves memory or slows the progress of the disease.

A recent study found that a daily intake of more than IU mg of alpha-tocopherol resulted in an increase of death from all causes, and an increased risk of bleeding and stroke.

Most of these treatments seem to work on gamma-amino-butyric acid GABA , a chemical in the brain linked to anxiety. We do not know if these drugs cause addiction. They are less powerful than conventional sedatives or sleeping tablets.

Valeriana officinalis is thought to be safe and is available as a standard extract in the UK. Some other species may cause liver problems. This remains unclear at the moment, but some studies have shown that people report sleeping better having taken Valerian.

drowsiness or excitability. It may slow down reactions, so you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery after taking it. Valerian is safe more most people when used sort-term. As with most complementary medicines, we do not know whether long-term use may be harmful.

You should not take it in pregnancy. Passion flower is used to treat anxiety. It has also been suggested as a treatment in alcohol craving and opiate withdrawal.

Very few studies have been conducted, One trial found it to be as good as conventional tranquillisers. Isolated reports of severe toxicity even at normal doses. It can cause dizziness, confusion, heart problems, and inflammation of blood vessels. Some species may contain cyanides, so toxicity may depend on the preparation.

Chamomile is a mild sedative. It is also used to treat stomach upsets and mucosal irritations. Traditionally the flowers are prepared as a tea.

We know very little, but one recent study has shown that it may make people less anxious, as long as the anxiety is not too bad. It may increase bleeding time and may stimulate breast cancer cell growth in oestrogen sensitive cancers. People use this to lower cholesterol and for stomach upsets, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

It has also been used to treat anxiety and tiredness. It has even been suggested for use in alcohol and nicotine addiction. Some extracts can cause liver problems or possibly cancer.

It should not be used in pregnancy and it may increase epileptic fits. Lemon balm is a herb of the mint family.

It is used for anxiety, sleep problems, heavy periods and period pain. It is also used to treat agitation in dementia. Lemon balm is used as tea or extract. The oil is also used in aromatherapy. Some evidence of calming in dementia.

No research on its use in anxiety and insomnia. In combination with valerian and hops, it can improve sleep. Lavender is also a member of the mint family.

Drops of lavender oil or seeds put onto pillows have been used to help sleep. It is used in aromatherapy, and as an extract or tea. This is an extract from a combination of flowers which is used to treat anxiety, panic and trauma.

Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland in the base of the brain. It controls our body clock. If you are over 55, your doctor can prescribe melatonin for you. The prescribed brand is called Circadin.

A mixture of two aminoacids - L-Arginine and L-Lysine - has been used to try to reduce stress and anxiety. Roseroot is also known as 'arctic root' or 'rhodolia'.

It is also a so called 'adaptogen' which should help the body cope better with stress, anxiety and tiredness. Roseroot has also been used as an energy booster, for instance to enhance athletic performance. Vitamins, trace elements and supplements.

It has been suggested that certain vitamins, trace elements and supplements may help anxiety. However, there are very few studies to rely on at present. One problem is that studies tend to test combinations rather than individual substances, so that it's difficult to tell which ingredient does what.

The Food Standards Agency has produced a website which explains all about vitamins, trace elements and supplements. In bipolar disorder manic depression , adding omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the chance of becoming ill again.

Some people buy natural lithium, but we do not recommend this because the doses offered in the tablets are much lower than in prescription preparations. Also, lithium at any dose should be closely monitored. Most treatments for depression are supplements, which are building blocks in the production of serotonin.

This is a chemical in the brain that seems to be involved in depression. L-tryptophan and 5 hydroxytryptophan 5-HT , are such building blocks, but they have not as yet been cleared as safe.

This is when the plant starts to flower. For a long time it was thought that the red dye, hypericin, which is produced when the plant is crushed, was responsible for its action. Research now suggests that another ingredient, hyperforin, may produce the antidepressant effect.

It may cause mania in people with bipolar disorder. There is also a risk of organ rejection in people taking St John's wort who undergo transplant surgery. S-adenosyl-methionine SAME is another building block of serotonin. It is not often used in the UK, but is popular in Europe and the US.

It is also popular with HIV sufferers because it has few side-effects. It is often given as an injection. However, oral preparations are available, but some do not work.

SAME can be expensive. In some countries, folic acid is added to the flour. Selenium is an important trace element. It is found in vegetables, meat, fish and Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts can vary in selenium content, but sometimes the concentration is so high that the US National Institutes of Health advise that Brazil nuts should be only eaten occasionally.

The Food Standards Agency recommends a safe upper level of 0. Some formulations exceed this dose. can lead to nausea, vomiting, nail changes, irritability, weight loss, depression, confusion, liver and skin changes.

We don't know. Many depressed people may have low vitamin D levels, but studies have not been able to show that taking Vitamin D helps depression. NOTE: Going out into the sunlight is a good way to stock up on Vitamin D because the light of the sun helps our skin to produce Vitamin D itself.

And the physical activity can help to lift low mood as well. Omega-3 acids are mainly derived from fish — they are used to prevent heart and joint disease.

They are also used in depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have two main components: docosahexaonic acid DHA and eicosapentaonic acid EPA. The pills are often large, and some people find them hard to swallow.

Avoid preparations which have added vitamin A. This could cause vitamin A poisoning. They may be worth taking with antidepressants. They may help prevent relapse in bipolar disorder. There is not enough evidence to recommend them as an alternative to antidepressants or mood stabilisers.

Choices are limited. Rauwolfia, a plant originating from India, has been used, but is not as good as antipsychotic medicines. Reserpine, a drug developed from Rauwolfia, can cause depression and is no longer used in the UK.

Omega-3s may be tried with antipsychotic treatment, but there is no good evidence that they help. Many antipsychotics can cause weight gain and lead to a higher risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

Omega-3s may reduce these changes, but success is not guaranteed. Many older antipsychotics could cause abnormal movements, known as tardive dyskinesia.

If this occurs, the dose of the antipsychotic can be lowered, or an alternative antipsychotic given. Vitamin E, may prevent the movements getting worse. However, the potential benefits need to be offset against long-term use, particularly if high doses of vitamin E are considered.

Melatonin has also been tried, but the research is inconclusive. One study found that Gingko biloba can reduce tardive dyskinesia and that the effect may last for some time, even after Ginkgo biloba has been stopped.

As mentioned above, there may be health risks because of a potentially increased bleeding risk. The choice is limited. Valerian has been suggested to improve sleep in people withdrawing from drugs like Valium.

But no good research has been done. Kudzu, or 'Japanese arroweed' flowers have a pleasant fragrance. They have been used for many medical purposes, including menopausal problems. It has also been used for alcohol problems.

One study showed reduction in alcohol use in heavy drinkers. Another study failed to show any effect on craving. Iboga is a West African shrub producing ibogaine. This causes hallucinations and has been used widely for religious rites. It became famous as a treatment for opiate addiction in the 60s.

However, it can have serious life-threatening side-effects. Until these safety concerns are clarified it cannot be recommended. Several deaths after ibogaine use have been reported. The risk of death may be as high as 1 in treatments.

It is not known how many deaths have occurred, and may have gone unreported because of the 'underground nature' of ibogaine treatment. Finding a well-trained practitioner can be difficult.

You can also always ask your general practitioner GP or mental health professional. It may be useful to consult with your local drug information service, and to find a health professional with special expertise in this area, or use services recommended by your GP or hospital.

There are professional herbalists who belong to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. They are trained and often work in a private setting. Most are not medically qualified.

Food and Behaviour Research: this website has information about a wide variety of conditions where behaviour, learning and mood are linked with food and nutrition. You can browse this information by condition. MedlinePlus: This is a website run by the US National Institute of Health.

The homepage has a search option allowing you to type in different keywords so you can retrieve the information you want. Mayo Clinic: Nutrition and healthy eating. An American website that offers a wealth of information on all aspects of eating and weight control.

NHS choices: Complementary and alternative medicines. This website is very helpful to get information on all aspects of complementary alternative medicines, ranging from individual treatment to regulation of medicine, and how to find a practitioner.

It is easy to surf. Of particular interest is the clinical trial register which gives an overview of American research. This needs to be complemented with information from other clinical trial databases, for instance the Cochrane collaboration.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database : A subscription-only website with extremely detailed and comprehensive information on all types of natural medicines. It is cross-referenced with the scientific literature, and contains features such as a natural product effectiveness and drug interaction checker.

It also allows condition-specific searches and offers tutorials on specific topics. Patient hand-outs can be downloaded. Quackwatch : A non-profit corporation whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct.

This website can be helpful when unusual treatments are suggested, particularly if a lot of money is to be paid in advance. This site uses cookies: Find out more Okay, thanks. Home Mental health Support, care and treatment Complementary and alternative medicines: herbal remedies.

Print this page Share this page facebook twitter linkedin. Disclaimer This leaflet provides information, not advice. What are complementary and alternative medicines CAMs?

They include: herbal medicines foods nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and minerals. CAMS and mental health problems. If you are considering taking CAMs, you should seek specialist advice if: you are pregnant or breastfeeding you want to give CAMs to children you are competing in sports to make sure that the CAM you are considering taking is not in breach of doping regulations.

How to use CAMs safely. Do choose a qualified practitioner who is a member of a recognised society ask about their qualification and experience ask about side-effects if in doubt, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist tell the professionals involved in your care, including your CAM practitioner, about all your treatments and medications tell them if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breast-feed tell them about your physical health and allergies discuss your concerns about treatment seek medical advice if you experience unusual symptoms make special time for your treatment sessions find a reliable source for your information about therapies.

An introduction to herbal remedies and supplements. Do not go beyond this dose without talking to an experienced health professional.

Herbal remedies and supplements for brain function and dementia. These are called 'cognitive enhancers' and can improve concentration. They include: Ginkgo ginkgo biloba Ginseng panax ginseng Hydergine Ergot claviceps purpurea Sage Salvia officinalis, salvia lavandulaefolia Vitamin E alpha-tocopheril Ginkgo Ginkgo is a tree originating in China.

How does it work? It may: act as an antioxidant to prevent cell damage increase the blood flow in the brain or increase chemical transmitters in the brain. Side-effects It may rarely cause bleeding into the brain and into the eye or prolong bleeding time during surgery.

Drug interactions with blood thinning drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin increases bleeding time trazodone one case of coma has been reported antidepressants increase the risk of going high - mania anticonvulsants reduces their effectiveness.

Ginseng Ginseng grows in many parts of the world. It may: thin the blood prevent cell damage through antioxidant activity How good is it? Drug interactions with: drugs used in diabetes lower blood sugar blood thinning agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen and warfarin changes in bleeding time MAOI antidepressants eg.

Phenelzine , may lead to agitation and sleep problems. Hydergine This comes from a fungus which lives on rye. It may affect the activity of brain transmitters. It may improve memory in dementia.

Side-effects It can cause fits, confusion, hallucinations and psychosis. Drug interactions with antidepressants and some pain killers drugs for dementia drugs for migraine. Sage Sage produces oils which are used in aromatherapy.

It may: increase some brain transmitters have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and oestrogen effects How good is it? Side-effects Although safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, some types when taken orally can cause convulsions.