Psychoactive Herbs, Substances and Supplements

More doctors and psychologists are growing aware of the power of psychoactive herbs and dietary supplements for the treatment of psychological disorders. These herbal remedies are sometimes not well researched because drug companies, where most drug research is funded, cannot patent an herb. Nevertheless, there is some genuine truth to the idea that herbs can be used to cure a variety of psychological complaints, from depression to fatigue.

Just because herbs are natural, those taking them often assume they are safe. This is not true. Nightshade and belladonna are also natural, but poisonous in large doses. Curare is a natural paralytic used in some pharmaceutical anesthetics, but in relatively small amounts can prove deadly. Never, never think that herbs are completely safe. They are not. If you're under the care of a doctor, always inform him or her about the herbs and dietary supplements you are taking, and bring the medication bottle with you to your appointment.

Treat herbal medications and dietary supplements with the same respect you would show prescription medication. Don't ever take them like candy, as the side effects can be serious and sometimes even deadly. Since they're not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as drugs, you also should not depend on the package recommended dosage, but rather talk to a doctor who works with herbal medications or do your own research into it. Included below are some recommended dosages for common herbal remedies, but these are broad guidelines at best.

Saint John's Wort

St. John's wort has been used for over 2,000 years as an antidepressant. In the 1980s, scientists discovered that it really does work as well as many prescription antidepressants, specifically the MAO inhibitors or tricyclics. The effects can be compared to Prozac.

St. John's wort is usually indicated for in cases of mild to moderate depression; severe depression should be under the care of a doctor (this herb may work on severe depression as well, but has not been studied enough to count on it). In addition, there is significant evidence that St. John's wort works on seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the depression caused by a lack of sunlight during the long winter months.

The biggest problem with St. John's wort is that the benefits can take from two to three months to develop. There is a chance that it will irritate sensitive skin, and that taking it will cause you to develop a degree of sun sensitivity; if you have fair skin, you should take precautions. It should never be taken with other antidepressants, AIDS medications, or cyclosporine. You should consult a doctor for the proper dosage.

Kava-Kava

Kava, or kava-kava, is a plant that grows in the South Pacific. It's been used for centuries by Polynesians as a social drug similar in effect to beer. What it actually does, though, is induce calming effects similar to diazepam (Valium) without the negative side effects like lethargy, sedation, and addiction.

Kava-kava has been shown to be effective in all kinds of social phobias, from agoraphobia to shyness. Anxiety and stress disorders may also be reduced by use of kava-kava. But kava-kava is not for long-term use; if after a few months of using it you still feel you need help with these symptoms, you should speak with a doctor.

Kava-kava taken in large doses causes intoxication similar to alcohol, and if taken over a long period of time can cause a scaly skin disorder. It should not be taken by people with Parkinson's disease and similar coordination-impairing disorders, or by anyone taking sedatives or antidepressants. It should never be taken concurrently with alcohol. Standard dosage is 300 mg of extract, taken in divided doses over the day.

Lavender

Lavender is prized for its odor. Aromatherapists believe, with some clinical evidence, that lavender rubbed into the skin or used to perfume the air can help calm anxiety, reduce insomnia, and even reduce depression. It can also be taken internally in the form of a tea or in lavender lemonade.

Sam-E

S-adenosyl methionine, or SAM-e, is a natural component of cell enzymes and may fight depression, liver disease, and osteoarthritis. It seems to act by making it easier for the body to create essential nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. SAM-e is a relatively expensive dietary supplement, with the recommended dosage costing about a dollar per day, but many people swear by it.

Side effects include a chance of gastrointestinal distress. People with a history of bipolar disorder should take SAM-E with caution, as it can cause manic symptoms in those prone to them. If you purchase SAM-E, check the expiration date on the bottle; SAM-E is relatively unstable and will degrade if kept on the shelf too long. Therapeutic dosage generally ranges from 800mg to 1600mg per day.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s have long been touted for their benefits to the heart; they have also been shown to have an effect on bipolar disorder and depression; it may also be effective in treating borderline personality disorder and migraine. Unfortunately, it's very hard to know whose study to follow, as some say lower doses are better and others say that high doses are better. It could be a disruption of the balance of omega-6 fatty acid, another critical fatty acid. If you think you could benefit, you should speak with a professional nutritionist for advice on how you can balance your omega acids with supplements.

In general, doses between one and two grams per day are optimal. Those who have a problem with or history of bleeding disorders and hemorrhagic stroke should avoid omega-3. Diabetics should speak with a doctor before taking these supplements. It may also reduce immune system responses.

Vitamin B

Because the vitamin B series is critical in cell growth and division, it has a wide variety of benefits. They have also been shown to combat stress, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Though most people get adequate vitamin B in their diets, it's surprisingly easy to get a vitamin B deficiency; they are excreted daily through urine, and must be replenished every day. This means if you're on a crash diet or a diet that removes an entire type of food from your diet (Atkins, for instance), you should probably supplement your vitamin B levels A good vitamin B multivitamin should take care of all your needs.

Light Therapy

Related to herbal remedies is light therapy. Full-spectrum light, similar to sunlight in its composition, has been shown effective when combating Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as encouraging the skin to produce vitamin D, which may have some positive mood effects. Light is not well studied for its effect on overall health except for the damage sunlight can cause to skin not adapted to it, but researchers are starting to look at other benefits sunlight and full-spectrum light give.