Can herbs help with depression and anxiety?

Natural drugs: Herbs can be of use in depression and anxiety however like any substance carry both risk and benefit. St. Johns wort is the most commonly used herbal treatment for depression. It works similar to the ssri medications and therefore carries some of the same risks. Valerian and other herbs have been used successfully for anxiety but also carry some side effects. Talk w your doc!

Sometimes: Studies have proven that herbal remedies can be as effective (or more) as prescription anti-depressants. Nothing taken by mouth really helps much. Chamomile has a calming effect (more than benzodiazepines in some studies) as does kava. The trick is to get an effective dose. Exercise and sunlight, as well as dietary modifications are the most effective non-"drug" remedies for depression/anxiet.