Herbs That Are Natural Antidepressants



Whether your depression stems from chemical imbalances or from mental stress, it affects your health in a profound way. Herbs can help with bouts of occasional, mild depression. Even the simple ritual of preparing a cup of relaxing herbal tea, or soaking in tub full of aromatic herbs can uplifts weary spirits.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Basil Basil, Ocimum basilicum : Sweet Basil
    herb : Stellar culinary herb and aromatherapy oil. Stimulates appetite, uplifts mood. The uses of basil are limited only by your imagination....
  • Bergamot Oil Bergamot Oil, Citrus bergamia :
    Citrus tree : The fresh, citrus scent of bergamot essential oil is beneficial for anxiety and depression, and very useful as an anti-infectious agent....
  • Camphor Camphor, Cinnamomum camphora :
    Evergreen Tree : When first applied camphor oil numbs and cools the peripheral nerve endings, then warms the painful area as it stimulates circulation to cold, stiff muscles and limbs....
  • Chamomile Chamomile, Matricaria recutita : Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile
    Annual herb : Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies....
  • Clary Sage Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea : Clarysage
    Perennial Herb : Clary sage oil is ideal to use on a regular basis in baths or perfumes to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and mind. It is recommended for women who are experiencing hot flashes...
  • Dong Quai Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis : Chinese Angelica, Dang-gui
    Herbaceous perennial : Since ancient times, dang-quai has been an important herb for women. For menopausal women it addresses symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings...
  • Geranium Geranium , Pelargonium graveolens :
    herb : Rose-scented pelargonium oil is commonly know as geranium oil in aromatherapy. Pelargoniums were used in South Africa as a traditional medicine for healing cold sores, sore throats and infections...
  • Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo biloba L. :
    Tree : Allergies and asthma improve with ginkgo. The leaves contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and natural antihistamines...
  • Jasmine Flower Oil Jasmine Flower Oil, Jasminum officinale :
    Deciduous vine : Legendary jasmine is a sensual delight. In aromatherapy, jasmine absolute oil in used to uplift the spirits in cases of apathy, depression, menopausal disorders, and lack of confidence ...
  • Kola Nut Kola Nut, Cola acuminata :
    Tree : Kola nuts contain caffeine which may explain their popular use in energy tonics. Native to Africa....
  • Lavender Lavender, Lavandula spp :
    Woody Perennial Herb : Lavender can lift your spirits, help you sleep, relieve pain, kill germs, heal burns and rashes, and help keep annoying insects at bay. Lavender oil is also antibacterial and healing to the skin...
  • Lemon Balm Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis : Melissa
    Perennial herb : Lemon balm is an aromatic mint with soothing, calming properties. Drink lemon balm tea when nerves, headaches or mild depression are preventing you from getting a good night's sleep...
  • Orange Orange, Citrus sinensis, Citrus spp. : Mandarin Orange, Tangerine
    tree : Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C and other nutrients, as well as one of the most versatile aromatherapy oils. Orange peel is used as a zest in cooking and as a tea....
  • Passion Flower Passion Flower, Passiflora incarnata :
    Perennial Vine : Herbalists have a high regard for the soothing properties of passionflower and recommend it as a general nerve tonic. Passionflower is often combined with other sedative herbs....
  • Patchouli Patchouli, Pogostemon patchouli :
    Woody perennial aromatic : Patchouli oil improves with age and is used as a base note in aromatherapy oils. The aromatic leaves can also be used in herbal infused oils, and bath herbs for skin care...
  • Rose Rose, Rosa spp :
    Perennial : Rose petals suitable for medicinal purposes are deeply rose-colored and fragrant....
  • Sandalwood Oil Sandalwood Oil, Santalum album :
    tree : Sandalwood oil is one of the few fragrances equally popular among men and women. Its uplifting scent is often used to treat depression....
  • St. John's Wort St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum :
    Perennial Shrub : St. Johns Wort has a demonstrated ability to act as an antidepressant, but this versatile herb also has dozens of chemical compounds that disinfect and heal wounds as well....
  • Ylang-Ylang Ylang-Ylang, Cananga adorata :
    Tropical Tree : Ylang-ylang oil is distilled from the early morning, fresh-picked flowers of the cananga tree. Ylang-ylang oil is stimulating, yet relaxing with antiseptic and aphrodisiac properties....