We always read about the importance of physical health and staying in good shape, but we often ignore the other significant side of our well-being, which is mental health. Today, mental disorders like depression, anxiety, insomnia, dementia, and others are more common and serious risks than ever.

The good news is that treatments for such conditions are widely available, and once people encourage themselves to seek help, they usually end up with psychiatric medications with the many unpleasant side effects and other disadvantages they usually come with.

Fortunately, there are many alternative natural remedies that can help you improve your mental well-being and reduce the symptoms of mental illness to some degree. Although herbal remedies may not work for everyone, they are still a highly recommended first line of treatment. Here are some of the best herbs you can use to enhance your mental health.

1. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) - This safe herb is often used to fight insomnia, depression, nervousness and headaches. Lemon balm soothes the nervous system gently, yet effectively. Scientific studies have found that its extract can have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety-like effects, which helps people reduce stress levels and improve mood. Furthermore, lemon balm promotes relaxation and helps people sleep better, which is why it is widely popular as a natural remedy to treat insomnia. Nevertheless, because of its sedative effects, lemon balm should be used with caution.

2. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - This herb is widely studied and one of the most accepted herbs when it comes to mood disorders, especially mild to moderate depression. In fact, some people are able to use St. John's Wort instead of synthetic antidepressants very effectively and without the several annoying side effects of prescription drugs. There are, however, some reported unwanted effects of this herb, such as sleeplessness or insomnia. For that reason, in case you notice any unpleasant changes in your overall well-being after you start with St. John's Wort, it might not be the right antidepressant for you.

3. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius or Panax ginseng) - This herb is globally used to increase mental endurance and improve attention and memory. Additionally, it is used to boost mood, ease anxiety, and improve physical performance and energy. Panax ginseng has many uses in traditional medicine and it has been clinically proven to have many health benefits. But, make sure you buy high-quality Asian (Korean) red ginseng as this variety provides the most benefits.

4. Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) - This herb works as a sedative and is most often used to help people relax without negatively affecting their mental clarity. In fact, it is one of the best remedies used to relieve anxiety and nervousness in social settings; it doesn't overly sedate you, so you can still be friendly and outgoing. Kava Kava can treat insomnia and migraines, and it is also a pain reliever.

5. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) - This plant has mild narcotic properties which can promote better sleep and relaxation. Without a good night's sleep, memory and mental acuity eventually degrade, so passionflower improves overall brain health and performance. In some cases it may be helpful for treating daytime anxiety too. Passionflower is usually encapsulated, made into tincture or brewed into tea.

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