Anxiety/depression herbal remedies?

[3LittleBirds]

Hi,  I'm new to this site but not widowhood.  My husband passed away 8 years ago.  I'm currently experiencing more anxiety and depression than ever before.  My dr prescribed effexor which I had a very scary bad reaction to over the weekend.  Serious heart pounding during the night for hours.  Also had some other scary symptoms which makes me never want to take that med again.  I'd like to maybe try an herbal supplement.  I really feel that the extra anxiety is not just what is going on in my life but also some chemical/ hormonal changes maybe due to menopause.  Maybe tmi for a first time poster but I'd really like any advise I can get.  Does anyone have any recommendations for natural supplements for anxiety and depression?

[Monique]

Have you tried essential oils? Lavender can be very calming, among others.

[Lisa]

Make sure you step down from the effexor before starting. You may wish  to try a different med. If not, valerian root can be calming at bedtime. Try relaxation, meditation. Self hypnosis videos on YouTube can be very helpful. Anxious moments happen. If you have clinical anxiety thast isn't easily relieved or interferes in your daily living, you should be treated by a specialist. I agree...lavendar essential oil sprinkled on your pillow can be very relaxing.
Try your best to stay in :this moment". That is actually  a good  meditation. Good luck.

[Captains wife]

Sorry you are going through this. My grief therapist a long while back talked to me about depression meds - just to even out my moods. I refused. Sorry I didn't take any natural herbal remedies so I cant help there BUT I completely changed my diet (much healthier, less carbs, lower fat, less meat, less alcohol, sugar and caffeine) and I committed to working out regularly. I also committed to more sleep. These changes helped me immensely.

[Adley]

Sorry 3, I just came across this topic. If you live in the southeast US, drink tea from yaupon  leaves in the morning(tastes better than "tea" and often has more caffeine). Afternoon and evening peel some mimosa bark and make the most relaxing tea ever. I don't know if these are commercially available, but yaupon is starting to get publicity. They grow everywhere in sw LA.

[imissdow]

I've been told I have depression and anxiety. I don't take anything but I have found that I love the stress relief scent from bath and body works.  Really what works better then anything else is exercise. I run often, lift weights and do some body weight stuff. I find when I can't I'm a lot more stressed. Even a quick walk helps me clear my head.

[Wife of Tomasz]

Anxiety has been a very big one for me with loss, I have been taking lemon balm, or Melissa for it. It does not stop it, but it does take the edge off.