Bupleurum and dong quai make up a Chinese herbal formula that helps reduce anxiety, irritability, and depression. Take 1,000 milligrams of a bupleurum and dong quai combination formula two or three times daily for two weeks out of every month

Ginkgo biloba increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and can significantly reduce the symptoms of depression. This herb must be taken for at least three months before you can assess its effectiveness. Choose a product containing at least 24 percent ginkgo heterosides (sometimes called flavoglycosides) and take 40 to 60 milligrams two or three times a day. This is an especially important supplement if you are over fifty years of age.

Kava kava eases mental anguish and anxiety. Choose a product containing 30 percent kava lactones and take 150 milligrams three times a day.

Oat straw is high in silica, which helps support and strength then the central nervous system. Take 500 milligrams twice a day.

St. John?s worth gently alters brain chemistry in such a way as to improve mood and ease depression. Start by taking one 300-milligram capsule of standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin daily. At two-week intervals? you can add another 300-milligram capsule, taken at a different time of day (up to a total of three to four capsules a day), until you achieve the desired effect.

Siberian ginseng improves the balance of important neurotransmitters (including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) in the brain. Select an extract standardized to contain 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 milligrams first thing in the morning and again before lunch.

If sleeplessness is a problem, take 200 to 300 milligrams of standardized valerian extract containing 0.5 percent isovalerenic acids one hour before bedtime and another 200 to 300 milligrams just before going to bed. Do not use this herb on an ongoing oasis, but take a week off every four to six weeks.