Mood disorders have become a common problem that affects a person’s persistent emotional state. According to the World Health Organization, 280 million people worldwide live with depression, while 301 million people live with anxiety disorders. These numbers do not include the average worrier or those who suffer with an occasional bout of the blues. With these statistics, many people have opted for herbal mood enhancers as an alternative to drugs.
While prescription medications can be effective in treating mental health conditions, they often come with potential side effects and risks. According to Henry Emmons, MD, a psychiatrist from the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota, “For so many people, antidepressant medication either stops working or has too many side effects.” He also prescribes medication for his patients, but recommends exercise, good nutrition, and targeted mood supplements.
Herbal mood enhancers are made from plant-based ingredients and are designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve overall mood. With several available options on the market, there are a few factors to consider. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best herbal enhancers based on their effectiveness, quality, and safety. This can help you make an informed decision, although it is important to speak with your doctor before taking any new supplements.
What is a Mood Disorder?
A mood disorder is a mental health condition that can affect your emotional state. This disorder is when an individual may experience long periods of extreme happiness (mania), sadness (depression), or both. Some mood disorders can involve other persistent emotions such as anger and irritability.
While it’s normal to have mood changes depending on the situation, a mood disorder diagnosis persists of symptoms that are present for several weeks or longer. Having a mood disorder can affect a person’s behavior and their ability to perform daily activities at school or work.
Types of Mood Disorders
If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state may be distorted or inconsistent with your daily circumstances and it can interfere with your ability to function properly. Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood, which often occurs with depression. Additionally, mood disorders may increase the risk of suicide.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) made an update in 2013, where mood disorders were separated into two groups: bipolar and related disorders and depressive disorders. The most common mood disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder: Prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadness.
- Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic, low-grade, depressed or irritable mood that can last for at least 2 years.
- Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic depression or bipolar affective disorder alternating with periods of mania or elevated mood.
- Depression related to medical illnesses: A persistent depressed mood and a significant loss of pleasure in most or all activities that are directly related to a medical illness such as cancer, injuries, infections, and chronic illnesses.
- Depression induced by substance abuse: Symptoms of depression that develops from the effects of medicine, drug abuse, alcoholism, exposure to toxics, or other forms of treatment.
Most people can successfully treat their mood disorders with medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy), however herbal mood enhancers can provide a sense of calm and serentiy, especially when combined with a balanced lifestyle.
Common Mood Disorder Symptoms
Mood disorders can lead to a difficulty in performing daily tasks and life demands. While an individual may experience mental and emotional symptoms, they can also have physical symptoms.
Depending on several factors, such as age and the type of mood you have, you may go through these common signs and symptoms:
- Constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Excessive guilt
- Feeling “flat” or not caring
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Fatigue
- Sleeping problems
- Changes in appetite and/or weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Low self-worth
- Thoughts of dying and/or suicide
- Physical discomfort such as headaches and/or stomachaches
Symptoms of mood disorders may be ongoing and can overlap with other mental health conditions. When these symptoms start to affect a person’s life in a negative way, then it’s important to seek guidance from a professional to get a diagnosis.
Best Herbal Mood Enhancers
Mood swings, feeling of sadness, and general emotional imbalances are conditions that most people experience at some point in their lives. With external factors such as stress, anxiety, trauma, or life events, they can significantly take a toll on the body’s internal balance if they are not addressed. So if you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, we have rounded up the best herbal mood enhancers on Amazon to help you manage your moods and overall well-being.
Natural Balance Happy Camper | Feel-Good Mood Support and Relaxation Supplement with Kava Kava
- Traditional Ingredients – The proprietary blend of ingredients in Happy Camper is full of herbal remedies traditionally used in stress relief supplement, and trusted by cultures all over the world for healthy mood support.
- Feel-Good Support Formula – Each of the ingredients in Happy Camper is thought to help support a different aspect of your mood so you can enjoy an overall sense of wellbeing; no wonder so many call these their happy pills.
- A Slice of Paradise – Travelers to the Fiji Islands were once offered a Kava Kava root brew upon arrival to inspire relaxation and lift their spirits; Happy Camper may help you feel like you’re in paradise, too.
Are you feeling lower than usual? If so, then look no further! Natural Balance Happy Camper is a natural way to support healthy stress management and a happier disposition.
| Pros | Cons |
| The blend of Passion Flower, Gotu Kola, Schizandra, and Eleuthero supports focus and relaxation. Vegetarian ingredients made of high quality and lab-verified for purity and potency. The value-size bottle provides more Happy Camper for your money. | May cause drowsiness, therefore it is not advisable to take it before driving or operating heavy machinery. Some users may experience mild stomach discomfort or nausea. Effects may vary from person to person. |
This supplement has become a top option for those who are looking to feel more relaxed and optimistic without relying on prescription drugs. It contains a blend of Passion Flower, Gotu Kola, Schizandra, and Eleuthero that work together to lift a person’s spirits and overall well-being. These ingredients have proven to reduce stress and anxiety, promote mental clarity, and support healthy sleeping patterns.
Kava Kava is the star ingredient in this supplement. It’s a traditional herb that has been used for centuries in the South Pacific to promote physical and mental relaxation while improving mood and sociability. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, researchers found that Kava is moderately effective at reducing anxiety symptoms in people diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
While Natural Balance Happy Camper is considered an effective and natural way to improve your mood, it’s important to note that it may cause drowsiness, mild stomach discomfort or nausea. Its effectiveness may also vary from person to person.
Genius Joy, Nootropic Mood Enhancer Supplement
- Amp Up the Joy in Your Life*: Genius Joy by the Genius Brand is a natural mood-boosting supplement formulated with high-quality ingredients including SAMe, Panax Ginseng, and L-Theanine.* Genius Joy is made in the USA. Serving size 4 vegetarian capsules, 25 servings per container.
- Enhance Mood & Neural Function*: Genius Joy’s hand-picked blend of nootropics, adaptogens, and natural energy boosters promote a natural sense of well-being.* SAMe has been shown to support and enhance mood and neural function, and 5-HTP increases serotonin levels.*
- Support Cognitive Health*: L-Theanine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and Rhodiola support calm, alertness, and mental focus.* Red Panax Ginseng may support focus, concentration, memory, and energy.*
With life stressors coming in from left to right, you might be wondering how to manage your feelings and boost your mood in a natural way. If so, then Genius Joy by the Genius Brand is an excellent supplement to consider.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hand-picked blend of nootropics, adaptogens, and natural energy boosters for a natural sense of well-being. Made with high-quality ingredients including SAMe, Panax Ginseng, and L-Theanine. Supports calm, alertness, and mental focus. | May take a few days to see results. Some users may experience mild side effects such as headaches or stomach upset. The price may be relatively high for some users. |
This supplement has a blend of nootropics, adaptogens, and natural energy boosters to foster a natural sense of well-being. Made with high-quality ingredients including SAMe, Panax Ginseng, and L-Theanine, the supplement supports mood enhancement, neural function, increased serotonin levels, calmness, alertness, and mental focus.
To assess your tolerance, it’s recommended to take 2 capsules a day on an empty stomach. If you do not experience any discomfort after three days, you may start taking 4 capsules each day on an empty stomach upon waking. To reap the benefits throughout the day, you may take 2 capsules twice a day, one on an empty stomach, once upon waking and once in the afternoon. Although, results may take a few days and some users may experience mild side effects.
Natures Craft 5 HTP Supplement
- Herbal Solution - Forget about melatonin supplements that just make you drowsy and ignore the causes of poor sleep quality and instead try our 5HTP supplement that focuses on the root of poor sleep
- Mood Supplement - 5-HTP is a form of tryptophan that acts as a mood boost and sleep supplement by naturally increasing the body’s production of mood enhancers so you can feel better day and night
- Time to Relax - Give yourself a break with our 5 HTP supplement that helps support a clearer mind by naturally improving your mood so you can tackle everyday challenges with ease and rest easy
Having trouble sleeping? If so, then worry no more! To improve your mood and get the best rest each night, consider trying Natures Craft 5 HTP Supplement for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports a clear mind and better sleep quality. Acts as a mood boost and sleep supplement. Effective amino acids for brain health and relaxation. | May cause emotional sensitivity in some users. May not be effective for everyone. May cause mild nausea or stomach discomfort in some users. |
This herbal supplement is formulated with 5-HTP, a form of tryptophan that increasesthe body’s production of mood enhancers. By focusing on the root causes of poor sleep quality and mood, Natures Craft 5 HTP Supplement can help you tackle everyday challenges with ease and rest easy.
Many users have reported feeling less anxious during the day and sleeping better at night after taking this supplement. While many studies have proven 5-HTP to work better than drugs in treating anxiety, depression, and insomnia, more scientific research is needed to support its benefits. Additionally, it’s worth nothing that some users may experience emotional sensitivity, mild nausea, or stomach discomfort from this supplement.
Satoomi St. John’s Wort Capsules Extract 5050mg
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Consider trying Satoomi St. John’s Wort Capsules Extract, a natural mood enhancer that can give you that extra push on a bad day!
| Pros | Cons |
| The optimized formula provides great strength with a daily dose of only one capsule. Contains 6 powerful herbal ingredients, including St. John’s Wort, Ashwagandha Root Powder, Turmeric Curcumin Root, Passion Flower, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, and Black Pepper to support mood and overall well-being. Extracted naturally and is vegan-friendly. | May take time to see results. May cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems. Not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who are taking other medications. |
If you want to naturally improve your mood and overall well-being naturally, Satoomi St. John’s Wort Capsules Extract has powerful herbal ingredients to help you feel more relaxed and peaceful. While it contains 6 powerful ingredients including Ashwagandha Root Powder, Turmeric Curcumin Root, Passion Flower, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, and Black Pepper, the main star ingredient is St. John’s Wort.
A recent study (Ng QX et al., Venkatanarayanan N et al., Ho CY. et al., 2017) suggests that St. John’s Wort acts in the same way as SSRI’s such as Prozac or Xanax in treating mild to moderate anxiety and depression, but people generally tolerate this herbal supplement better than these prescription medications.
While this supplement has proven to be effective, it may take time to see results. It can also cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those taking other medications. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor beforehand.
WELL CORE REMEDIES Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder
- IMPROVE YOUR MOOD + STRESS RELIEF: Reduce your cortisol levels, boost your immune system and relieve your stress naturally with WELL CORE’s Ashwagandha herbal supplement, an organic solution that may make you feel calmer and more serene.
- SLEEP BETTER AND FEEL MORE ENERGIZED: Ashwagandha is rich in withanolides so it is a natural sleep aid. Thanks to Ashwagandha root you’ll be able to have a restful, restorative sleep and wake up feeling energized and ready to conquer the day!
- WELL CORE IS AN ALL-NATURAL ORGANIC BLEND: Our Ashwagandha supplement is made with organic Ashwagandha root powder and pure black pepper extract for enhanced absorption, and it is a vegan, all-natural, healthy and completely safe solution for everyone who wishes to reduce their stress naturally.
WELL CORE REMEDIES Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder might be the answer to all of your problems! If you’re looking to relieve stress and improve your mood, this supplement is especially for you!
| Pros | Cons |
| Reduces cortisol levels and boosts the immune system. Promotes hormonal balance and elevates emotions. Helps you sleep better for more energy. | Capsules are large, which may be difficult to swallow. May cause drowsiness if taken in the morning. Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. |
WELL CORE’s Ashwagandha supplement is made in the USA using pure Ashwagandha root powder and black pepper extract that enhances absorption. To consume this supplement, it’s recommended to take three veggie capsules once a day with a glass of water, 20-30 min before a meal or as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
However, the capsules are considered large for some users, making it difficult to swallow. It may also cause drowsiness if taken in the morning, making it unadvisable for pregnant or nursing women to consume. If you have any doubts, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor beforehand.
Youngevity Soul Mood Enhancer
- QUALITY HERBS: Including Siberian ginseng, Yerba mate and gikgo biloba.
- ON-THE-GO: Stick packs allow for you to take your mood enhancers with you!
- DELICIOUS: Complete with an all-natural Tropical Fruit taste.
If you need that perfect beverage to brighten up your day, then we have exactly what you’re looking for! Youngevity Soul Mood Enhancer is a deliciously packeted drink that features quality herbs including Siberian Ginseng, Yerba Nate, and Gikgo Biloba to boost your mood!
| Pros | Cons |
| Stick packs for easy on-the-go use. All-natural tropical fruit taste. Quality herbs like Siberian Ginseng, Yerba Mate, and Gingkgo Biloba. | Only available in one flavor. Effectiveness may vary per person. Some people may dislike the taste. |
Youngevity Soul Mood Enhancer is a flavorful tropical fruit beverage that comes in stick packs, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It features quality herbs such as Siberian Ginseng, Yerba Mate, and Ginkgo Biloba, which are known for their mood-enhancing properties.
However, it’s important to note that this product may not work for everyone. While many people find it effective for a boosted mood, others may not notice any difference. Additionally, some people may dislike its flavor.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best herbal mood enhancers, there are a few key features to look for to ensure you get the most effective product for your needs. Here are some factors to consider before making a purchase:
Ingredients
When choosing an herbal mood enhancer, be sure the product contains natural ingredients with mood-enhancing properties. Some common ingredients to look for include St. John’s Wort, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Passionflower (Herbalism courses are a great place to learn more). However, it’s important to consult with your doctor as some herbs may interact with certain medications.
Dosage and Potency
When looking into the dosage and potency of a product, be sure that it contains enough of each ingredient to effectively manage your needs. Look into products that provide clear labels or information.
Quality and Purity
When looking for herbal mood enhancers, prioritize choosing products from reputable companies that follow good manufacturing practices. It’s also a good idea to look for products that are certified organic or non-GMO.
Price
Price is one of the most important factors when choosing an herbal mood enhancer. While you don’t want to overspend, it’s important to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Look for a product that offers good value for money and provides the features you need.
By considering these factors, you can find the best herbal mood enhancer to cater to your needs so you can go on your way and start feeling better.
FAQs
Which vitamins are most beneficial for enhancing mood and energy levels?
Vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12 are known to be beneficial for enhancing mood and energy levels. These vitamins play a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood and energy levels. Additionally, vitamin D has also been shown to have a positive effect on mood.
Are there any over-the-counter herbs that act as mood stabilizers?
There are various over-the-counter herbs that act as mood stabilizers. Some of the most commonly used herbs include chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm, which are known for calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation to stabilize mood.
What are the best natural remedies for quick mood improvement?
Some of the best natural remedies for quick mood improvement include exercise, meditation, and aromatherapy. Exercise, meditation, and aromatherapy have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation.
Can certain herbs provide rapid relief from mood swings and depression?
While herbs can provide relief from mood swings and depression, it is important to note that they may not provide rapid relief. Herbs work by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can take time to produce noticeable effects. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before using any herbal supplements to manage mood.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.
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