Top 7 Herbs to Increase Dopamine and Serotonin

In this post, learn the top 7 herbs to increase dopamine and serotonin production naturally, without the use of drugs.

Symptoms of Low Dopamine & Serotonin 

Dopamine and serotonin are two important chemicals/neurotransmitters produced in our bodies. They make us feel happy and uplifted. If these chemicals are produced in low quantities, it leads to several disruptions in the body such as: 

• Dull moods
• Poor memory
• Craving starchy or sugary foods
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low self esteem
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Fatigue
• Low sex drive
• Feeling demotivated and hopeless
• Loss of balance, stiffness in muscles
• Speaking or moving slower than usual
• Constipation
• Low energy and endurance
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Muscle aches and pains
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Frequent pneumonia
• Depression and sadness
• Inability to concentrate and focus

Our bodies need to have balanced levels of these two hormones in order to function properly. There are many ways on how to increase dopamine and serotonin naturally – you can head over to this article of mine to find out: How to Increase Dopamine and Serotonin Naturally – 7 Ways 

[Also See: Top 10 Foods to Increase Serotonin and Dopamine Naturally]

How Herbs Help Increase Dopamine and Serotonin

In this article, we want to take a look at the top 7 herbs to increase dopamine and serotonin. Herbs are Nature’s very own medicine that have potent medicinal properties. They help naturally increase dopamine & serotonin levels as well as their receptor sensitivities. This means that those who have harmful addictions that make them get unhealthy rushes of dopamine or serotonin levels can help improve/get rid of their condition with healing herbs, which enables them to normalize the way their body produces these hormones. 

Herbs, when taken correctly have several benefits including: 

• Improving mental clarity and performance 
• Increasing alpha brain waves and electrical brain activity 
• Improving mood 
• Promoting relaxation & peace 
• Calming down anxiety, depression & other negative emotions 
• And more 

Let’s check out the top 7 herbs to increase dopamine and serotonin naturally down below:

Top 7 Herbs to Increase Dopamine and Serotonin 

1.   Kava 

• Scientific name:Piper methysticum

Kava (get it here) or kava-kava, as it is also known is a tropical shrub from the Pacific Islands. It has been used as a medicinal herb by the ancient islanders for hundreds of years. They used it to treat conditions such as rheumatism, asthma, obesity, headaches, fungal infections, leprosy, gonorrhea, vaginal infections , urinary infections, menstrual problems, migraine headaches, and insomnia. 

Kava possesses active ingredients called kavalactones that are found in the root of the plant. Kavalactones have been discovered to cause reactions in the brain similar to pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for depression and anxiety. Research shows that kava extract binds to GABA, dopamine, serotonin and opiate receptors. It has a relaxing and calming effect on the mind. 

Into a blender, blitz 2 tablespoons of kava kava powder with 4 oz of water and 4 oz of whole milk or non-dairy milk such as oat milk. Add sweetener (my favourite is raw honey) if you wish. Chug it down!

2.   St. John’s Wort 

• Scientific name:Hypericum perforatum

St. John’s wort (get it here) is one of the well-known herbs that has long been used as a remedy for burns, cuts, wounds and for pain relief as well. Modern herbalists are using it to treat mild depression in individuals with success. 

What makes St. John’s wort useful for increasing dopamine & serotonin is its active compounds: hypericine and hyperforin. These chemicals affect the central nervous system. St. John’s wort extract blocks the enzymes that break down dopamine which helps increases its levels in the brain. It is a good natural treatment for those who are depressed and feel low constantly.

It is not advised to combine St. John’s wort with other antidepressants, so please consult your doctor before taking any action if you are using antidepressants. 

3.   Ginseng

• Scientific name:Panax ginseng

Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. It is an herb that improves the overall quality of health and boosts the immune system. Studies such as this one and this one indicate that ginseng increases dopamine levels. 

This study suggests that specific components in ginseng like ginsenosides are responsible for the increase of dopamine in the brain as well as improved cognitive function and brain skills such as memory, mood and behavior. 

This powerful Asian herb also increases the level of serotonin which rejuvenates the mind and relaxes the entire body. 

Ginseng can be consumed daily as tea or capsules. 

4.   Turmeric

• Scientific name: Curcuma longa

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is another top spice/herb to increase dopamine and serotonin naturally. Research shows that curcumin has been found to be effective for treating depression similar to the conventional antidepressant Prozac.

Studies like this one and this one show that curcumin readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and boosts dopamine production.

Curcumin is important for brain health because it regulates neurotransmitter activity in the brain and re-establishes normal neurotransmitter levels. 

You can take turmeric capsules and add turmeric powder to your coffee/tea/smoothies. If buying supplements, ensure to get those containing piperine which is a compound found in black pepper. Piperine increases the bioavailability of cur cumin by about 2000%! When taking turmeric powder ensure to sprinkle a little black pepper as well for increased bio availability.

5.   Ginkgo Biloba 

• Scientific name:Ginkgo biloba 

Ginkgo biloba (get it here) is one of the oldest trees on Earth, indigenous to China, Japan and Korea. Traditionally, it has been used to treat a variety of illnesses including brain related problems such as poor concentration, memory problems, headaches, fatigue, mental confusion, depression, and anxiety.

According to studies such as this one, ginkgo biloba has been shown to increase dopamine levels, which makes it one of the top herbs to take for improved cognitive function, better sleep, improved libido and more.

6.   Ashwagandha 

• Scientific name: Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha (get it here) is a popular herb in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. It is native to Asia, Africa and Europe. Indian Ayurvedic healers use its roots as an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and anti-aging benefits. It is taken as capsules, supplements or herbal powder.  

Research such as a study published in the September 2009 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” shows that ashwagandha root extract raised dopamine levels and improved motor function in test animals who had their dopamine levels reduced by chemical antagonists to mimic Parkinson’s disease. 

Ashwangadha is useful for improving mobility in those with dopamine deficiency disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. 

7.   Green Tea Extract

Yes, green tea extract (get it here) is one of the top herbs to increase dopamine and serotonin! Drinking 2 to 5 cups of green tea a day balances dopamine & serotonin levels and decreases depression according to this study. 

This is because green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which produces calming effects in the brain by increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin. It also blocks the binding of L-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors which allows L-theanine to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase dopamine levels in the brain.

Taking green tea extract supplements daily, has a bigger impact in increasing your dopamine & serotonin levels than taking several cups of green tea a day.

Take Care 

Please consult your doctor before taking these herbs, especially if you’re taking medications for a chronic or severe illness. Do not take these herbs during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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