While mood swings affect everyone from time to time, women are more prone to them due to hormonal fluctuations. They can occur when endorphin and serotonin production, release, or activity is triggered by a variety of factors such as hormonal fluctuations, health issues, or stress. Fortunately, herbal remedies are available to help. The following mood-boosting herbs, when combined with healthier lifestyle habits and stress-relieving techniques, can help you avoid these low periods.

1. Cacao (Theobroma cacao)

Cacao contains a polyphenol mixture that stimulates cognitive functions and improves mood by stimulating the release of endorphins in the brain. This is fantastic news for chocolate enthusiasts, as the cacao bean is a key ingredient. Keep a bar of dark chocolate (70 percent or more cocoa solids) on hand for a quick pick-me-up when you’re feeling down. It contains less sugar and saturated fat than regular milk chocolate and is actually very good for your brain.

2. Coffee (Coffea arabica)

Because of its caffeine content, coffee is many people’s go-to herbal pick-me-up. Caffeine is thought to block adenosine receptors, causing the brain to release two stimulants, dopamine and glutamate. This improves cognitive functions, aids mental sharpness, and reduces fatigue, assisting in mood enhancement and productivity.

3. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Because of its mood-boosting and anxiety-relieving properties, St. John’s wort is frequently used as a natural treatment for depression. The active compounds in the herb, hypericin and hyperforin, act on chemical messengers in the nervous system to regulate mood. To combat low and depressive moods, the herb is typically consumed in extract or capsule form.

4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Although turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Asia for medicinal purposes, its effects on mood were unknown until recently. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has been shown to be more effective in relieving depression than some popular antidepressants due to its ability to increase serotonin and dopamine levels. 1 Furthermore, unlike prescription depression medications, it has not been linked to any negative side effects.

5. Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Ginseng is a medicinal herb that has long been used to improve mood. The herb increases blood circulation, which is thought to stimulate cognitive functions, improve mood, and increase mental sharpness. It is also used to treat erectile dysfunction due to its circulation-stimulating properties, which can help to balance mood swings by increasing sexual desire.

6. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is a root vegetable that has been shown to increase sexual desire and aid in the treatment of mood swings in both sexes. Its most powerful function is endocrine: consuming maca may balance estrogen and progesterone levels in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance. As a result, it can improve and stabilize mood as well as improve overall wellness.

Having a steady supply of these mood-boosting herbs on hand will provide you with a natural emotional “lift” to help combat moodiness. A bad mood is normal and unavoidable, but recurring moodiness can alienate those around you and reduce your sense of well-being. If your mood is consistently low and you’re experiencing tiredness, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, or a lack of energy, it’s time to talk to a doctor or a counselor, as you may be suffering from depression.